1. You're Not in Equestria Anymore

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The sun rose over the mountains in the east, casting a shadow on the volcano upon which her palace was built. Ember woke with a loud yawn and a stretch of her wings. She noticed that she was alone. “Huh…” she sighed with disappointment.

She got up seeing her torn pants and discarded shirt sitting where the events of the night before started. “Spike…” she growled as she picked up her pants. Well he was a male after all. She smiled with a small giggle. As much as she wanted to bathe in the afterglow, there was business to attend to.

Smog marched down the hallway with direct orders from the Queen. He was devoted and rarely questioned what was asked of him but in this case he felt that these ponies weren't the solution that they needed. They knew nothing of dragon culture, customs or sorcery. These ponies couldn't know anything about what the dragons want. Still, he wouldn't question his Queen’s judgement. If she believed that they could help them; that's what they were going to do.

He came upon the first room and opened the door. The sun’s rays refracted off the walls filling the room with a yellow glow.

“Princesses! It’s time to wake up!” he shouted jolting Rainbow Dash from her enjoyable slumber.

“Hey… What’s the big idea?” Rainbow yawned.

“The Queen has requested your presence. Please do not keep her waiting.” Smog marched off towards the next room.

“What’s his deal,” Rainbow groaned as she stretched and cracked her stiff back.

“Well, if the queen wants us then we have to get up,” Twilight yawned. “It must be the time zone shift because I am exhausted…” she got up and shuffled over to Spike and Pinkie’s beds. “Come on guys, we’ve got stuff to do today…”

“Alrighty!” Pinkie leapt out of bed in nothing but a t-shirt and some panites.

“Spike.” Twilight shook his bed. “Spike! Get up!” Twilight grumbled. She sighed and took hold of his foot with her magic, dragging him from the warm embrace of his bed to the cold hard floor.

“I don’t know what I hate more; you forcing me out of bed or you throwing the covers to the other side of the room,” Spike growled.

“Come on. Ember’s called for us.” Twilight left the room with a baggie of her toiletries. Spike sat there for a second as if last night was nothing but a dream. “She must have a lot of energy,” he thought. She’s up and ready to get started while he was unsure if Twilight woke him up or if this was one of those dreams where you wake up in your dream but in real life you’re still out cold. He saw Pinkie skipping over him in nothing but her underwear… Could still be a dream. Whatever the case may be, he listened and got up surprised at how sore his entire lower body was. With every stretch his thighs quivered and ached like he just finished doing over one thousand squats in one sitting.

“You better hurry up Spike,” Rainbow said as she got out of bed. “You know how long Rarity likes to take. He watched her leave lost in thought about what happened the night before. He grinned from ear to ear as his ego inflated to Blueblood levels. “Heh, I’ll be right there.” he said to no one as he walked out of the room.

Ember sat on her throne, her eyes glued to the floor. She was deep in contemplation on what issues she should tackle first. Maybe getting some bits flowing through her kingdom? Or perhaps writing a few laws so these mongrels would stop killing each other left and right. One thing was for certain; she needed a standing council or some kind of parliament. Trying to do all of this alone would only succeed in the acceleration of her age and the loss of her hair… No wonder why she was so short.

Smog entered the room and bowed on one knee. “Your ‘help’ has been awakened and are all eating. They should arrive shortly.”

“What? How are they eating? I thought ponies couldn’t digest meat.”

“Princess Pie brought an entire crate full of Equestrian foodstuffs.” Ember then realized that they had nothing here for a pony to eat, which would explain why they didn’t tell her that they were hungry the night before.

“Thank you for that Smog. You’re dismissed.” Smog nodded with a grunt and went on his way. She appreciated how much he helped around the palace, even though he was of few words. She had better luck keeping a conversation with a rock going than with him. Back to the matters at hand. What should she focus on. Her main problem was trying to show these ponies that she had a faint understanding on how to run a kingdom, but in all honesty she didn’t. The only thing she learned from her dad was to scream like a maniac and scare the scales off the dragon next to you. Being small and the opposite of intimidating negated that idea swiftly. Maybe if she did scare someone it might work.

Torch never told her about the true power in the Bloodstone Scepter. He was able to control everyone like puppets with one wave of the ancient trinket, but in her hands it was nothing more than a decorative heirloom. She took hold of it in both claws, staring deep into her own reflection. She focused on the stone more and more but nothing happened. She sighed in frustration and placed it besides her. Soon, one by one, Pinkie first with a satisfied grin, entered the throne room.

“Good mornin your highness,” Applejack said with a tip of her hat.

“Good, you’re all here.” All but one. “Where’s Spike?” she asked out of curiosity rather than necessity.

“He’s still eating. That boy eats like a vacuum,” Rarity chuckled.

“Well, that’s good. Now we have one important issue to discuss… My father -Dragon Lord Torch- was ruler of the dragons years before any of us were born and in that time much of the dragons within these lands have been brought up and lived their long lives under the rules that he established and unfortunately that he alone knew.”

“So we need to come up with a set of laws, right?” Fluttershy asked.

“Exactly, but yet again; an obstacle stands in our way.”

“And that is?” Rainbow asked.

“The people themselves… Dragons are greedy and selfish by nature, but I believe they’ll come together in pursuit of a common goal.”

“Basically we have to write a constitution, set up a monarchal government, all while writing up countless laws and regulations??” Pinkie counted on her fingers.

“That’s exactly what I just said…” Ember sighed.

“Oh then that’s a piece of cake. Dashie and I singlehandedly turned Griffonstone around. Right Dashie!”

“It took some time, but yeah we helped a little.”

“I… have a question. If you don't mind me asking.” Fluttershy raised her hand.

“Yes?”

“Where is your father?” All eyes fell on her as the question hung in the air.

“I have no idea. He’s been travelling the world for the last two years.”

“Oh… Okay.” Fluttershy hid behind her bangs.

“With all due respect your highness; we don’t know the first thing about starting up a government,” Applejack spoke up.

“I know Celestia personally, and I’ve organized several federal events as well as settled disputes in small towns, and have read, as well as, done reports on several boo-”

“Twilight we get it. I’m starting to get a headache after being beaten over the head with your achievements…” Rainbow rolled her eyes.

“In short; I believe I’m more than qualified to assist you with anything.”

“You don’t know how relieved I am to hear that…” Ember smiled earning a grin from Twilight.

“What about the rest of us?” Rarity asked.

“You all can speak with the people directly,” Ember stated simply.

“You want us to talk to dragons?” Fluttershy asked with some apprehension.

“Yeah I thought dragons hated us,” Rainbow added.

“You’ll never know unless you try. You ponies have a knack for this kind of thing.”

“You can count on us Princess.” Applejack gave her a thumbs up. “Where should we start?”

“Go and ask around town. Ignis Terrestris isn’t that big of a village.” They all shared a single look then headed out of the throne room. Ember watched until her guards closed the palace doors, praying beyond all hope that these six legendary mares can help her. Right at the moment the doors closed Spike came running in with a biscuit in his claw.

“I’m here!” He looked around. “Aw crud… Am I late?”

“Actually, you’re right on time. Ember and I are going to start putting together a… preamble if you will.”

“And you need me to keep record?” Spike crossed his arms.

“Of course. Nobody writes as fast as you,” Twilight giggled. Ember felt a prick of jealousy.

“Okay.” He shoved the biscuit into his mouth. “Lesth get stharted.”

After a ten minute ride by cable car the group of five led by Applejack reached the base of the volcano where the village of Ignis Terrestris was built. On the way up they had barely noticed the small town. Passing through felt more like walking through a camp than a town on the rise.

“Alrighty then… Where should we start?” Applejack asked as they left the car.

“I say we split up. We can cover more ground,” Rarity proposed.

“Good Idea,” Rainbow quickly agreed. “Me Fluttershy and Pink-” She was caught off by an excited gasp coming from Pinkie Pie.

“Do you smell that?” She held her head up high, capturing the heavenly scent. “I have to check it out! I could get a new recipe!” Pinkie took off in a Pink blur.

“Meet us back here at four Pinkie!” Rarity shouted.

“Okay!” Pinkie responded her voice growing fainter the further away she was.

“Then I guess me and Rarity will do some askin around.”

“Roger that!” Rainbow took to the air. Fluttershy waved goodbye and took off after Rainbow.

“And then there were two,” Applejack chuckled.

“Quite… I suppose we should get started then?” Rarity started heading down the gravel path that lead into the heart of the town. She was being polite and reserved but in all brutal honesty this place made her soul weep. It was so dusty and grimy ;like the village where they found Starlight but twice as unappealing. Her eye for detail and the arts was bleeding at the sight of this place. At least Ember’s palace was something to behold; it was nothing compared to the architecture back home but she admired the craftsmanship.

Applejack held on to one question that adhered to her impression of this place; how in the world were they all going to turn this place into a prosperous kingdom? From what she could tell -and she was no expert in anything other than farming- it took the entire reign of Celestia for Equestria to form into what it is today. It can be done, but it would take time; time she was afraid they didn't have. This didn't look like seven years of neglect. This looked like generations of decay.

Up ahead Rarity was talking to a Light gray dragon. “Hello sir and or Drake. My name is Lady Rarity of Equestria.”

“Hi…?” The dragon greeted with a confused growl.

“My and My friend here have been sent by Dragon Lord Ember to get the opinion of the people.” He looked at Rarity and the approaching Applejack with an ocean's volume of cynicism.

“So our leader sends two smelly ponies to talk to her ‘subjects’ instead of talking to us herself…” He sarcastically groaned.

“Oh… When you put it like that, it does sound asinine.”

“Exactly…” He was just about to walk away when Applejack arrived.

“Sir or uh Drake; we only want to ask you a question.” He rolled his eyes and crossed his arms.

“Fine, but make it quick!” he snapped. Rarity gestured for Applejack to ask the disgruntled dragon.

“What kind of government would you like to see here? Not just in Ignes…”

“Ignis Terrestris,” Rarity assisted quietly.

“Right. Not just here in Ignis Terrestris, but the entire Kingdom as a whole?” The dragon put a claw to his chin, scratching the short silky beard that protruded through his scales.

“Well, I guess I’d like for my ‘leader’ to get off her ass and actually communicate with the people instead of sending a hussy and a hick!” he shouted before storming off in a rage. Applejack shook her head while Rarity stood with her hand to her chest utterly appalled.

“A hussy?? Did that unbathed, illegitimate fire sucker call me a hussy!” Rarity raged. “I have never in all of my days met such a disrespectful waste of time and space!”

“Rarity calm down we just need to-”

“To Tartarus with this!” She spat as she stormed off. Applejack sighed and followed after her. He called Applejack a hick. That was one of the worse things she’s ever heard next being called inbred. Rarity did always have a hair trigger when it came to someone insulting her or as she called it “A shameful bastardisation of her dignity as a lady”. She’ll calm down eventually…

On another side of town Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash walked through a rather busy area with some vendors but mostly folk hanging around drinking from what looked like liquor bottles and eating charred meat. The smell made Rainbow Dash sick to her stomach while Fluttershy was trying her best not to pass out where she stood. These dragons did put both of them a little on edge though. Rainbow more than Fluttershy. She felt like one of them was going to pounce at any minute. Of course she can go for a good fight -those tough scales could make for a nice punching bag- but that would defeat their goal of finding a diplomatic solution to their current problem.

“Holy Smokes! I haven’t your kind here in ages!” an elderly dragon spoke from a kiosk. It looked as if he was selling stones of varying textures and sizes. “Come on, I don’t bite… anymore…” Fluttershy went ahead of Rainbow to greet the old Drake.

“Hi there,” she greeted with an adorable smile. “I’m Fluttershy and This is my friend, Rainbow Dash.”

“Yo…” Rainbow greeted.

“Yep, even got the names,” the old Drake chuckled.

“What’s your name?” Fluttershy asked.

“Owen Cinders, but folk around here call me OC. So what brings a couple of pretty ponies like you to a place like this.”

“Queen Ember sent for us,” Rainbow replied. “She needs our help to get this place back on track.”

“Sorry youngin, but this place hasn’t been on track for over a millennia.”

“What do you mean?” Fluttershy asked.

“For as long as I can remember, trust and believe me that’s one hell of a long time, things have been this way. Sure there were times when people weren’t living off quartz that they just so happened to stumble upon, but I don’t remember anything different than this.”

“Since you have been around for so long, would you like to see a change in the leadership?” Fluttershy picked up a smooth yet slightly abrasive rock from his kiosk. Owen started to laugh hysterically attracting a some strange looks.

“You’re cute pony. I’ve been wandering this Earth for the better part of seven hundred years. In my time I’ve learned that dragons aren’t capable of change. Maybe things were better before the time of old Owen, but now. Nothing…”

“Darn…” Rainbow growled.

“It is an interesting idea though…” Owen scratched his bald head. “Say I might be able to help you. What would I get from it?”

“Huh?” Fluttershy asked as she dropped the rock.

“How much are ya willing to pay for some helpful information?” Rainbow and Fluttershy gave each other confused looks.

“Oh for the love of the Flame… I’m bribing you! You know; extortion?”

“We know you’re bribing us. You just didn’t tell us what you want. We have plenty of bits…” Rainbow dug in her pockets jingling the brass coins.

“How about one thousand?” Owen said with a sly grin.

“One thousand! Are you crazy?” Rainbow was obviously taken aback by his request.

“Take it or leave it. Honestly, I may pass tomorrow. I’m old. Any change that this place makes will happen long after I’ve kicked the bucket,” Owen said with a shrug. Fluttershy dug frantically through her coin purse only coming up with about thirty two bits. Rainbow had clutched in her hand ten or maybe fifteen. Fluttershy walked over to Rainbow.

“I have… thirty two, thirty three, thirty- Thirty five bits! How about you?”

“About twenty one,” Rainbow whispered as she finished counting her handfull.

“So that’s about sixty bits maybe?” Fluttershy asked. Rainbow shrugged with uncertainty. Fluttershy took her handful and returned to a patient Owen.

“So, did you magically come up with the money?” he asked while looking directly at Fluttershy's chest.

“N-No sir… Between us we only have sixty six bits…”

“Sorry cutie. No deal.” Owen was pretty satisfied with getting over on two gullible ponies. Then Fluttershy started to look at him with large pleading eyes. Owen looked into them becoming as stiff as a board, terrified because he couldn’t look away from her. This look she was giving him was boreing directly into his rotten core. She just kept looking at him with those big adorable turquoise eyes, freaking him out more than instilling sympathy within him.

“Okay I’ll take the bits! Just stop looking at me like that you succubus!” Fluttershy handed him the bits with a smile while Owen shuddered.

“There’s an old library about a day’s flight to the southeast of here. Raiders have probably picked it clean, but I’m sure the books are still in tact,” he spoke, his voice wavering.

“Thank you Mr. Cinders,” Fluttershy said with a chirip before walking off with Rainbow Dash leaving Owen wondering what in the world did that pony just do to him.

“How did you do that?” Rainbow asked with a surprised chuckle.

“Just know the stare works on any creature, big or small,” Fluttershy smiled proudly. Up ahead Pinkie was walking with her arms crossed and her face sour.

“Heya Pinkie, any luck?” Rainbow hugged Pinkie but she stood there with a pout and a huff. “Are you okay?”

“Remember that super yummy smell I smelled when we got here?” Pinkie tried to sound angry but her exuberance showed through.

“Turns out it was meat….” she wrinkled her nose.

“Well yeah. Dragon’s are carnivores after all,” Fluttershy explained.

“I’m not mad that it was meat. I’m mad that it smelled so good. That’s false advertisement!” Pinkie pouted even harder.

“Don’t worry Pinkie. I’m sure we’ll find some pony food while were here. I mean the Dragon Lands can’t be that cut off from the rest of the world right?” Suddenly there was a loud explosion followed by a small black mushroom cloud that billowed upwards. All of the dragons around them looked up in terror for they knew all too well what was coming next.

Back in the palace Ember and Twilight sat at a table brainstorming ideas for a formal document of some sorts or something to act as the catalyst for this constitution. Spike sat with his quill in hand waiting for them to come up with something. It’s been at least two hours since everyone else left and all they have been doing is talking about laws right’s amendments and all of the governmental stuff that usually put Twilight’s classes to sleep. No doubt that this was a step forward but he thought Framing would be a lot more interesting than this. Well, he was about to get his excitement.

Outside he heard a muffled boom. He looked to Twilight and Ember; they carried on their conversation as if nothing had happened. Spike knew he wasn’t hearing things. There was something going on. He could feel it. He looked apprehensively at them then back to the door several times eventually siding with his gut. He got up and walked out with no explanation.”Spike?” Twilight called out to him. “Spike where are you going?”

Spike ran through the main hallway that lead back to the throne room and the entrance of the palace. He came upon the main doors. They were made of large slabs of basaltic rock. With a heave he opened the heavy doors. As the light began streaming so did the nauseating scent of fire and smoke. “Guys! Help me with this!” Smog and another guard pushed on the doors as well revealing a sight that made their blood run cold. Down in the town a large plume of pitch black smoke rose from the southeast side of the village. “Spike! What are you-” Then twilight saw it. The sickening smell coupled with the black smoke glowing yellow at it’s base.

“My Queen,” Smog and his accompanying guard said in unison. Ember saw it too, but instead of her blood running cold her rage made it boil.

“Twilight. Spike. Stay here…” she stretched her wings preparing to take off.

“Ember wait. We can help,” Twilight spoke up.

“Yeah, we’ve dealt with things like these back in Equestria.” Spike cracked his knuckles. Ever since he hit puberty he’s wanted to see just how strong he was. Ember wanted to argue but she didn’t have the time.

“Okay but be warned; these dragons are ruthless. They rape and kill everyone unfortunate enough to be caught in their path.” She spread her wings along with Smog and the other guard.

“Wait.” Ember stopped with a frustrated scowl. “Grab on to me. I can teleport us there.” They all placed their hands on Twilight and in an electrical crackle they were gone.

Rarity shot solid bolts of magic from her horn, disarming a dragon who came at Applejack with a jagged sword. Rainbow Dash was dive bombing the intruders with punches and kicks; at least she was right about these dragons being able to take a punch. Every blow she landed seemed to be less and less effective. Pinkie was blasting as many of them as she could with her party cannon, but with every shot she dished out they came back in full. Not even Applejacks renowned leg strength could put a dent in these guys. She kicked several of them square in the chest or stomach and they returned with sadistic smiles on their faces.

“These guys are too-” Rainbow glide kicked one of them square in the jaw “-strong!”

“We can’t let up!” Rarity enveloped one in her magic and threw him at two incoming raiders. Just then Twilight Spike and Ember appeared in from of them in a bright purple flash. Smog charged at the intruders teeth bared and armed with a dark bladed sword. One of the raiders charged at him as well with nothing but his claws. In one swift motion the blade penetrated the raiders scales as blood began to run down the blade. “Kill them all!” the leader of the raiders roared. The groups charged as Smog readied himself to drop however many it took to protect the people. Spike readied himself but before he could even choose a target, Twilight levitated him into the crowd of concerned onlookers right next to Fluttershy.

“Twilight!”

“Spike do not interfere in any way! Are we understood?” Spike didn’t respond. Twilight turned her attention back to the invading group. While they fought Spike mentally cursed Twilight for shoving him aside like he was useless. He wasn’t small and frail. He could fight. He could help them win! One by one the raiders fell, but as one dropped it seemed like two more took their place. Twilight and Rarity laid down suppressing fire by shooting magic bolts at any attackers who came too close while Ember and those with wings cut down the atrackers at the edge. For some time they were at a stalemate until one dragon shrug off everything Twilight was throwing at him. He landed next to her and wound up his mace. With a mighty swing he struck Twilight’s arm her flying towards a hut.

It all happened so fast that he couldn't believe it; yet as it happened time seemed to slow to a standstill. Tears began to stream down his cheeks as all the memories he shared with her played back in front of him. He ran towards Twilight with no thought; he was driven by his fear of losing her and his anger towards the one who hurt her.

The dragon loomed over an unconscious Twilight. The others rushed to stop him, but it would seem that they wouldn’t get to her in time. He raised his mace in both claws and brought it down like a guillotine.

Fluttershy looked away while everyone else was frozen in horror.

The dragon was confused at what just happened. He knows he hit somebody but there was too much dust; he couldn't see through it. Once the dust began to settle, Spike stood over her with fire in his eyes and his arms crossed blocking the mace. The impact was the most painful thing he ever felt in his life, but it was overshadowed by his unyielding rage. The dragon lifted his mace again, giving Spike an opening to take his best shot. With all the force he could muster punched him with a flaming fist directly in his stomach.

His fist went deep into the dragon's gut, making him grasp at the air escaping from his lungs. He keeled over clutching his stomach coughing and rasping as blood began to trickle out of his mouth. Everyone, even the raiders, froze as Spike stood victorious with his fist clenched and enveloped in a green flame. He turned to Twilight. She was unconscious with her arm contorted in a sickening way. This further stoked the flames of his rage. He slammed his foot down on the back of the dragon's neck unflinching at the loud crack that followed, then he turned his attention to the raiders.

“Aaaaaaahhhh!” he roared Charging with a flame in each claw. He started shredding through raider after raider as the battle continued. Fluttershy rushed to Twilight as the battle continued. She nearly vomited at the sight if the dragon's body but she powered through it. She picked up Twilight, hyperventilating as her friends blood stuck to her fur. This was no time for being afraid.

“Is anyone here a doctor!” There was no response. “Please my friend needs help!” there was still no response. Either they weren't too keen on helping or no one in this town had medical training. Then she remembered that she had brought along several first aid kits. If she could mend a deer’s broken leg, she could help Twilight. She held Twilight as tight as she could and took of towards the palace.

Smog and Spike we're hand in hand on the ground slashing and cutting down anyone who dared get in their way. Smog was amazed at how ferocious Spike fought. His first impressions of the dragon out of Equestria weren't of the highest praise. But seeing him take this vile horde out in a way made him proud. Spike was punching kicking and swiping with his claws taking out enemies left and right. Some got lucky and were able to land a hit. It must have been the anger. No matter what they did he soldiered on. After more and more of his males dropped to the floor in the leader of the raiders had no choice. “Run Retreat!” those who followed scurried away like cowards while those who stayed were swiftly dealt with by Smog and Spike. Spike stood breathing heavily. His claws still had flames within them. His clothes were tattered and torn from the battle. His anger subsided as he began to weep. He dared not look behind him. All of that death… All of that carnage was him. He could smell the blood that he spilled. He dropped to his knees overwhelmed by how what started out as a normal day ended in this, bodies strewn left and right.

