The Dragon's Heart

by Curlypony94

Rating: everyone
Tags: Twilight Sparkle, Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Rainbow Dash, Romance, Adventure, Discord, Princess Celestia
Length: 6669

Discord tricks Smite the Dragon into kidnapping Tulip and wooing her to be his mate. When her friends go to rescue her, Discord will kidnap Celestia

Smite (The dragon from Secret Friends) had just realised he has fallen in love with Tulip, the Earth pony he met in the cave. Having found this secret out, Discord tricks him into kidnapping Tulip to woo her into becoming his mate. While our heroes try to save Tulip, the Draconequus will kidnap Princess Celestia.

Published 2014-03-20 23:50:02 UTC
Last updated 2014-04-11 18:07:08 UTC

Smite' Dream Pony

Within a cave inside of Rumbling Rock Ridge not too far from the town of Ponyville one creature was enjoying his nap among his bed of teasures, gold, jewels. He is a large green dragon named Smite, but he is no ordinary dragon. Some time back, he went to a cave so he could meet a new found friend.

That was when he first laid his pink eyes on her...a beautiful white Earth pony with a long flowing tail and mane of pink, bright blue eyes and three pink petals for a cutie mark. He was surprised that the little pony didn't run away from him but instead gave him a four leaf clover, and from that day on the dragon and the pony became great friends and everything seemed perfect...or so we thought.

Smite was trying to get some sleep but for some reason, however, he couldn't sleep. Everytime he closes his eyes and drifts of, he would be dreaming of Tulip...such as right now...

Smite opened his eyes to find himself in the cave, the same one where he hid from the storm just at the outskirts of Ponyville. The sun was setting, and he can hear beautiful singing just outside the cave...singing?

Smite got up quickly to his feet. He recognizes that voice; it belongs to Tulip. He quickly stepped out of the cave to look outside, and there stood his little Pony, singing with the bluebirds flying around her. For some strange reason Smite found out that he has shrunk because he finds himself only a foot taller than the Pony.

But he didn't seem to care. He was enchanted by this lovely creature. Her singing is the most beautiful singing he has ever heard. Her eyes are like aquamarines and her mane and and tail are like cherry blossoms. And her fur makes her look like a star that Luna herself has has brought down to earth for him.

Smite also recalled her gentle kindness. How she shared half her lunch with him when he lost his. No other female could ever be sweeter than her. He then stepped out of the cave and towards her. The white pony turned to him and smiled.

"Smite..." she said softly and sweetly. The green dragon then stepped closer to her, his heart faster than before.

"What are you doing here?" he asked her with gentle confusion. Tulip simply placed her cheek against his throat, his heart beating faster than before.

"I couldn't stay away," she answered with a small smile. "I've missed you so much..." he then wrapped his arms around her slowly, genly, and lovingly. She has been on his mind lately that Smite has missed her as well.

"I've missed you too," he whispered to her. She then looked up at him and he at her...aquamarine eyes and pink eyes...Smite could just swim deeply in those pools. Cupping her cheek with his clawed hand, he pressed his lips into hers to kiss her.

"I love you...."

Smite woke up with gasp, finding himself in his own private cave, in Rumbling Rock Ridge. He then let out a sad sigh. The green dragon had been having dreams every time he falls asleep, and each and every one of them features the beautiful Tulip. Why is he always dreaming of her?

"Oh, who am I kidding!" he cried, shaking his head in remorse. "I already know the answer to that question! I've fallen in love with her!" he then rested his head down onto the pile of treasures and cried silently. True he has fallen in love Tulip because of her kind heart that has outshined her beauty, but he can never her.

"What I wouldn't give..." he whimpered softly, "to have her with me...so that I may woo her...into becoming my mate..." He then cried some more, knowing that his will never come true. He has no idea how wrong he is.

Deal or Trickery?

Within the abandoned castle within the heart of the Everfree Forest, Discord lied on his checkered-patterned divan, chowing down on a carton of popcorn and watching his cotton candy cloud displaying the image of a mourning Smite.

"So..." he said, stroking his beard with interest. "This dragon here is in love with a little Pony is he?" he then turned to the heart- shaped picture frame holding the lovely picture of his beloved Princess Celestia.

"Now that I think about it, they just might be cute together," he said before tickling under her chin. "Don't you think so too, my little Tia?"

