“Law of the Dragon”
Three years had passed since the end of Tirek’s reign. Most of the damage had been repaired, and the world steadily recovered from Princess Celestia’s death. Twilight Sparkle succeeded the former ruler, reigning alongside Princess Luna. However, it was a work in progress, and both princesses had much to learn from the experience.
The sun rose over the horizon, blessing the land with light and warmth. On the edge of the continent, a lone stallion sat in the middle of a bar in the Land of Dragons. He had become a symbol of hope and controversy in his decade and a half in Equestria. Regarded as the greatest hero in the land, Peter Parker was admired by his peers.
However, he was not from their world to begin with, and had a hoof in Princess Celestia’s demise. While some understood that circumstances were beyond his control, others placed the blame on him for throwing the world into disarray. Regardless, it was his responsibility to restore balance to the world. Sadly, that landed him in hostile territory.
Dragons had an uneasy relationship with equines at the best of times, and for one to sit in their primary bar was daring, if not foolish. The attendants stared down at the stallion as he nonchalantly downed a glass of water. A pair of dragons shared a nod, one gripping a sword while the other cracked his knuckles before approaching the pony. They stopped once mere hoof-lengths behind from the stallion, standing nearly twice his height. Meanwhile, Peter paid the outside world no mind, eyeing the letter in his free hoof before placing his empty glass down.
In the confines of his mind, Dream scrolled through the walls of text on the paper. “This seems rather sudden. Why would Spike request your audience in such a manner?”
“Knowing little bro, there’s probably a good reason,” Peter muttered, placing the letter down. He lifted the pitcher at the center of the table, refilling his glass with water. “He said he’ll meet us here shortly.”
Huffing, Dream pointed a thumb behind her position. “I can see why he insisted that you come alone. I sense so much hostility here.” She glanced to the side. “Everyone has been staring you down since you entered the bar.”
Peter shrugged. “Dragons aren’t big fans of ponies. It’ll pass with time.”
Dream let out a low sigh as her eyes softened. “I wish I could share your optimism. In my long existence, there has always been a social divide between dragons and equines. I’m also surprised that there’s even a bar for dragons. ”
Peter managed a smile. “Twilight’s been working hard on trying to improve lives for everypony in Equestria. She was the one who funded the technological advancement for the dragons. Things were so bareboned for them for quite some time. A weapon shop and a few bars, and they were happy. We’ll give them other things over time, too. Slow progression is better than no progression at all.” The stallion waved a hoof dismissively. “Besides, if changelings and thestrals can turn around, I’m sure that dragons can, too. Maybe they just need a push in the right direction.”
“Hey!” one of the dragons exclaimed, slamming a claw into the table before walking in front of the sitting stallion. Peter continued to drink his water, staring blankly at the guest. “You have some nerve walking in here, little pony!”
Dream grumbled under her breath. “This one in particular seems rather obnoxious.”
The dragon standing behind Peter smirked, retrieving a slip of paper from the wall. He pointed at a picture bearing the stallion’s visage. “I told you! It’s actually him! Peter Parker!”
“It appears that you have fans even here,” Dream interjected, chuckling.
Peter shook his head. “Don’t I always? I hate the popularity sometimes.”
Meanwhile, one of the dragon edged closer, leaning over the table until his face was inches away from the stallion’s. “Spider-Mane, huh? There’s a bounty on your head worth three million bits! Three. Million. Bits.” He chuckled before sliding the paper back into his pocket. “That’s a lot of money, and we can retire early.”
Dream grinned. “Gracious. Three million? That seems a bit excessive.”
Peter rolled his eyes and smirked. “Oh? You don’t think I’m worth that much, do you? Twilight says that I’m priceless.”
“Hmph. Well, you are the father of her children. I suppose it’s sentimental value,” Dream coyly added, chuckling upon receiving a blank expression from her host. “Meanwhile, I can’t put your worth into a number. Even if I could, you wouldn’t like the number.”
Peter groaned under his breath. “You can be a real jerk sometimes.”
The dragon behind the stallion raised his arms, slamming them down where he previously sat. The table shattered from the impact as Peter rolled underneath one of his attackers. Both dragons inhaled deeply before releasing trails of fire. The stallion sprinted past the flames and hurdled behind the bartender’s counter. The dragons continued to release flames in his direction while the rest of the spectators rushed out of the building.
Meanwhile, Peter nonchalantly leaned back, retrieving a mug before cracking open a barrel of root beer. “It’s funny what folks will do for a quick buck,” he muttered, filling his mug before quickly downing the beverage. The stallion reached into his knapsack and dropped several bits into the empty mug. “Okay. Ready, partner?”
Dream folded her arms with a smirk. “As always.”
