> Twilight the Assistant
>  by JusSonic
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1: A firm decision
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 1: A firm decision


Things are going about as normal in the town of Ponyville in the land of Equestria. As ponies move about and do whatever it is that they normally do in their live, in the Rainbow Friendship Kingdom castle, something odd's happening, more so than usual. Like inside the library right now, the Princess of Friendship Twilight Sparkle is...clucking like a chicken?

Yes, indeed. Twilight seems to be clucking like a chicken as if in a trance. Ben, Nyx, Koga and the Dragons are watching from nearby, with Phobos laughing his tail off. To him, it's a bit hilarious. Azure Phoenix was nearby watching, shaking his head at the performance.

"All right, enough! Snap out of it!" Azure exclaims sternly as he waves a hoof as if snapping his fingers. Twilight groans as she snaps out of it, falling to the floor. "Twilight, if you wish to avoid falling from an hypnotic trance just like what happened with Cassie the Kelpie again, you got to learn to resist better."

Azure was preferring to a moment to when Twilight, her friends, Spike and the ponies of Ponyville had fallen under the trance via a magical song by a Kelpie named Cassie who is using them to destroy the Ponyville dam. Ben, Nyx and Phobos were away with Chase because of Ben's training with his friend at the time with Nyx and Phobos watching, otherwise they too would've fallen under the enchanted spell and who knows what would happened if Cassie finds out and make Ben uses his Triforce powers?

The ponies eventually broke out of the spell, though had no idea how it happened (it was actually the pets of the Mane Six and Ben who saved them) and never figure out the reason for their freedom. As it turns out, Cassie meant no harm. She was trying to help her water sprite friends to get to the nearby ocean before they get sick. Seeing how Cassie meant no harm, the ponies (especially a reluctant Rainbow Dash) forgives the Kelpie enough to help her out.

When Ben, Nyx and Phobos came by sometime later, Ben and Twilight decided to call Azure Phoenix to help the Alicorn resist any future hypnotic spells or songs in case of evil trying to do the same thing. So far...the training is difficult.

Twilight groans as she got up, saying, "I can't do it! The resisting training is difficult."

"Yes, I know it is." Azure said to Twilight calmly. "But have faith. Give it time and you will complete it."

"Though it's funny seeing you cluck like a chicken," Phobos laughs with a chuckle. He notices Nyx glaring at him. "What?"

Twilight sighs sadly as she got up while adding, "Oh, it's too difficult. I am a failure as a princess..."

"Twilight, is this one of those problems again?" Ben ask softly as he came over, hugging his love who sighs sadly. "What is the problem this time?"

"Well...the thing is, right after the incident with Cassie...I mean, she meant no harm, I know, but I felt vulnerable when I was under the hypnotic spell, along with my friends. Last time, there was no evil force involved...but what would happen the next time? I want to protect our kingdom...but how can I if I can't protect myself?"

"Twilight, calm down; I was under her spell too, remember?" Spike reminds his big sister with a smile. "I didn't feel too bad."

"He's right, mommy. Don't forget, we got our off days too. Remember when daddy fell under Sunset Shimmer's control when she was a Demon? Or when Spike and I were corrupted by Shendu?" Nyx ask Twilight, reminding her mother of the past incidents of the group falling under hypnotic control.

Twilight nods slowly. Ben said to her, "We all have our off days, Twilight. You think you yourself is weak, but you are not weak. Give it time. You can resist the hypnotic control. And if not, there are those who will find a way to break you out of it, just like how you, Spike, and everyone else broke out of Cassie's spell while Nyx, Phobos and I were gone."

Koga barks eagerly, much to Spike's notice. The baby Dragon comments, "Man, Koga gets a bit excited whenever that subject is brought up."

"Tell me about it." Phobos remarks with a shrug. "So does the owl. If I didn't know any better, I say it was the pets whose saved the day that time!"

Twilight smiles as she hugs Ben while sighing, "Thanks Ben...but I would feel better if I could keep my kingdom safe. I mean, I don't even know how the princesses were immune from the hypnotic thing."

"Alicorns are powerful, but unless strong enough, they too would fell under hypnotic control. The sisters weren't when they first started out but come training and time, Celestia was able to. And after a while when the Mystic Ponies reconnect with the Equestrian ones, we were able to help Luna as well." Azure explains to Twilight clearly, explaining that even the Royal Sisters weren't immune at first. He glances at the clock. "I must take my leave now. You got a kingdom to run."

Right, Twilight has almost forgotten about her responsibility...for a moment.

------------------

It took a while but Twilight was able to get her royal duties done. Spike helps her out, making notes, serving snacks and such, what he always does as her assistant. Twilight smiled, always being pleased with him. Despite some moments, the mare is always pleased with her adopted son.

"Thanks for assisting me with Nyx's homework, Spike." Twilight said, putting Nyx's homework away while patting Spike on the head. "You are always my number one assistant...and favorite son."

"I am your only son, mom." Spike giggles while hugging Twilight a bit. "I'm glad that you're always there for me, no matter what."

"We have our difficult moments, I know. But together, with Ben, Nyx and the others' help, we make it through."

"I know, Spike, I know."

"Hey, mom. Isn't it almost time to visit Tao now?" Nyx ask her mother curiously, moving back and forth between the two.

"Yes, I believe it is." Twilight said with a thoughtful look. After the training with Azure, as well as the royal duties, it is indeed time to go visit Tao for a quick visit, "Spike?"

"Got everything ready," Spike said, motioning to the stuff that he had prepared for the visit; Twilight smiles, patting her assistant/brother/son right on the head.

"Good son."

--------------------

Twilight, Nyx and Spike went through the Mystic Portal from Canterlot's Waterfall, which is a secret except to those who are trusted to keep it. After all, can't let enemies enter, right? After a while of travelling through the Mystic Realm, they had arrived at Tao's Apartment. They spotted Dragon Kick, Jade Adventure and Mighty Heart who were about to enter the building. 

Twilight and her friends met up with them with the princess calling out, "Hey, Dragon Kick."

Dragon Kick notices his friend arriving. He grins while saying, "Princess Twilight, nice to see you arrive here. What brings you here?"

Twilight smiled as she explains, "Just came to visit your uncle, I just want to give him special gift for helping and guiding me and my friends throughout some difficulty and mischievous adventures." 

Spike chuckled, "Yeah. I wouldn't want to miss him for hitting my head after some crazy Inspiration Infestation Spell. Boy; was he so angry about it."

Dragon Kick smiled, shaking his head as he adds, "You had no idea," One thing that one must never do? Get Tao mad about something big that could destroy all of Equestria and everything else!

"Hey Jade, whatcha you did?" Nyx ask curiously, wondering what her fellow CMC member in the Mystic Realm has been doing lately. "Trouble again?"

Jade scoffed at what Nyx just said, "Nope. Just having fun; and it was awesome as always at Mystic Carnival!"

"And you didn't invite me or my friends?"

"Tickets sold late as always. But no worries; the next time we have the carnival, I'll try to get them for you and the rest."

"Better hope so." Nyx said hopefully. She hates to miss out on all the time.

The group came right into the home. Tao was preparing to have some tea while Mighty was serving it when they saw the group arriving; the old pony spoke, "Twilight, what brings you here to my home?"

Twilight smiles as she levitates a gift over to Tao. The Alicorn giggles, "Here's a gift for helping and guiding me and my friends well, Mr. Tao."

"Thank you, Twilight."

Mighty growls in exhaustion, most likely because of the chores that he had to do today, "I'll be going upstairs to take a bath."

Tao whacked Mighty Heart's head, making him yelp in alarm. The old pony scowls like he always do when he's upset or annoyed, "No time to rest, Mighty Heart! Tao has found his old Magic Spell Encyclopedia! Thanks to this one, I was able to banished most of Demo Lords when I was young and helped the Royal Sisters and William Family. So, you must study it before I could test you."

Mighty Heart sighed in irritation, "Yes, Sensei."

"One more thing! Do not forget to sweep!"

"Yes, Sensei."

Mighty Heart took the book, preparing to head off for some studying. But the old pony stops him once more, "One more thing! I need you send Celestia's Photo Album to Lord Azure! He always forgets about his personal stuffs!"

Mighty Heart groaned softly, "Yes, Sensei." Twilight for some reason is getting a bit uneasy as if this scene is familiar to her. It's kinda similar to how often she sometimes treat Spike.

"One more thing; Phew Eew; rotten bat's boos! What did you do?! Make noise to Terrorcreep's Vampire Fruit Bats again?! Take a bath!" Tao scowls, waving a hoof at the scent from his assistant; Mighty growled in annoyance once more, "One more thing!"

"No more things!"

Tao gasped in shock at what Mighty just said, "You disrespect me?! I took you in! Put roof over your head! Put foods on your belly, lots of them! And this is how you repay me?!"

Mighty has had enough of this. Tao has been too demanding lately! The big pony slams his hooves onto the table, snapping to his master, "I cook! I clean! I traveled through both realms to be smarter than Orcs! And you thank me by demanding 'Many More Things'! This must be the reason your son had left and betrayed you! I guess he deserve to be a bad guy than a good guy. You're nothing but a rotten and bad influenced father."

Everyone and even Twilight and her family gasped in shock and fear. The latter is stunned by not only Mighty Heart being more disrespectful, but the son part! Twilight never knew that Tao had a son! Why didn't he mention him before?

Tao gasped in anger and disbelief, "You not only disrespect me, but disrespect the very son I had raise since my old time! How dare you, you no good and lousy criminal?! I bet Shredkiller treat you well with his 'kindness'. No wonder your mother had some problem with you, you show no respect!"

Mighty growl at Tao's last words, "Don't you speak of Shredkiller! But never insult my mother, old pony!"

"You insult my son! Do you had any idea of how much he means to me?!"

"What about my mother?! You always treated her like she was a nobody; you, cowardly billy goat!"

"Excusable servant," Tao exclaims furiously, getting into an argument with Mighty.

As the others watch on, Mighty shouts right back at Tao, "Selfish old pony!"

"Flightless Mystic Pegasus!"

"Weakling master!"

"No good mama's boy!" Tao insults Mighty once more.

"Stupid bad influenced boy's father!" Mighty exclaims angrily to Tao. Twilight shakes her head in disbelief. This argument is getting ridiculous yet funny at the same time.

Twilight turns to Dragon Kick in concern as she ask, "Shouldn't we stop them? And Tao has the son? How come I didn't know that?"

Dragon Kick sighs, speaking, "Well, I will try. And for Tao's son, he was very special and important to him until... he did something bad before he died. He meant very much and well to my uncle so much. And... he meant very well to me..."

"Wow, I wonder what happened?" Spike asks in concern. He wonders what Tao's son did that was so terrible that Mighty Heart brought him up.

"Must be sometime worst," Nyx said in concern, shaking her head. "I hope to never meet Tao's son if he was still alive...and still bad."

Tao and Mighty kept on with the insults to one another. The old pony scowls, "You are nothing but a no good and stupid apprentice!"

Mighty growls at the insult; He snaps right back at Tao, "And you're no master of mine! You're nothing but a slave master!"

Twilight gasped at the last part, "Slave... Master..."

Twilight thought about the past of how she treat and care for Spike. Even when she didn't treat him, sometimes the mare would treat him like a slave...and even leave him behind on the Mane Six's adventures even when he wanted to go. Flashbacks and memories enter her mind...especially that moment during Lorcan's return....


Flashback


Spike was cleaning up the kitchen...but yelps as he trips. The Dragon grabs some cloth in hopes to stop his fall, only for him to cause some dishes on the table to break right onto the floor hard.

Twilight, whose was a unicorn during that time, came in, looking upset as she snaps, "Spike! Clean that up! Honestly!"

"Sorry." Spike groans a bit, shaking his head as he goes get a broom to clean up the broken dishes."

----------------------------

"I told you before, Twilight, you're being too paranoid as usual." Spike said in concern. It was a day before Twilight's birthday and the two are arguing over something ridiculous."

"I do not be paranoid as usual!" Twilight exclaims angrily to Spike. "I just want to be careful because too many mistakes could make Celestia kick me out of being a student!"

"Yeah, sounds like being paranoid to me."

"Stop it, Spike!"

"And another thing, why can't you help me out with the chores more often," Spike complains, getting on Twilight's nerves some more, "What, too lazy?"

"I AM NOT LAZY!" Twilight exclaims angrily to Spike. "I was too busy!"

"Yeah...busy being paranoid."

"All right, that's it! Forget coming to my birthday party tomorrow if you're going to accuse me of being a paranoid freak like a jerk!"

Spike groans a bit, shaking his head as he goes upstairs. Twilight sighs a bit as she goes back to her studies. The mare has a lot to do before she gets ready for her party tomorrow.

And yet, Twilight felt bad for what she just said to Spike...

---------------------

"You're right. It's time that I do the right thing." Twilight mumbles a bit. Then she saw Spike coming to the ponies...looking upset. "Oh, Spike. Good timing, I was going to see you."

"Oh sure, keep me out of this one...like you did many times before." Spike mumbles angrily to Twilight, much to her concern.

"Uh, excuse me?"

"No, excuse me! But then again, don't bother! You never wanted me!"

"Spike, what are you talking about?" Rarity asks Spike in alarm. The other ponies, Celestia included, saw what's going on and watch on.

"This!" Spike snaps furiously as he holds out Twilight's diary to an entry. "'That ugly lizard dribbles on my study books! Why did the princess ever let me have him? I've never wanted him?' Try explaining that, Miss Sparkle, or the fact that you have a history of dragons the whole time and never mention it once!"

Twilight gasps in alarm. She was afraid of this...

"She what," Ben asked in shock. 

Twilight gritted her teeth a bit, then spoke up, "Spike, please! I was upset over what happened to Starlight and Ben when I made that journal entry! I should never have said those awful things! I regret doing so to this day." 

"That still doesn't explain the book thing!" Spike growled to Twilight furiously.

"I didn't want you to find out about Lorcan or Tadaka." Twilight said to Spike in sadness. "I only did it because I cared!" 

"That doesn't give you the right not to tell me before!" Spike shouts furiously to Twilight. "You kept me as a replacement for your own brother!"

"Now settle down there, sugarcube." Applejack said to Spike in concern. "There's no reason 'ta lash out an' act all so stubborn."

"Oh, you're the one to talk about being stubborn, Miss Applebuck until I Drop Girl!" Spike snaps furiously. "Or wait, maybe I could call you 'Second Place Coward' because you sure as Tartarus ran off right after not winning the prize money at the last rodeo for Ponyville!" This got Applejack to gasp in shock from what Spike just said.

"Hey, yew can't talk about mah sister like 'dat!" Apple Bloom shouted angrily, standing up for her sister. 

"Oh, right, this is coming from someone who hasn't got a cutie mark. Well, I got news for you, Blank Flank, FIND ONE THAT IS YOUR OWN STINKING TALENT!" Spike yells at Apple Bloom furiously. Apple Bloom gasped in shock and horror at that as tears welled up in her eyes. 

"Hey, come on, you can't talk to her like that!" Rainbow snaps to Spike in anger.

"Oh, look whose just spoke up, Miss Flight School Dropout who couldn't make it into the Wonderbolts yet!" Spike scowled at Rainbow. "I still haven't forgotten how you hold out on me of my fans as well as other things not worth talking about. Or probably once has the ego the size of Trixie before being outshined by Mare-Do Well! Want some advice? READ A REAL BOOK SOMETIME, EGGHEAD!" This got Rainbow shocked from hearing what Spike just called her. 

"Nopony yells at Rainbow Dash like that!" Scootaloo yelled angrily at Spike. 

"Oh, great, the chicken who can't fly; Oh, wait, I guess you can...just not very good!" Spike snapped to Scootaloo, making her gasp a bit.

"Now, Spike, I know you're upset, but you can't take it out on us like this." Rarity said to Spike.

"Since when the hay do you care? You never notice me! Even when I told ya my feelings one time, we never went beyond that!" Spike scowls at Rarity. "And get a haircut, hippie, your hairstyle is two seasons ago!" 

"EXCUSE ME?!" Rarity shouted, offended at what Spike just said about her hair. 

"And the fact that you probably only uses me for slavery, made you even worst as Twilight!" Spike added much more, much to Rarity's horror. 

"Spike, that's SO uncalled for!" Sweetie shouted angrily, not liking what the purple dragon said about her sister, "You take back what you just said to her and my friends right now!" 

"I'm ignoring you because I don't have anything rotten to say to you!" Spike snaps to Sweetie before going over to Fluttershy. "You...I don't have anything rotten to say to you either, but I'm sure you're a coward!" 

This got Fluttershy's feelings hurt as her eyes welled up in tears as she started whimpering. "Spike, how could you be so mean?" She sniveled. 

"Hey, how about we calm down and have a party?" Pinkie asks gently, trying to calm Spike down.

"Ugh, Miss Party Pony Girl...never knows when to leave folks alone and how can you throw those parties without any money? Did you wipe out your employers' bank account?" Spike snaps at Pinkie making her drop her smile. "Another question; am I getting through to whatever alternative reality you're living in right now," Hearing this got Pinkie shocked. Spike never yelled at her like that before. 

"Mom, couldn't you do something?" Ben asked Celestia in worry and alarm. Spike is going too far in his anger and madness.

"I can't. He got some anger to let out. We can only hope that it doesn't go too far to the point of no return." Celestia said in sadness, forcing Ben to watch on helplessly.

Spike then goes up to Twilight who looks at him in concern. The dragon snapped, "You are the worst of them all! All you thought of me is a slave, a nuisance and you are ungrateful for all the things I've done for you and yet you didn't even invite me to your birthday party one time all because of our pointless argument! The only family members you give a horsecrap about your own family, Ben and...and..." Spike points to Nyx while snapping, "That it known as Nightmare Moon!" Nyx gasped in horror and shock at what he called her. 

"Don't you DARE talk about my daughter that way!" Twilight shouted angrily.

"It doesn't deserve to be your daughter!" Spike yelled at Twilight angrily, making tears come out of Nyx's eyes. "But you're still the worst of them all, nothing more than a slave-master who doesn't even care!"

"Spike, stop! I only not told you about Lorcan because I did it to protect you!" Twilight pleaded to Spike in sadness. The dragon turned around. "Spike, please try to understand!" She spoke in trying to get the baby dragon to see reason of her words. 

"Oh, I understand, all right..." Spike motioned off with a dry tone in not at first, looking back at Twilight in hearing her desperate cry.

Spike, sad and angry, glances at the crowd of ponies in Ponyville, Twilight looking close to tears.

"That you never loved me! I was just some replacement!" Spike pointed to Twilight, declaring out that after all this time, the unicorn never loved him in the first place, it was only for a selfish empty feeling to be replacement from what this pony lost long ago.

Twilight flinches. Ben called out, "Spike..."


End Flashback


"You okay," Jade spoke, snapping Twilight out of her daydreaming.

"Yeah... I'd better go... I just hope Tao and Mighty Heart figured something out in fixing their relationship." Twilight said with a slow nod. Perhaps it's best to leave before she, Nyx and Spike get caught up in this intense madness...as well as something else.

Twilight, Nyx and Spike exited Tao's Apartment. The filly, noticing the upset look on her mother's face, asks, "Mommy? Are you alright?"

"I... I'm fine.... Yeah, I am."

The truth is, though, Twilight isn't fine...

------------

Later, Twilight's friends were in the council room, waiting for the princess as they were conversing with each other.

"Soooo....Applejack, how was the Apple-Con? Did you enjoy it?" Rarity asked Applejack with a smile.

"Shucks, wit' me an' mah family working there, what 'ta enjoy," Applejack asked her friends with a shrug. "Oh, but yew ain't gonna believe 'dis but Film 'an' Flam were there."

"Those fugitive con artists," Rarity asked Applejack with a frown. "What were they up to?"

"Well, they plumb broke up their act at first. Fro' what Granny Smith told me, it was over a mare; But they got back together...an' git ‘dis. Granny was 'de one who helped them out!" Applejack explained to her friends with a chuckle.

"Seriously," Rainbow asked in shock.

"Yeah, Ah was surprised, too." Applejack remarked with a shrug.

"I wonder how Twilight is doing with her training." Pinkie said, enjoying herself to some cupcakes. "She suuuuuuure was trying to resist hypnotism since the incident with Cassie."

"I still haven't figure out how we broke out of it. We fell under the same spell and Ben, Nyx and Phobos were away during that time." Rainbow remarked with a frown, feeling back in her chair. "It's like someone secret helped us."

"Yes, Angel seems edgy whenever I bring that topic up." Fluttershy said thoughtfully. "If I didn't know any better, I say he and the pets saved us."

"What? No offense to our pals, but I doubt it. Tank couldn't do much without me there to guide him." Rainbow remarked to Fluttershy skeptically.

"And Opal is almost always being lazy." Rarity added.

"Still, our pets are more than we can give them credit there." Pinkie said playfully.

Just then the door opens as Twilight with a worried look on her face came by, in followed by Ben and Nyx. As the girls got up, their princess said, "Sit, sit, no need to get up yet, girls. We need to talk."

"Uh-oh; When somepony say 'we need to talk', it means something bad," Pinkie said in concern by the sound of Twilight's voice.

"Right on the mark, Pinkie," Twilight replied.

"So what is it? Evil villain attacking," Applejack asked Twilight curiously.

"A city needs to be saved?" Rarity asked in concern.

"Monsters are going to invade unless we stop them?" Fluttershy asked Twilight, almost hiding under the table.

"We're out of cupcakes?!" Pinkie gasped in fear on that last part.

"You finally realize that you got a thing for your teacher?" Rainbow asked Twilight with a devilish smirk.

"No, no, no, no, and you need help Rainbow Dash!" Twilight said, snapping at Rainbow on the last part.

"So shoot, girl, don't keep us in suspense!" Applejack exclaimed in frustration. "What is 'de matter?"

Twilight sighs as she sat in her own chair in sadness. She looks up to her friends while asking, "Everypony, you think I am being bad and selfish to Spike?"

This brought looks of surprise on everypony else's faces, even Fluttershy who just came out from under the table from hearing it.

"Wait, bad and selfish," Rarity asked Twilight, stunned. "Why, don't be silly."

"Come on, despite some bad spots, you treated Spike quite fine." Rainbow assured Twilight, though she noticed how sad Twilight is. "There's a problem, is there?"

"Well, I dunno. There were some points in my life when I treated Spike like slave, not being considerate about him." Twilight said in sadness, looking down. "And what he told me back when Lorcan return is still in my mind."

