Chapter 1

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The sun rose over the small town of Ponyville. The birds of the forest began to chirp as the sun slowly shined on the Castle of Friendship.

Through the windows of the guest room, the rays shined onto the sleeping Dragon Lord, Princess Ember. She began to stir before slowly opening her eyes and used her wing to block the rays with a groan. "Uh. Okay, I'm up."

She began to notice her pillow was moving and looked up to see she was actually sleeping on something even warmer. She smiled as she saw a purple drake quietly snore in his sleep. "Spike? Come on. It's time for us to get up."

The drake responded to that by groaning and wrapping his arms around the dragoness in a strong embrace.

The dragoness grinned as she moved upward to eye level. "Okay Spike. I was hoping I could try waking you up like this one day."

She leaned down and locked her snout with Spike's along with scratching his chest and rubbing his dragonhood with her tail. She kept her action going until she felt him push back and his claw on her cheek. The kiss continued on until the two felt the need for air, causing them to pull back with smiles on their faces. "Like your wake up call my handsome drake?"

"If it means I get to wake up to this beautiful sight every once in a while, I hope it becomes a regular routine."

Ember laid back down on his chest with a smile on her face. "I can agree to that if you keep me warm when available with this heat of yours."

Spike smiled and rubbed her back. "That shouldn't be a problem when we're together. Now, you up for some breakfast?"

"Yeah I could eat. But first."

Ember licked his cheek before whispering into his ear, "Meet me in the shower in five minutes."

With that, Ember rose from the bed and made her to the bathroom. She decided to give Spike a show by swaying her hips and swinging her tail, hypnotizing the drake with his tongue hanging out and even starting to make him drool.

Ember started the water and after reaching a comfortable temperature, she climbed on in. She just let herself relax under the warm water until she felt a pair of strong arms wrap around her waist from behind. She smirked when she felt warm breathing on the back of her neck. "A minute early. Couldn't resist huh?"

Spike sent a shiver down the dragoness's spine by licking the back of her ear. "You're right. The image of my Dragon Lord in wet scales just wouldn't leave my head."

Ember spun around and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Since Twilight hasn't called about coming back yet, how about a quick session before we begin cleaning ourselves?"

Spike responded by giving her a passionate kiss. He brought her into a tight embrace as they began to explore each others' mouths. Spike had no trouble getting a hard-on from feeling the dragoness's breasts pressed against his chest.

Since they didn't know how long they had, the two dragons decided to skip foreplay and go straight for the main event. Spike reached for Ember's ass and lifted her off the floor. The dragoness reacted to this by wrapping her legs around his waist, intertwining her tail with his, and burying his face into her neck. The drake slowly slid himself inside the Dragon Lord and enjoyed listening to her gasps and moans right into his ear.

Spike began thrusting at a normal pace until he felt Ember grip the back of his head. "Come on big boy. I know you can move faster than that. Give me all you've got."

The drake smirked as he whispered into her ear, "Okay. But you asked for it."

He set the dragoness back onto her feet and began to thrust at a rapid pace. Ember could only groan as she felt most of her body go numb from the sheer pleasure her drakefriend was giving her. He slammed into her with all of his might as he decided to make her more sensitive with a wing massage.

After regaining some feeling in her upper body, Ember decided to increase Spike's pleasure by massaging his wings in return.

Eventually, after thirty minutes of non-stop pleasure, the two felt the ability to resist their climaxes become much more difficult. "Ember, I'm about to-."

"Do it on me this time Spike! Mark me as yours and only yours! Please!"

Once they felt close to the inevitable, Ember released her climax as Spike pulled out and shot his semen all over Ember's body.

As the two began to catch their breaths, Spike leaned against the wall with his dragonessfriend leaning into him. He moved his hand over one of the spots that were covered with his semen. "That was wonderful, but I have to ask. What was this about?"

Ember looked into the drake's eyes with a bright smile on her face, "Two reasons. One: I didn't sterilize you with my scepter like I did last night and I didn't want to risk getting pregnant."

She began to rub and scratch his chest softly with her claws. "And two: in the future, it will help tell other dragons that I'm taken. After enough times, they'll be able to smell I'm marked and taken."

Spike could only smile as the two shared a short kiss before saying, "Good to know. Now let's get cleaned up and then get something to eat."

Ember grabbed some soap and began to wash her drakefriend as she said, "After breakfast, remind me to check with my father to make sure Garble and his lakies were arrested."

"I was hoping I could talk to you about that. I think you shouldn't punish Puff, Clomp, Vex, and Fume. Garble definitely, but not them."

The dragoness looked to him with confusion, "Why? They were a part of it as much as Garble was."

"I know. But they never actually supported Garble's actions. They were all just too scared to stand up to him. I just believe it wasn't really their fault since they never wanted anything like that to happen to you."

Ember just stared into his eyes before sighing, "Alright Spike. I won't punish them since you can stick up for them."

Spike smiled at her as he stroked her cheek. "Thanks Ember. I'm glad you trust me. Now let's get cleaned up."

After a few more minutes of cleaning each other up, the two dragons dried and dressed themselves before making their way downstairs. Ember wore a black short sleeve shirt with some blue jeans while Spike wore a red button up shirt and a pair of brown pants.

Right before they made their way to the kitchen, a magical flash occurred behind them. When it dimmed, it revealed not only Twilight but also Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and Starlight Glimmer. "Hey you two. I thought we'd come back so Ember could meet my fellow princesses and my pupil over breakfast."

Spike smiled to his adopted sister, "You made it just in time. You guys make it over to the breakfast table while I start cooking."

The drake made his way into the kitchen while Ember followed the mares into the dining hall. After getting settled at the table, Ember decided to start a conversation, "So while I am glad to meet you two Celestia and Luna, I've got to ask why you came along with Twilight to meet me."

"Well we wanted to meet my son's friend along with-."

"Wait. Spike is your son? I thought Twilight hatched his egg."

Celestia chuckled. "It is true that Spike's egg was hatched by Twilight. But since she was still a foal at the time, I raised him as his mother while I became Twilight's teacher. It wasn't until Twilight turned sixteen that I let Spike become her assistant."

Ember took a few seconds to take in the information before nodding. "Makes sense. But I have a feeling that meeting me wasn't the only reason you came with Twilight."

Luna smiled. "You're smart. Along with making your acquaintance, we were hoping to discuss some a more professional matter with you."

"Let me guess. You two want to negotiate a peace between the Dragon Lands and Equestria."

Celestia matched the smile her sister held as she twirled a bang of hair on her shoulder. "Luna's right. You are smart enough to know what to expect. Yes, we would like to talk about a peace treaty between dragons and ponies. However, we believe it would be better to talk about it at another time. You see, our big celebration, the Grand Galloping Gala will be coming up soon and we would like you to attend so we could discuss it there."

Ember looked to them before closing her eyes with a smile. "I'll let my father know I'll be extending my stay for a little while longer. But if you want me to come to your celebration, I have one condition."

Starlight raised her eyebrow at the dragoness and asked, "And that would be?"

"While I trust Twilight, Spike, the girls, and I trust you three even though we just met, being a princess I will need an escort. And I was hoping I could have Spike do the job. He's one of the few guys I trust around here."

Twilight smiled and said, "I can agree with you on that claim. But the choice is up to Spike."

"What choice is up to me?"

They all turned to see Spike walk in with a trey full of pancake plates, two of them with gems studed in them, indicating they were for him and Ember.

"Ember has agreed to attend the Gala so we can talk about peace between races as long as you agree to be her escort through the event."

Spike looked to said dragoness who blushed and smiled. The drake simply smiled back before looking to his adopted mother. "Sure. I have no problem doing that if helps her and both of our races."

Luna smiled to her nephew. "Good to hear. Now please bring that food over here. I've been desperate for breakfast after yesterday's meeting."

Spike set the plates on the table in front of his guests before sitting down himself and they all began to enjoy his cooking. Celestia smiled to the drake. "I have a feeling you agreed to be Ember's escort for more than just peace between dragons and ponies."

Dark blushes shot on to both dragons' faces as they looked to the sun princess. Celestia could only grin as the two locked eyes with her. "So my little drake has finally found the girl of his dreams."

"Okay mom. You got us. We learned about our feelings last night."

"This is wonderful. This could aid in bringing dragons and ponies into harmony."

Luna could only chuckle at her sister enthusiasm before Starlight spoke, "How about we change the subject to something else until breakfast is over?"

Twilight looked to her pupil and said, "I agree with Starlight. If those two' heads get any hotter, we may have a fire started."

With that, they all enjoyed their breakfast while Ember and the princesses exchanged information about their lands.

After breakfast was finished, Ember stood from the table. "I'll talk more to you all later. Right now, me and Spike must contact my father about extending my stay. If you'll excuse us."

Ember and Spike then made their way to Ember's room while Twilight and Starlight gathered the dishes. Once they reached the room, they shut the door and Ember picked up her Bloodstone Scepter. "Contact Torch of Dragon Lands."

The gem on the scepter began to glow before projecting a small screen of Torch in front of the two. "Ember! Oh thank the gods you're okay. Four of your followers told me about what Garble did. Are you okay?"

Ember smiled in appreciation at her father's concern. "I'm fine dad. If it wasn't for Spike here, things could have been a lot worse."

Torch then looked to said drake with a smile on his face. "Thank you Spike. You saved my daughter from one of the worst fates possible for her."

Spike smiled to the former Dragon Lord. "It was my pleasure sir. Ember is my friend and I couldn't live with myself if I let that happen to her."

"And I can't think of how to repay you. Yet I know you contacted me for a reason."

"Yeah dad. I was hoping I could extend my stay. I have an opportunity to bring peace between dragons and ponies and I need more time to ensure it. Is it possible for me to stay a little longer?"

Torch thought for a moment before saying, "The dragon council thought something like this was possible and would happen while you were there. And since it did, they decided you would have a month to make it happen. After that you must return to the Dragon Lands."

Ember smiled and said, "A whole month. Got it. Thanks dad."

"My pleasure daughter. And Spike. While I know Ember can protect herself pretty well, I would appreciate it if you would help keep her safe."

Spike nodded to the older dragon. "You have my word sir."

With that, the projection stopped.

Ember looked to her drakefriend. "Now that that's settled, let's go tell Twilight the good news."

The two then headed off to tell the princesses the new plan.

Meanwhile on the snowy outskirts of the Crystal Empire, something unusual was going on. A small rift opened in the ice and out came a small patch of dark magic. The rift closed as the stream pointed to it. 'With my body gone, I must find a new host. I'll need something powerful if I am to destroy Celestia and Luna. And so the search begins.'

With that, the stream flew off toward the direction of Canterlot.

Chapter 2

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After telling the good news to the others, Twilight, Starlight, Spike, and Ember were seeing the two princesses off as they took their leave beside the carriage outside. Celestia looked to her adopted son and the dragoness princess. "It was great meeting you Ember. I'm glad to know we'll be seeing you at the Gala."

Ember smiled to the princesses as she said, "I look forward to it Princes Celestia. So is there anything else you need to let me know?"

Luna spoke next, "Actually yes. We would like you to come to Canterlot a day before the Gala and let you see what our capital of Equestria is like. If that's not too much trouble."

"No problem at all. I'd be glad to see how other ponies are in Equestria."

Spike mumbled, "If only you knew."

Twilight silenced him with a elbow to the side. "Be a little more positive. We don't want her to change her mind."

Celestia then said, "And one more thing Ember. While Twilight has done a good job by herself, please help keep Spike out of trouble."

"Mom!"

Ember could only giggle at her drakefriend's embarrassment. "I'll do my best. But I can't make a promise that I will succeed."

Celestia smiled. "Thank you. And see you all in a week."

With that, the two princesses entered the carriage and it took off.

After the carriage was out of the group's site, Starlight looked to Ember and asked, "So Princess Ember? Do you have anything to wear to the Gala?"

"First off, you can just call me Ember. You're a friend of Twilight's so you're a friend of mine. Secondly, I never expected this so I don't know what I'm going to wear."

Twilight smiled and said, "I'm sure Rarity can make something for you. Let's go pay her a visit and see what she can come up with."

Starlight smiled as she said, "And maybe Trixie can throw something in to go with it."

After Trixie and Starlight became friends, the blue unicorn moved to Ponyville and along with using shows to earn money, she also worked as Rarity's assistant. After proving to be good at providing sketches of what the dress would look like, Rarity and Trixie got along just fine.

"Who's Trixie?"

"She was once somepony who held nothing but hate for all of us here in Ponyville. It started out when she was embarrassed by me when an Ursa Minor was led into town by two of our town's civilians: Snips and Snails. They brought it here so they could prove that she was as great and powerful as she kept saying she was by having her defeat it. I managed to stop it and then she ran away. She came again about a year later wearing a relic called the Alicorn Amulet. With it, she started doing powerful spells that no ordinary unicorn could ever do. She threw me out of Ponyville before putting a dome over the town. Without Spike, I had no way of contacting Princess Celestia for help. So I went to our friend Zecora to come up with a plan. And after the others tricked Trixie into letting Fluttershy out of the dome, she came to us and we learned that we needed to use the tricks our friendship gave us to stop her and make her give up the amulet. Then, not long after our return from the Dragon Lands after the Gauntlet of Fire, Starlight was assigned to make a new friend for Celestia to meet. To our shock, she crossed paths with Trixie and a friendship started. At first, Trixie was using their friendship as means to get back at me. But after seeing how hurt Starlight was, Trixie realized how much their friendship meant to her."

Starlight smiled as she spoke, "And to this day, we've been the best of friends."

"Wow. I never thought friendship could have so many difficulties."

"You'll learn a lot of things about friendship with us Ember."

The four headed toward the boutique as Twilight walked beside Ember and whispered into her ear, "Just in case you might feel awkward if you hear this, Spike used to have a crush on Rarity."

Ember became shocked as she looked ahead to see Spike talking with Starlight. "Really? What happened?"

"Well. Eventually Rarity told Spike she didn't feel the same way. Being a good pony, Rarity let him down gently. It took a while, but Spike eventually accepted it and he started doubting he'd meet the right girl. But then, like a miracle, you came here and took his heart."

Not much longer, the four found themselves at the Carousel Boutique. The door bell rang as they walked in to see Rarity and Trixie working on designs.

Rarity was the first to speak, "Hello everypony. What can Trixie and I do for you today?"

Twilight smiled to her friends. "Rarity, I'm sure you two know the Grand Galloping Gala is about a week from today. So this morning, Princesses Celestia and Luna came by the castle to invite Ember to the gathering so we could talk about peace between dragons and ponies. And she needs something to wear so we came to you."

The white unicorn smiled to her friends. "Of course darling. You, Spike, and Starlight have a seat for a moment. Ember, if you would be kind enough to follow me and Trixie for measurements."

Spike, Twilight, and Starlight took a seat in the waiting room while Ember followed the two unicorns to the dressing room. Ember stood on the miniature stage as Rarity began doing measurements and Trixie took out her sketch pad.

While taking Ember's measurements, Rarity decided to start a conversation. "So how are things? Are you enjoying your stay in Ponyville?"

The dragoness smiled to the fashionista. "I've enjoyed it here so far. I can see why Spike loves this place. It's very... eventful."

Rarity smiled. "I should say so. Especially considering how you won the heart of our group's favorite dragon."

A red blush shot onto Ember's face in shock. "H-how do you know about that?"

"Twilight sent a message to us about that earlier this morning. I for one am glad to know Spike has finally found someone to share his time and love with."

A thought came across Ember's mind and she hesitated before speaking, "On our way here today, Twilight told me Spike used to have a crush on you when he was younger."

Rarity stopped for a moment before continuing her work. "Indeed he did."

Silence filled the room for a moment before Ember broke it. "So?"

Rarity sighed before looking to the dragoness. "I'll admit I was flattered by Spike's feelings. He did so many things to show his love for me. From gem hunting to assisting me with work. But even after all of that, I couldn't return the same feelings to him. It took a while for me to tell him the truth in the right way but it did happen. In the end, we stayed friends and decided it would be better if he moved on. However, while I couldn't return the same love Spike had for me, he will always have a special place in my heart. Which is why I need you to do something for me Ember."

"And that would be?"

"Take care of him. Spike is like a brother to me and I want him to be happy. So I'm asking you as friend to give him the feelings he needs that I couldn't give him."

The dragoness smiled to her as she said, "You have my word as a dragon lord. I have the same love for Spike that he has for me. And I have no intention of losing those feelings."

Rarity smiled sincerely to the dragoness. "Thank you Ember. I know you will take good care of Spike. Now do you have any ideas of what you want for your dress."

"Well I'll be taking the Bloodstone Scepter with me so I thought something that involves the same shade of red as it. And maybe a little bit of the gold color as the armor I wore during the Gauntlet of Fire. You remember that shade of gold don't you?"

"Of course. Trixie, do you have a proposed design?"

"Yes. I think I have something." She smiled as she showed them a dress sketch. "What do you think?"

The two looked at the sketch before Rarity spoke, "I think it looks fantastic. Ember?"

"I like it. How soon can you have it ready?"

"Give us a few minutes and we'll have it ready in no time."

A while later in the waiting room, Twilight was reading a magazine while Spike and Starlight were playing cards. Spike broke the silence, "How much longer do you think it will take?"

Twilight looked from her magazine for a moment to her adopted brother. "Knowing Rarity, it shouldn't take too much longer. She's good a designing and making dresses all in one day. Knowing her, it could be done at any second."

Right after she said this, Rarity and Trixie walked in with smiles on their faces. "Allow us to introduce the Gala prepared Dragon Lord Ember."

Ember then walked out in a long dress gown that was the same shade of red as the gem of her Bloodstone Scepter while it also had golden highlights and shoulder straps that were the same shade of gold as the armor she wore two years ago during the Gauntlet of Fire. "Well? How do I look?"

Starlight spoke first, "You look great to me Ember. It really looks good with your scales along with matching the color of your scepter."

Twilight smiled to her dragoness friend. "You look fantastic Ember. I think you'll look perfect with your scepter in your hands during the Gala. What do you think Spike?"

The drake gave no response to her. "Spike?"

She looked to see the dragon looked at Ember open-mouthed with hypnotized eyes. She then noticed his wings were starting to unfurl, giving the alicorn a good idea of what was going through Spike's mind. Twilight chuckled and rolled her eyes before closing his mouth for him. "Spike!"

The drake came out of his stunned state before looking to his adoptive sister. "Sorry. What did you say?"

Twilight smiled. "I said Ember looks great in that dress. Don't you think so?"

"Absolutely. She looked beautiful before. But now she looks more beautiful than I've ever seen a mare look before."

The dragoness blushed heavily at her drakefriend's comment. "Thanks Spike. That means a lot. Do you think I'll look good at the Gala in this? I want to make a good first impression on the ponies of Equestria's capital."

Rarity said, "Trust me darling. The main ponies you need to worry about making a good impression for are the princesses. There are some ponies in Canterlot who are impossible to impress. Trust me, I've gone through it."

Twilight smiled to her friend. "Thanks Rarity. Now how much do we owe you?"

"Don't worry about it Twilight. Consider it on the house as a favor to a new friend."

Ember looked to the unicorn with a sincere smile. "Thank you Rarity."

Spike then asked, "Now why don't we drop that dress off at the castle and then go show you what our other friends do around town?"

"Sounds good to me."

With that, Ember left for the changing room to change back into her normal clothes before following Twilight, Spike, and Starlight out of the door.