“I know this is a lot to take in.” Smog placed his hand on Spike’s shoulder. “You fought bravely and protected these people.” Spike looked back to the townsfolk. No this wasn't right. He shouldn't have came here. None of them should have. All of this was too much. It was supposed to be simple. Set out a system of which they could be governed. This wasn't supposed to happen! They all didn't need to die! If he had just balled up that stupid letter none of this would have happened! Twilight would be okay… They’d be at home, drinking tea or cocoa and reading… She would been never been hurt…

Spike slowly rose to his feet and walked in the same direction that the raiders fled. “Spike… wait. You need to-”

“Leave me alone…” Spike’s voice was unsteady and cracking. He continued on, not sure of where he was going. Smog returned to the group of blank and petrified faces. Ember landed in front of him

“Where is he going? Why haven't you stopped him?” Ember’s voice was saturated in worry.

“Believe me when I say that he needs time…” Smog sighed. “And to the rest of you.” Rarity and the remaining five looked to Smog. “This-” he gestured to the corpses littering the gravel road “-this is what happens outside of your borders. You're not in Equestria anymore…”

2. The Harsh Reality

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The air was thin and stale as they entered the palace. Smog stayed in town assisting with the cleanup and helping anyone who was injured. They were shaken to their cores. No one spoke. No one felt that any words could explain nor dumb down the situation. Applejack collapsed with a heavy sigh. “I can't believe that happened…” She broke the silence, stating what was on everyone's mind. Rarity paced around pinching the bridge of her nose. She was in full view when Twilight was struck by that horrible brute. The sound of the impact tormented her tugging on her emotions as tears broke through.

Ember looked upon the distraught group with mixed emotions. Yes on one hand they defended the village but they appeared here scared and shivering wondering what other horrors await them in this hellish land. “Everyone I-”

“No! Don't you say a word!” Rainbow Dash spat with venom. “Did you know about those guys…” Ember stood frozen. “Did you know about those dragons!”

“Rainbow save your righteous rage for another time.” Rarity spoke up, her voice precise and fierce. “There's no way she could have known anything like this would happen.”

“Oh don't act like you’re above it Rarity! You saw everything and now look Fluttershy is playing surgeon and Spike just went crazy! She lives here! She must have known something like this would happe-”

“Do not let my calm composure FOOL YOUR ANGER!” Everyone looked at Rarity frightened at how she commanded the room. “We all need to take some time to process this. Now you can keep acting like a brat or you can grow up and grasp the situation at hand…” Rainbow grumbled something under her breath that would have gotten her a mouthful of soap.

“Please stop fighting…” Pinkie pleaded. Rainbow yielded seeing tears forming in Pinkie's eyes as she lay curled up on the floor. “We need a smile… Or something cheerful,” she said with a forced smile. Just then Fluttershy came into the room as pale as a ghost and shaking.

“I-I-I did it…” Her voice was soft and drenched in terror. Rainbow took hold of her gently stroking her mane as they collapsed to the ground.

“This is too much… What in tartarus are we doing here?” Applejack shook her head. Rarity and Ember both gave her curious looks. “Look at us. We’re the elements of harmony, the protectors of Equestria… We can't do nothing here…”

“No… No no no; that isn't true.” Ember tried to reassure her. “You drove them away. You won!”

“But at what cost?” Ember looked at the defeated group once again. She didn't want to be wrong but deep down she knew that bringing them here may not have been the best course of action. Perhaps she had delusions of grandeur of a world without violence and lawlessness. And in doing so she risked the lives of these innocent and gentle creatures. “When Twilight gets better. We're going home…”

“What?” Ember and Rarity asked in unison.

“Ya heard me. We are going home,” Applejack sternly stated.

“Applejack we can't leave with this anarchy running amok,” Rarity protested.

“Didn't you just hear me? There’s nothing we can do! We’re down two and we don't know how many are gonna come back after that killing spree.” Rarity had a well rounded retort but given the situation she held her breath. “You know me. I never turn my back on those in need, but we’re just six ponies… What can we do?”

“We can try…” Rarity sighed. She left the room to go check in on Twilight. She needed some peace and quiet.

“I agree with Rarity…” Rainbow said while holding Fluttershy. “You said it AJ; were Equestria’s heroes. If you want to leave I won't blame you, but mark my words I'll make every single one of those Rader scum pay for what they did to Twilight!” Fluttershy jumped at the sudden spike in Rainbow’s voice. Applejack shook her head and walked off, not certain on where she was headed. Ember felt more than guilty; she could feel their worry for Twilight. She could see how a raid would profoundly affect them. She didn't want to be seen by anyone right now.

“Ember?” Pinkie asked.

“I need to… I need to find Spike…” She wasn't lying for the most part. Wandering around here is a good way to turn up dead or missing. In truth she wanted to leave them to their business. They didn't need her standing around while they process what really goes on in the world.

Spike sat on a hill that overlooked a small lake. In the distance he could see the torches that began to light up several settlements that surrounded Ignis Terrestris. The sky was growing darker and thunder rumbled across the land. He didn't know where he was not did he really care. He wanted to somehow find himself awake at home or at least passed out after drinking too much cider.

The way he went berserk played over and over again like a broken tape. They weren't exactly good dragons, but still taking a life is not to be done lightly. They could have been good people if they were taught that cooperating for the common good is better than being a detriment to those who have no choice to earn an honest living

This was reality though. The more he thought about it the more he realized how sheltered life back in Equestria was. Then again every major conflict that happened he was either told to stay away or he wasn't there. Did the others ever have to kill? Did they ever kill a changeling or any other creature used to Equestria? He never knew. He was too young at the time to ask. Every time they defeated some ancient or world breaking enemy he was just glad that he could sleep soundly that night.

He looked at his hands noticing that his left forearm was swollen and turning a sickening purple. The moment he touched it throbbing pain shot through his arm. Then his entire body began to radiate with pain. He had been so lost in existentialism that he shrugged off the several welts and bruises on his body. At least his scales were strong enough for some protection; even if everything was in pain. “Spike…”

Spike jumped as was ready to pounce.

“Ember?” She stood behind where he was sitting with an apologetic frown. “You scared the scales off me!” he said with a heavy sigh.

“I didn't want to bother you…”

“How did you find me?” he stood up and dusted himself off.

“You're only a mile away from the town. And the only thing wearing a bright green sweater.” Spike looked at his torn clothes. “How are you feeling?”

“I… I don't know…” Ember didn't know whether or not to hug him or just listen to what he had to say. It wasn't every day that she had to counsel someone. “I mean… This all happened so fast. Our second day here and-” he choked, feeling his anger rise again as thoughts of Twilight rushed in.

“Gangs like those have been running amok for centuries… Ever since my father passed on his title they’ve only gotten worse. I never thought they would attack the capital.” Spike sighed and turned away from her.

“How is everyone else?” Spike asked with a cold growl.

“They…” She placed her hand on his shoulder causing him to flinch some. “They’re just as confused and conflicted as you are… I shouldn’t have asked you to come here…”

“What? No!” He took hold of her and and looked her directly in her eyes. “I mean…”

“None of you should have had witness that or be involved in it.”

“You called for our help. So that’s what we are going to do.” Spike tried to reassure her but one thing Applejack said stuck to her; ”At what cost?” “It’s a lot to digest but if you really feel that we can change this place for the better then we’ll try.” He gave her a smile that was all too contagious. She tried to hide it but his keen eyes caught her red handed.

“Well, your friends are divided. Some say that you should stay and others say that you should go,” Ember sighed.

“What about Twilight? Is she okay?” Spike’s reassuring tone switched to a worried and anxious one.

“Fluttershy was able to tend to her wounds but beyond that; I haven’t the slightest…” A tsunami of relief washed away the guilt he felt for leaving without making sure she was okay. Or however well ‘okay’ was. “We should get back… I know the other’s are wondering where I am. So are you gonna carry me or…?

“Oh no! You’ve gotten way too big to carry. Unless you have a faster way?” Then a crazy idea popped into his head.

“Well, I’ve only ever tried this on myself a few times.”

“Tried what?” he pulled her by her waist and held her as close as he could. He took in a big gulp of air and breathed a green fire that slowly enveloped them from the bottom up. As it did it began to swirl like a cyclone. Ember felt a tingling around her feet, then her legs and before she realized it the bottom half of her body was turning into magical smoke. She dared not move. Soon all she felt was her head slowly being dematerialized before everything cut to black.

Rainbow Dash sat on the palace steps playing with her feathers. Fluttershy finally came out of her petrified state and decided that she needed some rest. Pinkie was in the kitchen making something to eat even though Rainbow knew food was the last thing on anyone’s mind. Rarity and Applejack decided to keep an eye on Twilight leaving her to sit out here with nothing to do but think and watch the sun blaze across the sky. “Did you catch all of that Celestia?” She mocked the sun. Nobody was ready for today and even though she wasn’t the one to turn her back on anyone, she wished she was at home laying in her bed.

Down below she saw some black smoke approaching fast. She readied herself for another fight, but then it stopped just short of her. It hung in the air for half a second before green fire dripped from the smoke slowly constructing two sets of legs then two torsos. In one magical poof Spike and Ember stood before her with dumbfounded looks. “Spike!” Rainbow leapt down the stairs, colliding with him. Spike groaned at her squeezing all of his bruises and cuts, but he still welcomed the hug. Ember inspected every inch of her being; her feet, legs, arms, wings, tail, everything. Luckily nothing seemed to be out of place, except for this mare throwing herself at Spike. “Thank Celestia! Where have you been!” Rainbow punched his shoulder with all her might.

“I needed to clear my head…” Spike whined while rubbing his bruised shoulder.

“I’m glad you found yourself out there,” Rainbow hissed.

“Hey!” Ember was ready to defend him at all costs but Spike waved her away.

“I know and given what happened it was very selfish of me…”

“Better you say it than me… Still, I’m glad you didn't try to chase after those guys.”

“How is everyone else?”

“Bad…” Spike walked by her with a determined frown. He needed to stop feeling sorry for himself.

Rarity and Applejack sat on opposite sides of the bed where Twilight lay. She had been fidgeting for the last hour but she eventually settled down. Applejack had a full view of the cast covering her right arm. She had never broken a bone a say in her life. Imagining the pain sent shivers through her. The more she looked the more frequently the even played in her mind. The way she flew; it was like a foal hitting a ragdoll with a baseball bat. She shook her head as if it would shut off the memory. She looked up at Rarity.

She sat proper and with her legs crossed and her back straight, but she watched Twilight like a hawk. Mainly she was going through her memories of medical spells. Granted Fluttershy obviously knew what she was doing but something like this needed some serious professional help. She sighed and got up from her seat. “Where are you goin?” Applejack asked with no true interest.

“I need some air… I can’t stand to see her like this.” Applejack nodded and Rarity left the room. “Wish I could trade places with ya Twi…” Applejack sighed. Moments of silence passed before she could hear Rarity shouting ‘Spike’ from down the hallway. Twilight began to squirm and fidget again. She couldn’t hear their conversation but they were growing nearer until Spike stood in the doorway wide eyed and slack jawed. He stood for a moment, looking at Twilight as if he were looking at her corpse.

“H-How is she?”

“She’s asleep, but from what I can tell she’s alright.” Applejack replied, trying to keep a lid on her emotions even though she was more than happy to see that he was alive and seemingly well.

“You look terrible…” Applejack chuckled. Spike looked at his clothes with a sheepish grin.

“I just got back, heh. I haven’t had a chance to clean up yet.” He stood by Twilight’s bedside. She looked a little pale but she was peaceful. Ember stood there watching unsure of what to do. Applejack looked at her and Spike then got up from her seat. “Come on,” she placed her hand on Ember’s shoulder. “Let’s give him a moment.” Ember wanted to protest but she knew Applejack was right. She kept her eyes locked on Spike as she was lead away.

This all felt so real yet synthetic. Twilight was in her foalhood room reading one of her favorite books; On the Origins of magic. It was believed that magic was born with all creatures who walked the Earth; Ponies, Gryphons, all of them have some innate magical acuity None more than the dragon and the unicorn. The magic within them seems to be at it’s most potent. Every time she read that opening phrase she would look at her adorable baby dragon sleeping in his basket beside her bed. Nothing else in her life drew more curiosity than the drake that she would watch sleep every night.

Even through to present day, Spike was what she always thought about. According to the few records that exist including the ones that she put together didn’t shed a sliver of light on what he was. Spike… what a curious case. Then, she began to stir the pain from her injuries crescendoing. Her eyes fluttered open and were met with a dusty red ceiling. Her head and arm throbbed furiously. She turned her stiff neck trying to get a bearing on where she was. From what she could tell she was back in Ember’s palace. She looked to her right and was met with a mess of spiky green hair.

Spike was slumped over the bed, sleeping soundly. Twilight tried to sit up but the pressure on her arm made her cry out in pain. Spike instantly shot up and looked around for whatever made that noise. He looked down at Twilight who was cringing while holding her broken arm. “Twilight!” Spike looked around in a panic. He searched for anything that would numb the pain.

“I-I’m fine…” Twilight groaned.

“Are you sure?” Spike continued to panic.

“Yeah… I think so,” she winced as the pain subsided. Even moving her fingers sent pangs of sharp pain rippling through her arm. She didn’t remember much; just the impact then she was out. “How long was I out?” she rasped. Her throat was dry and her stomach empty.

“I’m not sure. I’ve been back here with you since I got back…”

Twilight looked at his bruises and torn clothes and smiled at how selfless he was. “Always my faithful assistant,” Twilight weakly chuckled. “Can you help me up?”

“I don’t know. You’re still pretty busted up.”

“I’m all stiff… And I have to go…” Spike sighed worried that moving her would only cause more pain. Still she’s been here for a long time, and in addition to having to relieve herself she could be hungry. She looked at him with wide begging eyes. “Okay…” he walked around to her left side and leaned down to where she could put her arm around his neck. Spike slid his hand underneath her and felt something he didn’t expect. “Uh, Twilight? Are you wearing any clothes….?” Twilight shifted around some feeling her bare thigh on Spike’s claw; her fur getting caught on his scales.

“Apparently yes… Look, you can cover me with the blanket.” Spike took a deep breath and lifted her carefully. Twilight winced as her entire body throbbed in pain and discomfort. She didn’t know if it was from being bedridden or injured. Once Spike lifted her out of bed, they both noticed a bright white cast on her left leg. “I guess walking isn’t an option…” Twilight sighed. Spike squatted, carefully grabbing the blanket as best as he could with two fingers. “I’ll get it.” Twilight used her magic and covered as much of herself as she could.

“Right I forgot that your horn does the magic thing…” Spike held her tighter as they exited the room. “So where to fist?” he asked in the empty hallway. There was a tantalizing smell coming from the kitchen which made her stomach growl furiously, but her bladder was screaming at her. Plus she was beginning to enjoy Spike holding her in the buff a little too much so clothes might be a good idea. “Bathroom, I can’t hold it anymore!” Spike walked as fast as he could without tripping over his feet. Running with her may not be the best idea.

“Stop!” Spike listened and stood at the door. “I think I can make it on my own…” Spike set her down carefully on her good leg and watched as she hobbled into the room. He waited outside patiently while she did what she had to do. Soon he heard footsteps coming from behind him. Fluttershy was walking with Pinkie. She had obviously just woken up while Pinkie walked with a cheery hop.

“Heya Spike!” Pinkie waved as they grew nearer. “You woke up just in time for din-din,” she smiled sending a warm glow through him. It was good to see her smile wasn't affected.

“Why are you standing next to the bathroom door?” Fluttershy asked with a yawn.

“Twilight had to pee,” Spike simply said.

“She’s awake?!” Pinkie gasped with glee before she bone rushed the door scaring the stuffing out of Twilight. “You’re up, you’re up, you’re up!!”

“OWW PINKIE!!” Twilight cried out from inside.

“How long has she been awake?” Fluttershy asked again with a stutter.

“Sorry,” Pinkie giggled.

“Only a few minutes,” Spike replied while staring at the door.

“She walked down here?” Fluttershy gasped.

“No… She asked me to carry her.”

“That's good…” Fluttershy sighed with her hand to her chest. Moments later the door opened showing a visibly annoyed and in pain Twilight leaning against Pinkie.

“Okay Spike. I’d like to get some clothes on....” she grumbled

“Wait why are you naked?” Pinkie asked.

“When I was working on her I had to get her clothes off… I guess I forgot to change them,” Fluttershy shuddered at the memory of trending to Twilight’s wounds.

“Yes and I'd much rather be clothed so come on Spike…” She tightened her blanket taking extra care that Spike’s hands not make contact with her backside again. He lifted her bridal style and carried her off. Pinkie and Fluttershy followed closely behind. Soon they ran into Rainbow Rarity and Applejack who were on their way to get something to eat.

“Twilight? You're up and about… Well sort of,” Rarity said with joyous surprise. “Why is Spike holding you?”

“I'll explain later. I just really want to get dressed…” Twilight struggled to rid her tone of impatience and annoyance.

“Why are you-” Rainbow was about to ask but Rarity covered her mouth with magic.

“Take your time darling. We’ll be waiting in the kitchen.” She opened the door for Spike and with Twilight’s command they entered their room and shut the door.

“Thank Celestia…” Twilight sighed as she hopped out of Spike’s arms. She would have collapsed if she hadn't caught herself with magic; she’d have to thank Starlight for those self levitation lessons.

Spike stood with his back to her in silence. She rummaged through her suitcase looking for something to throw on real quick. Every so often she’d look back at Spike partly making sure he wasn't peeking and hopelessly trying to come up with a topic to relieve the awkward atmosphere. “Spike?”

“Yeah?” he didn't move.

“What happened after I got hurt…?”

“We drove them out of town.” At least he told some of the truth. “What happened to you?” Spike realized that he hadn't changed since the incident. His favorite sweater was nothing more than a torn dishrag now.

“I helped out…” He continued to be vague much to Twilight’s annoyance.

“Spike…” she said in a motherly tone. She struggled some but she got her pajama bottoms on. “I know you're lying.”

“I don't want to talk about it…” His voice was low.

“Spike look at me,” Twilight demanded softly. He peeked over his shoulder to make sure she was dressed before turning in full. “I won't judge you or make you feel bad or anything. I need to know.”

“Why?” Spike whined. “It happened, it's over, and you're safe.” He tried to look away but he could feel her sympathetic gaze comforting him. He grew to hate that look but he knew that it meant that Twilight was going make him feel better no matter what the situation was. “I got mad… R-Really mad…” he sat next to her. “After what happened I snapped. I ki-” He felt a sickening bulge in his throat. “I killed the dragon that tried to kill you,” he spoke through several voice cracks.

“Oh Spike…”

“It didn't stop there… I was so angry at what happened I went crazy and…” He looked down at his claws imagining them still covered in the blood he spilled. “Smog and I drove them off… But in the end I killed so many…” Twilight was understandably shocked. She tried to imagine what he did or rather what he had to do but she was fortunate that she didn't have to witness him going savage. She didn't say a word as she wrapped both her good and bad arms around him.

“I know that was a lot to handle Spike… Even though I was hurt, I'm still here. If you hadn't stopped that dragon there'd be one less princess in Equestria,” she said with a forced chuckle.

“I know that but l it’s still terrifying… It was like I was in control of everything, but It wasn't me I was controlling you know?” Twilight nodded.

“I know it sounds strange or even cliché, but I knew this day would come…” Spike gave her an inquirious raise of his eyebrow. “Spike you're not a pony. We can teach you to act like us, talk like us, dress like us all of that; but you aren't a pony. You're a dragon. I knew that someday you’d be exposed to what it really means to be a dragon… I didn't account for this though.” She looked at her casted leg. “I know in Equestria killing of any kind is frowned upon no matter what side you're on. But here. Everything is different, and in a way I'm proud of you.”

“You're proud? Wha- why?” Spike stuttered.

“Because you protected your own. I've heard that males would fight to their last breathe to protect what they love.” Somehow that put a smile on Spike’s sour face. “I'm starving! Can you help me up?”

“No problem… Can you walk?”

“Let's see…” she enveloped her cast in magic and took a step moments before pain shot like lightning up her leg. She buckled immediately but Spike caught her before she could hit the ground. “Carry me! Carry me!” she seethed.

3. A Few Right Steps

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Five friends and sat around a table amidst a dragon as they discussed the best course of action to take from this moment on. “We can’t do anything here. The longer we stay the more danger we put ourselves in.” Applejack drilled her point home.

“Oh my gosh…” Rainbow groaned as she tugged at her cheeks.

“I know it sounds bad, but I’m speaking nothing but the truth.”

“But did you see that we held our own out there? Heck, we even took out a bunch before Spike stepped in!” Rainbow Dash protested.

“While that may be true, we barely made it out of there alive.”

“Show of hands; who was actually seriously injured?” Nobody in the room even lifted a finger.

“Well I got this papercut from some confetti.” Pinkie held up her finger where a barely visible light red line could be seen.

“My point exactly. I know that Twilight was the hardest hit, but you’re acting like the rest of us were nearly killed too!”

“Well, ya coulda been!” Applejack shot back.

“You both bring up valid points,” Rarity interrupted before this turned into a shouting match. “I do believe that we should stay and assist Ember to the best of our ability. Yet we are in unfamiliar territory… But think on it Applejack; who else could help these people?”

“The people themselves. Change starts in everyone not just six ponies.”

“Can I say something?” Fluttershy cut through. They gave her the space she requested. “It is terrifying out here… After today nothing will be the same anymore. I want to go home too but after seeing how scared those dragons were I can’t bring myself to do it. You all didn’t see it. I was with them watching everything. They were trembling and crying; some were even praying. I agree with both sides but I think these people need more hope than control…” Everyone traded looks surprised by the shy mare’s words.

“What do you say Pinkie?” Rarity asked Pinkie who was examining her confetti paper cut.

“I’m with everybody,” she said simply.

“Pinkie you have to choose a side. It doesn’t work that way,” Rainbow sighed.

“Of course it does. Nobody said we have to stay here the rest of our lives. We help then we leave and go home. Everybody’s happy!” She threw her arms in the air with a hop.

“As simplistic as that sounded, she does raise a good point,” Rarity nodded.

“Don’t if we get hit with another attack…”

“For the love of Celestia! When did you become such a pessimist?” Rarity was obviously out of patience.

“I am not a pessimist. I’m honest and with honesty comes reality! And what’s real is that we are up shit’s creek without a paddle!” Rarity was about to unleash a torrent of well thought out counter arguments but Spike and Twilight entered.

“What’s with all the yelling?” Twilight asked as Spike set her down on her good leg.

“Applejack and I have a question for you,” Rarity spoke shooting Applejack a dirty look. “Given the breakneck pace of the events that have transpired since our arrival do you think we should stay and assist like we said we would! Or should we run home with our tails between our legs?” Twilight was about to blurt out a simple question but she caught herself. She assessed the nature of the situation that they were in. It all definitely happen at a ‘breakneck pace’ as Rarity said, but this was just the beginning. She looked to Ember as Spike approached her. She was holding together but beneath Twilight could see how her anxiety was eating her from the inside out.