"Hang on, hang on, Twilight." Applejack said to Twilight with a frown as she stood up. "Shoot, sure yew got into some tight spots before...but yew are still a good sister/mother 'ta Spike."

"Yes, you took care of Spike, right?" Fluttershy asked Twilight with a smile on her face.

"Well, yes, that's true." Twilight said with a slow nod.

"And you are able to help and save him whenever is needed, right?" Fluttershy asked Twilight, reminding her friend of the times when she saved Spike whenever is needed, like when the Dragon was once corrupted by Shendu.

"What Fluttershy means is, although you didn't mean to treat Spike like a servant and get upset with him, deep down, you love Spike as a son enough to save him and take care of the little guy." Ben explained to Twilight what Fluttershy meant.

"Just like when you love me and take care of me, Mommy." Nyx added with a smile as she hugged Twilight.

"Where did you get an idea that you didn't?" Rarity asked Twilight in bewilderment.

Twilight sighed, letting go of Nyx while explaining, "Nyx, Spike and I were at Tao's earlier. He got into an argument with Mighty Heart, Mighty called Tao a slave master. That made me think of how I often unfairly treat Spike."

"Ugh, I knew I should've come along." Ben said with a sigh of annoyance, shaking his head. He was on princely duties during his love's visit to Tao. "Look, Twilight, whatever happened with Tao and Mighty Heart, you shouldn't let their argument become yours."

"Nnope! Yer are a good pony, a mother, a sister, an' a friend." Applejack said in agreement. "Even if yew an' Spike git into scrapes, yew two always find a way 'ta put it behind ya."

"Yep! You were the Super Duper Greatest Team since you both show up in Ponyville!" Pinkie exclaimed, blowing into a pony horn. "Why, if Spike hated you, you wouldn't have lasted a day here!"

"I still get uncomfortable thinking about when Spike insulted me and scratched me in the face." Nyx commented aloud, putting a hoof to her cheek, which Spike scratched back in that war with Lorcan.

"Nyx, calm down; He didn't mean it." Twilight said to Nyx, nuzzling her daughter a bit. "He was just angry...kinda how I sometimes say things that I never meant to say."

"Hmmm, apparently you want Spike fair and square." Rarity said, putting a hoof on her chin, then smile, "Idea!"

"Ooooh, what is it? A party," Pinkie asked Rarity eagerly. Whenever the white unicorn said 'idea', it means she got an idea that could work.

"Twilight, why don't you and Spike trade places for the day," Rarity asked Twilight thoughtfully.

"Trade places?" Nyx asked in surprise.

"What I mean is, Twilight be the assistant while Spike be the owner of the Library and the Prince of Friendship." Rarity said with a nod. "That way, Spike can prove that he isn't bitter to you and will treat you like how you wanted to treat him."

"So wait, you want me to be an assistant for the day?" Twilight asked Rarity in disbelief."

"Actually, the idea does have merit." Ben said, agreeing with Rarity. "Hay, why not make it a week?"

"Yeah, a week would be awesome!" Rainbow exclaimed with a laugh. "It would be funny to see the Egghead taking orders from Spike for once."

"Rainbow," Twilight scolded Rainbow for the remark. "What's the point of doing this anyway?"

"Well, if you don't want to drive a wedge as you fear..." Fluttershy began to say to Twilight, trying to explain what she should do.

"Oh, and believe me, a wedge is very hard to drive, especially with hooves at the wheel!" Pinkie exclaimed randomly as usual.

"....then go ahead and do it." Fluttershy said to Twilight gently. "Be the assistant and see how Spike treats you. This will prove your mind at ease."

Twilight paused a bit, thinking about what everyone else has said. They did have a point. If she and Spike switched places for the week...maybe it will prove how wrong she was.

"Well, okay." Twilight said with a soft smile to everyone else. "I will tell Spike the idea in the morning. Thank you. You are just good friends that a princess like me can have."

Ben and Nyx hugged Twilight with the filly assuring, "That's what we're here for."

-----------------------

It was the next morning at Twilight's Library inside the castle. Spike is busy dusting the place as he like to do every morning. The baby Dragon was unaware of what happened at the meeting which he wasn't invited to. But Spike is sure that Twilight will tell him what it is, right?

Speaking of the Alicorn, Twilight came into the room with a serious look on her face. She begins to speak, getting her son's daughter, "Spike, I need to talk to you."

"What is it about? Did I do something bad?" Spike asks Twilight worried. Whenever his mother/sister/whatever gets like that, it means something bad has happened usually. "Look, I didn't mean to eat the rubies and diamonds! I was so hungry, honest!"

"Never mind about that. Listen, Spike; I've been thinking... Did I treat you bad?"

"BAD?! Why would you say that?! Come on! No way! You'd never treat me bad! I mean, maybe about Owlowiscious and me being a big greedy bad Dragon and not to mention about my origin, I was angry and upset. But the point is, Twilight; you're a cool master for me to take orders from."

"That's the point, Spike! I'm not your master! I'm your friend, your guardian and your mother. And what kind of a mother am I to treat her son like a slave?" Twilight ask Spike in sadness.

"Well... Uh...." Spike begins to say in concern. He is not sure how to respond to this. The Alicorn is definitely upset about that subject of her treating him like a slave unintentionally as well as some of the other times she got upset with him.

Twilight sighed, "Look, Spike. The point of why we're talking about this is that I want to treat you fair and square. And that is why I will become your assistant."

"What?! You're gotta be kidding me! I can't let you take that job."

"It's already decided, Spike. I'll be your assistant while you be both the master and owner of Library and Prince of Friendship."

"Twilight! Please! I don't want to take that kind of job! Why are you doing this," Spike asks Twilight in shock. Why would she want to trade places with him for a while? It doesn't make sense to him!

"Because I don't want a wedge between us, especially with what happen to Tao and Mighty Heart!" Twilight explains, referring to what happened at Tao's apartment yesterday.

"That's why? Twilight, I'm honored to be an assistant! You don't have to do anything favorable to me."

"I had to, Spike. As your mother and owner, I must treat you fair and square. Please, Spike. Do it for me as I did for you..."

Spike thought for the moment before he sighed, "Fine... I'm doing this not because of you being my master, but my mother. After all, that's what we've been through."

"Thanks Spike." The Princess said as Twilight and Spike hugged together. The two can get through the week with no problem at all, just to prove the girls are right about them.

"But I don't know how to start."

Twilight smiled as she winks to her 'prince' while explaining to him, "That's what assistants do. They help their masters and owners in doing what they can in a difficult situation."

Unknown to the two, a familiar foe is peeking in on the conversion through one of the windows. Tech smirks wickedly before letting go...hitting the ground hard. After recovering, the villain make a portal appear and uses it to leave the area without being seen. Dark Curse would love to hear about this!

--------

"Dark Curse; Hey boss," Tech exclaims as he gallops into Dark Curse's throne room, looking around. "I gotta speak with ya; Dark Curse!"

"What is it, Tech?" A familiar voice snaps as the throne turns around. To Tech's surprise, Dark Curse isn't in it, but Shadow Dragon himself.

"Wait, Shadow Dragon? Where's the boss?"

"Dark Curse is having a meeting with the Superior, discussing the plans for Guildenstern and his Ultimate Assassin's trip for the Human Realm. By the time they're finished, it will be close to noon tomorrow. I am in charge in the meantime. So what do you want?"

"Guess what? I overheard a conversion between the princess and her little pet Dragon." Tech exclaims eagerly to Shadow Dragon who arches an eyebrow at this. "They're going to trade places for the day, all because Twilight thinks she's being a cruel master to her brother! We should take advantage of this."

"Hmmmm...I supposed we should. Tell me, who do we have that is available?" Shadow Dragon ask Tech, putting a hoof to his chin. Perhaps the Dark Mystic Ponies should take advantage of the Trading Places idea.

"Well...that would be Burnblast...but are you sure? His loyalties are questionable lately."

"He is our clever, ambitious, arrogant, overconfident, sadistic, ruthless and fierce Pegasus commander that we got. He will get the job done. Summon him at once!"

"Yes, boss!" Tech exclaims, saluting Shadow Dragon before rushing out to go get Burnblast. This is going to be interesting weeks for both Mortal Ponies and Dark Mystic Ponies alike!
> Chapter 2: The First Day
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 2: The First Day


Pinkamena is reading as she says, "Hmm, seems Twilight Sparkle and Spike decided to switch places for a week." 

Golden Heart and others are surprised as Golden Heart says, "I have a sight feeling things might not go well."

"My readings state 50% it might go very wrong but 50% said they might do fine and another reading 100% that they will understand each other but I think some of us to check this out." Omega said to the others seriously.

"Ok and who knows we might learn a thing or two. Goldie, Jack Zen, Omega, Autumn and Sombra, come with me, Havis, Hikari you both know what to do." Pinkamena said. They both nod as Pinkamena and the others head off as she says to us, "Things might get crazy but who knows and one way to know is to see for ourselves."

-------------------------------

Spike looks nervous and worried as he prepares himself as the owner of the Library and the Prince of Friendship. The Dragon was never given so much responsibility until now. What if he messed up? Would Twilight forgive him? What will happen afterwards?

Twilight meanwhile notices the worried look on his face. The Alicorn spoke up, "Spike, it's okay. I know you will do fine."

"Easy for you to say! You've done the librarian part since you first got here to Ponyville!" Spike complains to his mother. "Me? I am kinda new at this. What if I messed up?"

"We all make mistakes, Spike. I will be here to assist you if you need help. That's a Pinkie Promise."

Spike looks at Twilight who smiles at him. Both knew that the Alicorn wouldn't dare break a Pinkie Promise. It's very VERY important (plus, Pinkie will go mad if she finds out that a Pinkie Promise has been broken). The Dragon nods as he prepares himself for the librarian part. Who knows? It could be fun!

Luckily, Spike manages to handle the library's duty well for three to five customers. Cheerilee came in for some history books. Lyra for some books on humans (again). And Dr. Whooves came in for some mechanical books. Surprisingly, they found out that their princess and her assistant has switched places for the weeks, but they choose not to worry about it. As long as it's temporarily, everything will be fine, right?

During one moment, Rarity came in, humming, "Twilight...do you got any books on the most rarest gems in Equestria? I need to check up on my list because moi is thinking of starting a collection."

Spike rush over, eagerly saying, "I am the librarian now, m'lady! You can count on me."

"Oh. Well, you know where it is, Spikey Wikey?"

"Sure, I've put it yesterday...uh, Twilight?"

"Got it," Twilight said as she begins looking through the 'rare finds' part of the library. Spike may have put it there yesterday but the princess is the one who to tell him to put it there. The Alicorn found the book and levitates it to Rarity. "There you go."

"Thanks, I would've got it myself." Spike said to Twilight, rolling his eyes a bit. His 'mother' giggles a bit, knowing that he will do anything for Rarity.

"Oh, Spikey poo; I wouldn't dream of letting the new Prince of Friendship go through such trouble." Rarity giggles Spike, putting the book in her knapsack while nuzzling the Prince. "Well, Rarity must be going. Ta!"

Spike sighs happily as the love of his eye leaves the library, the Dragon is almost floating in mid-air. And it took a smirking Twilight just to bring him down to Earth again.

"Well? Still think you can't handle the librarian part, Your Majesty?" Twilight teases Spike in amusement, snapping him out of it.

"Well, it's a start." Spike remarks to Twilight with a shrug.

"Heeeeeey princess," Pinkamena said as she, Goldie, Jack Zen, Omega, Autumn and Sombra came into the library.

"Just assistant for now, Pinkamena," Twilight said to Pinkamena with a chuckle. "So what can the Prince of Friendship and I do for you?"

"We heard that you are two have switched places for the day." Golden Heart said to Twilight with a nod. "We decided to come and see how you're doing."

"Oh, doing fine. The Prince of Friendship is looking for a princess of his own, obviously."

"Ooooh, wanted to impress Rarity again? Want to give her the Royal Bow?" Autumn Gem teases Spike, making him blush while rubbing the back of his scales. "Hey, just teasing you."

"I knew that, I knew that." Spike said with an awkward chuckle.

----------------

Shadow Dragon was alone; meditating in front of the dark fireplace. Before he could do anything else, a dark figure jumped up very high and slammed his first katana near his head. Shadow Dragon turned and had his left hoof blocked the attack before punching right on his enemy's chest off from him. The temporarily Dark Mystic Ponies looked up and encountered a greenish Pegasus with a black mane and short tail, his Cutie Mark was black patch, gun and sword, and he is dressed in the blue armored and helmet Samurai. The stranger smirked darkly.

"Burnblast..." Shadow Dragon said, recognizing the attacker.

"What's up, buddy? Wanna rematch?!" Burnblast mocks his ally. When Tech came to tell him that Shadow Dragon wanted to see him, the Dark Mystic Pony decided to greet the temporarily leader as usual: with a fight!

Burnblast took his second sword out and charged at Shadow Dragon. He stroke and thrust his twin katanas at the apprentice who blocked and dodged the attacks for five times. Burnblast jumped up and whirled himself around him. Shadow Dragon quickly hovered back quickly for three times. Burnblast had his first katana right at his enemy's head. Shadow Dragon dodged down quickly before giving a swipe kick on his leg and made him fell to the ground hard. Burnblast had his left hoof held up, firing bluish fire at Shadow Dragon who quickly deflected the blast thrice. Burnblast launched his head right on Shadow Dragon's chest, sending him to the walls.

Both of them had a brief fight for the moment before they had their swords at each other's throats. They both glared at each other for the moment. The two then smiled. Despite the intense fight, Shadow Dragon and Burnblast remain pals...of sorts.

"Good to see you return from your space journey, old rival and friend." Shadow Dragon remarks with a chuckle. When Tech told him that Burnblast is available, the villain knew that he had returned.

Burnblast huffed, "Well, I'm glad that you haven't lost your touch, buddy."

"Hey, buddy! I didn't give you an order to pick a fight with him!" Tech exclaims in annoyance. The mama's colt was watching the fight upon arrival, and frankly, he was a bit irritable at this.

"Nopony asked you, nopony."

"It's Tech! Tech! I have a name!"

"You want me to call your name. Earn it, kid." Burnblast remarked, causing Tech to groan. Why is it that it's so hard to get respect from everypony here?! Burnblast turned to Shadow Dragon to continue speaking with him, "So, what's the situation?"

"Princess Twilight had traded place with Spike for a week. And I want you to do something special for him." Shadow Dragon explains to Burnblast, giving a wicked smile, "Time to see how good he can handle as the Ruler of Friendship Rainbow Kingdom."

"Interesting... This reminds me of my time alright... No problem. And I've got some friends who are interested in Spike very much..."

-----------------

Pinkamena was busy, looking through a book when her senses came up again. She looks up while saying, "You know, I get the feeling that the bad guys might take this as a advantage and send a powerful foe to attack but we will be ready"

The group nods to that as they'll be ready for anything.

--------------------

At this moment, we find Spike & Twilight were handling matters of obtaining some ingredients for a request someone came to the castle to ask for. Course what was asked was strange stuff, and the only place to find such strange ingredients is in the Everfree Forest of which they reside in, and also…a zebra shaman lives in too. We find the two exiting a hut with Zecora leading them out while giving them a sack of what they need.

“Take this, good friends, and depart. For whoever asked of the request, can be at ease when he sees what it is that you hold.” Zecora spoke off with her riddles on the subject of what it was this group seemed.

“Thanks Zecora, this here’s another act of me trying to be the prince of friendship, hope this goes well?” Spike replied off to say to the zebra in having what they came for. “What next Twilight?” He asked off in wondering what the new prince for a week should do next.

“Well, now we need to check the market place to make sure everyone in Ponyville is performing their deals without any thievery.” Twilight explained the next course of what the baby Dragon is gonna do next.

“Right, pickpockets; Okay, let’s go…” Spike rolled his eyes to say this in knowing the thought.

But as Spike lead ahead to the two mares, Zecora stops Twilight to speak with her.

“It came to my attention that your roles have been switched, and now you play as each other.” Zecora spoke her riddles in knowing what it was that the two have done, one is a prince and the other is the assistant.

“Right, I felt bad about what I may have done to Spike in giving him such a hard time, I felt like I did what Lorcan said I was doing to him. Not my assistant or even a brother, but a slave driver.” Twilight spoke to say this in feeling a little bad about what happened in the past, how she treated Spike, what some have said or mention, it haunts her a bit.

“So you mean to set things right, learn what it’s like by living the one you feel regret.” Zecora explained by her riddle voice of what this mare was trying to do. “You wish to redeem what you feel cannot go away, but you must let go of things that stay in the past, and make anew what is just before you.” She explained something to which Twilight must not let what scares her feel like she hasn’t been forgiven.

“Um…I’ll…try to understand what that means. Until then, goodbye Zecora, and thanks,” Twilight slowly responded in hearing that strange statement, but it must be very wise words that are hard to understand until the right timing.

As Twilight leaves to catch up to Spike, Zecora was left alone now…or was she.

“Something has happened.” Spoke a voice, and soon entering the scene from nearby was the pony staying nearby at Zecora’s place; Kilik, the Hero Of Destiny.

“Indeed there is, both Twilight & Spike are going to learn how one’s life is just as difficult as the other is.” Zecora responded to say by her riddle speech of how such things go. “But while that is hard on them, I sense there is more…as if something else may come about in their path of learning a lesson to cause a distraction.” She spoke with worry as if sensing something may go wrong at without warning.

“I sense it too, something is about to move out.” Kilik stated in looking serious over what maybe happening. “Perhaps I’ll standby, if the situation gets serious, I’ll step in.” He stated, he has decided to stand nearby of the Rainbow Kingdom, just in case something bad happens, like what might occur soon.

“Indeed, for you might have done so with Cassie of the Kelpie, if not perform by those smaller than we.” Zecora spoke her riddles again in stating this matter of what else happened and from who performed it.

“My Dvapara-Yuga…the scared mirror’s light kept even Kelpie’s hypnotic singing voice from getting me in a trance.” Kilik held his scared treasure, it’s light kept him purified against such forces that would control him. “But I sense that she meant no harm, she had no evil, but her actions were just misguided. Fortunately, aid came from those the Mane Six do not even know…by their pets.” Kilik responded that he knew Cassie was not evil, but he also knew that she was stop and corrected her path…and by the pets of the Mane Six & Ben who are left unknown to all the ponies.

“Then be wary, for if an evil did not appear at such a time, perhaps now…they seek an audience from this new situation.” Zecora spoke again her riddles while sounding serious, for if an enemy did not attack then, they may certainly try now.

“I shall do so, Zecora.” Kilik humbly bows in respecting the task to be watchful of anything suspicious.

Now the scene fads away at this time, for now it seems that while Spike is in-charge….things might get difficult for the one to bare so much responsibilities.

----------------------------------

At this moment, the scene opens up to the market place within Ponyville. The Mane Five & CMC along with Ben, Nyx & Phobos were there until they saw their two pals coming into the picture; Spike & Twilight.

“Hey you guys, there’s a booth selling cool books we gotta check out!” Rainbow Dash came near her pals to give them this bit of info.

“Did I just here you say cool & books in the same sentence Rainbow Dash?” Twilight raised an eyebrow in hearing those words her friend just said.

“Wow, she hardly ever says that about books unless they’re Daring Do.” Spike shrug off to say in knowing what Rainbow likes.

“Why darling, it’s not just the books, but who the seller is.” Rarity spoke off to say this in making a fact.

“Right, he’s some pony we know. Come on!” Nyx smiled off to cheer in looking excited now.

Now everyone was going to follow those that knew where to go. And soon something within the market place, there was a cart booth stand selling some dark emerald cover books, and the buyer was noticed. A Pegasus stallion with dark green color fur coat, a gentle mane & short crescent tail of a light & dark brown color mix, and brown eyes; He’s mostly seen wearing a Fur Felt Fedora hat, along with brown explorer’s outfit on his body, a dark brown vest jacket, and dark tan brown hoof-wear shoes. And for his flank, there was a Fur Felt Fedora hat, archeologist pick & compass as his Cutie Mark (when seen, otherwise, it's hidden under his clothing). He appears well physically fit for his body, and judging from his face expression, a wise-mind in knowing his career & expertise. This pony was none other than…

“Jones Venture,” Twilight & Spike responded in union in knowing who this pony was; the once known Kouga who was a barbarian servant for Dai Gui, the Earth Demon Lord. He was cursed with a mask that brought him back to life but as a big unstoppable human with a very ugly face. But when he lost to the Sparkle Family, his mask destroyed, he was free from serving the evil Demon Lord. He took off before meeting Tao who help him regain his pony form and has been living a better life again.

“Well, here’s some old faces I haven’t seen in a while.” Jones Venture smiled in seeing those that have come by to see him.

“Boy it’s been like forever since….well, since our journey to the End of Equestria.” Phobos stated to say in when was the last time they say the guy.

“So tell us partner, how have ye been?” Applejack asked off in liking to know what this fella has been up to.

“I’m doing well, I’m still doing my career in being an archeologist.” Jones Venture stated in what he’s doing that is his talent.

“What kinda books are you selling?” Pinkie Pie asked off in peeking at that books being sold.

“They’re my adventures into unexplored areas in Equestria. Including this booklet; Demons Of The Land.” Jones Venture pointed out before showing a two booklet wrap object that read the title…with some scary Demons some of the gang had seen.

“Is that story…about us?” Twilight asked off in thinking that’s a book that tells of their own adventure.

“It’s a two book part adventure, telling of my moment I journey to the End of Equestria and the other tells of new heroes that help save me.” Jones Venture explained how each book was meant to tell another story, the before, and the after one. “Course, I’m now selling the newest book right here.” He shows a new book that shows him as his daring pony self venturing into a tomb.

“Oooooh,” The CMC responded in seeing the book it’s self while viewing the title. “Whip Of A Lifetime!” The fillies read off the title in what the book said.

“Sounds like a great book! What’s it about?” Ben asked off in seeing the book, it sounds like great story to tell.

“Hmph, the day my life changed again to when I became like you all.” Jones Venture smiles off to say this to the group in what this book is about.

Everyone stared in confusion in hearing that and was no knowing of what this guy was meaning.

“Wait, what do you mean became one of us?” Twilight asked off in trying to understand the question.

“You mean when you got turn into a pony then being stuck as Kouga?” Spike stated in knowing that could be a possible answer.

“No, something else you six and Ben hold that are much more important to keeping the peace.” Jones Venture shook his head while making a more clearer point of what he’s saying.