Chapter 3

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After dropping off Ember's dress at the castle, Spike decided to show Ember what his friends did while Twilight and Starlight decided to stay home and catch up on some reading.

Right now, they were heading to Sweet Apple Acres to show Ember what the Apple Family did. On the way to the farm, Ember asked, "So Applejack and her family make a living by bucking and selling apples?"

"Yep. They have a lot of orchards full of apple trees. And speaking from my own experience, the taste of their apples is worth the effort in the job. I can't think of a time I've had an apple as good as Applejack's. And their apple cider is to die for. Over the years Twilight and I have been here, nothing has even come close to beating a good drink of it."

"Really? I've never had cider before. I hope I enjoy it as much as you do."

"You've never had cider?!"

"Back in the Dragon Lands, we don't have apple trees and even if we did, none of us would know how to make cider."

Spike then smiled to his dragonessfriend, "Well it the negotiation with mom works out, maybe we can change that."

Ember could only return the smile as she rested her head on Spike's shoulder. "With you to help me, I think anything is possible."

They soon arrived at the farm where they saw Applejack along with Big Macintosh, Apple Bloom, Winona, and Caramel working on the trees. As the two reached the gate, they were spotted by the family pet who came running towards them before tackling Spike to the ground and began licking his face. "Okay girl. I'm glad to see you too."

"Winona! Come on girl! If you keep that up, Spike may have to start coming to the farm by flying." Caramel, Applejack, and her sibling made their way over to the two dragons as the dog got off of Spike. "Sorry about that Spike. You know how she gets when she see a friend of the family."

"It's all good. I'm used to it."

Apple Bloom asked, "What brings you two here?"

"I wanted to show Ember what you guys do here on the farm. She' seen what Rarity and Pinkie do so I decided to do you guys next."

Applejack smiled to Ember. "We'd be happy to tell you about what we do. But first let me introduce my crew. My older brother Big Macintosh."

"Howdy ma'am."

"My little sister Apple Bloom."

"Good to meet you."

"Our dog Winona."

The dog barked with a smile.

"And my beau, Caramel."

"A pleasure to meet you ma'am."

"Everypony. This is Dragon Lord, Princess Ember."

"It's nice to meet you all."

Spike said, "I was hoping you could let Ember here have a taste of some of the best food and cider here I Ponyville. If you have any left over that is."

"We plenty of bottles of cider left. Why don't you stay for lunch? We were about to take a break from bucking trees. We got some apple foods I know Ember would love."

"I'm all for it. What about you Ember?"

The dragoness smiled as she said, "I'd love to. From what Spike has told me in past letters, your food is great. I've actually looked forward to trying it."

"Well then let's get inside and dig in."

The two dragons followed the ponies into the house where they found Granny Smith setting the table with the last of the food. "Oh. I was just about to come out there to tell you youngins that lunch was ready. And we got visitors. Good to see you Spike. And who might the new lady be?"

"Granny Smith? This is Princess Ember. Ember? This is our Granny Smith. She's been looking after us when we were young. Do you mind grabbing a little extra food Granny? These two will be joining us for lunch."

"Sure thing Applejack. You all take a seat."

Granny Smith made her way back into the kitchen while everyone took a spot at the table. Ember decided to start a conversation, "So if she's your grandmother then where are your parents?"

After she said this, Ember noticed the Apples' expressions turned a little solemn. They stayed silent for a couple of seconds before Applejack spoke up, "Our parents passed away not long after Apple Bloom was born. This stetson hat I'm wearing was our dad's. He gave it to me not long after him and ma lost their lives. I'm sure you're curious on what happened to them, but I'd rather not talk about it right now."

"I understand. I lost my mother when I was really young, so I know a little bit about how you feel."

With that, they ended the conversation there right as Granny Smith came back into the dining room. She sat down more apple made foods including pies, fritters, and fries. She also sat down some glasses of apple juice and apple cider. "There ya'll go youngins. Dig in."

They all began to eating and Ember said, "You were right Spike. This is some of the best food I've tasted."

Granny Smith smiled as she said, "Thank you princess. And if it wasn't for our family apples, this little town wouldn't be here today."

"What do you mean? Are you saying your family is responsible for creating Ponyville?"

Big Macintosh answered with his usual, "Eeyup."

Applejack said, "You see. Every year, our family has a certain season called Zap Apple Season. When Granny was around my age, she and her family were given this land to start a home. And after discovering Zap Apple trees, they started making different deserts and jams to sell. With it getting popular, ponies from all around started coming here and it lead to this great, small town becoming reality."

"Wow. I feel honored to meet those who made this great town real."

"That's kind of you to say Ember. Now how about you see how we still make our place in this town."

Ember smiled to the mare before they all began to dig in. Ember soon understood why Spike enjoyed these treats.

A while later, the meal was over and Ember got to know more about the family. Applejack soon saw the two dragons to the door as they prepared to take their leave. "Glad you two could have lunch with us."

Ember smiled as she said, "You're not the only one. It gave me a chance to learn some history about this town. Plus it also helped me understand while you're the honesty of the group."

"That's mighty kind of you Ember. Next time you feel like it, stop by again. Until then, I'll see you two later."

Spike smiled to the mare. "Thanks Applejack. See you around."

With that, the two dragons left through the door while waving goodbye to the Apple Family.

Ember looked to her drakefriend before asking, "So where to next Spike?"

"I think Fluttershy's cottage should be the next stop. Then maybe we could get some dinner at Hay Burger before showing you what Rainbow Dash does and after that, head home."

"Sounds good. Lead the way."

The two took to the air and flew for about fifteen minutes before a gray pegasus with a blond mane with unusual eyes stopped right in front of them to prevent herself from crashing into either of them. "Sorry about that Spike. Weather control is a little difficult right now."

"It's no problem Derpy. Just be more careful next time. By the way, Derpy this is Princess Ember. Ember this is my friend Derpy."

"Nice to meet you Princess."

"Likewise."

"Derpy! We need you back over here to finish this."

The three looked to see Rainbow Dash and a few more pegasi were moving a few clouds around. "Hey Spike. Ember. Just let us finish this up and we'll talk."

The two dragons nodded and landed on the ground to watch as the pegasi finished arranging clouds around the town. After the clouds were in place, all of the pegasi left to go about their business while Rainbow Dash landed beside the two dragons. "Sorry about Derpy there Spike. You know how she can be."

"It wasn't any trouble. It gave her a chance to meet Ember."

"I guess. So what are you guys up to?"

"Spike is showing me what you girls do around here."

"Sounds awesome. Well as you can see I work for the Ponyville weather team. We make sure the weather around here is as it is supposed to be to keep the magic around this area in balance. So where are you going next?"

"We're heading to Fluttershy's next. You want to come with?"

"Sure. I was going to head over there to get some food for Tank after I finished here."

The three began their walk to the Fluttershy's cottage when a sound from the near by Everfree Forest. They made their way to the area where the sound came from only to find a horrifying site.

A pack of six timberwolves were feasting on the corpse of a normal wolf. Or four of them were while two timberwolves were cornering a small wolf pup.

Without a thought of hesitation, Ember pulled out her scepter before running out and knocking the two timber beasts into the rest of their pack. The whole pack glared at the dragoness as they charged at her. Before Spike and Rainbow could run out to help, Ember let out a large burst of flame that injuried the timberwolves enough to cause them to retreat into the forest. "That's right you better run."

After the timberwolves were gone, Spike and Rainbow ran out to Ember with the pegasus speaking first, "That was awesome Ember! You scared them off like they were nothing!"

The dragoness smiled at the compliment. "Thanks Rainbow. I just couldn't let those things get this little guy."

They turned to check on the pup only to find it nuzzling the fallen wolf, trying to wake it up to no avail. Spike then realized something. "This older wolf must have been this little guy's mother."

Rainbow then spoke, "And he won't survive long without someone to look after him. Let's take him to Fluttershy's. She'll be able to take care of him."

"Good idea. But how are we going to get him to come with us?"

After a couple of seconds, Ember had an idea. "Let me try something."

Ember then approached the little pup who flinched as she knelt down beside it and started to rub its head. "It's okay. I'm not going to hurt you."

The dragoness watched as the pup sobbed over its mother. "I know you don't want to leave her, but I'm afraid she won't be getting up. And I know she wouldn't want you to stay here and get hurt. Come with us and we'll take you somewhere safe."

Ember held out her hands and, after a little hesitation, the pup walked to her and allowed her to pick him up.

Ember looked to Rainbow and Spike as the Pegasus said, "Let's get him to Fluttershy's. She'll know how to help him."

The three took to the air and made their flight to the said cottage.

A few minutes later, the three landed in front of a small cottage where they could see many animals moving around outside. Spike knocked on the door.

"Coming."

The door opened to reveal Fluttershy with her pet bunny, Angel, on her shoulder.

"Hey Fluttershy. Spike here was showing Ember what we do around Ponyville. On our way here, we found some timberwolves killed this pup's mother and decided to bring him here."

"Oh the poor thing. Bring him inside and set him down on the floor."

Fluttershy stepped aside and let the three walk in. "This is the first time I've had two alone animals brought to my cottage."

Spike asked, "Two animals? Where's the second one? And better yet what animal is it?"

"It's that phoenix over there." Fluttershy pointed toward a bird stand where an adult phoenix caught sight of the new visitors.

Unexpectedly, the minute it saw Spike, it got excited and flew to land on his shoulder. It began to nuzzle his cheek as Spike realized something. "Pee-Wee. Is that you?"

The immortal bird chirped happily in response as Ember asked, "You know that phoenix?"

"I sure do. I found his egg when I was still young during the dragon migration. After Garble and his friends failed to catch the parents and their chicks, they wanted me to smash Pee-Wee's egg. I refused and Twilight, Rarity, and Rainbow helped us get back to the library where Twilight and I used to live. After he hatched, I took care of him for a while before returning him to his family."

Fluttershy smiled to at the moment before saying, "Well now it looks like he wants to go with you again. Why don't you take him with you when you leave?"

"That's okay with me. What do you think little buddy?"

The phoenix screeched a positive response as Fluttershy looked to the wolf pup. "Make yourself comfortable while I have a look at the wolf pup."

After a while of introducing Ember to the rest of Fluttershy's animal friends the three and the phoenix took their leave. "It was good to meet all of your animal friends Fluttershy. They're all so nice towards new guests."

The pegasus smiled to the dragoness as she said, "Well. They know that if you're a friend of mine, then they know you can be trusted around them."

Spike, with Pee-Wee on his shoulder, then said, "Okay then. We'll see you later Flutters."

The three began walking away, but right before Fluttershy closed her door, the wolf pup they brought to her ran out to Ember.

Fluttershy said, "I think he wants to go with you Ember. Is that alright?"

Ember looked back and forth from the pup to the cottage before a smile reached her face. "Ah what the hay. It's okay with me."

Fluttershy then waved bye to them before closing her door. Rainbow Dash was carrying some food for her pet tortoise, Tank, as she looked to the two dragons. "I'll see you two later. I've got a tortoise to feed."

With that, the pegasus took off.

Spike looked to his dragonessfriend. "So what are you going to name the little guy?"

Ember scratched the back of the pup's ears as she said, "I think I'll call him Fang. What do you think?"

"I think it's perfect. Now are you up for something to eat? Hay Burger isn't too far from here."

"Yeah. I could eat. Lead the way my handsome drake."

After a few minutes of flying, the dragon couple are found at a table with Spike eating a burger and Ember helping herself to an order of hay fries. "I gotta admit Spike. This town has food that's better than anything we've ever had in the Dragon Lands."

"Besides not wanting to leave my friends, why else do you think I wanted to stay in Equestria."

Spike took a big bite out of his burger and unknown to him, he had some ketchup smeared onto his snout causing Ember to giggle. "What?"

Instead of answering, Ember just smiled as she wiped the ketchup off his snout with on her fries before eating it. "You make stuff taste a little sweeter."

The drake couldn't help but blush a little at his dragonessfriend's show of affection. "I'd have to if you decided to be with me."

Once they had a few scraps left, they hand fed them to their pets. After the pets finished, Spike noticed it was getting dark. "It's getting late. What's say we head back to the castle?"

"You're right. We've got to have some fun tomorrow."

The two then walked to the castle and opened the door to find the lights were off. "Why are the lights off?"

Ember switched the light on only to be met with a, "SUPRISE!"

They found the entire room filled with many ponies from all over the town standing in the chamber with a sign above that said, 'Welcome to Ponyville Even Though This Is Your Second Day Here.'

Pinkie Pie popped up in front of them as she smiled at Ember, "IwantedtothrowyouaWelcometoPonyvillepartyyesterday,butlikeTwilightsaid,itwouldbebettertowaituntiltoday.Sohereitis.Alsoafriendofyour'sfromtheDragonLandscametoday."

"Hello Ember."

The two dragons looked to see a scarlet dragon in silver armor standing there with a smile on his face. "Sorry about the surprise visit."

"Match? What are you doing here?"

"Torch thought it might be best to have your adviser with you when it came to for negotiation for the peace treaty. And is that dragon with you who I think it is?"

"Oh yeah. Match this is Spike. Spike, this is Match, my Dragon Lands adviser."

Spike shook hands with Match as he said, "Good to meet you Match."

"Likewise Spike. I looked forward to meeting you after listening to Ember talk about you all of the time."

The new dragon was given a playful punch to the shoulder from a smiling Ember.

Pinkie then came up behind and said, "Now that all of the introductions are done. Let's party!"

The party went on for about three hours with Ember and Match learning new things about ponies such as the kinds of music, how parties are, and some of the interesting dance moves.

After a while, the party came to an end and everypony left for home. As Match was set up in another guest room, Spike and Ember just finished showering and were now climbing into bed. "Match is a pretty cool guy. I can see why you chose him to be your adviser."

"He was the first dragon to agree to our new friendly ways. So I thought he'd be the best choice."

"Well if you ask me, you made the best choice. Now I've got to know, did I manage to give you a good day?"

Ember gave him a peck on the lips before saying, "Spike. Any day I get to spend with you is a good day. Especially since now I have a new companion to bring home."

The two looked to see Fang curled up asleep on the end of the bed.

"You're not the only one to have a companion."

The two then looked to see Pee-Wee asleep on a bird stand.

"Now let's get some sleep. We've got more fun to have tomorrow."

"I'm with you there. Goodnight Spike."

"Goodnight Ember."

With that, Spike wrapped his arms around his lover's waist as she nuzzled into his chest before the two let sleep over take them.

Chapter 4

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A train pulled up to the Canterlot train station a little after noon. Ponies of all kind began to exit the cart and went their separate ways.

After most of them were gone, only a small group of passengers were left. This group was the Mane 6, Spike, Ember, Starlight, Trixie, and Match. The group's pets were staying at Fluttershy's cottage where Applebloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle agreed to check on them daily. Trixie had been invited by the princesses a couple of days before their trip with a ticket to the Gala. After that, Twilight invited her to join them on their trip to show Ember around Canterlot.

Rainbow Dash looked to Twilight and asked, "Where is he Twilight? I thought he was supposed to be here when we arrived."

Twilight looked to her friend and said, "Be a little patient Rainbow. He may be a pegasus but he's not as fast as you or Soarin'."

"Hey Twilight!"

They all turned to find a small group of castle guards arrive. The leading guard pulled his helmet off to reveal a brilliant gamboge coat along with a mane that was two tones of sapphire. "Sorry we're late. We had a small problem with a purse thief."

Twilight smiled and walked up to the guard to peck his lips. "It's okay Flash. You've got to do what you've got to do."

Not long after Twilight's third trip to the mirror world, Twilight had another encounter with Flash Sentry of their world. Instead of walking away from him this time, Twilight decided to actually speak to him and find out if he was any different from the Flash she met in the mirror world and to see if any feelings would develop. To her relief and surprise, it didn't take long for a spark to develop between the two. The two decide to start as friends and soon began dating not long after Twilight's trip to the Dragon Lands. Their relationship has done nothing but get stronger.

After the rest of the rest of the Mane 6 greeted Flash, Twilight decided it was time to introduce him to Ember. "Flash? This is Dragon Lord Princess Ember of the Dragon Lands and her personal guard and adviser, Match. Ember? Match? This is one of the top Royal Guards of Canterlot and my coltfriend, Flash Sentry."

Match shook hands with the guard as he said, "From one guard to another, it's nice to meet you Flash."

"Likewise Match. Maybe you and I can share some information to compare the Dragon Lands' guards with those here in Canerlot."

"Sounds great."

The pegasus then shook hands with Ember only to feel she had a pretty strong grip. Ember watched as the guard shook a little pain of his hand. "Sorry. Sometimes I don't know my own strength."

"It's okay Princess Ember. I always expected a princess of dragons to be pretty strong."

With the introductions out of the way, the guards gathered the mares' luggage and they all began their walk to Canterlot Castle. However, on their way, they soon heard a small growling sound which led to all eyes being on Ember, who blushed and smiled in embarrassment. "Sorry. It was a long trip and I haven't eaten since breakfast."

"That's okay Princess Ember. Hey Twilight, why don't I have these guys take your luggage to the castle? All of your rooms have been set up. And while they're doing that, we can all get some lunch. We're not too far Joe's Donut. Plus it's almost time for my lunch shift so I think we could all use something to eat."

"That's a great idea Flash. Guards? Is that okay with you."

The two guards nodded to them as the first said, "No problem Princess Twilight. We'll get your stuff to the castle. Enjoy some good food."

The two guards continued to the castle while the rest of the group made their way to the donut shop. They walked inside to see Pony Joe cleaning his counter when he saw the group. "Twilight Sparkle! It's been a while since I saw you and your friends here. If I had to guess, you all are here for the Grand Galloping Gala tomorrow."

"Right on the spot Joe. But right now, we could use something to eat. Do you mind making a lot for us?"

"That depends, does Spike plan on eating out the whole store again?"

Everypony, besides Match and Ember, snickered at the store owner's joke as Spike groaned, "That was one time dude!"

Match looked to Applejack and asked, "What's he talking about?"

"A few years ago, during our first Gala together as friends, the night turned out to be a little dull for Spike here, so he decided to come here to chow down on as many donuts as his stomach could hold."

Ember snickered as Spike sighed, "A guy does a little emotional eating and he can't live it down."

"I'm just messing with you Spike. Now what can I get you all?"

Rarity said, "How about six donuts for each of us with what you usually have?"

"Alright. Just give me a few minutes and I'll be right out."

As Joe made his way into the kitchen, the group decided to take a seat in the booths while Flash, Twilight, Spike, and Ember sat beside the counter.

After a few minutes, the ponies and dragons were happily enjoying their meals. Especially Ember and Match with these being their first donuts. Ember smiled to her drakefriend and fellow princess. "I gotta say, I understand why guys enjoy these."

Match then spoke himself, "I agree. I've never had anything this sweet."

Spike then noticed a sign sitting on the counter. "Hey Pony Joe? What's this about?"

"I have a little competition going on. I did a little deal with some of stores around here to where anypony who can complete a trial of eating at least thirty donuts can have something made from any of the stores here in Canterlot. The fee is fifteen bits."

Spike grinned as he said, "That's all? I could do that easily in my sleep."

Flash smirked at the dragon and asked, "You willing to put your money where your mouth is?"

"Is that a challenge Sentry?"

"You bet it is. Fifty bits says you can't reach thirty donuts. Every additional gets ten bits."

Match said, "I'm in on that. But since I don't have bits, I'll bet thirty of the gems I brought from Dragon Lands, and I'll throw in one gem for every addition donut."