"Do you want usss to bring him to you bosss?" Naginia asked via telepathy spell.

"No need," he answered her, getting up from his divan. "I will visit him myself. You and Nag return to the castle." He then snapped his fingers and vanished from the room.

When he appeared again, the Draconequus has found himself in Smite' cave and looking straight at the green dragon himself. Seeing how huge his victim is, he got a little nervous. Nevertheless, he would take care of his size. How else would his relationships with Tulip work out? Discord then cleared his throat.

"Excuse me?" he then called out to the dragon. Smite stopped his crying and lifted up his head to the sound of his voice and turned to him.

His fuschia eyes went wide with confusion at this smaller creature before him. He looks like a dragon made up of different body parts. He has never seen anything like him before. Then again he has seen things as strange as this guy.

"Who are you?" he asked. Discord just smiled at him.

"The name's Discord," he answered, placing his lion paw on his chest. "I've learned that you have a problem, and I wish to solve it for you."

"What problem?" the dragon demanded with glare of suspicion.

"You know," Discord answered simply. "You're troubled affections for the white Earth pony Tulip." He jumped back when Smite leapt to his feet angrily.

"THOSE FEELINGS ARE PERSONAL!" he roared, making the whole cave rumble.

"Hey, easy there, big guy," Discord said, holding his hands up in defence. "I'm not here to blacmail ya. I came here to help you out." the dragon calmed down a bit but still held his glare in his eyes.

"What can you do to help me?" he asked in disbelief. "It's not like you have magic on you...do you?"

"As a matter of fact, I do," Discord answered with a smile. "I can grant you the chance to have Tulip all to yourself."

"How can you do that?" Smite demanded. "Her friends would never let me be with her."

"If you're still concerned about her friends, I have a solution for you."

"And what's that?"

"Personally, I think you're relationship with Tulip can work out better if you were the same size as her. Nothing personal, but the size as you might be a problem for and everyone else."

"Will I stay that way?" Smite asked.

"Of course," the draconequus answered, "Provided that you do everything right."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"You have to take her with you to someplace private," he answered, "whether she likes it or not, so that you may woo her until she agrees to be your bride. And you can never let her go until she says yes. If you let that happen, you will return to your large size." Smite' heart sank at the suggestion.

"You mean...kidnap her?" He asked with fear. "I...I can't..." Discord just smiled.

"Think of Tulip," he said to the dragon. "You do want to be with her forever...don't you?" This is all part of his plan. If Smite kidnaps Tulip to woo her, the others will go to rescue her. When they do, Celestia will be open for him to take back with to his hideout. It's a foolproof plan...as long as Smite agrees to the deal.

Smite, meanwhile, thought about it, he really does want to be with be Tulip, but he can't just go and kidnap her. He can tell by her kind heart that she's sensitive and delicate like a budding flower that's about to bloom. Perhaps if he persuades her, asks her to come with him to talk to her alone....she would understand, and it's worth a shot...

"Alright," he answered him calmly. "I'll do it." Discord smiled in reply and held up his eagle claw to snap his fingers.

"Remember," he said to the dragon, "you can't let her go until she agrees to be your bride." Smite nodded as he closed his eyes, and Discord snapped his fingers.

Red glittering flames suddenly flew around and engulfed Smite. As a dragon, Smite was immune from burns from fire, so he took no notice. He only felt a strange tingling sensation go and up his body. The dragon figured that it is the shrinking spell doing its thing. At first he it thought it would be painful, but feeling that it isn't, he relaxed and let the spell work its magic. A minute later, the tingling stopped, and the flames vanished.

"Okay," Discord said to him, "you can open your eyes now." Smite did so, and he couldn't believe it. Discord is now the same size as he is! He then looked around his cave, finding it a lot bigger and roomier than last saw it. The spell worked!

"You did it!" he cried with delight as he looked himself over. "You were telling the truth!"

"Now you have the chance to go and win Tulip's heart," Discord said to him with a smile. "Just remember what I have told you and do not let her go until she agrees to be your mate."

"I'll remember," the dragon replied before dashing out of the cave. However, as he did so, he crashed passed Discord, causing him to spin around like a twister.