Finally, it dawn to everyone in what this Pegasus stallion was referring to. But it seem like the last thing to believe, but if they truly think about it…it has to be what makes sense now.

“You don’t mean….an Element? As in like…” Ben gasped off in realizing that Jones Venture…has obtain an element and is a wielder like them.

“Right, I’ve become an Element User like the rest of you.” Jones Venture nods off to say that there was the truth of the case.

“WHAAAAT,” Everyone yelps in hearing this, the one that Twilight’s family helped out long ago has become a new recent Element User; didn’t see that coming.

“Woah! From a Demon Lord servant to an Element User; how’d THAT HAPPEN?” Phobos stated in just wanting to know, how in Equestria did that even happen?

“It’s all here in my books.” Jones Venture pointed to his new book sale of his latest adventure that the gang can catch up to know.

“Oh, really; Why…thank you…” Fluttershy responded surprise, that would be a way to learn and even have something to read.

“What kinda element user are you, Mr. Venture?” Nyx asked off the big question; which element has this guy gotten that he can use.

Before an answer could be spoken, some cloaked figure was seen secretly swiping some gemstones that was on stands of other businesses. Jones Venture saw the act and then quickly brought out some strange weapon that surprises everyone. A bullwhip that’s extendable by the handle one holds. It possess a simple, cylindrical form, with a dark central part & lighter edges; the lower one is covered in stud-like ornaments & has a small rope hanging from it, to which a star-shaped pendent is attached. And the whip was launched, and as if acting by magic, lasso the crook to tug him across into the open.

“Ugh!” The cloak figure yelped from falling on his behind as his hood showed he was not a pony but…a dog.

“Well, well, well….look who decided to try to cause a little stunt with a large crowd.” Then Jones Venture came up to pull the hood down to reveal it was some Diamond Dog with brown fur, blue eyes, drop ears, and underneath his cloak was a combat fatigues with heavy boots. “Sleuth Doggone.” He reveals the name of the perpetrator of this act of theft.

“Who,” The others asked off in not knowing who this character was?

“A Diamond Dog that smuggles priceless gemstones from market places, and when he leaves, it causes a scene in where no pony knows who took their priceless gemstones.” Jones Venture explained who this guy is to the crew.

“Doggone! How’d yah know it was me?” The revealed Diamond Dog snapped off in being upset in being discovered.

“Not too many Diamond Dogs walk around this place filled with ponies and doesn’t carry a stench of not having bathed in a while.” Jones Venture pointed out this little fact here of the smell this guy carried.

“Ugh, he certainly does stink.” Rarity held her noise from detecting such a stink.

“Well Spike, here’s a job you can do as acting prince.” Twilight stated to her baby dragon pal to do the join she would do in this case.

“Oh, um…right!” Spike shapes up a bit to get himself in the zone. “I place you under arrest for….theft!” He declared this act of thievery and wants this Diamond Dog arrested.

“Smooth.” Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes in how that could have gone.

Later on, Fred & Barney arrive to help take Sleuth Doggone away from the scene by orders of their new ‘prince’ that wasn’t Ben.

“Well Fred, looks like management has changed.” Barney responded off to say this about their currency.

“What are ye talking about, it’s still the same?” Fred asked off in what his bud was saying.

“But now Spike’s giving the orders than the princess.” Barney stated that now Spike’s gone from assistant to prince.

“So, just cause they switch places, don’t mean we don’t do our jobs right?” Fred shrugs off his shoulders in thinking that’s nothing to worry over.

“Hey, maybe one day, we’ll switch and you can listen and do some things I say.” Barney replied off in thinking up something that could be good for them.

“In your dreams, wise guy, now keep moving here!” Fred scolds his bud for the wise idea of a joke before they continue their job here.

“Doggone it! I’ll get out Jones Venture! This won’t be the last you hear of me!” Sleuth Doggone groans off to yell out his last cries to struggle while being escorted away from the scene.

Now the Royal Guards were out of sight with the Diamond Dog crook as everyone looks to Jones Venture’s whip as it seems…something else. The Mane Six and even Ben felt some strong force of magic and it was familiar to them while different, could this weapon be…?

“So, what do you think…this here is the Seeker Whip, which made me become the Wielder of the Element Of Whip.” Jones Venture showed his new weapon to the group in stating that from this, he’s become a user to a weapon type element.

“Wow! Now I wanna read the book to learn how that adventure happens!” Pinkie Pie spoke out in liking what they see, and hearing it wants her to read the book of this guy’s adventures.

“Us too,” The CMC called out in wanting to see the book as well.

“The new book is usually more expensive, but for friends & those that help me become who I am, I’ll give you a 50 percent discount.” Jones Venture smiled forth to tell the gang this about giving them a discount for a favor he owed one of them.

Soon many of the gang were getting some of Jones Venture’s books title ‘Whip Of A Lifetime’ to learn how this guy became an element user as many read the book, it spoke like so: After being returned to normal, Jones Venture explored other areas until he came across a legendary temple tomb that held a strange magical object that would make only the most adventurist of explorer adventures worthy to wield, and he took a shot. After passing the trials, he found what was the bullwhip like his own, and like any archeologist; he knew it was the lost Seeker Whip. After escaping a few death traps, he gain the whip, but he also felt a strong magical aura over him, and realized something from some markings on the walls that read: “Thou that shall pass thy trial & claim thy whip, shall become a true explorer seeking adventure. And become an element; the Element Of Whiplash!”. And after learning this, the whole temple tomb began to shake as it was about to come down, so Jones Venture put his new whip to the test and managed to escape another close call at death’s doorstep. Once obtaining the whip, he recalls his terrible fate serving the Demon Lords, he felt almost unworthy to hold such an element. But then the element soon magically glowed to infuse itself into Jones Venture and transformed his own whip into the same version, but more magical. Seeing this surprise feat, Jones smiled to think that if the element doesn’t wanna leave him, then who is he to argue, and he’ll just be living this as an example to do good to fix his old mistakes of his past.

Everyone was very thrilled in what they have read and it seem like now they have a new ally on their side. But at this moment, Jones Venture notices a strange look on Twilight’s face as she seem to focus on the book.

“Something on your mind, princess,” Jones Venture asked off in seeing something bothered Twilight.

“Oh, no…it’s nothing. And…I’m not acting princess today; I’m the assistant role while Spike’s in command of acting like a prince.” Twilight yelps a bit while trying to correct the state of what she was today and what her area field is now.

“And the reason for doing that,” Jones Venture raised an eyebrow in hearing such a thing be said.

“It’s well…because of things I did I feel upright in just putting them behind me, the bad stuff I may or may not have realized what I did to him when I know they are still there.” Twilight spoke softly for only the two of them to talk about the issue.

“I know the feeling.” Jones Venture slowly nods in understanding the message, as he can relate to some part of it. “I kept asking myself, if I deserve to be among the living after I took a gamble to be saved and turn into a monster by the Demon Lords. If I deserve Mystic Tao’s blessing to turn me pony again. I also ask if I’m worthy to wield this new element I received.” He knows what Twilight means of having doubts if one’s own actions are forgivable so easily after such hardships.

“I guess we each have our share of problems, hugh?” Twilight sighs in feeling blue, she and Jones both have had such unforgivable moments in their past. “And even right now, Tao is in an argument with Mighty Heart in being a slave driver to him. Hearing that brought back the memories.” She explained how it all was started from what Tao & Mighty Heart started.

“Hmmm….seems hard to imagine how that would go,” Jones Venture lightly responded to say, he’s grateful to Tao for helping him and grateful to Twilight on a different note, but… “But…the only advice I can give you, is to remember what you did and move on.” He simply spoke off to say what this mare should simply do with herself.

“What…why?” Twilight asked off surprise, can she just move on while remembering such deeds.

“Because it’s in the past, nothing you do can change it. But you can make something new by what you do today.” Jones Venture explained the issue of what Twilight can do now that is important since she can’t change the past. “That’s why I’m still around; I wanna make a difference now. And I vow to do so, for those I care for.” He explained what he’s trying to do; he’s making up for his old mistakes.

Twilight felt lost on words, Jones Venture…the guy who suffered to be the Demon Lords servant, and robbed of his pony-hood, has come to such terms. Perhaps, maybe it’s something else for her to think about as well to help her and Spike’s bound not be severed by what the pony done in overworking or mistreating her baby Dragon assistant. 

“Oh, hey Twilight, what’s next on our to do list?” Spike spoke to interrupt the moment with a thought he wanted to know.

“Oh, ugh…we need to discuss some things at the Council of Friendship meeting.” Twilight snaps back into reality in recalling the next schedule they are due for.

“Which now you’re running,” Phobos pointed that Spike’s running the meeting since he’s acting prince to this Rainbow Kingdom.

“Oh, I better get going. Thanks for the book, Jones Venture!” Spike spoke off to say in knowing this as he gets up and sets off to be going.

Soon everyone said their goodbyes and thanks for the books as they made their way out. Jones Venture smiled in seeing the group head off, he feels like they’ll be okay…however…

“Hmmm,” Jones Venture turn with a serious expression as he saw a vague shadow near an alley way before it vanished, both it and its presence of something…that was watching. “Felt like there was someone else watching us; it’s no Diamond Dog either, whoever it is….they must be a new serious deal for those ponies, just like with the Demon Lords.” He spoke in having a suspicion that something was not right here, it felt like an evil force upon this kingdom, something as great as the Demon Lords. “Better stick close by, in case danger should get out of hand.” He issued what he best do, if there was signs of trouble, he best be the one to get himself and anyone else…out of danger.

The scene zooms away at this time with more puzzling questions of what is gonna be happening vaguely soon within this kingdom. And the bigger question will be…can Spike the Baby Dragon handle it, or mess up? Who knows?

------------------

Later, at the library, Twilight and Spike were having a discussion.

"I gotta confess, Twilight. Those difficult jobs I got were...well...difficult." Spike remarks, stretching his back, "Like looking up the taxes, dealing with all those problems, especially with Lyra asking if we can get into the human world."

"I keep telling her, the mirror only works on certain years." Twilight said while rolling her eyes a bit. "But no worries, little one, we will handle those tasks for later."

-"Yeah, I can only hope." Spike remarks with a sigh. The rest of the Mane Six, Ben, the CMC, Nyx and Phobos were busy looking up books, listening in on the conversion. The two are doing well so far.

RING! Twilight and her friends looked up and found a dark brown Earth Pony with a curved-black mane and tail, his Cutie Mark was a Lightning shape with three katanas on each side entering the library.

"Hey there," Spike said as he greeted the new pony.

Twilight cleared her throat, saying, "Spike...Proper greetings."

"Oh, sorry. It's my first time job. Sorry about that." Spike apologized to Twilight. He cleared his own throat and tried again. "I mean, welcome to the Library of Friendship Rainbow Kingdom. What can I do for you, sir?"

The newcomer smiled as he spoke, "I wish to borrow a book. Do you have a book called The Seven Samurai?"

"I think we had one." Spike said, motioning Twilight who goes to a shelf to look for the mentioned book.

"Right here, sir," Twilight said, using her magic to levitate the book over to the new pony who takes it.

The newcomer smiled while saying, "Thank you, Princess Twilight and Spike."

"You're very welcome." Twilight said with a nod.

"Wait, wait, wait," Pinkie exclaimed in surprise and confusion, "How did you know who they are?!"

"Yeah, we haven't seen you until today!" Rainbow exclaims, bewildered.

"It's quite simple. Everyone from the Mystic Realm knows about you two well, especially how you earned the title: 'Princess of Friendship', Twilight." The newcomer said to Twilight calmly.

"Wow!" Nyx exclaimed in amazement.

"Yeah, I got to admit, word does spread around." Rarity said with a nod.

"So who are you, tall, brown and stranger?" Phobos asked the newcomer, wanting to know who this new pony is.

The newcomer bowed the temporary prince and assistant as he introduced himself at last, "My name is Lightningblade, the Warrior of Thunder. I am one of the Ultimate Mystic Warriors."

"Oh, an Ultimate Mystic Warrior," Fluttershy exclaimed with a smile. "That explains a lot."

"Eeyup! Powerful than most Mystic Ponies an' Equestrian Ponies," Applejack remarked with a nod.

"We are glad to have your presence here." Nyx said, bowing to Lightningblade in respect.

Lightningblade smiled, happy for the respect. He glanced to Twilight and Spike as he spoke once more, "Both of you are very close to each other, are you not?"

"Yes, we are." Spike said with a nod. "Despite some problems, we always put it behind us."

"And always be there for one another like a mother and son would." Twilight said, hugging her adopted son to prove Lightningblade that they are indeed close like a mother and son.

Lightningblade smiled in approval as he spoke, "Good to know that the Princess and her servant are very closed and equal to each other. And Twilight and Spike, do not break your bonds to each other no matter what; Because you both had shared wondrous and unforgettable memories and moments. Treasure them well..."

Twilight and Spike, knowing that their new friend is indeed correct, said at the same time, "We will."

Tao and his family entered the library as Lightningblade left at the same place. Phobos, noticing, grinned as he said, "Hey, look, it's the Tao family!"

"Hey, Tao," Twilight said with a smile while bowing to her old friend. But then, she noticed Tao wasn't paying attention, only scowling at Mighty Heart.

"Hey, good to see you guys." Rainbow said waving and giving a hooves up to her friends.

"Welcome back to our library." Ben said to his friends with a smile, trying to give in a greeting.

"So, how are you two now? Forgive and forget?" Twilight ask Tao and Mighty Heart. She hoped that her friends would kiss and made up...minus the kissing part!

Tao and Mighty Heart huffed angrily, refusing to look at each other as they snapped at the same time, "If he said sorry first!"

"AW, COME ON!" Sweetie yelled in annoyance.

"Those two still at it," Apple Bloom asked in disbelief. Scootaloo couldn't help but chuckle. Somehow, she found this amusing.

"What happen?" Spike asked Jade in concern.

Jade groaned in annoyance, "Long story short: these guys stopped talking to each other, instead they asked us to tell them about this."

Mighty, refusing to look back, snapped to Jade, "Jade, I will not apologize to that rubbish salespony until he apologized first!"

"Ben, please tell Mighty that the Salespony do not apologize to his assistant because he started the mess in the first place than himself!" Tao remarked bitterly to Ben, not wanting to say a word to his lazy assistant.

"Mighty, Tao said -" Ben said, starting to tell Mighty Heart what Tao said, but he ended up being cut off.

"Nyx... Please tell Sensei that I did nothing wrong but he himself wouldn't let me take a break." Mighty Heart remarked angrily to Nyx.

Nyx shrugged, turning to Tao to speak, "Mighty Heart said..."

"Applejack; Please tell that fat pony that I'm just doing my job as his boss and mentor for making him as a Mystic Acolyte than being a criminal!" Tao exclaimed angrily. The ponies groan in irritation. This is seriously getting out of hoof here!

Applejack spoke to Mighty Heart, "Tao said-!"

Mighty interrupted Applejack as he spoke to Rarity, "Rarity, please tell sensei that I already redeemed everything from being Shredkiller's hound."

"Oh dear," Rarity sighed a bit. Why must she get involved in this insane matter? "Mighty Heart said..."

"Tell him that he is still acting like a dog, Rainbow Dash!" Tao snapped angrily, much to Rainbow's annoyance. What's the point of letting other ponies tell the other if they kept interrupting?!

Rainbow groaned, "For Celestia's sake, why don't you two argue instead of us telling the other?!"

Everyone but Tao and Mighty exclaimed, "Rainbow Dash!"

"Please, you two. Can't you make up and be friends again?" Fluttershy pleaded to Tao and Mighty Heart sadly. She hated it when her friends fight. It's not right! "I mean... Rainbow Dash and Applejack often had fights before, but in the end, they make up. Please?"

Tao and Mighty Heart turned their backs on one another, both stubbornly yelling out, "No!" The heroes sighed a bit. This could be more difficult than one could imagine.

Pinkie groaned, "It's like disowning Andrew over again."

"At least my younger brother had some manners than his stupid mother." Tao remarked, referring to Mighty Heart's mother on the last part. At least with Andrew, he's easier to handle.

"At least my mother is not a monster like your son!" Mighty Heart snapped right back at Tao.

That seemed to hit a nerve. Tao turned back to Mighty, yelling out in fury, "How dare you?!"

"I dare you!" Mighty Heart exclaimed to Tao once more. Twilight and Spike were getting worried. This fight was about to get ugly right in the library even!

Dragon Kick got between the two before any punches or blasts were thrown. He exclaimed, "Uncle, Mighty; please!"

"Tao has a son?" Ben asked in surprise and disbelief. He didn't know about this until now!

Twilight shrugged while explaining, "I did ask, but they told me that he meant very much to Tao before he did something bad and died."

"Wow." Pinkie said in surprise. "I never knew this."

"I wonder what bad thing he did before dying." Phobos commented curiously.

"Who knows? But it must be serious if Mighty Heart would bad mouth it." Nyx remarked. Her fellow CMC nodded in agreement, knowing that she's right. Whatever Tao's son had done, it's very serious indeed!

Dragon Kick sighed, shaking his head as he spoke to Twilight, "This is what I meant. You have to help me, Twilight."

Twilight smiled while speaking, "Of course. Prince Spike and I would be glad to be your assistants to solve this problem."

"Prince Spike? What the heck?" Jade asked in surprise. Even the other Mystic Ponies, as well as Tao and Mighty Heart, were surprised to hear this declaration.

"Short story: Tao and Mighty Heart's argument made my mommy switch jobs with Spike." Nxx explained the predicament to the Mystic Ponies.

Jade groaned in disbelief, "No fair. I wish I could switch with Heavy!"

"Absolutely not," Dragon Kick snapped to Jade sternly. He is not having his niece trade jobs with Mighty just to get out of her responsibilities, "Never mind that. Let's fix my uncle and Mighty Heart's relationship now..."

Spike gulped, "This is going to be a pain."

Helping the two make up was easier said than done!

----------------

A group of Dragons have reached the forests, somewhere near Manehattan. They were almost close to heading through the city, and maybe scare the locals, when a familiar pony appears, much to his notice.

"I'm glad I found you, Drago." Burnblast said calmly to the newcomer.

"Burnblast... What do you want?" Draco ask Burnblast, wanting to know what Burnblast wants. He and his pals are getting close to the End of Equestria and Equestria's borders.

Burnblast smirked as he explaisn, "Information about Spike...."

"Where is that traitor? I want to make him pay for what he had to my dad and my family! My dad is now my mom in that mare's form!"

"I will tell you very soon. But...I need you cooperation first..."

Soon the Superior and the Apocalypse Ponies appears, much to Draco's notice. Looks like Burnblast is bringing his allies to his meeting. Sure enough, Shendu appears near Warring Malice, smirking as he said, "Draco..."

"Dad," Draco said as the two hug one another...even though it's kinda awkward since Shendu is being linked to Warring Malice since Draco is also hugging her. Even the Apocalypse Ponies member herself is finding this awkward. Once they're done, they let go with Draco adding, "Despite you being bonded with this dumb pony, you are still powerful than ever."

"Indeed. You are doing quite well, son."

"Should I even be involved in this?" Warring Malice asks awkwardly, making the two villains glare at her, "Never mind."

"Well, Draco, it's good to meet your...presence." The Superior said calmly. "I got a feeling things will change from now on."

"Indeed. Now then, tell me, what's going on with Spike?" Draco asks anxiously to Burnblast and the Apocalypse Ponies. The Dragon wants to know every detail...
> Chapter 3: Criticism Isn't Magic
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 3: Criticism Isn't Magic


Burnblast took Drago and his pals to a secret place to discuss their mission quietly. Drago and his team listened to his father's and the rest of his family, including the Apocalypse Ponies and Burnblast, explaining what has happened so far, including Spike's new job.

"Do you understand the mission now?" Shendu ask his son calmly.

"So... Spike is the Prince of Friendship." Drago chuckled evilly. "This sounds good. I can't wait to meet the Prince. This is going to be fun..."

Shendu hissed sternly and wickedly, "I'm glad you accept it, son. Remember; make Spike suffered for his betrayal against the Demon Lords, especially his own family."

"No problem, dad. Just can't wait to burn him down."

"Don't start without me, gecko." Burnblast said to Drago with a smirk. The villain doesn't want to be left out of this whole situation.

"Stop calling me Gecko!" Drago snaps angrily at Burnblast. If there's one thing that he cannot stand, is being called a Gecko! "Fine... You'd better don't try anything funny, Burnblast."

"Don't worry. I'm not like Lorcan. All he did was manipulated and used them for his purposes, like you. The reason why you're easily fooled is because you're a hotheaded one..."

"I'm gonna kick your flank, samurai pony."

Drago and Burnblast both growled in anger and rage at each other. They both armed themselves with their claws and sword, preparing to fight. This could get ugly...if a certain Demon Lord hasn't stepped in that is.

"Drago; that is enough!" Shendu roars furiously to Drago, causing him to back off. "You and Burnblast will work together, despite being rivals! So no matter what, bring Spike to me! Do I make myself clear?"

Drago growled in anger, "Yes... dad..."

The Superior chuckled evilly as he notices the nasty intension between both Dragons, "Something tells me that Shendu and Drago didn't had a good family relationship."

"Possibly, Lord Smaug since Shendu spoke no information of his own child." Tso Lan comments to the Superior in agreement. Shendu never mention about his kids, probably because of the bad relationship.

"Yes... Perhaps, that was the reason why Drago wasn't involved at the End of Equestria battlefield 2,000 years ago. This could be fun." Bai Tza remarks with a sinister hiss. It would be interesting to see how Drago and Burnblast would work together...barely.

Drago turned and glared at Burnblast, demanding more than asking, "So, what's the plan? This better not a funny one..."

"No, it won't..." Burnblast assures Drago with a cruel smile. This one will assure victory for the Dark Mystic Ponies and Apocalypse Ponies alike...

------------

It was 5 days later. Before that time, Spike and Twilight thought that they got their temporarily jobs easily. Shows what you know! Spike has to deal with the worst things that he had to do in Twilight's horseshoes. It includes dealing with disputes between two arguing sides which Spike having trouble figuring out how to resolve, trying to deal with situations involving magic which the Baby Dragon doesn't seem to have, recruiting new guards though some are either too selfish, too clumsy, or something else in between.

A fourth difficult task that Spike had to deal with is starting races for the foals. At first, he thought that it was no big deal. Wrong! The Dragon yelps as he has his scales and tongue pulls by some wild and crazy colts and fillies. How did even Twilight deal with this?

And the final task; Not getting a moment's rest. Seriously, being a Prince of Friendship is tiring.