Spike smirked as he shook hands with both of them before throwing a bag of fifteen bits on to the counter. "You two have a bet. Hey Pony Joe! Bring me a plate forty donuts! I'm taking that little challenge of yours!"

"You got it Spike!"

Twilight grinned at Flash and Match as she said, "I hope you two are ready to pay up. Spike has the biggest stomach I've ever seen and I've seen him eat plenty of donuts way past thirty."

Joe brought out the plate and began digging in. He just sat there calmly taking in as many donuts while taking a few drinks of milk. Flash and Match soon began to worry when Spike came closer and closer to going past thirty donuts.

To their horror, not only did Spike reach the required amount for the prize, he also finished the extra ten. Spike smirked at the two and held out his hand. "Pay up you two."

The two groaned as Flash handed over the promised bits while Match did the same with the promised gems. Twilight smiled as she said, "I warned you two. Spike has stomach like a bottomless pit."

Joe smiled as he handed him a small gift card. "That's your prize Spike. Just show that to any one of the stores of your choosing and you're allowed to have any item for free. But it only has one use so choose wisely."

Twilight said, "Thanks Pony Joe. I guess we'll see you later."

With that, the group left the shop and began making their way to the castle while also showing Ember around the town. On their way, Rarity showed Ember her Canterlot Boutique. When she saw the building, a thought crossed Ember's mind. She whispered into something Rarity's ear which caused her to grin. "Oh that wouldn't be any trouble at all darling! We could do that right now!"

Rainbow Dash asked, "What's going on?"

Rarity smiled to Twilight and said, "Ember requested a certain something for me to make while we're here to go with her dress tomorrow night. It will take a while to make so why don't the rest of you head off to the castle and we'll be at the castle by dinner time."

Applejack asked, "Ya'll sure you don't want some help?"

Ember said, "No. I'd rather wait until you all saw it tomorrow."

Spike said, "Okay, then we'll see you guys later."

With that, most of the group continued their way to the castle while Ember and Rarity entered the Canterlot Boutique where they found Rarity's manager, Sassy Saddles. "Ah, Ms. Rarity. Good to see you again. And who might this be?"

"It's good to see you again too Sassy Saddles. This is Princess Ember: Dragon Lord of the Dragon Lands. Ember? This is my manager of Canterlot Boutique, Sassy Saddles."

"Good to meet you Ms. Saddles."

The unicorn shook the dragoness claw as she said, "The pleasure is all mine Princess Ember."

"Please. Call me Ember. You're a friend of Rarity's so you're a friend of mine now."

"Very well. So what can I do for you Ms. Ember?"

Rarity spoke for the dragoness, "Ember will be attending the Gala tomorrow and would like something additional to go with her dress."

"What kind of addition?"

Rarity whispered it into her assistant's ear and caused her to grin just like Rarity did at first. "That would be perfect for the Gala. Especially if she's here for diplomatic reasons. It would be a great sign for the Princesses!"

"That's what I instantly thought. Now while I don't have her dress with us, I can make a projection of it from how I remember it with my horn. I believe that would be enough for us to make this addition."

"I agree. Let's get to work."

Meanwhile back at Canterlot Castle, everypony had settled in and were relaxing outside in the garden. Everpony were enjoying themselves until suddenly they felt something raining on to them. However they noticed it wasn't rain. Match licked some of the liquid off of his claw. "Chocolate pudding? Even in your land, is that possible?"

Twilight sighed as she said, "No it's not. Unless there's a certain friend of ours around to agitate us sometimes."

"Oh come now Twilight. I'm not that bad. I just like a little fun before I make my appearance."

With a flash, the rain was gone and there stood a creature the ponies knew all too well, but was a mystery to Match. "Who or what is that?"

Pinkie answered for the group, "This is Discord, the spirit of chaos. He was once our enemy, but thanks to Fluttershy, he became reformed and a new friend for us."

Fluttershy continued for her pink friend, "Discord? This is our new friend Match. He is the personal adviser and guard for Princess Ember who is here on a trip to negotiate a peace between ponies and dragons."

In a flash, a diplomatic suit appeared on Discord as he said, "So a social and business trip? Best of both types."

Starlight asked, "So what are you doing in Canterlot?"

"Why the Gala of course. Celestia thought I could spice up the little get together like I did a couple of years ago."

Twilight had to bring up one subject, "Will we expect another visit from the Smooze?"

"No. You won't have to worry this time. Anyways, ta ta for now. I must go and prepare for tomorrow. See you then."

With that, Discord disappeared in a flash while everypony waved bye to him. Once he was gone however, something caught Spike's eye and caused him to groan. "Oh no. I was hoping Ember wouldn't him for a while longer."

Twilight looked to him with a confused face. "Come on Spike. Discord's not that bad. I'm sure Ember will get along just fine like the rest of us."

"I don't mean Discord. I mean him!" Spike pointed in the direction he was looking so everypony could see what was making Spike upset. They also groaned when they saw the maids and butlers being given a hard time by a certain, obnoxious unicorn.

Flash spoke for everypony. "You have a right to be worried Spike. Everypony knows Prince Blueblood doesn't know when to keep his mouth shut."

Twilight noticed Spike gripped the ground as hard as he could. "Easy Spike. You know Blueblood might be at dinner, but that's no reason to lose control of your anger."

The drake took a deep breath before relaxing. "Alright Twilight. But if he runs his mouth too much at dinner, I can't make any promises."

A few hours later everypony found themselves sitting in the dinning room where Rarity and Ember walked in. Twilight asked, "Everything go okay you two?"

"Why of course darling. When you see what Ember has added to her dress, you will absolutely adore it."

Celestia smiled as the dragoness sat beside her adopted son until she heard a voice she knew all too well. "Sorry I'm late sister. Pip and I had some errands to run."

Everypony turned to see Princess Luna walk in with her personal nightguard, Pipsqueak.

When Pipsqueak became turned seventeen, he decided to join the royal guard and after a couple of years of hard work, Pipsqueak became the princess's personal guard. As time went by, the two became closer to the point where Pipsqueak worked up the courage to ask the princess out.

To his relief, Luna happily accepted and the two having been dating for a whole year now and couldn't be happier.

Flash and Pipsqueak were invited to dine with them and sat beside their respected marefriends as everypony waited for the course of berry salads and hay, with some of the food being made with gems for Match, Ember, and Spike.

Luna and Celestia looked to Ember as Celestia spoke, "I'm glad you could make it Ember. This will be very beneficial in bringing peace between our races."

"I'm happy to help both of our kind Princess Celestia. There are somethings my followers require that only ponies provide and from what Twilight mentioned, it looks the same thing vice versa."

"Well if you ask me, it's a complete waste of time to even attempt peace with dragons."

Everypony turned to see Prince Blueblood take his seat at the table and continued speaking, "First Twilight becomes royalty without even deserving it followed by dating that useless guard, then Princess Luna starts dating that filthy Trottingham stallion..."

As everypony became frustrated by the prince running his mouth, Twilight noticed Spike began to bend the tip of his fork while also inhaling and exhaling at a rapid pace. "Spike?"

"And now Auntie, you're pointlessly trying to negotiate a peace between mindless creatures like dragons by asking their pointless Dragon Lord to come to the Gala. If you ask me, it's a waste of time. Dragons are mindless creatures who only care for themselves and have absolutely nothing to offer us ponies except causing nothing but trouble."

Twilight and Ember flinched a little as Spike slammed his hands on the table. "That's it!"

Spike shot up from his seat and walked to Blueblood who continued ranting until the drake grabbed him by the horn and yanked him out of his seat to drag him to the wall. "Ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow."

The drake slammed him to the wall and held him against the wall by his horn and scared the unicorn with a strong glare. "I swear! If you weren't my mother's nephew and I promised her that even when I became old enough that I wouldn't kill you... I would kill you!"

"And believe me, nopony appreciates that more-."

"Shut up! I don't want to hear another word out of you for rest of the dinner. Do you understand me?"

Blueblood only gave a small whimper before Spike slammed his head to the wall again. "I said do you understand me!?"

The scared prince could only stutter before he yelped when Spike raised his fist. "Ah! Remember the promise to Auntie!"

Spike threw his fist only for it to go into the wall beside Blueblood. He let the unicorn's horn go to reveal some noticeable grip marks were on it as the drake began taking deep breaths. "Sit down. Stay quiet for the rest of the meal."

"Okay."

Blueblood quickly sat down and shut his mouth. Spike rubbed his fist as he retook his place in between Twilight and Ember before looking to his adopted sister, "Is it wrong that that felt good?"

Twilight looked over to the nervous prince before smiling at the drake, "No. I wouldn't say it is."

Spike then blushed as he felt his dragonessfriend peck his cheek. "That's for standing up for me and your friends."

"No problem."

"Dinner is served!" The chef said as he brought out the food and set it out for everypony to dig in. Ember and Match enjoyed the special meals with gems studded for them as Ember looked to Celestia. "Thanks for throwing some gems in with our food Princess. I hope it wasn't too much trouble."

Celestia smiled and said, "It was no trouble at all. It was an act of friendship."

Everypony/drake enjoyed their food until it was time for everyone to turn in. Wanting to avoid angering Spike again, Blueblood was the first to make it out of the room causing everypony to chuckle.

Celestia said, "It was nice to have a dinner with all of you, but now I believe it's time for us all to get some sleep. You all need your rest for the Gala."

With that everypony headed to their rooms, (or in the case of Twilight and Flash or Spike and Ember, one room).

Meanwhile, not too far outside of the castle, the dark magic from the outskirts of the Crystal Empire came to the garden of the castle. 'In order to find a way to revive my old body, it will require a host body or two. But what?'

It turned to see the garden held stone statues of a manticore, a gargoyle, and a minatour. 'Those will be perfect until I can find a better host.' It then split into to three and entered the statues. 'It will take a while for complete control of these structures to be acquired. But by tomorrow, I'll attack the princesses and use their bodies to revive mine.'

Chapter 5

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Spike and Ember walked into their room where Ember looked to her drakefriend with a smile and wrapped her arms around his neck. Spike asked, "After we've had our showers, you up for a little messing around before bed?"

Ember could only smirk back as she said, "Only if you think you can handle a little something extra."

"And that would be?"

"I'd rather wait and surprise you. Trust me, it will be a surprise you'll never expect."

Spike smirked as he said, "Alright. I'll get my shower first that way you can think about how you want it to play out after you have yours."

The drake rubbed her back before he made his way to the bathroom.

Once the door shut, Ember decided to just lay on the bed and wait for her turn in the shower. 'What did I do to deserve such a gentledrake?'

A half hour later, Ember had just finished her shower right after Spike finished his. She was drying herself off with a towel along with using her body heat. She had just walked out with the towel wrapped around her when she noticed Spike was laying on the bed in his shorts and t-shirt watching TV. She smirked as she picked up the remote from the table and shut the TV off. "You know. That look doesn't suit you."

Spike looked to her confused, "What?"

The dragoness took him by surprise by throwing her towel to the floor and crawling on top of him before reaching for the hem of his shirt. "Covered in clothes. You look terrible like that."

Spike grinned as he said, "Well I can't be happy when my Dragon Lord isn't happy. So I'll have to change that."

With that, Spike removed his shirt while Ember removed his shirt and boxers. Ember's grin grew as she ran her claws over Spike's torso and six pack. It was taking a little will power not to drool and the powerful drake she had all to herself. "That little act of standing up to Blueblood for me and our friends really turned my heat. And your Dragon Lord needs you to relieve her of it."

Spike smiled as he stroked her cheek while he said, "And I'll do anything for her."

Ember straddled his waist as he sat up to wrap his arms around her waist while she put her claws on the sides of his head. Spike decided to arouse his dragonessfriend by locking his lips on to her right breast while also massaging the other one in his left claw. Ember moaned as she wrapped her arms around his head and pulled him closer to her bust while her tail interlocked with his. Spike continued to twist her nipple between his claws while he sucked on the other nipple even more with his tongue circling around it. Spike then switched treatment between the two as his claws now ran over the wet breast while he decide to give her dry breast the same treatment.

The wet nipple was extremely sensitive to Spike's claws fondling her breast and twisting his nipple not long after his tongue had given her a serious treatment. Spike then began moving his other claw from her back to her lower lips only for her to grab his hand. He stopped his treatment to look to her, worried he had do something wrong. He was relieved to see she was smiling down at him. He still felt he had to ask, "Is everything okay? Did I do something wrong?"

"No. You were doing everything perfect. I just had a little idea. Let's have a little competition tonight. We do a 69 and who ever comes last is on top for the main event."

"I'm for it. But are you sure you can keep your screaming low."

"Won't need to. While you were taking your shower, I put a sound proof spell on the room with the Bloodstone Scepter. The spell should last until morning. So we won't have to worry. Now, let's get busy."

She pushed him straight on to the bed and got into position with his dragonhood in front of her and her dragonesshood right in his grasp. "On your mark. Get set. Go!"

Before the drake could react, Ember cupped his member into her breasts while taking a long lick on the side before focusing on the tip while still stroking it with her bosom.

Spike decided to let her continue for a few seconds before taking the initiative by grabbed and squeezing her ass cheeks. He could tell she was enjoying the first part of his plan judging by the vibrations he felt from her moaning which led him to moving his claws to her inner thighs and running his long serpentine tongue over pussy. He circled his tongue around the outer skin before locking his snout on to his dragonessfriend's pussy and driving his tongue in. 'You may be the lord of all dragons Ember but I'm the boss when it comes to being on top in bed.'

Ember was determined not to lose their competition while she felt Spike slowly gaining the upper hand. She decided to up her game by deep throating the drake under her. She took in as much as possible while running her tongue over the entire dragonhood and sucking on him in order to get more taste out of her new play thing. She soon began bobbing her head in order to increase the friction of her tongue wrapped around Spike's member. 'I'm not letting you get the upper hand Spike.'

The two went on for a few minutes before Spike was the first to lose the will to restrain himself. He pulled himself free of her dragonesshood to give her a fair warning, "Ember! I'm about to-."

He was cut short by his load shooting into his dragonessfriend's mouth. Ember only smirked before taking in as much as she could before releasing her climax all over the drake's face. She licked up what was left while Spike did the same. She then turned her head to smile on her face as she said, "I don't think I'll ever get over that thick, creamy taste. And it looks like I won. So I get to be on top this time tonight."

Spike returned the smile as he said, "And I'm honored by my word as a dragon. I just feel bad that you have to do all of the work tonight."

Ember turned around and gave him a small kiss. "Well then, think of this as a thank you."

"For what?"

"Like I said earlier. For standing up to Blueblood for us earlier. That's why I want to thank you properly by letting you relax while I give you the pleasure of a lifetime."

She then grabbed her scepter to not only use her sterilizing spell, but to his surprise, also create magic cuffs on Spike that restrained him to the bed. The drake looked to her in confusion as she looked at him with a grin. "Just to make sure you don't try to work."

She then began stroking his dragonhood until he was completely hard. "And now for the main course."

Ember took the cowgirl position before slowly lowering herself on to his dragoonhood slowly and began bouncing. She put her hands to his chest as she threw her head back. "By the gods Spike! I'll never get used to how big you are my handsome drake!"

Spike could only groan at Ember pleasuring him as he tried to at least match a thrusting rhythm with her bouncing. "And I can never get used to how tight you are my beautiful dragoness!"

Ember increased the rate of her bouncing as she ran her claws down Spike's chest. Spike moaned louder as he felt his dragonessfriend's core clench down on his member tighter and tighter as her thrusting started increasing in speed. He was trying with all of his might not to pass out from the sheer pleasure that Ember was giving him at this moment. Ember was also trying to make sure she didn't climax too early from the pleasure she was receiving from how the drake was filling her up with every bounce. "Oh Spike! You feel so good! So right!"

"And you're so tight! I'm actually struggling to not pass out! You're amazing Ember!"

Ember continued her bouncing until she soon felt the pleasure become too much for her. "Spike! I'm almost there! Are you ready!?"

"I'm ready whenever you are!?"

The pleasure soon overcame them and the climaxed in union. "AAAAAHHHHH!"

After the two recovered from the pleasure, Spike's restraints disappeared as Ember pulled herself off of his dragonhood and slumped on to his chest. "So Spike? Was that thank you enough?"

Spike smiled at the dragoness as he stroked her cheek and rubbed her back. "That was absolutely perfect Ember. I love you."

"I love you too."

The two dragons shared a kiss before the two got under the comforter with Spike wrapping his arms around her waist. "Goodnight Spike."

"Goodnight Ember."

With that, the two let Luna's dream world take over them.

Meanwhile, Match was walking around the castle garden. Not being used to sleeping on something other than rocks, he was having a hard time falling asleep. So he had decided to take a walk around the area to try and walk himself to being tired enough to fall asleep. He looked around to see that the garden was very peaceful. Unlike usual dragons, Match believed the same way Ember did. He believed that peace would strongly benefit dragons of the Dragon Lands. And like Ember, he has had some dragons chunk insults at him back in the Dragon Lands. However, he decided to just let them roll by and not let those who don't try new things get to him.

As he continue to let the calm night relax him, he turned the corner of a hedge only to bump into somepony. He looked to see he had bump into Trixie who had dropped a package of pencils, both colored and regular, a small pen, and a sketchbook.

Match said, "Sorry about that Ms. Trixie. I didn't see you there. If I may ask, what are you doing out here so late?"

The two began to gather her things as the mare answered the question. "Whenever I can't sleep, I usually come outside to do a few sketches. It usually helps me relax enough to get some sleep when I come back to my room."

The twos' hands met as they reached for her sketchbook. They looked up until their eyes met where they stayed locked for a few seconds before Trixie pulled back her hand with her sketchbook. "Ummm. So what are you doing out here?"

"Same as you. A calm atmosphere like the night helps me relax enough to get some sleep."

The two just stood there for a few minutes in awkward silence until Trixie spoke, "So like I said sorry about bumping into you. I'll see you at the Gala tomorrow night."

As the mare walked away, the two felt blushes rise to their cheeks and the hearts run like engines. But the two couldn't figure out why.

The next day, Spike just woke up to find Ember was nowhere in sight. "Ember? Where are you?"

He soon found a note on the headstand of the bed.

Dear Spike,

Twilight and the rest of the girls offered to let me relax with them at the spa before the Gala tonight. I think we'll be back a couple of hours before the Gala is scheduled to start. I'll see you then.

Love Ember

Spike smiled as he got up, showered, and dressed himself when he heard knocking on his door. "Who is it?"

"It's me, Flash. I told Twilight I would meet the rest of the guys at the train station before doing my morning workout. Match is with me and we wanted to know if you wanted to come with us."

"Sure. I could use a work out after meeting up with the guys."

The guys being the rest of the Mane 6's coltfriends: Thunderlane being with Fluttershy, Caramel being with Applejack, Soarin being with Rainbow Dash, Big Macintosh being with Rarity, Cheese Sandwich, who had moved to Ponyville, being with Pinkie Pie, and Sunburst who had finally admitted he had feelings to Starlight Glimmer.

Meanwhile at the Canterlot Spa, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy were having a massage, Rarity and Pinkie enjoying a mud bath, and Twilight, Trixie, Starlight, and Ember who had just returned from the sauna for a dip in the hot tub. As the four relaxed in the warm water, Ember just sighed in relaxation. "Aaahhh. I gotta admit, you ponies know the best ways to relax. I might have to mention a spa in the negotiations with Celestia."

Twilight smiled to the dragoness as she said, "Glad to hear you're enjoying yourself, Ember."

