For two days, Spike and Daring Do flew in the hot air balloon. It was a slow flight, they were traveling by balloon after all. Yet they managed through it.

They filled their time with...getting to know each other. Not just physically. Spike and Daring were learning a lot about each other's past, while hoping to make a future.

They had to do something, they were trapped on the hot air balloon after all. When they had jammed the steering device, it had stayed jammed. Neither were able to do a thing about it, and they would hate to just abandon it.

"I still can't believe you want to blame her for the thing getting stuck." Daring chuckled. "It was your idea."

"I know." He admitted. "But it's Pinkie Pie, no pony can account for her."

"Sure." Daring drawled with a roll of her eyes. Apparently, she had yet to be acquainted with the mysteries of a certain pink pony.

Suddenly, the balloon began to halt and land a little distance away from a unique kingdom. They got out to fly closer, that was when Daring was able to make it out.

"Hey, I know were we are." Daring stated. "That's the Crystal Empire."

"You ever been?" Spike asked.

"No, I've only heard of this place." Daring answered. "I only heard that the Elements were here when it returned after a curse was lifted." She turned to him. "Have you been?"

"A few times." Spike answered. "Is that all you heard?" .

"Is there more?" She asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Oh, you'll see." Spike stated, trying to hold down his smile.

Once Spike and a disguised Daring entered the kingdom, she noticed the ponies.

They were unique in appearance, causing A.K to realize how they got it's name. But that wasn't the most shocking part.

The bowed to Spike as he passed.

It's the opposite of Ponyville. She thought.

In Ponyville, there was an air of nervousness and awkwardness. Here, Spike walked openly as the Ponies admired him.

"Okay." She caved. "What is going on here?" She asked. "Why are ponies bowing to you?"

Spike cracked the largest smile she had ever seen on his face as he leaned on a statue and pointed up. She followed his finger and whistled in appreciation. It was a statue of the baby dragon.

Well, can't let it go to his head. She thought. "You were so chubby."

Spike and Daring Do decided to settle in a small place as he told her his story.

"You almost ate those ponies' only hope of freedom?" She asked, her voice mixed with shock and laughter. "Just, wow Spike."

"Not one of my proudest moments." He admitted under his blush.

"But it led to one of his greatest achievements." A new voice added.

Spike and Daring turned to see Shining Armor and Cadence, the Prince and Princess of the Kingdom.

"Well, two of them." Shining stated. "If he hadn't saved the kingdom, he wouldn't have been able to save the ponies during the Equestria games and light the fire for it." He added. "So three."

"Wow." A.K. nodded in approval.

"Hello Shining, Cadence." Spike greeted. "How have you two been?"

"Fine Spike." Cadence answered. "Who's your friend?"

"This is A.K Yearling." Spike introduced. "She's my...uh, my..." Spike couldn't stop his stuttering, or blush.

He'd never had a mare he needed to introduce like this.

"I'm his mare-friend." She finished for him. "Or at least I better be after all the thing's he did to me."

"Uuuhhhh..." He blushed so hard, he nearly changed colors.

"Interesting?" Princess Cadence spoke. "He any good?"

"Yes." A.K answered.

"Okay, I think he's had enough." Shining stated.

"Thank you." The dragon mumbled.

"So, to what do we owe the pleasure of your visit?" The prince asked. "It can't be for a date, is it?"

"We took a ride in a hot air balloon." Spike stated. "It belonged to Pinkie Pie."

"Ah, I understand." He did.

"You too?" A.K asked in disappointment. "I refuse to believe this Pinkie Pie is some kind of unparalleled enigma unless something happens in the next five seconds."

RRROOOOAAAAARRRRRR

In the distance, they could see a large white dragon making it's way towards the Chrystal Empire.

"Don't say anything Spike." A.K ordered.

"Oh no." Shining paled.

"What's going on?" Spike asked.

"Everything will be fine, we can handle it." Princess Cadence stated.

"But-"

"We can handle it!" She repeated.

Spike turned to Shining Armor who just sighed.

"It started a while back..."

FLASHBACK

Shining Armor and Princess Cadence were enjoying there rule. There ponies were safe and happy. There was peace in their kingdom. Every pony was flourishing under them.

What more could kind rulers ask for?

But peace could only last so long.

A roar shook the kingdom that they ruled, from the distance they could see a figure approaching. In their panic, the citizens ran around without order.

A second roar echoed across the land, carrying a word they could barely make out. With it came a since of fear. It was so overwhelming, so primal, that they had to obey it.

They had to flee.

As the beast landed, he called out for all to hear.

"I am a dragon of hunger!" He shouted. "What do you offer me to allow you continued existence?"

FLASHBACK END

"I don't know why we submitted, we were just so scared." Shining stated, with great shame. "I felt helpless."

That made no sense to Spike, he knew Shining Armor was no coward. Shining Armor was Captain of the Royal guards for crying out loud. He stared down any challenge that he faced, it was baffling.

"Why not use the Crystal Heart?" A.K asked. "I heard it was made to protect every pony in the kingdom."

"It only works after it's been filled." Cadence answered. "It's no use when the ponies are too afraid, more so than when Sombra was around."

"Even our strongest shields are useless." Shining stated. "He can't break through, but he's relentless. We need to rest eventually and the dragon can wait for a long time and attack at random."

"Did the dragon shout anything?" A.K asked. "Words that he may have repeated."

The two rulers took a moment to think the answer over in their heads before nodding.

"Whenever we feel that fear, it's after he shouts a word." Shining stated. "What was it?"

"It was...Faas." Cadence answered.

"Fear." Spike stated automatically.

"What?"

"That word, it's dragon for fear." Spike explained, only to confuse himself. How do I know that, I've never spoken in dragon a day in my life. He decided to voice his thoughts.

"The Princesses did say that dragon's learned the Thu'um on instinct." Daring stated.

"Yeah, but-"

Whatever he was going to say was cut off by the ground shaking as the large dragon landed.

"I have returned!" The dragon shouted. "What do you offer me?!"

Shining Armor, taking his Captain demeanor, instantly took action.

"Guards!"

"What are you doing?" Spike asked.

"I'm going to defend my kingdom." Shining answered.

His guards were already prepared, and so was he. It seems he kept them in peak condition, expect nothing less from the former Captain of the Royal guards.

"That's a bad idea." Spike spoke as he grabbed a quill and paper. "I'll call Princess Celestia for-."

He never finished, Shining Armor tore the letter from his hand.

"We'll handle it on our own." Shining stated.