Now, as far as Twilight is concerned, she had to deal with five of his own duties: cleaning up after everyone, changing things whenever the schedule or stuff get changed, trying to help various ponies at once, keeping the food from going bad...and of course, trying to do work after night especially since Spike is still the Prince of Friendship temporarily and she is the one who can stay up. Normally, it's worst for Spike when he is the one who fall asleep...now its worst for her.

Pinkamena and her group watch more as she says, "Well so far everything is doing ok but we must be ready for anything so stay sharp everypony."

Golden Heart and the others nod and keep their guard up being ready for anything.

Eventually, it was the end of the day as the two are in the throne room. Spike sat in the throne while Twilight was almost exhausted.

"Well, Twilight, I thought all your tasks were cool, but they are pretty must worst and difficult." Spike said to Twilight with a groan. "But on the plus side, at least it's over."

"You think those parts of my jobs are tough? You’re cleaning up, re-changing stuff, helping ponies as an assistant instead of being a Princess, and working after night is exhausting as well." Twilight remarks to Spike with a deep sigh. "At least it's over too."

"Yeah, now you see what I had to put up with."

Just then, Azure came into the throne room. Twilight had almost forgotten that her teacher promised to come on to help the mare continue her training to use her Dark Form along with resisting the hypnotism magic. She wishes to use both in the future to help Equestria and Ponyville.

"Twilight, I apologized that I didn't make it since I had some matters to deal with from the North. So let's-" Azure stops as he is spotting what Spike and Twilight had been doing, "What the?! What is the meaning of this?"

"Oh...well, Spike and I had switch places for the week." Twilight explains to Azure with a weak smile. "I am the assistant and he is the Prince of Friendship."

"We are recovering from the worst duties that the other had done before then." Spike explains to Azure with a groan and a nod. Azure looks concerned; he can tell that both jobs are taking its toll on the two heroes of Equestria.

"Twilight, a word with you alone..." Azure said to Twilight seriously. The Princess nods as she takes the Lord of Ma to her room to have a private chat. Whenever Azure is like this, what he wants to say is very serious. "What were you doing?"

"I was trying to be fair and good to Spike. It's what mothers and owners are supposed to do." Twilight explains to Azure, telling him as to what was going on besides what he knew already. "I'm supposed to be treating Spike good and fair. I don't want a wedge to be driven between me and him. He was too important as Nyx, Ben, my friends and family."

Azure sighed, shaking his head while saying, "Twilight, I'm not quite sure that was indeed a good idea for you to do that. Spike is a servant class, he is neither warrior nor leader class."

"I know. But I had to. Even if Spike was having some difficulties, I'll always be there for him no matter what."

"You treasure, care and loved him much, don't you?" Azure asks making Twilight nodded. "For me, I always treat everyone well. Even if I did make mistakes in blaming my officers or unintentionally harming them, I apologized to them, gave them gifts and guided them well. That's what a leader's supposed to do, not switching the position for the sake of one servant."

Twilight thought for the moment, then spoke, "I understand. But Spike is my son, my assistant and my friend, he is not a servant."

"Whatever you want to do with him is your choice, I was merely advise you. And what you're doing for Spike was completely wrong. If the mistake comes, he won't handle much of pressure. If you truly care for Spike, then treat him well of how you wanted for him. Farewell..."

Azure takes his leave, leaving Twilight to her thoughts. What if he's right? Would the mare's decision to switch roles make things worse? If so, what would happen when Spike is under pressure?

---------------------

"Chocolate cake!"

"Coffee cake!"

Once again, Tao and Mighty were arguing, this time, at Sugarcube Corner. The ponies, as well as the shop owners, were trying to deal with the latest intense argument between the two.

"Now, now, gentle-Mystics; How about you take them both instead?" Mr. Cake asked the two nervously, not wanting a fight to break out and scare the foals.

Pinkie nodded her head, speaking, "Yeah. Besides, there is no need to fight over for the small stuff."

Tao and Mighty Heart both scowled at Pinkie, "Shut up!"

Pumpkin and Pound Cake cried and sobbed in despair and fright. Mrs. Cake picked her up her foals, hugging them carefully while saying to the arguing two, "Oh dear! You both are scaring the babies!"

Tao and Mighty Heart glared at each other in accusation and then snapped in unison, "This is your fault!"

The temporary prince of Equestria came in with the rest with the former asking, "What's going on?"

Dragon Kick rolled his eyes while explaining dryly, "Uncle and Mighty Heart again."

"They're still arguing for four days?! I thought we solved the problem already like separating them from fighting! Dragon Kick helped Tao while Jade helped Mighty." Spike said in disbelief. One would've thought that those two have stop arguing by now!

"Apparently, it didn't..." Jade explained with an annoyed sigh.

Twilight groaned in annoyance, "Honestly! This is getting ridiculous!"

"Tell me about it!" Rainbow complains in annoyance. "These two would put my arguments with AJ in shame."

"Eeyup an' we normally don't fight fer days." Applejack said in irritation.

"Oh, dear; we got to put a stop to this." Fluttershy said nervously.

"Yes, yes, this behavior is unponylike." Rarity said in agreement. She can't bear to see any more of this!

Twilight said to her friends sternly, "Come on. Let's get them out."

The group took Tao and Mighty outside with the rest of Tao's family following. Ben sighed a bit, "Okay, you two. We better find a way to deal with this foolishness."

"Yes. It's getting a bit out of hoof here. Can't you get over the whole silliness?" Twilight asked the two Mystic Ponies politely.

"No!" The two stubborn Mystic Ponies snapped angrily.

"Come on! Just apologize, okay?" Pinkie asked happily, "At least for your family."

"Over my dead body," The two Mystic Ponies snapped stubbornly in unison, and then the two get back to arguing. Their friends sighed in irritation.

"At this rate, it could take a miracle to get these two guys to apologize." Spike remarks with a dry look.

"Well, you're the prince now, Spike." Nyx points out to Spike in concern. "Find something!"

In a darkest alley nearby, Drago and his team were watching the event. Strikemaster Ice quietly spoke, "Yo, boss! You're sure this is gonna work?"

"Yeah...I mean criticize Spike; Seriously? That was his plan?" MC asked Drago as if this plan must be the most dumbest one ever. "And you think this would work? This is even stinkier than your plan in allying with that stupid Lorcan. No offense, of course..."

DJ Fist nodded his head while having his claws crossed. Drago growled, "I dunno what's stupid. But it's better than trusting Lorcan again. Let's do it!"

As Twilight and her friends continued talking with Tao and Mighty Heart, MC Cobra,; using his powerful speed, was passing by Spike. Without warning, he quickly threw a salt powder on his nose.

Then, suddenly, Spike sniffled before he breathed heavily like he was about to sneeze.

"AH-CHOO," Spike sneezed loudly. He blew a small greenish flame before it blasted out, increasing Spike's firepower which became bigger and larger. It shot right on the Ponyville Hall, setting it on fire.

"Oh no; The Town Hall," Twilight cried.

"It's on fire!" Pinkie exclaimed in horror.

"Call the Fire Department!" A pony called out frantically.

Ponies frantically got water in hopes to put the fire out like mad. The local fire department was called in quickly, getting water hoses and magic to put the fire out. The folks were freaked out and worried.

"Come on now, come on!" The fire chief called out as ponies threw water onto the mess. "Come on, before she goes down!"

Caramel groaned, "There must be a way for some of Twilight and her friends' adventures to not be a hazard."

"That's right." The fire chief remarked with a frown upon overhearing. "Every time those girls, nothing against them, get into one of the adventures, some of our village almost gets burnt down."

Pinkie, Nyx and Pinkamena then yelled out into the sky, "LEAVE US ALONE, TOONWRITER!!!"

"Yeah," Phobos exclaimed with a nod.

The Mane Five looked confused then Rainbow slapped her forehead, groaning, "I can never understand how random those three are."

Soon after, the fire at Ponyville Hall was put up. Luckily, not much damage was done to the place.

Dragon Kick sighed in relief, "That was close. But what was that?"

A Green Earth Pony with a brown spiky mane and short tail named Masamune appears, pointing an accusing hoof at Spike while exclaiming, "I'll tell you what! That Prince of Friendship set fire on our town hall!"

"What," Everyone else asked in shock and disbelief. Spike looks stunned while his friends look worried. He didn't mean any damage! Spike just sneezed unexpectedly.

"I saw it with my own eyes! That stupid Dragon was trying to kill us!" Masamune remarked in an angry tone of voice.

Spike gasped, "No, I wasn't! I was sneezing! Honest!"

"Yeah, right. When did I hear that lying part before?! Like letting Lorcan destroy our home," Masamune snapped to Spike, reminding him of when his actions that was still fresh in the memories of the ponies, especially after what Lorcan had done.

Some ponies came in, upset as they yell in agreement. The Mane Six groaned as those guys were the Princess Bashers, who dislike the princesses of Equestria; Mostly because of the bad decisions made by Celestia in the past. Why couldn't those jerks just let it go?

"Yeah, I mean, how many times have we let this bum almost destroy us?" One Basher remarked as he and the others agreed with Masamune's opinions.

"Princess Sparkle should've broken his egg instead of hatching it years ago!" Another basher yelled out angrily. Twilight frowned at hearing it but kept her temper in check.

"Spike is a Dragon! And he is a servant class! And Princess Twilight let him take over her role as our Prince?!" Masamune exclaimed with scoffs of disbelief, anger, and something else. "Don't make me laugh! That was the most stupidest thing that I ever heard! Letting him lead us means our doom! Like what he had done to our town as a big greedy Dragon, and trying to abandon his own family and home to Lorcan, and let's not forget that he was helping Shendu in killing our princess! This Dragon will kill us! He will never be one of us! Will we accept this?!"

The Princess Bashers members cried furiously, "No! Spike's no leader! Kick Spike out! Spike's no leader! Kick Spike out; Spike's no leader; Kick Spike out!"

Spike had a look of fear and nervous on his face. This was the same thing that happened when he had to blow fire onto the torch back at the Equestria Games. Only this time, he was being criticized for something that wasn't his fault! 

"Hey, leave Spike alone, he didn't mean to do it!" Nyx yelled angrily to Masamune and the Princess Bashers.

"Right, I mean, yeah, Spike did some bad things, but they weren't truly his fault." Rainbow said with a frown.

"Right; Spike helped out Equestria many times then I can remember!" Phobos exclaimed. The Moon Dragon paused then adds, "Of course, if I could remember, at least."

"Not helping, Phobos." Twilight groaned angrily. "Anyway, even if Spike is Lorcan's brother, I refuse to believe that he is bad! Not now or ever!"

"And you dumb ponies may as well stop it just because he almost blew up the town hall!" Scootaloo exclaimed sternly.

This was too much for Spike to handle. He groaned before screaming in an upset tone. Spike turned and ran away from the scene, much to the shock of his friends.

"Spike; Wait," Twilight exclaimed in alarm for her little brother/son.

"Spike," The CMC exclaimed in shock and sadness.

"See what you jerks did?!" Ben snapped furiously to the Princess Bashers. For some reason, Masamune had left, but that wasn't the matter now. "You guys are despicable!"

"Hey, zip it, Ben. If you don't watch your mouth, you're going to face a permanent dethroning." One Princess Basher remarked dryly to the prince.

"GET OUT OF MY TOWN!!!!" Ben yelled furiously in the Royal Canterlot Voice that would make his mother and aunt proud. He hated it when someone made Spike upset, and hated it more when he's being threatened like that! The stallion used his magic to push the critics back like mad, "Out! Out! Out! Out; OUT!!!"

"We must get him back here!" Tao exclaimed in worry. He didn't want Spike to hate himself like this!

"I'll go!" Mighty Heart exclaimed, wanting to help his good friend.

Jade and Nyx both shouts, "Me too!"

Rainbow Dash groaned in annoyance:, "About time you two stop arguing!" Tao and Mighty Heart huffed in disagreeing before departing. They obviously didn't stop arguing at all, "Seriously?! Unbelievable! I'm not sure if they're aware that it was their fault."

Mighty and Tao both snapped at the same time, "We didn't do anything wrong to Spike!"

"Apparently, you guys did. Mighty Heart, please find Spike and make sure he is okay. The last thing I want is to lose him." Twilight said sternly to Mighty Heart. Mighty Heart nodded as he galloped off after his friend. The princess turned to Tao to speak with him next, "We need to talk... And it's about Mighty."

"Don't look at me! He insulted and disrespected me! And I don't like it!" Tao protested his innocence to Twilight, insisting that whatever happened was Mighty's fault.

Twilight will not have it. It's time she tells him how she herself feels about his behavior! The Alicorn asked, "Don't you think you've been treating him badly?"

"Mei Hua (What)?! Me?! Treat him badly?!" Tao protested to Twilight, shocked by what she's asking, "Never! All I ask is 'One more thing' for him to do!"

"That's the point, Tao. You're demanding too much. You can't expect him to be 100% ready for everything." Twilight explained to Tao with a sigh, making him look stunned by the idea that he is treating Mighty wrong. "He is a pony, not a machine. And he needed rest. And besides, do you actually hate him?"

"No... I don't... I just don't like how he behaved and how he insulted my son; And...maybe I should have considerate about his health." Tao said. He is now feeling guilty. The old pony didn't realize how badly that he truly treated Mighty until now. "Maybe I say many more things..."

"That's good enough. I think when we find Spike, you should apologized to Mighty Heart for not considerate his well-being." Twilight said with a warm smile. At last, Tao has saw how he has treated Mighty.

"I will. You are wise as I am, though I wish you should be more careful when dealing with your enemies..." Tao said, giving words of precaution to Twilight.

"That's good enough..." Twilight said with a nod. Now that Tao has come to his senses, time to go after Spike!

----------

In the same dark alley, Masamune slowly transformed into his true form: Burnblast. His plan worked. Accusing Spike of trying to destroy the folks and the Princess Bashers' unknowingly help of him had shaken the purple Dragon's confidence a bit.

"I can't believe it. It worked!" Drago exclaimed in amazement that the idea work.

"I told you so. So now, we get Spike." Burnblast ordered. With the ponies looking for them, the villains planned on getting to him first.

"Fair enough; Spike's gonna regret what he had done to my family. And when I'm done with him, I'm coming after the rest of his family." Drago declared sinisterly, holding a claw in a fist of rage, "Because the Son of Shendu is taking over this kingdom!"

---------

Near the lake, Spike was crying in pain and sorrow. He blew it. The Dragon couldn't take criticism and already some ponies hated him. He didn't even seem to notice that Nyx, Mighty Heart and Jade are arriving at first.

That is, until Nyx spoke up, "Spike?"

Spike sniffled, spotting his sister as he said, "Oh... Hey, Nyx..."

"Are you alright?" Nyx asked Spike, who nodded in reply. "Look, Spike... You shouldn't let those stupid Princess Bashers critics criticize you. All they did is just spread rumors and talk nonsense for everyone to believe because they think they were better than anyone else. Like that stupid Hamster Master, he always accused authors, without any proof like JusSonic and Power Master. He was really stupid."

Jade was not sure what Nyx was going for, but she played along, exclaiming, "What she said! Besides, everyone make mistakes but they learned from it to become better."

Spike sighed sadly, "It's not the leadership that upsets me. It's about me. And they were right. I'm not a leader. I'm an assistant and a servant. I helped and served ponies, not leading them. I mean... this is not what I'm supposed to do. I'm sorry... Those critics were right. I'm not a leader, and I had abandoned you all."

"Spike, that isn't true!" Nyx exclaimed, denying Spike's claim. "You didn't abandon us."

"Right; you just freaked out, under pressure." Jade assured Spike in concern. "You can be a leader if you put your mind to it."

"I dunno... What about you, Mighty Heart? You seemed to be hating him a lot." Spike said, recalling Mighty Heart's fight with Tao earlier. "You... reminded me of me from Lorcan's War. I was so stupid for blaming Twilight in not thinking about me when she really does since I was a baby."

"To be honest, it was true. But I never hated Tao, I just wanted him to respect me and give me some freedom. He's taking advantage of me." Mighty Heart explained to Spike with a sigh, explaining how he truly feels about Tao. "After all, every servant needs rest and freedom. You can't expect one to be a full and prepared servant in handling everything. I just want him to realize. I guess... I've gone too far for insulting him and his son."

"You sure did." Jade said. She and every Mystic Pony knew how sensitive Tao was when it comes to his son.

"But Spike, mommy wanted to take care of you and be fair with you because she loved you so much." Nyx explained gently to Spike.

"I know... But leadership is not what I'm good at. I wish she knew about it." Spike remarked with a groan a bit. He knew that Twilight was only trying to help, but being a leader was just not cutting it.

"Look, Spike. Being leader doesn't mean you had to give orders or lead them, but also served and help them. They're like what assistants do." Nyx explained to Spike, nuzzling him while telling her what she believes. "Besides, all of us will be there for you. You don't have to worry about one thing. Just two more days, and everything will be back to the way it was; so, how about we go back home?"

Spike thought for a moment before smiling. He spoke, "Yeah, let's go home. And when we do, I think you better apologized to Tao and tell him what you feel about not letting you for more time to rest. He will understand."

"I guess you're right." Mighty Heart said with a sigh. Spike was right. It's time for the foolish argument to come to an end.

----------------

The group looks around for a few seconds, until they find Spike with three certain pals of theirs. The princess sighs in relief. Hopefully now this matter can be resolved. Perhaps Azure is right: Spike shouldn't be in the leader role. Twilight felt like it's best to put an end to it before it's too late.

As soon as Twilight and her friends find their missing friends, they were about to reunite with Spike, Mighty Heart, Jade and Nyx. BOOM! A giant fireball blasted at the ground hard, causing everyone to fell down. One of the Demons who fired, Strikemaster, smirks wickedly from nearby while taunting, "Whoops! Did I just ruin your reunion; my bad!"

"Yeah, my bad as wellm" MC exclaims wickedly as the gang got up. Who are these guys? More Dark Mystic Ponies, "But an order is an order! The boss is making his appearance."

DJ Fist turned and waved to Drago who is nearby, In terms of age, the new character seemed roughly in his teenage years, but was clearly very powerful. He was rough the size of an average human with forest-green scales coating his body, a long, sweeping tail, and a row of horns of his head and the sides of his face. He wore tight steel-grey pants with a red sash around his waist, a grey shirt with a fire logo on his chest, and black bands on his wrists, and a flowing, jet-black jacket with the sleeves ripped off. He seems relative to the lizard family, almost like a Dragon teen, and even has red eyes. Drago turned and glared at Spike.

"Who... Who are you?!" Spike asks in alarm. He doesn't know who this guy is but there's something wicked and familiar about him!

Drago grabbed Spike's tail up. He snarls, "I am one angry Dragon who is going to make you pay for what you had done to my family!"

"What are you talking about?!"

"Yeah, Spike never met you until now!" Rainbow exclaims to Drago in alarm.

"What makes you think Spike has ever done anything to your family?" Rarity demands to Drago, not sure what's going on here.

"Does the name Demon Lords rang the bell?" Drago ask. Twilight and her friends yelps, gasping a bit. Yeah, that name definitely reads a ring, especially since it alarms and freak them out a bit. Even Fluttershy felt close to fainting upon hearing the name. "Glad to hear that, because I'm bringing him before my dad. And he's gonna teach this little twerp for betraying everyone! "

Twilight gasped, "No! Not Spike! Leave him alone! Take me instead! But not him!"

"Shut up! And take that sumo pony with us. He would make a fine feast for us to eat."

Mighty gasped as he grabbed by the Demons, "Oh no!"

"Let's move out, Dragons!" Drago orders his minions. They got what they themselves came for, now is the time to leave!

"You said it, boss!" Strikemaster exclaims eagerly. It will thrill him big time to see Spike get punished.

The heroes rush over to help Spike and Mighty Heart, but Drago blew a flaming wall in front of the group, keeping Twilight and the others away. Spike is heard screaming as Drago and his pals made black smoke appears around themselves, him and Mighty Heart, "Twilight, help me! HELP! Don't let them take me away; Mommmmmmmmmy!"

Twilight gasped, "Spppiiikkkkeee!"

Mighty Heart exclaims as he tries to get freed, "Seeennnssseeeeiii!"

"Miiiggghhhty HEART!" Tao exclaims in alarm.

PUFF! Drago and his gang disappeared from the black smoke. In the distance on a hill, Burnblast smirked darkly in victory. Everything has gone well. Drago's ambush came without warning, they got Spike and Mighty Heart, and most likely Shendu is going to punish Spike big time for the so-called betrayal.

"Dang nabbed it!' Applejack exclaims as she and the others find themselves helpless and horrified. Those creeps got away with Spike and Dragon!

"And they are cheating cowards!" Ben exclaims as he stomps the ground in frustration. "They ambush us before we got a chance!"

"Oh man, this day couldn't get any worst!" Phobos groans a bit while shaking his head. "Wait, never mind. It can!"

Tao whacked and slapped himself hard and in pain. This action startled everyone else as they never seen Tao does this to himself before! Mighty Heart's kidnapping has definitely harm him big time.

"What's wrong, Tao?" Fluttershy ask Tao softly.

"Tao is stupid! Tao is very stupid! Tao should never have started the argument!" Tao exclaims in regret and sadness, blaming himself for the argument that cause this mess. "And Mighty Heart was right! I said too many more things! And look at what happen! My apprentice is turning into a feast for those Demon Dragons to eat! I am so stupid!"

Twilight sniffed before showing her firm face, speaking, "Instead of blaming yourself, help yourself. If you care for Mighty Heart, then we need to find a spell to find and locate Mighty Heart and Spike before what Shendu's Son is going to do will happen for real."

Tao sniffed, getting the courage to speak up, "Yes... You are right. This is not the time to be despair. Mighty Heart and Spike must be rescued!"

"Yeah," The CMC exclaims in determination.

"Indeed, we must go and find Spike and Mighty Heart!" Rarity exclaims with a nod of agreement.

"Right, those jerks will regret event taking our pals!" Rainbow exclaims, flying around in determination. The gang soon begin their plan of rescuing Spike and Mighty Heart from Drago's group before it's too late. If Shendu has his way, Spike wouldn't live on this plain for much long!

Behind the trees, Burnblast smirked darkly and impressed. He smirked once more as the villain added, "Just what I wanted...A leader who really cares for his servant and ally. That kinda remind me of the past, doesn't it, Lightningblade?"
> Chapter 4: Spike vs. Drago
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 4: Spike vs. Drago


At Shendu's ruined palace, Drago and his Dragon Minions had been gathered at the throne chamber. Spike was tied on the cross-sticks, obviously being prepared for the big punishment. He struggled to move and get out from his prison. Mighty Heart is trapped on the cauldron, ready for one feast that could kill him. His Dragon Minions cried and cheered wildly and darkly.