Starlight noticed Trixie had a small blush on her face and was deep in thought. "Trixie? Are you okay?"

Trixie was so deep in thought that Starlight's voice was falling on to deaf ears. The mare was so focused on that encounter that she had with Match the night before. For reasons unknown to her, she couldn't stop thinking about the drake. His glimmering eyes, his muscular frame, his scarlet scales, and. "TRIXIE!"

The mare was brought out of her thoughts to find Starlight, Twilight, and Ember staring at her. "Wha- what were you saying?"

Twilight said, "Starlight was asking if you were okay. You look like you have something heavy on the mind. Do you want to talk about it?"

"I don't know. It's just something I'm not used to."

Ember smiled as she said, "Come on Trixie. We're all friends here."

The blue mare hesitated for a moment before speaking up, "Well. Last night I was heading back to my room after some late night sketching when I accidentally bumped into your adviser, Match. We were gathering up my stuff when our hands touched. Our eyes locked on to each other before we went our separate ways. On my way back to my room, I felt myself blushing and my heart was racing."

The three could only smile as Twilight say, "I think I know exactly what's going through your mind Trixie."

Starlight finished for her teacher, "I think you have a crush on Match, Trixie."

"What? But how? I'm a pony and he's a dragon."

Twilight spoke, "Love can come in many different forms Trixie. If you recall, Spike had a crush on Rarity before he got together with Ember here. So it's not impossible."

"But what if he doesn't feel the same way?"

Ember smiled as she said, "Try spending a little time with him. The Gala will give you a perfect opportunity. Plus after him being my best friend in the Dragon Lands. So no one knows him better than me and I can tell you a few things about him."

"Do you really think I have a chance with him?"

Twilight spoke up, "With everything I've seen happen, anything is possible."

At the Castle's royal guard training room, Spike and Match were having a little friendly weight lifting competition to see who the stronger dragon is. Caramel and Macintosh were doing a little jogging. Thunderlane, Flash, and Soarin were doing a little wing exercises. And Sunburst and Cheese Sandwich were just playing cards.

Spike had just finished his lifting when he noticed Match was so deep in thought that he was about to drop his weight. He quickly got up and caught it before it landed on Match's face. "Match? Are you okay? You seem a little off?"

"Sorry. It's just that I have something on my mind that I can't stop thinking about."

"Talk to me. It might help you think a little better in understanding it."

Match thought it over for a moment before he spoke, "Last night, I went out to the garden to calm my mind in order to sleep easier. During my walk, I bumped into your blue friend, Trixie. I helped her gather the stuff she dropped when our hand touched and we locked eyes. When she took her leave, I felt my face heat up and my heart began racing. I'm having trouble understanding what I'm feeling and it won't stop bugging me."

Spike took in the information before smiling to his fellow drake. "I think I know exactly what you're feeling. It sounds to me like you have feelings for Trixie."

"A dragon having feelings for a pony? Is that even possible?"

"Definitely. I should know. Before Ember, I used to have a crush on Rarity."

"I just didn't think it was possible."

Spike only smiled. "My sister-in-law Cadence would say love is about feeling, not thinking. Does it feel impossible?"

Match thought for a moment before saying, "No. No it doesn't. But how do I figure out how she feels?"

"Spend some time with her at the Gala. Figure out some things about her and go from there."

"That's sounds like a great idea. Thank you Spike."

"No problem. Now are you up for a rematch that I will surely win?"

"In your dreams Spike. You may be strong enough to handle Ember, but you're not strong enough to outmatch me."

Chapter 6

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The time had finally arrived, the night of the Grand Galloping Gala. Many ponies of Canterlot and Equestria were excited attend the gathering. Even some negotiators from different country: Griffonstone and Minotauria.

However, one negotiator was extremely nervous. And it just so happened to be the negotiator of the Dragon Lands.

Not only was this Ember's first time to be Dragon Lord, but this was also the very first time the Dragon Lord had to negotiate on be half of all dragons with the rulers of ponies. This made Ember extremely nervous. She wanted to make a good impression for the ponies of Equestria's capital and for the first time discussing professional matters with the princesses.

She stood in her guest room, looking at herself in her red and gold dress in the mirror. 'I hope these negotiations go well. Not only am I talking with the princesses, but I'll also be meeting other negotiaters, like the griffon ruler and the ruler of minotaurs.'

"Look at the beautiful Dragon Lord."

Ember turned to see Spike smiling at her. The drake was wearing a tailored tuxedo.

"Thanks. You're not too bad yourself my handsome drake. Hey? If you don't mind, could you hand me that box right there?" She pointed over at the dresser where a small boutique box sat. Spike walked over and handed the box to Ember. The dragoness opened the container to reveal two wrist cuffs with a small dragon flame with pegasi wings and unicorn horns.

Spike looked in amazement. "Where did you get those?"

Ember smiled as she cuffed them on to her wrists. "These are the extra things I asked Rarity to make for my dress yesterday. I thought wearing these could show some of the ponies around here that I've come to talk peacefully among them."

Spike smiled as walked up beside her and put an arm around her waist. "I think you made a good decision. And I know for a fact that you'll make the right decisions for all of the dragons back home."

"If you're with me, I feel pretty confident."

Spike then held out his arm. "So shall we go my Dragon Lord?"

Ember hooked her arm with Spike's with the Bloodstone Scepter in her other hand. The two shared a brief kiss before Ember smiled at her drakefriend. "We shall my handsome drake."

With that, the two began making their way to the grand ballroom.

In said ballroom, Twilight, Flash, and their friends were calmly enjoying some of the food and drinks. Pinkie was relieved that Princess Celestia had decided to add some more pleasant horderves with Cheese Sandwich who said, "Thank Celestia she put in something more enjoyable. That fancy food she usually had out was killing me."

Rarity and Macintosh were enjoying some of the punch with the mare saying, "I have to hand it to the princesses. They sure know how to provide good refreshments for their guests."

"Announcing the arrival of Dragon Lord Ember of the Dragon Lands and her escort, Spike of Canterlot!"

Unsurprisingly, many ponies stopped when they heard of the first Dragon Lord. They were also a little scared of an unknown dragon being among them.

As Ember and Spike, Sunburst and Starlight looked a little uncomfortable with the stallion asking, "Princess Ember? Are you okay?"

Starlight continued for her coltfriend, "Sunburst is right. You don't seem good."

"It's just. The way they all just went silent. It makes me nervous about what will happen if a peace treaty between the ponies and dragons is possible."

Twilight smiled to her fellow princess as she said, "Everything will work out Ember. You agreeing to come here for negotiations is the first step in peace between our races."

Spike looked around his group of friends to ask, "Where are Match and Trixie?"

Flash said, "Probably off doing their own thing."

"Twilight!"

The group looked to see Twilight's sister-in-law and the princess of love, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, or Cadence as she preferred. With her was her husband and Twilight's brother, Shining Armor, and their two year old daughter, Flurry Heart.

"Cadence! Shining!"

She exchanged hugs with the two before picking up her niece. "Look at you Flurry. You're getting so big."

"Thanks Aunt Twilight."

Flash saluted. "Prince Armor!"

The unicorn chuckled as he said, "At ease. Flash? You can relax around us. You're one of the most loyal guards we have and you've been dating Twilight for a year now. You've earned our trust."

"Sorry Shining. Force of habit."

Cadence then noticed Ember. "Oh. And you must be Ember. I'm Princess Cadence, Twilight's sister-in-law. And this is my husband and Twilight's brother, Shining Armor, and our daughter, Flurry Heart."

"Nice to meet you all."

Shining then noticed the two dragons' linked arms. "I have a feeling you are more than just the Dragon Lord of the Dragon Lands."

The two blushed a little before Cadence smiled. "Oh Spike I'm so happy for you. And from how strong your love is, I can tell you two have a strong relationship."

"Even I could tell you that Cadence. And I'm a controller of chaos."

In a sudden flash, Discord appeared in the same suit he wore when he brought the Smooze. "And I finally have the honor of meeting Dragon Lord Ember face to face."

Ember raised her scepter and aimed it at Discord. "Who or what is this?"

Spike gently lowered the scepter as he said, "It's okay Ember. This is our friend Discord. He keeps harmony magic balanced with chaos magic."

Discord smiled as he held out his griffon claw. "How do you do Princess?"

Ember hesitantly grabbed his claw to shake only for it to be pulled off. She shrieked a little as Discord's hand reappeared on him again as he chuckled before stopping when he heard Twilight groan. "Oh come on Twilight. Just wanted to show her my sense of humor."

Ember couldn't help but giggle a little as she looked to Spike and said, "And I thought Pinkie Pie was the only unpredictable one of the group."

Spike grinned as he said, "Trust me. You haven't seen anything yet."

"Ahhh. It's good to see you all are enjoying yourself."

The group turned to see Princess Celestia, Luna, and Pipsqueak walk up to them. "Hey Flash."

"Pip."

Luna said, "I hope you're ready for this Princess Ember."

"As ready as I'll ever be. When is our meeting going to start?"

Celestia spoke, "When Griffon Lord Viren and Minotaur Supreme Armstrong arrive. It still might be a while so in the meantime, feel free to enjoy yourselves, all of you."

At that moment, a slow song began to play and ponies all over began dancing. As the group made their way to the dancefloor, Spike held out his hand to Ember. "Shall we?"

Ember blushed at his gesture before saying, "I don't really know how to dance that well."

The drake only smiled as he said, "It's easy. Just let me lead a little and let the music carry you."

The dragoness hesitated for a moment or two before taking his hand and let him guide her on to the floor. Spike put his claws to Ember's hips while she put hers to his shoulders. Ember was nervous at first with this being her first time dancing. But seeing Spike smile confidently at her and with how soothing the music was, the dragoness soon began to relax and enjoy herself. "This is actually really nice."

"What'd I tell you? Letting the music carry you is real relaxing when you're nervous in a situation like this."

As the two continued dancing for a moment, Ember couldn't help but giggle a little when she noticed a small flash when Spike dipped her. "What is it?"

After he lifted her up again, she nodded to the right where Spike then saw Celestia near by with a camera in hand. The alicorn blushed at being noticed and gave a nervous smile. Spike could only grin and roll his eyes as his dragonessfriend spoke, "Parents. What are you gonna do?"

Meanwhile, Trixie was at a near by punch bowl watching as her friends enjoyed the dancefloor.

"So Blueblood was right after all unfortunately."

Trixie turned to see two ponies whose greed are only trumped by Blueblood: Jet Set and Upper Crust.

Upper began speaking for her husband, "Not only are there dragons attending, but now the princesses have allowed pitiful show ponies to desecrate our gathering with their presences."

Trixie glared at the two as she said, "I've heard of you two from Rarity. Acting all high and mighty just like Blueblood. When in reality, you two are a couple who pity themselves by talking down to others."

Right as the now angry couple were going to speak, two more voices spoke up, "Good to see someone so charming thinks the same as we do."

"Agreed sweetheart."

The three turned to see none other than Rarity's Canterlot friends: Fancy Pants and his wife, Fleur De Lis.

"Her? Charming? Surely you jest."

Fleur said, "Absolutely not. From what Rarity has told us, she used to think the same way you two do. However, she decided to be a better pony and treat others as equals unlike the two of you."

Upper Crust was about to retort when Match approached the group. "Is there a problem here?"

Jet said, "Nothing that a mindless dragon like you could help with."

"You know. I actually have the right to escort you two out of this celebration."

"And how do you plan to do that?"

"Well, after some time arriving here, I managed to get along with the Royal Guard enough to earn that complete trust and respect. They've allowed me to be a temporary guard while I'm here. So I'll give you two choices: one, you can end this conflict and move on or two, I can arrest you two for harassing Ms. Trixie here and escort you out."

The two decided to walk off as they would prefer to stay.

Match walked up to Trixie and asked, "Everything okay Ms. Trixie?"

"Just call me Trixie. And yes, I'm okay."

"In that case, would you care to dance?"

Trixie blushed a little as she took his hand. "Sure. I'd love too."

The two made their way to the dancefloor and began to enjoy themselves.

After about an hour, "Announcing the arrival of Griffon Lord Viren and Minotaur Supreme Armstrong!"

The two lords walked in to be met by Celestia, Luna, Spike, and Ember. "Good to see you two. Welcome to the Grand Galloping Gala."

Viren said, "It's a pleasure to be here Celestia. Especially when negotiations involve a little fun every once in a while."

Armstrong then noticed Ember standing among them. "And who might this be?"

Luna said, "This is Dragon Lord Ember. She is the ruler of the Dragon Lands. She decided to attend this ball so we could all negotiate peace with the dragons."

Ember bowed her head to the two. "It's an honor to meet you both. I hope I can make a good impression for you."

Armstrong said, "And we hope the same for you as well. Now shall we begin."

The group made their way to a royal table where Match was waiting for them to serve as Ember's adviser.

After they sat down, Celestia spoke, "Ember? Since you're a new comer to our meeting, why don't you start with some of the requests you and your subjects."

"Very well. Match? Help me out."

"Of course my Dragon Lord. After hearing about Ember's new ways of ruling, most of our fellow dragons would like the chance to learn what it's like to live with other beings like ponies, griffons, and minotaurs. We were hoping we could negotiate a way for them to being aloud living space in other areas with citizens."

Celestia said, "We'd be happy to help with bringing our races closer in friendship."

Luna the spoke, "I agree with my sister. Allowing more social contact between ponies and dragons will allow more cooperation between them."

Viren said, "I believe we can allow dragons in to our lands for a place to live. However, we may require something in return."

Match asked, "And that would be?"

"There are times when we griffons have to acquire some heavy metals from our nearby mountains. And while we griffons are strong, we sometimes have a hard time getting enough of it. We will allow dragons to make homes among us in exchange for helping us acquire what is needed for construction."

"I think my fellow dragons will be willing to accommodate. And what about Supreme Armstrong?"

"I'd be willing to let dragons start living among us minotaurs, but like the griffons. We will need something in return. We have types of metals that we can't mold without a certain degree of heat. And it so happens that dragons are the main creatures whose flames can reach this degree of heat. If your kind are willing to help us with this matter, I can guarantee dragons will be allowed to live among us."

"Alright. I'll see what I can do to persuade them. And another request to Celestia and Luna. Many of my kind are getting tired of sleeping on boulders and rocks in the Dragon Lands and were hoping you can provide beds for us."

"I don't think that will be a problem. Like I said, anything to bring your race closer to ours."

"However, Tia would appreciate if some of your guards would join ours in case there ever comes a threat that neither Royal Guard can handle alone."

Match then spoke, "I'm sure I can convince my fellow soldiers to join with yours. Especially since along with being Ember's advisor, I'm also the general of the Dragon Guard."

Celestia said, "So we're all in agreement. Any more suggestions?"

After no one spoke, they meeting was adjourned and Ember, Match, and Spike left to rejoin their friends.

However, right as they were about to rejoin Twilight and the others, a sudden blast caused an explosion from the side of the ballroom.

Everypony dropped what they were doing to find three living statues of a gargoyle, a manticore, and a minotaur. All with purple glowing eyes.

The manticore and minotaur began attacking the guards who were there while the gargoyle made it's way to the hall. Spike then noticed exactly where it's going. "Mom! That Gargoyle is heading for the magical relics chamber!"

"Twilight! Luna, Viren, Armstrong, and I will help Spike stop that Gargoyle! You and your friends stop those other creatures!"

Spike looked to Ember and said, "You and Match help stop those things!"

"Okay Spike. But be careful."

"You too."

Fluttershy, Thunderlane, Pinkie Pie, and Cheese Sandwich were evacuating the ponies while everypony else began attacking the statue creatures.

Starlight, Rarity, Sunburst, Twilight, and Trixie fired beams of magic at the minotaur statue as it charged at them and right before it reached them, Match landed in front of them and grabbed it by the horns. It took a few seconds before Match managed to stop it in its tracks. He then tore off its horns and kicked it away. As the creature got up, Match landed behind it to hold it by the arms after stabbing its horns through its chest. "Everypony! Hit it in its wounds with your magic! That should destroy it!"

With that, they all fired their horns and hit its wounds, causing the it to burst into dust and rubble.

Meanwhile, Flash, Macintosh, Applejack, and Caramel were knocked way by the manticore statue while Ember, with Bloodstone Scepter in her hands, met Rainbow in the sky. "Rainbow Dash! You up for a little tag team?"

"Thought you'd never ask!"

Ember stuck first with a swing with her scepter before Rainbow Dash threw a kick to the monsters face. Ember then threw her scepter to the Pegasus who dodged the beast's tail before smacking it in the face with the staff followed by the dragoness punching the creature in the face. Rainbow Dash then threw the scepter back to Ember before kicking the statue allowing ember to stab it in the head in order to shoot a stream of magic into it. The build of magic caused the creature to crumble to and turn to dust. Rainbow smirked at the dragoness, "Nice teamwork."

"Back at you."

Then, to everyone's shock, streams of magic shot from both sets of rubble and headed to a hiding place. Thinking quickly, Twilight managed to trap one of them before they both got away.

With said fight, we find Spike, Celestia, and the others keeping the statue from a highly sealed vault. "Keep it away from here! We cannot allow it inside!"

Viren flew up to strike the creature's face while Armstrong pushed it back with a charge. The creature managed to push the two away by punching them away. Spike then charge it and let out a blast of flame which managed to do damage as it slowly made its way to the drake. Celestia and Luna soon landed beside Spike to help push the creature back with blasts from their horns. The creature was pushed back, but it still managed to push through the attacks until it knocked the princesses away with blasts of magic from its eyes before it grabbed Spike and slammed him into the wall and began punching him in the face.

At the point where Spike could see, he saw that his adopted mother and aunt were injured. He soon felt a familiar anger begin to swell up as the creature's punches soon began to feel less painful as he glared at the creature. The creature soon became shocked as its punches soon began bouncing off the drake's face before he caught its fist. Spike then headbutted it in the head before tackling it hard enough to knock it through the floors until it reached the ballroom where everyone found Spike constantly punching it to the ground. Spike then began slamming his fists into the creature's chest before letting out a powerful burst of flame that shot straight through its chest.

After Spike stopped his attack, a stream of magic shot from the rubble to join the one that got away. Spike then kneeled on the ground while Twilight and Ember ran to his side. "Are you okay Spike?"

"I'm fine Twilight. Just tired. What caused those things?"

"From what Twilight caught, it looks like some kind of dark magic."

A few hours later, everyone sat around the royal chamber discussing what happened. "So dark magic was responsible for this? But dark magic hasn't been used since-."

"Yes Luna. Since Sombra was destroyed. Which means his magic somehow freed itself."

Twilight then asked, "Princess Celestia? What do you think the point of this attack?"

"Only one thing. That vault it attack held the only relic that could remake his body. The Alicorn Amulet."

Years back, not long after Trixie's attack on Ponyville, Zecora decided to give the Alicorn Amulet to the princesses believing they could protect it better than she could.

Luna then asked, "But I have another question. What happened to you, Spike? We've never seen you with that kind of strength or fire in the past."

Ember decided to speak for her drakefriend, "That's because this might Spike has is very recent. You see, during my visit to Ponyville, Garble and his lakies showed up. After they managed to hold us down, Garble attempted to force himself on to me. But right before he could finish, something snapped in Spike. Something that made it possible for him to beat down Garble without even trying. I believe it comes out of him when he sees someone he cares for in pain or danger. And from what I just saw, Spike might have more abilities that we don't know about."

Twilight said, "Interesting. But where is Garble and his friends now?"