"Whoawhoawhoawhoawhoa!" He spun at top speed for about five to ten seconds before stopping, the mismatching pupils going round and round like balls in a pair of roulette wheels.

Whoa-oh-oh..." he groaned as he held his head. "He must really love little Pony..." He then shook his head to clear it before looking out the cave entrance to find Smite taking off into the sky.

"The scheme is now all set," he said, rubbing his hands together evilly. "Now to make sure it goes accordingly to plan." He then snapped his fingers and disapeared in a flash of light to return to the main land.

Swept Off Her Hooves

Meanwhile in Ponyville, the sun was setting into the horizon to end the day and begin the night. At Tulip's place, the white Earth pony was busy checking her flower displays. Right now she was just finishing up with her roses.

"Good night, my little Roses," she purred softly as she watered them gently. "Be sure to get plenty of rest, we have a big day ahead of us tomorrow ." She then smiled as the roses perked when they got there water. Then she went over and settled down besides her pet cat Lily.

"How are the Lillies, Lily?" She asked the feline. She then placed her paws together next to her cheeks and made cute noises indicating that the Lillies are fine.

"That is good to hear," she replied. "Thank you, Lily; you've been a big help. Now let's get ourselves to bed." The two of them then headed for the cottage together. Suddenly, they stopped at the sound of quiet but noticeable thud.

"What was that?" Tulip squeaked in fear knowing her owner won't investigate, Lily walked over to check it out.

"Lily, no!" Her owner called after her in fear. "It...it's probably nothing." The cat didn't listen and headed over to investigate anyway. Worried for her safety, Tulip ran after her to the back of the cottage where the noise came from. But when they got there, they saw nothing. Lily then scratched her head in confusion.

"I...guess we must have imagined it," Tulip said as a large shadowy figure rose up from behind her. Lily turned around and cried out in fear when she saw the figure standing behind the Pony.

"What's wrong, Lily?" she asked with surprise. Before the cat could warn her, the figure threws its arms around her, making her cry out in fear.

"Who is it?" she cried. "Please let me go!"

"Don't be scared, Tulip," the figure assured her kindly. "I don't want to hurt you. I only wanted to see you again." Tulip stopped in mid-struggle when she recognized the voice. She turned to see that the figure is really Smite, the dragon she met that one stormy night.

It's you!" she gasped with surprise. Smite smiled in reply.

"I am happy that you remember me," he replied soflty. "I was afraid that you have forgotten me."

"Wh-What are you doing here?" She asked in confusion.

"I wanted to see you again," he answered giving her a soft. "And to talk to you."

"About what?" she asked. Before he could answer, the dragon looked to see Lily hopping up and down on his tail to make him release Tulip. With an annoyed glare, he picked the little kitty up with his tail and set him down on a tree branch not too far from the ground.

"We can't talk here," he then answered her. "We someplace more private. I need you to come with me, though...will you...please?" Tulip then saw that he really he really wants to talk to her alone.

"Alright," she replied with a nod. With a relieved smile, Smite held her bridal style and took off into the sky. With a whimper, the Pony clutched onto his neck.

"Do not worry, Tulip," he whispered to her softly. "I won't let you fall." Back at the ground Lily had returned to her feet on the ground and saw that Smite had flew off with her owner. Fearing the worst, she ran as fast as she could to get help.

A Double Date Ruined... By Disaster!

Just outside of Ponyville and on a hill, Twilight Sparkle and Rainbow dash were on a double date with boyfriends Flash Sentry and Soarin. While Flash Sentry and Twilight were stargazing via telescope, Rainbow and Soarin sip from a chocolate/strawberry milkshake.

"Oh, Flash Sentry! Twilight called to her boyfriend. "I think I've found Columba! Look! Look! Look!" She quickly moved out of the way so Flash Sentry can look into the telescope.

"You're right," he cried with excitement. "It is Columba the Dove." He then hugged the violet Alicorn. "That's my girl." Twilight giggled in reply.

"Those two sure are cute when stargazing," Rainbow laughed.

"Not as cute you," Soarin said, nuzzling his muzzle with her cheek.

"Soarin, not in front of the others," the Pegasus said giggling/hissing, trying to pull away with a blush on her face.

"It's okay, Rainbow," he whispered, wrapping his wing around her body. "Let them watch."