“I… I don’t know…” Twilight sighed. “I think better on a full stomach though,” she chuckled. Pinkie turned around throwing her arms about until she presented a hayburger.

“One yummy sandwich for one hungry Twilicorn.” Pinkie set it down in front of her with a wink.

“Thank you…” Twilight tried to hold herself back but the smoky roasted hay was too aromatic to resist. She inhaled a good portion of the sandwich chewing with a smile on her face.

“While Twilight gets herself together we need to some to a general consensus…” Rarity cleared her throat. “All who would stay to help the princess, raise your hands.” Spike, Pinkie, Fluttershy, Twilight, and Rainbow all raised their hands. “Sorry Applejack but they have spoken.” Rarity sat down feeling a bit smug. Applejack shook her head and left the room to rage in silence elsewhere.

“Thank you…” Ember spoke softly, a wave of relief washing over her. “You all have my gratitude.”

“No problem Ember. It’s just what we do,” Spike confidently crossed his arms getting a stale face from Twilight as she took another bite. Ember hugged him rather sensually. Aside from being the type to shy away from any kind of contact it was strange how she nuzzled into his chest. Twilight began to suspect but this burger was too good to dwell on it.

“I’ll be right back…” Rarity huffed.

“Where are you going?” Twilight asked with full cheeks.

“To talk some sense into this mare.”

Rarity stormed down the hallway, the click of her heels echoing with every step. She was exhausting every reason she could think of for Applejack’s behavior. She was usually as hot blooded as Rainbow when it came to manners like this, even more so when there were people to protect. So why has she gotten cold feet all of a sudden? She came around the rooms where they slept and heard shuffling followed by grumbling. “Applejack?” Rarity stood behind her.

“Yeah?” she furiously stuffed her clothes into her suitcase.

“So you’re just going to walk away?”

“Yep.” Rarity was about to explode. Her frustration was reaching critical levels and it took every ounce of decency that she held herself to not to lambast Applejack. “Just let it out. I know that you’re mad.”

“Oh blindingly so…” Rarity growled. “What is going on with you? When we were getting ready to come here you were excited to get away from the farm now you want to go back? I don’t get it!”

“Exactly, and you never will…”

“Can’t you tell me so I can understand then? We’re friends, and quite honestly this is bigger than this little tantrum you’re throwing.” Applejack sighed a heavy sigh.

“This tantrum as you call it isn’t even the reason. So if you’re gonna come at me you had better come at me right!”

“You’re so emotionally constipated that one can only speculate that this display is nothing more than a fit!”

“What in Tartarus do you want from me! Ever since this morning you've been up my tail! You know my life story! You know exactly what happened to my family!” Applejack’s voice calmed from the fire she just shot. “You know what happened to my parents… I can’t lose anyone else…” Of course Rarity knew. That was Applejack’s biggest crutch. They have never been found but it’s been fifteen years and any hope of them turning up alive and well were dashed. “Now if you’ll excuse me I have to make sure my things are in order…”

“Applejack…” Rarity spoke like silk.

“You’re not gonna change my mind Rarity,” Applejack said with an annoyed snort.

“You won’t lose us… We all watch each other’s back. You saw it when Spike saved Twilight and when I saved you…”

“When?”

“You were moments away from being a cherished memory but I shot him before he got the chance. You would have been in the same boat as Twilight or even worse… But I saved you with risk to my own life. You say that you don’t want to lose any more of your family, but leaving now will only cement the possibility that you might,” Applejack stopped and stared at her suitcase. “I’ll leave you to your business…” Rarity got up to leave but she felt a tug on her tail. Applejack had a firm grip and she wasn’t letting go.

“You silver tongued devil…” Applejack sighed. Rarity knelt down and looked her in the eye with a soft smile.

“You know me…” Rarity chuckled. “Now let’s get back to the others. We’ve work to do.” Rarity left leaving Applejack alone with her thoughts again. She felt kind of ashamed that she was swayed by a pretty smile instead of sticking to her word like always. It made her smile but also annoyed her. She dropped her suitcase and followed behind Rarity.

“Let me make sure I heard you correctly. There’s a library nearby that has ancient dragon knowledge?” Twilight asked like a kid next to a mountain of candy.

“Yes, that’s what the dragon told us,” Fluttershy answered her again.

“I’ve heard of that library from Spinious…” Ember added. “He told me that before my father was given the scepter the few remaining scribes sought refuge there to preserve the knowledge of our people.”

“Do you think they’re still there?” Spike asked.

“Hard to say. Dragon’s aren't immortal, we just have incredibly long lifespans.”

“Well if it’ll help us get some bearing on what the heck is going on here it shouldn’t be too much to take a peek,” Rainbow said.

“There is one glaring problem though… The raiders and bandits. If they’ve made it this far they’ve made it to the library as well. Didn’t Owen say that they’ve most likely been there?” Fluttershy nodded. “Then they could have set up a camp or base there. Smog has much more knowledge on these brutes than I do, but I know for a fact that they will take control of anything they come across.”

“And there’s the hitch,” Rainbow sighed. While everyone wondered how they were going to get to the library much less search it, Ember’s stomach howled at her. This pony food didn’t really appeal to her, but the scent regardless was next to torture. She would ask for some but she didn’t want to know what it could do to her insides.

“Hey...” She looked at Spike. “You hungry?”

“I’m fine,” she said just as her stomach growled furiously.

“Lies!” Pinkie sprang up between them leaving Ember to wonder how in the Flame did she move from behind the counter to them without her noticing. “Let’s get you a yummy treat.”

“Really, I’m fine.” Pinkie put her ear to Ember’s stomach. She looked to Spike for some kind of advice but he gave her a ‘just roll with it’ shrug. Pinkie held her head there until another bubbly growl came from the dragoness’ belly.

“Hmm,” she tapped her chin. “I’ve got just the thing…” she said with a wide smile. This worsened Ember’s apprehension. She legitimately felt like this crazy pink ball of boundless energy was trying to poison her. Spike has survived this long on a vegetarian diet, but that was because he was introduced to it since birth.

She watched closely as Pinkie concocted what could be her doom. And the other’s were just carrying on with the conversation. “So where is this library?” Twilight asked with glee.

“We don’t have an exact location, but it said it was a day’s flight to the southwest I think?” Fluttershy answered.

“It was to the southeast Flutters,” Rainbow corrected.

“Here we are!” Pinkie presented a… something topped of with a fluffy red swirl and several red gems sticking out of it. “Spike loves these.” Ember took the strange food stuff in her claws. It was moist and soft.

“But you heard Ember; the place is probably crawling with badies waiting for a rematch,” Rainbow cracked her knuckles. Ember sniffed the treat surprised at how sweet its scent was. Her mouth began to water as she took an experimental lick. It was unlike anything she had ever tasted. It was so light, fuzzy, and sweet. She opened her maw and took a sizeable chunk. Spike giggled at how she had frosting stuck on her nose as she noshed on the ambrosia like snack. Soon rarity and Applejack returned.

“A.J.?” Rainbow asked, certain that Applejack was going to erupt.

“Hey y’all… I’m sorry. I didn’t want to see anyone else getting hurt or worse… I’ll stay but I won't enjoy it.”

“Yay!” Pinkie shouted as she glomped Applejack. “Now no more fighting. “

“Heh, no promises Pinkie,” Applejack chuckled. Ember ate the rest of her cupcake lost in the fluffy crunchy sweetie new flavor that flooded her body.

“So what did we miss?” Rarity asked as she took a seat.

“Talking about hitting up a library so we can find out why this place about to go six feet under… No offense Ember.”

“Wot?” Ember asked, her face covered in frosting.

“Looks like somebody enjoyed her andesine cupcake.” Pinkie nudged Ember with her elbow.

“It was okay… I guess pony food isn't that bad,” Ember shrugged knowing damn well that cupcake was the best thing she's ever had.

“Would ya like another?” Pinkie asked just as Smog entered the room.

“Your highness-” all eyes fell upon him. “Am I interrupting something?”

“Not at all dear,” Rarity answered.

“Right… Spinious and Malich want to have a word with you and the Princess Twilight.”

“What for?” Ember asked.

“And why me?” Twilight asked.

“I am not sure and they said that they wanted to see the purple Alicorn. I don't know what an Alicorn is but you are the only purple one here…”

“Can't argue with that logic,” Rainbow chuckled.

“We’ll be there right away.” Smog nodded. “I'm not good at this kind of thing, but thank all of you. Get some rest please; you’ve earned it.” Spike took hold of Twilight once again as they trailed behind Ember and Smog. Twilight could get used to Spike toting her around like this. It felt kind of nice.

“So who are these guys?” Spike asked.

“Spike!” Twilight scolded.

“It’s fine Twilight. Spinious and Malich are two of my trustees. They’ve been helping me keep everything from imploding.” They continued to walk until they reached the throne room where two tall dragons stood.

“Good evening Queen,” Spinious greeted.

“Spinious… Malich,” Ember greeted. The bronze dragon bowed in respect. “This is Princess Twilight Sparkle,” She motioned to Twilight who stood on one leg using Spike as support.

“Nice to meet you.” Malich unfurled his left wing with a bow.

“Likewise,” Twilight nodded.

“I'm sure you're well aware of why we called for you at such a late hour,” Spinious spoke. “The townsfolk have agreed for once.”

“Agreed?” Ember tilted her head slightly.

“Yes. Your friends have become the talk of the town. Most say that they are happy that they arrived when they did, if course there are still a few cynics,” Malich explained.

“We wanted to formally congratulate and thank you and your company Princess Sparkle for protecting our people.” A smile lit up on both Twilight and Ember’s faces.

“We are here to help in any way we can,” Twilight said.

“I almost forgot; your dragon servant,” Malich pointed to Spike. “What’s his name?”

“Servant?” Spike snorted quietly.

“This is Spike, and he's my close companion.”

“Spike? That’s an odd name… Either way you have the village’s full gratitude Spike. If not for you and the bravery of Smog here, we’d have been overrun.” Spike didn't know how to feel. Once again the events that transpired only hours ago ran through his mind.

“Is there anything else?”

“Yes… You and I both know that these heathens dare not travel this far,” Spinious growled. “We need security. Once we have things under control, then we can focus on Framing a document of sorts.”

“We don't have soldiers nor any kind of army. My guards are only mildly experienced volunteers.” Ember voiced her concern.

“What of Smog? He seems to be more than experienced,” Malich stated. “He could train those who are willing.” Ember looked to Smog and she caught him smiling for the first time.

“I suppose, but I don't believe that we should put the lives of those people in danger.”

“Ember…” Spinious spoke softly. “Look at your friends.” She looked at the bruised Spike and casted Twilight. “After what they displayed, I am certain without a shadow of a doubt that there will be those who’ll fight to their last breath for a better world.”

“I hate it when you’re right…” Ember scoffed playfully. “Thank you for coming to see us Gentledrakes. Let the others know that we will have a discussion twelve hours from now.” Spinious and Malich bowed as they left for the night. Twilight looked up at Spike and started getting all giddy.

“See? I knew coming here was a good idea!” Twilight said with confidence.

“Let's hope that it is,” Ember sighed with a smile.

“Okay Spike. Let’s try to see if we can't get some sleep. Goodnight Ember.” Spike picked Twilight up again. Ember once again felt a spark of jealousy but she knew that they had history. Spike gave her a smile before carrying Twilight off.

Smog was about to leave as well but Ember became a little curious. “Smog?”

“Yes your highness?” Smog stiffened with a bow.

“You don't always have to be so formal around me.”

“Force of habit ma’am…”

“What is your take on this?”

“Pardon?” Smog raised a brow.

“This, the ponies, this mess that we’re in.” Smog didn't know what to say. He wasn't the opinionated type.

“Well, I believe that those poor creatures are way out of their element. But yet they still have the determination to soldier on… And Spike…”

“What about him?” Ember asked as if she was going to get juicy information on her crush.

“When we were fighting together I felt something. It’s hard to explain but I felt solace and familiarity. I felt allegiance…”

“So you felt like you could die by his side?”

“Precisely… It felt as if I were fighting along side my king. No offense to you of course.”

“None taken,” Ember yawned. “Go get some rest…” Smog nodded and left for his quarters. Ember did the same.

Once again Ember found herself lying on her back staring at her ceiling. This time it wasn't frustration but contemplation. She W was not ready for today at all, but in the end she was elated that everything turned out for the better. As she went through her mental recap she remembered what Smog told her a few hours ago. She looked at the Bloodstone scepter adjacent to her bed laying on it’s pedestal. “It felt as if I were fighting along side my king” There was a knock at her door. She got up to answer it wondering who could it could be at such an hour.

“Spike?”

“Hey…” They sat in silence before Ember cut through.

“Is everything okay?”

“Yeah, yeah. Everything is fine…” She knew he wanted something but she didn't want to force it out of him. “I was wondering if you wanted some company…?” She gave him a seductive smile and pulled him in by his shirt.

The next morning Ember sat at her throne with the mane six surrounding her and Spike on the side with a quill and parchment. It was fifteen minutes after nine. Her trustees should have came by now, but she needed to have some patience. Soon the palace doors opened as all of the drakes entered in robes decorated in flames. Rainbow nudged Applejack with a chuckle. Applejack snorted with a headshake and a smile.

“Good morning males. I am pleased that you could make it,” Ember greeted as she rose from her throne.

“So these are Equestria’s heroes?” A bronze dragon spoke as he approached the group.

“Yes, how would you all like to introduce yourselves?”

“I’m Pinkie Pie; smile expert and Baker extraordinaire!”

“I-I’m Fluttershy…” Fluttershy spoke just loud enough to be heard.

“Applejack at your service,” Applejack said with a tip of her hat.

“I am Rarity,” she said while fluffing her hair.

“Rainbow Dash!” Rainbow thrusted her thumb towards her chest.

“And I am Princess Twilight Sparkle,” Twilight bowed in her chair.

“Pleasure to make all of your acquaintances now… What solution do you have for the state of this kingdom?” The bronze dragon asked rather vaguely. They all looked at each other visually volunteering someone to speak.

“Well…” Fluttershy spoke up. “What state is your kingdom in?”

“Your eyes do work right? We are impoverished as well as being tormented by those barbarians!” A dark blue dragon shot making Fluttershy flinch.

“Then how about we make a list of your problems and tackle the smalls ones first. That's how I do chores back home,” Applejack suggested.

“So you want to make a checklist?” The dark blue dragon scoffed.

“It could work Chrone,” Spinious suggested while rubbing his chin.

“I agree with the pony,” a shady silver dragoness added. “We have small before we can have dreams of being grand.” A murmur of agreement filled the room.

“As much as a agree with humble beginnings the question of what's truly pertinent remains,” Chrone stated.

“Food!” Pinkie shouted.

“And houses…” Rarity answered. “Going through the town the other say was… interesting to say the least. Most of these shacks look like they would collapse if someone happened to brush against them.”

“I got more than enough experience in construction,” Applejack added.

“That's all good, but we don’t have the money to import the supplies to build new infrastructure,” The gray dragoness pointed out.

“Who said we had to import?” Spike spoke up as he scribbled down the final words of their conversation. “Why can't you produce them on your own?”

“We don't have the workers,” Chrone simply stated.

“How do you know?”

“Because we don't! No one in this town maybe aside from the blacksmith have any applicable skills.”

“Have you asked the people?” Spike asked much to Chrone’s annoyance. Chrone just looked at him with a scowl. “I know cutie marks aren't a thing here but everyone has some skill. All you gotta do is ask,” Spike shrugged before he dipped the quill in ink ready to continue writing.

“Well you can't argue with that logic,” A purple dragon shrugged. “What about you Heron?”

“The young Drake makes an excellent point,” the silver dragoness agreed. “And I'll admit it is embarrassing that we as a group overlooked something so simple…”

“I believe that we’ve come to an agreement then?” Spinious asked the group. All of them voiced their agreements including a reluctant Chrone.

“There’s one issue settled of many…” Ember sighed, giving Spike a thank you smile. He gave her a thumbs up and returned to the parchment ready to write.

For what felt like an eternity later the meeting finally adjourned. There were unanimous decisions and compromises that required a shouting match coupled with some fire spitting. All in all it was far from the boring group of barely audible old guys Spike thought it would be. He had ages worth of information with some skeletal amendments. His hand has never cramped this hard in his life.

The members left with a mix of faces some satisfied some natural and others downright livid, but it was still the most progressive meeting that they've ever held and it filled Ember with the determination she needed to make a real change.

“Spike!” Twilight limped over to him with Applejack supporting her.

“I can make you a wheelchair or a pair of crutches,” Applejack suggested.

“Thank you…” They stood at the palace doors bathing in the sun that shone down almost directly overhead. “That went well,”Twilight sighed. “Did you get everything down?”

“Yep!” Spike said, pointing to the organized pyramid of scrolls resting next to where he sat. Spinious walked out waving a goodbye to them. Ember followed soon after with a satisfied smile.

“Finally…” she sighed. “Finally things are starting to get moving.” She looked at the three as the rest came to see what was going on.

“Wow that was the longest anything I’ve ever had to sit through!” Rainbow stretched.

“It wasn't that long. It was fun talking about government stuff,” Pinkie chirped. This was the first time they’ve seen the sun since they arrived. The smoke and steam from the volcano would block any of the star’s warmth but today it shone full and bright with pride.

“Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way,” Rarity spoke up. “I believe it’s time to make Twilight a proper arm sling.” Twilight looked at her arm. It would throb occasionally; not our if pain but for how tight the cast was.

“And I’ll get started on making something to we don't have to carry her everywhere. No offense Twi.”

“None taken at all. Thank you. While I'm gone; Spike.”

“Yeah?”

“Take the scrolls and put then I'm the folding chest I brought.”

“Aw man you brought that complicated thing!” Spike whined.

“I'm always prepared for anything,” Twilight said with a smirk.

“It’ll take all day to organize those things… And I still have to label them…” he folded his arms with a pout.

“I would do it myself but I might be busy for a while,” Twilight said with a soft smile. Spike tried with all of his might to resist but she had a way of demolishing his resolve with one look.

“I got you Twilight…” Spike broke.

“I don't know where I’d be without you…”

“Probably an asylum,” Spike sneered playfully. Twilight rolled her eyes with a snort.

“Come on guys. Let’s get this over with…” Twilight limped away with Rarity and Applejack leaving Pinkie and Ember.

“Where did Flutterhy and Rainbow go?” Spike asked.

“Dashie said that she was stiff from being inside so she went for a fly, and Fluttershy saw a bird…”

“Oh…” Spike knew they’d be preoccupied for hours. Hopefully he wouldn't be. He looked at pinkie but she had her eyes glued to the sky watching Rainbow Dash do loops and flips. Just as he was about to leave to start his arduous task, Ember grabbed his tail.

“Do you mind if I help?” she asked with a shy murmur. “That is if you need help. I'm sure you’ve done this before.”

“I'd love some help. Usually it’s me and Twilight but we can get it out of the way just as quick. Besides I need the company.” Ember smiled followed behind him. She looked back at Pinkie whose head was barely visible above the steps. She would never understand that one’s eccentricities.

4. You Forget Where You Are

View Online

Dear Starlight

I’m sorry that I haven't responded as much lately. We’ve been up to our necks with the situation here in the Dragon Lands. Fortunately our hard work over the last few weeks is beginning to show.

Applejack and Rarity are constantly in town building and designing new homes; Fluttershy has been teaching the Dragons basic care as well as tending to animals… even if they eat them; Rainbow and Pinkie hold a party every so often to boost morale. Also Rainbow Dash has been challenging dragons to races; she hasn't lost once. I think they all enjoy the challenge.

And what have I been doing? Healing… Spike has been a great help since the ‘incident’. He's really sweet. He’d drop anything he was doing if he so much as sensed that I was struggling. Oh! I can walk again but my arm is still pretty much shot. It’s nice to stretch my legs after being bedridden since we got here.

I hope you aren't upset at how abrupt my last letter was. I know it left you confused and worried but we’re alright over here. Hope to hear from you soon.

Sincerely

Twilight Sparkle

Twilight looked over the letter making sure that her grammar, syntax, and phrasing were correct. Satisfied with her work she rolled up with her hands instead of her magic. She could move her fingers just slightly; soreness replaced the pain. Struggling a little she finally rolled the parchment and tied it off with a ribbon.

She got out of bed, swearing to never take her ability to walk for granted ever again. It was midday and the palace was relatively empty. She walked through the hallways wondering where Spike could be. He would usually stay by her side at all times but he’s been gaining a sense of independence lately. It was nothing bad. It was just strange not having him around all the time like he used to be.

“Spike!” she called through the halls. Usually if he were in the palace he would hear her. She wasn't sure what he was up to when he wasn't with her. She did notice that he was getting… bigger. Not in that sense! Just, his clothes got tighter and his muscles were becoming swollen. Whatever he was doing was clearly beneficial. “Spike!” she called again. This time she heard footsteps from up ahead. They grew louder until Spike approached her with a black polo on and blue jeans.

“You called?” He was breathing hard and sweating some.

“Yeah. Are you okay?”

“Yeah,” he exhaled quickly. “I was with Ember.” Twilight looked closely at how his chest rose and fell and how loosely his clothes fit for him to be growing like he was.

“Well… I need you to send this to Starlight…” Twilight skeptically demanded.

“Oh?” he huffed. “How do you think she's doing?” he took the letter and in a tuft of fire it was sent.

“Knowing her, she's bored without us,” Twilight chuckled.

“If that's all I need to get back to-”

“Back to what?” Twilight crossed her arms with a raise of her brow.

“I was helping Ember.” Spike said simply. Twilight gave him that ‘do you think I was born yesterday’ look. Spike tried to keep up his best poker face but Twilight saw through it like spring water. “Really, she needed my help moving her bed. Honest!” Twilight continued to give him a skeptical stare-down.

“Okay, you can go back to ‘helping’ Ember.” Spike sped walked away leaving a curious Twilight. A curious Twilight is a Twilight you do not want to experience.

Applejack and Rarity were taking a break on the bench that Applejack build over an hour ago. They were tired and satisfied. The citizens eventually started warming up to them, even that rude drake that maligned their virtues. Rarity propped herself on Applejack. Normally she would gag at the thought of touching another’s sweat. Applejack was the exception. She enjoyed the warm glow that radiated off of her after she’d been working for a time.

The sky was clear blue with the sun beaming down. “I’m plum tuckered out…” Applejack sighed.

“Indeed dear…” Applejack looked at the happy dragons. To think, about a month ago they had sour faces and personalities to match. Oddly enough there were no kids, or none from what she could tell.

“So, you ready to head home?” The question came so suddenly. She figured that Applejack had forgotten about leaving.

“Well… Yes and no. We’re making these dragons happy, but I do miss my studio and my sister… Are you?”