"They went back to the Dragon Lands to turn Garble in to my father. They regretted helping Garble so they weren't punished. Right now, Garble is in supreme lockdown right now."

"We'll look in on Spike's new abilities later." Twilight said, "For now, let's figure out what Sombra might try next. Without his body or at least another host body, his options are limited."

Unknown to all of them, Sombra's magic was watching and listening to the hold conversation. "Interesting. This Garble character they speak of could be useful. With the right persuasion, I could obtain a host body, the Alicorn Amulet, and have a new general after I recreate my body.'

With that, Sombra's magical form began making a flight to the Dragon Lands.

Chapter 7

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After a goodnight's rest from a very eventful Gala, Spike, the guys, and Trixie were seeing the Mane 6, Starlight, and Ember off at the train station the next day's afternoon.

With the negotiations over, the girls thought it would be best to go ahead and head back to Ponyville. Trixie decided to stay and help the guys who were staying to help rebuild the castle's ballroom before heading to visit Ponyville themselves. Spike smiled to Ember. "You guys just head back to Ponyville and we'll be there tomorrow after we help clean up the mess Sombra made during the Gala. After that much excitement from last night, I'd say you can do with some time to relax."

Ember smiled and pecked her drakefriend's cheek. "Just don't be late getting back. I'd like to spend as much time together before having to go back to the Dragon Lands."

Flash and Twilight had just shared a kiss before Twilight asked, "Are you sure it's okay for you to come by Ponyville? You won't get in trouble will you?"

Flash only smiled at his marefriend's worried nature. "It'll be fine. I was supposed to take this coming week off anyway. So the princesses decided to let me head off a day early. First thing tomorrow, we'll be heading to Ponyville. Right guys."

The rest of the stallions nodded to him after saying goodbye to their own marefriends.

Starlight looked at Trixie and asked, "Are you sure you want to wait to come back until tomorrow?"

Trixie smiled at her friend and said, "Yes, I'm sure. I've wanted to see more of Canterlot since this is my first time here. And plus I want to see if I could spend some time with... You know."

She bobbed her head in the direction where Match was talking with Spike and Ember. "Oh. I see. Well all I can tell you is good luck and to be yourself."

The two unicorns shared a hug before Starlight followed Applejack and Twilight on to the train.

After they were all on board, the train took off as the girls waved off to their men.

About an hour later after arriving in Ponyville, the girls decided to have a picnic/pet play date so Fang could get to know the rest of the girls pets including Starlight's pet skunk, Fiona.

Fang got along well with Fiona, Winona, and Owlowicious. While Gummy and Tank were a little weird, the pup felt comfortable around. Given how some of the types of encounters rabbits have with wolves, it took a little bit for Angel to completely accept Fang as a friend, but since the pup showed no threat to the furry little guy, the bunny soon became the wolf's good friend.

Opal, however, was a bit of a problem. The minute the wolf pup approached her, the cat loudly hissed at him, causing him to yelp and run behind Ember in fear.

Rarity scolded her pet, "Opalescence! You apologize to that little pup right now!"

Opal only hissed again before flinching due to a rare growl given by Winona. The cat then slowly walked over and meowed an apology to the pup. Ember smiled as she rubbed Winona's head. "Thanks girl. You're a good friend."

Rarity said, "Fang seems to be getting along nicely after that incident you told us about."

Fluttershy scratched the wolf pup behind his ears as she said, "All he needed was the right care giver to get him through the drama."

Ember smiled at the pegasus's comment before something came to mind. "Hey girls? I've been wondering about something."

Twilight asked, "What is it Ember?"

"Spike mentioned in his old letter how you and Flash got together. But I was wondering how the rest of you got together with your guys."

Rainbow Dash smiled as she spoke first, "I'd be happy to share with how Soarin and I got together."

Flashback

Rainbow was just finishing her shower and dressing herself after her training for the day and was heading out the door when she crossed paths with the second in command of the team, Soarin'.

"Hey Rainbow. What are you up to?"

"Just finished training for the day. What about you? Same?"

"Yep. Hey umm... I was going to get some pizza after changing from my uniform. You want to come with? You look like you could eat."

Rainbow Dash thought for a moment before saying, "I don't have anything planned so sure. What place do you have in mind?"

"I was going to head to Tony's. Just let me shower and change real quick."

After the stallion finished doing what he had to, the two flew off to Tony's Pizza Parlor to enjoy a good garlic and hay pizza. As they enjoyed their food Soarin decided to strike a conversation, "So how are you enjoying being in the Wonderbolts so far?"

"It's everything I expected it to be and a little more excitement."

"I know what you mean. I was the same way when I was a rookie myself. So tell me what do you do when you aren't training? Have you managed to get a guy for yourself?"

Rainbow just finished her third slice. "Naw. Nopony who can handle this strong mare has made himself known yet. What about you? I heard some rumors about you and Spitfire."

"Those are just rumors. We did try once when we were younger, but we decided it would best to just stay friends. Plus... She realized she liked what's on the other side of the fence."

The two soon finished the pizza and left for home after Soarin' paid. Since it was kind of late, Soarin' decided to fly her home. They landed on her front porch and Rainbow smiled to her fellow Wonderbolt. "Thanks for dinner Soarin'. I'll see you tomorrow."

But right before the mare went inside, Soarin' spoke up, "Hey Rainbow? I was going to go down to the lake for a swim tomorrow at the lake and I was wondering if you would like to go with me."

The rainbow maned pegasus smiled at him as she gave him a kiss on the lips. Soarin' eyes widened before Rainbow pulled back shortly after. "Does that feel like a yes to you?"

The stallion grinned as he said, "I don't know. Maybe another will tell me for sure."

The two locked lips again and enjoyed the first moment of a new relationship.

End flashback

"And after a few more dates, our relationship became the strongest I've ever had in my life."

Fluttershy the took her turn to tell a story, "And if wasn't for them getting together, well let's just say Thunderlane and I wouldn't be an item right now."

As Fluttershy told her story, the guys in Canterlot were just finishing up with putting the ballroom back together.

Flash, Soarin', and Thunderlane were lifting one of the replacement ceiling tiles up with Trixie coordinating. "Easy! Easy! Right there! Perfect!"

Spike, Macintosh, Caramel, Match, and Sunburst had just finished repairing the hole in the wall. "That should be everything guys. Let's get cleaned up and get some dinner."

Trixie spoke up, "Actually guys. I think I'm going to go in to town to get something to eat. I was going to head to that place Pinkie and Rarity recommended. You know the 'Tasty Treat' place."

Spike walked up to Match and whispered, "This is a good opportunity for you Match. Go eat with her and spend some time with her."

Match thought it over before going with what Spike advised. "Mind if I tag along Trixie? I'm in the mood for something other than castle food."

"Sure. It would be nice to have somepony... drake to talk to. Follow me and I'll show you the way."

The two made their way out of the ballroom and out of the castle while the rest of the guys made their way to the dining hall. Flash looked to Spike after he watched the drake and unicorn walk off. "I'm starting to see what you and Twilight are seeing. Judging by the look of them enjoying each others' company, I can definitely see something spark between those two."

"Yep. But like Twilight and Ember said, it's best to let it happen with nothing but supportive and confidential advice."

Caramel chuckled at Spike's words. "Look who finally started thinking and listening to his sister."

Spike smirked as he looked to the earth pony. "Are you saying I was stupid all the years I've been in Ponyville?"

"No. But I- hey!" Caramel soon found himself laughing as Spike put him in a headlock.

"Let me go dude!"

"Say I'm sorry Spike!"

"Okay, okay. I'm sorry."

Spike let him go as he turned the guys. "Come on. Let's get some food so we'll have some strength to head to Ponyville tomorrow."

With Match and Trixie, they had just walked in the Tasty Treat restaurant to find many ponies enjoying themselves. The host mare walked up to greet them, "Hello and welcome to Tasty Treat. I am the owner, Saffron Masala. And judging by the looks, you two are new to Canterlot."

"That we are. I'm Trixie and this is my friend Match. I've been in Canterlot for a couple a days and before she left to go back home, my friend Rarity recommended this place for trying."

"You know Ms. Rarity? She is a friend of mine and my father's, Coriander Cumin. If it wasn't for her and Pinkie Pie, this restaurant wouldn't be as good as it is to this day. They helped us make this place one of the greatest in Canterlot. But I believe you deserve to experience that for yourself. Follow me if you would be so kind."

Saffron lead the two to a small table beside a new bar that she and Coriander installed. The two took their seats and as Saffron asked, "What would you two like?"

Trixie took a quick look at the menu before saying, "I think I'll have the special for the day with a glass of cider. What about you Match?"

"I'll have the same thing."

Saffron walked off as Match looked to Trixie. "So before you became friends with Twilight and the others, what did you do on your own?"

"I was an 'on the road' magician. I went from place to place doing magic shows. There was a point where I took things too far with something called the Alicorn Amulet in Ponyville because I was jealous of Twilight. After Starlight showed me what it was really like to have a real friend. I've always looked to everyday and wake up to remember how far I've come since I stopped being a mare who was so full of herself that she would put others in danger just to get in the spotlight everywhere."

"I can only imagine the guilt you must feel from that. But I do understand one thing, now that you've been forgiven by others, you must now learn to forgive yourself. I've done some pretty terrible things myself. I remember all the times I attacked innocent dragons and ponies. It wasn't until Ember started showing me right way to live among others along giving a real friend for the first time. She soon told me about how your friend Spike was the one who showed her how living with friends and helping others is the life that holds the most rewards."

"Wow. Who thought we would have gone through the similar lives."

Saffron approached the two as she held to trays of specials and two bottles of cider. "Here you are you two. Enjoy and let us know if you would like anything else."

As the two enjoyed their meals, they soon became deep in thought.

'I'm feeling a little more confident on asking her out now that I know we have had similar pasts and challenges. Knowing that we have that in common makes me think we're more suited for each other than I thought.'

'He's been through the same types of things I've had to experience. Understanding the output and feelings that follow from difficult situations can make it easier in providing emotional support for each other. I'm just wondering how I should ask him out.'

However, as the two were finishing their meals, they heard the door slam open and saw two masked ponies run in one being a unicorn carrying a spear and the other being an earth pony carrying a crossbow. The crossbow one shot in the air as everypony got low. The spear one then aimed his spear at Saffron and Coriander who were huddled up together. "Give us all your bits! Otherwise we trash this place and cause whatever pain is necessary."

Before anyone could react, Trixie used her magic to snatch the spear from the unicorn's hands. "Let's calm down and try to be a little more reasonable."

"Mind your own business!" The unicorn blasted Trixie to the ground before pulling his spear back to him.

Match instantly stood from his seat as he glared at the two. "That's no way to treat a lady. So I'll give you two options. A.) You can put your weapons down and wait for the Royal Guard to come and take you. Or b.) I can give you a proper beat down before they get here."

The stallion with the crossbow pointed his weapon at the drake's face. "I choose c.) I pull this trigger in your face. And you go down dead as a corpse." The stallion pulled the trigger.

To his and everypony else's surprise, the bolt broke when it hit Match in the nose without even scratching him. The stallion fired more until he ran out. "What's going on?"

Match smirked at him and said, "Guess I should explain. We dragons who are trained as royal guards of the Dragon Lands are put through rough enough training that the only weapons that can actually hurt us are weapons made from dragon metals."

Then before the stallion could react, Match knocked him out with one punch.

The unicorn then ran at Match with his spear. He swung his weapon only for Match to dodge every strike until at one point, Match caught the end of the spear. Then to the stallion's shock, the drake bent the end of the spear before tripping the stallion with his tail and knocked him out with a back-fist to the ground.

Right after that, a few Royal Guards ran in with the leader of the group saying, "We heard there was a robbery going on. Is everypony okay? What's the situation?"

Match pointed at the two unconscious robbers and said, "These two are the ones who attempted a robbery. While this isn't the Dragon Lands, I decided to take action as a Dragon Royal Guard after they arrived. I hope I caused you no trouble."

"Thank you Match. Flash Sentry told us about you and we knew you were a Royal Guard of the Dragon Lands. We owe you one. Privates! Get those two in handcuffs!"

The two guards did as told as Saffron and Coriander walked up to Match with Coriander saying, "Thank you for helping us. Please allow us to give you or your friend no charge on your meal as thanks. It's the least we could do."

Trixie walked to Match's side as she said, "I suppose we could allow that. Thank you for the great meal. I can see why Rarity recommended this place."

Saffron smiled at the two. "Thank you both for coming. And say hi to Rarity and Pinkie Pie for us."

Trixie smiled and said, "Will do."

Meanwhile back in Ponyville, Applejack had just finished telling Ember how she and Caramel got together on a day where Macintosh and Applebloom were sick so Granny Smith asked him to fill in and help Applejack. From the others she found out that Rarity and Macintosh got together when Rarity asked him to help move some stuff around her store and offered to buy him dinner in thanks, Fluttershy got with Thunderlane when Rainbow and Soarin' set them up on an unknonwn double date with them, and Pinkie Pie got together with Cheese Sandwich when they met up at one of Vinyl Scratch's parties. "Wow. You girls found your loves in ways that suite you best. And in better ways than how Spike and I found out about our feelings."

Fluttershy said, "While it is true you two could have discovered your feelings that didn't involve Garble assaulting you two, at least you both found out and are happier than ever."

Ember rubbed Fang's head as she said, "You're right Fluttershy. No matter the cause, I wouldn't trade being with Spike for anything in the world."

"And we'd do the same for our guys. Now let's get to the castle and get some sleep. We need to meet the guys at the station first thing in the morning."

With that, they gathered what they brought, their pets, and made their way to the Friendship Castle for a good sleepover and some sleep.

Back in Canterlot, Match had just walked Trixie to her room as after they had arrived at the castle. "Thanks for having dinner with me Match. I never enjoyed eating by myself."

"It was my pleasure Trixie. Like I said, I believe there is meaning in the methods of peace between dragons and ponies that Ember is trying to show everydrake."

Before Match was about to walk off, Trixie gave him a soft peck on his cheek, causing them both to blush. "That was for stopping those two stallions after he hit me with his magic. Goodnight Match."

"Goodnight Trixie."

With that, Trixie went into her room while Match made his way to his.

In the Dragon Lands, Garble stood in a cell with chains connected to the wall. They allowed him to walk around the cell, but didn't extend enough to where he could reach the bars.

"Supper!"

He looked up to see the guard roll in a tray that had a few gemstones on it with a small cup of water. "Couldn't I get a few more gems?"

The guard looked at him with a scowl. "Your lucky Torch is even feeding you after what you tried to do to the Dragon Lord, who I may remind you is his daughter!"

Garble shot up and tried to reach for the bars. "She shouldn't have tried to change our traditions! She and that pony lover, Spike, did nothing but change our ways for no reason!"

"If you ask me, this place could do with a few changes. The old ways are making things difficult for us dragons. And after what you pulled, you should consider yourself lucky that Torch didn't stomp you into dust."

With that, the guard left the chamber as Garble began to chow down. "This is ridiculous. They should be helping me. Dragons need to focus on what our original way was. If only I had the power to show them."

"I believe we can help each other."

Garble looked to see a stream of dark magic had entered his cell undetected. "Who-what are you?"

"I am King Sombra. What you see is the magic that remains after my unicorn body was destroyed. And I've come for you help."

"And why would I help you? I'm a type of dragon who wants nothing to do with ponies."

"Three reasons: One: I can give you the power to break out of here. Two: I can give you new abilities that no dragon has ever had. And three: I can give you the power necessary to achieve whatever you want.

"Tempting. But what do you want in return?"

"I need you to be a temporary host body for me, break into Canterlot Castle to get the one thing that can reconstruct my body, and to become my new general as I prepare to conquer the lands that did me wrong."

Garble thought it over for a moment before saying, "I'm in. What do I have to do?"

"Just relax for a moment."

The stream of magic the entered Garble's body.

After a few moments of pain, a flash of light revealed Garble, not only free from his shackles, but also in solid dark armor similar to that of what Ember wore during the Gauntlet of Fire while his eyes began to glow in the same mist as Sombra's.

The dragon let out a burst of flame that was powerful enough to not only destroy his prison, but also give him a hole through the building he was in to escape through.

Before any nearby guards could react, Garble took to the skies at a speed that made it impossible for him to be caught. He landed in an area he was sure he wouldn't be found. "Alright Sombra. So now what?"

"It will take a few hours for the dark magic to fully accept your body as its new host. Take a few hours to rest and regain your full strength. After that... we will begin our actions!"

Chapter 8

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Ember found herself in a prison chamber with her wings seriously injuried and her arms chained to the wall.

'How could this happen? How could we not have seen this coming soon? With all of the knowledge Twilight had on him, we should have seen this coming. Yet he snuck a spell right past us. If only we had been more careful.'

She shot her head up when she heard her cell door slide open. Inside came Garble wearing dark armor along with the pony who had conquered not only Equestria but had also made his way to the Dragon Lands. "Sombra! Garble! Back to torture me some more?!"

Garble smirked as he stepped forward, "As much fun as that would be Ember, I'm happy to say we have a surprise for you."

Sombra grinned as he stepped forward and said, "Indeed we do. Guards! Bring him in!"

In came two shadow dragon guards with a battered dragon with a bag over his head, but even without seeing his face, Ember knew exactly who the drake was. "Spike?"

The guards pulled the bag off of his head to reveal the purple drake with one missing eye and a scar across his face. He looked to the dragoness he loved as he said, "Ember. I'm so sorry. If only I was stronger, I could have stopped this. It's my fault that Sombra and Garble were able to take over Equestria."

Garble punched him in the face as he said, "You got that right. Thanks to you, I'm the Dragon Lord for the rest of eternity and your pony friends aren't around to bug me or Sombra ever again."

Sombra then said, "Indeed. But even with the fall of the princesses, deaths of the Mane Six, and even the fall of Discord, hope still lives as long as you two do. Which gives me great pleasure to know that it all ends on this very day. Garble?"

The unicorn pulled a sword from his sheath and threw it to he dragon. "Show Ember exactly what I mean."

The drake looked at the sword with a smirk on his face as he turned to Spike. "It would be my pleasure."

The shadow guards lifted Spike to his feet and held him against the wall as Ember watched in fear. Garble smirked at her before smirking back at the restrained Spike. "I've been waiting a long time todo this. And it's a bonus to have her watch this."

Spike glared at the red drake before spiting in his face. "If you think I'm going to cry for what you've made me do, your dead wrong."

Garble wiped the spit off of his face. "I don't care about that. I'm just satisfied to know I'll be putting an end to your worthless life!"

Before anyone can do or say anything, Garble swung and drove the sword into Spike's chest. Ember watched in horror as she watched drake she loved groan in pain and agony. "SPIKE!"

Garble slowly removed his blade from Spike's chest as the guards released him, allowing his body to fall to the ground.

Ember had tears in her eyes as she glared at Sombra. "You monster! You will pay for all of the pain you've caused! For everything you've done! I swear it!"

The unicorn only chuckled. "You really shouldn't make promises you can't keep. Especially with you last few words. Garble? Finish with your fun."

Garble smirked as he walked over to Ember with the sword still in hand. "Don't worry Ember. You'll be seeing Spike a lot sooner than you think."

Ember watched in horror as Garble lifted the blade up into the air with Sombra chuckling in the background.

Ember shot up in her bed with sweat running down her scales. She put her hands to her neck before sighing in relief. 'It was all just a dream. But it felt so real. I get the feeling something is coming.'