"Shut up! SHUT UP! Let me speak!" Drago snaps to the Dragons, shutting them up. He approached Spike while continuing, "My Demon Dragon Brethren, we have capture the traitorous Spike for not only betraying my father's but also betraying our clan! He and his family will pay for it! Are you with me?!"

Demon Dragons roared wildly and angrily. Spike snaps at Drago frantically, "Look! Whoever you are, I don't even know your father!"

"Oh, I think you know me too well, Spike." A familiar voice spoke up. The shadow figure came out from the throne chair who then revealed herself to be Warring Malice but then spoke in a familiar voice, "You know me too well."

"Warring Malice? So, your dad is Malice? That's kinda weird crossbreed between mare and Dragon." Spike laughs in amusement. But his laughter came to an end when Shendu's face appeared in front of Warring Malice, "Shendu?!"

"We meet again, traitor." 

"So, not only Tso Lan escaped the prison, but also you. Then, that means... The Demon Lords had escaped! They must have merged together with other Apocalypse Ponies!"

Shendu chuckled, amused that Spike has gotten the idea, "Clever...Very clever, boy but pity that you must face consequence in going against me."

"You tried to use me against my mother!" Spike snaps furiously to Shendu. The baby Dragon hasn't forgotten or forgiven what the monster has almost made him do to poor Twilight.

Drago held Spike's jaws tight, giving him a nasty snarl, "My dad didn't kill your mother, brat! It was your own dad did it. She was an idiot for betraying us. And you were just an egg."

Spike groaned in anger before biting Drago's claws, which withdrew quickly, "I was talking about Twilight Sparkle! She was the only one who had been there for me. My real mother! She is the one!"

Drago growled in anger, disbelief that Spike would even consider a pony of all things to be his mother, "How could a Dragon thinks a pony as a mother? That is stupid."

Mighty growled in anger by Drago's words, "No, it is not! It's family! You disrespect our family, Drago."

"Thanks, Mighty..." Spike said proudly. It's a relief that a friend would stick up for him like that.

"What about mine?! It was you and your family who not only trapped their bodies in Realm of Demons but their souls had been place inside of the Apocalypse Ponies! Blast you!" Drago exclaims furiously to Spike. Obviously, the villain is blaming him for what happened at the End of Equestria.

Spike chuckled, "On bright side, you're lucky to have a mom and dad sharing one same body. They made a quite couple."

"Why you little-" Warring Malice exclaims furiously. Of course, she find the joke a bit funny, but not if Shendu is watching her every move! Warring wishes for the day when this freak is out of her body.

"Drago... Commence Spike's Punishment." Shendu said darkly to Drago; Enough delaying, time for the punishment to begin.

"Be my guest. Get him boys!" Drago remarks sinisterly to his men.

And thus, Drago's men wasted no time in throwing stones, rocks and fruits at Spike, causing him to screamed in pain and fear. Even for a baby Dragon with tough scales, he can felt that. Drago and Shendu are wasting no time in making sure that Spike is punished big time for his betrayal.

"Spike; Hang on!" Mighty exclaims to Spike in determination.

"Twilight; Twilight; MOMMY," Spike calls out for Twilight. He hopes that his mother can find him and fast!

-----------------------------

At Tao's Home, the ponies are waiting as Tao searched for something from the kitchen. Golden Heart was the first to ask, "So Tao, how are we going to find Spike?"

"Yeah, shouldn't we be searching for him and Mighty right about now?" Fluttershy ask meekly to Tao.

Tao took out a box and placed it onto the table hard. He opened it up before taking out a Dragon claw. Rainbow, glancing curiously, ask, "So what's that; A Dragon Claw? And what's with the book?"

"Our last resort to find our friends... This belonged to Spykoran's old Dragon Wizard." Tao explains curiously to his friends, much to their surprise and/or amazement. "It was said that his claw allowed any user to find and locate missing Dragons. But It require the DNA sample to find and locate him."

Twilight held the test tube of Spike's small scale, speaking, "I had his scale. I always keep it ever since he started his journey to find out about his identity. He was the best assistant and son I could ask for." The Alicorns sniffed and sobbed. "I hope he's okay and safe from danger."

"Twilight, it's okay." Ben said, patting his love on the back. "We will get him back."

"And once we do, those jerks will be having their number up." Pinkamena said with an eager smile to Twilight.

"You got us, all of us, darling." Rarity said calmly to her princess Alicorn friend. The unicorn wishes to help Spike as well.

"Then, we are ready to go." Tao said in determination. He wants to not only rescue Spike but Mighty Heart as well. His assistant must be saved and be apologized to for Tao's actions.

"You might need my help." The familiar form of Lightningblade said as he came into the room.

"Lightnignblade," Twilight ask in surprise upon seeing the same Mystic Pony who came into the library not too long ago.

"Who's 'dat?" Applejack ask Twilight puzzled.

"He came into the library not too long ago."

"Lightning. What brings you here?" Dragon Kick asks Lightningblade in curiosity.

"I believe someone is helping your enemies in capturing your friends. And I will help you get him back." Lightningblade explains to the heroes, bowing to them in respect. He knows something that the gang knows and the Mystic Pony will do everything he can to help.

"Very well, everyone; get ready. This might be ticklish." Tao warns the group that this may be ticklish.

Tao poured the test tube of Spike's watery drool onto the Dragon claw. As soon as it had the water, the claw glowed darkly and crimson. BOOM! The portal appeared before Twilight and her friends.

"Spike, hold on. Mommy's coming!" Twilight exclaims as she and her pals enter the portal, ready for an adventure.

"Ok here's the plan. Golden Heart, Jack Zen, you with me." Pinkamena said as she appoints Golden Heart and Jack Zen to come with her. "Omega, Autumn Gem, and Sombra, keep guard."

Omega nods as Sombra stands beside Autumn as they'll be ready as Pinkamena and others follow the group. Pinkamena spoke, "Drago and his gang are going to be sorry for their actions."

-------------------------------

Meanwhile, Spike was in pain as he was given his unjust torture. The Dragons continued throwing fruits and rocks at Spike while Strikemaster Ice, MC Cobra and DJ Fist punched and kicked at Mighty Heart. This was getting too much!

"Hey, old Dragon," Drago remarked while the father and son watch the carnage. "Mind if we step in now?"

"No, give it a few minutes...then we punish him." Shendu said to Drago calmly while giving out a cruel chuckle. He wants Spike to suffer first.

Suddenly without warning, the Dragon Minions gasped in surprise. The two turned and saw something's not right. A Dragon that looked like Spike, except if he's a pink female, approached the heartbroken and frightened Spike. He yelped in worry.

"Shh... It's okay. I'm not here to hurt you. I'm here to help you." The female Dragon said calmly.

The female Dragon took the cloth as she wiped Spike's cheek gently it it. The villains couldn't believe this! What was she doing?!

Drago growled in anger, "Barbara! Get away from him!"

The female Dragon, known as Barbara, spoke back to Drago, "I will as soon as I help this poor dragon."

"I forbid it!" Drago demanded. Needless to say, to his anger, Barbara broke the ropes out as she freed Spike. "How dare you; you traitor!"

"No! You're the traitor! Both you and your father may had been the Dragons and leaders, but you are monsters and Demons!" Barbara exclaimed in defiance to the evil ones. "You turned against your own brethren! You betrayed your kin for revenge?!"

"Of course! Why do you think of whose fault that made my dad my mom," Drago exclaimed, pointing out that it's Spike's fault that Shendu is bonded with Warring Malice in the first place.

"Because he killed lives, and even made him turned against them; I won't let you get away with this!" Barbara exclaimed sternly to Drago. He looked more furious. How dare she?!

"Then, so be it! Get her!" Drago exclaimed to his minions, who prepared themselves to go after Barbara for her treachery.

Suddenly, without warning, a portal appeared near those that we're tormenting Spike. And what should fall out of the portal, then the rest of the group that's a part of the rescue team.

"Twilight," Spike asked in surprise.

"Spike," Twilight exclaimed as she galloped towards her friend.

"Sensei," Mighty Heart spoke confused at who else was here.

"Mighty Heart," Tao spoke happy to see this guy.

"Pinkie Pie," Pinkie replied until everyone look at her funny. "What? I thought this was a game."

"So, at last...the fish have taken the bait." Drago smiled wickedly in seeing this.

"Bait," Phobos replied puzzled to hear this.

"And not only are other Mystics here, but even Mr. Dragon Kick. My dad sends his best." Drago responded to say this of who's here.

"Your father; who is your father?" Dragon Kick repeated in confusion, not figuring this out until...Drago blew a large jet of flames at him, "Waaaaahhh! Never mind, I think I know!" He spoke in panic, even he can figure who Drago's father might be.

As the Mane Six started to get their surroundings, they got a look at the three new figures of Drago's crew that they never paid attention to until now. The first up was a teenager at the age of 17-19, and shortest member of his crew. He had three hair stands sticking up on his forehead while wearing pierced earrings. That's his name, Strikemaster Ice, or just Ice for short and he speaks in a language of English and Gangsta kinda talk. But soon, he joined Draco and he and the other two became his dragonized henchmen and Strikemaster Ice became his second-in-command. And now he's dishing out his slang at those he and his crew be facing (hay, that part was gangsta).

Next to Ice was the second tallest member with spike hair pointing forward then upwards, sliver earrings and a nose ring and was a bit older than his friend, but he was quick. That's his name, and that's the truth, he's MC Cobra, or Cobra for short, and he is apart of the crew, and he was speaking kinda like Ice.

The last one was the largest, bulkiest, but the most silent type of Ice's crew, and he even worn a black headband around his forehead with his spike scale hair sticking out. That's his name, DJ Fist, or just Fist for short, especially since he don't talk and when he fights, using his fist to bash his foes.

"And just where do you think you be going?" Strikemaster Ice asked off in looking at those there.

"To free our buds," Rainbow proclaimed her and her friends reason.

"We've seen how teenage Dragons fight, and this time, won't be surprised." Rarity declared to say bravely.

"You must be short sighted, because unlike those Dragons, you’re dealing with Demon Lord rank teen Dragons. And those three and myself can give even Mystics trouble." Drago laughed off to say this to those that are clueless. "They each have chi like my father, Fire Demon Chi; that makes them tough."

MC Cobra dashed around the group with blurring speed.

"Dragon Speed," Drago spoke of the guy's speed work.

Then DJ Fist lifted a heavy hard object made of iron, tossed it, then bashed it to pieces that shocked the others at his strength.

"Dragon Strength," Drago explained this part of the guy's muscle work.

Then Strikemaster Ice breathed in and blew out fire that made the gang duck, and saw he could make flames in his claws to, just like Drago.

"And Dragon Breath," Drago finished to explain the case to the group.

"Yo, these ponies don't stand a chance, you with me, Fist?" MC Cobra elbowed the big silent guy to agree, which he nodded.

"Hugh; never thought we get another silent guy after B from the Total Drama bunch left." Pinkamena responded to say in seeing they got one who's the strong silent type.

"Don't matter; they all might be tough to beat if we're not careful." Golden Heart responded to say this.

Twilight galloped towards Spike. She hugged him while Tao freed Mighty Heart before hugging him.

"Spike, you okay?" Nyx ask with a smile.

"I am now." Spike said with a grunt. "Well, after the pains I have gone through."

"Who's the new Dragon?" Rarity asked with a smile, glancing at Barbara. "She looks cute like you are." This made Barbara blush in embarrassment.

"Oh... That's sweet. I hate sweets when it comes to traitors!" Dragon snarled wickedly. Spike had not only turned against Shendu, but so did Barbara!

Shendu hissed in agreement, "Indeed; Starting with getting rid of our enemies."

Twilight got in front of Spike to defend him. She exclaimed in determination and defiance, "You won't touch Spike without a fight. And I'm gonna bash you up!"

Shendu and Warring exclaimed in the same voice, "Try me; Attack!"

Twilight and her friends charged in while Shendu and his Dragon Minions charged into the battle as well. As soon as they got close, the fighters clashed at once.

Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy battled and fought against Strikemaster Ice, who dodged the attacks while firing his Dragon Fireballs at them. Fluttershy deflected the blasts before Rainbow Dash jumped in and blasted her Magical Nun-chucks Guns at him. Strikemaster blocked and deflected the blasts away from him while charging straight at the two mares. Rainbow Dash swung her Nunchucks at Strikemaster Ice, who quickly deflected and blocked the attacks for four times before jumping and kicking her to the ground. Fluttershy unleashed her Bat Sonic Wave at him for a long moment while firing her quills at him. Strikemaster was about to attack but Rainbow Dash flew straight and slammed the Demon Dragon to the ground as they both battled against each other.

Rarity and Pinkie Pie fired their Eternal Style and Party Canon at the dodging fast MC, who charged straight at them both. They were about to fire at him, but then he punched and kicked them hard from every direction. MC jumped up and had his legs slammed them both to the ground very hard. Pinkie have her tail grabbed his leg tightly before firing the canon at him, knocking MC away. Rarity blasted her Eternal Style at him, knocking the Demon Dragon away as well. He landed on the ground hard. MC Cobra hissed in anger as he charged himself while charging at his enemies.

Dragon Kick and Applejack charged and battled against DJ Fist who deflected and blocked the attacks before fighting back at the two heroes. Both sides continued battling, punching and kicking at each other for a long moment. Dragon Kick swiped at DJ Fist's leg hard before Applejack jumped and slammed onto his chest. DJ Fist growled in anger as he punched Applejack's face hard before grabbing her tail. He swung her around him before throwing the Earth Pony at Dragon Kick. The two got back up and charged straight at DJ Fist, resuming the battle.

Nyx and Jade; in their Battle Modes, fired and launched their Unicorn Burst at the humanoid Dragon Minions while punching and battling them hard and quick. Phobos fired and blasted his Moon Flame at his enemies while dodging from the attacks that they fire at the Moon Dragon. Barbara fought and battled against the Dragon Minions while Lightningblade charged in and battled against his enemies as quick as he can while swinging his katana against his enemies to the ground. Ben swung his Master Sword at his charging and attacking Dragon Minions.

Twilight blasted her Unicorn Burst at Drago, who jumped into the air before slamming his feet onto her. Spike jumped and hit on the villain's chest very hard, sending Drago to the ground. Before hitting on the ground, the monster hovered over Spike and kicked him to the ground hard. He then punched him to the ground very hard again and quick as best as he can. Twilight flew in, charging straight at Drago to help Spike out. She was about to unleash her Rainbow United Ball while he unleashed his Dragon Flame at her. Both of their powers got clashed before they departed to the ground hard. Twilight and Spike charged in and battled against Drago as fast and hard as they can.

Tao blasted his Chi Spell at Warring, who quickly jumped and hovered over. The mare didn't feel like this but she is an Apocalypse Ponies member. Warring then blasted and launched her Fireball Wheels at him. Mighty blocked and slammed her to the ground very hard. He was about to slammed her again but got blasted by her Flamethrower Blasts. Warring was about to unleash it again, only for Tao to blast his Chi Spell on her five times. Shendu appeared and unleashed his Dragon Flame at him. Mighty Heart charged and slammed Warring Malice onto the walls hard before punching onto her four times. Warring Malice then launched her powerful fire blasts at him. After he manage to resist and endure the attacks, Mighty grabbed her and threw the villainess right at Tao, who quickly launched and fired his Incantation Spell, firing Warring Malice to the ground. She then fired both her Dragon Talisman and Shendu's Dragon Flame, sending the blasts away her enemies in hopes to get them. The blast was about to hit Tao but Mighty Heart joined and fired his Chi Spell in backing Tao's up to the middle. Both sides were in a tie.

Twilight and her friends continued fighting and battling against the Demon Dragons. But without warning, Shadow Dragon and Burnblast came out from the door.

"It looks like they need our help." Burnblast comments to Shadow Dragon. Shendu, Drago and their men won't stand much longer.

Shadow Dragon nods in agreement, replying, "Time to end this. Dragon Speed! Dragon Lightning Claws!"

Burnblast and Shadow Dragon disappeared from sight.

"Look out, you guys!" Barbara shouted, warning Twilight and her friends of what Shadow Dragon and Burnblast were about to do.

"SILENCE," Shendu roared evilly as he slashed Barbara in the back with his claws, sending her flying before landing to the ground, badly wounded.

"Aaaah," Barbara cried in pain as she started bleeding badly from her back.

"A fitting curtain for a commoner," Shendu remarked cruelly with an evil grin as his claws dripped with Barbara's blood.

Twilight's group, shocked and angered at this, continued to battle against Shendu and his Dragon Minions, their enemies becoming exhausted and tired and they themselves too.

As the battle tensed up, DJ Fist yelped and got out of the way and looked, seeing a larger heavier object made of thicker metal nearly getting him. He saw Pinkamena as the villain was slightly baffled as Pinkamena said, "I have lots of free time on my hooves when I am not fighting enemies so how about you stop boasting and fight like a real Dragon?"

That made him mad and charged at Pinkamena, only to crash into a wall that was made of glass; he rammed into a wall as Pinkamena giggled, "I am no troll; you just fell for a very old trick with mirrors and I was angled just right to mimic the mirror illusion."

Pinkamena then tackled DJ and did a hard heavy Suplex, shaking the place as she rotated and then spun and wrapped her front hooves around his neck. Golden Heart saw it and said, "Well, seems she's got DJ Fist taken care of. Now let's focus on the other two and saving our friends."

The two nodded and did so as DJ Fist was punching Pinkamena a few times in the face, but she tightened her grip. Pinkamena spun and tossed him to a wall, she bashed into him and made a big hole in a wall as the fight kept going. Pinkamena said in her mind, 'Even is DJ Fist is not one of the highest ranks; he is strong and this will be a wonderful workout.' The mare then giggled.

"Barbara!" Spike exclaims, rushing over to see if Barbara's okay. "Twilight, she needs medical attention."

"Hang on, hang on." Twilight said as she came over and put her horn onto Barbara's back. To the others' surprise and/or disbelief, the Alicorn manages to heal the female Dragon's wounds. "Healing spell. Something I've learned, I guess it comes with the Alicron status."

"Insolent pony! I'll rip your wings out!" Shendu snarled as he appeared right behind Twilight, about to grab her wings and rip them apart.

Ben quickly jumped in and fired a Light Arrow at Shendu, causing him to roar in pain as he covered his eyes. The Earth Pony quickly hit him a few times before upper cutting him away from his love.

"Toasty!" Pinkie exclaimed in a sing-songy voice.

As Twilight and her friends continued to battle against Shendu and his Dragon Minions, their enemies were becoming exhausted and tired and they themselves also. The bad guys were about to attack, but they got slashed and struck down hard and quick to the ground hard. Shadow Dragon and Burnblast appeared before their enemies.

"About time you got here." Warring groaned out to Burnblast in irritation.

"Sorry about that. So take five. We'll take it from here. I'll get Spike back for you." Burnblast said to his allies calmly.

Shendu hissed, "Very well."

Shendu and his Demon Dragon Brethren stood by and watched the event. Bunrblast came over, smirking as he spoke to Lightningblade, "Back from where we left, didn't we; LB?"

Lightningblade gasped as he recognize the newcomer, "Lord Burnblast?!"

"What? You know that guy?" Fluttershy ask Lightningblade in concern.

"Who the hay is he," Rarity asked, wanting to know as well.

Lightningblade said sternly to his allies/friends, "Burnblast... He was my friend and my master."

"Your what?!" The heroes asked in shock.

"Hang on a minute!" Pinkie exclaimed as she took a glass of water from out of nowhere, drank it, and then did a spit take.

"What do you mean your friend and master?" Spike asked Lightningblade in concern, "Golden Heart?"

"Best to let Lightningblade explain it more clearer." Golden Heart said, motioning his friend to continue on.

Lightningblade motions to Shadow, explaining about Burnblast, "He and I had been partners since the foalhood until my apprentice Shadow Dragon came. Since he lost to him, Burnblast got obsessed in beating Shadow Dragon; and even it means leaving his home behind..."

"So this is another case of a friend gone bad?" Rainbow asked Lightningblade, arching an eyebrow at this.

"You could say that." Lightningblade replied with a nod.

"Amazing! It's like Sasuke Uchiha turning bad in hopes to beat his brother!" Pinkie exclaimed in amazement.

This caused everyone else to give her 'what the heck are you talking about" kinda looks.

"Pinkie, you're so random, you may my head hurt." Rainbow groaned a bit, slapping her own head as if in pain.

"Oh, good thing I didn't tell you about the sirens, huh?" Pinkie asked with a smile.

"What sirens?" Twilight asked, a bit startled by that.

"Oops! Not supposed to tell! That story won't be until after this one...and that is once Nigel has seen the movie and Tracie finishes her fanmake of our second movie!" Pinkie said randomly and playfully once more. She gasped in realization as she exclaimed, "I have said too much!"

"Back to Burnblast, 'de feller is a big creep!" Applejack remarked, giving an upset look at the villain.

Burnblast shrugged while commented, "Well... What can I said? It's my dying habit. All I need to do is get stronger. And when I do, I'm gonna kick Shadow Dragon's flank."

"You said that about 100 times. It's getting annoying." Shadow Dragon said dryly to the rival.

"Point is... It's fighting time. So, who's gonna be my first rookie to spar with?" Burnblast asked, taunting the heroes to go at him.

"I'll show you who's sparing!" Rainbow exclaimed. She charged straight at Burnblast. He jumped up high and kicked Rainbow Dash to the ground hard. "Ouch. Okay, that really hurt."

Rarity and Pinkie fired their Eternal Style and Party Canon at Burnblast five times. He blocked and deflected the five blasts five throwing his katana at them both. Both Rarity and Pinkie dodged down, but had their manes cut off. The katana returned to Burnblast. Rarity screamed in fear before fainting out. Pinkie groaned in anger. No one does that to her mane! She was about to go on a rampage but got her head knocked out.

Applejack and Dragon Kick charged in as they battled, punched and kicked at dodging quick Burnblast while punching and kicking them back hard on their faces, bodies and legs. He then jumped kicked the two's faces, knocking Applejack and Dragon Kick to the ground very hard. He turned to a shaking frightened Fluttershy.

"Beat me, scaredy cat." Burnblast challenged Fluttershy.