"But-"

"Please Spike." Princess Cadence spoke. "We need to prove to the Princesses and the crystal ponies that they're safe here. That we can protect them as rulers should."

"I see." A.K spoke mumbled.

Spike turned to her, she gave a subtle shake of her head. He'd hold off on the letter.

As it turned out, Shining Armor and Cadence were against Spike and A.K assisting them in their dragon problem.

They were left to watch everything from a balcony in the castle, they had a perfect view.

They watched as the small battalion approached the large dragon.

Now that the creature was closer, Spike and A.K could get a good look at him.

He wasn't completely white, just his upper part. His spines, as well as his underbelly and wings were pink.

He looks familiar. Spike thought. "I need to get closer."

"What?" His mare-friend asked.

"Because...I think I know that dragon." He answered.

Spike, A.K and the Crystal rulers made their way towards the dragon, closely followed by a small battalion.

They arrived to a line of ponies, each carrying an array of gems. Once the ponies in line laid their eyes Spike, they stopped their offering.

As they did, many of the crystal ponies began cheering towards Spike.

"Spike is here to save us!" And so on.

"These pony's seem to have a high opinion of you." A.K stated.

"He is their hero." Shining stated. "Are you sure wish to join us, it could get dangerous. It would have been safer to stay in the castle."

Spike and A.K shared a secretive look before laughing. It confused the royal couple, but they decided not to question it.

"It's okay, I'm accustomed to danger." She assured as she raised her disguise, showing her Cutie Mark, before trotting towards the dragon. "But I was never a side-line mare."

Shining Armor's jaw fell when he realized who he had been talking to.

"Spike?" He spoke.

"Yup."

"You're dating Daring Do?"

"Yup."

"That's awesome."

"Yup."

"Why have the offerings stopped?" The dragon demanded.

He had heard the ponies start cheering for some strange reason. He looked to see the cause and saw a purple dragon that looked oddly familiar.

"Hello." Spike greeted. "I am

"Spike, little Spike?!" The dragon stated in shock. "Is that you?"

"...Fizzle?" Spike asked.

"Ye-Spike, what're you doing here?"

"You two know each other?"

"Yeah, I met him during the great migration a few years back." Spike answered.

"Are you searching for the Thu'um here as well?" Fizzle asked.

"You're searching for a Thu'um here?" Spike asked. "Then why are you demanding offerings?"

"To rid these ponies of any and all soul gems." He answered as he motioned to a particular gem on the ground.

It was a light shade of pinkish-purple. Rough and uncut, nothing unique about it from any other gem Spike had seen.

"What's so special about that gem?"

Fizzle stared at the smaller dragon in silence for a moment before shaking his head.

"You really don't know what's going on, do you?" Fizzle asked.

"Enlighten us." A.K spoke.

"I don't expect you to understand pony." He stated. "But a God is awakening."

"A God?" She asked skeptically.

"A God of dragons." He elaborated. "You ponies have your princesses to worship, even we dragons have our rulers." He turned back to Spike. "Even you should know who I'm talking about."

Spike began feeling could as Fizzle spoke. Something in his stomach didn't seem to be settling correctly, making him feel nauseous.

"Alduin." Spike whispered.

"Alduin, who's that?" A.K asked. I've heard that name before, but where?

"He is the one that will bring back the Age of dragons to these stinking pony land, and all others." Fizzle answered with admiration. "And we'll stand there beside him."

We? A.K thought.

"We came to discuss you leaving." Spike spoke. "These ponies want nothing more to do with you."

"You're going to have a discussion with me?" Fizzle asked.

"Yeah." Spike answered.

"Fine."

Before Spike knew what happened, Fizzle took the smaller dragon by the neck with his larger claws. He lifted Spike from the ground and sent him directly into the air.

Spike managed to right himself while in midair and stay there.

"So you learned to fly." Fizzle stated while mildly impressed.

"What are you doing?!" A.K shouted.

"This is how we dragons discuss things." He answered. "Through battle!"

He took off towards Spike, making a direct shot for the smaller dragon. While stunned from the blow, Spike quickly caught on to what was happening. Might made right among the dragons.

Spike flew towards the larger dragon with a roar in his throat. He crashed into Fizzled and let his weight plus the added momentum carry the two the ground. The larger dragon wasn't able match the sudden shift in weight fighting against him, so they crash landed in a tangled heap while wrestling with each other.

They quickly untangled only to lung at each other again.

Spike used his smaller size to his advantage. He ducked under the larger dragon and swung his tail. With no way to evade, the larger dragon took the blow face first and staggered from the force for a second. Only for a second.

With a roar Fizzle lunged Spike and caught him in the nape of his neck wit his teeth. He added enough pressure to break through the purple scales and draw blood.

This unnerved Spike. He had never seen his blood, ever. Nothing, even when he was smaller, had ever pierced his scales. Anything that could was obviously avoided. Too see it now and under such circumstances.

Fizzle took advantage of the stunned dragons shock.

He lunged for the smaller dragon with his mouth open, intending to kill. He hadn't expected a lasso to cover his mouth and force in shut. Daring had sprung into action. With her lasso covering his mouth, she flew in the opposite direction, hoping to throw him off balance long enough for Spike to regain his bearings.

With an angry growl, the dragon forced his mouth open, snapping the rope. This caused the mare to lose control of her flight. Fizzle smacked Daring with his tail, forcing the small mare to buckle under the force.

FAAS

He let loose the Shout point blank at the purple dragon and mare.

Daring froze.

Spike was scared. He felt the power wash over him like a cold shower. All he wanted to do was run and hide in a little hole. Away from this dragon, a bigger and stronger dragon.

Dragon...

Why...Why should he be afraid of a dragon. A dragon that can't even beat him without the power of the Shout! And what that dared to use it on his Daring!

Fizzle watched purple dragon faltered under the Shout and entered a type of daze before looking back at Fizzle. Instead of having fear filled eyes, he had look of cruelty in his eyes.

"Did you think I would flee?" Spike asked.

Fizzle noticed something different in the purple dragon. The minute he was hit with the Thu'um, something was switched. Whatever it was, it meant bad news for Fizzle, that much he could tell.

W-What'gs going on?! Fizzle asked in confusion. He should be terrified!

The Dismay Shout, even if incomplete was powerful. The only way that anyone could resist it would be for them to be equal, if not superior to the caster. Was that what was happening? Spike was his equal, or his-

The dragon attacked again with no warning. Intent on proving himself the better, the stronger of the two. He dived forward in a powerful lunge intent to maim if not outright kill.