"Oh you..."she replied with a smirk. Just as they were about to kiss, Lily popped up all panicky in between them, making them kiss her on the cheeks. Opening their eyes and seeing that they're kissing a kitty instead of each other, the two lovebirds pulled apart to spit out cat fur on their lips.

"Oh, what in Equestria-"

"Gross!" Hearing their two friends cry out, Twilight and Flash Sentry turned to see Lily with them.

"Lily?" Twilight said recognizing Tulip's kitty. "What are you doing here? Is Tulip okay?" She then started pantomiming as she's playing charades.

"Okay, okay," Flash Sentry said trying to translate. "First word...first word part of the word...uh, Mule? No, Tool! Yeah, Tool...second part...sounds like...tip...uh, drip? Pip? Lip? Lip! The first word is 'Tulip'. Okay second word...first syllable sounds like...lid...uh, kid? Kid, okay. Second syllable...uh, sleep! No, uh, nap. kidnap? I think she's Tulip's been kidnapped!" Lily tapped her nose to indicate he's correct.

"Tulip's kidnapped?" Rainbow cried, jumping to her hooves. "Who did it?" Lily started pantomiming again.

"Okay," Twilight said, her turn translate. "Uh...flying and snarling...sounds like a dragon is behind this kidnapping!" Lily tapped her nose to indicate correction.

"Wait, what?" Soarin replied. "Why would a dragon kidnap Tulip?"

"I don't know," Twilight answered. "But right now, we need get the others and help Tulip. Rainbow, you and Soarin go get the others. Flash Sentry, I need you to come with me. We have to let Princess Celestia know right away."

"Right behind you, Twilight," he replied as he and Twilght flew off for the Library. Rainbow and Soarin then flew off to find the other Ponies.

At the Library, Spike was just enjoying his before bed snack of blue sapphire muffins while drawing a picture of Rarity as a Princess and himself as a Knight.

"Hmmm...should make my cape look gorgeous that even Rarity would love it. If I were Rarity, would I prefer cerulean blue or-"

"SPIKE!" The little dragon jumped with a yelp when Twilight and Flash Sentry burst in the room.

"I wasn't drooling over Rarity! Honest!" He cried, clutching the picture to his chest. Flash Sentry gave him a wierd look.

"What?"

"Never mind that, Spike," Twilight said in a panic. We need you to write a letter to Princess Celestia. Tulip's been kidnapped!" Spike dropped his picture in shock.

"What? Why didn't you say so?" He then rushed to get a quill and some parchment, leaving the picture for Flash Sentry and Twilight to see.

"I'm not even going to ask," the Pegasus then said to his Alicorn girlfriend.

Author's Note

Sorry for the wait, but here's the next chapter. Enjoy

The Princess' Unexpecting Night

Back at Castle Celestia in Canterlot, Princess Celestia had walked into her bedroom while her little sister Luna was watching the night. She had a quiet day today with her councils and her meetings, so she is looking forward to a restful night.

Just as she was about to settle into her soft bed, the fire in her fireplace flared up and a scroll flew out of the flames and towards her. Wondering what it's about, the Sun Princess took the scroll with her horn's magic and began to read it:

Dear Princess Celestia,

I am afraid I have recieved terrible news. A dragon has come into Ponyville and he has taken Tulip. Why he has done this I am not sure, but I am positive that he has taken her to a cave at the top of Rumbling Rock Ridge outside Ponyville. My friends and I will go to the cave and help Tulip, but please take the greatest care. I can't help but get the feeling that this Discord's doing. Please wish us the best of luck and the your sister Princess Luna will watch over us alongside her moon.

Your faithful student,

Twilght Sparkle.

Princess Celestia Couldn't believe what she had read. Tulip kidnapped by a dragon? The Princess then walked out onto the balcony and looked up at the night sky.

"Little Sister," she said quietly, "though you may not have gotten the message as well, please watch over Twilght and others tonight.

"Oh, I'm sure she will," an-all-too-familiar-voice said behind her. "In fact, I want her to as well so I can carry out the rest of my plan." Celestia turned around, only to have Discord coil around her body, hold her arms in his arms, and bring his face close to hers.

"Discord!"

"Missed me, my little cream puff?" he purred, giving her an eskimo kiss.

"Let me go!" she cried, squirming in his clutches. "GUARDS!"