Peter’s eyes flashed to their blue, slitted form before he flipped over the counter. His horn emitted a bright glow, prompting a bubble shield to materialize around his body while he rushed through the surrounding flames. Once mere hoof-lengths away, Peter’s eyes flashed back to its hazel shade before he drove a stiff kick into the nearest dragon’s gut. The air rushed out of his lungs, causing him to instinctively clutch at his abdomen.
Peter raised his hoof until it was an inch away from the dragon’s chest, lunging it forward, and the force of the blow sent him careening across the room, bursting through the window on the other side. Blinking, the remaining dragon hoisted his sword high over his head, its size matching that of Peter’s body. He clutched its handle tightly before slamming it to the ground. A small tremor coursed through the building’s walls, but Peter stood firm, staring blankly at the dragon.
“Oh, that’s not too big or anything. Can somepony say overcompensating?” Peter muttered, shrugging in a hapless fashion.
The dragon sped forth, slamming down the sword where the stallion stood, but Peter sidestepped the attack, causing the weapon to imbed into the ground. The stallion placed a hoof over the dragon’s claw, pinning it to the ground. The dragon attempted to lift the sword, straining, but he couldn’t move the pony’s form. Peter lowered into a defensive stance before he flipped in place, kicking the underside of the dragon’s jaw. The force of the blow sent him spiraling through the air before the stallion followed with a straight kick upon landing, sending his foe crashing through the second window in the bar.
Both dragons laid in a heap outside, groaning while spectators watched on. Peter let out a low sigh, glancing to the side at the traces of flames spread throughout the bar. His eyes flashed to their slitted, blue form before a magic enveloped his horn. A firm gust entered the bar, dissipating the flames until they were extinguished completely. Once all damage to the bar had been diminished, the winds ceased, and the shade of hazel returned to Peter’s eyes.
The stallion brushed the dust off his hooves afterward. However, just as he turned to exit, he bumped into a purple and green obstacle. Another dragon stood in his path, but this one had a cherished history with him. His large green eyes and wide smile were a welcome sight. The dragon stood nearly twice his height, clad in a suit of armor.
“There you are! I should’ve known you were causing the commotion!” he exclaimed, chuckling while extending a claw.
Peter echoed the sentiment, laughing lightly before accepting the gesture. “In my defense, I didn’t start it, Spike.” Both individuals shared a hoofshake before embracing briefly. They eventually parted, walking outside. “I came as soon as I could, little bro. What’s up?”
Spike readied himself to respond, but he paused, stealing a glance at the surrounding spectators outside. He closed the doors to the bar before locking them tightly. “It’s a huge deal, and you’re the only one who can help out with it.” The dragon glanced about his surroundings with an arched brow. Once certain they were alone, Spike folded his arms and leaned against the nearest column. “The Dragon Lord’s scepter has been stolen.”
“Stolen? That’s not good. You should buy a tie for it,” Peter muttered, waving a hoof dismissively. His eyes widened at a belated realization. “Wait a second. The scepter. Are you talking about that thing you helped Ember earn during her trial? Twilight told me about that. Is it really that important?”
Spike folded his arms before nodding. “Only the Dragon Lord is allowed to use the scepter. I don’t understand its full power, but I do know that it can force a call to dragons, which causes us to feel an irritating burn and glow until we heed the summons.” The dragon raised a claw objectively. “Whoever stole it can control any dragon if they learn how to use it, and we know a rogue dragon named Garble is the one responsible. There’s apparently a following that wasn’t keen on Ember’s stance with ponies.”
Sobering, Peter’s eyes widened. “Whoa, that is pretty serious. So what’s stopping you guys from getting the scepter back when you know who took it?”
“That’s where things get complicated,” Spike replied, shaking his head. “If the current Dragon Lord somehow loses possession of the scepter, it’s forbidden for him or her to ask for help from anyone in their clan. Doing so is a sign of weakness, deeming them unfit to rule the dragons.” He paused, pursing his lips. “Respect is earned through power and strength. The last thing Dragon Lord Ember needs is for anyone to think she’s weak. She’ll lose support. Heck, she’s barely holding together now because of her relationship with the ponies.”
Blinking, Peter tilted his head to the side. “So, why am I here?”
A smile formed on Spike’s face. “Because there is a loophole. While the Dragon Lord can’t enlist the aid of anyone within their clan, there’s nothing stating that they can’t accept the help of a total stranger. And for dragons, nothing is stranger than a pony.” He placed a claw over the stallion’s shoulder. “Big bro. You’re as strange as they come, and you’re powerful, too. You’re the only one who can help us right now. Together, you and Dragon Lord Ember can take on Garble, his followers, and get the scepter back!”
Inwardly, Dream folded her arms and frowned. “This is quite a dilemma, but I’m not surprised. Dragons have always been a very prideful species.”