“Yeah… but not as much as I was when we first got here. I kinda like it,” Applejack wiped the sweat off her brow. Soon they saw Rainbow approaching while talking to two tall male dragons.

“I'm not sure I can fly that high…” one of them groaned.

“Sure you can. Just do it!”

“Easy for you to say. You're half my size!” She did stand face to face with his stomach.

“True but if you can't, you can't. You can all you have to do is to it,” Rainbow shrugged. The males looked at each other with skepticism.

“You guys got this.”

“If you say,” the other male forced a grin. “See you later short stack.” The unfurled their massive wings and took off leaving a cloud of dust.

“I take it your day is going well,” Rarity spoke.

“Yup... It’s fun smoking these guys, but I need a real challenge.” Rainbow cracked her knuckles and wings. “What are you up to?”

“Taking a break,” Applejack kicked out her legs and put her arms behind her back. Rarity fell onto her belly. Rainbow dash joined them on the bench enjoying the warm breeze that swept through the village.

It was great seeing this place finally turn for the better. But one thing struck all of them, Applejack more than the rest. This was one town in a country of Celestia knows how many. They've been here for over a month and this was just the beginning of the turn around. Yes the people are starting to grow happier but just last week there was a fight that nearly killed two spectators. All in all, some improvement was better than none.

Smog descended on the three with his arms crossed. “What are you doing?” he growled.

“What does it look like we’re doing Sugarcube?” Applejack tilted her hat.

“It looks like you're not getting any work done.”

“Because all of the work is done dude…” Rainbow waved him off.

“No! You still have a lot to do!” His voice was gruff and stern.

“Relax big guy. You don't always have to so stiff.”

“I'm not stiff. I just know that there is plenty of issues to be addressed.”

“You gotta solve a puzzle one piece at a time Smog; one piece at a time,” Applejack slyly chuckled.

“But to catalyze the solution, you need a few pieces to get an idea on the complete puzzle. And so far you only have one piece!” he shot back. Applejack Rarity and Rainbow exchanged looks.

“Alright… come on.” Rainbow got up and motioned for him to follow. Smog raised his eyebrow wondering what crazy scheme this mare was concocting. “Are you coming or not, because I can do better things with my time.” He glances at Rarity and Applejack then back to Rainbow who stood facing away with her hands on her hips.

“This had better be important pony…” he sighed as they walked off.

“Trust me it is,” Rainbow said with a confident grin.

Back in the palace Spike and Ember lay in bed a warm summer breeze flow through the room. They’ve been growing increasingly closer and in doing so Ember has wound down considerably. She used to dread dragging herself out of bed in the morning. Now, waking up next to Spike was what she looked forward to at the break of dawn. For once nothing bothered her tired mind.

“Are you feeling alright?” Spike asked the Dragoness that clung to his side.

“Never better,” Ember sighed. “Why do you ask?”

“Just making sure.” He pulled her closer. Since things have settled down, they've been spending more ‘free’ time with one another. It all happened so fast; faster than he could process. In one day he went from being forever alone to bedding the lord of all dragons. It made his ego inflate just a little. She was smart, caring, beautiful… He pulled her even closer and kissed her brow making Ember giggle.

“What?” he chuckled.

“That tickled… And most males aren't this affectionate.”

“Is that a bad thing?” Spike gulped.

“Did I say it was?” Ember booped his nose playfully. “What did Twilight want?”

“She wanted me to send a letter back home,” Spike said blankly.

“Were you caught?” A prick of worry accompanied her tone.

“No…” Spike thought for a moment. “No… maybe not.” Ember gave him a small frown. “Twilight is smart, but I don't think she has good… intuition.”

“You don't always have to rush to her side, do you?”

“What do you mean?” Spike asked, trying to expose the jealousy he expected.

“I mean she’s well on the road to recovery. Does she always need your help?”

“Well… She lives off organisation. I'm the organizer so if I'm missing, she’s lost.” That wasn't the answer Ember wanted nor the one that she expected, but she held her breath. The sun began to shine in through the open balcony; it was the mid afternoon. Ember sat up and stretched. Spike eyed her closely as she did so, partly captivated by her frame, and part upset that she moved after he was finally getting comfortable.

“I hope you don't expect to be in bed all day.” She ran her tail across his cheek with and sauntered off to her closet all while spike watched her tail sway with the cute switch. He still had a hard time believing that that was his. A sly grin grew across his muzzle as he followed her.

Rainbow walked along with a content smile while Smog followed behind with an annoyed frown. He wanted to get back to his post; nothing more, nothing less. He did admit that these ponies have been doing a good job of making this place more lively and even happy. Deep down he knew that this wasn't the dragon way. Maybe all of those years wandering for months on end fried whatever good hopes he had.

Either way he preferred it when the pony’s attention wasn't on him. “Have you any idea where we're going?” he became fed up with meandering through town.

“Kinda. I'm looking got the hut that Pinkie’s in; I'm starving!” Smog held back his disdain and followed behind the prismatic one. He was still getting familiar with them. He knew that the purple one was Twilight, burn the others slipped his mind more than he would care to admit. “Oh hey! It’s Twilight.” Twilight was walking with a notebook enveloped in her magical aura.

“Hey Rainbow!” Twilight greeted with a warm smile.

“Look who finally left the castle,” Rainbow chuckled.

“No one was back in the palace sonic figured, why not come into town? What are you up to?”

“Trying to find Pikie so me and the scrooge over there can get something to eat.” Rainbow pointed to Smog who snorted dismissively.

“I'm not hungry…” Smog stated.

“As stiff as a board…” Rainbow sighed.

“I'm not stiff!” Smog growled, growing tired of her incessant teasing. Twilight and Rainbow looked at him and giggled leaving Smog to wonder what could be funny about him defending himself.

“What about you Twi”

“I have no idea. I've just been wandering around, taking notes on all of the improvements I could find. I am getting hungry though.”

“Come on. We’ll find Pinkie together.” Rainbow looked back at Smog. “You coming or are you too stiff to move?” Smog grumbled and followed the Mares for the Flame know’s why.

He wasn't stiff. He was just serious. How could he not be? These ponies wouldn't know struggle if it bit them square in the ass. The things he’s seen and done would horrify these fragile creatures. So why was he following them?? They didn't have him under a spell, he wasn't remotely intimidated. Perhaps it was curiosity, and that he was feeling a bit peckish. They had better not try to get him to eat that pony slop…

The hut was generally empty. It didn't get crazy until after the sun went down and the drunks came fumbling in with whatever gems they could find. The Pink- Pinkie Pie stood behind the counter with a bright smile. “Hiya Twilight! Hi Dashie! Hey Smog!” Twilight and Rainbow returned her greeting, but Smog only gave her a small wave. She fascinated, terrified, and annoyed Smog all at once. “What can I do you all for?”

“Twilight and I are looking for some grub. I dunno about the grouch.” Rainbow waved him off. Smog rolled his eyes.

“Well, we're running low on greens and hay.”

“That's not good.” Twilight shook her head.

“Luckily there's enough left to make you two a tasty salad!” Just then a heavy set dragon with a mighty beard and a ponytail came from the kitchen.

“Ms. Pie I- Smog?” his deep baritone voice resonated through the quiet hut. “I haven't seen you since that last bar brawl.”

“It has been a while,” Smog said with almost no expression.

“So, what brings you by brother?” Smog used his thumb to point at Rainbow and Twilight. “These ponies do have a way with words,” he chuckled. “You hungry my man?”

“Yeah… I can eat.” Smog unfolded his arms and took a seat along with Rainbow and Twilight. Pinkie brought out their food and he watched as they munched on the leaves and vegetation happily. Soon his own food was brought out. It was a grilled Northern Trout. These things were fished on the other side of the continent. How did he get one? Either way the scent was driving his taste buds crazy. He hadn't seen any fresh meat in far too long.

He took a bite. It wasn't the best he’s ever had, but It was still pretty satisfying. The smokey flavor was bolstered by a hint of herbs and spices. Sprague knew what he was doing back there. As he ate he noticed a set of curious eyes fall upon him. Rainbow watched with curious disgust as he ate his lunch. “Can I help you?” Smog swallowed.

“How can you eat that…?” Rainbow wrinkled her nose.

“Just can.” Smog flashed his razor sharp teeth before taking another bite. Rainbow continued to stare. The aroma rising from the fish sickened her buy also drove her curiosity into overdrive. “Would you like to try some?” Smog asked, growing tired of her bore like gaze.

“Heck no!” Rainbow stuck out her tongue then looked back to her salad. Smog shrugged and continued eating. The smell if the fish was driving her insane. That used to be a living breathing animal. Why does it smell so tasty? She began to wonder what it would taste like all while fighting to deny that she wanted to sample a piece. Smog again noticed her staring at his plate. He had one bite left, so he pushed it towards Rainbow.

“Here…”

“I don't want to-”

“Just try the fish. Or are you too stiff?” Smog teased her with a cocky grin. Rainbow donned a determined frown.

“Okay big guy. I'll eat this… fish.” She filed hard, looking at the meat in front of her. She looked to her side noticing that Twilight and Pinkie both watched with curiosity. Rainbow took a deep breath and took hold of the morsel. It felt firm yet loose, like it would fall apart in her grasp. She lifted it to her nose and sniffed it some, embarassed that the scent made her mouth water. Then in one swift move she tossed the price into her mouth.

“Not bad…” Rainbow was about to proclaim her victory but Smog was no fool. “Now chew…” The fish sat on her tongue saturating her mouth in it's juices. She didn't want to seem like a quitter so she slowly chewed the slimy piece of animal that was in her mouth. As she did more and more flavor began to leak out. It was absolutely delicious… but she wouldn't let Smog have the satisfaction of being smug. She swallowed and folded her arms triumphantly. “Didn't know a pony could eat anything other than greens and hay. You showed me. Hey Sprague? Do I have to bring you back some gems?”

“Nah… You're good brother.”

“If that’s all then I'll be on my way.” Smog rose from his seat and like that he was out of the hut.

“Oh my gosh! Dashie are you okay??” Pinkie grabbed Rainbow’s cheeks.

“I'm fine Pinkie.” Rainbow said with her usually ‘I just won again’ tone.

“I’d be asking if she's going to be okay. Nopony has ever eaten meat before. Your body may not react well to it,” Twilight explained.

“I'll be fine,” Rainbow waved off Twilight’s concerns.

“Really Rainbow. We don't have anything to help in case of you getting sick.”

“Then I won't get sick.” Rainbow took a confident bite of her salad disappointed at how bland it was in comparison.

“I hope you're right…” Twilight sighed.

“Are we there yet?” Spike asked as he was being pulled along by Ember.

“Not yet! And no peeking!” Spike kept his free claw over his eyes. They've been walking for ten minutes like this and he wanted to see where he was going. Tripping over everything was proving to be a pain. “Finally…” he moved his hand from his eyes and was met with a shimmering lake lit by the fiery sun setting over a cone volcano that billowed out steam.

“What do you think?” Ember asked with a peep.

“It’s amazing…”

“I usually come here to clear my mind. I haven't shown anyone else. Not even Smog knows about it.” She took hold of Spike hand and led him to the waterfront.

“No I'm not from around here,” a soft voice spoke as they approached. “So you have seen Equest-” Fluttershy whipped her head around met with the annoyed gaze of Ember.

“What are you doing here?” Ember tried to keep her tone free of any hostility.

“S-Sorry… I was following her.” she showed a large predatory bird covered in feathers that resembled an assortment of flames.

“How did you tame that?” Ember asked with worry and intrigue.

“Tame her? Oh no,” Fluttershy chuckled. “She said that she has never seen anything like me before. We started talking and she led me here. Her nest isn't far.” Ember looked at Spike for an answer.

“She can talk to animals…” Spike shrugged.

“Really? What is she saying?” Fluttershy whispered to the avian predator.

“She says that you're an imposter.” This mare couldn't be serious. There is no way that this animal could tell that she may not be the Dragon Lord.

“What does that mean?” Spike asked. Just as he did the raptor flew away with a loud ‘scree’.

“She said ‘You'll find out soon’.”

“That was odd… Fluttershy if you could…?” Ember hinted bluntly. Fluttershy stared blankly as she processed what Ember was saying.

“Oh! Oh dear sorry! I'll go find Rainbow…” she hurriedly flew away.

“She's an odd one…” Ember watched her until even her keen eyes lost sight of her.

“You get used to it. They're all a little strange, but that's why I love them.”

“You love all of them?” Ember felt a little offended.

“Yeah… they're my family.”

“Oh… I've never had a real family. I mean I did have my father but he didn't acknowledge that I even existed until my mom sent me to find him. He did end up caring for me but in the beginning I was worried he might try and kill me…”

“Why??”

“If a male doesn't see his offspring hatch, he'll kill the hatching to eliminate the chances of raising another's young.” Spike was disgusted and he thought back to if he would have met the same fate when he was still an egg. “Enough about that… Let’s enjoy this moment.” she took hold of his hands and sat down on the shore of the lake. They gazed into each other’s eyes as they glowed the same bright yellow as they had the first night they made love. Spike pulled Ember into a passionate kiss, accepting that she was his and he was hers.

“Your eyes…” he said quietly.

“Yours too…” Ember replied.

“Why?” Spike held her closer.

“It means that we're forever bonded. Till death do us part…”

“Till death do us part…” Spike repeated pulling her into another kiss. The sun began to disappear below the horizon as the mountain it dominated glowed orange at its summit.

Smog stood at the palace opening taking in the crisp night air. Everyone else was settling into sleep. Smog finished his patrol, not that Ember ordered him to. It was more a force of habit. To be honest, maybe he was a little too high strung. Until their arrival he barely left the palace. Hell he didn't even know what compelled him to follow Rainbow. It could have been that he was bored, or that he wanted to make sure that she was going to do something more productive with her time.

The moon rose at water full directly overhead. He used it as a marker to tell him when it was time to call it a day. He didn't sleep that long anyway. His dreams didn't exactly comfort him. He entered the palace and made his way to his own private chamber to rest for the rest of the night.

“He’s finally gone inside…” a female voice spoke.

“Is it time to make our move?” another higher female voice interjected.

“You three fly up to the balcony and take the Queen,” a gruff male voice spoke over the two. The females plus one male took off leaving a group of four hiding in the shadows. “The rest of you on me. We’ll send these filthy ponies back to their land in body bags!”

Spike lay beside Ember finding it difficult to cuddle. Her wings and tail kept getting in the way and she would move around making the situation worse. Ember eventually sensed his struggle and rolled over facing him. She snuggled into his chest moments before he let out a belch followed by a puff of smoke. “What the heck?” Spike asked as he picked up the parchment he spat out. He threw it behind his back where it hit something that shouldn't have been here. If his memory served him right, Ember had few feet of space between her bed and the walls. He rolled over some and was met by two blazing blue eyes floating in the darkness.

“Get them!” Suddenly he breathed a bright yellow flame that lit the room and burned one of the intruder’s mask and clothes. Spike tried to get up but she lunged at him with a serrated dagger drawn. Spike grabbed the arm that held the blade and wrestled her to the floor. Ember on the other hand was processing what was going on just as the male pounced on her and began choking her. She thrashed and kicked but he pressed his hands harder, cutting off her windpipe. Spots began to form in her vision and she felt weaker and weaker. In one last attempt she dug her claw into the dragon’s eye. The male wailed in agony and released his grip. Ember took a deep breath with several sickening coughs.

Spike continued to wrestle with the dragoness. He was much stronger than her, and he almost won their struggle when he felt agonizing pain strike his back. The other dragoness embedded a dagger deep in between his shoulder blades. Ember pounced on the dragoness and ripped her off Spike leaving the blade in his back.

“Aaah fuck!” he cried. The feeling he felt when that brute damn near broke his arms about a month ago paled in comparison to the throbbing and stinging pain he felt at this moment. But it wasn't over yet. The dragoness that he struggled with finally gained the upper hand. She kicked Spike off her and got to her feet. Spike stood as well, readying himself for whatever she had to throw at him next. Ember stood back to back with him as the female that she ripped off Spike mirrored her sister's actions.

The female facing Ember charged but was met with an elbow to the face, courtesy of the Queen herself. The female facing Spike would hesitate and play with him. Ember stumbled and bumped into Spike giving her an opening to attack. She lunged once again with a roar. Spike moved just in time for the blade to miss his face but it ended up leaving a gash on his chest. “Damnit!” he seethed as blood began to flow from the new wound. He had enough. The same feeling from back when Twilight was injured filled his chest, but it wasn't fueled by rage. This was different. With a deep breath he let loose a torrent of flames from his fist that completely inundated the dragoness in front of him. The room was lit by the yellow green flames allowing Ember to get a bead on their assailants. She leapt in the air aided by her wings and delivered a swift and powerful axe kick directly on the dragoness’ skull. She stumbled, dazed by the attack. Ember seized her opportunity and rushed her, taking her by the arm and flipping her over her back making the dragoness impact the marble floor with a solid thud. Spike on the other hand continued to throw fire at the dragoness he was facing. She was quick, diving nearly everything he threw at her. He shot one at her feet to which she leapt in the air ready to slice him again, but Spike was one step ahead. As she came down to deliver what she believed was the final blow, he stretched his arm out and summoned forth another powerful blast of fire.

The dragoness was sent flying and smacked against the wall knocking the scepter down from its resting place. She unsteadily rose ready to fight again, but Spike wasn't having it. He walked up to her and with all the force he could muster, planted a satisfactory punch square across her jaw, rendering her unconscious almost instantaneously.

In the aftermath we have two unconscious Dragonesses, a male clutching his bloodied eye, and a glowing scepter. Spike turned to the male who sat in the corner crying. “Who are you…” Spike growled.

“I-I’m not telling you anything!” the male managed to speak as he fought against going into shock.

“You had better start talking before I take your other eye!” Ember watched as he interrogated the dragon.

“I'm not telling you shit!” Spike grew impatient and hoisted the dragon up by this throat. As he did the scepter began to glow even more intensely.

“I am not going to ask you again! You tell me who the hell you are or I break your wings and we’ll see how long it takes for you to hit the ground!”

“Y...Y-you should b-be conce-cerned about those p-pony whores…” Spike dropped the dragon and dashed out of the room.

“Spike wait!” Ember grabbed the scepter before putting the dragon to sleep. She followed after Spike noting how the scepter pulsed red and praying that everyone else was okay.

“Come on! Is that the best you've got!” Smog said as he and two other volunteer guards attacked the group. All of the mane were tied up in ropes with gags covering their mouths.

“You're defending them?” the head male asked as he took a swing with his broadsword. Smog dodged the struck and punched him twice in the face with an uppercut to his gut, finished off with a lovely roundhouse kick. The dragon grew more and more furious.

“You'll have to get through me if you plan on making out of here with those Mares!” The leader and two others charged at Smog again. The leader swiped and stabbed but Smog was dodging, weaving like he was nothing but air. He did eventually make a mistake that cost him a painful slash across his right forearm and a couple punches to the gut.

“You and anyone else who defends these selfish piles of filth will all die by the hand of the Eridinari!” he was about to stab Smog but he took hold of the leaders sword and delivered a reverse kick directly to his jaw.

“Like I said; get through me before you make any proclamations!” Smog charged him beating him relentlessly. The dragon was breathing hard, battered and bloodied from the grade A ass kicking Smog was dishing out. Finished with the other guards the other dragons on leave with this Eriniari dragon double teamed Smog. They swung and stabbed at him, catching him a few times. All of them especially Rainbow watched in worry, helpless if this would be the end of Smog.

“Hey!” Spike and Ember arrived. Spike held the scepter tight and with purpose. “Back away from the dragon…” A red pulse emanated from the staff and the attackers obeyed. “Smog… Go untie them.” Smog nodded and ran to the group untying Rainbow then Applejack.

“Your friend wasn't very cooperative… I trust you won’t be the same.” Ember spoke as she and Spike approached the four. “Tell us who sent you and my mate here will show you mercy…”

“Just as I thought!” the leader strained against the scepter’s control. “You are no queen. You can't even control the scepter. You're a fake! A fraud! Only a dragon who has truly bastardised her whole race would call on them for help!”

“Answer the damn question! Who sent you!”

“How about your threatening mate asks me something. Put the staff down and we’ll see who the real male is!”

“He said something about Eridinari…” Smog spoke up as he untied Rarity.

“What does that name mean to you?” Ember asked him face to face.

“I'm glad that you're trying to be all leaderly but let's face it. Him over there. He's the real deal.” he looked over Spike in detail. “Big, strong, and that look in his eye. That's a real dragon lord. Not some daddy’s girl who had the title given to her…”

“I'm sick of this- Answer the Question! What is the Eridinari!” The gem on the scepter glowed red hot. Twilight looked on in horror. That couldn't be Spike…

“I love it! He’s pissed. He’s threatening. That's a real dragon-geuk!” Spike took hold of his throat and picked him up slowly.

“You're going to answer the question, or I start squeezing… Got it?” The male laughed a sick garbled masochistic laugh. Spike tightened his grip making him croak and squeak out of pain.

“Spike!” Twilight called out. He looked to his friends, his family. They were terrified of him. Fluttershy shook and hid behind Applejack while he received horrified expressions from the rest. Even Smog was surprised. Spike dropped the Dragon and the scepter. The dragons all sighed in relief.

“Smog! Aries! Take these treacherous, cowardly, incorrigible scum to the lockup. We'll deal with them tomorrow…” The leader kept a keen eye on Spike as they were dragged away, his muzzle contorted into a crooked grin.

“Spike?” Twilight approached him. Spike looked away, sparing himself from her judgemental eyes. “Are you hurt?” Twilight asked tenderly. It was that soft velvety tone that lulled him to bed whenever he was going troubled. He looked back to her and nodded. Ember watched as she carted Spike over to his friends. They shared a group hug before carrying him away. Ember stood there in the foyer staring down at the scepter. What everyone said was true then. She was an imposter, believing that she had won the title but in truth the magic was infused within Spike. To be frank, that terrified her. He wasn't ready to be a leader, granted she wasn't either, but he's still so young. Still so innocent. She picked up the staff and went back to her room to take out the trash. She needed to be alone tonight.

5. Priorities

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Spike sat on a bed, wincing every so often. Fluttershy was meticulously stitching him up as if he were a delicate quilt. Those assassins did one heck of a number on him. He didn't realize how deep that knife went until Applejack had to pry it out.“Sorry Spike. I'm almost done.” Fluttershy was steady.

“Please, take your ti-aieem!” She pricked a nerve, a bone, or something. He felt that one in his toes, and they were still twitching. It stung about at much as getting a flu shot. The needle moving through his skin was an unsettling feeling to say the least.

“Okay, don't try to move too much. The stitching might come loo-” she looked down at her bloody gloves, “The stitches might come loose,” she said confidently before removing the latex coverings and placing them in a plastic bag.