"Sorry, sweet stuff," he said with a sly grin, "but they won't come. I've sound-proofed your room," Celestia looked up at Discord with fear. He thinks of everything, doesn't he?

"You're probably thinking 'What a bad time for a little Earth Pony to get kidnapped' because her friends have to go and save her, am I right?" he asked with a playful shrug of his shoulders. The white Alicorn blinked with intrigue.

"How did you know Tulip's been kidnapped?" she demanded.

"Oh, just a 'lucky' guess," he answered with a shrug. "That, and I was the one who set up the whole thing."

"What?"

"Well, my pets found out that the dragon is crushing on sweet little Tulip and I gave him the chance to go to her. While he's busy wooing her, her dear friends will be attempting to save her...all while I get you to mysel." He then teased her with a flirty tiger growl, making her blush.

"You're quite the persistent goofball, aren't you?" she teased back.

"All this is just one crazy night for you, my little Kitten," he purred before planting a kiss on her lips. While she was unfortunately distracted by it, Discord snapped his fingers, and the two of them disapeared to teleport to Discord's hideout.

Author's Note

Sorry for the wait, but here is the next chapter.

What Tulip Feels

Author's Note

I don't own this song. I got it from Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

What Tulip Feels

Back with Tulip, she and Smite have just reached the cave at the of Rumbling Rock Ridge, and the dragon gently setted her back onto the ground. The white Earth Pony then turned to the green dragon as he looked up at the stars.

"The stars are just beautiful at this height, aren't they?" he then asked her. Tulip then looked up to see how beautiful the night sky is when at the top of the mountain; she forgot all about her acrophobia.

"They are beautiful," she replied before turning to the moon. "And the moon...so close...I could just reach out touch it." Smite then turned to her with a smile.

"I already have my piece of the moon right here," he purred, nuzzling her cheek with his nose. Taken by surprise, Tulip jumped back with a whimper. She would gave run off, but Smite wrapped his tail around her to stop her, causing her to turn to his pink eyes.

Smite: Why'd ya run away?

Don't ya like my style?

Why don't ya come and play?

I'll guarantee you a great big smile

I come from the

Imagination

And I'm here strictly here by your

Invocation

So whadya say?

"Why don't we dance a while?

As he sang the last part to her, Smite took her into his arms into a slow dance. Hopefully, singing to her and a gentle dance would sooth her. He couldn't help but chuckle at the cute blush on her face.

Smite: I'm the heart of swing

I'm the twist and shout

When ya gotta sing

When ya gotta let it out

You call me, and I come

A-runnin'

I turn the music on,

I bring the fun in

Now we're partyin'

That's what it's all about.

Tulip felt at a daze as she danced with Smite. He is quite a great dancer and a good singer. He's just so gentle with her. Why is he acting this way? And why is he looking at her with that alluring gaze of his?

Smite: 'Cuz I know

What you feel, girl

I know

Just what it feels, girl

"Uh, S-Smite," she then asked with a shy pink blush. " You said you wanted to...talk to me...about something. Can you please tell me what it is?"

Smite: All the melodies

They go on too long

Then that energy

Starts to come on way too strong

All those hearts lay open

They must sting

Plus your blushin'

Got me combustin'

That's the penalty

When love is but a song

"Tulip," he then purred as he held her closer to him. "Ever since the day we first met, I felt the yearning to be with you always. You are the only I want in my life."

Smite: You've soothed me down

To save your town

So you're my royalty

In the skies we'll go

With the land below

And you'll be my bride-to-be

Tulip's eyes went wide with shock. He wants her to marry him? She then tried to pull away from him as he tried to kiss her on the lips.

"Smite, we can't," she protested with a blush. "It's too sudden."

Smite: 'Cuz I know

What you feel, girl

Tulip: No, you see

You and me

Won't be very regal

Smite: I'll marry
You, girl

Tulip: What I mean

I'm no queen

So Dragon Queen's not legal

But Smite doesn't want her to go. If he does and she she doesn't agree to become his mate, he'll return to his normal size. So he held her even closer, making her blush more madly.

"Please, Tulip," he begged softly, "Let me spend the rest of my life with you."

Smite: I'll bring dark armies to ruin

And still have time to bring a soft shoe in

Tulip: Well, that's great

But it's late

Please let me go free

Tulip then tried to get out of grip again only to have to have them fall back a little so they can look over the ledge...and see Tulip's friends running up to the base of Rumbling Rock Ridge.