Peter glanced to the side. “All the more reason we need to help. We’re probably the only option Ember has right now. Plus, we need Ember in power. Dragons and ponies already have a lukewarm relationship, and Ember’s trying to improve things.” He placed his hands over his hips. “If anyone else has that scepter who has a grudge against ponies, it’ll undo our relationship’s progress.”
Slow to respond, Dream nodded. “You’re right. Ember’s very intelligent and open-minded. She’s not one to turn down help for the sake of her pride. Her relationship with Princess Twilight Sparkle is all indication to that. Let’s help her.”
Back in the real world, Peter grinned. “Alright, Spike. You know that I can’t refuse to help a friend, let alone my little brother.”
Faster than Peter could react, Spike scooped his smaller frame into a tight embrace. “Thanks a ton, big bro! How can I ever thank you?”
Straining, Peter felt the muscles in his body giving. “Stop trying to break me in half?”
Spike relinquished his hold and dropped the stallion, chuckling sheepishly. “Deal.” Once Peter pulled himself back to a standing position, the dragon kicked the door open. “Come on! We don’t have any time to waste! Follow me!”
The pair raced through the land of dragons, passing by several spectators. The land was harsh, evident by the rocky terrain and lava pits, but it was firm, as if to represent the very essence of the inhabitants that lived there. The journey itself was brief, lasting only a few minutes. Peter and Spike eventually reached their destination, pausing by a large pair of double doors outside of a rocky structure that towered over their frames. Inhaling deeply before sighing, Spike pressed against the doors and slid them open. Many dragons within paused, staring intently at the intruder, but they soon burst into a loud cheer, swarming the lone knight. Each patted Spike over the shoulder while others gave him a mug filled with cider.
Spike chuckled sheepishly, shaking claws with everyone that offered the gesture. “Oh, stop it. You guys are too much.” He downed the drink quickly, raising his mug cheerfully. “I’m glad to be back!”
However, one of the dragons glanced to the side, catching sight of something unusual. A lone stallion entered into the abode, glancing about aimlessly. The dragon whistled, catching everyone’s attention, and they all retrieved their weapons, aiming them at Peter. The stallion blinked a wide-eyed response, stealing multiple glances at the dozens of dragons surrounding him.
Spike stammered, raising a claw objectively before anyone could respond. “Whoa! Whoa! Hold it, guys! He’s with me!”
Most of the dragons furrowed their gazes, staring intently at the pony. One pointed a claw at Peter and chuckled. “Even for a pony, he’s on the small side!”
“Not just that, look at his mane!” another burst out, laughing uproariously. “It’s so dainty looking! Is he going to pony prom or something?”
The entire room erupted into a wild laughter while Peter merely stared blankly at the crowd, grumbling under his breath. “Man. It’s just like high school all over again.”
“That’s enough!” a voice roared from the other side of the room, causing the entire lot of dragons to cease all sound instantly. Most parted, holding their gazes at a lowered position. Suddenly, a lone blue dragon walked through the crowd, standing no taller than Peter and less than half the height of everyone else around her. Once she was hoof-lengths away from Peter, she shifted her orange glare at the surrounding dragons. “Let’s show a little respect. We can at least act somewhat civilized.”
The nearest dragon grumbled. “But he’s so tiny…”
The considerably smaller dragon looked to the other and narrowed her gaze into a glare. “From my viewpoint, I’m the same height as this pony. Is there something wrong with being ‘tiny’?”
The dragon in question shrank down with a nervous smile, rapidly shaking his head. “N-no! Not at all, Dragon Lord Ember!”
“Good. Mind your tongue from here on out. That goes for all of you in here,” Ember declared, shifting a glare in the direction of those standing around her and prompting them to straighten their postures. She glanced at the stallion, holding out a claw before shifting her gaze to the surrounding crowd. “This is no simple pony. This is Peter Parker, the greatest knight in Equestria! You will all address him with the same amount of respect as you would me! Is that understood?!”
The surrounding dragons nodded eagerly, raising their arms triumphantly. “Yes, Dragon Lord Ember!”
Clearing her throat, Ember shared a glance with the stallion. “My apologies for that. Now. To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?”
Peter placed a hoof over his mouth and cleared his throat. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Dragon Lord Ember. Spike and Twilight have told me a lot about you. I just wish I was here under better circumstances. I heard what happened to your scepter. I’m here to help you get it back.”
A silent air filled the entire room. Every dragon grimaced at the stallion’s words while Ember herself glanced to the side shamefully. “I’m not proud of what happened. I dropped my guard and put the scepter down momentarily. Even then, I didn’t expect Garble to act irrationally and actually take it without permission. What’s worse is that he has assembled a group.” As if a belated thought came into mind, Ember stole a glance at the purple and green dragon across the room before returning her gaze to Peter. “I see. Spike told you about my dilemma. He could never hold his water.”
“Spike told me that you couldn’t ask for help within your clan. Well you're in luck. I happen to be the loophole in that rule,” Peter declared, patting a hoof against his chest. “Allow me to help you.”