Heat throbbed and radiated through his chest and back. Fluttershy came back with some isopropyl alcohol, gauze, medical tape, and medical wrapping. She dabbed his wounds with the alcohol. Spike gritted his teeth at the burning sensation. Then she placed the gauze on his gashes, and held them in place with the tape. Finally, she wrapped his entire torso to keep everything in place.

“There.” Fluttershy gave him a soft smile.

He gave her one back. Fluttershy went to open the door. Twilight stood with her back to them talking with the others. “You can come in now,” Fluttershy said meekly. Twilight turned instantly and was by Spike’s side in a flash.

“Gah!” Spike jumped.

“Are you okay?” Twilight inspected him, annoying Fluttershy. It’s not like she spent the last three hours on her feet patching him up… No one else got Twilight back on her feet.

“I’m fine, just sore,” Spike dismissively chuckled.

“Are you sure? That knife was in ya pretty deep.” Applejack looked at the dagger resting on an end table.

“Yep, it does burn a little. How about all of you?” They all looked at each other as if passing around an invisible answer. The metaphorical hot potato landed upon Rarity.

“We’ll… I can't speak for everyone, but I'm still rather shaken.”

“Good thing Smog was watching us sleep, or we’d be gone for sure!” Pinkie Pie chirped.

“I wasn't watching anyone sleep…” Smog growled as he entered the room.

“There's no way you heard that,” Rainbow scoffed.

“My hearing is better than yours. Besides, this one isn't exactly subtle.” Pinkie grinned from ear to ear, sending shivers down Smog’s spine.

“What do you need Mr. Smog?” Fluttershy asked kindly.

“I came to see how Spike was doing.” He looked over the bandages.

“I’m-”

“He’s fine,” Twilight interrupted. “He should get some rest, and so should all of us.”

“Yeah, I'm not sleeping tonight.” Rainbow shook her head. “I don't wanna get snatched up again…”

“They won't get past me,” Smog spoke proudly.

“How’d they get past ya the first time?” Applejack sneered, making Pinkie and Rainbow giggle.

“I was in my quarters!”

“Uh-huh…”

“Do all of you purposefully antagonize everyone you meet?”

“We kid Smog. Don't take it so seriously,” Rarity giggled. “We’re all grateful you showed up when you did.”

Smog cracked an appreciative smirk. “No need to thank me. It’s what I'm here for,” He bowed modestly. “Now, if that's all, then I best be on my way…” Rainbow watched until he left, an important question burning in her mind. She began to follow him out.

“Where ya going Dashie?” Pinkie asked.

“I have to talk to the grouch about something.” She took off. “Hey Smog!” He stopped and turned with a curious raise of his brow.

“Yes Rainbow?” He spoke formally.

“I saw how you we're kicking that guy’s face in. I was wondering if you could teach me a few moves?”

Smog’s eyes went wide.“You can't be serious…”

“I'm dead serious!” Rainbow stated proudly.

“Like, you're serious…?” Smog stared at her. Her fiery spirit was worthy of note.

“Yes… Why is that so hard to believe?” Rainbow crossed her arms.

“I thought ponies were pacifists. You all usually try to stay out of conflict as much as possible.”

“You've got a lot to learn about us Equestrians; I like kicking some ass now and then.” She cracked her knuckles with a cool action star grin.

“Alright then,” Smog chuckled. She had no idea what she was getting herself in to. “Meet me at the rooftop garden if you’re still awake by daybreak.” He turned and continued to wherever he was headed.

“It’s a date then big guy.” Smog snorted with a smile and continued until he was out of sight. Rainbow went back to the room while the other’s we're in the middle of a conversation.

“Some help would be a good idea. Who would we bring in?” Rarity asked.

“How about one of the Princesses?” Fluttershy suggested.

“What are you guys talking about?”

“Tryin to see who can help us out. And to answer your question Fluttershy; The Princesses could help. I'm pretty sure that if any one of em got hurt or worse, it’d be detrimental to our efforts.”
Fluttershy sunk into her shirt.

“How about we ask why things are so bad?” Pinkie suggested while she played with her mane curl.

“I don't think it’s that simple dear.”

“Why not? All we have to do is find out why things are so sad so we can make them glad!” She said with a hop. They all joined in silent speculation.

“Hey Fluttershy?” Rainbow asked.

Fluttershy looked up from her hands.

“Remember that old guy told us about a library not far from here?” Rainbow leaned against the door frame.

“Yes. He said there was an old Library not too far, but he also said that it might be home to those horrible raiders…” She whimpered some.

“Of course! How did it slip my mind??” Twilight had an eureka moment. “We need to go there!”

“How? If I remember correctly he said it was a day’s flight away from here. Celestia knows how long that is by foot.” Rainbow whined.

Applejack mumbled while counting on her fingers. “Should be about... ten to twelve days… If I did my math right. How fast do y’all fly?”

“Are you kidding?” Spike spoke up. “It took us three days just to walk here!”

“I say we do it!”

“We know you're for it Twilight,” Rarity said with a smirk. “But an undertaking like that isn't just done on a whim.”

“We’ll come up with something, but all of this hostage taking has burned me out,” Pinkie yawned. “Nighty night gals…” And with that she slipped out of the room.

“Well, I usually wake up around this time anyway…” Applejack sighed. “Guess I’ll read or somethin.”

“I’ll come with you. I have a chapter to finish in this Daring Do book.”

“Which one is it?”

“The End of a Treasure Hunter,” Rainbow stated theatrically. “A.K. finds out that her sister has a price on her head after she was released from prison by a crime lord…” Soon their conversation became too faint to hear. Spike sighed and flopped back onto the bed with a pained gasp.

“What's the matter dear?” Rarity asked.

“I'm thinking…” Spike groaned.

“About what?” Fluttershy asked.

“What happened earlier.”

“Spike I told you that you are a dragon. You should-”

“No, not that.” Spike sat up. “I mean with the scepter. You all saw it too right?”

“I was looking away…” Fluttershy responded plainly.

“I don't understand what you're trying to say.”

“The Scepter worked when I was holding it!” Spike tossed his arms up. Rarity, Twilight,and Fluttershy continued to look at him with growing confusion. Spike let out a frustrated sigh. “Remember when we first came here, I mean, back when I was twelve, and we saw how Torch would make the dragons do what he wanted with the scepter? I think I did the same…”

“So… you're implying that you might be the Dragon Lord?” Rarity asked. Spike nodded.

“I don't understand how he could be,” Twilight scoffed in disbelief.

“Think about it, during the triathlon I believe it was?” She fished for the name of the event.

“The Gauntlet of Fire,” Twilight corrected her.

“Right, during the gauntlet, Spike reached the end and took the Scepter, correct?”

“Yeah…” Spike answered.

“So maybe the scepter accepted him, or something along those lines.” Twilight tried to dismiss it, but she knew Rarity was right. This place was already changing him. She couldn't imagine what prolonged exposure to the scepter's magic would do to him.

“Spike?” Twilight started. “Do you want to be the Dragon Lord?”

“No! I'm no leader! If being the Dragon Lord means I'm choking people out, and forcing them to do what I want then I don't want it…”

“What…” she cursed herself for what she was about to say. “What if you were meant to be?” Twilight suggested, swallowing a knot forming in her throat. Spike looked at her with wide darting eyes.

“Fluttershy, let's give them a moment.” Rarity took hold of Fluttershy’s shoulders and escorted her out. Twilight saw how his breathing grew more spastic and erratic.

“Twilight… I'm not the Dragon Lord. I can't be!” Spike's voice wavered and cracked.

“What if you are? Unless you can call for another Gauntlet, you just might be the Dragon Lord.”

“Then I'll call for one!”

“Spike…” Twilight placed her hand on his cheek.

“No!” Spike swiped her hand away. “I don't care if I am! I’ll find a way to pass it on.”

“What if you can't?” Twilight's voice fell soft and somber.

“I'll find a way!” Spike looked her directly in the eyes as tears welled up in his. This was the first time she's seen him cry in years, and it was heartbreaking.

“You have to understand. You've grown, and you'll have to take certain responsibilities,” Twilight whined, holding back her tears.

“No…” Spike sobbed. The dam burst. “I don't care if I am. I'm not leaving your side, ever!”

“Spike please…” Twilight sniffled while wiping her cheeks.

“I'm not leaving you.”

“What if you don't have a choice, Spike?” Twilight exploded, her emotions plastered on her sleeves. “You're already in some kind of relationship with Ember. This could be what you were meant to do. You can't change your destiny. We both saw what happened the last time someone tried.” She didn't even attempt to hold back the deluge staining her fur. “You've been with me through everything, Spike. But I can't hold you back. I'm not even sure if I'll live to be as old as you. Eventually we’ll have to part ways…” Spike hugged her.

“No matter how long you or I live, I'm never leaving you. Not for anyone…” He hugged her tighter. Twilight cried harder and held her assistant, no… She held her Dragon close, not wanting to ever let him go. “I love you Twilight…”

He didn't tell her that he loved her every day. “I love you too.” She held him tight, basking in his warm embrace. As much as she didn't want to. It took some incredible will power. She let him go. “I'm going to try and get some sleep.” Twilight turned to leave. Maybe she was sparing herself from even more emotional discharge. Before she could get to far, she felt a soft tug on her tail.

“Don't go, I'd rather not be alone right now,” he said quietly. Twilight mentally cheered, but she kept her composure.

~¥￦¥~

Ember stared daggers at the staff clutched tightly in her claws. How in the hell did he do that? Seven years and she couldn't even get the damn thing to glow! The conclusion she fell upon pissed her off to no avail. It wasn't who was the dragon lord that pushed her beyond the limits of her anger, but that she spent all of this time doing absolutely nothing and she had no idea. “Damnit!” She threw the staff across the room. Throwing a fit wouldn't solve anything. Right now. Nothing would.

“Your highness?” Smog knocked at her door.

“Go away, and don't call me that anymore. I'm no one's queen…” She sighed, defeated by her revelation.

“Are you alright your highness?” Smog asked again.

“I said go away!” She yelled furiously. Out the corner of her eye she caught sight of a letter rolled neatly on the floor. She picked it up and stormed towards her door. Smog was still there, just as she expected him to be. “Can you give this to Spike…” she handed him the letter.

“Ember…” Smog adopted a serious fatherly tone.

“What is it?” Ember was obviously annoyed.

“What is the matter?” He was not moving until he got to the bottom of this.

“You know what it is! I'm not the Dragon Lord, I mean, no wonder why I couldn't do anything! I wasn't even the leader to begin with.”

“Can I say something?”

“Sure, I don't care…”

“You may not be the Dragon Lord, but you are a leader. Ever since I arrived in this village I've seen you work tirelessly to improve everyone's lives. You May not have the scepter’s magic, but you are a true leader.”

“But without the scepter’s magic, I can't get anyone to listen to me.”

“Do you want to be a leader, or a ruler?” Ember stayed her tongue. “That staff is used to impose one's will, not to unify the people.” He was right. The last thing she wanted was to become what her father was. Dragons deserve the right to live free and without subjugation, the scepter undermines everything she worked for.

“Thank you Smog…” Ember gave him a smile.

“Anytime your- Ember.” Smog left without another word, as he usually does. Ember felt empty though. She still had questions that needed to be answered, and sulking in her room wouldn't yield anything other than frustration. There was only one person she could talk to. She threw on something quick, and took to the air from her balcony.

~¥￦¥~

Smog was standing on the rooftop garden watching the sun peek over the Smokey Mountains in the distance. Memories of the time he spent traversing those ragged peaks rushed in on a wave of nostalgia. How did he ever settle down here? There was one time where you couldn't keep him tied down, now he’s sitting here getting old. “Hey Grumpy Gus!” Rainbow hovered in, shrouded by the glare of the rising sun.

“So you made it.” Smog shielded his eyes from the light. Rainbow landed next to him.

“Of course I did, wasn't gonna miss this for anything.” She began to stretch. Smog didn't know what to expect. She didn't wear her usual t-shirt and jeans attire. She had on a crop top that stopped just below her chest with a cloud that had rainbow lighting striking beneath it. Her hands were wrapped in some kind of cloth that extended down her forearms topped off with black and blue leggings that looked at tad too tight. “So, what are we doing today?” She asked as she stretched.

“Right now. I want you to attack me.”

“Really?” Rainbow groaned, stretching her left dorsal and deltoid. Smog nodded and stood at the ready.

Rainbow loosened up and assumed a fighting stance. “Alright buddy, I hope you're ready!”

Smog inspected her. She put pressure on her left leg, assuming a stance leading with her right. She lunged and spread her wings while coiling her right arm back.

“Predictable…” Smog mumbled as he effortlessly dodged her attack. She stopped on her right pivot leaving two attack possibilities: a mid gut kick, or another punch. She chose the kick. Smog stopped the attack by taking hold of her thin ankle. He let her go causing Rainbow to stumble. With a determined frown she lunged again with the same form of her previous attempt. Smog again dodged the punch, but he wasn’t prepared for a wing colliding with his jaw.

He stumbled backwards giving Rainbow an opening to take him down. She tried a leg sweep, but Smog blocked her with his shin. He stood precariously balanced on one leg. Rainbow tried to come up with another plan of attack, but was cut short by the dragon’s fist making contact with her snout.

“Ah!” She cried.

“Are you okay?” Smog asked with concern.

“Yeah…” Rainbow sounded nasally, “I can take a hit.” She sniffed some, noting a metallic odor before assuming her fighting stance again. Smog was good, but was he fast? In a burst of speed Rainbow landed three solid blows on the stoic dragon with all of her strength. Just as she was about to deliver a nice one across his jaw he caught her punch.

“Not bad. You have some power in that small frame,” Smog chuckled.

“Thanks,” Rainbow panted heavily.

“But power alone won't win a fight.” He pushed rainbow back with enough force to send her flying. Rainbow rolled and tumbled before correcting herself. Smog donned a more serious and competitive look. “You’re better than I expected. I suppose ponies are more refined than I previously thought. Let’s step this up a level!”

“So, you were taking it easy on little ol’ me? Good. That means we can really get down to business!” She donned a competitive smirk.

“You had better be ready because I won’t pull any punches,” He growled with passion.

“Come at me ya windbag.” Smog smiled deviously as he charged at Rainbow. He grew closer and closer steaming towards her like an angry locomotive. He wound up a punch but rainbow evaded by taking to the air. She dove at him trying yet another power move to knock him off guard, but this male was as sturdy as a mountain. She landed and charged at him with a battle cry. She punched and kicked furiously. Her stamina was draining by the second, but Smog showed no signs of fatigue. Every one of her punches that he blocked seemed to fuel him.

Rainbow continued to go on the offensive unloading everything she had on the dragon, but it wasn’t enough. He absorbed every hit like it was nothing. She thought to gain some distance and try to use a dive to knock him down. She jumped and pushed off his chest as she began to gain altitude.

“Where are you going?” Smog sounded driven and hungry. Rainbow flew above the hazy grey and orange clouds that accompanied the sunrise. Smog grew increasingly frustrated. “Where the hell did she go!” Then his ears picked up on something. A high pitched whistling coming from the sky. He scanned for the sound and found that it belonged to the Rainbow pegasus coming at him in a steep dive. He’s seen dragon’s use this tactic before. She pushed her wings harder and Smog clenched his hand in a tight fist.

“Big mistake…” he chuckled maliciously. She approached faster and faster, confident that this would be the be all end all of their sparring session. Just as she was about to kick him a sickening feeling exploded through her belly. She didn’t hit her target, or rather. Her target hit her. Smog jumped at the second she was about to kick him. His fist connected with tremendous force directly in her stomach sending her flying again.

“Ha! You thought that would get me? Maybe next time you shou-” Rainbow laid on the ground unmoving. “Rainbow?” She curled into the fetal position. “Rainbow!” Smog rushed over to her. She was clutching her gut with tears streaming down her cheeks. Smog looked over her with horror. “Damnit! What have I done? I-I’ll go get help!”

“Nuh… Nooo…” Rainbow groaned in agony.

“Rainbow! Are you okay?” She gave him a weak thumbs up. “Are you sure?”

“I… told you. I c-can take a hit…”

“I apologise with every fiber of my being. I didn’t mean to take things so far.”

“Shut up… Smog… Stuff like this happens when you t-train.” She was beginning to sound less strained. “Maybe you went a little overboard,” She chuckled weakly. Smog sighed in relief. The disk of the sun was above the horizon as it rose over the land. Rainbow sat up and leaned against Smog breathing heavily.

“That was fun,” she gasped.

“It was…” Smog blankly agreed. “You are an okay fighter, but with the proper help you may become a great fighter.”

“An okay fighter?” She didn’t attempt to mask her offense.

“Yes, an okay fighter,” Smog mocked. “You don’t think, you’re sloppy, and you’re uncoordinated. And I don’t understand why you focus on brute strength when you have none.”

“Gee, thanks…” Rainbow rolled her eyes.

“I’m not insulting you. Critiques are the only way we improve. Right now, you’re just above the standard raider.”

“So what? That’s it?”

Smog Raised a brow,“What do you mean?”

“Am I too ‘sucky’ for you to train?”

“I never said that, I was merely pointing out what you did wrong. You’re not strong; get that Idea out of your head. However, what you lack in strength you more than make up in speed and agility. I’ll admit I didn’t catch you until the last second on some of those attacks.”

Rainbow chuckled smugly.

“You can use that to your advantage. Dragons evolved in a much harsher land as compared to you ponies. Our senses are better, we’re stronger, and we have higher tolerances to pain and damage.”

“Pretentious much…?” Rainbow sighed.

“And I believe that is your advantage. With our scales and muscles-” Smog flexed, “-we tend to be slower than other sentience.”

“What are you getting at?” Rainbow asked impatiently.

“Instead of attacking someone with brute strength, use that strength against them.”

“You’re basically saying ‘the bigger they are the harder they fall’.”

“Precisely,” Smog grinned. “I mainly rely on my size and strength, but I can train you partially in how to intelligently attack your opponent.”

“I like the sound of that,” Rainbow fell back on the soft grass. She watched the sky transition from hazy purple to light blue. “Hey Smog?”

“Yes?”

“Where do you come from?” Rainbow rubbed her throbbing belly.

“Somewhere far away from here,” Smog sighed.

“Oh…”

“I mean, actually far away. I was born on the other side of the continent.”

“How the heck did you end up over here?”

“I was wandering from village to village looking for a home, and I happened to stumble upon this place,” Smog answered simply. Rainbow shrugged and continues to rub her stomach.. “Are you ready to continue?”

“Oh no big guy… I’m done for today. I think I might be sterile after that punch.” Smog shot her a worried glance. “Kidding! Kidding!” Smog shook his head and looked back at the rising sun.

~¥￦¥~

Ember landed in front of a mid sized earthen hut. She was on the outskirts of the village, and the person she needed to speak with resided inside. She knocked on the flimsy door. “I am busy at the moment.”

“Spinious, it’s Ember.” There was shuffling behind the door.

“Ember, what brings you out here?” He looked around.

“I needed to have a world with you regarding the scepter and the Dragon Lord.”

“I thought you’d become curious sooner. Nonetheless, I am more than glad to offer any assistance.” He welcomed her in. She hadn’t been to his adobe in years. The same books, scrolls, and tools hung where they always had been. “Have a seat…” Ember obeyed. “What are you curious about young one?” He returned to whatever he was writing.

“A few hours ago we we’re attacked by a band of assassins but-”

“Are you unharmed?” Spinious sprang up.

“Yes, but that’s not the issue. We were able to subdue them, and in doing so I found out that I am not the Dragon Lord…”

Spinious frowned, “How are you certain of this?”

“Spike, the dragon who came with the ponies. He took hold of the scepter and was able to control the attackers.”

“I see…” Spinious scratched his chin.

“I wanted to know how the scepter works so that I may have full control over it.” Ember said with determination.

“Heh, that staff does not yield to anyone’s control. It controls you.” Ember looked on in confusion. “I have been studying the history of that scepter since the Couponia War. Before then there used to be libraries full of knowledge, but when Dragon Lord Nissauran rose to power she destroyed them all.”

“Why?” Ember asked.

“Knowledge is power. If someone found out how to counter the magic within the scepter she would have lost her control over everything. Older writings that I’ve uncovered say that the bloodstone came from the fiery heart of this world. Unfortunately that’s all I could find.”

“The others spoke of the library in Tennith.” Spinious’s eyes bucked wide.

“What do they know about that place?” He asked with a foreboding tone.

“Nothing other than its location. I do remember you mentioning it a few times.”

“I used to visit there regularly,” he motioned to all of his books, “Until a beast took up residence about thirty years ago.”

“A beast?” Ember asked with intrigue.

“Yes, but this isn’t your top priority.”

“Then what is?”

“Whoever sent those assassins to end you and your friends lives. I’ll call for an execution immediately…” he said with a cold growl.

“Hold on Spinious. How about we find out where they came from before we start tagging bodies?” Spinious rolled his eyes and agreed.

“I’ll gather the council. You gather the ponies.” Ember nodded and prepared to leave.

“Ember…” She looked back at Spinious. “Be certain that you do not let that boy fall to the magic of the scepter. I’ve already seen it corrupt one good male…” Ember nodded and took of towards the palace.

6. So It Begins

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Spike and Twilight sat on a bed leaning on one another. They've been like this for the better part of an hour. They didn't speak. They enjoyed each other's company for the first time in ages. Spike forgot how soft Twilight's fur was. She was warm and cuddly, much more than the beds she conjured. It reminded him of the times he used to crawl in bed with her when he was younger. She always complained, but she never turned him down. Crippling pain be damned, he wanted to remain like this for days.

The room door opened. “Spike?” Ember peeked in. Spike and Twilight looked at her with shock and curiosity.

“Can I have a word with him, Twilight?”

Twilight glanced between them and let him go, taking her warmth with her. “Go ahead, I should write a letter back to Starlight anyway…” Twilight shimmied past Ember in the doorway. Once she was gone, Ember took Twilight's place at Spike’s side.

“Are you okay Spike?” Ember asked while rubbing his back.

“Yeah, sore but I'll be fine…” Spike said with a smile.

“I'm sorry I didn't check in to see if you were doing well.”

“You're here now, and I'm pretty much fine, even though my back hurts whenever I try to lift my arm, or when I move in general,” Spike sheepishly chuckled.

“You're a fascinating one…” Ember gave him a longingly smile while running her fingers along his arms. “I went to talk to Spinious about the scepter.”

“You did…?”

“Yes,” Ember nodded, “And he told me that the Scepter corrupts its wielder.”

“Why didn't it corrupt you then?”

Ember looked at him with an unamused frown.

“Oh! Right, sorry. I lost more blood than I thought,” he said with a cheesy grin. “So, you think that the Scepter is corrupting me?”

“Given how you and your friends react every time you use it, yes.”