"I will!" Fluttershy exclaimed, doing her best to give a brave face...

...only for Fluttershy to quickly fly off and away from Burnblast. Her friends groaned in disbelief. Will that mare ever be brave full time? The Dark Mystic Ponies appeared from the smoke. They came and aimed their guns at the unconscious and defeated heroes and heroines. Burnblast turned to Twilight, Spike and Lightningblade.

Twilight stood in front of Spike, defying her opponent while saying, "You're not gonna get Spike, not without a fight!"

Burnblast smirked as he taunted Twilight, "So, I say put your metal to the test, little girl."

"Hey! That's my mom you're talking to!" Spike exclaimed furiously. How dare he insult Twilight like that!

Lightningblade, in shock, protested, "Spike, don't!"

Spike yelled in anger as he tried to punch at Burnblast, but was held by his enemy's hoof for the moment before punching his face hard.

Burnblast cringed from the hit but smirked while saying, "You've got fire, but not good enough, baby boy."

"He may be a baby, but he's a growing up! And you won't get away with it!" Twilight exclaimed to the villain in determination.

Twilight summoned her Starblade and charged at Burnblast, who took his first katana out and battled with her in swinging and deflecting their swords at each other hard and quick. Lightningblade joined in the battle. He swung his sword on top of his former master, who dodged down. Twilight blasted her Unicorn Burst at him, knocking the opponent back. She then pierced her sword at Burnblast but he deflected the attack before kicking Spike back hard.

Spike groaned in pain as he slowly got back up. He charged at Burnblast. He pulled his enemy's helmet tight; making Burnblast went wild like riding a pony, except he's the pony and Spike's the Dragon riding him. Twilight blasted her Unicorn Burst at him, knocking Burnblast to the wall, Spike was able to get jump off before then, before Lightningblade launched his Lightning Strike on Burnblast's chest very hard ten times before landing his final blow on his head.

Burnblast grabbed the blades, with his three katanas on his right before kicking Lightningblade off of him. The villain activated his left gauntlet in attaching three blades on the right sheaths. Burnblast charged straight at both Twilight and Spike. They were about to fire, but he appeared from their backs. SLASH! Both of them dropped to the ground hard.

Burnblast turned and faced at Ligthningblade who held both of his Katanas. They both charged in and battled against each other hard and quick.

Shadow Dragon smirks to his student (unknown to Ben) and Tao, saying, "I hope you are ready for the next challenge, Ben and Tao."

"Don't do this again. Let's be civilized and forget about this." Tao pleaded to Shadow Dragon. He hopes that some shred of his goodness is still in the Mystic Pony that Tao once knew.

"No can do... Master... Can't let you get off that easily." Shadow Dragon said darkly to Tao.

"Whatever you're doing, I'm gonna make you sorry for helping Shendu and his Demon Dragons!" Ben announced, preparing himself for the fight.

"You said it, Dad! Come on, Jade!" Nyx exclaimed to Jade, getting ready to throw down with the villain.

"Fighting time," Jade cheered on.

Nyx and Jade charged in as they blasted their Unicorn Bursts at Shadow Dragon, who dodged and avoided the blasts for a few times. He then threw his Shadow Ball at the two of them, knocking Nyx and Jade to the ground. Mighty Heart growled in anger as he charged in and threw a fist at him. Shadow Dragon dodged down and swiped his leg on Mighty Heart's legs before jumping up and jerking on his back very hard. He took and swung him around and around for few times before throwing Mighty Heart to the front. Looks like another mixed win here.

Shadow Dragon turned and glared at both Ben and Tao. He charged into the battlefield. He jumped and slammed his hooves onto them both, but they rolled and dodged to the front to recover. Tao turned and punched at Shadow Dragon, who dodged and avoided his attacks before rolling to the front and kicked his back very hard. The villain turned and glared at Ben, who charged at him. Both Ben and Shadow Dragon battled and fought against at each other hard and quick through their punching, kicking and battling at each other while dodging and avoiding the punches from each other hard.

The fighters both held each other's hooves tightly for a moment while glaring at each other. Shadow Dragon smirked darkly as he gave the hard kick on Ben's bottom before throwing him to the front. He then jumped over Ben and threw him onto the front. Shadow Dragon charged in as he took his Dark Master Sword out and battled against Ben's Master Sword. This was turning into a clash of the blades big time.

"It's over, Spike!" Drago shouted as he and his goons prepared to advance on the remaining heroes. "You shall pay for betraying the family name of Draconian!"

"I'm not a Draconian anymore...my parent is NOT Tadaka Draconian...it's Twilight Sparkle!" Spike announced in defiance and determination.

The battle keeps going as somepony was thrown through a wall. DJ Fist is seen face planted on the ground as he slowly gets up and is panting as he says, "I have her right where I want her." He then goes back through the wall as the place shakes. DJ FIst comes back out bruised and says, "She's going to give up any time now."

DJ Fist goes back in as more fighting happens. He then comes out and boy he looks not the same. The villain says, "She's going to submit anytime............now." He lightly limps into the hole as more fighting happens shaking the place. The moron climbs out and he looks like he was in a war. DJ Fisthe says, "Ok......................I will not hold back." 

DJ Fist goes back inside the hole as more fighting happens and dents are made in the walls as the battle tenses in there (the Dents were DJ Fist's Dents but he is fighting with all he's got).

Soon Burnblast had now charged off like a fast blur to anyone’s eyes, but it was noted of where he was going; towards Spike & the Mane Six. Spike saw he was coming, the guy prepared his blades to deliver the final strike, and the baby Dragon was a deer in frozen headlights….he can’t dodge or counter this attack; he’s finished now.

Or was he….?

“Tachyon Strike,” Suddenly, a new voice was heard across the distance as if about to attack.

Then as fast of light speed, something one pure light of a weapon cross Burnblast’s blades, the collision cause a scene before forcing the Dark Mystic backwards. Then as Burnblast looked to himself, he saw….steam, as if his outer armor was slightly burnt by a strange power and he looks to see who cross his path….and it was none other than…Kilik! Soon a background theme called “Sword-Drawing! Grind!” from Tales of Grace Original Soundtrack 2 is heard in making the event more upbeat than before.

“Kilik,” The gang responded in seeing who suddenly came forth to help.

“Ah, the famous Destiny Hero Awakened, Kilik….has enter the battlefield.” Burnblast spoke forth in seeing who has shown up suddenly to enter the battle. “To what do we owe the honor?” He asked in liking to know why Kilik is here.

“The honor…is to keep my allies and friends safe from harm.” Kilik responded his reason of being with a serious expression.

“So you came alone to stop me and the rest of us?” Burnblast asked off in showing that one lone hero wants to take on him and his own army.

“Not quite alone!” Spoke another voice that was familiar to the gang, stating an answer to the question.

Then falling from the sky, something of a fast red blur dropped in unannounced that flatten the army that Burnblast had while some dodge that attack, only to bare witness it was…..A GIANT FROG! But it was no ordinary giant frog; it was Kung Fu Frog as was in a battle stance and delivered quick kung fu maneuvers that whack some of the enemies.

“Aaaaahhhh; GIANT FROG,” Tech screamed out like a little filly and tries to flee in terror.

Then Kung Fu Frog stretched out it’s tongue, grabbed the scared Tech and….SWALLOWED HIM IN HIS MOUTH!

Everyone saw the action and while some were…stumped at seeing this, they soon saw the giant frog show a face of disgust and then spit Tech out in slime that he knock more of Burnblast’s little group.

“Ahhh, great; just great; I’m covered in Frog Drool!” Tech moans to complain in seeing he’s covered in frog spit.

“Serves you right,” Phobos remarked off to say this about Tech.

“Sorry, but I’m cutting in this little event too.” Jones Venture spoke from flying off of his Guardian’s head to join the battle at hand.

“Jones Venture,” The others responded in seeing who else decided to join them at this moment.

“So, the once former servant to the Demon Lords is here. And you got some new toys, interesting.” Burnblast spoke off to say in knowing who Jones Venture is as he is, or was, Kouga that serve the Earth Demon Lord before he was turn back into a pony and also gain his Element Weapon to be its Wielder.

“I may not be Kouga, but I’m still as tough as I ever was. And I’m here to help Ben and his friends out.” Jones Venture explained the case of what he’s doing here and for the right reasons. “Ben, you still got the strength to fight?” He asked this off to his friend in making sure Ben’s still got enough to fight on.

“Yeah, I do.” Ben nods off to say, the others might need time, but he’s still ready to keep going.

“Good, then let’s show this guy that we aren’t some pushovers.” Jones Venture issued forth to say as he brought out his whip to start showing his serious stuff.

“Agreed,” Kilik replied to say while getting his pole rod to twirl and get in a battle position.

“You think you can defeat me? Hmph….I wouldn’t be too sure about that.” Burnblast remotely stated in hearing such talk, it’s unlikely. “I guess you better try to take your best shot right now. Because if you don’t…” Then he draws forth his sword in preparing himself. “I’m gonna make you sorry. Got that,” He issued this threat to be serious of his overconfidence. “Shadow Dragon, if you’re watching, then pay close attention as I take them on.” He spoke to the guy nearby to see him take on three Element Users at once.

“They are not those you can underestimate…Ben Mare is mine, deal with the others.” Shadow Dragon stated to say as he also decided to take part in this as he has business with Ben Mare.

“You two handle Shadow Dragon; I’ll hold this one off.” Kilik explained what needs to be done, he’ll hold off Burnblast while Ben & Jones go for Shadow Dragon.

“You sure,” Ben asked if that was wise, seeing what Burnblast is capable of, he’s about as tough as Shadow Dragon is, somewhat at least.

“We need to let our allies' strength return, I can sense their strength. This course will help in allowing the others to hold off anything else that should interfere.” Kilik explained the case in what they need to do here, give their friends time to recover so they can all work together afterwards while the serious threats are being kept away from the weaken ones.

“Alright Ben, let’s do this. I wanted to return the favor for knocking some sense into me, so now….let’s do this.” Jones Venture spoke off in sounding determine to get this task done right while owing up to a pal.

Soon the brave stallions of good charged forth to attack their foes. It was Ben & Jones against Shadow Dragon while Kilik took on Burnblast. The good guys kept the bad guys separated from each other so that they wouldn’t try any sneaky tricks. Kung Fu Frog is still seen taking on many of those that were working with Burnblast and even perfected his final attack that was quick enough to blast them all away by a powerful wind pressure force. Soon Jones Venture took the first move and launch his whip at the enemy, but Shadow Dragon dodge it to begin chasing up towards his target….

“You should work more on your aim. You seem hardly worthy of such an element.” Shadow Dragon spoke to say in seeing that this opponent failed to make sure he hit his target.

“Maybe you should see who I was aiming for and when I riel them in.” Jones Venture smiled off to say this while he suddenly was pulling his whip back.

Then in an instant, something was pulled really fast at Shadow Dragon that Jones’s whip latch onto….the hoof of Ben’s left front spot as he swung his right hoof with a sword down. Shadow Dragon turn around to take that hit by defense means, but it did cause him to skid backwards against the ground before he stopped. Soon the whip lets go of Ben as he and Jones Venture stood ready while seeing how surprise their foe was at their performance.

“My, that was a clever move. Not many can perform a team combo of such difficulty on their first try.” Shadow Dragon spoke to say in actually being impressed by what was done, Jones riled in Ben with more speed to make his sword attack powerful upon contact.

“We’re just getting started! Sword Beam,” Ben declared this of while he charged and fired off his beam attack from his sword.

“Lashing Fireball,” Jones Venture shouted that he lash his whip that spark fireballs to go off.

Soon the two attacks made a strong explosion, but Shadow Dragon managed to use another of his moves….his Shield of Darkness that protected him.

“Whipping Motion,” Jones Venture soon was whipping his whip all around the surroundings of the enemy’s barrier shield to weaken it.

“Hero’s Bow,” Ben got out his bow to shot off arrows of light to also help weaken Shadow Dragon’s defense.

Meanwhile, Burnblast and Kilik were clashing with their weapons at a feat none had ever seen. Their reflexes were very sharp, almost like nothing but instant blur images of where each thrust attack was going. The others that were watching this fight go down were stunt at such skilled display.

“Hell Dragon!” Burnblast charges a magical energy ball on his sword, then unleashed it forward.

“Zen Wave,” Kilik spins his pole-rod above his head, concentrating his magic blue chi magic aura to surround it, and with a right thrust work, unleashed it to take the form of a spinning aura blade disc.

Both attacks impacted the other that from one’s cutting the other to explode. And soon both Kilik & Burnblast were striking with their weapons and performing martial fighting feats at blinding speed. Burnblast even used his blasting method, but Kilik used his pole-rod to spin and block off the attacks and both continued any attack to try to outdo the other.

“Wow, I can barely keep track of how fast those two are going!” Rainbow Dash responded to say in what they are seeing even be performed here.

“They’re skilled, gotta give them dat.” AJ nods off to say this about Kilik & Burnblast being skilled fighters.

“Oh my, let’s hope our side can hold off.” Rarity spoke with concerns about the one on their side will be okay.

“Testament,” Burnblast soon concentrates all of his magical energy into one sword for a powerful strike and send wave forward to make them knock back the target.

“Kai Lin Charge,” Kilik swings his weapon to unleash a magical blue aura chi across the target that unleashed a crescent beam attack.

Again, both fearsome attacks collided in which it was amazing that such force could stop a Dark Mystic’s own dark magic abilities. But in the heroes’ minds, Kilik has something that gives him the purest form of magic; light, and from his use in mixing it with his attacks, it’s even capable of fending off a strong commander from Dark Curse’s forces.

And at the moment, Shadow Dragon was dispel his shield to continue fighting against Ben and his ally Jones Venture.

“Whip-Projectile Seekers,” Jones Venture soon magically charge his whip to fire off magic arrowheads at the foe.

“Darkness Spheres,” Shadow Dragon was soon forming a number of spheres that he fired off and destroyed the large barrage of his opponent’s own attack that exploded almost near the Dark Mystic, “Hmph, not too shabby.” He spoke as if taunting his opponents as if saying that was only about as good as it gets.

“How you holding up Jones,” Ben called over to make sure his friend was okay.

“Tch, don’t worry about me, worry about this guy. He might be tougher than the Demon Lords you all fought.” Jones Venture replied off with a little huff of his breath, he’s seen strong creatures like the Demon Lords, but the Dark Mystics might be a new case for trouble.

“Believe me, the Dark Mystics can be tough enemies, but only their strongest fighters could be a problem.” Ben replied off to say this in knowing the feeling, only the stronger Dark Mystics can be the most troublesome foes.

“I see you learn to understand your position, young Benjamin, then why not give up?” Shadow Dragon smiled in seeing that Ben has learn about understanding how strong a foe can be, but question remains…will he acknowledge defeat.

“I’m not as foolish to go that far!” Ben spoke off to say as he got into his battle position, he’s not quoting yet.

“He ain’t the only one!” Jones Venture spoke off in the same determination as Ben was, this battle ain’t over yet.

“Then try to survive this if you can.” Shadow Dragon stated to give fair warning to those that shall see that he’s no easy enemy to underestimate.

Now Shadow Dragon was preparing something, he charges up dark magical energy force around his front right hoof. This move seems to signal to the gang in watching out for what’s coming.

“Darkness Oblivion Be….” Shadow Dragon was about to announce the name of his attack when…

“NOW,” Ben shouted off to say as if giving the signal to the moment before the enemy finishes that sentence.

Soon Jones Venture lash his whip forth that tangle around Shadow Dragon’s hooves where his attack was gonna be launch from, and tug them to one side. That in turn cause the attack Shadow Dragon finished and unleash to be misfired from hitting any of the good guys, but bad as it impacted any of the bad guys; even Tech screamed like never before in being knock across.

“Ugh…I’m okay.” Tech groans to say this, but in truth, he ain’t okay.

“What?” Shadow Dragon responded surprise and confused, the whip tug made his attack point the other way and away from the heroes.

“Clashfruvhmm….” Soon Ben clashes his sword against his foe’s blade as that pushed Shadow Dragon backwards now. The enemy would have used his other hoof, but Jones Venture kept it latch on to give them the advantage, now Shadow Dragon is fighting with one hoof, but still….even that can be enough for him.

And with Burnblast, he was still facing off against Kilik right now. Kilik was dodging or counterattacking against an attack his foe called ‘X-Jet’ that cross slash forward with his six swords. But when Burnblast saw that his own ally was having some form of difficulty, he decided to quit this playing around stuff.

“Looks like he’s having some difficulty; I’ll lean him a hoof when I finish with you.” Burnblast stated in seeing how Shadow Dragon seems to be given some trouble, maybe he’ll lean aid after he’s taken care of this task first.

“You seem different from the other Dark Mystics. You…and Shadow Dragon, I sense it…” Kilik spoke in studying this opponent; he senses something strange with this one and Shadow Dragon. “You both have some form of what little light remains in you.” Kilik spoke words that almost anyone heard right, that while Shadow Dragon was supposed to be a good pony once long ago, could it be that he might not be the only member of the Dark Mystics that might still have….some remains of not being truly evil?

“What are you talking about, you’re strange. And it’s time I finish off that!” Burnblast rub off the subject to begin the battle as he prepares himself. “Phantom Drive!” Now he does a horizontal sweep, then leaps and slams the ground, causing an electrical shockwave that goes forward.

“Len Pin Jab!” Kilik focus his magic blue aura around his pole-rod, jabs it through the ground, which lets out blue magic bolt jabs to attack anything from underground.

Now both ground wave attacks collided to which Kilik stopped his foe’s attack from reaching him, but it made lots of smoke. But coming out of the smoke cloud was Burnblast with another move up his sleeve. And it look like his magic aura was going up for something big to be done.

“This will end it….Crazy Stream!” Burnblast issued forth to say this as he suddenly brings forth 6 swords in his hold and does a wide radius as everything hits nearby are damaged for each time they are hit again and he’s going to perform this on the target before him.

“Yikes! Kilik, watch out!” Pinkie Pie yelps in fear in thinking Kilik can’t duck what he can’t see coming.

“Oh dear, he won’t make it in time.” Fluttershy yelps in fear, that move looks too fast to dodge in time.

“Wait…what’s that?” Twilight spoke in seeing something strange was about to happen.

Kilik was seen with his eyes shut, ignoring the approaching danger as time seem to slow down in his surroundings. His field sense allowed him to envision an Eight Trigram circle, but this one was a double version to it and his speed was…twice as fast as before.

“To attack so many attacks….I give you this!” Kilik responded to say this, as he got in a battle position, and… “Eight Trigrams One Hundred Twenty-Eight Strikes,” He announced this towards his opponent in getting ready now.

Now things truly got super intense as Burnblast struck with quick maneuvers of his blades, but he soon meant a match to. Once Burnblast was within range of the Kilik's field of divination, the stance he performs with combination of his pole-rod and begins to deliver the attack: First, two consecutive strikes to make two; Second, another two consecutive strikes to make four; Third, four consecutive strikes to make eight; Fourth, eight consecutive strikes to make sixteen; Fifth, sixteen consecutive strikes to make thirty two; Sixth, thirty two consecutive strikes to make sixty four; Seventh, another sixty four consecutive strikes in succession to make a total of one hundred and twenty eight strikes. All of those hits against Burnblast’s six swords was not only enough to stop them from harming him, but knock away five blades out of the guy’s grasp.

“No way; He countered every single slash I threw at him! Only Shadow Dragon could ever have done that!” Burnblast responded surprised, there has never been any pony besides Shadow Dragon to pull off such a comeback.

“Tachyon Spiral,” Kilik now focuses much of all of his magical energy around his body & that of the Dvapara-Yuga mirror into his pole, thus giving off a powerful wave flow of purest of pure magic energy. He held forth the front and whirl it around that unleashes a pure form spiral gust blast of white light. The attack caught Burnblast by surprise as it pushed him across the field before it cease and left him alone.

“Grrrr….” Burnblast lets off a groan of pain as he looked at himself; his armor was almost completely broken through. “So that is what Houndkiller meant, a light that could kill a being of darkness by causing great pain.” He spoke in recalling what Houndkiller went through when he touch the sacred mirror Kalik holds, it causes great intense injury on beings of darkness and evil, fortunately for him…he seems to have just ‘managed’ to not be out of the game yet.

“Guuagh….” Then Shadow Dragon was seen pushed back to be near Burnblast as well as the three warriors of Ben, Jones Venture and Kilik stood their ground. “It seems you’ve been practicing your skills well, Ben Mare? And your allies seem most well prepared…” Shadow Dragon responded to say while slowly cracking a little smile at this moment.

“Friends help another out, that’s just how we do things.” Jones Venture spoke off to say this as if the answer was clear as day.

“Hmph, live by your words if you will,” Shadow Dragon remotely spoke off in not bothering of such things, “Burnblast, report.” He then looks to his own ally nearby in asking how he was doing.

“Eeeehhh…..I can still fight.” Burnblast spoke slowly to say, as he pushed himself back up to stand his ground. “A few scratches here and there, but I’ve been through worse.” He spoke off to say in getting himself ready to continue now.

“Um, guys, I hate to interrupt….” Tech comes up while looking all sticky from frog slim still on him.

“Hmph, while looking like that, it’s a good look for you.” Burnblast remotely made a joke about Tech’s new look like it’s a new funny fashion statement.

“Ignoring that, it’s about our forces…” Tech chooses to ignore the remark to continue what he wanted to say.

“What about them?” Shadow Dragon asked in being curious at the moment.

“They’re….gone.” Tech slowly spoke with an uneasy expression of knowing what come next here.

Soon the Dark Mystics see that the ones they brought to aid them in the battle against the heroes were gone. They all fled during the hard times against a giant frog that had kung fu moves, or getting eaten or spit out, or the fact they almost got killed by accident by Shadow Dragon’s misfire. But that wasn’t the only case as it would seem…

“That giant frog thing knocks them off, and then came some of the backup Royal Guards for this kingdom, and…” Tech tries to give an excuse over what happened that it’s now the three of them, but…

Now a loud sound is heard, as Kung Fu Frog stood near the Mane Six as some Royal Guards of the Kingdom of Friendship were on the scene. Even Ben, Kilik and Jones Venture saw they got their backup while having three Dark Mystics to deal with (not including Tech causes he’s hardly notice anyway). The only ones still around to help the remaining baddies out are Drago and his goons!

“Better get ready, we are up, all well, and got a GIANT Kung Fu Fighting Frog on our side! And yeah, last one sounds fishy, but who cares!” Phobos was bringing down tome extra serving remarks towards this guys.