Ember folded her arms and frowned. “I’m not happy to admit it, but under the current circumstances, I have little choice. Please be of assistance.” She extended an open claw, prompting the stallion to accept the gesture with a hoof. Her eyes softened. “I really appreciate your help. We’ll be outnumbered, but I like my chances with you by my side.” Ember faced the crowd once more. “Peter Parker will be accompanying me on my journey! We’ll retake the scepter and return glory to the clan!”
Suddenly, the crowd erupted into cheers, clamoring about wildly. Spike worked his way through the crowd, grinning upon reaching Ember and Peter. “I think they like you now, big bro.”
The dragons grabbed the stallion, leading him to a table. Some patted his shoulders roughly, unknowingly bashing his head against the table. A female dragon walked through the crowd with a warm plate in claw, placing it before the pony. However, Peter could only blink at the boiling substance before sniffing it, throwing a hoof over his muzzle.
“Gah! What is this?” Peter questioned, resisting the urge to throw up.
The waitress grinned. “Molten iron. It’s a specialty for us.”
Peter’s complexion paled while he shook his head, shivering involuntarily. “I know I could probably use a little more iron in my diet, but this is ridiculous.”
The surrounding crowd continued to laugh wildly. However, an older dragon walked into the room, earning the attention of those around him. A mask hid his features, but the many scars on his wrinkled form indicated his great age. Spike and Ember straightened their posture while Peter arched a brow at the sight.
“Who is that?” Peter whispered, leaning towards his younger brother.
Spike held a claw over his mouth. “That’s the clan’s shaman. He’s the oldest dragon in Equestria. Rumor is said that he has been alive for eons, even before the founding of Equestria.”
The shaman pointed a claw at the stallion, uttering in an inconclusive tone.
Peter arched a brow. “I don’t follow.”
Inwardly, Dream placed a hand over her host’s shoulder. “I do. He’s speaking in an ancient tongue. That used to be the basis of the world’s language.”
Once the shaman finished a statement, Peter glanced to the side. “So, what did he say?”
“This loophole Spike found is fine. You can help Ember as long as you pass a trial,” Dream interjected, brushing a hand through her bright blue hair. “It would be a disservice for the Dragon Lord to associate with one that can’t hold their ground. To do so would be a sign of weakness.”
Peter furrowed his brow. “Do we even have time for a trial? Your scepter is missing, and you all said that it can be a disaster if we don’t hurry!”
Slow to respond, Ember blinked at the stallion. “Wait. You understood the shaman?” Shaking her head, the female dragon raised a claw. “Well anyway. I would love to hurry myself, but this is an ancient tradition and a very rare circumstance.” Her expression softened as she leaned within whispering range of the stallion. “Please. Just humor him.”
Peter simply shrugged. “Okay. I guess it can’t hurt. So, what do I have to do?”
-u-
Along the outskirts of the village, the entire dragon lot gathered. One burly dragon took hold of a boulder, lifting it high over his head before tossing it several yards away. The stone landed, sending tremors through the ground, but the crowd cheered on, whooping as the dragon flexed his muscles. Spike and Ember stood behind Peter as he eyed a boulder the same size as the one that was thrown. It towered over the pony, equivalent to the size of a small house.
Ember threw a claw over her face, exhaling. “A test of strength. I should’ve known the elders would find a way to stop him from helping. They’re so stuck in the past that they can’t see what’s wrong, even when it’s right in front of them.”
Spike waved a claw dismissively. “It’s no problem. Peter’s got this.”
Ember’s eyes shot open at the comment. “You can’t be serious! There’s nopony alive that can lift a boulder half that size!”
Chuckling, Spike shook his head. “Trust me.”
Peter stared at the boulder for what seemed like an eternity. “Are we back in the Stone Age or something?”
Dream groaned. “I admit that this is tedious, but you have to display your strength. If you’re convincing, the dragons will have no choice but to respect you.” The woman’s blue eyes widened at a thought before a coy smirk formed on her face. “However, I have a better solution. You’ll have to be a touch rough, though.”
Peter glanced to the side, listening to Dream’s advice. After a brief duration, the stallion walked away from the boulder and approached the burly dragon he was competing against. “Uh, excuse me? I have a question.” The stallion pointed a hoof at the boulder in the distance. “If you could say, about how many of those boulders do you weigh in total?”
The dragon snorted. “At least ten. What’s it to you, tiny?”
Chuckling, Peter extended a hoof. “Wow. You are so huge and strong!”
Taken aback, the dragon smugly grinned before accepting the gesture. “Heh. Yeah. That I am.”