Smite: Something's cookin', I'm at the griddle

I can out-sing any big fiddle

Tulip: They'll get a scare

If I'm not there

My friends will come for me

"My friends!" Tulip cried with hope. "They came for me!" Seeing them, Smite growled before wrapping his tail around his Earth Pony to hold her and free hands. He then took out a green a yellow medallion that he got from Nag and Naginia before arriving at Tulip's cottage.

"I didn't want to have to do this," he said to Tulip, "But I can't have your friends interfere with my wooing you." He then blew a flame into the medallion, and Tulip watched in horror as the medallion dislatched green and yellow wisps that flew down Rumbling Rock Ridge.

"Smite, please..." Tulip begged softly. His gaze only softened as he turned to her.

"I'm sorry, my love," he replied, nuzzling into her neck. "But I just can't..."

Smite: Now we're partyin'

That's what it's all about

The Rescue Party's Obstacles

Author's Note

Sorry for the wait. I got caught up on another story I'm working on. Plus I had writers block but hopefully you'll like this chapter.

The Rescue Party's Obstacles

Back with the rescue party, it was making it's way up the mountains, Twilight in the lead. On her back was Spike, who was looking up at the mountain with a gulp. Flying behind her, Flash Sentry, Rainbow Dash and Soarin with Rarity, Noble Charge and Pinkie Pie bringing up the rear. The Wonderbolt looked up at the mountain with a blank look in his eyes.

"It sure is high up," he stated, "Don't you think that it might be quicker if Rainbow and I just fly up there?"

"I just can't help but get the feeling that the dragon might expect that," Twilight answered.

"Soarin and I can check," Flash Sentry volunteered. "If the coast is clear, we'll come back for you." Twilight just frowned at him with concern. It sounds like a good idea, but it also sounds dangerous. The Royal Guard anticipated this of course.

"Don't worry," he assured her as Noble Charge, Rarity and Pinkie caught up with them. "As long as Soarin and I stick together, we'll be okay." Twilight then hugged him.

"Be careful," she whispered to him as Rainbow then hugged Soarin and kissed him on the cheek.

"You so much as break a bone in your body, and that wil be the last kiss you get from me for a week." She said to him sternly. The Wonderbolt just laughed as he nudged her softly.

"Don't worry," he replied. "I've face far worse than this," The others stood back as they spread there wings for take-off...and glowing green tentacles shot out at them from the side.

"SOARIN!" Rainbow screamed as the Wonderbolt reared up with surprise, causing Flash Sentry to fall onto his back. Twilight rushed to his side.

"Flash Sentry, are you okay?" she cried.

"I'm fine," he answered, "but Soarin---" the two of them turned to the Wonderbolt he fell to the ground, the tentacles becoming green ropes tied around his waist to pin his wings to his sides. They and Rainbow then rushed up to him.

"Soarin, what happened?" the rainbow-maned Pegasus cried as her boyfriend stood up.

"I don't know," he answered, turning to the the ropes. "These things just shot out at me." He then tried to gnaw them off with his teeth but there as strong wire. He groaned with frustration.

"WHY ISN'T THIS THING BREAKING ALREADY?!"

"It must be a spell that Discord and his snakes provided for the dragon." Twilight answered.

"Well couldn't they give it a different color?" asked Rarity in disgust. "That shade of green just won't do at all."

"Ooh, I think I have some yellow streamers in my saddle pack!" Pinkie said, looking in one of her packs. "That might help."

"Girls, we need to focus here," Noble Charge said. "That dragon obviously wanted to keep us away from him and Tulip."

"Seems rather odd," Flash Sentry said with some thought. "Lily never mentioned anything about a fight or a struggle. It's almost like...he asked her to come with him, and she said yes."

"What are you getting at, Flash Sentry" asked Noble Charge.

"What if this isn't a kidnapping but....a romantic getaway?"

"You saying dragon's crushing on Tulip?" Rainbow cried. "That's just weird, dude!"

"I don't see you complain about Spike's---" Twilight was suddenly cut off when Pinkie shoved a cupcake into her mouth to keep the Alicorn quiet about Spike's crush on Rarity. Flash Sentry watched as the two of them exchanged glares but decide to brush it aside.