Spike simply grabbed the dragon by the wrist and held him back. It was a simple power struggle between the two. Fizzle didn't understand, he was the was older, bigger and supposedly stronger dragon. Yet he was slowly being pushed back!

Spike opened his mouth. Instead of the flame Fizzle had been expecting, he was greeted with a loud and terrible voice echoing across his mind.

FAAS. RU.

The words echoed over Fizzle as Dismay washed over the dragon.

H-How does he know more of my Shout?! He thought frantically. How does he know any Shout, he's pony raised?!

"What are you?" Fizzle asked in a hushed voice. "WHAT IN TARTURUS ARE YOU?!

Fizzle looked at the dragon before him in horror as his image began to change.

A shadow was cast over Spike that only Fizzle could see. From it emerged a dragon on intense size and ferocity.

His scales were a black that cast away light itself. They were rough and jagged, comparable to spines covering his entire body. His forearms and wings seemed to be one, a Wyvern dragon.

Then there were the eyes. A crimson red that shined with a familiar greed and boiling rage. They looked at Fizzle as if he were nothing but a bug to be crushed, and that he himself would do it.

I-I need to escape! He thought terrified. I need to get away from here! Away from this monster!

He was going to kill him. This being, this malevolent force! He was going to break Fizzle.

The dragon took a step forward.

"GET AWAY!" Fizzle shouted.

Fizzle began flapping his wings as hard as he could. He needed to get away from this dragon.

He never looked back. He no longer cared about the reason he came to the kingdom. He just wanted to escape.

They watched as the larger of the dragons flee in terror. It wasn't long before the ponies began cheering for their hero.

"Spike, that was incredible!" Shining Armor shouted to his brother, only to go unacknowledged. "Spike?"

The purple dragon took a look over his shoulder at the pony. He gave Shining a simple smile before he collapsed.

"...."

"...Sp..."

"...Spike..."

"Can you hear me Spike!?"

The purple dragon nearly jumped from his scales at the shouting pony. It was Daring Do, behind her were Prince and Princess of the Kingdom.

Apparently while he slept, he had been moved. He was now in the royal chambers, the ruler's bedroom.

"What happened?" Spike asked as rubbed his head.

"What do you remember?" Daring asked.

Spike took a moment to gather his thoughts before he answered.

"I was fighting...Fizzle!" Spike stood up completely, ready for action. "Where is he?"

"Calm down Spike." Shining chuckled. "You ran him away, remember?"

"...No." Spike answered.

So it's just like that time. Daring thought. He act's on instinct, but has no recollection of it.

"It was amazing Spike, how did you win?" The Princess asked. "I don't mean to be rude, but you've never been..." She trailed off as she tried to find the proper word. "Aggressive?"

"I don't know." He admitted. "When he used that Shout on me, I was just so scared, I wanted him...gone. And I thought about how he used it on Daring."

"Well, I think you were forced into a fight or flight, and you chose fight." Daring spoke. "But you instinctively used his own Thu'um against him." Daring explained. "But you used three parts to it. I think it was too much and that's why you passed out." She reasoned as best she could. "So I guess that means that there is a limit to dragon magic."

"So it's over?" Spike asked hopefully. "The Kingdom's safe?"

"No." Daring answered. "I'm sorry to tell you this, but I think the offerings were just a front."

"What?" The three occupants asked in dread.

"When Spike and...Fizzle was it? When they spoke, he said a few things." She explained. "The 'searching for Thu'um' and 'we' were the hints."

"They also mentioned something about a Soul Gem." Spike added.

"He's right." Daring added as she pulled the mentioned gem from her pocket. "Do you know anything about this?"

The Prince and Princess looked at the gem in mild interest before shrugging. It seemed no different than any of the others gems that lay around their Kingdom.

"So there have been other dragons here this whole time and we never noticed?!" Shining asked in frustration.

"Well let's find them." Spike stated as he got out of bed.

"No." Shining spoke. "We thank you for your help, but we can't ask you to solve all our problems. We'll handle it from here."

The Princess of love pulled her husband aside.

"Shining, we need all the help we can get." She whispered. "Please."

"Well Spike is the hero of this place." Daring spoke, overhearing the conversation. "Don't you think he should be allowed to maintain his status?"

The dragon was already out of bed and preparing to leave. Daring was by his side and just as anxious to begin working.

"But you just woke up." Cadence spoke. "At least take some time to rest."

"I'll be find if I can get something to eat." Spike assured with a crooked smile. "Have any gems to munch on?"

It was decided that Spike and Daring would search for the dragons and notify the rulers as soon as they found them. They would try and persuade them to leave, but be prepared if they didn't. While they did, Shining Armor and Cadence would look up any information they could at the archive on Soul Gems.

Even while using Daring Do's experienced tracking skills, finding any of the dragons wasn't easy. Especially when the one they were searching for had wings. But in the end, she relished the challenge.

Spike could only watch in amazement as the mare worked in her natural environment. So sure of herself, just brimming with confidence.

"Spike, I think I've found something." Daring spoke while examining the ground "Yes, I've found them!"

"Are you sure?" he asked, they've hit many dead ends already. Now they were in the middle of an open street.

"Yes." She frowned as she looked at the trail. "Their tracks end here though ."

"Where to?" He asked looking around.

"Well it looks like we'll be putting your claws to use." Daring stated confusing Spike "The dragons are somewhere under us." She spoke pointing her hoof down.

The ground was slightly different from it's surroundings. It had been turned over, obviously some dragon attempted to cover their tracks. Not something a dragon was used to doing, as seen in this amateurs' skill.

Spike flexed his claws in preparation, he was so glad he had them sharpened. I have to remember to thank Daring.

He began clawing away at the ground digging up the dirt piece by piece. Out of the corner of his eyes he saw that Daring hadn't even flinched away from the dirt. Rarity could learn a thing from her. After awhile they found that Spike was digging into an open tunnel. It took awhile but he eventually made a hole big enough for them to enter.

Once inside they saw that the tunnel was actually claw made, and very recent. It was large, large enough for several dragons the same size as Fizzle.

"We might be here awhile." Daring warned.

"Actually, we can find them easily." Spike stated eagerly.

"How-Oh, you have that shout from the Princess." She happily recall.

"Not a Shout, but a whisper." He spoke.

LAAS

The Whisper seemed to echo through the cave like a sonar for Spike. He could see through the walls of the cave at nearly all directions.

"Which way?"

Spike began the search.

They continued down the tunnel, Daring following Spike, who was led by the glow of the Thu'um in silence. The magic was pretty useful, but fleeting. He would have to recast the Shout every ten seconds to get a good reading.