“Right! We’re ready now! We’re ready to fight you guys, and as acting prince for the week, I’m not letting you harm this kingdom.” Spike declared forth this statement of what he’s gonna try to do even in such a situation where he’s not a real prince.

Studying the situation, Shadow Dragon could determine that if they stick around to fight anymore, even if they take out more of the heroes, more will show up…including strong Mystic allies. There was but one course of action left to do now….

“Well play, you seem to have managed to hold your own even when leadership has been shifted.” Shadow Dragon slowly responded to say with a little smile in what was being done here, even with Spike trying to run a kingdom, in the end, nothing was gain or lost. “I suppose there is no more a need for us to be here.” He slowly stated while withdrawing his sword, signaling the end of fighting.

“Shadow Dragon, you’re not giving up. I can still fight, I shall defeat them and conquer this nation kingdom.” Burnblast stated in what he was seeing, surely they can still win this.

“We’ve already kept our presence here long enough, soon it will attract the Mystics to come. And with their strongest forces to deal with us, we shall fallback for now.” Shadow Dragon explained the case of what has happened thus far and staying here just draws more attention. “But rest assure, this is not the end, it’s not a defeat nor victory.” He explained that they did not lose this fight as it seems.

“Very well then….” Burnblast slowly nods his head, as he sheath away his own swords at the moment. “I had thought the mortals had long lost valid warriors, but it seems there are still a few that remain. Until the next time we battle,” He spoke to say this to the heroes faces while giving this statement of the next time they’ll see him again in their future battles.

"No! I'm not leaving until I destroy Spike!" Drago exclaims in rage. He isn't going to give up just when the opportunity to kill Spike is at hand, "Mega Dragon Fireball!"

"Spike! NO!" Twilight exclaims in horror.

Dragon threw a large Mega Dragon Fireball at Spike. BOOM! Instead of Spike, Twilight was hit when she pushed him aside. She was knocked to the walls hard before dropping to the ground.

"TWILIGHT," Most of the heroes, especially Ben and Nyx, exclaims in horror.

"Mommy," Nyx exclaims in shock as she trots over to the fallen Twilight.

"No, not 'dis!" Applejack exclaims frantically.

"Drago, you monster," Golden Heart yells out at the attacking Drago furiously. He pulled a sneak attack that could end even an Alicorn, especially someone like Twilight!

"That could work as well." Dragon remarks with a shrug, uncaring as to what happened. As long as Spike suffer.

"Mommy," Spike ask in horror to Twilight. She isn't moving. This causes him to scream in anger, "DRAGO!"

Spike charged in and battled with Drago while crying and screaming in anger. He tried to punch and kick at his enemey, who dodged the attacks quickly for a few times. Spike launched his Dragon Flame while Drago launched his. They both clashed at the middle for the moment. Drago's flame pushed Spike's back and back to him before he got himself blasted. Spike was about to get back up, but Drago grabbed the temporarily Prince of Friendship and punched on his guts for a few times before slamming him to the ground.

"Time to finish this; It's over, Spike. Twilight's dead!" Drago exclaims wickedly to Spike, hurting him emotionally than physically.

Spike groaned in anger, "SHUT UP; Nova Blast!"

Spike launched his big blazing fireball at Drago's face. The villain shook his head gently. He was about to attack but Lightningblade appeared before him as he gave a powerful Thunderbolt Struck on Drago, sending the villain to the ground very hard. Drago won't have much strength left if he keeps on fighting! Time to retreat for now.

Drago growled in anger, "I'll be back for you, Spike. We'll meet again!"

Drago disappeared from sight in black smoke. Now the Dark Mystics and their allies vanish in a portal of darkness, and so did Burnblast’s swords that remained. Once the portal vanished, did many of the gang sigh in relief, their enemies have retreated.

However...

Spike held the knocked-out Twilight crying, "Twilight!" No response. He sniffed. "Please, don't leave me! Don't leave me, mommy! Please..."

"No, this cannot be." Fluttershy said with a sad whimper. The others look sad and disbelieved. Twilight cannot be gone already!

"No, this cannot happen." Pinkie said as her mane and tail went flat and limp. It looks like the poor pink pony is going to cry.

Suddenly, Burnblast appeared before Spike and his friends. The others looks alarmed and angry. After everything that he and his pals had done, Burnblast got some nerve to come back here?!

"What do you want, Burnblast?!" Ben demands angrily to Burnblast, with tears in his eyes.

"Haven't we suffered enough?!" Dragon Kick demands furiously to Burnblast. Mighty Heart wanted so much to crush this villain for daring to come back as if to taunt the heroes.

"Chillax, I'm not here to fight. I'm here to help." Burnblast said, trying to reason with the gang.

"Help," Tao ask Burnblast in disbelief. "What do you mean 'help'?"

"How can you help anyway?" Barbara ask Burnblast, wondering what the villain will do to help. Even some of the others are puzzled as to his true intentions.

Burnblast turns to Spike, asking him in a gentle way, "Spike, tell me: do you really care Twilight so much?"

Spike sniffed while responding to Burnblast's question, "To me, she's always be my mother till the very end..."

"Stand back, kid. This is a mighty tricky one."

"What is he crazy?!' Rainbow asks in alarm, suspecting that Burnblast is up to no good, "How do we know that he won't kill Twilight?!"

"Right, what makes him think we could trust him?!" Rarity exclaims in agreement. Some of the others is doubting this. Burnblast may end up killing Twilight instead of helping!

"Let him do it."Lightningblade said, much to some of the others' surprise. He is going to trust this guy? "Trust me. I know he can..."

Most of the others are skeptic, but if Lightningblade can agree to trust Burnblast, then they will have to allow him to help. As they watch, the villain holds his hooves over Twilight which begins to spark with electricity. The ponies, mostly Ben, Nyx and Spike, cringe as he zaps Twilight like mad. For a moment, after a few times, it doesn't look like the tactic would work.

But suddenly, as if by a miracle, Twilight gasped in shock before coughing out loud. Phobos gasps, "Holy tribute to a video game! It worked!"

"Mother, you're okay!" Nyx exclaims as she jumps over to Twilight, nuzzling her mother in relief that she's safe.

Pinkie's mane and tail goes back to normal (sort of) as she exclaims, "Just like in the Batman game; Yay!"

"I guess Burnblast did do it after all." Ben said with a smile. Even the others got to admit. Burnblast did good in bringing Twilight back like that.

Spike, tears in his eyes and full with joy in his heart, hugs his adopted mother, sobbing, "You're okay! You're alright! I thought I've lost you!"

Twilight, recovering, hugs Spike right back, saying gently, "Oh, Spike... And I'm very sorry for putting you in a difficult position."

"It's okay. I would like to take my job back."

"For once, we agreed. I'm just glad you're alright."

Lightningblade smiles a bit. Twilight is going to be all right. He turns to Burnblast who is about to make his departure, speaking, "Thank you, Lord Burnblast."

Burnblast scoffed, "Don't mention it. After all, that's what best friends were for."

"Wait, hang on." Rainbow said as he flies over to Burnblast, a bit puzzled. "You and your pals attacked and almost kill us."

"Yeah, I agree. Why help us?" Pinkie asks Burnblast, turning her head a bit.

"Let's just say... I hate to see someone loses his master or servant. Wanna know why?" Burnblast ask everyone else, making them a bit curious, concerned and/or still disbelieved. "They're family and brothers. Just like how LB and me get along from the old days. So rookies and amateurs, you're not so tough as I had heard from....but at the same time, some of you are. Not saying I'm disappointed or upset, but the next time, be prepared for the duel. See ya."

Brunblast disappeared in black and navy mixed smoke. The ponies hope the next time, they don't have to fight him!

“Man, that was too close. I almost thought it was over.” Spike sighs with relief, he thought the enemies were gonna continue to attack them.

“Why? Just cause the enemy could take advantage of Twilight not leading and she almost got killed, and you bungle the job and they take over, win the battle, and…” Phobos shrug off to say this of what was going on that could be Spike’s fault for not letting Twilight take over or almost allowing her to get killed, but…was cut off before finishing.

“Phobos,” Nyx scolds her baby dragon pet pal for speaking a little over the top there.

“What? Just speaking out loud,” Phobos replied off in seeing what he do that was wrong.

“Very loud,” A few of the others responded to that question.

“Hopefully, they won’t be trying to attack again.” Goldie stated in hoping their enemies won’t attack next time.

“But if they do, we’re ready!” Pinkamena smiled off to say that they’ll be ready the next time around.

“We appreciate some assistants from you.” Omega thanked Jones Venture & Kilik for the extra saving work.

“It was the least we could do, right Kung Fu Frog?” Jones Venture happily responded to say while looking to his Guardian friend who let off a crook frog response.

“Kilik, I heard you say something strange…what did you mean?” Twilight asked a question that was intriguing her a bit.

“As you know, there is good and evil, one’s path can go either way. However…” Kilik spoke to explain the case in where one’s path leads them down such a road. “As Ben feels there remains some good in Shadow Dragon, he’s not the only one. While all of the Dark Mystics are evil, some hold different principles to differentiate from others.”

This did surprise some of the gang, but they wonder…were there any Dark Mystics that would even considered to be alright? Heck, a lot of them are just down right evil to the core. But when they think about it, there was some Dark Mystic that gave them trouble, but seem ‘UNABLE’ to recall him, it was during with Sunset Shimmer from the Human World, that Grimmore erase their memories to save that planet from destruction.

“So then, like…how can a Dark Mystic be different from the rest that are evil?” Fluttershy asked a good question about the subject.

“Well, Burnblast seem to have some form of a good term of being friendly with Shadow Dragon. Could it be some sense of honor?” Dragon Kick spoke in thinking that was one different base, if Dark Mystics have honor, it’s a sense where it’s being good to their word and not betray honor.

“That’s hard to know, but…I guess if it’s possible. Maybe…I’m not sure?” Ben spoke in having a hard time if maybe besides Shadow Dragon, Burnblast might actually be an alright character; if it’s possible that is.

“When the one called Houndkiller touch the scared mirror, it burn & caused him great pain. For Burnblast, he felt the effects, but managed to hold on. For now, we must watch for what actions he may perform in future battles.” Kilik explained the cases of when one evil soul was feeling so much pain, another was not completely injured, such actions must be noted to watch over.

“Well, at least I can relax now.” Spike sighs to say this in knowing that with this, it’s the end of feeling anything to worry about.

“No yet Spike, now you have to help guide everyone in rebuilding what was destroyed during that battle.” Twilight spoke to tell her baby Dragon friend something else of the case.

“What? But I don’t know how to do that, or how to handle things after a major fallou!?” Spike yelps in hearing another important task that he must do as prince to a kingdom.

“That’s why I’ll help out, we’ll do this together.” Twilight assured her dragon friend of why she was here.

“So how long do you both still gotta do this?” Jones Venture asked Ben in wondering how long these two gotta still do such things as filling in the other one’s duty.

“At least a little longer, if they can hold out,” Ben smiled off to make a light subject of the matter as a joke.

Now everyone joins in on the laughter while Spike sorta lets off a chuckle or two at this. This was gonna be just another day where Spike is filling in for Twilight’s role as princess to a kingdom. But at least the threat with Burnblast is now over, at least with Spike acting as the leader and in-charge guy, he’ll actually be glad to only take the role as assistant to assist in areas. As everything goes dark at this moment and time…
> Chapter 5: The Road to Rainbow
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 5: The Road to Rainbow


With Burnblast, Drago and their allies beaten, the heroes are heading on home. As they do so Golden Heart looks around, as he ask, "Hmm, wonder where's my little sister?" 

A loud scream is heard as they see DJ Fist is sent flying far away as Pinkamena comes out of the hole and stretches. She shakes her fur.

"Well that was some heck of a work out and from what I can see everything is happy and seems like I can sense love between Spike and that female Dragon..................hmm Barbara is it?" Pinkamena ask Barbara. She nods as Pinkamena says, "Indeed, well anyway, we best be getting back home right, Goldie Jack Zen and others?"

They nod as she smile. Pinkamena comments, "Good, now lets head off." 

The group heads off. Spike turns to Barbara, smiling as he said to her, "Barbara, thanks for saving my life."

"Yeah, we all do." Twilight said to Barbara with the others smiling while nodding. The female Dragon risk her life to help Spike out.

Barbara giggled, "It's the least I can do. After all, we all Dragons need to work together."

"So with you out of Drago's gang, what will you do now?" Rainbow asks Barbara curiously.

"Right; where would yew hang yer hat, if yer pardon 'de expression." Applejack commented, adjusting her own cowpony hat.

"Who knows? Probably looking for some place to work since I left Drago's Force; I can't believe that jerk was trying to hurt his own kin." Barbara said, disgusted by Drago's actions, especially when he wanted to hurt Spike so much. "He maybe a Dragon, but he is no friend of mine."

Spike thought for the moment. He got an idea while saying, "I think I can solve that."

------------

With the help of a portal, the group arrives in the lands where Spike's grandfather Spykoran and the good Dragons currently rule. The little Dragon introduces Barbara to them and asked Spykoran if she could stay and help out for a while. The Dragon King agrees, sensing goodness in Barbara and that she will be a good help to her allies in the mid future.

At this moment, Spike turns to face Barbara, the baby Dragon girl who helped him out. He gulps a bit in looking at her cute face, but Spike shakes it off to try to stay focus and try talking to this girl…he’s done so with ponies, why not a Dragon too?

“So, ugh…Barbara, what are your plans now after ditching Drago’s group?” Spike asked a bit in being almost bashful to wonder what this new dragon friend of his will do, "Besides staying here?"

“I don’t know. Maybe I’ll do a little more thinking of what I should do with my life while I look around this…Equestria place.” Barbara shrug off to say this in not knowing what to do, maybe find out what she can do by traveling a bit when not living in the Dragon lands..

“So then…you’re heading out?” Spike asked off in sounding a little sad to hear that.

“Only for a little while, maybe I’ll stop by and say hi from time to time.” Barbara smiled off to say in trying to cheer up Spike to not get depressed.

“Oh, okay…that sounds nice. But, will you be okay on your own?” Spike tried to recover to say while also wondering if this girl Dragon can survive on her own; he did that once to go off, and well…the experience with Garble is in his mind.

“I’ve been with Drago’s bunch to know what to do to survive, I’ll manage.” Barbara stated that she hang with a group that survived against many things, so she’s got the right survival skills.

Soon Barbara was beginning to walk on off as she turns back towards the others…and towards Spike.

“Bye-bye now, I’ll visit whenever I can!” Barbara waved off to say in giving a little goodbye.

“Bye Barbara…and thanks a bunch!” Spike was saying his farewells in looking as happy as can be. “Hugh?” Then when Barbara was out of sight, he let off a sigh with a strange goofy face.

“What’s eating you, Spike?” Phobos asked off in seeing something weird with Spike.,

“Ugh, nothing…just…just…um…gotta go!” Spike yelps in seeing that he was doing something and then quickly decided to leave the rest of his group too.

“Hugh, you know, I think that’s the same sorta blush action that he makes with Rarity.” Phobos spoke off to raise an eyebrow in thinking that action from Spike seems to suggesting something crazy.

“Maybe in the future, Barbara might be some dragon for Spike since Rarity might find love with a new stallion.” Nyx stated something random that came to her mind to break the fourth wall to say.

The others look at Nyx strangely while Pinkie Pie was just the normal look.

“In the words I say to Pinkie Pie, I’ll say to you Nyx. You are so random.” Rainbow Dash slowly responded to say this to the black filly.

“Just like Aunt Pinkie Pie!” Nyx proudly said this as something she inherited from her aunt.

The gang laugh a little at that thought very much, as they continued to do so while we slowly zoom away from the scene that begins to fad out at this particular moment.

---------------

The scene opens to some portion between the End of Equestria and Equestria itsself, where it was revealed to be….a real dump. No seriously, it’s a junkyard. For this place can be called; ‘Scrape Center, as it has storage of over thousands among thousands of what was thrown away during times of war and times of failed inventions, even busted mechanical stuff. It’s an off base sight where hardly anyone goes to, because the place has a field that keeps only normal creatures from coming to the place filled with dangerous stuff; and it includes ponies to be kept out and cannot enter. However, the scene shows that dangerous creatures of unnatural force can get in, such as those of evil or more likely…Demon Lord quality. This place had long became a secluded spot that Strikemaster Ice’s group found and hid it from Drago and the rest…until certain circumstances required it’s services. For the fact that Drago and his Dragonized group had to vacate the hot spot when they almost won, even Barbara who was suppose to work with them turn traitor, but at least that pink Dragon doesn’t know about this place to rat them out further to the heroes.

Right now, Drago was seen marching across a line up group of his humanoid Dragon group soldiers, each one as different as the next. But the main focus was on three that appeared with brown long short pants down to their knees which got covered close, black sash belts, red sleeveless shirts with a fire emblem in the middle. They also had pierced gold loop rings in their ears. They each had emerald dragon's scales which exposed their bare feet, or claw talon paws, a tail behind themselves, and had red eyes, they were Dragonized henchman that are the best in Drago’s bunch: Strikemaster Ice, MC Cobra & DJ Fist (later return from parts unknown and healed over) But Drago was not looking too happy, now, far from it…he was looking mad.

“Was that a joke back there?” Drago asked with a threatening tone of his voice. “Did I hire clowns?” He asked this off to those that were here as if scolding them. “Out of all those in our group, you three have powers beyond your wildest imagination. And you amateurs can’t get pass an archeologist, a tub of gut, an old stallion, some little fillies, Element Wielding Ponies along with Non-Element Users and baby dragons?” He was really digging in the wounds of those that were defeated as he did not like it, not one bit. “I was expecting results, but this….is just pitiful!” He was deeply disappointed right now and he was holding back his inner rage.

“Yo D, don’t hate the players, hate the game.” Strikemaster Ice spoke off his street slang talk to his boss of the event.

“Yeah, we almost had them. Till them Dark Mystics retreated.” MC Cobra pointed out they almost won if not for the fault of the other team.

“And what do anyone of YOU have to say about your own faults?” Drago snapped off to gaze at those here that also didn’t seem to fair too well either.

DJ Fist was trying to speak, but a little yellow charm necklace he had under his shirt spark and was on the fritz.

“Ugh, he would if he could, but kinda got a problem here.” MC Cobra pointed out what was wrong with DJ Fist here.

“Looks like DJ Fist’s communication charm got busted bad. That weirdo pink pony gave him a hurting.” Strikemaster Ice stated in knowing that DJ Fist had a rough fight with Pinkamena. “But maybe we can fix it.” He said this for a thought.

Then the charm Fist held finally gave out as it scattered to pieces…along with his way of speaking.

“Or…not,” Strikemaster Ice slowly spoke in seeing that became a bummer to see.

“Bummer, Fist, now we won’t hear your thoughts when you try moving them lips.” MC Cobra stated off to Fist on seeing that the guy will now be silent since that thing help him talk.

“Grrraaaaaughhhh,” Drago growls off in fury in staring at those goofing around. “Forget it! Waste of effort, maybe it’ll keep you all to focus on what’s important!” He snaps to forget helping to get a charm to help DJ Fist to speak; they have other, more important things to deal with, “For starters….being betrayed by a new traitor, Barbara, and knowing that Twilight Sparkle….is still ALIVE!” He snapped off in looking furious as flames blew out of his nostrils to show he’s ticked off.

“Yo, you sure about that pony; Didn’t she block your attack directed to fil-a your cousin?” Strikemaster Ice asked off in recalling what Drago did that should have ended Twilight’s life back then.

“No way dude; I saw it all, and get this! Burnblast was the one who heal her up, yo. Crazy mix emotion of which ones enemy and friend,” MC Cobra explained the case to the rest of informing Drago of how Twilight survived and who helped her out…their enemy.

“Arrrrughhhh,” Drago roars off in fury to blow out flames from his mouth before he was finished. “The next time I see that Dark Mystic, he’s gonna PAY for stealing the revenge meant for my father!” Drago snapped off in what he’ll do if he ever sees Burnblast, he’ll chew it out against the rest of the Dark Mystics for allowing an uncontrollable member to heal their target.

“Don’t you mean your mother?” MC Cobra pointed out that Drago’s pop is now a girl in Warring Malice’s body.

Then Drago felt feed up to sudden grasp MC Cobra and smack him against some metal plates. The other teen Dragon look nervous in front of a tick off Drago as the others watches with worry of what happens here.

“I’m gonna make this ‘Extra Clear’ from now on, so you three and every last one of you knows this!” Drago was explaining this to his best fighters and his entire group of minions. “My father, Shendu’s spirit, possesses a mare’s body; technically, he’s only using it while his real body is not gone. So until his body is free and his spirit goes back to it, the one called Warring Malice is NOT…my mother. GOT IT!” He explained the case so that everyone who keeps insisting his dad is his mom get that idea out of their heads unless they got a BURN Death Wish on their minds.

“Oh yeah, sure,” MC Cobra nods off with a sweaty face of looking nervous by such threat of their messing around.

“Got no problem with that, yo,” Strikemaster Ice nods off to say this while DJ Fist silently nods as did the rest of Drago’s group.

“Good.” Drago muffled off to say in a spiteful tone of making sure that his point was crystal clear.

Then Drago toss MC Cobra aside towards DJ Fist who caught him. Then suddenly, appearing by magic was Shendu’s Spirit Head as he came by without Warring Malice, as Drago saw his father and approach while the others watch what father and son would chat about.

“I’m glad to see you could at least visit us in your spirit head form without the mare accompanying you, father.” Drago remotely stated in having been tired to see his father in such a state.

“Indeed, but I am as displease as you are, my son. That our plan for revenge was ruined.” Shendu spoke in speaking of what has happened that cause their plan to become disarray.

“So then, what now…? Try to strike back again?” Drago asked off in what they do from here, try to attack the ponies and Spike to…

“I think not, for it seems there is a new development going on.” Shendu halted his son’s actions to speak of something else going on. “An event outside this world is about to take place, one to which we can use to our advantage to plot a new course of vengeance.” He spoke in stating something that is happening that shall be taking place soon.

“And just how does that help?” Drago raised an eyebrow on the question.

“A Dimensional ripe will happen should someone from this world venture to the other, allowing unstable magic forces to respond.” Shendu explained the concept of the matter that shall play out for them. “Within due time, it will help to reawaken the remaining Stone Dragons of Tadaka’s Army and raise them back among us.” He explained the concentrated matter of where the discussion was going.