However, Peter’s brow lowered before he gripped the dragon’s arm. Spinning around, the stallion hoisted the dragon over his shoulder and flipped him high into the air. Soaring, he eventually flew past the previously thrown boulder by several meters and landed on the back of his head. A set of tremors raced through the ground, and the surrounding crowd stared in amazement, slack-jawed. However, they immediately erupted into a raucous applause while the dragon slowly staggered back to an upright position.
Meanwhile, Ember held a bewildered expression. “My word!”
Spike chuckled knowingly. “See? I told you Peter had this!”
The shaman approached the stallion, waving a claw dismissively while uttering a response. Peter smiled before Spike slid an arm around the stallion’s shoulder.
Ember smirked. “The shaman says that you passed.”
“I got the gist of it,” Peter replied, pausing as the spectators patted his shoulders in a congratulatory manner. He scratched the back of his head sheepishly as he caught sight of a pair of dragons helping their friend from the ground. “Tell the big guy that I’m sorry about the potential concussion.”
Ember huffed, pointing a thumb in the distance. “Don’t be. I’m glad that you knocked some humility into him. Maybe this experience will get through that thick skull of his.” The female dragon nodded after a brief duration. “I must say that I’m impressed. Princess Twilight and Spike have told me a lot about you, but seeing your strength for myself is something else entirely. Seeing is believing as they say. You have spirit and understand the way of the dragon.” Sobering, Ember raised a claw objectively. “We’ve wasted enough time. Spike. You’re in charge while I’m gone. We’ll return soon.”
Spike straightened his posture, giving the smaller dragon a firm salute. “Yes, Ma’am.”
Peter tilted his head to the side. “It sounds like you know where the scepter is.”
“Garble and his followers are holed up in the Fire Pits. If we hurry, we can catch them off guard,” Ember firmly stated, pausing to retrieve her armor. As the female dragon properly slid into her attire, Peter’s horn glowed and caused his white and black suit to materialize into existence over his body. Once both were fitted, Ember shared a nod with the stallion. “Let’s go.”
Every dragon in the vicinity cheered loudly for the pair as they raced out of the area, venturing towards the hazardous Fire Pits.
-u-
The journey to their destination was relatively quick, lasting only a matter of minutes. The rock formations were jagged, leaving the footing unrefined and poor. Bursts of flames erupted from several openings in the ground while lava churned beneath the volcanic stone. A large cave stood in the midst of the formation with a pair of dragons standing on guard along the outside. Meanwhile, Peter and Ember watched from a safe distance several yards away, concealed behind a large rock.
Ember furrowed her brow at the sight as she carefully peeked over the boulder. “There’s no doubt about it. The scepter is here. I can sense it.”
Peter mirrored her actions, narrowing his gaze. “Okay. There’s only two of them. We can take them easily.”
Just as the stallion readied himself to stand, the female dragon reached out and gently placed a claw over his shoulder. “Exactly. It’s too easy.” Peter eased back behind their hiding spot, allowing Ember to pick up a tiny rock. She tossed it behind the two guards, and the moment the object bounced off the ground, a dozen armored dragons immediately rushed into the vicinity to investigate the disturbance. Each scanned their surroundings diligently while Ember settled back down beside the stallion. “I knew it.”
Peter blinked at the sight, chuckling nervously. “Sheesh. All of that because you threw a rock?”
“It’s a classic strategy. They leave a pair of guards out in the open while placing others behind their position,” Ember declared, frowning. “It drops the enemy’s guard enough to where they won’t anticipate an ambush.”
Peter stole a glance at the guards before returning his gaze to Ember. “That’s actually pretty smart.”
Ember folded her arms and huffed. “It’s predictable. Garble’s using a strategy I taught him.” She paused, shifting her gaze skyward. “Still, I’m alarmed. If he could spare that many guards for the entrance, just how many dragons are following him?”
“Is it possible that he might’ve learned how the scepter’s control power works partially?” Peter questioned, arching a brow.
Ember shook her head. “It’s possible. That might explain why he managed to gather as many followers as he did. However, the scepter can affect every dragon in the world if activated to its true potential, no matter the distance.” Sobering, the female dragon straightened her posture and peeked over the boulder with a narrowed gaze. “All the more reason we need to find Garble and stop him before he can do any damage.”
Blinking, Peter frowned. “You said that you can sense where the scepter is, right?”
Her eyes widened at the statement before she nodded. “Yes.” Ember stared intently at the rock formation for several seconds before pointing at the opening high above their positions. “Yes. The scepter’s at the highest point. However, the formation is too jagged to climb on, and I can’t fly without catching unwanted attention.”
“Are you okay riding piggyback?” Peter lightly questioned, grinning. “It’s one of the joys of having spider powers.”
Ember’s face scrunched up with disgust. “Absolutely not!” she blurted out in a whispered, staring intently at the stallion. “I am the Dragon Lord! I refuse to put myself in such a vulnerable position! I’ll be the laughingstock of my clan!”