Spike wasn't too sure about her theory. Whenever he used the scepter he pretty much felt like himself, even though the few times that he did he was pissed beyond all belief. He barely knew Spinious, so he wasn't too sure of his word.

“What you're saying is, I need to stay away from the scepter or else it’ll turn me into a tyrant?”

Ember nodded once.

“Well, you don't have to worry about that. I'm not going anywhere near that thing!”

“At least you won't be tempted,” Ember giggled. They gazed into each other's eyes. She wondered how someone so childlike and jovial would deal with the pressures that she's had to deal with. Spike wasn't ready for that kind of responsibility. Maybe there was some way to transfer the magic in the scepter over to her.

“I have to go now.”

“Why?” Spike suppressed a whine.

“The assassins that attacked us. Spinious wants to get some answers out of them.”

“I’ll come with you.” Spike tried to stand, but his injuries held him still.

“No, you need to get some sleep.” She gave him a small peck on the lips and got up to leave, not before looking over her shoulder with a smile.

~¥￦¥~

The accused sat on their knees and bound, watched closely by Smog and the other palace guards. The last few council members arrived, bringing this trial to an open.

“Dragons of Of Ignis Terrestris!” Ember stated proudly, “We the few who uphold decency have a dilemma before us. These individuals have committed several crimes of which could have had a profound impact on the world as a whole! We are gathered here today to determine whether they will be able to walk away free, or be executed where they stand!” Ember looked around the room. “Whenever you are ready.”

“I see no reason to drag this ‘trial’ out longer than it need be,” Chrone spoke over the room. “Activity here has ramped up since the arrival of our new… acquaintances and I have no reason to doubt that dragons across the kingdom know as well. So I ask; who sent you to dispose of the Equestrians?”

The lead assassin shot Chrone a dirty glance. “We weren't sent for the ponies…” he growled.

“Then why have you disturbed the peace?” Malich, a bronze drake spat.

“Isn't it obvious…? You all felt it too, right?” The member’s of the council looked on confused. “The real dragon lord revealed himself.”

A lump of worry for Spike began to form in Ember’s throat.

“So why did you try to kill him?” Ember angrily questioned. The assassin sat in silence. “Answer me!”

“Why? You have no power over me or anyone else.” He rose to his feet making Smog grow apprehensive. “Know that this is not the last you'll see of The Eridinari! We will live free, or die trying!”

“Then who are the Eridinari?” A shadowy silver dragoness asked.

“We are freedom.”

“Don't play coy you miserable little twat! What is the Eridinari?” Chrone spoke with passion.

The assassin made and owl-like turn of his head, looking directly at Smog. “He knows…” All eyes fell on Smog. “You recognize me, don't you Smog?”

Smog stared daggers at the assassin. Ember looked to her fearless and devoted guard with intrigue.

“I'm not playing coy, nor am I shifting blame. Smog here was once a part of our sect.”

Smog sighed and looked to Ember. Even she cast judgment in her gaze. “I was never a true member of the Eridinari, but in the past, I worked with them. They are a dispersed organization of trained mercenaries.”

“How dangerous are they?” Spinious asked.

“They all possess my skill...”

The assassin grinned a confident, malicious grin. “Don't be so pretentious, Smog,” he chuckled. Smog frowned and tightened his grip on his sword.

“How many more of you are there?” Ember asked with a cold growl. The assassin motioned to Smog to answer again, but he was cut short by a furious Ember. “If you continue us to treat this as a joke, we will kill you!”

“I admire your effort, but you and I both know that you can't do anything to me, Queen…” Ember rose from her seat, taking hold of a dagger as she approached the smug mercenary. She stood barely above the massive male.

He was right; there was nothing that she could do to force an answer out of him. Or so he thought. In one swift motion, she plunged the blade deep into his thigh, gaining a pained roar from the dragon. She held his muzzle shut while she pushed the dagger deep into his flesh.

“You cowards attacked me, my mate, and my friends in our sleep. I am in no mood to listen to your snide comments! You will tell me who sent you, or you will writhe in pain so intense, you'll wish you were dead!”

She twisted and played with the handle, causing the assassin to groan and fidget.

“Will you cooperate? And please say no…” She removed her hand from his muzzle.

“Our leader s-sent us…” he seethed.

“Who is he?” Ember asked.

“I can't tell you.” Ember stabbed his leg several times, coating her hand in the assassin’s blood. “I told you that I have no patience for your games! Who is your leader?!”

“Their identity is never revealed! We only follow what orders we are given!” he spoke, his voice drowned in pain. Ember looked back at Smog. He gave her an affirmative nod. She forcefully pulled the blade free of his bloodied leg, gagging at the scent of his blood. It coated her hand and dripped on the floor, nauseating her further.

“Well,” Spinious cleared his throat, “I assume you're willing to tell us where you come from then?”

~¥￦¥~

The trial, or interrogation rather, didn't last as long as she expected. The assassins were all too cooperative after some persuasion. Ember was tired. This day, from the rude awakening to now, has been one of the longest in her life.

She realized that she still held the dagger that pried answers out of the prosecuted. The blood dried on the blade and her hand creating a flaky crust. Normally she’d be in a tizzy about having another's blood caked on her. Perhaps she was too exhausted to care.

“Ember!” Smog ran after her.

Ember slowed her shuffle to a halt. “Yes?”

“I… How are you feeling?”

Ember gave him a tired blink.

“Of course… Look, about what was said back there. About me once being in league with them.”

“Smog, you've been nothing but loyal and devoted ever since I met you. You don't have to prove anything,” she handed him the dagger, “Do… something with this.”

Smog bowed and put the blade in an open hilt on his back. Ember shuffled away. It felt late in the day, maybe a few hours from sunset. She had been working on two good hours of sleep, and it finally caught up with her. She was no stranger to exhaustion. To tell the truth, it was like an old annoying friend that overstayed their welcome, yet you didn't have the heart to evict them.

She made her way back into the main palace, lethargically wandering across the throne room. The light streaming in from outside refracted off the walls making the room glow a warm orange. She smiled and continued on. Her stomach growled lightly. Perhaps she should grab something to eat before getting some rest. As she approached the kitchen, she smiled at the light cacophony coming from the ponies.

Rainbow sat with her feet kicked up on the table, while Fluttershy played in her hair. Applejack was behind the counter cooking with Pinkie, and Rarity was patching Spike’s tattered green sweater.

“Hiya Ember!” Pinkie sprouted up behind her nearly making her jump out of her scales. “Are you hungry? I learned some dragon recipes that I'm dying to try out!”

“Yes, actually. What do you have?”

“Take a seat, and I'll whip up something.” Ember sat next to Rainbow and yawned.

“You look like you've been through Tartarus and back,” Rainbow chuckled.

Ember rubbed her eyes and nodded slowly. “Saying that this has been a long day is more than a stretch, but we did find out where the assassins came from.” Her stomach growled furiously as the scent of sizzling meat filled the room.

“Oh really?” Rainbow sat up at full attention.

“Yeah,” Ember yawned. “They call themselves the Eridinari, and they hail from the Sharkeishan Highlands.”

“Where’s that?” Rainbow asked.

“Smog knows… I can't quite think of it right now.”

“Almost done Ember!” Pinkie chirped as she flipped the succulent slab of meat. Ember smiled softly, then looked down at her claws. She has never been this exhausted in her life. She tried to move her fingers, but they too seemed lethargic and tired.

“What smells so good?” Spike asked as he entered the kitchen. He wrapped his arms around Ember. She nuzzled his arms, instantly melting into his embrace.

“Making the fearless leader a delicious meal,” Pinkie responded.

“Are you feeling better Spike?” Ember cooed.

“Not really, but I had to stretch my legs…”

The room fell silent as everyone sat about relaxing or eating. After that trial, Ember was happy to enjoy these short-lived moments of levity. Being in Spike’s warm embrace mended her frayed nerves and the sizzling of her dinner soothed her like white noise. This is what she was missing. It wasn't just the love of a mate, but love in general.

Her father wasn't affectionate, aside from a few apologies when he nearly killed her. Being the only offspring of the dragon lord meant that you had to suck it up and roll with whatever was given to you no matter how bad it was. That, and the selfish nature of dragons, only expanded the hole that her upbringing has left within her.

Family was an alien concept to her. She was forced to believe that the only way to live was to be alone. You have to be strong. You have to be tough. You have to be better. And you have to step on others to get ahead. As she looked around this room, she could see how much they cared for each other, even when they're sitting around. She wondered how they felt about her.

“Perfect, you're all here!” Twilight entered the room with some books and scrolls held in her magical grasp.

“What's all that, Twi?” Applejack asked with a glance over her shoulder.

“Everything that we’ll need to know for our trip to the library.” Twilight cleared off the table and set her micro bookshelf down.

“Bon Appétite!” Pinkie set a plate of steaming steak and vegetables before Ember. “The veggies were Aj’s idea. You don't have to eat them,” Pinkie whispered conspicuously.

“Thank you,” Ember smiled. She cut off an end piece, fearful that this pony might unintentionally poison here. She ate the juicy piece of sirloin surprised at how -despite being a tad too salty- delicious and well done it was.

“And another satisfied customer,” Pinkie winked.

“Anyway, after spending most of the day digging through a library, and talking with most if the town. I have gotten some preliminary information that could help us get to the library that Fluttershy mentioned.”

“The one in Tennith?” Ember asked with a piece of steak just short of her maw.

“You know about it?” Twilight asked earning a stale look from the exhausted dragoness. “Of course you do…” Twilight chuckled nervously.

“Yes I do, but it's too dangerous.” She inhaled the delicious meat with fervor.

“We can make the trip no problem. We jus-”

“I know you can make it. I'm saying that it’s too dangerous because we’ve all been targeted.” Her voice adopted a blunt tone. “I was just in an hours-long interrogation of the assassins that attacked us. There is a price on all of our heads…”

Fluttershy swallowed hard while everyone else went wide eyed and slack jawed.

“That's rather… unsettling,” Rarity gulped.

“I say we give it a shot,” Rainbow Dash spoke up.

“Are you mad?” Ember authoritatively spat. “What if you're attacked while you're on your way?”

“We aren't helpless ponies. All of us can take care of ourselves. Besides, we’ll have you, Spike, and Smog with us, so that’s three dragon escorts.”

“I can't leave! I have to stay here and keep watch over the village!” Ember grew more frustrated.

“Don't get your tail in a knot. I’m just saying that we still can do it. Beats sitting around here,” Rainbow pouted.

“And I'm saying that it isn't wise to. We have no idea how many more of the Eridinari are descending upon us right now!”

Rainbow stood over her and looked her directly in her slitted eyes. “Then let’s not sit around and wait for them! Let’s get all of what we need together and go!”

Ember matched her while flaring her wings. “Why do you want to go anyway?? The library is most likely a pile of rubble!” Ember growled her slitted pupil's barely visible slivers.

“So we can help you get this shitstain of a kingdom in order!”

Ember’s gaze was furious. It took every fiber of her being to hold herself back from slapping the rainbow out of her hair.

“Okay, that’s enough!” Applejack came in between the two. “You-” she looked to Rainbow, “-sit down and cool off! And you-” she looked to Ember, “-sit down and eat!”

Ember locked her eyes with Applejack, initiating a staring contest of who is the most intimidating. Applejack was much bigger than her, but she wasn’t backing down. Spike placed his hand on her shoulder. She relented, sat down, continued to eat her delectable meal.

“Well, that happened…” Twilight cleared her throat. “With the help of the town, we can get what we’d need for the trip in as little as two days…” Twilight spoke over the thick tension in the room. She looked at Ember for a reaction, but she was met with her annoyed gaze.

“If you all want to go through with this, we can start forming a schedule.”

“Okay, let’s not waste any time then.” Rarity said as she set Spike’s sweater aside.

~¥￦¥~

Ember sat on the edge of her bed processing what was going on with her. It wasn't anything inherently bad, but she hasn't been feeling herself lately. That little bout with Rainbow was a prime example. She had never felt so angry yet passionate before. She felt like it was the right thing, but something gnawed at her psyche, telling her that she was wrong. And Applejack… She looked like she was going to kill Ember. Perhaps the lack of sleep was playing tricks on her already pressured mind. Just as she was about to rest for the night, her door opened presumably on its own.

Ember instantly became apprehensive. Whoever was there was about to get their wings torn off. Much to her relief, it was only Spike. “By the Flame, Spike. You scared me....” Ember sighed.

“Sorry, I thought you’d be sleep. I was gonna sneak into bed,” Spike said with a cheesy grin. Ember couldn't help but smile at his childlike mannerisms. “How are you?”

“Tired… Very, very tired.” She flopped back on the sheets.

“I meant, after what happened earlier. Are you okay?” Spike sat down next to her.

“Of course I am. Why wouldn't I be? It was only a little disagreement.” Ember shrugged. Spike gave her a skeptical raise of his brow.

“I am okay, I'm just thinking. I've never felt like that before. I was mad, but there was something else there…”

“Like worry?”

“Kind of,” Ember sat up and nuzzled into his side, “I wasn't thinking when I was yelling at her. I was just doing it, you know?”

“There's nothing wrong with admitting that you care about someone,” Spike chuckled.

“I don't like her like that!”

“Like what?” Spike asked with a tilt of his head.

“Like, how I like you.” She hugged his arm.

“You know, what you and I have isn’t the only kind of ‘care’ right?” Spike giggled at her naiveté. Ember frowned in response. “Wow… I… I don't know how to explain this.” Spike scratched the back of his head.

He turned to face her. “There's nothing wrong with caring for more than one person. I love all of my friends. They're my everything. Without them, I wouldn’t be me. But that doesn't mean I'm not in love with you.” Ember resembled an adorable curious puppy. “I think it’s sweet that you worry about our safety.”

Ember scrunched her nose and looked away with a blush. “Don't be so upset. It was adorable,” Spike cooed.

“I'm not adorable…” Ember pouted.

“You're being pretty darn cute right now.” Ember blushed harder while cursing herself for being so bashful. “You don't have to be an angry stuffy dragon with us. Be yourself.”

“What if this is me?” Ember sassed.

“Really?” Spike said with a raised brow that Ember found all too sexy. She found herself smiling like an idiot, annoying her further.

Spike started to make estranged and goofy faces. “What are you doing?” Ember snorted playfully.

“I dunno. Just wanted to make you smile, you big grump.” Spike made a puckered face worthy of an exaggerated magazine model.

“You're so weird,” Ember giggled with a snort.

“Did you just snort?” Spike laughed.

“N-no!”

“Okay, that was too cute.”

Ember punched him directly where his gash was earning a pained yelp from him. “Are you okay?” She gasped.

“Yeah, just be a little more careful,” Spike whined. Ember rubbed his chest gingerly. She lifted her gaze and was met with his. Again, their eyes began to glow the familiar yellow. Ember pounced, pulling him into a long passionate kiss. Spike returned the favor by slipping his hand up her shirt.

~¥￦¥~

Twilight scrutinized every detail of their caravan. Over the last two days, she’s been frantically organizing their journey, even against Ember’s warnings. “The carriages?” Twilight said with haste.

“Check!” Spike sounded as he marked it off.

“Extra food and provisions?”

“Check!”

“I think that’s all!” Twilight chirped. “We’ll leave once everyone is ready. Were you able to convince Ember and Smog?”

“Smog, yes. Ember, not quite… She’s still on edge about the assassins.”

“We’ve been safe for the last two days, so I say we’re gonna be okay,” Twilight beamed with optimism. Spike shook his head, and continued to inspect the carriages making sure everything was in perfect shape. One slip and they could be stranded in the heart of the dragon lands with no rescue, so yeah. No pressure.

“Let’s get this show on the road!” Applejack cheered as she approached the carriage.

“Yay… Whoo-hoo… Let’s walk halfway across this Celestia-forsaken land and get all dirty smelly and icky,” Rarity sighed with contempt.

“Are ya changin’ your mind, Rarity?” Applejack playfully nudged her ribs.

“No…” Rarity cleared her throat, “I’m still going. I never said that I’d enjoy it,” She huffed before placing her personal bag in the carriage.

“Rarity, what’s all that?” asked Twilight.

“Everything a lady needs.”

“I told you to travel light!” Twilight fumed.

“That is me traveling light.”

“Let it go Twi,” Applejack chuckled as she patted her back. Then Rainbow Smog Pinkie and Fluttershy approached them. Smog wore full dense body armor brandishing several blades and a bow with two crossing quivers.

“Wow you look like you’re ready for war,” Spike mused with a wide gape.

“Someone has to be the caravan guard,” He stated proudly earning giggles from Fluttershy and Rainbow.

“At least we know than tin-stallion over here is gonna be able to protect us,” Rainbow laughed.

“Yeah, I feel safer already,” Fluttershy giggled.

“Ooh, this gonna be so much fun! We get to go on another road trip! Smog can be the grumpy daddy, Ember can be the serious mommy, and we’re all the kids!” Pinkie looked around. “Where is Ember?”

“I don’t think she’s coming, Pinkie,” Spike sighed with disappointment.

“Aww…. But she's gonna miss out on all of the fun,” Pinkie whined. Twilight looked over the carriage. It was full to the brim with supplies, yet she felt like something was missing.

“Sad to say, but there’s no way this here thing is gonna hold all eight of us. Somebody’s gonna have to walk.” Applejack stated as she picked up her bag.

“I can fly most of the time anyway,” Rainbow shrugged.

“I’ve trekked across these lands for decades. I’m more than fine with walking,” Smog added.

“Applejack, Smog, Rainbow, and Spike will walk for now, and we’ll alternate. How does that sound?” Twilight proposed with a clap.

“Wait, why do I have to walk?” Spike protested.

“Because you’re perfectly capable of doing so, and because I said so,” Twilight said with a hint of pretension. Spike grumbled but had no rebuttal.

Soon a small shadow defended upon the group. Ember landed with a sword on her side and a bag in her claws. “Ember!” Spike hugged his dragoness.

“Hey everyone.” She greeted casually.

Smog looked her up and down with a prideful smile. “I take it you're going to come with?”

“Yes. I, myself, am quite curious about what this library holds if it is still standing. Besides, I wouldn't feel right if something happened to you all.”

“Aww, you big blue sweetie…” Pinkie cooed as she hugged Ember much to her dismay, but she accepted the gesture.

“Good, then we’re all set…” Rainbow eyed the large feathered reptiles tied to their carriage. “How do we get those things moving?”

“The Regikaí? They listen to command.” Smog answered. “Everyone load up!” The ones who were lucky enough boarded the carriage, while the unfortunate few had to hoof it for Celestia knows how long. Smog shouted at the beasts in ancient drácon. And with that, they started their long journey to uncover the mysteries of the dragon lands.

7. Who You Really Are p.1: The Ruins of Tennith

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Everyone was tired. Days upon days of migrating over miles of the dense forests and vast plains of the Dragon Lands. For those who could fly, it was a breeze… mostly. The Earthbound travellers would often make those who could flit suffer by trudging over the uneven ground.

Fortunately, this cloud has a silver lining. They were less than twelve hours away from the forgotten city of Tennith. They all wondered what they’d find, none more than Twilight. She was oozing with excitement from the moment they started their pilgrimage. What would be there? Would it be a grand temple dedicated to literary treasures? Or maybe a hub of knowledge that only a few true knowledge seekers would journey to? She couldn't take the suspense. Every day that they drew closer, she would become more giddy, more excitable, and more restless.

“We’re almost there…” Twilight sighed as she fell back on a patch of grass.

“If you want to call another day ‘almost’,” Rainbow grumbled while she pitched her tent. Just as she turned around to grab a supporting rod the entire assembly collapsed. She kicked the pile of acrylic coated wood and cried, “Damnit!”

“You need some help with that?” Applejack chuckled.

“Nah… I got it.”

Meanwhile, Rarity had finished pitching her tent with her magic. “I hope that where we’re going has better accommodations. These last few days have been absolute terror on my back…”

“I doubt that,” Applejack sighed as she entered her freshly made adobe, “You’re just gonna have to deal with it.”

“I suppose you are more accustomed to sleeping like this…”

Applejack looked at her with a one eyed frown. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Nothing dear, I just was saying that you have a more rigid frame than me,” Rarity said with a nervous smile. Applejack raised her brow and went back into her tent with an awkward smile.

“Aww, that was nice, Rarity!” Pinkie shouted as sprung up out of Rarity’s tent.

Rarity jumped and fell back on the grass. “Good heavens, Pinkie Pie!”

“Hehe, sorry…” Pinkie said with a cheesy smile.

Rarity stood, angry at the new grass stains on her butt. “Did you at least set up your spot?” she growled.

“Yep! Well…” Pinkie pulled a rolled ‘thing’ from behind her back. She pulled a pin on the top and tossed it to the far side of the campsite. With a cheap puff of fireworks, a small bouncy castle sat before them. “Now I’m done.”

“That’s one way to do it…” Rainbow groaned as her tent fell apart yet again. She kicked the pile and folded her arms in a pout.

“You had better hurry, Dashie. You know Smog’ll be grumpy.”

Rainbow rolled her eyes and fell back on the grass.

“Do you need help?” Twilight asked.

“Nah, I’ll just chill here…” Rainbow sighed. From the distance, four figures approached, silhouetted by the setting sun. Spike and Smog carried piles of firewood while Ember and Fluttershy carried cadavered animals for the carnivores. Smog looked around the campsite he personally picked out and saw three perfectly pitched tents, a bulbous rubber sack of air, and a pegasus lazing next to a pile of reeds.

He pinched the bridge of his snout, “Well, at least you all tried.”

“Emphasis on ‘tried’,” Ember chuckled. Fluttershy carefully placed the poor creatures down and sat next to Twilight. She rubbed Fluttershy’s back tenderly.

“I wouldn’t even say that…” His parental gaze fell upon Rainbow. “Did you even move since we left?”

“Yes.” Rainbow answered briefly.

“And?”

“And what? I couldn’t set the tent up. I’m fine with laying out under the stars…” Smog snorted and handed Spike his firewood. He worked fast and precise. Years of wandering and surviving off your experience helps when dealing with creatures as weak and inexperienced as ponies. They can’t do anything without somebody holding their hands. If it were up to them, he and Ember could have gone on their own. Probably would be on their way back with the information they need by now. “There…”

Rainbow patted him on the back and said,“That was fast…”

“Yep… Next time, ask for help.”
Rainbow looked him up and down as he left to help Spike.

~¥￦¥~

The stars Twinkled overhead as the warm ambient glow of the fire made them seem to bend and waver. The night air was crisp, and the scent of burnt meat was fresh in the air. Most everyone was already resting, but the anticipation was too much for Twilight to bear. This journey has been more rewarding than any undertaking Celestia has ever set upon her, even if it had a rocky start. She sighed, slightly enjoying the smoke entering her chest. Tomorrow was going to be great.