After a few minutes of walking they came into an opening. Daring quickly undid her light and they hid behind a large boulder.

"Hey watch it." A familiar voice growled. "You don't want to damage the crystals."

"Sorry." Another spoke. "Do we have enough now, I'm hungry."

"Yeah Garble." A third spoke. "Don't we have enough?"

Oh buck me. Spike thought annoyed. It's them.

"No, it's not enough, none of them are Soul gem!" Garble shouted in frustration "And what kind of dragon has enough crystals?" They could here the mocking tone in the voice.

There was no reply.

"Spike, what do you plan we do?" Daring asked confidently, ready for action.

Spike didn't answer her immediately. He pulled out the letter he was given as a emergency contact signal. With a small burst of green flame he sent the message to Shining Armor and the other soldiers. Unfortunately that made a flash bright enough for the older dragons to pick up.

"What was that?" Garble asked

Spike and Rarity froze, they didn't have a plan. They were to simply find the dragons and signal the soldiers if they couldn't convince them to leave. Spike knew from experience that Garble wouldn't negotiate with ponies.

"It came from over there."

One of the dragons made his way to the rock they were hiding behind. With barely any visible strain he heaved the boulder from the ground. He tossed it to the side leaving them exposed.

Spike and Rarity looked at the dragons. There was a large dragon with two grey horns. Next, there was a skinnier purple dragon with yellow hair. Finally there was Garble.

"Well well well, what do we have here?" Garble asked "A pony and a pony in a dragon's scales"

Spike took his best soldier stance and fiercest look. Using his most intimidating voice he spoke.

"By order of the rulers of this land." He spoke. "You are ordered to leave."

He sounded pathetic, even to himself. He kept his voice from breaking, but he kept shaking.

The dragons stared at him for a second before laughing. Their laughter was loud and taunting. It really wounded Spike's pride on how long they went on.

"You think we care for some pony rulers." The purple one asked. "We're dragons, we go were we please."

"How would he know that?" The brown one asked. "He's not even a real dragon."

"Have you learned to roar yet?" Garble asked. "Come on let's hear it."

Spike, so angry, didn't think. He took in a deep breath and let out his best roar. It was more pathetic than his failed intimidating voice. It sounded more like a cat than the dragon he was.

There laughter only grew.

"Come on." Garble laughed. "Tell me you can at least make a decent fire."

Now Spike felt a spark of confident grow. Taking another deep breath he reached for his inner flame.

YOL

In a mighty gust he let the emerald fire to consume the three teen dragons.

It was no longer the pathetic flame of a baby dragon. It wasn't enough to really hurt the older dragons, but it did cause them a lot of discomfort. It was enough to finally make them stop laughing.

Daring stepped forward and her wings began to spread menacingly. Spike copied her, preparing for the worse. But they didn't seem to notice him.

"Garble." One of the Dragons spoke. "In that pony's pocket, she has it!"

The dragon was talking about the Soul Gem that Daring had kept with her after the bout with Fizzle. It was in the hooves of a pony. That alone was enough to take away what remained of their humor.

They advanced onto the pony and baby dragon.

"Daring run!" Spike shouted.

The purple dragon and the Pegasus ran down the nearest tunnel. The three larger dragons were gaining. Spike struck the cave walls to get part of the ceiling to fall, hoping to gain some distance for Daring and himself. This made little difference, the dragons were till gaining.

They came to a slope like cliff that had enough boulder and ledges to climb up. At the top was another tunnel that led who knows where, but they were out of options. It would require climbing a pony couldn't do, thankfully Daring could fly. Spike knew this and began to claw his way up beside her, his size not allowing him to fully spread his wings.

The dragons were climbing after them. Why aren't they closer? With their larger size, they should have been able to close the distance quicker. He didn't need to ask, he already knew the answer, they were toying with him and Daring. They were prey in unfamiliar territory.

One of the dragon's opened their mouth and let loose a stream of flame towards the two. It did nothing to Spike, but it caught Daring by the clip of her wing. This through her off too much, forcing her to land on the slope. Unfortunately, a pony's hooves weren't meant for climbing, she began to slide down.

"Spike!" she shouted.

Spike turned to her and saw her slipping and desperately flapping her wings in an attempt to keep up. She was slowly regaining her balance with her hooves, but not fast enough. He saw the dragons making their way to her toward her, mouths open and fangs gleaming.

"No!" He shouted in desperation.

Spike slid down the rock until he made it to Daring. Raising his claws he slashed at Garble's face drawing a trickle of blood. The shock caused him to leaned back with no support.

YOL

Spike unleashed his emerald ball of flame straight into the red dragon's chest. It didn't burn him but the force was enough to knock the unbalanced Garble over. As he tumbled he knocked the other dragons over.

Spike turned to the still struggling Daring before climbing ahead of her. He grabbed her dainty front legs and began to pull. She finally gained a footing and began moving upward.

They ran down a narrow tunnel in hopes of losing the dragons even as they themselves were lost. After moments of running they came to a dead end in the most awful of places.

The dragons laughter could be heard as they entered the area.

I have to do something, I have to protect Daring. He looked toward the Pegasus beside him already preparing for a fight. ...Or she may protect me.

Spike began clawing at the wall that trapped them. If he could just make a hole big enough for himself, then he and Daring could escape. The dragons would have to enlarge it for themselves if they wanted to pursue them.

"Spike look." Daring pointed her hoof.

Spike followed and saw a half buried wall. He began brushing away the dirt, the dragons behind them momentarily forgotten by both. Both his and her mind were enthralled by the find.

"The Thu'um!" The dragons behind him shouted.

It seemed that Spike and Daring had found it for them while they were running. They must have gotten too greedy with the gems around, or searched too hard for the Soul Gem.

"Daring, get behind me." Spike ordered, she didn't object.

He would protect her, his hoard.

The dragon's took one look at the Thu'um and...snarled? They turned their attention back towards Spike and Daring Do.

"What do you plan on doing against us?" The brown one asked "You're just one dragon."

The dragons were standing between them and the escape. It was obvious that they didn't know it was there. They wouldn't have let it sit so long if they did. He knew he wouldn't, he could feel it's pull now that he knew of it.

"I may be a pony-dragon." Spike stated angrily. "But I'm still a dragon, and I'm more dragon than any of you three."

The older dragons stopped in their tracks at Spike's words. The look on their faces was that of shock as if they had been hit by some foul object. Spike knew he hit a nerve with them.