Moments later, Peter scaled the side of the mountain while Ember hung with her arms wrapped around his neck. A bright pink blush filled the dragon’s face as she watched the ground with a gaze of discontent, praying nopony would see her in a such a compromising position. A rock broke free from underneath Peter’s lower hoof, falling for several seconds before crashing mere inches away from a guard. The dragon snapped his vision skyward to the source, only to find empty space along the rock formation.
Meanwhile, Peter and Ember stood still on the other side of the formation before resuming their climb. The stallion smirked as he glanced to the side. “This isn’t so bad, right?” Ember offered no coherent response, grumbling under her breath. Peter could only grin. “You smell nice by the way. Is that Bourbon scent? You don’t seem the type.”
Ember tightened her hold on the stallion’s neck, choking him momentarily. “Shut up and climb.”
Eventually, the pair reached the nearest opening. Ember climbed inside first, shifting her gaze about diligently before reaching outside, helping the stallion in. They traveled through the hallway, pausing at each corridor while progressing. A lone dragon stood at the end of the highest point, guarding a door. Suddenly, Peter shot out a pair of strands onto the guard, pulling him around the corner.
Before the dragon could react, Ember jumped behind his position and delivered a swift chop to the back of his neck. The guard fell in an unconscious heap, allowing Peter to wrap his burly form in a web cocoon. Ember quietly opened the door, inhaling sharply upon spotting the scepter. However, it was in the possession of a red dragon, with him standing slightly taller than Ember.
Ember’s brow twitched in response while a growl escaped from her mouth. The male dragon only managed to blurt out a word before Ember charged into the room, tackling him to the ground. Meanwhile, at ground level, the guards peered up at the commotion before the red dragon burst through the wall, falling several stories before crashing to the ground with enough force to create a crater. Suddenly, Ember jumped from the highest point and landed gracefully several hoof-lengths away.
All of the guards rushed to the crater while the red dragon pulled himself from the ground. “Oh! Look who showed up! The Dragon Lord herself!” he confidently boasted, rubbing the aches out of his head while clutching at the scepter in his claw. The dragon pushed a pair of his guards roughly before glaring intently at the female. “I don’t know how you got the past the guards, but it doesn’t matter. We knew you’d show up for the scepter. Now, you’re outnumbered and outmatched.”
“Outnumbered? Yes.” Ember coyly declared, smirking as Peter soared from the sky and gracefully landed next to his position. “Outmatched? I doubt it.”
Peter waved nonchalantly. “Hey, everyone.”
Garble’s yellow eyes widened at the sight. “What?! You actually went to get help from a pony?!” His gaze narrowed into a glare before his face twisted into a scowl. “That’s exactly why you’re not fit to be Dragon Lord. You’re too soft, and your so called friendship with those ponies is causing the rest of us to be weak!”
Ember shook her head. “Don’t be stupid, Garble. The dragons have isolated themselves from society for eons, and we’ve suffered as a result. Pride is a dangerous thing if we let it hinder ourselves.” She shared a glance with the stallion by her side before returning her gaze to the surrounding crowd of dragons. “We are stronger if we stand united. We can’t let our foolish pride control us.”
Just as Garble readied himself to respond, one of the guards edged by his side and whispered into his ear. The red dragon stared intently at the stallion. “Hold on.” His eyes widened at a realization after a brief duration. “Peter Parker. You’re the pony that helped get my uncle banished!”
Blinking, Peter tilted his head to the side. “Come again?”
Ember groaned under her breath. “Are you serious right now, Garble? He willingly joined Discord and attacked innocents. Efreet’s lucky that banishment was the extent of his punishment.”
Taken aback, Peter turned his gaze to Ember. “Hang on a minute. You knew the dragon that attacked Ponyville?”
Ember nodded. “Yes. Efreet was a rival of my father, the former Dragon Lord Torch. He always challenged my father for his title of Dragon Lord, disagreeing with his methods.” She shook her head, frowning. “I suppose he got sick of my father and went to Discord to make changes forcefully. Efreet was not a fan of ponykind, as I’m sure you learned.”
Garble gritted his fangs angrily. “And here you are, teaming with that pony! Now, I can kill two birds with one stone! I’ll become the new Dragon Lord and avenge my uncle! I’ll show the world and those weak ponies just how strong dragons really are!” He shared a glance with his guards and pointed a claw at the pair across from his position. “Get them!”
The dragons stormed forward, rushing the pair. Ember pointed a claw away from her position. “Spread out! Don’t let them surround us!”
Peter simply nodded, flipping high overhead before landing behind a trio of dragons. “Have you guys ever played Super Mario Bros?” he questioned, ducking underneath a wild swipe from one of his attackers. Before the dragon could react, the stallion gripped his tail and spun in place. Their images blurred, matching that of a speeding propellor. Suddenly, Peter relinquished his hold, launching the dragon directly into his cohorts, and the trio rolled into a heap, skidding to a halt eventually. “So long, me Bowser! Or something like that.”