Footsteps came from her left. She looked over at Spike and Ember’s tent. Spike was standing outside with his sleeping bag and a frustrated look. Twilight decided to see how he ended up in the doghouse.

“Spike?”

He whipped his head around. “Twilight? You’re still awake?”

“Yeah, I’m too excited…”
Spike nodded and turned back around.
“What about you?”

“Eh… Dragonesses are weird…” Spike sighed.

“What did you do?” Twilight chuckled while taking a seat next to him.

“She asked me who I loved, I answered then I got kicked out.”

“Did you say her name first?”

“N-oh… Oh…” A nice crisp slap sounded as his hand met his forehead. “Well, I’m an idiot…”

“You’re not an idiot, Spike. You’ve never been in a relationship before.”

“Neither have you…”
Twilight snorted with a frown.
“Sorry, sorry. I’m still peeved. I mean, how was I supposed to know what kind of love she was talking about?”

“You never do. There are times when you’ve made me mad and not even I knew why. Girls are dynamic. We change on a bit, and we don’t even know why most of the time.”

“Well, at least you don’t kick me out of the tent…”

“Well, she is a dragon. You never know how they will react.” Twilight donned a nostalgic smile. “I remember the days where you’d cry over dropping food on the floor.”

“Yeah…”

“And when you were sad because you thought the Power Ponies lost to Thranor,” Twilight giggled.

“Yeah…”

“Then, there was that one time you came running to my room in the middle of the night, because you were mad about a storm waking you up,” Twilight laughed. “You ranted for over an hour!”

“Yeh…” Spike looked away, sparing himself from any other embarrassing memories.

“The point is, you never know when people’s moods can change. You can either roll with the punches, or let them be.”

“You’re right…” Spike sighed.

Twilight looked back up at the stars. “Just like home, huh?”

Spike joined her, catching a few shooting stars over storm clouds in the distance. There was nothing that Twilight didn't appreciate, when it came to scientific and Hippological studies. Watching her enjoy the night under the sparkling heavens put Spike at ease, and even made him happy. She looked strangely beautiful in her cutie mark pajamas.

Twilight noticed Spike staring at her. “Are you okay?” She asked.

Spike shook his head and cleared his throat. “Yeah, just thinking. We’ll be in Tennith soon. What are we even looking for?”

“Answers to the past so we can help Ember forge a better future…”

“Okay, Starswirl,” Spike chuckled. Twilight giggled and looked back to the sky. She wondered how storms were driven without the need for pegasi to gather clouds. The thunder was too distant to hear, but the lightning spectacularly leaped from the clouds like the geometric arms of a jagged beast. She could feel the outflow of cool wind even though the epicenter raged on miles away.

“Well, I'm going try to and get some rest.” Twilight started off to her tent expecting Spike to follow, but he sat still. “Are you going to stay out here tonight?”

“Yeah, I just might.” Spike sighed.

Twilight took a breath of confidence and said, “You can sleep with me, in my tent, I mean.”

“Really?” Spike looked over his shoulder with intrigue. He studied her quivering grin and forced poker face. She was nervous, but about what?

“You don’t have to. I thought you wouldn’t want to stay outside for the night,” Twilight said with a shy shrug. There wouldn’t be anything wrong with it, right? They won’t be sharing a sleeping bag. He looked back out over the land. The stars disappeared behind the smokey veil of the approaching storm. Maybe he could wait until Ember was asleep…

“Yeah, sure.”
Twilight held back a happy squeal even though she didn't know why Spike staying with her would bring joy. She went back to her tent and moved her sleeping bag aside. As she did so, Spike came through the small opening.

“I know. It’s smaller than a dragon made tent.” Twilight pushed some of her scrolls and quills aside. “But, I'm sure you'll be comfy.”

“Thanks Twilight…” Spike settled into his sleeping bag and waited for Luna’s warm embrace to carry him to sleep. Twilight, on the other hand, was buzzed and alert, but for a different reason. She won't deny that Spike is the cause of her insomnia. Worry, anxiety, and longing often filled her mind whenever she walked next to him and Ember. Her assistant was growing, and she feared that by the end of this harrowing mess, she’d have to say goodbye.

She sat up and looked over him. He appeared to be sleeping deeply, peacefully. A content smile accented her lips’ but that was followed by a contemplative frown. It wouldn't be right. He was sleeping, in his most vulnerable state. He would be livid if she invaded his privacy…

She swaddled herself in her sleeping back, shut her eyes, and waited. And waited. And waited. She rolled over, pulled the sleeping bag taught around herself, and waited. And waited. And waited… She didn't have this much difficulty sleeping any night of this trip. She cut her eyes open at Spike, watching how his chest rose and fell as he slumbered peacefully.

Not a single depraved thought came to mind. Only, those of someone who wanted to feel another's warmth. She crawled closer making sure she didn't stir him. When she was within an arm’s length, she quietly slipped out of her sleeping bag. He shuffled around making her skin crawl with anxiety, but she pressed on.

She focused her magic on the zipper. Her short term goal seemed to be in sight, but without warning, a crack of thunder shook the land. Spike’s eyes cut open and glared at Twilight.

“Uh…” He didn’t take his eyes off her, paralyzing her with his inquirous gaze. “What were you trying to do, exactly…?

Twilight swallowed hard, “I was looking for one of my quills. I think you may have slept on it.” She tried to keep her voice as steady as possible.

“So you’re checking in my sleeping bag…”

“Yes,” Twilight said with brevity.

Spike sighed with a shake of his head. “What were you trying to do Twilight?” He spoke in a parental tone.

Twilight swallowed hard and looked down at her knees. “Don’t make me say it…”

He smiled and wrapped his hands around her waist, pulling her into his chest. “Was it something like this?”

Twilight didn't struggle nor did she whine. “Yeah…” She looked into his piercing emerald eyes giggling uncontrollably. “Sorry…”

“You could have asked,” Spike chuckled.

“How was I to know you’d say yes?”

“You've got me there. But still, you wouldn't have looked like a creep.”

“Heh, well…” Twilight nuzzled into his warmth growing a content smile. In the past, on cold winter nights, Spike was like a furnace. She envied how he could keep warm even on the days it was several degrees below zero. Even moreso when the chilly storms doused the fire heating their home. Now, his heat wasn't something to exploit on those long forgotten nights. It was a luxury that she wished she could indulge in more often.

“Just like old times, huh, Twilight?”

“Mhm…” Twilight nuzzled as deep as she could into his firm and broad chest. Spike gently pulled Twilight down with him, and they stayed like that through the night’s approaching storm.

~¥￦¥~

The expedition continued with patchy rain showers that didn't help with the chilly wind that accompanied the storm. According to the maps that Twilight collected and AJ’s knowledge of long stretches of countryside, Tennith shouldn't have been far away.

“Rainbow, Fluttershy, are you sure you can't do anything about this dreadful deluge?” Rarity asked, clutching her drenched sunhat.

“We already tried. These clouds can't be touched,” Rainbow groaned, annoyed by her soggy boots and wet socks.

Applejack snatched Rarity’s hat from her head replaced it with her stenson. “Shouldn't be a while longer.”

Rarity smiled and continued on, even though the slimy feeling of the water in between her toes was getting the better of her.

“Hey, Spike?” Ember took hold of his hand. “Last night was bad. And I want to say that it was my fault. I shouldn't have kicked you out.”

“Last night was bad?” Spike snorted.

“Look, I don't apologize… Never had to… I don't want you to think I'm still mad at you.”

“It's okay, just let's talk it out next time?” Ember nodded and embraced her mate.

“We’re here!” Pinkie shouted with glee as she darted up the hill. The others ran after her and were met with the Grand decaying Skyline of Tennith. Smog frowned, fearing their journey had been for naught.

“Isn't it pretty?” Pinkie cooed.

“Sure, in a decrepit, moldy, stuffy kind of way…” Rarity shuddered.

“Are you sure the library is standing?” Ember asked as she started down the city.

“There's only one way to find out…” Twilight spoke as she led the group on towards Tennith.

~¥￦¥~

Something bad happened here. The cobblestone streets were broken, their stones haphazardly strewn left and right. The buildings were broken and covered in scorch marks and arrows.

“What happened here?” Spike asked.

“I don't know… This doesn't look like a raid. The damage appears to be centuries old,” Smog said as he looked at the rather impressive battle scars.

“Spinious told me that the Tennithians were explorers and conquerors.” Ember wiped away the dust and muck on an old fish vendor's kiosk sign.

“So, any idea of where that library is?” Smog asked Twilight.

She dug through the maps furiously looking for anything that resembled library in dragon speech. “I found it!” the others crowded her too see the discovery. “It’s in the center of the city. This way.”

The others followed, dodging potholes she leaky buildings along the way; a droplet nearly gave Fluttershy a stroke. As Twilight led them through the maze of ancient avenues, Ember’s mind filled with images of what transpired during the city’s peak. Broken storefronts led way to side streets that branched out from the main brick avenue. They came upon an old fountain that dominated the center of a sun shaped avenue. “Whoa…” Spike said in amazement.

“Did dragons worship Celestia?” Twilight asked.

“I doubt that,” Applejack chimed in.

“No, Twilight’s right, in a sense,” Smog interrupted. “I don’t know much about those who practiced Pohzar, but I do know it had something to do with the sun.”

“Have you been here before?” Rainbow asked.

“Never… Didn’t know this city existed until I met Ember.”
The group pressed on past the shrine dedicated to the dragon sun god. They walked through countless damp, murky, musty, alleyways before coming upon a large diamond shaped building surrounded by flat land.

“This has to be it,” Ember said, awestruck by the scale and beauty of the building.

“I believe it is…” Spike added.

“We’re here!” Twilight laid their suspicions to rest. This was the library of Tennith, standing as high as a mountain, and as vast as an ocean. Compared to the rest of the city, the building appeared young and unchanged for centuries.

“Well, what the hay are we waitin’ for?” Applejack marched onward with confidence. In one step, the rain was gone. She took a step back becoming instantly inundated by the storm only to take a step forward onto a completely dry lawn. “Y’all, c’mon! It’s dry over here!”

“What the? AJ, we’re not in Equestria! Weather doesn’t work like that out here!” Rainbow shouted over the pitter patter of rain.

“Well, all y’all are standin there like a cockatrice statue. Let’s get movin’.” Applejack walked on with smug confidence as everyone else followed. Rarity was the first to step into the strangely warm and dry glow that permeated the air around the library. Soon after, they all sighed in relief as they were out of the cold stinging rain.

“Ahhh…” Fluttershy sighed and she shook the water off her wings.

“Yay! I was getting all soggy being all soggy.” Pinkie shook all the water out of her mane and fur. “That's better…” she sighed while brushing her dry soft fur.

As nice As it is, doesn't it seem strange?” Rarity looked At the clear skies above. It was as if someone used a cookie cutter to clear the rain away. She looked back to Ember, “I thought your weather was natural.”

Ember shrugged, “I've only heard of this place. I expected it to be ruined.”

“Ruined or not, I'd rather dry off before doing anything else,” Rainbow stated.

“Ditto that,” Rarity agreed without hesitation.

“Oh sure… Absolutely no one help me with these damn beats!” Smog groaned as he pulled in their supplies.

“Sorry buddy. We all wanted to get out of the cold.” Rainbow shook the water out of her hair. Smog watched more closely than he wished to. “Are you alright?” Rainbow ased.

“Hm? Oh… Just thinking.”

“We’ll, if we have time I'm down for some training.”

Smog nodded and began to unload the supplies from the carriage.

~¥￦¥~

Ember sat around the campfire watching the sky turn from a bright fiery red, to an inky purple. Outside of the magic cylinder they were in, lightning danced on the edge off the barrier, but no thunder followed. The clouds swirled in an intense vortex, but no gusts of wind could be felt. The silence was eerie and thick. Not even the crackles of the fire seemed to fill her ears.

Spike sat a plate of roasted Herrington front of her. “Thank you.”

“Don't mention it.” Spike sat next to her and looked up at the monolithic library. “Do you think we’ll find what we’re looking for in there?”

“It’s hard to say.” Ember took a nice sizeable bite out of the bland meat. “I wouldn't even know where to start.”

The fire danced in the middle of the campsite replacing the light that the sun once gave. Rainbow came stumbling back and fell face first on the ground next to Twilight. “Are you okay?” Twilight chuckled.

Rainbow gave her a thumbs up and rolled over on her back, “Smog is tough!” she gasped, “But I can handle him!”

“Keep lying to yourself,” Smog scoffed with a smile. “Though, you are a fast learner.”

“Hehe…” Rainbow smiled.

Twilight looked across the camp at Spike and Ember. She quickly cut her eyes away, feigning any thought of jealousy.

“Gather ‘round y'all!” Applejack called while holding an acoustic guitar.

“Ooh, where did you get that from, AJ?” Pinkie asked with glee.

“Had it since day one. Figured now’d be a good time to whip ‘er out.”

“I’d love to hear a song,” Fluttershy chirped.

“Now, y'all excuse me. I might be a little rusty…” She played with the steel strings before strumming a soothing baseline.

“We’re all fallin’, and we need a place to hide.”

Ember halted her feast, hypnotized by the music seeping from the guitar.

“A safe place somewhere in the woods, we can start a fire.”

Smog enjoyed the soft strumming and smooth tone of this foreign song.

“All we know is what will be our home…” Rainbow sat up and rested on Smog.

“We will stay till… The break of dawn.”
She played a soothing riff while tapping along to the beat. Ember mimicked her by thumping her tail on the ground and swaying with the song. Rarity sat next to Applejack and began singing with her.

“The cold night takes up to a place to escape the chill,” They sang in beautiful unison.

“Tucked up somewhere in the woods, on a hill… Wake up feelin’ the cold in between our toes…”

Pinkie wiggled her toes over the fire, “No cold piggies here, AJ!”

Applejack chuckled and continued on.

“Is there a way back? Nobody knows… And we leave… It all behind,” her eyes met with Rarity’s. “ ‘Cause you see… We need some time…”

Soon, Fluttershy and Pinkie joined in the early night chorus.

“And we all sit around the fire. We feel a little warmer now. And we all sit around the fire. We feel so much better now.”

“Ahh… Ahh… Ahh…” they vocalized into the dark stormy night. Rainbow nudged Smog and motioned for him to copy the rhythm beside her. Of course he was hesitant, mainly because he knew not one music bone existed in his body, but he tried anyway.

“Ahh… Ahh…” Rainbow now added her voice to the mix, stunning Smog with her melodic beauty.

Twilight joined her friends, topping off the harmony with a sharp yet soothing alto hum, “Ahh… Ahh… Ahh…”

“Ahh… Ahh…” The song slowed as if it were coming to a close. No one sang, it was only Applejack and her guitar filling the night. The break didn't last as she drummed loud and hard while they all, including Spike, sang their song soulfully towards the heavens.

“And we all sit around the fire. We feel a little warmer now. And we all sit around the fire. We feel so much better now.”

Ember was captivated by her mate’s beautiful baritone voice. Smog on the other hand was so enthralled that he didn't realize that his tail intertwined with Rainbow’s. She didn't seem to care… Her voice was unlike anything he’s ever heard. Why would she?

“And we all sit around the fire. We feel a little warmer now. And we all sit around the fire. We feel so much better now.”

The song ended with cheers and hugs all around. Smog quickly let Rainbow’s tail loose and folder his arms. “We, that was… Very good. But, we need to get some rest. Tomorrow might be a long day,” He said, looking to the library.

They settled into their tents for the night and waited for what tomorrow had to offer.

7. Who You Really Are p.2: Welcome to the Library

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Rainbow and Ember zipped around the massive building before them scanning desperately for an entrance.

“Anything?” Smog shouted to the swirling pair.

Ember landed in from of him with a pout. “No…”

“Ah, damnit.”

“There has to be a way in.”

“I hope we didn’t come all this way just to be stopped by a magical password!” Rainbow fumed.

“Don’t worry Rainbow, we’ll find a way in,” Ember consoled her.

Spike looked up at the monument, “There has to be a way in…” he said as he rubbed the wall before him. In the heat of the day, it was cool to the touch. What looked like metal felt… natural. Soon he felt something, like a heartbeat or steady breathing. His hand started to smoke and fizzle, but he felt no heat. Fire seeped from under his palms and danced in the shape of the sun. The others watched in curiosity and worry, mainly Ember.

With an eruption of golden fire a doorway blazed open before them. “How did you do that?” Smog asked with astonishment.

Spike hesitantly took a step inside. It was dark, and the air was tainted with a thousand year funk. He turned back to the others who stood frozen by fear and amazement.

“Well? We came all this way, right?”

“Right.” Ember took hold of his hand and walked along with him into the darkness.

“Wait for me!” Twilight dashed inside.

“Oh dear…” Rarity whined. Applejack wrapped rested her arm on her shoulder with a smile.

“Ain’t nothing but a li’l bit of dark, sugarcube.”

Fluttershy swallowed audibly hard, but Rainbow reassured her. “We got this!” She patted Smog’s back. “Lead the way, big guy!” Smog snorted and walked into the darkness.

The air inside was wet, smelling of rain and fresh mud. The darkness was absolute and thick beyond compare. Spike began to question if he was even moving forward through the inky void. Then, a bright red flame burst to life in front of him. He thought it was a torch, so he reached for where the handle would be but nothing was there. Perhaps it was mounted on a wall? He felt around for any solid structure, again finding nothing.

“W-What’s going on?” Fluttershy trembled.

“I don’t know…” Spike said as he reached out towards the flame. Inches away from touching it, it jumped to his hand and began spreading around his body. “Ahh! Put it out! Put it out!” He cried.

Ember began beating on him with her wings, surprised to find that it was no warmer than a lover’s embrace. “Spike, look.”

He held his hand above the flame creeping up his arm. Soon it jumped to Ember as well. “What do you think it is?” Twilight reached for Ember, but Smog held her back.

“Wait, we don’t know what ‘it’ could be doing…” The flames slowly engulfed the two in a haunting blood red glow. Smog readied for the worst while the others watched in bewilderment, fear, and curiosity. “Do you feel anything?” Smog asked cautiously.

Spike looked at a flame soaked Ember, “It feels like a nice blanket, or a hot bath.” Without warning, the aura of fire surrounding Spike cycled through different levels of fire from red, to yellow, to white, eventually settling on blue.

“Spike!” they cried in fear of him being burnt alive. A loud voice speaking in a forgotten tongue echoed through the darkness as a door appeared before them. The flames left Spike and Ember joining the intense yet inviting light piercing the darkness.

“I think that may be the way, y’all,” Applejack covered her eyes with her hat.

“There’s only one way to find out!” Pinkie leapt from the group and took off, “Last one in is a big ole smelly party pooper!”

“Pinkie!” Smog chased after her becoming engulfed in the light. As her eyes adjusted she couldn’t process what she was seeing. The ceiling stretched to the sky and beyond. There were grass fields were cut by a river flowing from a cascading waterfall, and field was littered with old stone carving of dragons and creatures long since passed.

“Dammit, girl! Don’t go running off-” Smog too was stricken by the beauty of the library, if this were even one to begin with. These walls reminded him of the temples he used to seek refuge in during his travels. “By the flame…”

“I know, right? It’s sooo pretty! Hey guys! Come on!” Soon the others erupted through the door adopting the same twitterpated gaze that befell Smog and Pinkie. If there were ever more of a whimsical moment, this would be it.

“Whoa…” Rainbow sighed.

Though it was beautiful, Twilight was thoroughly disappointed to find a glaring lack of bookshelves.

“Hello…” the voice spoke again, breaking everyone out of their daze.

“Who’s there?” Ember asked with apprehension.

A stout ghostly dragoness appeared before her sending chills down her spine as she fell in the grass.

“Ghost!” Fluttershy yelped hiding behind Applejack.

“The better question is, who are you? I only gave the dragon lord permission to gain entry.” All eyes fell on Spike.

“They are my… caravan! They’ve assisted me in reaching this..?”

“This is the Crypt of Dogul,” She spoke proudly.

“So, no library then?” Twilight whined.

“There are stores of knowledge here from every age of dragon history.”

Twilight suppressed a squeal of joy. “Where is the knowledge kept?”

The dragoness pointed to her temple with a cheeky smile.

“Wait a second. I do not mean to be rude or intrusive, but a ‘crypt’? We’re in a mass grave??” Rarity gagged.

“This is the ancestral home of the Gyohst. Every Gyohst who ever lived has been laid to rest here, and so has their knowledge.” Rarity shuddered at the thought of standing on thousands of dragon corpses. “Once they pass their entire life, all that they did, the ones they loved, everything, rests with them.” The dragoness apparated in front of Spike, “So, my lord, what is it that you seek?”

“Gah!” Spike jumped, causing her to raise her brow in confusion. “Sorry, you startled me.”

“Apologies my lord. What is it that you seek?”

Spike looked at his friends who in turn looked to him, “We are looking knowledge of this land’s past.”

“Excellent!” she tittered. “This way, Dragon Lord Avaar.”

“Actually, my name is Spike.”

She stopped, halting the group as she did. “I do not mean to intrude, my lord, but your name is Avaar.”

Spike frowned and spoke authoritatively, “No, my name is Spike.”

“With all due respect, my lord, I have knowledge of everything past. I am telling you that your name is Avaar.”

“Knowledge of my past? What are you talking about?” His voice grew ever more defensive. Spike racked his brain trying to figure out what this crazy ghost lady was saying. There was no way she knew of who or what he was. “No… no, no, no, no. You’re trying to trick us.”

“Spike?” Ember asked attempting to calm him.

A cold frown grew on the dragoness’s brow as she approached Spike. Everyone stood at the ready to defend against this ethereal threat. “This is sanctum a for those who seek knowledge and truth. I will tell you once again, my lord; your true identity is, Avaar. I peered deep into your soul and have seen a purposeful ignorance. An ignorance that will not be tolerated!”

She rose into the air, and with a snap of her fingers, the entire area flooded with inky darkness. “W-What’s going on?” Fluttershy fearfully whined.

“I don’t know, but be ready for anything,” Smog replied, not at all sure what was about to transpire. Then, the dragoness let out a sickly, bloodcurdling howl as the floor began to violently quake and buckle. Rainbow and Ember tried to take to the air, but the darkness was too thick to tell what was up or down. As the floor continued to rumble and jitter. Cracks appeared one by one burning with a light as red as the depths of hell.

The dragoness appeared several times larger completely drenched in flames. “Since you wish to ignore the truth, you can burn in your ignorance!” Her loud, bass-heavy voice sent shockwaves through the ensemble as the floor gave way, swallowing them whole.

~^^^^^~

Rarity groaned, feeling a sharp pain radiating from her ankle. It was dark and dusty. No one else was in sight, and she was more than certain that she was covered head to toe in dust and debris. She sat up, the pain shot through her entire leg causing her to yelp.