The dragoness jumped at a knock coming from her door. "Ember? It's Starlight. Twilight wanted me to check and see if you were up yet. We're supposed to meet the guys at the train station this morning."

"I'm awake. I'll be dressed and meet you girls outside in just a bit."

"Got it."

Ember got out of bed and walked to her guest room bathroom to shower and get dressed, with the dream constantly replaying in her mind. She was starting to get nervous about, but eventually managed to push it aside as she dried and dressed herself.

After the girls had a quick breakfast, they all headed out to train station with Twilight and Fluttershy noticing Ember acting a little strange. Twilight decided to approach the dragoness. "Ember? Are you okay?"

The dragoness looked at her with a forced smile on her face. "Of course. Why wouldn't I be?"

Fluttershy said, "Because it seems like something is bothering you. Like something you experienced."

Ember looked to her friends as she said, "I had a nightmare last night."

Pinkie Pie ran up to them and said, "Oh.WasitadreamaboutSombraandGarblejoiningforcesandmanagingtotakeoverEquestriaandtheDragonLands,finishingusandtheprincessesoff,andendingwithGarbletakingthelivesofyouandSpike?"

Ember looked at the pink mare in shock as she asked, "How did you know all of that?"

The mare smiled before saying, "Just a hunch."

Twilight said, "If you had a dream like that, it could be something serious if it involved Sombra since you've never seen him face to face."

"I was thinking the same thing. It gave me the feeling that something awful is coming. But I don't know how to figure out what."

Fluttershy said, "Ummm... maybe Princess Luna can help. Since she is the princess of the night, maybe she'll understand what is going on with your dream."

Twilight said, "Good idea Fluttershy. I'll ask Spike to send her a letter the minute they get here."

"Actually Twilight. I was hoping you wouldn't tell Spike about this."

"Why?"

"Because I don't want him to worry the rest of the time I'm here. I want him to enjoy the time we have before I go back to the Dragon Lands."

"That makes sense. Well luckily, Flash and the rest of the Royal Guard have started using magic mirrors to communicate with each other instead of letters. I'll just contact her using that instead of using a letter. That way Spike doesn't have to know."

"Thanks. And would you girls mind promising not to tell him."

"You got it sugarcube."

"No problem."

"Absolutely darling."

"Of course."

"Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye."

"I know how it feels to have Spike worry so I promise to keep it a secret."

Ember smiled at her friends as she said, "Thanks girls. I really appreciate this."

Rainbow flew up beside them and said, "No problem Ember. Now let's get there before the guys do. Otherwise they might think we found different guys."

They all giggled as they soon arrived at the train station.

After waiting around for about an hour, the girls soon spotted a train stop at the station where Spike, Trixie, and the rest of the guys came off. The girls greeted their drake/coltfriends with a hug or kiss. They all soon began their walk back to the castle as Starlight walked up to Trixie and whispered, "So how did it go with Match?"

Trixie looked ahead at Match as he was talking with Ember and Spike. "I think we might be getting somewhere. We had dinner, he protected me from some robbers at the restaurant, and he walked me to my room. I think you and Twilight were right. I'm starting to think it is possible."

Meanwhile on the outskirts of the Dragon Lands, Garble had awoken and was flying away from the island. He was beyond amazed with how much his body had changed with the dark magic. "Wow. I've never been able to fly this fast."

"Just one of the significant changes my magic has made to your body. There are many more yet to be revealed."

"I can't wait! So I know I'm flying to Canterlot to break into the castle. But what you haven't told me is what I'm getting for you."

"It's a relic called the Alicorn Amulet. It gives whoever wears it magic more powerful than even the combined might of Celestia and Luna themselves. Once you have it, you'll use it with my magic to recreate my body. Once I'm in my body again, we'll finish the Mane 6 and their little dragon friend."

"Dragon friend? You mean Spike? I'll definitely help you get rid of him. He's done nothing but make my plans for my fellow dragons got to hell!"

"It seems we have more in common than we first thought. After you recreate my body, I'll be sure to give you back enough dark magic to finish him for both of us. Judging by what your memories show, he has gained new abilities as he's grown. My dark magic will surely aid you in getting rid of him for us."

"As long as you give me the pleasure of putting him down for good, I'll do anything you ask."

An hour later in Ponyville, everyone was simply enjoying themselves doing their own thing in castle garden: Twilight, Trixie, Starlight, and Sunburst were practicing their magic, Fluttershy was socializing with some of the fellow animals, Rarity was relaxing in a lounge chair, Pinkie and Cheese Sandwich were enjoying some cake, and everyone else was simply playing hoofball. It was Flash, Spike, Ember, Match, and Thunderlane against Rainbow, Soarin, Caramel, Macintosh, and Applejack. Spike threw the ball which was then caught be Rainbow who ran towards the other end of the garden where Macintosh and Caramel blocked Match and Spike. She dodged a tackle from Thunderlane and Flash but was soon taken down by a tackle from Ember.

As everyone continued to enjoy themselves, Twilight soon heard Flash's mirror go off. "Flash! You got a call on your mirror!"

The pegasus called time out on their game before walking over to pick up the buzzing mirror. "Hello. Captain Flash Sentry here. What's the word?"

The mirror revealed Princess Luna in a panicked state. "Captain Sentry! We need you, Twilight, and the others to return to Canterlot as soon as possible! There's an attack here at the castle by a red dragon in black armor! We believe it is related to the pieces of Sombra's magic that escaped!"

The mirror went black before Flash put it away and explained to the girls and Spike what was going on. Ember said, "Red dragon? That's got to be Garble! But how did he escape his prison from the Dragon Lands?"

Flash said, "Luna said it was probably related to Sombra's magic that escaped. It's possible that the magic heard you mention Garble in our discussion of the incident and went to seek him out as a new host."

Twilight said, "And if that's true, then he's no doubt after the Alicorn Amulet. I think I have enough magic to teleport me, the girls, Flash, Spike, Ember, and Match. The rest of you should stay here in case he decides to head this way afterwards."

The others nodded as the Mane 6, Spike, Ember, and Match gathered around Twilight who then used her magic to teleport them all into to Canterlot Castle. They were shocked to find many castle guards unconscious, seriously injuried, or even dead. Ember looked around in shock. "Good gods! I've seen Garble act savage towards ponies in the past, but never this savage!"

"All the more reason to find him and kick his scaly ass!" Rainbow said as she flew down the halls.

Flash looked to one of the guards who was still in good shape, "Guard! Get some medical attention! We'll go help the princesses stop Garble!"

"Yes sir!"

Twilight looked to Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rarity, and Fluttershy. "Stay here and help take care of the guards who can still be helped."

With that, the rest of the group followed Rainbow Dash.

Meanwhile at the relic vault of the castle, Garble had just thrown one of the guards to the ground before stomping on his throat. He looked up to see Celestia and Luna standing ready in front of the vault that held the Alicorn Amulet. The drake smirked as he said, "Do you think me and Sombra weren't prepared to face you two? Sombra told me how he faced you when he ruled the Crystal Empire."

Celestia glared at the dragon as she said, "We defeated Sombra's magic once before and we will do it again!"

Luna charged her horn along with her sister. "No matter what body he uses!"

They both fired blasts together only for them to be blocked and slashed by an evil looking sword that appeared from a stream of dark magic. (Kind of like a dark sword from World of Warcraft.)

Garble chuckled as before he spoke, "Only this time you aren't facing just Sombra's dark magic. You're facing dark magic merged with dragon magic. And I was one of the strongest dragons in the Dragon Lands. The two together are too much even for you two."

He swung his sword and a wave of dark magic slammed the princesses into the wall and injured them. He then walked over to the vault and was about to slash it open when, "Get away from there Garble!"

He turned around to find Spike fly straight at him and tackle him into the wall and made him drop his sword. Spike threw a punch only for Garble to catch it with a grin on his face. "Not this time Spike!"

Garble then punched Spike in the stomach hard enough to knock his breath out before elbowing him in the back to the ground. He then grabbed the purple drake by the tail and chunked him at Flash Sentry who was coming to help. He then raised up to catch a charging Match by the throat before punching him to the ground and kicking him through a nearby statue. Garble then picked up his sword and clashed it with Ember's scepter. The two continued clashing weapons for a few moments before Garble found the opening to slash her across the stomach before grabbing her wing and chunking her into Rainbow Dash. He then used his sword to block a few magic shots from Twilight. After blocking many shots, he shot a burst of flame that knocked the purple alicorn to the ground.

"Now that that's done." Garble turned back to before making a deep slash with his sword. He then threw his fist through the vault and smirked before he pulled his hand out to reveal the Alicorn Amulet in his hand. Celestia had just managed to look up as she saw Garble put the relic around his neck. "NO!"

Dark magic streamed from Garble's hands as the magic began creating and entering a unicorn body with armor, cape, and a red horn.

After a few moments, everypony watched as the magic stopped and the unicorn's eyes opened with an evil smirk. "At long last. King Sombra, stands triumphant!"

Everyone then watched as Garble took off the Alicorn Amulet and gave it to Sombra, who then placed it around his neck. Twilight, Celestia, and Luna stood to their feet and shot streams of magic at the unicorn only to be shocked when he blocked it with a force field. "With the Alicorn Amulet, even all three of you together can't hope to stop me."

Spike was about to get to his feet when he felt a foot on his back push him down. He turn to see Garble was the one hold him down with his sword pointing down. "I've been waiting a long time to finally get you out of my life for good!"

Spike braced himself as Garble brought his sword down but never felt the blade pierce his body. He soon opened his eyes to find Garble being held in place and Sombra's horn glowing. "What the-? What are you doing? You want him dead as much as I do!"

"Yes I do. But after my last battle with him, I found out he has a type of magic I have never seen before and is extremely powerful. It can prove useful for my plans. Bring him with us."

Garble growled before reluctantly doing as Sombra said. He slammed his foot into Spike's face, knocking him out before picking him up over his shoulder. He then stood beside Sombra as everyone watched in fear when the two disappeared in a stream of magic.

Ember felt tears well up in her eyes as the all got to their feet. Twilight walked to her and pulled her into a hug as she tried to consult the dragoness. "It's okay Ember. We'll find out where he is. And we'll get him back to us. I promise you that."

The others only watched in sadness as Twilight tried to comfort Ember.

Meanwhile in an unknown cave area, Sombra used his magic to construct a throne with some of the stone of the ground and took a seat as Garble looked to an unconscious Spike who was chained to the wall with stone shackles that were magic enhanced and asked, "So what's our next move? And what do we plan to do with him?"

"For now, I plan to study this magic and see how to control in order to use it to our advantage. It will take a long time so in order to keep you from geting bored, I will give you the pleasure of extracting the magic from his body when he regains consciousness. And once we have a sample, we will so how it will react to your body merged with my magic."

Garble smirked and he looked to the unconscious drake. "Now that's something I'm looking forward to!"

Chapter 9

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Two months have passed since Spike was kidnapped by Garble and Sombra. While Ember wanted to remain with Twilight and rest of the Mane 6, she still had responsibilities in the Dragon Lands. She had returned when her month in Equestria was over and she was currently sitting on her throne with a look of sorrow on her face. With Spike gone, Match decided to stay behind with the Mane 6 as a means of keeping them in contact with Ember.

"Ember?"

The dragoness turned to see her father, former Dragon Lord Torch walk into to the chamber with a look of concern on his face. (I know he's a giant in the show, but since this is an anthro fic, I decided to make him about a little bit bigger than Bulking Biceps.)

"Are you alright daughter? You've been like this ever since you returned from your negotiations with the ponies. Did Spike's kidnapping hurt you extremely?"

Ember had remembered that even after all this time, she had yet to tell her father about her and Spike becoming mates. She now believed it was time to let Torch know how much Spike meant to her. "Yes it did dad. You see, during my visit to Ponyville-."

"You and Spike found out how much you mean to each other."

Ember looked up in surprise as she asked, "How did you know about that?"

Torch smiled at his daughter as he took a seat beside her. "Because when you contacted me on asking about extending your stay for peace negotiations, I saw a look from Spike's and your eyes. The look your mother and I shared when we fell in love. I knew then that Spike had won your heart and he had the same feeling for you."

"And you're okay with me and him being together?"

"I actually couldn't be happier. I was hoping you would meet someone who you trusted with your life and vice versa. The minute I learned about how Spike saved you from Garble, I believed he just might be the one to be with you. Knowing that he fought to protect you told me how much you meant to him. And I had suspicions that you had feelings for him when you decided to visit him with your time off."

Ember felt a little happy and relieved to hear her father say that as tear welled up in her eyes. She hugged her father as she said, "Thanks dad."

Torch returned the hug as he said, "I'm sure Spike is fighting to keep himself alive so he can return to you. So until the time comes for him to return, you have to stay strong for him and be ready for anything Garble and Sombra prepare to throw at the Dragon Lands or Equestria."

Ember nodded as she thought, 'I promise you Spike. Wherever you are, I will bring you back to your home.'

Meanwhile in an unknown location, Spike had regained consciousness where he found Sombra and Garble standing in front of him. The drake had many cuts, wounds, and scars on his body from how Garble extracted the unknown magic from his body with the red dragon taking as much joy as possible in causing Spike nothing but excruciating pain and suffering.

Spike glared at the two as he asked, "What do you two want?"

Garble smirked as he said, "We came to let you know the good news Spike. Well good for us, terrible for you."

Sombra grinned as he said, "With all of the magic samples I've gained from your body, not only have I figured out how to control it, but it is now time to show you what will happen when Garble has it and my dark magic fused with his body."

Spike watched in shock as Sombra pulled out an orb that contained some of the unknown magic before passing it to Garble.

After the unicorn nodded to the drake, Garble smirked before he crushed the orb in his hand which made the magic enter his body. Spike then watched as Garble began to tremble and groan. Garble's body then began to change. His wings became thicker as the ends of them became sharp enough to cut through steel, his scales began to grow thicker to where they made his body look a little spiky, his fangs began to grow sharper, and his claws became much sharper.

After the transformation ended, Garble looked to Spike with an evil smirk as the scale on his wrist grew into a sharp wrist blade. "Next time I see her, I think I'll try these new abilities on Ember and what was the name of that purple alicorn? Twilight?"

Spike growled as he struggled against his restraints. Sombra chuckled as he said, "Now now Spike. We'll be having visitors soon. So you must not be so grouchy as you are prepared for their arrival."

"What visitors?"

"We'll be sending an invitation to your friends for them to come and get you soon. But before we do, we need to have you prepared for when they arrive."

"What do you mean by 'prepared'?"

An evil smirk appeared on Sombra's face as his horn began to glow with dark magic. "You'll find out soon enough."

Meanwhile in Ponyville, Matching was simply sitting out on one of the balconies as he looked out towards the outskirts of the town. While he hadn't known Spike for long, he saw the drake as a very good friend. They had grown much respect for each other.

"Match?"

The drake turned to see Trixie walk out on to the balcony with a look of concern. "Are you okay? You've been a little distant from us since Spike was kidnapped a couple of months ago."

The drake scooted over as the mare sat beside him as he looked to the sun. "It's just, with how hard Ember is taking Spike's absence. Ever since Ember showed told me about being friends, we started to grow to think each other like brother and sister. And seeing her this upset is starting to make me worried for her. And not only that, but Spike and I became good friends. I also can't help but worry if we'll ever find him and bring him back to her, Twilight, and the rest of us."

Trixie said, "I know what you mean. Spike and I have become great friends after the rest of the group gave me a second chance. He also helped me in apologizing to a couple of unicorns named Snips and Snails from when I treated them like dirt. If it wasn't for Spike. I would never had made peace with them."

Match hesitated for a moment before placing his claw on Trixie's hand which made the mare blush before she looked to the scarlet drake. "I promise you one thing Trixie. I'll do everything I can to make sure Spike is saved from Sombra and Garble."

The mare smiled at the drake as she said, "Thanks Match. And you know we'll be helping to bring him back."

"Hey guys!"

The two turned to see Starlight and Sunburst standing at the door with the mare saying, "You guys need to come to the map chamber right now! Twilight and the girls are getting some kind of message on the map table!"

Match and Trixie got to their feet and followed the two. The soon came about the chamber where they found the Mane 6 and their coltfriends sitting at their thrones. Sunburst said, "We're all here Princess Twilight. You and Starlight can show us the message now."

The two mares nodded before using their magic on the table where an image of Sombra sitting a throne appeared. "Princess Twilight and Dragon Lord Ember. I know you two can hear me so listen well. I'm sending you my location so you can come and face me to get back your dragon friend back. But I would hurry if I were you. If you make me wait too long, I can't guarantee Spike will be here when you arrive. You have four hours to arrive. Oh and I would be prepared for a fight. Garble and a new minion of mine are dying to try out some of their new abilities. Ta ta for now." Sombra ended his message with an evil and insane laugh.

Not long after the message ended, Match burped out a small patch of flames that soon turned into a scroll with a dragon symbol on it. Twilight caught it with her magic before opening it and read it out loud, "It's from Ember."

Dear Twilight,

I just received a message from Sombra about where he and Garble are. I know you received the same message and are trying to decide what your next move is. I'm heading your way now. I'm hoping you'll have a plan when I get there. Otherwise, I'll be heading to Sombra's fight without you. See you soon.

Sincerely,

Ember

Everyone turned to Twilight with Fluttershy asking, "So what do we do Twilight?"

"Yeah. From how Sombra spoke, it sounds ta me like that feller has a trap waiting for us."

Twilight just stayed silent. Flash looked to his marefriend with concern, "Twilight?"

The purple alicorn finally spoke, "We go to where Sombra is and we rescue Spike. I agree with you Applejack. I think Sombra is setting a trap for us but we know we can handle any shadow minions he has and this may be our only chance to get Spike back. And I don't like it anymore than you all do, but there's no telling what Sombra will do to him if we don't stop him."

Everyone stayed quiet for a few minutes before Rainbow Dash said, "Alright Twilight. We're with you. Now what's the plan?"

Twilight looked to Flash. "Flash! I want you and the guys to stay here in case we need a way to inform Celestia and Luna where we are and if we need help!"

Flash nodded before Twilight looked to Match. "Match? I want you to come with us and Ember to save Spike! With Garble enhanced by Sombra's magic, I don't think even Ember can handle him even with our magic!"

"Of course Princess!"

"Once Ember arrives, we're heading straight to Sombra's fortress and take action. While some of us keep Garble, Sombra, and who ever this new minion is busy, the rest of us will search the fortress for Spike. After the search team finds him, the fighting team will break off from the fight to regroup and we'll escape the fortress as quick as possible!"

The group nodded to the princess with Twilight thinking, 'Hang on Spike. I promise we'll get you back here if it's the last thing I do.'

About an hour and forty five minutes later, Ember arrived at the castle where she asked, "Okay Twilight. Where exactly are we going? I couldn't understand anything about where Sombra is."

Twilight pulled out a scroll that she wrote down the information that Sombra gave them on. "According to the information that Sombra gave us, he's on an abandoned island somewhere between the Dragon Lands and Equestria. If we head that way now, we should be able to get there before our time is up."

With that, everyone entered a carriage that had been prepared for them with Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Match being used to pull it before taking to the air towards the abandoned island.

At around two hours later, the carriage pulled up to an island where they unexpectedly found no guards around an abandoned fortress. Twilight asked, "No guards. This was unexpected. Ember? Do you know what this place is?"