Dream let out a groan, dizzily stumbling in place in the depths of the stallion’s mind as she placed a hand over her forehead. “Years later, and I still hate the spinning.”
Meanwhile, a dragon reached out, forcing Ember to throw a sharp kick directly into the back of his leg. He instinctively lowered to a kneeling position, clutching at his limb. Ember threw a swift set of punches, each aimed with precision at the chest, arm, and neck. The dragon’s eyes rolled into the back of his head before he collapsed, seemingly paralyzed.
Another guard emerged behind the female dragon, throwing a wild slash, but Ember sharply turned to face her foe, unleashing a potent flame wave from her mouth. The blaze consumed the dragon, generating a blast and knocking him back. Peter swayed out of the range of a dragon’s barrage of slashes, countering with a straight punch, and the force of the blow sent him careening into the nearest wall, embedding his burly form into the stone with a crack. A dragon lunged out, forcing Ember to sway to the side.
She gripped her attacker’s arm before spinning around and using his momentum against him, hoisting his large form over her shoulder. The dragon’s skull slammed into the ground, cracking the terrain. However, one of the dragons drove his shoulder into her back, sending Ember flying across the room. She spread her wings and dug her claws into the ground, skidding to a halt while upright. Peter’s eyes widened at the sight, flipping away as a dragon swiped at him, and he shot a web-strand onto a stone pillar, bungeeing himself to Ember’s position. The pair stood with their backs against each other, gazing at the surrounding crowd of dragons while they closed in on their position.
The stallion alternated his gaze about wildly. “Geez. Your friend sure has a lot of fans. There’s so many of them.”
Ember furrowed her brow. “Yeah, I noticed. If I can get the scepter back, I can make them stand down.” Flames circulated in their mouths as the dragons inhaled deeply. She narrowed her gaze, frowning. “Any suggestions?”
Peter nodded, managing a smile while his eyes flashed to its blue, slitted form. “Sort of. It’s a bit… unorthodox. Do you trust me?”
The female dragon paused briefly before returning the stallion’s smile with a warm grin. “You volunteered to help me in a personal matter. Of course I trust you.”
Suddenly, the surrounding dragons unleashed trails of flames at the pair, enveloping their forms completely. They continued their assault for nearly a minute before eventually ceasing the attack. However, as the smoke cleared, a large set of stones shaped into a sphere levitated from the ground, their surfaces reduced to a molten form. Tremors shook through the objects as traces of magic spread over the stones. Beneath the stones, Peter held a magical barrier with the stones infused in the shield.
Ember lowered into a defensive stance, growling as flames circulated into her mouth. Abruptly, the female dragon shot up and unleashed a thunderous roar, stretching her wings out. A shockwave erupted, launching the collection of magically enveloped and burning stones out. All soared with precision, striking each of the dragons’ skulls, shattering on impact, and the entire crowd fell in unconscious heaps while the pair levitated back to the ground.
Garble’s eyes widened at the sight, but before he could react, the pair vanished from sight and materialized into existence in a burst of light mere inches away. “You’re no Dragon Lord! You asked for help from a pony!”
Ember exhaled, holding out her open claw. The scepter flew from Garble’s grasp and landed into that of the female dragon’s. “The scepter disagrees with you. One must rightfully earn the title of Dragon Lord,” she declared, straightening her posture. “Ponies are far stronger than you think, and today, that fact is proven.” Her expression softened. “We’ve held a barrier between ourselves and ponykind for too long. It’s time to drop that prejudice and unite.”
Slow to respond, Garble’s glare sharpened. “No way. It’s because of a pony that my uncle was banished!”
Peter shook his head. “I’m sorry. I can’t take back what happened to your uncle. He attacked a defenseless village, and I was forced to fight back.” The blue color faded from the stallion’s gaze before it retook its normal, hazel form. “I can understand how you feel. It’s just nature for beings to fear what they don’t understand. Ponies are small and dainty to you, and dragons are big and fearsome to them. Changelings were just love-sucking insects to the world, and everypony else was just food to them. Griffons are just an angry lot. At least, that’s what everyone thinks, but they’re just a misunderstood bunch that grew tired of the accusations.”
Garble frowned, furrowing his gaze. “What are you getting at?”
“That it’s really easy to make assumptions and assume the worst,” Peter declared, holding his hooves out to the side. “That’s a sign of weakness we all share. It takes strength to give those different around you a chance. You have to dedicate time and patience, but if you succeed, you’ll find that we aren’t all that different.”
“How? Dragons and ponies have nothing in common! And I refuse to believe anything contrary to that!” Garble exclaimed, throwing his claws out to the side.