"Spike, what're you planning?" Daring asked. "You'll only make them angrier."

That's the plan.

"I mean look at you three." He motioned to them "Three dragons, teaming up to beat a baby and a pony." They looked at each other "Where is the pride in that?"

That sold it Spike thought as he saw them mentally struggle. If there was anyway to get to a dragon it was through their pride. An insult to that was an insult to their very way of life.

"Fine then." the Garble spoke in an irritated fashion "We'll have to fix that."

They shared a look that made Spike very uncomfortable. It seemed they had forgotten him as Garble advanced toward the mare. The other two had stayed back to watch. Garble was going to kill her because of him.

NO! He knew their plan. He couldn't allow them to go through with it. He needed to get their attention, to get them away from his mare-friend.

Acting out of desperation he dived, not toward the dragons, but behind them. The shock was enough for him to reach the half buried wall. Daring took the hint and used one of her wings to scatter the dirt from the stone.

"This is what you want right?" Spike asked "The Thu'um."

The dragons froze in both anger, fear and self loathing. They couldn't believe they missed the very object they had been searching for. Now it was in the hands of the enemy, a baby dragon.

Then they gave pause. The dragons looked at the word wall and snarled?

"Well, what are you going to do with it?" Garble asked hesitantly "It's useless to a po- dragon like you."

Speak it.

Spike looked for the sound of the voice but only saw the dragons and mare.

"Who said that?" He asked.

"Said what?" the brown one asked.

Speak it.

Spike looked toward the word wall. He nothing but the words of power looking back.

"The wall." Spike spoke in unease. "Is talking to me."

"The wall talked to you?" Daring asked suspiciously. "Spike...what does it say?"

"Spike." Garble called annoyed. "Just give us the crystal."

He called me by my name something was definitely up. He was even ignoring the Thu'um that was in front of them.

"What's so special about these crystals?" Daring asked. Gem over power, dragons aren't that greedy are they?

"As if you ponies need to know!" One of the dragons snapped.

"What's going on?" Spike asked. "Why is this Thu'um wall here, why are you all ignoring it?"

Garble examined the wall with a hint of...disdain?

"That filthy wall doesn't deserve to be called Thu'um." Garble growled. "It's an embarrassment and bane to all dragons."

"Why?" Daring asked. "Thought you all loved power."

"That filth wasn't dragon made, it was made by..."

"Don't bother." Garble began. "He wouldn't understand."

"Dovakinn." Spike whispered.

All the dragons hissed at Spike, or the name if not both. He couldn't tell.

"So, you know something." Garble grumbled.

"A former Dragonborn created it to take on our..." The brown was cut off from a blow from Garble.

"Don't give that kind of info to a pony!" Garble roared.

"Just give us the crystal." The purple one with hair demanded "And die quickly while you still have the chance." It was obvious they were desperate for it. "We'll even give you a dragon's death."

With me you won't need to die at all. The wall spoke. With me you can save the pony.

Every part of Spike was telling him to speak the Thu'um, he wanted to eat it so badly. But he didn't know what it did. It could be something completely useless to the situation. Or it could be too dangerous and he'd be risking Daring's life.

I do want to save her but... Spike thought as he weighed what little options he had. What'll happen?

You'll become more dragon than you could hope on your own.

"...I want it."

Your hoard will be glorious.

"I-I want..."

You will have it all.

"...Spike... want"

"Spike...?" The dragons spoke hesitantly.

"SPIKE WANT!"

Spike couldn't take it anymore, the temptation was too much. He could finally be a real dragon, just like he always wanted.

The purple dragon took a deep breath before releasing it in a powerful shout.

MUL. Strength.

The sensation was almost like nothing he had ever experienced before, it was off. Unlike the sweet temptation of the usual greed. As the word rolled from his mouth, it this was like biting into something completely rancid.

It was anger. Just like in the old castle.

"No!" the teenage dragons shouted in rage and fear.

"You spoke it!" The brown one growled "That's not possible!"

"Why not?" Daring asked.

They turned to the mare. Whatever they planned was cut short by interference.

Spike ran in front of her, to defend her. He looked up and began to growl, it started low and deep but grew. In a matter of minutes it was a mighty roar, the roar of a dragon.

His green spines, which had always been large but dull, turned pitch black and took a slight curve and sharpened as the one on his head lengthened. His outer scales, which were a light purple, became dark black as they hardened. His lime green under scales became a ashen grey. His stubby tail extended and became more snake like. The once white part of his eyes became a feral green but his iris were red and his slitted pupils faded away.

The new form he had was unnerving to the dragons. Spike was a dragon himself, even if he was raised by ponies, had taken a dragon form. It made no sense!

He eyed the older dragons.

They are after one of your ponies.

"No...she's mine." Spike growled. "Mine mine MINE!" Another roar. "And no pony, no dragon takes what is Spikes."

Then show him my... our power.

He took a deep breath a let out a flame like never before. No Shout, just fire. It had the force and heat of a full grown dragon. Even the teenager couldn't stand a fire like that, not from a dragon. Yet it wasn't his emerald green, it was red.

It forced them to run back down the cave they had entered, Spike ran after him. Daring called after him but he couldn't hear her, he was after his prey. Dragons that needed to be reminded of their place. That needed to know who was in charge.

The three teenage dragons came to a halt in the tunnels. They turned to see if Spike was still following them.

"Where is he?" The purple one asked.

Spike, who had been crawling along the ceiling dropped down. He landed on the brown ones back digging his claws into the scales.

The brown dragon roared in pain as Spike pulled his claws out and dug them back in drawing blood. He tried reaching for Spike but the baby stayed out of reach of the claws. The others reached for him but the brown dragon kept thrashing around.

With no other choice the dragon slammed his back into the wall. He kept himself there and added pressure crushing Spike. This forced Spike to let go and fall to his knees.

He stood back up just in time to dodge an upcoming claw.

Spike ran down the tunnel with the three following him. He entered the cave he had first entered and saw what he had missed. The crystals, there were several mounds of crystals.

They laid there for the taking.

For your taking.

"Spike...want!"

He began to change again, a change he had done once before. His body began to grow and stretched, it wasn't painful in fact it was invigorating. It only made him want it to happen again and again and again.

To his disappointment the change had come to an end. The tunnels were too small, he could barely move. He wasn't as big as his first growth but he wasn't far off. At full height he would easily stand over a house.

This is no place for your hoard. The voice spoke. It's far too small.

He needed to get free, to get to the surface.

Spike began to shuffle as he forced his way upward. The earth and stone surrounding him shattered under the strain. With a final push he shattered the cave ceiling drawing in light.