Ember nodded and said, "From what my dad told me when he was Dragon Lord, this is an old dragon military fortress from an old war between dragons. I can't remember the exact details but if my hunch is correct then this is one of the old regrouping structures for strategy. It makes sense that Sombra would hide here. Since the war was so long ago, we dragons had completely forgotten about it and since you ponies don't even know of our history, you wouldn't even know about it. A perfect hiding spot."

Rainbow Dash said, "Thanks for that little history lesson. Now is there anything we should know about this place before we go inside? Like are there any traps?"

"There may be a few. I'm not entirely sure because in most history battles, dragons always preferred to go on a direct fight instead of using deception and trickery. However, with how Sombra is, there's no telling what changes he might have made to the fortress. So we all need to be on our guard. Match and I will lead the way. That way if there's anything Sombra's hiding in there, we can flush out it out and make it easier for you to find out what it is and how we can get through it."

The mares nodded as Trixie said, "Lead the way."

Meanwhile in a newly created throne chamber, Sombra sat at his throne with Garble standing by his side as they watched the group enter the fortress through a crystal ball. Garble smirked as he said, "Did you plant any traps for them? I was hoping for a straight on fight from them this time. I want to see what my new abilities can do with the dark magic you gave me."

The unicorn king smirked. "No. There are no traps waiting for them. I was hoping to see what your new magic holds when mixed with my magic. Along with seeing what you can do, I want to see what our new ally can do."

The two heard a deep growl from a nearby chamber. Sombra smirked as Garble looked to him with a questioning look. "Are you sure we should take this chance?"

"He's under my complete control. With my magic in his systems, I share a strong neural connection with him."

"If you say so."

Back with the group, they were running through the path that leads to the throne chamber with Ember and Match still in the lead. The entrance to the throne chamber soon came into view.

Right as they were about to walk into the chamber, Twilight stopped the group to speak, "Alright girls! Let's get ready! Anything can happen so be prepared for the unexpected!"

Everyone nodded before Match and Ember slammed the door open to reveal Garble not far in front of them and Sombra sitting in his throne. "Ah. The Mane 6 and your new dragon friends. Welcome to my new fortress."

Twilight stepped forward and yelled, "Enough games Sombra! Where is Spike!"

The unicorn chuckled as he raised a trident beside his throne. "Worry not my guests. You'll be seeing him very soon."

As the end of his trident began to glow, the doors to another nearby chamber opened and from the other side, the girls and Match heard a loud exhale followed by a deep growl.

To everyone's shock, the creature that walked out of the chamber was the drake they had come to here to rescue. "Spike? Is that you?"

However, Spike had changed. He wore armor similar to Garble's, he had sharper claws, had another pair of wings coming from his back, had devil horns on his head, thicker scales, and had grown in size. He glared at the girls before looking to Sombra and asked in a deep voice, "What does my master require of me?"

Sombra smirked before pointing his trident at the group of rescuers. "Aid Garble in disposing of these pests."

Spike focused again on the group of mares and the two dragons before standing beside Garble. "It will be done."

The two enhanced dragons charged where the whole group dodged before Twilight glared at Sombra. "What have you done to Spike!?"

Sombra chuckled before saying, "I'm sure you can tell I hold as much hate for that dragon as Garble does since he was the one who prevented me from retaking the Crystal Empire. But unlike Garble, I prefer to have a little more imagination when it comes to getting rid of my enemies. I wanted to make Spike suffer for making me lose my chance at getting back my royal stature. Then it came to me. What better way to make him suffer then kill him after he finds the blood of those he cares about most on his claws?"

Rainbow Dash threw a kick that was ineffective against Garble's chest before dodging a swipe from his claws. "You are one sick puppy you know that Sombra?!"

"I try. Now how about less talk and more die?"

Before the pegasus could talk back, Garble smacked her to the ground with a swing of his tail. The drake was about to stomp on her when Match tackled him.

Sombra was becoming amused with his show before he looked to where Twilight and Ember were trying to fight Spike without harming him. "Spike? Why don't you show them what new abilities I have helped you unlock with your new magic?"

"Yes my king."

Ember and Twilight watched as his eyes began to glow with a red magic before he fired powerful magical beams from his pupils. The dragoness and alicorn barely managed to dodge the blast before he fired again.

Meanwhile, Garble had swatted Rainbow Dash and Applejack into Pinkie and Fluttershy before his scales blocked magic beams from Trixie, Starlight, and Rarity. He charged at the three unicorns who scattered to avoid his fist slamming down on them. He turned to Trixie before smirking. "I think I'll start with you."

His right wrist scale became a blade as he closed in on the mare. Trixie closed her eyes and braced herself for death.

But it never came. She soon opened her eyes to see Match hold Garble back. "As long as I'm alive, you won't harm her!"

Garble broke free from the scarlet drake's lock before slashing his chest, grabbing him by the tail, and chucking him to the side. "You're as weak Ember became Match. Why should you care if there's one less unicorn in Equestria?"

Match got to his feet before he glared at the enhanced dragon. "It's called protecting those you care about most in your life!"

Back with Ember and Twilight, they had a hard time stopping Spike. They were doing everything thing they could to keep from hurting him. They just dodged another eye blast when Sombra said, "That's it Spike! Fight them! Fight them and kill them!"

"As your ultimate soldier, I shall do as you ordered my lord!"

Twilight looked to Ember and said, "He's more powerful than Sombra, Ember! Do you have any ideas?"

The dragoness thought for a moment before a thought crossed her mind. "I have one. It won't get Spike back to normal, but it should at least turn him against Sombra."

"What do we do?"

"Follow my lead!"

The two took to the sky and both fired a beam of magic, one from Twilight's horn and the other from Ember's scepter. However, the blasts did nothing as Spiked dodged them both before swatting Twilight away with his tail, and knocked Ember's scepter from her hands before taking her by the throat. "You two have no chance against me. As you can see, I'm the most powerful one here. You two can't even lay a scratch on me."

"If you're so powerful, why are you taking orders from Sombra?"

"What?"

"You're the ultimate soldier, so why aren't you calling your own shots?"

The drake remained quiet for a moment as his grip loosened on Ember's throat. "You're right. I am after all more powerful than my master himself."

Ember was then blasted out of Spike's grip and landed on the ground. They turned to see Sombra standing with his trident in hand. "Pay her no mind! Finish them!"

Spike took a menacing glance at Twilight and Ember before looking to Sombra with the same look. "No!"

"What!?"

"She's right. If you have to rely on creating minions like me to fight your battles, than you are weaker than me. Meaning I shouldn't be taking orders from someone is inferior."

Spike then charged at Sombra only for him to have a sharp pain shoot through his body as Sombra's trident began to charge along with the Alicorn Amulet around his neck. As Spike fell to the ground, Sombra jumped down beside him. "Did you really think I would give the one who has caused me nothing but grief this kind of power and not have a way to keep you in control? My magic that is running in your body gives me the power to punish you should you turn against me."

Before Sombra could further punish Spike, Twilight pushed him back with a blast from her horn before Ember knocked him away with her scepter. The two then ran to Spike who looked at them confused as Twilight asked, "Are you okay Spike?"

"You saved me? Why?"

The two looked at him in shock before Ember said, "Why? Because you mean the world to us Spike! A new change to your body doesn't change the fact that you're still the dragon I love and that you're still family to Twilight!"

"She's right! That's why we and our friends all came to save you! Because you're our friend!"

"Friends? You are my friends?"

"Friendship? A pathetic concept!"

The three turned to see Sombra stood with his trident aiming at them. "I never understood it!"

"Gee, I wonder why?"

Before Sombra could react, Rainbow dropped beside him with an elbow knocking his trident down, a punch to the stomach, and sending him flying with a round house kick.

Pinkie Pie ran to where Sombra was going to land with her cannon ready to fire. "To have a friend, first you have to be a friend!"

She then blasted him to where Match was standing. "Even if that means putting your own life on the line!" He then smacked Sombra away with a swing of his tail. The impact made Sombra lose his trident while Garble was being distracted by Applejack, Trixie, Fluttershy, and Starlight.

Spike looked to the trident before saying, "I understand now."

He then flew to grab the trident before aiming it his chest as it began to charge.

In flash of light, everyone watched as the trident was thrown to the ground to reveal Spike was back to his normal look with a smile on his face. "I'm back!"

The Mane 6 then ran to Spike with Ember and Twilight engulfing him in a hug as Garble ran to Sombra's aid.

Applejack smiled at the drake as she said, "Glad to have ya back partner."

"Glad to be back. But the reunion will have to wait. While Sombra and Garble are down, we need to go!"

Twilight nodded to her adopted brother. "He's right girls! Let's get out of here!"

They all began running to the exit but right before Garble was going to go after them, Sombra stopped him. "What are you doing? We can't lose this chance to get rid of them!"

"No. While it would be a great benefit to get rid of them now, even they can't stop what I've made."

Sombra rose to his feet and waved his magic charged hand. At that moment, a small army appeared in front of them.

To Garble's surprise, they weren't just shadowponies. There were also shadowdragons in armor similar to his.

"During the time Spike was with us, I added a small sample of that unknown magic to mine and the small speck of normal dragon magic that I acquired when my magic left your body. With all three types of magic combined, I managed to construct these shadowdragons with my dark magic being the main source holding them together. Without my magic, they would disappear. In a few days, you and I will lead an attack against the princesses with them as our main weapon. You have until then to train them and get them prepared for it."

Garble nodded and walked away as Sombra picked up his trident and sat at his throne. 'Prepare yourselves princesses. Soon you will fall and all of Equestria will be mine.'

Back in Ponyville, Luna and Celestia had just arrived and were relieved to find Spike was okay. Celestia was hugging her adopted son as she said, "Oh, I'm so happy to find you're okay."

"I'm fine mom. But right now, I have important news for all of us."

Luna asked, "And what would that be?"

"Sombra's gained enough of the magic in my body to make an army of shadowdragons. They're a blend of my magic, normal dragon magic, and his dark magic. With them, he'll have enough power and force to overpower us no matter how many Royal Guard we have. We need to get prepared. We'll need help from any friendly kingdoms in contact with us."

Twilight asked, "Do these shadowdragons have any weaknesses?"

"Luckily yes. Like shadowponies, Sombra can recreate them should they fall. But like the shadowponies, his dark magic is what holds their forms together."

"So if we can defeat Sombra completely, then any trace of dark magic will disappear along with him."

"Exactly. So we need prepare our Royal Guard and get as much help as possible."

With that, everyone went about preparing for the battle to arrive.

Chapter 10

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It had been a week since Spike was saved from Sombra and Garble's capture. With his return, he was able to inform the princesses and the Mane 6 with preparing Ponyville with what was to come. Many Royal Guard scouts had snuck into Sombra's fortress unnoticed to retrieve useful information. This information included that instead of going after the Crystal Heart like he did in the past, he was instead focusing his first assault on Ponyville where the Tree of Harmony was hidden. They learned that Sombra's attack would be held in one day and, to Ember's horror, after they had finished Ponyville, their attack would then focus on the Dragon Lands which Sombra would give Garble to rule.

With only a day left, Spike sat with Ember, their friends, the guys, Shining Armor, Princess Cadence, the princesses, and even Discord in the map/meeting chamber where they were discussing how to prepare for Sombra's assault. Discord had agreed to help in stopping the evil unicorn king not only to help his friends, but because he knew if the Tree of Harmony was destroyed completely, it could cause chaos all over Equestria that not even he could control.

Cadence said, "Since Sombra will eventually turn his sight on to the Crystal Heart after he finishes with here and the Dragon Lands, the Crystal Empire will aid Ponyville in stopping him and Garble from getting to the Tree of Harmony. All of our soldiers should arrive by morning while the Sunburst, Thunderlane, Macintosh, Soarin, Cheese Sandwich, and Caramel help in evacuating Ponyville tonight."

Celestia said, "And with Griffonstone and Minotauria agreeing to help us and their soldiers arriving along with yours, we'll have a chance to stop Sombra but it won't be a guarantee."

Spike said, "I think I know a way to get us a guarantee on stopping him."

Luna asked, "And that would be."

Spike looked to Ember and Match. "By asking for help from the one place could really help us in dealing with the shadowdragons."

Match looked at his fellow drake in shock as he said, "Spike? I may be the general of the Dragon Royal Guard, but I know for a fact that there still aren't enough soldiers to guarantee victory."

"Which is why we need all of the Dragon Lands to help us. While not all of them are Royal Guard, I know that every dragon there who is old enough knows how to fight."

Ember approached her drakefriend and said, "Your right Spike. But even as Dragon Lord, I can't force them to fight with the ponies of Equestria. They'll have to make that choice for themselves."

Spike smiled as he said, "I've never stopped trusting you to do the right thing Ember. And I know that you'll be able to figure out what to say to help persuade them to do the same thing."

Ember looked into Spike's eyes for any sign of doubt but found no sign. With that, she nodded in agreement.

The ponies stood aside as Ember raised her Bloodstone Scepter and used her magic on the map to form a live projection of herself in the center of the Dragon Lands.

In said lands, every dragon watched the center of their home where they saw the projection of Ember say, "Dragons of the Dragon Lands! I, Dragon Lord Ember, message you with a dire matter! One of our own, Garble, has allied himself with a dangerous and powerful unicorn named King Sombra! He is planning on attacking one of the most important means of the ponies' defense and on their behalf, I ask you to come to the area known as Ponyville in order to aid us in stopping them!"

The dragoness known as Belcher stepped forward and asked, "Why should help or even care what happens to the ponies? All they've ever done in the past was drive our kind away and done other terrible things to us!"

"And we've done even worse things to them! But their still willing to fight not only for their kind, but for ours as well! I've seen the magic Sombra is using against us along with how powerful Garble has become with a new unknown magic they have uncovered! And unless we help the ponies in stopping them, we won't stand a chance against them at all! If we don't work together with the ponies, all of Equestria and the Dragon Lands will become slaves to Garble and Sombra!"

That statement caused every dragon to become concerned with what could happen.

Ember sighed before continuing, "But even though I am your Dragon Lord, I can't force you all to fight with us. You have until tomorrow to make your decision. But before you make your choice, remember this. Without unity between the two races, neither ponies nor dragons will be able to prevent becoming slaves."

With that, the projection disappeared, leaving all of the Dragon Lands became deep in thought.

Back in Ponyville castle, Ember looked to the princesses and her friends. "I did all that I could."

Celestia smiled to the young dragoness as she said, "That's all we could ever ask for. Now all we can do is hope that they will come."

Starlight looked to a near by clock and said, "I think now we should all get a goodnight's sleep. We'll need all of our strength to stop Sombra from getting rid of the Tree of Harmony."

Sunburst said, "Starlight's right. You're going to need all of your strength to be able to hold your own against the forces Sombra has coming with him."

Everypony and drake nodded before most of the stallions said goodbye to their marefriends before leaving to help the town's ponies get somewhere safe.

Later that night after everyone was asleep, Match was standing in the chamber where armor for him and everyone else (even Fluttershy, who would be staying to help protect the castle with Starlight, Trixie, and Discord unless she was absolutely needed since she wasn't much of a fighter) as he thought, 'Tomorrow will hopefully prove that dragons and ponies can live in peace and fight together whenever a situation calls for it.'

"Match?"

The scarlet drake turned from looking at his, Spike's, and Ember's armor to see Trixie standing there. "Trixie? What are you doing up?"

The unicorn looked away from him as she continued on, "I just wanted to talk to you in case there's a chance we can't stop Sombra tomorrow."

The drake walked up to stop in front of the mare as he said, "Sure. What do you want to talk about?"

Trixie remained quiet for a few seconds before taking a deep breath and looking into Match's eyes. "I just wanted to let you know that not long after you and I met, I started having feelings for you. I only figured that out after our little encounter in the Canterlot Garden the night we arrived there. After the past couple of months I began to realize what these feelings meant and how I wanted to tell you. But with what's coming tomorrow, this may be my only chance to tell you. Match the Dragon, I'm in love with you. I'm more in love with you than any stallion I've ever dated before in my life and even if you don't feel the same way, I just wanted to let you know before tomorrow."

Match stayed silent for a while which lead to Trixie believing the worst would happen and was about to walk away.

However, the mare stopped when Match took her hand and caused her to turn back to him. He then moved in closer to place one of his hands on her cheek before leaning in and, to Trixie's surprise, bring his lips to hers causing her eyes to widen in shock.

The shock eventually faded as Trixie began to kiss the drake back with passion. They stayed in the moment as Trixie placed her left hand on Match's cheek and he ran his claws through her mane.

Eventually, they pulled from each other as Match looked into Trixie's eyes with love. "Trixie. After I had my encounter with you in the garden, I also began to discover feelings I had for you as well. It wasn't until I had help from Spike, I didn't know that these feelings were love I began to develop for you. To this moment, I soon realized that I had fallen in love with you. Some dragons believed that love between dragons and ponies is not only wrong, but also impossible. They believed the two could never fall in love with each other. But I know now that it is possible because I love you. You have become somepony that I want to be with forever."

Trixie felt tears of joy well up in her eyes as she and Match shared another short kiss before the two embraced each other with Trixie burying her face in his chest. Match stroked her mane as he said, "I promise you. When this is all over, you and I will be together. We'll show that despite the differences between us, ponies and dragons can live in peace and even... fall in love with each other."

Trixie smiled as she and Match had their moment in their loving embrace.

Meanwhile in Sombra's Fortress, Sombra was sitting at his throne when Garble walked into the chamber. "I was about to get some sleep when one of the shadowdragons told me you wanted to see me."

"Yes. I wanted to let you know the rest of the plan."

"What's there to know? You and I send the soldiers out on Ponyville, the soldiers keep Spike and those ponies busy, you and I go for their precious Tree of Harmony, then after that we take over the Dragon Lands for me."

"Actually, there's one change to the plan. Instead of both of us going to destroy the Tree of Harmony, I will lead the main assult on it while you focus your soldiers on the Castle of Friendship."

"That stupid castle? Why!?"

"Because it was created from the tree, and if we are going to have any hope of success against them, we need to destroy any trace of the Tree of Harmony's magic. Including that castle. We can't take a chance of them having a possibility of them being able to revive it."

Garble stayed silent before putting his claw to his chin. "That makes sense. Better safe than sorry. I can work with that."

"Good. Now rest General Garble. I'll need you a full at full strength to take ensure our victory."

Garble nodded before leaving the chamber as Sombra thought, 'Prepare yourselves Mane 6. You'll be defeated tomorrow and Equestria will be mine and the Dragon Lands will be Garble's.'

The next morning, the sun rose to reveal the Castle of Friendship had a massive army of ponies, griffons, and minotaurs standing in front of it with Spike, Ember, the Mane 6 (except Fluttershy), the princesses, Shining, Pipsqueak, and Flash at the head of them all. The Mane 6 were wearing armor designed in their color and their Cutie Marks on the center plate. Ember stood in the golden armor she always wore while Spike was in armor with a red cape, black chest plates with gold outlines, and a helmet similar to Ember's.

They had learned from one of the pegasi scouts that Sombra's army would be arriving shortly. They stood ready with spears in hands or magic charged up.

Up on the lookout balcony of the Castle, Discord stood with Fluttershy, Starlight, Trixie, and Match as they prepared long range attack to protect the castle.

About a few moments passed before they began to hear marching in the distance. It wasn't too much longer before they saw an army of shadowponies and shadowdragons appear over the ridge.

Everyone then watched as Sombra came into view being lifted on his throne by shadow servants with Garble slowly flying by his side.

The unicorn king looked ahead at his army of enemies before raising and aiming his trident. Garble smirked at this as he let out his battle cry, "ATTACK! SHOW NO MERCY!"