“But I thought after Spike & Lorcan fought, most of those Dragons were purified or turn to dust. Thanks to Spike using those pony trinkets...the Elements of Harmony,” Drago stated his own thought on the memory of that battle while being spiteful of who caused such a matter.

“Some, yes, others were unfortunate with fate. But now…they shall become our next allies when the time is right.” Shendu explained that those turn to stone, are in stasis, and can be brought back to them, “And also, the return of Tadaka.” He spoke this next message that brought a surprise to Drago’s face.

“How so,” Drago asked in being curious, Tadaka should already be dead from his execution.

“Through the means of one Demon who is above us all, you know him well as the ruler of Tartarus that is his prison.” Shendu spoke in stating the answer that even his son would know.

“Grimmore…” Drago spoke the very name, the one Demon of which all other Demons see him as the most powerful and greatest evil that Equestria has ever know.

“He is the Demon God that not even all eight Demon Lords can beat, but at the same time…as long as we do not tempt him, he can aid us more than the others.” Shendu explained that they must cooperate with Grimmore than be his enemies as he could end them all without even trying; that’s how terrifying the Overlord King truly is that he stands at the top of the Three Lords.

“Alright then, I get the picture. Keep our associates close and our enemies even closer and vice-versa.” Drago spoke off to hold up his arms in getting the idea.

“Good, as of now, the Dark Mystics are trying to aid us as are the Apocalypse Ponies to make our host stronger with Dark Elements, but I fear our service will almost expire. Which is why you, my son, shall help your aunts and uncles in eliminating our enemies,” Shendu explains the case of what maybe the subject of giving such responsibilities. “Until then, you are to prepare, do not strike unless we, your family, say so.” He gave the order that Drago must not act on his own and he must get word from the other Demon Lords even if asked from Superior or Dark Curse.

“Understood father….” Drago nods his head in understanding the idea perfectly well.

Then Shendu’s spirit head vanished from sight as Drago turns back to face his group, as they yelp in not knowing what will happen now.

“Alright listen up; I want this place to be turn from a scrapheap into a base WORTHY of me. And I want weapons, vehicle transports, anything melted down and turn into something useful…” Drago was giving out some big orders here in what he wants to be done. “If those ponies and Mystics think they seen the last of the Son of Shendu, then they are sourly mistaken.” Drago declared this that this is not the end for him, far from it.

“Yes sir!” The other Dragonzed soldiers responded to the order and scattered to get anything that looks useful.

“Yo big D, what your pops tell you?” Strikemaster Ice asked his boss of what Shendu was telling him.

“That if we’re to stay in this game, we need to get ahead of the rest.” Drago spoke off the matter of how things were gonna go down from now on.

“So we like staying put yo?” MC Cobra asked off puzzled as DJ Fist shrug off his shoulders as he don’t know either.

“As much as getting revenge on Spike and making him suffering and everyone else involved with that shrimpy cousin of mine. We’re staying put. And I don’t care how long it takes, we’ll move out…when I say so!” Drago sternly scolds the Demon Teen Dragons of what is gonna be going on and how it’s gonna work for them.

“Yo, works for me. Ain’t no real thing ta bug about.” Strikemaster Ice yelps with his claws up to calm his boss as he got the picture.

“Yeah, we’ll just help in making some stuff here, yo.” MC Cobra pointed around them in seeing they can help, they are crafty in what they make.

As Drago’s henchmen move away to begin working on some sorta armored up pickup jeep, with big rubber tires, spike plates, extra horsepower tailpipes, and different color paint jobs and weaponry & Demonic style designs. Strikmaster Ice always said, ‘his boys were good at having advance knowledge of machinery’ to make even dangerous stuff out from stuff in a junkyard. And while that was going on, Drago was above on a tower while looking over yonder. 

“Enjoy your days ahead Spike, cause it looks like your problems with family….aren’t gonna go away so easily.” Drago spoke off with an evil smile on his face in knowing what irony is coming for Spike. “And I’ll be there to watch in seeing you fall off your horsy friends when it does.” He made a mockery of how Spike will fall off his mighty horse, namely, his pony pals…they’ll all be history.

Now the scene zooms away with Drago making his maniacal laughter as his Dragonized minions continue to work in turning Scrap Center into a fortifiable base of operation. Let it be known, that Drago, the Son of Shendu is gonna bind his time, and when the right moment to strike comes, ‘WHAM!’, that’ll be the end of it. With that, everything goes dark with more questions of thought of what this other evil shall do in the near future.

---------------------------

The gang returns to the Friendship Rainbow Kingdom castle, recovering from their battle. Looks like things have been patch up...except for one simple matter.

Tao sighs, recalling the argument that led to this mess. He spoke to Mighty Heart in a remorseful voice, "Mighty Heart, I truly wish to say I am sorry for demanding you so much. I should know that everyone deserve to rest than overdoing. After all, you are not a robot, you are a living pony; and of course, for insulting your mother too."

Mighty Heart nods, saying, "Indeed. And I am very sorry for that I did to you, especially your son. He was indeed a good one. And he was lucky to have you."

"Indeed." Tao sighed. "I wish I can save him in time. If there's a possible way, I would be glad to see him come back."

"I know what you mean. I pray to him to come back too. So what should we do?"

"Let's have some Vegetable Dumplings. I heard there's a new Chinese Restaurant built up at Ponyville."

Dragon Kick smiled, saying to Tao and Mighty proudly, "I'm glad you two are on good term."

"About time; Boy... You two are sure got problems to apologize for." Jade commented in amazement by this.

"At least those two finally put an end to this barbaric argument." Rarity remarks, while moving her mane with one hoof. "These arguments are too difficult to end simply."

"It's nice that they kiss and make up." Fluttershy said meekly. "Well, minus the kissing part."

"Oh yes, I know what you mean, darling."

"So Lightningblade, about Burnblast..." Ben said in concern, reminding Lightningblade of his history with Burnblast, "If you don't mind going into that subject."

"Right, so what happened?" Nyx ask Lightningblade in concern.

Lightningblade sighed sadly; the subject was too painful for him to speak about at first, "Burnblast... He was like a brother to me. Ever since my family joined his father: Councilpony and General of Thunder, he and I were great friends and brothers. We both trained together and fought our enemies hard. We even were chosen by the Elements of Harmony. I was chosen by Element of Thunder while Lord Burnblast was chosen by Element of Lightning. And so together, we fought and overcome our battles and wars till the very end..."

"Two more Elements," Applejack ask, whistling in amazement. "Dang, never heard o' just a thing."

"Until now anyway," Rainbow commented in amusement. "So what, you don't got those elements anymore or something?"

Twilight shot a glare at Rainbow for asking an insensitive question like that. Surprisingly, Lightningblade doesn't seem offended as he answers, "We grow tired from the battles and so we gave up our Elements of Lightning and Thunder. Until Shadow Dragon came, Lord Burnblast and I trained him to be a warrior. Young Shadow Dragon defeated us. Burnblast was amazed and impressed by his skills because... there was none who could defeat him before. Then... something changed Shadow Dragon to side with the Darkness. Feeling upset and disappointed, Burnblast followed and joined with him until he defeat him. I could not follow my own master because... my duty comes first. I never seen him again until now..."

"Wow." Spike said in amazement. "That explains a lot."

"Yeah, I am concerned for you, Lightningblade." Twilight said, patting Lightningblade on the back gently. "You lost more than a mentor, you lost a good friend."

Lightningblade sighed, looking down as he comments, "Perhaps, I can only hope that one day, Lord Burnblast will return to me..."

---------------

At this moment, Lightningblade was speaking with Kilik & Jones Venture, giving them each a share of thanks in helping out when they could.

"You both truly arrived at a perfect time, how did you find our location?" Lightningblade spoke in having wonder how these two found their way to Drago's hideaway.

"I'm an explorer, I can track things pretty alright, plus, I let a tracker on Spike when he wasn't looking before he got kidnapped." Jones Venture exclaimed to say on how he managed to pull off such a feat.

"I see, so that's how you found Drago's hideout. You both have my thanks, especially in aiding our fight against Shadow Dragon and my old master Burnblast." Lightningblade responded to say this to those that have help in fending off against some strong Dark Mystic adversaries.

"The honor is ours for helping out our friends in trouble." Kilik spoke with honesty of what they did, they done so for their friends.

"Yes, it would seem you are worthy users of your elements. Jones, you help Ben in combinations that gave an edge, even to counter an enemy's attack from hitting your ally." Lightningblade stated forth in seeing these two Equestrian's potential, and from one of them that help the Triforce Wielder really give Shadow Dragon a hard time, somewhat.

"Thanks, and getting praise by a Mystic is as satisfying to be glad Tao cured me when we meant. How's he and Mighty Heart doing?" Jones Venture replied back to the comment while wondering if Tao and his assistant are now on better terms.

"Much better now than they were beforehand." Lightningblade stated with a smile to say those two Mystics that were upset with another, are over it. "And Kilik, I was also very amazed that you could compete with my old master. Very few, even myself have had hard times." He turn to Kilik in acknowledging the guy has remarkable skills, especially when he stopped Burnblast's Crazy Stream, that's a powerful attack very few can follow such speedy strike movements to counter.

"It's mostly from my training and....from Dvapara-Yuga." Kilik spoke to say in what he's done is what he was train to do, and he looks to his sacred mirror he holds. "The mirror itself was the greatest edge against those of darkness. But it seems from what I mentioned & what he did for Twilight may prove that he has not entirely fallen to be evil." What Kilik spoke seems to state that Burnblast may indeed not be entirely an evil enemy as they thought, he's someone that has a form of honor which itself, contains the light of goodness.

"Seeing what we seen and the evidence I have witness, he may still be saved. I only ask you both help when needed or if you are in the area to aid the Mane Six & Ben's party." Lightningblade stated to say this to those that have fought to help them out.

"It would be a great honor to do so." Kilik humbly bow in a show of respect that he shall help whenever he can.

"Right, you can count on that." Jones Venture replied off to say this about the state of what's being developed here.

"Then I leave you, and again, I give you our thanks." Lightningblade humbly spoke these words as his thanks, as he must leave them now.

Soon Lightningblade turns to leave to attend to other businesses. Kilik tells Jones that he shall return to Zecora to inform her of what has happened, while Jones Venture gets himself ready for his own adventure as well. All in all, things seem to have made a pretty interesting scene of events for everyone...especially the crazy aftermath of that battle.

-----------------------------

The Dark Mystic Ponies make their return to their hideout. Although they fail in getting rid of Spike and their enemies, they did had quite an impact during that time.

Burnblast, who was cleaning himself off, comments, "Gotta admit one thing, Shadow Dragon; that Twilight and Spike are sure something else. That reminds me of me and Lightningblade."

"Indeed... It does remind us of the old time." Shadow Dragon remarks with a nod, "Must have been happy for you to spar with Lightningblade."


Flashback


At a Japanese Dojo, the Young Shadow Dragon watched both Burnblast and Lightningblade sparring with each other through the use of wooden swords. They battled quickly and hard as they can for a few rounds before they both had theirs weapons clashed at each other's hard. They bounced off to the ground very hard.

Shadow Dragon gasped in worry at the event. He galloped towards both of them. He checked on them both. Both Burnblast and Lightningblade slowly got up before glaring at each other. They then laughed together happily.


Flashback Ends


Burnblast huffed at the memory, remarking dryly, "Tell me about it. I'm just glad that I enjoy the fight. By the way, Shadow Dragon; I heard some rumors. So who is this Swipestrike? How come I never heard of him?"

"Me too... I felt like I know him... somewhere. Whoever he was, he can't be trusted." Shadow Dragon said seriously. There's something about Swipestrike that the former Mystic Pony of legend doesn't like at all.

Burnblast nodded, saying in agreement, "Yet Dark Curse let him on the loose for some reason."

"Yes... There is a reason why he had been hidden from us."

"We'll see about it. I just hope Twilight and Spike had a great time together."

"I assure you. They will." Shadow Dragon said to Burnblast in assuration. Something tells the former hero that Twilight and Spike will have a great time together indeed...

-----------------------

The next day, Azure came by the Ponyville castle to see how things are doing. He is relieved to hear that Spike and Twilight has return to their original jobs, yet a bit concerned when the Alicorn told her his report about the event. She was lucky to make it out of that situation alive. If it weren't for Burnblast, not even an Alicorn would've survived!

Azure sighed, "I'm glad you learn a lesson very well, Twilight, or else things could have gone ugly. I hope, in the future that you and Spike will stay where you belong."

Twilight nodded as she comments, "Yes, I understand. Thank you for the teaching, Lord Azure."

Azure nodded his head. A Mystic Soldier came to him as he whispered to him. Azure nodded his head while adding, "Good enough. Twilight, I must leave now. And promise me and Tao - Don't go back to the Human Realm. The friends you had made will never be the same again..."

"Huh?" Nyx ask Azure puzzled. "What do you mean?"

"Yeah, what do you mean, Azure?" Ben asks Azure in concern. Something in the Mystic Pony's tone of voice doesn't sit well with him, Twilight, Spike, Nyx and the others at all…

Instead of answering, Azure turned and exited the Friendship Rainbow Kingdom. A Royal Guard approached Twilight, looking concerned. What he's about to report will not sit well with the Princess at all.

"Your highness, we've brought all of the books you had requested, but there is one problem. Lord Azure took the Magic Mirror." The Royal Guard said to Twilight seriously.

"What," Twilight and most of her friends yell out in shock and alarm.

"He took the mirror?!" Spike asks in concern and disbelief. The magic mirror, which is the pathway to the Human Realm, was given to Twilight from the Crystal Empire a while later she became the new Princess of Friendship.

"Why did Lord Azure take it?" Twilight ask the Royal Guard in alarm. The mirror rightfully belongs to her, not Lord Azure!

"I don't know, ma'am. Lord Azure answered to me that 'Princess Twilight will never go back to Human Realm ever...'" The Royal Guard said seriously. Whatever reason that Azure took the mirror has something to do with what's happening in the Human Friend right now.

"Lord Azure... Why?"

Ben, in concern, excuses himself as he and Nyx rush upstairs. The two ends up in Ben's room and goes over to the bag that Ben uses to put unlimited stuff in. After looking around, the Earth pony then spoke, "Bibbidi-bobbidi-boo!"

The bag opens up as a familiar mirror pops up. Ben and Nyx sighs in relief, the pathway to the Human Realm is still here.

"Looks like Azure fell for the fake mirror thing." Nyx said to her father who nods in agreement.

As it turns out, Ben suspected that Azure would come to take the mirror away so he manages to find one like it, decorate the thing and put it out in the open. The Prince kept the mirror in the bag, hiding it from view. Ben was worried that Azure has caught on to the trick and went through the bag. Thank goodness he didn't.

"You think we should tell mommy that Azure took the wrong mirror?" Nyx ask Ben who uses the magic to put the mirror back into the bag safely.

"No, last thing I want is for Twilight to slip something out." Ben answers Nyx. He is worried that if Twilight found out that the mirror was never taken, she would slip out something to Azure. "No, this will be our little secret...for now."

------------------------

Returning to the Mystic Armory, Mystic Soldiers brought the Magic Mirror while following Azure Phoenix, Strikespell and Schemetrick. Strikespell, concerned, spoke to his father about one certain subject, "Father, you do realize that Princess Twilight will get it back if she ever get contacted by her Human Friends?" Of course, they are still unaware that the mirror was a fake planted by Ben.

Azure nodded as he answers, "I'm aware of it, son. But... this is so one of the reason why I must take it to here; for her safety, and even ours. The Humans grew relentless and feared any extraterrestrial beings' presence and powers since the Transformers."

Schemetrick nods as he spoke, "Yes; that is true. But one way or another, Twilight will get the mirror back by force. She will go back and help her friends, even it means fighting against some of Humans. And trust me, her pony friends will help as well."

"Let her come and try. She shall know why I am known as the 'Conqueror of the North' and 'Emperor of Ma's North'. Even if she did succeed, I wonder how she gain the trust and alliance of Humans."

"We will never know until that day comes..."

--------------------------------------------

Dark Curse is preparing two of his best men for the biggest men in the secret location. He wants them to be ready for the big moment in the history of the multiverse is about to arrive. When it's over, nothing will be the same.

"Are you clear with your mission, Swipestrike and Guildenstern?" Dark Curse asks his two minions who are preparing to head to the Human Realm very soon.

Swipestrike and Guildenstern nodded their heads while answering, "Yes, my lord."

"Good enough. I will see to your success. When Twilight make her first move in entering the realm, follow her and meet up with our contacts. Fulfill the objectives..."

Swipestrike bows to Dark Curse, saying in somewhat respect, "Yes sir..."

"Don't fail me, Swipestrike..." Dark Curse said to Swipestrike. The Dark Mystic Pony lord isn't in a good move about failing lately.

The two minions go through a portal before it disappears from sight. The Superior, who was watching the scene from nearby silently, spoke up, "So what else do you need from that realm?"

"I'm sure you know the answer very well. There is something lacking on my Transformers Army Project. And I will not start without it."

Grimmore, who was watching from Tartarus via a portal, chuckles cruelly, "Indeed. Let us see how powerful and dangerous your assassin can be as your apprentice. This should be interesting. Surprisingly, Human Sunset Shimmers knows nothing about him, even though she should know it was him..."

Fafnir, who was watching the scene as well, chuckled cruelly, "Then, I shall keep the enemies occupied with our contacts until the right moment to strike. Twilight and her human friends will regret meeting at the Human Realm; because this one is about to meet its extinction."

--------------

At this very moment, the scene returns to Rainbow Castle, where we find Twilight & Spike, each doing the task of princess and assistant as they always have done. After so long, the week pass, and now both Twilight & Spike’s roles to take on the other’s job was at an end...and boy were they glad about it too.

“Well Spike, how are you doing?” Twilight asked off with a smile on her face as she was reading a book.

“In truth Twilight, couldn’t be happier.” Spike stated off to say while he was dusting a few shelves.

“I know, experiencing another’s shoes was something new to learn and understand another. It really did turn out for the best for us both.” Twilight spoke off to say this much on the stuff that they went through was a life understanding moment.

“Course, we did come across a few problem areas with me being in charge and you as the assistant. Gotta say, your job’s harder than mine,” Spike stated to rub the back of his head in recalling those moments they came across, as they were not easy moments to get by.

“Assistants have just as much trouble in as siting with those that help them Spike, trust me, you probably have yourself full in aiding us when we need it.” Twilight stated to exclaim how even Spike’s job is harder than some may think it is.

“Yeah, but I’m just glad it’s over and done with. Sometimes, being the head-huncho ain’t all it’s crack up to be. There’s setting rules, making everyone follow you and a whole bunch of other stuff.” Spike replied off to say in being glad that he’s no longer being the one in charge as he feels that being the leader is a lot of work.

“But now it’s over, and though the week passed by, what happened during it seem like almost a year or so went by.” Twilight sighs to say this in feeling like what they set off to do has finally come to a close. “I’m just glad that in the end, Tao & Mighty Heart forgave each other.” She smiled to say this in knowing that two Mystics that were in a fight are now over it.

“I’m glad they did, Mighty Heart’s lucky to have Tao has his Sensei, even if he does give him too many….One More Thing…to do.” Spike replied off to say in knowing how much Tao gave Mighty Heart some hard times, but they were not slave drive measures of being mean. “That, and a whack on the forehead, can’t agree of handling that every day.” He stated in recalling another matter that someone would have to handle when working under Tao.

“Try living in Dragon Kick’s position, Jade says he gets it from Tao almost all the time.” Twilight rolled her eyes in knowing how one Mystic has it even harder than the other one does with Tao.

Now both of them were laughing it up in finding it so funny that it was true, Tao gives Dragon Kick, his own nephew, a harder time than what Mighty Heart gets; but still, it’s passed over easily. After calming down a bit, did they look to each other.

“Still, in the end, I’m glad I’m not overworking you Spike. And that you don’t carry a grudge about it.” Twilight spoke in feeling glad to know that something that worried her is now long pass.

“Twilight, sometimes you forget things and when you’ve too focus on something, you forget who’s working to help you. It happens.” Spike shrug off to say in knowing when Twilight’s so focus, she doesn’t have time for second guessing, even in what she does next to those she cares for, it happens at times.

“Yes, but it’s also thanks to everyone that help taught me to not let the past of what I did to you keep me forever in fear.” Twilight spoke in feeling a bit better about herself, those that have told her things, help her get over the issue of her connection to Spike, they all helped her out. “What I done, we’ll remember, but that doesn’t mean we can’t make something new now with happier memories.” She smiled off to say this with a more cheery look on her face.

“Now there’s the Twilight that I know and cared about.” Spike smiled off to say this in seeing the Twilight he’s know.

“Tell you what Spike, let’s join Ben, Nyx, Phobos and the others at Sugarcube Corner and have something to eat, princess’s treat.” Twilight smiles to say that she’ll take them out and join the others for a tasty treat.

“Well actually, I was thinking that after being in charge so much, I should be the one to treat everyone. I can try to see about making that tasty gem cake that I never got to making.” Spike stated that maybe he would do something nice since he was once prince of this kingdom for a week, so maybe he should treat everyone out.

“Or…how’s about this, we can go to Sugarcube Corner and all of us can help you make the cake.” Twilight spoke out a second opinion in what they can do in which everyone helps out.

“Wow, you do that for me?” Spike asked off in liking the sounds of that idea.

“That, and make sure you and Phobos don’t eat all of the ingredients before the cake is made.” Twilight pointed out something else they have to make sure would not happen.

“Heheh…true to that,” Spike let off a silly chuckle in knowing that anytime he makes such a tasty cake, he or Phobos eat the gems before they are ever put on the cake.

Soon both pony and baby Dragon laughs off happily at this moment while we zoom away from them; As things come to a closure here in where what was two different positions of two characters, have each learn to respect each other and of what they do. And with the scene going dark, it would seem everything has come to a nice happy ending for many here…

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Meanwhile…watching from his crystal ball within the deep dark castle on Mount Thunderflame…a very certain monstrous creature smirked at what he was seeing. 

Fafnir comments cruelly, "Oh, Twilight…my dear…sweet Twilight…having to go through all that torment and torture. Ha ha ha ha. Oh, how I love watching my enemies suffer…even if you will soon be my Queen, once I dispose of Celestia, Luna, Cadence…your brother and your precious Benjamin. Cherish this victory now while you still can, Twilight. Because I am coming for you…and when I do…Equestria will be mine…forever! Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!"

Yes, that time is about to come...


To be continued in 'Rainbow Rocks' Remake.