"What is that?" He heard a pony ask in fear.

"It's a dragon!" Another shouted.

They didn't know. He was more than just a dragon.

"I AM," He answered. "THE WORLD EATER!"

Spike looked across the Crystal Kingdom, everything was crystal, even he shined from the crystals. He wanted it all, this would be a glorious place to have a hoard. It practically was a hoard, and it would be his.

Take it.

"I want it!" He roared. "I want it all!"

He saw the dragons still in the cave, he also saw Daring.

Lowering his tail he grabbed her as gently as he could with his knew form. She didn't try to resist, she just stared at him. He placed her safely in his tail before turning to the dragons.

They knew they were Spike's next target, he wouldn't be gentle with them. With no choice they took off flying in opposite directions.

I've caught the Wonderbolts as they flew around me. He thought. Were do they think they'll get?

Spike reached one of his massive claws toward the brown dragon. He was the biggest, slowest and wounded, the obvious choice. Once he was caught the others would follow. A dragon's pride would never allow them to abandon a comrade, no matter how dangerous the situation. They were already turning back to save him.

He felt pain erupt from his back, turning he saw the source. It was the army he had summoned, they were attacking him. They were sending attack spell after attack spell at him.

They should be thanking-No, worshiping you. The voice whispered.

He was protecting them from the other dragons. Yet they attacked him!

Raising his massive claw, he brought it down on them. His efforts were blocked by a barrier quickly thrown up. It was from Shining Armor, even Spike wouldn't try to break that barrier.

"Stand down dragon!" Shining ordered. "Set the pony down and leave."

They want to take your hoard.

Spike responded by roaring. He admired Shining Armor's bravery but he would never surrender his hoard to them. They were ponies, food. He wouldn't give so much as a gem to another dragon.

The two remaining dragons began attacking him from behind. They dived in swiping at him with their claws and trying to burn his thick hide. It was all pointless in the end, his scales were too tough.

Spike took a swipe at them with his free claw but it was difficult. He had a dragon in one hand and a pony army attacking him from behind. There was also the fact Daring was in his tail. No matter how far he was gone, he would remember her.

I need to get her somewhere safe. Looking he saw the perfect place for his perfect gem. The castle, it was perfect, she would be safe there.

He made his way to the castle in the center of the kingdom. Many tried to stop him but his scales were to thick and he just pushed through. Once he reached it he clawed a large hole in the wall. He gently placed her in and turned back to his enemies.

"Dragon, we give you one last chance!" Shining spoke loudly. "Leave or be killed!"

Spike unleashed a wave of his red flame towards Shining and the army. His efforts were stopped by Shining's barrier, it protected every pony. Princess Cadence flew toward his face, protected by the barrier.

"Stop this destruction!" Cadence ordered. "Shining Armor's barrier has never been broken."

That was true, but there was a way around it. Shining Armor's barrier protected all from outside forced in all directions but one.

Underneath.

Raising his massive foot he brought it down with all he could muster. The ground underneath the ponies shook from the force Spike's foot produced. He did so a second time and the ground gave away under them. The barrier finally collapsed as Shining Armor lost his concentration and fell into the tunnels below, Princess Cadence flew straight after him.

Only the Pegasi and skilled Unicorns were able to avoid falling through wings and magic. Unfortunately for the ponies Spike's new body protected him from any damage from falling.

Spike watched as the two dragons and Pegasi flew around him. They moved across the sky with speed and grace. It was because of their wings, well Spike had wings too.

He gave them a few experimental flaps to get a feel of them. Though they were changed and were like knew with the rest of his body, it felt as if he had the for a many lifetimes. They felt powerful, he couldn't wait to use them.

Flapping with all of his strength he began to rise. He rose from the chasm and into the sky above the kingdom.

He looked across the Crystal Kingdom, his kingdom.

Turning back to the army he unleashed another wave of black flames. The Unicorn ponied tried to defend themselves with a barrier but none were as skilled as Shining Armor. Their barriers fell and the ponies that didn't run were burned to ashes under his flames.

He moved in for the Kill.

Before he could something caught his attention. It was shiny, even for the Crystal Kingdom, and he could tell it was magical.

The Crystal Heart.

A part of Spike's mind remembered the gem and it's importance to the ponies. At one time that would have mattered to him. All Spike heard and though was 'crystal' and 'mine', no more needed to be said.Now, all he wondered was would it taste as good as it looked. He made his way toward the Crystal Heart, to claim it as his. Like he would everything in the Crystal Kingdom.

A weak and unsteady barrier surrounded him in the sky. He looked to the source, an unsteady Shining Armor, laying on Princess Cadence's back.

Spike was beginning to admire the Unicorn more and more. He was showing the pride of a dragon, even when weakened he continued on.

They are in your way.

He needed to continue forward.

"Pegasi!" Cadence called in the distance. "Gather the clouds!"

The Pegasi gathered the clouds and began melding them. In a matter of second all clouds in the area were in one large clump. The cloud was large and had become dark.

"STRIKE!"

The barrier dropped and as one the Pegasi jumped on the cloud. From the cloud a single, large bold of lighting struck him in his chest. The dragon roared in pain as the force knocked him out of the sky. He crashed into a house with a force that echoed through out the Kingdom. Spike was laid in a heap on a house, motionless.

There was a moment of silence, the ponies began to cheer. They had protected the Crystal Heart, the Prince and Princess, the Kingdom.

A mighty roar echoed through the Kingdom silencing the cheers.

Spike's eyes were open and shining with rage. He stood to his full height completely unharmed.

Turning his sights up, unleashed a black flame stronger than ever. It tore through the large clouds completely dispersing it. Any Pegasi not fast enough was burnt down.

This was his power. The power he had always wanted but was denied from being pony raised. It was the power of a true dragon.

The Crystal Heart.

No more games, it was time to take his prize.

He moved forward on foot toward the Crystal Heart. Many tried to stop him but it was all pointless.

He had finally made it to his prize.

Opening his mouth he extended his snake like forked tongue and wrapped it around the crystal.

It tastes amazing! It was completely opposite the taste of the Thu'um. It was sweet and bursting with flavors he had never imagined. He wanted to savor every moment of this.

As he retracted his tongue he felt a tug. It wasn't on him but on the Crystal Heart. Some pony was trying to pull it back with magic. It wasn't strong enough to break his hold but it caught his attention.

"That's enough Spike!" A voice shouted above the chaos. "You need to stop!"