The army of shadowminions began charging and Garble was about to join them when Sombra stopped him. "Not yet. In chess, the pawns always go first."

Spike watched as the shadowminions began to enter the town before raising his spear. "FOR EQUESTRIA!"

The ponies, griffons, and minotaurs charged and the two armies soon met in the middle center of the town.

Pinkie Pie began firing live ammunition at the shadowdragons out of the air with her cannon while Rarity was blasting shadowponies out of existence with her magic.

Applejack was swinging around a spear while Rainbow Dash kicked down minions right and left before the two met back to back. They looked to each other before nodding. They then locked elbows before Rainbow began spinning Applejack as the Earth Pony began kicking the minions down in a circle.

Celestia and Luna were aiding the griffons and pegasi in the air against the shadowdragons by blasting them with their magic. While Sombra's magic was strong enough to match the two princesses magic after being combined with the unknown magic, they were still vulnerable since they were magic based bodies. It took at least three griffons to hold off one shadowdragon, but they were managing to hold their ground against them.

At the castle, Fluttershy was simply dodging any strike made at her before the shadowminions were blasted back by either Starlight, Trixie, or Discord. Match was using his dragon combat skills to claw the shadowminions in half or burn them with his flame.

Shining, Pipsqueak, and Flash were aiding the Minotaurs, Earth Ponies, and Unicorns against the land based minions. Flash was swing two spears against any minion that came close enough while Shining attacked with his magic. Twilight and Cadence soon showed up to help them with powerful blasts of their alicorn magic.

Spike and Ember were still at the head of their army, holding their own against every minion that came close. Ember was either striking with her scepter or shooting them down with a blast of flame. Spike was using something new along with his usually fire. While he was freed from Sombra's control, he still had the new ability of shooting magic from his eyes that Sombra had unlocked for him. He was blasting every shadowminion he could with powerful beams of red magic.

The battle had gone on for hours and to the stress of Twilight and the others, they were slowly losing ground to the shadowminions.

After seeing his minions gaining the advantage of the battle, Sombra looked to Garble with a nod of his head. "Go. Keep them busy while I tend to business."

Garble smirked before taking flight and headed straight for the castle. He was soon met in the middle by Match tackling him to the ground.

As Ember saw the two collide to the ground, Spike noticed Sombra began making his way to the Everfree Forest with a squadron of shadowminions following him. He looked to where the Mane 6 were before calling to them, "Girls! He's heading towards the tree!"

Twilight looked to Cadence, Flash, and Shining. "Can you hold them off so we can stop him?"

Cadence and Shining nodded before Flash said, "We got this! You and the girls go stop him!"

Twilight nodded before signaling the rest of the Mane 6, Spike, and Ember to gather around her before they all teleported from Twilight's magic.

In the Everfree Forest, Sombra and his squadron had just came across the sight of the Tree of Harmony. "At last. The Tree of Harmony will fall."

But before he and his minions could take another step, a flash of light revealed the Mane 6, Spike, and Ember were found standing between him and his target. Twilight said, "That's far enough Sombra! You are not laying a hand on the Tree of Harmony as long as we're around!"

Sombra said nothing before simply waving his hand, signaling his minions to begin their attack.

As the shadowminions came closer, Spike said, "I'll handle horn head. You guys keep those things from reaching the tree."

Twilight nodded as the girls spread out to attack the shadowminions while Spike took to the air to throw a skydive at the unicorn king.

To Spike's surprise, Sombra's horn began to glow and he also took to the air and dodged the dragon's attack.

Before Spike could react, he was slammed to the ground with a stomp to the back by a Sombra crashing down on him. He looked behind him to see Sombra's smirking face looking down on him. "Did you think I'd take such powerful magic from you and give it to only Garble and my army. I added part of that magic to my own body. My magic have become beyond advanced. Without my magic in your body, you aren't as strong against as you were last time without all the enhancements."

Spike managed to roll over on his back as he smirked at Sombra before he said, "I actually found out that your magic only unlocked the abilities I had, your magic didn't generate those abilities. And I've also figured out how to do the one you consider the best."

Sombra watched in shock as the drake's eyes began to charge with red magic before he blasted the king away with beams that nearly penetrated Sombra's armor while also pushing him back into the air. He then charged at the unicorn a struck the king with a punch.

Meanwhile at the castle, Match had just sliced a shadowdragon in half with a spear before he crossed his weapon with Garble's scale blades. "You will never win Garble! You or Sombra!"

Garble chuckled before he pushed his fellow drake back. "We've already won Match! Look around!"

Match did as Garble said and was shocked to see he was right. Every pony, griffon, minotaur, and even Discord were struggling against the shadowminions. He glared at Garble as the red drake said, "You can't win this fight Match. You'll need a miracle to win this battle."

A distant roar caught the two's attention as Match smirked at what was out in the distance.

To Match's relief and Garble's shock, it appeared every adult or teenager dragon fly straight to Ponyville with Torch in the lead. "Dragons! Attack!"

With roars from everywhere, every dragon dove down and began attacking any shadowminion they could reach, mainly the shadowdragons.

With reinforcements arriving, Garble became frustrated at seeing as his army was being out matched.

Back with the Mane 6 and their battle, Spike and Sombra were stilling facing against each other while the girls were protecting the tree against shadowminions.

Suddenly, Torch landed between the shadowminions with some dragons soldiers. Ember looked to her father in relief. "Dad! Glad you could make it!"

Sombra then watched as the dragons and ponies overpowered his minions before he charged at Spike, who met him head on. The two rapidly exchanged blows before Spike forced him to the ground with a charged magic blast. Twilight took to his right side and blasted Sombra with her magic and Ember took to his left and fired a blast of flames at the pinned down unicorn.

After their attacks stopped, Sombra managed to stand barely as he watched the dragons and ponies finish his minions off before they all gathered around him. He glared at his enemies. "I survived for so long! I've remained dormant for years! And I will not be denied!"

Spike looked to the Mane 6. "Take him out while he's down girls!"

The girls nodded as Twilight said, "Let's do this girls!"

The Mane 6 charged into their rainbow forms and fired at Sombra with a stream of rainbow magic. As the blast made contact, Sombra screamed out in agony as he felt his magic being destroyed for good this time. His body began to fade away and as his end came, his horn was destroyed and his Alicorn Amulet fell to the ground.

All over the Everfree and Ponyville, shadowminions began to disappear. Garble watched as his army disappeared before glaring at Match, Trixie, and Starlight. "You think this is over!? If I can still fight, then it is far from over! And I want go down until I take the one I hate most with me! Bring me Spike!"

He charged at the three as they barely dodged before dragons began to tackle Garble to the ground.

To their shock, none of them good hold Garble down for long. Match looked to Trixie. "Contact Twilight and tell them we need them back here!"

Trixie nodded as her horn began to glow.

On the receiving end, Twilight had just heard the report and was telling the others of what was happening.

Applejack asked, "How is he still that strong? Shouldn't his dark magic have disappeared along with the shadowminions?"

Twilight said, "It's possible that since he's an actual living being, unlike the shadowminions, that his dark magic can remain in his body unless we drain it from him."

"Then I'll beat him down good enough for us to get it from him."

The girls looked to Spike as Ember asked, "What do you mean?"

"It's me he wants. So I'll be the one who stops him."

Before any of the girls could stop him, Spike took flight straight towards Ponyville.

In said town, Garble had just throw down his former friends: Puff, Clomp, Vex, and Fume. He glared at the four as he said, "I've been waiting a long time to pay you guys back for turning on me!"

Puff only scowled at his former friend. "You were taking things too far Garble! We didn't went to get caught up in a disaster that followed your actions!"

Garble smirked as he raised his scale blade at Puff. "I can make sure that never happens. Permanently!"

Right before Garble was going to bring down his blade, a fireball of green flames struck him in the back. With his armor destroyed, it hit him in the middle of his wings. He shook off the pain to glare at what he saw behind him.

A few yards away, Spike had landed and ripped his armor off before letting out a loud roar at the red drake. Garble smirked as he turned his body away from Puff. "Finally!"

The two drakes glared at each other as they slowly walked towards each other which eventually turned into charges. They soon met in middle and Garble speared Spike before rolling around and chucking him through debris. Spike slid down the ground before managing to regain his footing. He looked up to see Garble standing on the edge of the debris with a smirk on his face and laughed. "Hahaha. Come on!"

Spike glared at the red drake before shifting his gaze to a near by chariot. He growled as he broke it in half and took one half in each hand before he and Garble charged at each other. Spike began using the chariot halves as boxing gloves as parts flew from it with each blow until Spike had Garble pinned to the ground with punches.

Spike threw what was left of the chariot away before grabbing Garble by the neck and smashed his fist into Garble's face. Garble spat a little blood before glaring at Spike. "Is that it?!"

Spike growled and was about to throw another fist, but Garble kicked him away into a near by building. Garble then got up and dived at the hole Spike went through. They began exchanging blows before they busted through the roof. Spike fired a stream of magic that Garble dodged before Garble retorted with a burst of flame. Spike dodged that strike before charging at the red drake.

At the castle, Twilight and Ember had just teleported in the castle garden. Being exhausted from fighting, Twilight only had enough magic to teleport her and Ember to the castle. Their friends were heading towards the castle on the long way at the time.

"Thanks for bringing me with you Twilight. I really appreciate it."

"No problem Ember. I think Spike could use you and me more than anypony right now."

Suddenly, they saw a crash near by in the garden and ran to investigate. When they arrived that found Spike standing by a pile of rubble and a alicorn statue with chained restraints that connected four stone pillars. (Kind of like the things that keep tourists from touching important stuff in museums.) He looked up to see them standing near by and smiled.

But right before the two could run out to him, Garble busted out of the rubble before he glared at Spike. He then looked to his right where Twilight and Ember were shocked.

Garble then smirked at Spike, who glared back at him. Garble busted out of the rubble and charged at the drake and knocked him into a wall. Spike tried to throw a punch, but Garble caught him by the wrist and used his other arm to pin Spike to the wall by the neck.

Before her and Twilight could come up with a plan, Ember charged at Garble who smirked as he lifted his tail to smack her through the alicorn statue. Twilight ran to her friend. "Ember? Are you okay?"

She tried to stand, but fell instantly. "My leg is sprained. I can't walk."

They then heard a small rumble and looked up to see a pile of rumble preparing to fall on them.

Back with Spike, Garble glared at him. "You're not good enough to be called a dragon. Now watch Ember die!"

Garble stabbed his wrist scale into to Spike's chest and was digging to reach his heart. Spike was doing his best to keep the blade from reaching its target as the drake saw the rubble was about to fall on top of Ember and Twilight.

Spike glared at Garble as he reached for the blade and began pulling it out of his chest before he moved Garble's arm away. The two struggled against each other until Spike pushed him back enough to headbutt Garble in the chest. After he was released from Garble's grip, Spike grabbed him by his back scales and slammed him head first into the wall.

Spike looked back just in time to see the rubble give out and blasted it with his charged eye magic and turned it to dust.

He then smiled in relief at the two he cared about most. Twilight and Ember shared the look, until they gained a look of horror when they saw Garble standing up with the chain restrains from the destroyed statue. "Spike! Look out!"

Just as the drake turned around, Garble swung the chain and slammed one of the stone restraints into Spike and slammed him to the ground.

As Spike was getting up, Garble began spinning the third restraint on the other end before slamming it into Spike again, knocking him to the ground. Spike tried to get up but couldn't find the strength.

After Garble pulled the last remaining restraints together, he turned his glare to Ember and Twilight mainly focusing on Ember. "Ember!"

He swung the last two restraints around as the alicorn and dragoness watched in horror. "Any last words!"

Spike got to his feet just as he watched Garble preparing to deal the final blow. "Not while I'm around Garble!"

His eyes charged up with red magic before he fired and hit Garble square in the right eye, causing him to release the chain and letting them fly into the air before they crashed down on him.

With Garble temporarily disable, Spike ran at him while picking up the chain before wrapping them around Garble's neck. The red drake struggled against the chain before elbowing Spike. He attempted to charge at Ember and Twilight, but Spike shook off his pain before yanking Garble back down. Garble tried to swing his wrist scale at Spike. Spike dodged the scale twice before catching it the third time. He then broke it off and stabbed it into Garble's shoulder. Garble continued to struggle as Spike tightened the grip on his neck.

Twilight and Ember watched in worry as the two dragons struggled against each other. They soon began to notice Garble's resistance began to weaken. Spike let out a roar as he pulled as tight as he could.

"SPIKE!"

Spike loosened the grip on Garble's as he looked to see the girls with fearful looks on their faces. Spike soon began to calm down as he let the chains go and allowed Garble to fall to the ground.

Everyone had arrived to be shocked at the scene. Garble attempted to get up but was stopped by Spike slamming his foot on his chest. Garble looked up with an exhausted look as Spike glared down at him. "Stay down!"

The girls and Match ran to Twilight and Ember as Spike kicked Garble to Torch's feet. Torch looked to the young drake and nodded to him.

Ember and Twilight then watched in worry as Spike fell to the ground. Match ran over to him as he looked to the girls with relief. "It's okay. He just passed out from exhaustion."

Chapter 11

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The next day

Spike began to stir as he awoke to find himself in a hospital bed. He looked to see the looks of relief and happiness on all of his friends faces.

Ember was the first to reach him and threw her arms around his neck. "Don't scare me like that again. We thought we lost you again."

"What happened? What about Garble?"

Twilight gave him a short hug before saying, "Don't worry about him. With the beating you gave him, we had no trouble draining both the dark magic and the unknown magic from his body using Ember's scepter. Ember's decided to confirm his punishment tomorrow. For now, he's locked up in the Canterlot dungeon with dragon guards."

"That's good to hear. So how long will I be here for."

Nurse Redheart walked in with a smile on her face. "Not too long Spike. From what we know, dragons are naturally fast healers. You should be able to check out tomorrow morning with enough rest."

The girls and Match wanted to stay but knew that the sooner Spike could rest, the sooner he would heal.

But before Match walked out of the room, Spike stopped him. "Could you hang back for a moment? I need to ask a favor?"

Match looked to Trixie and said, "Go on ahead. I'll meet at the castle."

Trixie smiled and pecked his cheek before following the girls.

Match turned back to Spike as he said, "Finally got with Trixie I see. I told you it was possible didn't I?"

"Yep. And you were right about how great it is. Anyway, what's that favor you want?"

Spike pulled out a card from his wallet on the table and gave it to Match. "You remember this don't you?"

"Yeah. That's the card you got from Joe's Donut after you won that donut eating challenge. Why?"

"I need you to take it and head to Fancypant's Jewelry store in Canterlot to get something for me with that card."

"What do you need me to get?"

He leaned in closer so Spike could whisper in his ear. His eyes widened as he looked to Spike in shock. "Spike? Are you going to do what I think you're to do?"

Spike smiled and nodded. "Yep. So do you mind?"

"Not at all. I'll head over there tonight and be back before anyone wakes up."

"Thanks dude."

With that, Match walked out of the room.

The next morning, Spike was released from the hospital just in time to go with the others to Canterlot for Garble's sentence. The red dragon was chained down with two Dragon Guards standing at his sides. Ember stood with the Mane 6, to everyone's surprise were wearing the Element's of Harmony, Spike, and Match standing be side her. Torch stood with the princesses, Shining Armor, Trixie, Starlight, and the guys in the background. Citizens of both ponies and dragons stood in the stands, staring down at the center.

Ember looked to Garble with a stern look. "Garble! You stand trial for actions against not only ponies, but against your own kind. You had the intentions of taking the Dragon Lands by force, aiding and embedding a criminal of Equestria, attempting rape of your Dragon Lord, and even attempting murder against me as well. Do you have anything to say before you receive punishment?"

Garble stood to his feet as he attempted to charge her before being restrained by his chains. "You think I'll stop. You can lock me up, but that won't stop me for good. You'll have to kill me if you want any chance in keeping me from restoring the Dragon Lands!"

Ember remained silent for a moment before saying, "You're not being locked up this Garble. And you're not dying either."

"Then what are you going to do with me?"

Ember walked back beside Twilight as she continued, "After talking with Princess Twilight, we've decided to give you many would consider a living death. In the past, Twilight and her friends have used these artifacts known as the Elements of Harmony to turn any threat to Equestria to stone. Since they've never used in on a dragon, I have agreed to combine their magic with that of the Bloodstone Scepter to make sure it works on you. After you are a statue, you will be placed in the middle of all of the Dragon Lands and used as an example to any dragon who wishes to put our new friendship with the ponies at risk and to show them what will await them."

As she finished speaking, Garble soon began to panic. "No! You can't do this! I'm the only one who sees how the Dragon Lands should-!"

"Silence! As Dragon Lord, my word is final! Twilight! Girls! Are you ready?"

The Mane 6 nodded as their trinkets began to glow before shooting magic into Ember's raised scepter. It began to charge with magic before Ember blasted with the combined stream of rainbow colored magic.

The guards stepped aside as the magic surrounded Garble. He watched in horror as his body turned to stone.

After a few seconds, the magic stopped to reveal Garble as a statue with a horror expression on his face.

Ember looked to the dragon guards as she said, "Take him to the Dragon Lands at once!"

The two guards nodded before they lifted the statue and took to the air with it.

Celestia, Luna, and Twilight then took their places beside Ember as the dragoness spoke to every pony and dragon around. "Let it be know that on this day that dragons and ponies have come together in harmony. From this day forward our species will be allies to one another as we live among each other and provide assistance when needed!"

Everyone cheered at Ember's statement before Celestia spoke, "Now let us proceed to Canterlot Castle to celebrate the new alliance between our races."

Later that day, after the Mane 6 had returned the Elements to the Tree of Harmony, they returned to the celebration where they were enjoying time with their coltfriends.. Twilight smiled to Flash as they enjoyed a good slow dance. "These past couple of months have been the craziest I have ever seen."

"You said it. But there is a bright side to it. I new couple to join the club."

Flash montioned over to where Trixie and Match were dancing with loving smiles on their faces.

Meanwhile, Spike and Ember had just finished dancing when Spike began to speak, "Ember. I have something important to ask. Twilight's sent you letters about pony customs right?"

"Yep. Some were so interesting that I shared them with my dad."

"Did she by chance mention how stallion's propose to mares?"

A look of confusion appeared on Ember's face as she asked, "A little. Why?"

Then to Ember's surprise, Spike got on one knee before pulling out a small case. "Ember. After these past couple of months, I realized there is no greater joy than being with you for the rest of my life. Which is why I am now taking the chance in asking you this."

The entire community went silent as attention grew on the scene.

Spike then opened the box to reveal an engagement ring. "Dragon Lord Ember? Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife."

Tension shot through the crowd as the Mane 6 waited in suspense.

Tears of joy welled in Ember's eyes as she said, "Yes! Yes Spike, I will!"

The entire crowd cheered as Spike slipped the ring on her hand and the two shared a loving kiss. They soon broke apart and embraced one another.

"I love you Ember."

"I love you too Spike."

In the background, Luna noticed tears in Celestia's eyes. "Are you alright sister?"

"I couldn't be happier Luna. My son has grown into a strong man."

Meanwhile on the top of the mountain of the kingdom, a silhouette looked down at the celebration, mainly focusing on Spike and Ember. "You've taken the next step young one. Soon the time will come to meet and you will know of your true self history."

With that the silhouette walked off.

Return of Dark Magic

by bcmorgan96

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11