Peter raised a hoof objectively. “At first glance, it’s easy to make that assumption. However, we all eat, sleep, and share similar dreams. Ponies have experienced war just like dragons have, and dragons are just as loving as ponies. Spike was the Best Dragon at my wedding. He’s the little brother I never had.” The stallion nudged the female dragon by his side. “Plus, I hear Ember’s father is very protective. Reminds me of how I get about my daughter.”
Garble glanced off to the side. “That… makes sense… I guess. Spike refuses to shut up about you, saying you’re the greatest warrior on the planet. I never thought that made sense, but… you did defeat my uncle twice. Maybe ponies can be as tough as dragons.” He muttered the last part.
Peter grinned. “My wife lifts the sun daily, and one of my best friends lifts the moon on a nightly basis. Trust me. They’re a tough lot.”
Ember nodded, ignoring the blush surfacing on her features. “Exactly. We have much more in common than you would think, and it’s time for us to stop labeling each other unjustly without prior engagement. I’m going to work to help build on our bond with ponykind. Dragons are feared, but true power comes from respect. Peter earned the trust of the clan to help me retrieve the scepter. Not through intimidation, but admiration.” She shared a glance with the stallion before returning her stern gaze with the dragon. “We can’t move forward if you’re clinging to the past. I believe in freedom of choice. Rather than forcing you to join my belief, I offer you the chance to work on redemption. What say you?”
Garble alternated his gaze between the pair, folding his arms. “Honestly. Ponies are still way too soft for my liking, but...” he trailed off as the corner of his fanged mouth formed into a smirk. “You pack a mean punch for a pony, and if our Dragon Lord gave you her respect, then I guess I can give your kind a shot. I can’t change right away, but I guess I can give it a shot. I mean, if there’s a pony like you around, maybe there’s hope for you bunch.”
As if satisfied with the answer, Ember simply nodded. “Glad to hear that. Oh. And Garble?” Faster than the dragon could react, Ember lowered the scepter and aimed its crimson jewel in his direction. A laser shot out, colliding into Garble’s chest, and the beam slammed his form through the stone, imbedding his body into a life-sized hole with a crack. The dragon dizzily staggered out of the hole, slurring. Ember turned to take her exit. “Don’t ever take my scepter again.”
“Yes, Ma’am,” Garble slurred, collapsing alongside his unconscious allies.
“Are you sure you're okay with leaving Garble?” Peter questioned after they reached the outskirts of the Fire Pits.
Ember nodded. “Yes. As thickheaded as Garble is, I’m confident that he’ll follow his word and try to improve himself.” As if a realization came into mind, the dragon sobered and slowed to a halt while her expression softened. “I’ve been meaning to thank you, Peter. You helped retrieve my scepter and even willingly followed our traditions to do so. I am eternally in your debt.”
Scratching the back of his head, Peter chuckled sheepishly. “Aw, it was no problem. All in a day’s work.”
“I’ve only heard rumors of your eloquence from Princess Twilight and Spike. It seems you really are what they say you are: a symbol of idealism,” Ember gently declared, holding a warm smile. “I want to make it a goal to tear down the wall separating ponies and dragons. With you, I may be able to make that dream a reality. There is something that I would like to offer you.” Ember extended a friendly claw, prompting the stallion to accept the gesture before they raised their limbs in unison. “We have formed a pact of unity between pony and dragon. I swear my allegiance and friendship to you. Should you require my aid, I will always help you as you did for me this day.”
Peter grinned. “The honor’s all mine, Ember. I’ll always help you out, too.” The pair stood in a comfortable silence for a brief duration before the stallion smirked. “Actually, we can take this a step further. It’s pretty clear that we both want the same thing: a safer world for every race. I’m actually forming a team to represent that, and you’d be a welcome addition. Right now, we have two ponies, a siren, and a draconequus. We could use a dragon in there, too.”
Ember’s eyes widened at the statement. “That sounds rather unorthodox. But then again, we do have to break the status quo at some point in order to achieve success.” The dragon firmly nodded. “I’ll have a talk with my clan and father. I want to join your cause right away. As Dragon Lord, I’ll help you, not as an observer, but a representative.” Blinking, Ember tilted her head to the side. “Just… what is this team called by the way?”
Within the walls of Princess Twilight’s castle, the front walls slowly slid open. Trixie and Sonata lifted their gazes at the source while Eris materialized into existence directly above their position. Everypony watched with bewildered gazes as Peter entered the abode first. Once the stallion turned around, Ember slowly entered as well. The dragon stared intently at the polished interior before shifting her widened gaze to the group as Trixie, Sonata, and Eris offered her a smile.
“Ember,” Peter called out, managing a wide smile while holding his hooves out to the side. “Welcome to the Avengers.”
Ember returned their greeting with a warm smile of her own. The bridge separating ponykind and dragons slowly withered with new hopes leading the future.
The End