He turned around to the one who dared order him. His eyes landed on Daring and his anger vanished.

"Get away from him!" Princess Cadence shouted.

Shining Armor stood beside her, their horns glowing menacingly. Spike spread his wings, fire spreading in his mouth. He placed his tail in front of Daring, he needed to protect her.

"Stop!" The Pegasus shouted "Let me talk to him, I might be able to get through to him."

Shining and Cadence heard how Daring called Spike by his name. It was hard to believe that this was the baby dragon but they knew. They even saw how Spike placed his tail in front of her like a shield.

"...Fine." They would give her a chance.

"Spike." Daring called. "Spike, look at me." He did. "I- we need you to stop this."

Spike didn't understand, he was doing this partly for her. This was the Crystal Kingdom after all and she was a treasure hunter. That's it! He was about to eat the most valuable crystal, she probably wanted it. He extended his tongue with the crystal to her. She eyed it with great desire, only to push it away.

"Daring want?" He asked.

NO!

Spike pushed the voice to the back of his mind. If Daring wanted anything, then Spike was going to get it for her.

The Pegasus mare looked at the gem with disinterest. She pushed the gem to the side and looked the dragon in the eyes.

"No Spike." She spoke strongly. "I don't want gems." She looked at him "What do you want?"

Spike looked at her, shocked that she even needed to ask. He leaned back onto his hind legs and spread his wings. He roared his answer for all to hear.

"EVERYTHING!"

"What do you want the most?" She asked

That too was obvious.

"You." He answered quietly.

"You won't get me like this." She told him as she motioned to the damage. "You aren't the Spike I made my partner. The Spike we all care for."

"B-but Spi- I want you" He spoke. "I could protect you from any pony or dragon." He glared at the army. "I could shower you in gems forever." He looked her in the eyes. "I could make you happy."

"Spike." she pleaded. "You're hurting the innocent." She pointed to the crystal in his tongue "You are stealing." She looked at him. "You won't make me happy like this, you're only making me sad."

He was making her sad?

"B-but..."

"I don't want things like gems and Bits." she spoke honestly. "I want you back to normal so that we can continue on our adventure." Her eyes watered. "You make me happy by being you."

Spike was conflicted. All he wanted was to make Daring happy, however a part of him didn't. The part he had unlocked when he used the Thu'um in the caves. He wanted Spike to act like a dragon, to indulge himself in greed. To dominate all those lesser than himself.

NO!

Something was wrong...The Thu'um was ending!

Spike felt his powerful body shrink and weaken, his power gone. His natural colors returned to normal and his mind was back at ease.

"Spike want Daring." He said over and over before falling asleep.

He was the purple dragon every pony loved once again.

Daring watched as the dragon before her collapsed in a heap. He was sleeping peacefully, even though he was surrounded by ruins.

She thought that their adventure for the day was finally over. Unfortunately, it's never that simple.

The dragons had never left once they had freed their comrade. They had just kept their distance while Spike had went on his rampage.

"What're you three still doing here?" Daring asked as she prepared for the worse.

They didn't acknowledge the mare, they just kept their eyes on the smaller dragon before them. In their eyes were looks of wonder and disbelief. Daring didn't like the stares, prompting her to take a protective step in front of Spike.

"Just observing." Garble whispered. "Everything the stories said was true."

"What stories?" Shining asked.

"That Lord Alduin's might was as unmatched as his greed."

"It all makes since." Garble chuckled before turning to full blown laughter. "I actually have to thank the Dovakinn! If not for him, who knows how long we'd have to wait for Lord Alduin."

"What are you all going on about?!"

"Spike is pony raised, he knows nothing about being a dragon." Garble stated. "He could never be the dragon he's supposed to be, never be our God. But that Thu'um brings it out, brings our Lord out."

"Our God will awaken again." Another dragon stated. "And when he does..."

"Spike is not Alduin."

"Look at what he did with just one part of the Shout." Garbled stated as he motioned to the Empire. "Not even a full grown dragon could do this much in so little time and not be harmed."

"Spike. Is. Not. Alduin." Daring repeated firmly.

"Not yet." Garble admitted. "But the power of the Thu'um will call out to him, just as it did in those caves."

"Then I'll bring him back." Daring stated as she looked at the sleeping dragon. "Just like this time."

The dragon gave a bark of laughter. "You think some sentimental pony dribble is what brought him back?!"

"The only reason he changed back is because the Thu'um had a time limit." Garble stated. "Nothing more, nothing less."

With nothing more to say, the dragons began flapping their wings in preparation for take off.

"Hold it right there!" Shining Armor stated angrily. "You don't think we'll just let you leave after all the trouble you've just caused us?!"

The dragons took a look at each other before looking at the Prince with a smirk. As one they spoke.

YOL. TOOR.

Unlike the version Spike used, this was more advanced. Instead of being a ball of fire, this was truly a breath of fire. Like a raging flame thrower in their mouths

Shining Armor quickly formed a shield around himself and the others. The Shout was harmlessly blocked.

However, this gave the dragons the opening they needed to escape. They didn't bother looking back at the ponies, but they did cast a glance at Spike.

Spike woke with a start.

The first thing he noticed was that he wasn't outside, he was in the castle. Specifically, he was in a bedroom chamber, in a cosy bed. The second thing he noticed was that it was night time, or early morning, he couldn't tell.

He tried to move only to fall back into the bed.

Bad idea! He thought with a groan.

He was completely exhausted! He hadn't felt like this since his greed growth incident. Then there was the agonizing, yet tingling pain he had in his chest.

"Well look who decided to wake up." A comforting voice spoke.

Spike looked to see that it was the Princess, as well as Daring Do.

"How do you feel?" Daring asked.

"Like my chest was struck by lighting." He answered as best he could. He noticed the mares flinch at his poorly attempted joke. "What happened?" He croaked. "Where-"

"Easy." Daring ordered.

"The dragons are gone." The Princess stated, seeing him visibly relax. "Shining Armor is just taking care of some defense and patrolling the Empire with a small battalion. You know how paranoid he can get."

The dragon let out a soft chuckle. He was just as bad as Twilight when they became...unstable.

"What...happened?" He asked.

The mares avoided eye contact for a moment, showing that something bad was up.

"Spike...that Thu'um..." She saw him about to repeat it. "NO!" She shouted, freezing him. "Spike, promise me you won't use it."

Spike looked at the strong willed mare before him. Now she seemed...off.

"What happened?" He asked again.

The two mares shared another look before nodding. Princess Cadence's horn began to glow and she pulled back the curtain to the outside.