"I am simply saying if he wanted to hurt Tulip, why didn't he do it at her cottage instead taking her back to his cave?" he asked. Twilight then placed her hoof onto her chin in thought.

"He does have a good point now that I think about it," stated Rarity.

"Then if Rainbow flies up there," Spike replied, "the same thing might happen to her. And those...green things might be pretty quick, even for her."

"So I can't fly up there?" the blue pony replied indignantly. "That stinks."

"You can ride on my back if you like, Rainy," Soarin purred, trying to cheer her up. Rainbow just gavr him a playful glare.

"Real sweet of you, Soarin," she replied.

"Well, we better keep moving," Twilight said to the group. "And be on your guard. There's telling what other tricks that dragon has up his wing or how strong they will be." With an agreeing nod the others, the others folled her up the mountain.

As the young princess had anticipated, Smite had sent out more spells to keep the rescue team from reaching him and Tulip. One spell had boulders and dead trees take on frightening appearance of monsters much like in the Everfree Forest when searching for the Elements of Harmony. However, with Pinkie's Giggle at the Ghosties song and some laughter, they overcame the spell just like in the Everfree Forest.

The final spell they came across was when they were only a few yards away Smite's cave. A huge thicket of thorns brushes shot up from the ground and grew fives as tall as Soarin and five times his length from tail to muzzle. What's worse is that it took up the whole width of the path. The thorns look pretty sharp to cut through flesh, Twilight isn't the slightest bit worried.

"Seems to me this dragon's losing his touch," she replied before concentrating on a spell. Everyone watched in awe as thorns glowed with a red-violet aura before blossoming into various vine flowers. Flash Sentry then hugged her proudly.

"That's my girl," he said to her. The violet Alicorn simply smiled affectionately beforw the group made it's way through the now safe vines.

Meanwhile, Smite had rushed back into the cave after he cast his thorn brush spell to stop the rescue group, Tulip still in his tail's coils. After the two of them are inside the cave together, the last of the medallion's magic became a door to keep the Ponies out.

"Smite, please," Tulip begged him fearfully. "Let me go, and I'll ask the others not to hurt you." Smite turned to her with a firm face.

"Not until you agree to become my mate," he replied, bringing his tail closer so he can hold her in his arms and wings. The white Earth Pony then looked into his pink eyes, her eyes shining with tears forming in them.

"Why can't you just give me some time to think?" she whimpered, trying in vain not to cry.

"Because of my size," he answered softly, affectionately brushing a stray tear from her cheek. "If I let you go, and you no to becoming my mate, I will return to my normal size. That's how the spell works. And I want to stay this size for you. I can't be with you if I'm not your size."

"What do you mean by a spell?" she asked him with confusion. "Are you saying you did this to yourself?"

"No," he answered with a shake of his head. "It was a creature who looks like a dragon but isn't. He calls himself Discord, and he wanted to help me win you over. He shrunk me so that I can be with you, but it's only permanent if you agree to be my mate before I let you go. Please understand, Tulip...I love you too much to become large again."

"Smite..." Tulip couldn't believe that her secret friend fell for Discord's trick just to be with her. And yet he's giving up his large size just to be with her. She would have said more but he slammed his lips into her own to kiss her. Immediately, however, she closed her eyes and returned it. That sacrifice he made for her was just too much to ignore...

BAM! The door of the cave entrance was blasted down by Twilight's magic, but the two if them kept kissing. Twilight and the others rush into the cave. When they did, they were shocked to see Smite kissing their flower-decorating friend on the lips.

"Oh, gracious!" Rarity gasped, covering her gapping mouth with both hooves. Noble Charge pulled his scarf over his eyes sheepishly as Pinkie whistled with impressiveness.

"Whoooa, didn't see that coming," said the surprise Rainbow Dash.

"Little guy, I don't think you'd want to watch this," Soarin said, covering Spike's eye's with his wings.

"Hey, I can handle it," Spike retorted, moving the feathers off his eyes. "I'm old enough."

"Wow, just...wow," Twilight said with wide eyes before Flash Sentry cleared his throat. Smite and Tulip broke the kiss and turned to the rescue group.

"Can we help you with something?" Smite asked in annoyance, a sign that he already knows the answer to the question.