“Who’s there?” A familiar voice called out.

“Applejack? Applejack! I’m over here!” Rarity called, lighting her surroundings with her horn. Applejack rushed over and slid to a halt by Rarity’s side.

She frantically inspected Rarity from head to swollen ankle. “Damn! Are you okay?”

“It’s nothing more than a sprain, Darling.” Applejack gave her a worried frown that Rarity found all too adorable. “I’m going to be okay, well, I will be once we find our way out of here.” They were surrounded in perpetual darkness save the light coming from Rarity’s horn.

“Well, we won’t find nothin sittin around here.” Applejack lifted Rarity bridal style and began carrying her off. The void around them was so thick that the light coming from Rarity barely illuminated the ground below them. Every step felt as if she was playing chicken with death. The further she walked, the lighter their surroundings became. The light didn’t come from a single point, rather it came from all around bathing them, in a bluish orange glow. Then they found themselves in a corridor lit by torches of orange and white flames. Something called to them,told them that this was the path they should take. So onward they went.

~^^^^^~

For another group, there was a different story. Four friends fell into a vast room with walls that touched the edge of space. It was quiet save for the occasional drip of water on the rocks. Smog bursted out of the water taking in a gallon of air. He looked around for any other signs of life. Nothing… only him in this deep pool of water. He mourned the loss of his newfound friends, but if he was to survive he needed to find a way out now.

“Smog!” a coughing voice called. He turned to it, relieved to see Pinkie, and Fluttershy resting on nearby exposed rocks. He swam to hem and as he drew nearer he noticed another pony. This one blue and unmoving. He picked up his pace, swimming with all of his might until he pulled up on the rocks finding an unconscious Rainbow.

“Is she okay?” he asked while inspecting her for any wounds.

“She’s still breathing…” Fluttershy moaned with worry. “I thought she was,” Fluttershy swallowed at the thought of Dash passing away, “I’m glad she’s still alive.”

Smog looked to the pink mare fiddling with her wet shirt, “Pinkie?” She jumped and looked at him with fearful eyes, something Smog thought he’d never see from the exuberant mare. “Are you alright?”

“Y-Yeah,” she shook, “I’m okay, Smogy.” He reached out to her, surprised when she flinched at his touch. Even though her constant shouting and bounding were annoying as hell, he prefered that over this.

Smog grabbed her arm and spoke with compassion, “Pinkie… please.” Tears quickly filled her blue eyes as she buried herself in Smog’s chest.

Smog didn’t speak, partly because dealing with emotions was a major learning curve, and also because he felt nothing he could say would help.

“I was so scared when I saw Dashie sinking!” she sobbbed. “She wouldn’t breathe or move. I thought she was gone…” She held him tighter, sobbing even louder into his soaked armor. Her loud cries echoed through the waterlogged room, filling the atmosphere with a sense of dread and hopelessness. He hadn’t a clue where they were, or where any of the other’s were for that matter.

Pinkie sniffled and pulled away from him. “Thank you, Smog…”

“You don’t have to-”

“Nope!” she hopped to her feet, her cheery self returning. “You’re a good grumpy friend.” She pulled out a pair of Pinkie Pie’s Patented Party Pepper, or binoculars to common folk, and searched around the massive room. While she did so, Smog watched over Fluttershy and Rainbow. Fluttershy was the most intriguing to him. For someone who is so skittish, how did she ever work up the courage to come all this way? Well, he was one for three with this consoling thing. Maybe he could get through to her also.

“Fluttershy.” she looked up at him, one eye covered by her wet bangs. “Are you okay?” She shifted her gaze away and sneezed at the cold. Smog moved next to her and awkwardly hugged her from the side. “I am not remotely good with helping those who are in mental or emotional turmoil, but I don’t want to see any of you feeling melancholic or defeated. What I’m trying to say is, we’ll find the others and we will get out of here.”

Fluttershy looked up at him and sniffled, “Okay…”

“Hey guys!” Pinkie sprang up with glee. “I think I found a way out.”

She handed Smog the oversized pink binoculars and pointed to a tunnel that was partially submerged. “That’s good and all, Pinkie, but how are we going to get there?” She pulled a long balloon from her bosom and began to work furiously until she fashioned a colorful boat before them. “How the hell…?”

“Just a trick or two I learned from, Party Favor.” She jumped into the boat breaking the mirror like image in the water. “And it can hold a full, Pinkie!”

Smog learned a long time ago not to question this mare yet here he was again. Well, it was more of a way out than he had. Fluttershy shambled over and tried to get into the boat, but it kept escaping from the shore Smog rushed over and held it in place while she climbed aboard. He then turned his attention to the unconscious Rainbow. He lifted her carefully from where she lay, looking down on her with worry and longing. “We’ll get out of here; I promise.” He stepped on the boat, still cradling rainbow.

“Alrighty, here we go!” The balloon dingy sprang to life with a motor powered by potatoes for all Smog knew. As they neared the tunnel, the torches that lined the sides burned with a black, blue, yellow, and pink flame. “Ooh, that’s pretty,” Pinkie gushed as they sailed away.

~^^^^^~

Spike lay on his back surrounded by rubble and pinned down by a piece. There was a bright light coming from above, but it didn’t cast onto his surroundings. He’d been like this for Celestia knows how long. The pain stymied his advances, but he needed to know where he was and how to find his friends. He prayed that they fared better than he right now. Speaking of his friends, this piece of rubble that had pinned him to the ground began to move and groan.

“Owww…” she whined lifting herself up on Spike’s chest.

“Twilight?”

“Looks like you broke my fall, buddy,” she chuckled weakly.

“Where’s Ember?”

Twilight lit her horn, parting the darkness. Nothing but rubble surrounded them, except for a misshapen lump on the edge of her light. “Ember?” The lump wriggled and shifted. Spike nearly threw Twilight off him, and crawled towards the object.

“Ember…?” Spike tenderly caressed her cheek bringing the dragoness back to the realm of the living

“Hey, Spike…” she wearily groaned. Spike pressed his forehead against hers, laughing in relief. “Where are we?”

“We fell,” Spike answered.

Ember blinked several times, “We did?”

“Yeah, don’t you remember?”

“She may have hit her head,” Twilight said.

Spike nodded and turned his attention to their surroundings, “That is a good question though. Where are we?”

“We are most likely still in the library, but on a lower level? Stay with Ember, I’ll try and find a way out.”

“Wait!” Spike grabbed her arm. “You don’t know the way out. I can barely see in this place.”

“I don’t trust Ember to move. Someone has to find out where we are.”

“Then at least let me come with you!”

Twilight gave him that look of, seriously.

“Right…”

“Stay with Ember. I’ll be back.” The light cascading down from above didn’t aid in her search at all. Every step she took felt like she was putting a foot in her grave. The further she meandered, the thicker the darkness felt. She had gone far enough. She turned to face herself dressed in her royal fatigues.

“What the heck?”

“This is who you’ve become, but this isn’t the real you, is it?” Her double spoke with a smirk.

Twilight’s mind couldn’t begin to process what she was seeing.

“You know who you are, but there is a truth that you’ve been suppressing for years, Twilight Sparkle.” Her double presented her hand. “Come with me, and I’ll show you the truth of who you are and what you will be.”

Twilight felt compelled to follow despite her initial worry. She took hold of her doppelganger's hand. As soon as she did, veins of fire as black as a void snaked up her arm quickly overwhelming the alicorn. “Spike! Help me-” was all she managed to get out before she became one with the darkness.

Meanwhile, Spike sat by Ember’s side waiting for Twilight to return. “Does she know where she’s going?” asked Ember.

“I don’t know. She can’t have gone too far, given that I can’t see more than a foot ahead of me,” he held the fire burning in his claw above the ground, “Still, there could be anything out there…” He rose to his feet and started off to where he believed he saw Twilight go last. This darkness felt alive, as if it were thinking and watching.

“Why do you deny it?” A ghostly voice whispered. Spike whipped around expecting to find someone or something, but he was met with nothing other than the void.

“You know who you are.” Another deeper voice spoke through the inky dark. Spike looked around nervously. The lack of light hindering his sense of direction. “Stop lying to yourself!” A cacophony of voices boomed through the darkness.

After their echoes ceased, the true black of the void set in. He believed it to have snuffed out his fire, but as he looked to his claw it was still shining bright. “Perhaps you need… motivation.” A bloodcurdling scream pierced his ears coming from where he left Ember. WIthout any thought he dashed off towards where he left her, not sure if he was moving forward. “Ember! Twilight!” he cried in desperation. He spun in an endless circle his mind beginning to deteriorate until he saw a point of white light. He sped towards the light, but it didn’t move nor increase in magnitude. He had to make it. He had to know where he was.

“Accept what you do not know. Step into the light...”

7. Who You Really Are p.3: Love in the Dark

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Applejack awoke face-down in inky darkness; all she could tell was that it was cold and wet. Nothing but an endless void and soft whimpering surrounded her. She rose to her feet as quickly as she could, trying her best to shake off the weight of whatever injuries she might have sustained. Her leg pulsed with a sharp, stabbing pain while a duller one throbbed in her back. Her head swam in dizziness that was worsened by the disorienting void before her.

The whimpering began again, not only louder this time, and daintier? She began limping towards the noise, quickening as it grew louder. Even in the heavy darkness, she could see the radiant glow of Rarity’s pale fur. “R-Rarity?” Applejack called to her. She saw that her eyes were bloodshot red, drenched in running mascara and tears.

“Are ya alright, sugarcube?”

Rarity shook her head before weakly taking hold of Applejack’s hand, guiding it to her protruding bone. Before Applejack made contact, Rarity winced in anticipation. As Applejack thought of how to help her, Rarity shook and trembled..

“Damnit…” Applejack muttered. “Do ya think Fluttershy fell down here with us?”

Rarity shook her head again. Applejack had few to no options. What she had to do next could save Rarity, but it would also introduce her to a world of pain that no one should have to endure. “Darlin’, you aren’t gonna like this, but before I get you outta here, I gotta set the bone and bandage the wound.”

Rarity’s eyes shot open in worry as she violently shook her head.

“I know, I know. It’s gonna hurt more than a red hot brandin’ iron.” Applejack ripped off part of her shirt to use as a bandage, terrifying Rarity to the point to where she tried to scuttle away. Applejack tore off another bit of her shirt, exposing her stomach to the cold surrounding them.

She rolled the newly-torn piece and presented it to Rarity. “Bite down on this.” Rarity swallowed hard, then took the bit of Applejack’s shirt firmly in her maw. Without warning, she snapped Rarity’s ankle straight, cringing at the high pitched wail of pain that erupted from the frantic fashionista.

She went to work quickly, tying off the section of skin that had been torn open by the bone underneath. Rarity lay on her back, digging her teeth so deep into the cloth she could feel her jaws ache.

“Sorry, sugarcube.,” Applejack sighed It’s easier to do when they don’t suspect it comin’.” She looked out into the darkness, wondering just how in twenty levels of tarnation was she going to get her and a crippled unicorn out of here?

“A-Apple… jack…” Rarity could barely force out the words.

“I’m here, Rarity.”

“Wh-Where are w-we…” she wheezed.

“I don’t know… and I’d rather not stick around to find out.” She lifted Rarity and held her bridal style despite her friend’s protests, proceeding into the impenetrable black. Rarity used what few ounces of strength that she could muster to light their way, but it wasn’t nearly enough. Every step forward introduced her to a new world of excruciating pain. She wanted desperately to tell Applejack to try and lighten her heavy steps. At this rate, she wouldn’t make it another yard.

Applejack pressed on despite the crippling pain radiating through her entire body. “Strong as an apple tree,” she chanted to herself again and again, a mantra she adopted on nights spent lamenting her losses.

After some time walking, Applejack stopped, her whole body quivering with each hard and heavy breath. Rarity suddenly felt nothing keeping her up of falling for an instant then made contact with the hard ground.

“Applejack! What the hell?” she cried in agonizing pain. Applejack’s only replies were labored breaths.

“Applejack?” Rarity called into the void. She frantically shuffled around until her hands landed upon straight, coarse hair.

“Applejack…” Her voice dropped to a desperate, somber whine. She laid across her back listening for her heart. It beat a thousand miles a minute, blending with her heavy breathing. Rarity fanned her hands towards Applejack as best as she could. Dealing with fainting ponies was a speciality she’d never admit to be a master at.

>>>>>>>>>>>>

Rarity looked on into the blackness, or at least she thought she did. The darkness was so prevalent and disorienting that it had gotten to where she couldn’t tell if her eyes were open or not.. All she knew her leg was broken, but the pain had become so intense she couldn’t feel anything. This didn’t seem real to her. It was a cliche to think that the situation was just a dream that you couldn’t wake from, but she felt it wouldn’t be that far of a stretch.

Applejack began to groan and cough. “Applejack?”

“Ughh…” Applejack groaned. “Rarity? Where are ya…”

“I’m right here, darling,” Rarity said, reaching for her. She fumbled in the dark, but eventually found the farmpony’s rough hands.

“S-Sorry ‘bout droppin ya…” Applejack strained.

“I was just about to ask, what happened?”

“I… my body gave up on me. I think I messed up something fierce when we fell down here.”

“Are you okay?” Rarity asked tenderly.

“I need a moment. How long was I out?”

Rarity sighed and closed her eyes. Applejack forced herself up and sat with Rarity propped against her. Rarity began to think of all that she left back home; Sweetie, her parents, her business...it would all be lost. It seemed rather odd that acceptance would set in before regret. Though she was young, she’d lived a nice life surrounded by her friends and family. Mares who were ninety and on their death beds sometimes didn’t even have that luxury. And at least Applejack would comfort her in her passing.

Applejack, on the other hand, couldn’t bear the thought of never seeing her family again. Too many Apples had passed, and she did not think she’d be one of them, especially not this soon. Mac, Brae, Granny, Applebloom, all of them...they wouldn’t know what happened to her. She’d be nothing more than a cherished memory, just like her parents and so many others.

Tears began pooling in her eyes and she cursed herself for breaking so easily. “Applejack?” Rarity asked softly.

“Y-Yeah?” Applejack fought through the choking tears.

“We aren’t getting out of here… are we?”

“We will! We just need to… no. No, I don’t think we are…” Silence calmly washed over the two. Applejack wiped away her tears and sniffled, catching Rarity’s attention.

“Are you crying, Applejack?” Applejack didn’t answer, instead attempting to mask her soft whimpering. Rarity turned and hugged her from behind, and Applejack tenderly held her arms as more tears streamed down into the darkness.

“Sorry…” she sniffled. “I… I never thought this would be the way I went,” she chuckled softly. “I wish I could at least tell the others goodbye…”

Rarity hugged her tighter, squeezing Applejack’s bruised body. Seeing as it would be the last kind touch she would ever feel, she turned and embraced Rarity tightly. Rarity nuzzled deep into Applejack’s warm embrace, prepared to live out the final moments of her life being swaddled by the mare that she loved.

“It is time… tell her…”

“What?” Rarity flicked her ears curiously.

“Hmm?”

“Nothing, dear. I think the blood loss is starting to have an effect…”

Applejack’s heart ached at the news. The thought of losing Rarity doubled the pain she felt both physically and mentally. She hugged Rarity even tighter, refusing to let anything take her away.

“Utilize your element… tell her…”

“Pardon?” Applejack asked, looking around.

“What is it, darling?”

“I thought I heard somethin’ too. Must be losing my mind…”

“What did it say?”

“‘Tell her’, but I don’t have the slightest clue what that’s s’posed to mean.”

Rarity shifted in Applejack’s embrace, pulling up to where she believed her face was. “Well, there is something that I’ve been meaning to tell you…”

“Oh?” Applejack snorted curiously.

“Yes, I… we…” Rarity sighed. “We’ve known each other our whole lives, right?”

Applejack rubbed her chin. “Yeah, we have, I reckon.”

“And spending these last few years with you has been… very nice.” Rarity soon felt her chest tighten and her leg throb. “And, over that time,” she started, ignoring the pain creeping up her thighs, “I have grown quite fond of you… very fond…”

Applejack swallowed hard, unsure of what to say. Rarity confessing at a time like this did no favors to her already breaking heart.

“And, well,” Rarity cleared her throat, “I’m happy that I get to spend however much time I have left with you.”

Applejack struggled to find anything that she could say. She did love Rarity much more than any other mare, but when it comes to expressing that love, she knew that a wall could give a more comprehensive answer than herself.

“Are you alright, darling?” Rarity asked with worry.

“Well, I… I don’t know what to say. Don’t get me wrong, Rarity! I like you too… but...” She groaned. “You know I’m not good with feelins and such.”

Rarity giggled and nuzzled deep into Applejack’s chest, “I know, darling…” Familiar silence returned in full. Applejack looked around, wondering what was supposed to happen. She did what the voices told her. Did she miss something? Or was it her own damaged body stressing her mind?

“Applejack…”

Applejack looked down at the mare in her arms. Even in the darkness, she could feel those wistful blue eyes penetrating her own. Rarity rose higher, and placed her hands on Applejack’s shoulders.

“Rarity…?” Applejack’s voice was the last thing Rarity heard before she skillfully met her lips.

They always say that a kiss feel electric, or like a lustful burning fire that burns hotter every second. For Rarity, it was a wave of bottled up emotions, regrets that crashed over her in a tsunami of sadness. Every fiber of her being tormented her for not confessing sooner. Applejack’s rough breath lapping against her face and her strong hands securing her was a delicacy that she knew she’d love, but still hesitated to taste.

Applejack, on the other hand, played through all of the memories that they had shared. Adventures, sleepovers, flirting, everything compounded into a shower of bittersweet bliss. She cursed herself for not telling Rarity before their lives hung in the balance. Her curves felt exquisite and almost forbidden to handle and caress. The way her delicate seamstress hands groped her muscle sent shivers of pleasure and regret through her collapsing body.

Once their confession was broken, they could see each other as clear as day, even as they were still lost in a sea of ink.

“I-I love you, Rarity!” Applejack proclaimed, much louder than she had wished.

“I love you too, Applejack,” Rarity whispered, fighting back tears.

Applejack suddenly felt the exhaustion and pain catch up to her, falling to the ground with Rarity still in her arms. And there they stayed, until sleep claimed them.

>>>>>>>

“Wake up… come on. You’ve done it! You must wake up.”

Applejack’s eyes shot open, met by a blazing sun and clouds lazily drifting overhead. She sat up in an instant, only to find herself in a meadow adorned by a single tree. Rarity was still sound asleep. Her eyes danced over the dry blood caked on her white fur.

There was nothing in the meadow besides themselves and the tree. Straining, she rose to her feet and started towards the tree. Even from here, she could smell the sap on the wind and hear the sound of the leaves quietly dancing.

“It is beautiful, is it not?”

Applejack made an owl-like turn of her head, finding the short fat dragoness that trapped them there.

“You!” Applejack tried to attack, but pain stayed her feet.

“I am not here to harm you, Applejack.” She floated by Applejack and plucked a spiked fruit from the tree. “My kind believed that true power could be awakened when one was true to themselves. Nothing is more damaging than a lie… I am certain you know that, yes?”

Applejack’s element appeared around her neck. “What’re ya gettin’ at…?”

“All of you are strong together, but your secrecy and lies will never let you become any closer. Truth offers disambiguation and trust. Just as you and your friend demonstrated.”

Applejack glanced back at the still-sleeping Rarity. “What now? Are we trapped here forever?”

“No,” the dragoness responded simply as she plucked another fruit.

“Then how do we get out of here?”

A door of pure light appeared before her. “That is the exit.” She handed Applejack the fruits. “Eat these: one for you and the other for your friend.” She began to disappear.

“Wait! Where are our friends?”

“They have their own trials to face, Applejack. If they have passed, you will find them…” With that, she disappeared, leaving Applejack riddled with questions. She looked to the door then down at the fruit in her hands. It was tough and rubbery. She raised it to her maw and took a bite. Never in her life would she have said that a fruit was spicy, but the foreign draconic morsel was burning her mouth. It was bitter and had the texture of sand, but she fought through and swallowed it.

Suddenly, she felt revitalized. Her pain had vanished, and she even felt as if she had a full night's rest. Her eyes fell on the fruit again. With a smile, she darted towards Rarity, screaming, “Ye-haw!”

Sliding, to a halt in front of Rarity, she gently woke her. “Rarity, get up! Get up!”

“Hmmm?” Rarity asked weakly. “Applejack? Applejack! Where are we?”

“We’re still in the library, but look!” She pointed to the door.

“What is that?”

“Our way outta here!” Applejack beamed.

“How- Ah!” Rarity winced as Applejack looked down at her leg once again.

“Here, eat this; it’ll make it all better.”

Rarity looked at the fruit, then up to Applejack. “Applejack… how do you know all of this?”

“The dragoness we saw when we first came here showed up, and she told me that we passed some kind of test. We had to tell the truth…”

“The truth about what?”

Applejack blushed. “I’m not sure, but I have an idea.”

“So, we’re still in the library?”

She nodded.

“And that light over there is our way out?”

Applejack nodded with an, “Eeyup.”

“Well, what are we waiting for? Pick me up, darling!”

“Wait, eat this.” Applejack handed her the extra fruit.

“Why?”

“The dragon lady gave it to me. It heals you. Trust me.”

Rarity sighed and took the odd spiky ball. She took a bite, but spat it out due to the odd flavor and texture. “What in Equestria is this foul thing?” she gagged.

“I know it ain’t the best tasting thing, but look at me!” Applejack did a perfectly executed swivel kick, followed by a roundhouse.

Rarity swallowed hard before taking another bite. As she chewed the vile mush, she fanned away the tears that formed from the taste. After swallowing as much as she could, she spat out the rest.

Suddenly, she felt the bone in her leg moving on its own. She hastily removed the rag and watched as it settled back into place, even going as far as closing the skin that ruptured when it broke.

Rarity shivered at the disgusting display, choking back a flood of vomit.

Applejack kneeled down next to her. “Does it still hurt?”

Rarity rolled her ankle; no pain. She lifted her leg; no pain. With Applejack’s help, she rose to her feet and even put pressure on it; minimal pain, akin to a minor twisted ankle.

“Wh-Wha-”

“I told ya’, sugarcube,” Applejack said with a big toothy grin, “I can still carry you if you want me to…”

Rarity smiled, then kissed Applejack’s cheek. “Come on, let’s get out of this place.” Rarity held out her hand. Applejack took it, and they walked into the light together.

Power Struggle

by Regis-Th3-Lesser

1. You're Not in Equestria Anymore

2. The Harsh Reality

3. A Few Right Steps

4. You Forget Where You Are

5. Priorities

6. So It Begins

7. Who You Really Are p.1: The Ruins of Tennith

7. Who You Really Are p.2: Welcome to the Library

7. Who You Really Are p.3: Love in the Dark