She showed Spike the wreckage, he had cuased.

"Spike." Princess Cadence began uneasily. "Remember your birthday in Ponyville?"

Oh no. He mentally thought. No no no no!

The mares saw him began breaking down. The greed growth had to be his biggest shame, as well as his biggest fear.

The Princess left the two alone so that they may comfort one another.

"Spike, it's not your fault."

"Yes, it is." He whispered. "I...I destroyed most of this place because I lost control. Because I gave into my greed...again."

"What was it like?" Daring asked.

"What, the greed?"

"No, when you were...compelled by the Thu'um." She stated. "What was it like?"

"I...don't know." He admitted. "It's like a blank, a gap in my memory."

"So it's like...you weren't in control?" She asked. "You weren't in control."

"But it was still me." He spoke insistently. "Daring, I know what you're trying to do, but it won't work. It was me that destroyed part of the Kingdom, that nearly killed those dragons, that...that..."

He began trailing off into silence, ashamed of his actions. Intentional or not, the damage was done and by his claws.

"Spike, you can't change what's done here." She stated evenly. "It's in the past, but I honestly think it's better this way.

"What?!" He asked in disbelief. "How can-"

She silenced him with a hoof to his maw. "Spike, if you hadn't shown up, those dragons would still be here." She reasoned. "They would still be taking from the Empire while robbed blind. Each time Prince Shining Armor fought with them, they were met with defeat, but he kept coming back. Who knows how far that would have escalated. Those four dragons using Shouts against this Empire, many lives would have been lost."

"But there homes-"

"Can be rebuilt, lives can't." She stated kindly. "Don't you think a little collateral damage is worth it for those ponies to be alive and safe a little longer?"

"...Yes." He answered. "But...did any pony lose their life?" He asked.

"No." Daring lied as images of ponies burning under his flames passed in her mind. "Every pony is fine and safe."

"Good." He stated with a sigh of relief.

She saw him relax and felt she had made the right choice. They ponies of the Empire would be told that the deaths were caused by the three dragons.

Daring smiled as she leaned in and gave him a kiss. "Spike, it's not all bad." Daring stated, gaining his attention. "While you slept, we found out the dragons' plans. We found out what a Soul gems are."

"Really?" He asked intrigued.

"Yeah, there was an entire book on it." She stated. "Apparently it was used to house actual souls of slain creatures."

"What?" Spike spoke with a bit of disdain. "That' terrible!"

"They used it to make weapons stronger."

"Why did the dragons want it?" Spike asked. "Dragons don't use weapons."

"True, but the could be used to hurt even a dragon." Daring explained. "We theorized that the dragons wanted to get rid of one of the few things that could harm them. Where else could you find a magical gem if not in the Crystal Empire?"

Spike began nodding in understanding.

"What'll happen with the Soul Gem now?" He asked.

"Well, thankfully Princess Cadence had them labeled forbidden for obvious reasons." Daring stated. "But..."

"But..."

"They found a few of the Soul gems that are...full." She informed.

"And..." He had the filling there will be more.

"Prince Shining Armor believes that they'll make a good source of defense."

"What?!" Spike asked in disbelief. "Those are trapped souls in there! He wants to just turn them into weapons!"

"Yes I do." A voice answered.

Spike and Daring turned to see the Crystal Prince next to his wife.

"Shining, how could you?!" Spike asked.

"How could I what Spike?" Shining asked coldly. "Use a means as to protect my citizen? Think their lives are more important than those who've already passed?" He sighed. "Spike, I know what you must think if me, but I have a duty to my ponies! To my Kingdom! To my wife!"

Spike understood what Shining Armor was saying, but he still couldn't...approve.

"Spike, I don't approve of this either." The Princess spoke sadly. "But you saw how defenseless we were against those dragons, and they were just teens!"

"Other's will come Spike." Shining stated. "This is the Crystal Empire, no dragon can resist, it's amazing we haven't been overrun with dragons yet. But eventually they'll come."

"If it makes you feel any better, we aren't having any more...made." Princess Cadence spoke. "We're only using what's in...stock."

"But still..."

"Spike, you're like a brother to me." Shining stated sadly. "But we aren't asking for your permission. If you can't accept what I need to do for my ponies, then..." He paused to consider his words. "Then I think you should just leave."

Spike was taken back by Shining Armors words, and he knew the stallion meant it. But Spike wasn't going to back down on this.

"Yes, I think I should."

"I'll load up the air balloon." Daring stated.

Spike took one last look at the Empire in it's ruined state. He wanted to stay and help them rebuild, but he couldn't meet Shining Armor.

"Daring?" Spike spoke. "Do you think I'm being unreasonable?"

The mare was quite for a moment.

"Yes and no." She answered, careful with her words. "I understand where Shining Armor is coming from. This is his home, and he has to protect the ponies in it. I don't approve, like you, but they have to use whatever methods available."

"I'm glad you are at least understanding."

The dragon and mare turned their attention towards the Prince and Princess.

"Shining." Spike spoke.

"Spike." The Prince returned.

"Shining." The Princess nudged.

The Prince took a step forward and gave an uncomfortable cough. Daring, nudged the dragon forward to meet his adoptive brother.

"Spike, I don't want us splitting on bad blood." Shining spoke sadly. "I don't like this method either, but I have a duty to these ponies before my own feelings."

Spike, reluctantly, nodded in understanding. He may not like it, or have a say in it, but he understood.

"We have gifts!" The Princess spoke happily. "You can call them peace offerings."

Shining Armor levitated a lasso in front of the mare.

"Since the last one was broken while you were trying to help us, we thought we'd...reimburse you." He stated before becoming uncomfortable. "This lasso was enchanted with a Soul Gem." Shining stated. "Here me out!" He begged when Spike was about to speak. "This lasso is stronger than the last, as strong as steel! It will come in handy for the stuff you'll be getting into, I've read your books."

The adventure seeking mare gave her dragon-friend a look before nodding and accepting the lasso.

"Spike, since we know you wouldn't accept a weapon, we have something else." Princess Cadence spoke. "A basket of precious gem, not like the spare garbage gems we were giving that dragon."

Spike began licking his lips at the offering. They were precious indeed, and not the spare gems that practically grew like weeds in the Kingdom.

"So long!" With just a wave, the couple parted from the kingdom in the air balloon. With no intent on jamming it.

"So Spike, what did you think of our adventure?" Daring asked.

"Well, it's a great way to start off my first few chapters." Spike stated with a small smile. "Now, where to next?

Author's Note

Sorry for the wait.
No clop this time.