"We want you to give our friend back!" Rainbow cried, quickly snapping out of it before flying between the two of them. "And just what the hay do you think your doing kissing her?"

"Rainbow, please," Tulip said, out of bashfulness from the kiss. "Let me explain..."

"I'm kissing her because I am in love with her," Smite answered with a growl. "And I am not letting her go, not until she agrees to be my mate."

"Smite," Tulip said to him with concern, "I don't think it's a very good idea to..."

"Her...become your mate?" the rainbow-maned Pony scoffed. "Yeah, right like that's ever gonna happen!"

"Oh, and like your gonna stop me, little Miss Tough Filly?" he mocked back. "Oh, I'm so scared!"

"Hey, that's my girlfriend your talking to, you overgrown hot air blimp!" Soarin snarled. Apparently, he's been hanging around with Rainbow too much to be able to talk like that.

"And your point is?" Smite scoffed, giving him a mocking look in the eyes. That got Soarin really angry.

"I'll your throat out for---"

"WAAIIIT!" Everyone stopped and froze when Tulip finally cried out and turned to her.

"Um...will everypony please let me say something?" she asked timidly, sheepish about her sudden outburst.

"Of course my little turtledove," Smite answered, letting her go with a smile. Rainbow's jaw dropped with a shock.

"Your letting her talk just like that?" she snapped at him, apparently annoyed.

"She can be pretty persuasive when you get past her sweet nature," the green dragon stated with a shrug. Tulip then turned to the others.

"Please try to understand," she then said to them. "Smite didn't kidnap me. He asked me to come with so that he can talk to me, and I said yes. He then told me that Discord shrunk because he wants to be the same size as me. And he can't let me go because---"

"Discord did this to him?!" Twilight cried. Oh I knew this is another one of his rotten tricks! He so would do something to capture Princess Celestia! That guy is gonna---"

"Twi, sweetie," Flash Sentry said quickly, "you're overreacting again..." The Alicorn stopped her ranting and looked around to see everyone staring at her as if she's gone psycho again.

"Uh, sorry..." she replied with a sheepish grin.

"Wait a minute," Smite replied with a blink of realization. "Are you saying I've been...doped?"

"If by doped, you mean fooled, then YES!" Rainbow snapped. Noble Charge then pulled her down back to the ground so that she can calm down.

"The thing is Smite," he explained, "is that Discord's the lord of Chaos."

"He's also in love with our Princess Celestia and is doing everything he can to have her all to himself," Twilight added. "I think he shrunk and tricked into taking Tulip to distract us while he went to kidnal the princess."

"Are you saying he used me?" Smite roared, now angry at thought of the lord of Chaos tricking him into distracting the Ponies from helping their princess. "Why that rotten---" He let out an enraged roar that made Spike jump

with a yelp and hid behind Flash Sentry, who also was surprised by the roar.

"Where can I find that freakish excuse for a dragon impersonator." he demanded. "I'll teach him a thing or two about making a fool out of a dragon!" Tulip quickly went up to his side and placed her hoof on his arm to calm him down.

"Smite, please calm down," she said. "Getting angry won't solve anything. It will only make things worse." Smite turned to his beloved Earth Pony, and his enraged face softened into a loving frown.

"I'm sorry, Tulip," he said to her. "I just feel so...responsible."

"Well, ya should be!" Rainbow snapped at him. "If ya hadn't kidnapped Tulip, than the princess---"

"Rainbow, stop it!' Twilight snapped with a glare. Realizing that she's only making things worse, the rainbow Pony stoppdd yelling at Smite.

"Sorry," she said lowly.

"I think we should go help the princess and fast," Noble Charge stated, "knowing Discord, he must have taken to the abandonded castle in the Everfree Forest." Twilight nodded in agreement.

"Then I'm going with you," Smite said firmly. "I caused this mess I'm going to fix."

"Uh, it's good to hear that you want to help," Soarin replied before turning to the ropes that are still binding his wings to his sides. "But could you do something about this first please?"

"Oh, sorry," the dragon replied before poking at the ropes with his tail. The ropes shook a little before falling off the Pegasi's sides, freeing his wings.

"Finally!" he cried, spreading out his wings. Then they dashed out of the cave and flew off into the sky to and recues Princess Celestia.