WARNING: CHARACTER DEATH

"Well, it's already been a month, and things seem normal again." Spike remarked, while laying curled up in one of the lounge chairs of Dusk's office in the friendship castle.

"Not already feeling bored, are you, Spike?" Dusk asked while going over some paperwork. To this, the Drake shook his head, and answered, "No. Actually, i'm happy things have cooled down. What with all the craziness we've had to go through because of Tirek. It's great to have some time to relax."

"I think it's nice." Fluttershy, sitting in one of the lounge chairs beside Spike while drinking some tea. "I miss getting to interact with the students, teach them new things, and have a nice, peaceful day while doing it. At least there's no issue we need to worry about right now." Suddenly, there came a knock at the door, and in poked Smolder, with her Element of Harmony still wrapped around her neck like the originals. "Uh, Headstallion Dusk?" She asked, sounding almost hesitant as she flew over to the table the Principle-Prince was handling his paperwork. "Something urgent just came up, recently...and...I was wondering if I could go back to the dragonlands." Without even looking away from his work, he hummed in agreement before saying, "Sure thing, Smolder. I'm sure we'll see you again by tomorrow." But the orange dragon then sheepishly rubbed her arm as she admitted, "Actually.......i'm gonna have to miss a whole week."

"......Wait, what?!" Dusk exclaimed, finally putting his work down. "A week? Are you serious?"

Noting how uncomfortable she seemed, Fluttershy made the inquiry of, "Is there something wrong, Smolder?"

"Actually, yeah." Smolder answered. "You see, the thing is," she then took a deep breath, and then speedily said, "My brother's been having issues with the other dragons back home, and it's gotten him depressed like you wouldn't believe. So he needs me to be there for him because i'm the only one who still cares about him, and he's been having a hard time since I left for school. So I want to check up on him. Because you know what dragons are like, and they think they can mess with him because he's nice." Spike then walked upright to Smolder, and jokingly asked while nudging her arm, "Did you use the words "dragon" and "nice" in the same sentence? Because in my experience, I thought those went together like oil and water." Smolder chuckled, and playfully punched him in the shoulder. "Yeah. He's sorta like you, Spike. I'd even say your size matches both yours and his hearts perfectly." Spike was flattered by the compliment, and made an 'aw' sound while smiling, and sitting on the couch arm with his own arms crossed.

"Smolder, look: it's really nice that you care about your brother enough that you want to go, and support him." Dusk admitted as he walked up to the young dragon. "But.....i'm not sure i'm comfortable sending you off on your own without any supervision - and with the increased dangers imposed by Tirek." Smolder looked down in disappointment, feeling that she was going to be rejected. But once again, Spike proved his character by offering an idea that would benefit everyone. "What if she wasn't alone? Maybe this could contribute to her Kindness class grades, even before the school's finished? Plus, if I went with her, and maybe even asked Scorpan and Emerald Wonder to go with us, we'd not only have adult supervision: but with them understanding the situation, they can help keep Smolder safe. That way Smolder can still go home until she's helped her brother. Especially with me helping her out with her family dilemma. Does that sound alright, bro?" he asked, while giving Smolder a knowing wink, which made her smile in appreciation.

Dusk raised a hoof to his chin in thought, and considered Spike's proposal. "Well, that DOES sound like it could work out for everyone involved. Though I think that what you meant to call it was a "Kindness Fieldtrip", Spike." Dusk quipped, before looking to Smolder. "And you wouldn't mind the extra company?"

"Nope!" Smolder happily exclaimed, before saying, "The Dragon Lord is way too busy with personal problems with the Baby Dragon Hatching Season being around."

A light gasp, and Fluttershy was suddenly leaning on the armchair near Smolder, with bright sparkles in her eyes. "Baby. Dragon. Hatching Season?!" She then made excited noises as she squeezed her own cheeks in excitement. "All of those cute, adorable little baby dragons, hatching for the first time?! I've never even seen a dragon hatch before!" She exclaimed almost hyperactively, before turning to Dusk, and pleading, "Can I go? Pleeeease? If it's a Kindness Fieldtrip, then it's only right for the Kindness Teacher to lead it, right? Pleeeeeeeeease?" She stretched out in an adorably high-pitched tone of voice that even made Dusk blush from how adorable she was. "W-well, uh....." But then his heart melted at the sight of all three of them giving him the equivalent of puppy-dog eyes, with wide smiles. How ponies, and two teenage dragons could actually make that work in their favor, Dusk STILL couldn't get. So, without any real reluctance, he smiled with a sigh, and said, "Okay. You all can go, and remember to ask Scorpan and Emerald Wonder if they'd like to go, too." He then chuckled. "Though knowing that kid, he might actually enjoy the chance to research dragon culture. Just remember to write me a full-on report after you come back."

"I don't know, Dusk." Spike said slyly. "It might take awhile before we get back."

"True......if I were talking to Smolder, and not Fluttershy because I already know she'd be more than eager to write everything she learns." He chuckled, winking to his brother, who only smiled back at him.

What noone knew was that something festered in the heart of the Dragonlands. Something even Dusk Shine, let alone The Dragon Lord had failed to see. Some of the local teenage dragons were hanging out, just laughing about stuff they were enjoying out of life.....when suddenly, a shadow began appearing beside each of them. The shadow of a familiar, white-eyed creature with a curved horn that was invisible to the teenage dragons eyes - their ears, and minds were a different story, as the shadow began whispering something akin to an enchantment in each of their lobes. Their own eyes beginning to shine white as this went on for only a few moments, before the shadow receded, and they were back to normal. That was when they all suggested the same idea: to go to the inner reaches of the Dragon Lands, and start making volcano hot tubs out of the lava-spilling geysers. Nodding in agreement, they all went over to the Volcanoes, and began cutting off their original flow with boulders so that the lava could remain where it was.

All of them unaware of the magma flowing in a different direction: one carved out by either claws, or a sharp tool, leading further into the Dragon Lands.

There were other volcanoes that were given the same treatment. But not by the claws of the teenager dragons. It was soon revealed, as all of the magma began to pool into a black pit, that the shadow was none other than Erebus, The Pony of Shadows, himself. Using the shadows of this crater valley, he reformed into his true size as he began looking over his work. "And to think that Dragons are even more susceptible to something as simple as hypnotic suggestion. Especially when it plays into their pathetic desires, and helps us finish our work." He then looked over to the other figure who was just now walking in. "Are you certain this will be sufficient for the ceremony, Dismay?"

The demon pony hissed in annoyance at first, before they took on a malicious expression. "As long as the pool itself rises to the appropriate level to build up the necessary heat, it will be more than enough to waken the Valaraukar King. Now, the only thing remaining.........is the living sacrifice to revitalize him." They then grinned as they looked towards a certain location. "And thankfully, the dragons have already provided the correct surplus we need."

For the sake of conversation, and preserving energy, the group of five chose to walk to The Dragonlands. It took at least a day to get halfway by train, before the next one was taken on foot. Now they were making their way up the mountainous entrance to the volcanic home of the dragon kingdom. All the while, the group was finishing conversing on how they'd help Smolder, and her brother in turn. "So, Spike mentioned a number of things we could do for your brother, since you said the two are so alike." Emerald said while holding a note list in his left hoof with a happy smile. "Should we start with the "Smile" song, making friendship circles, or making things like friendship bracelets?" He asked in a pleasantly excited mood, which made everyone smile at his eagerness. Then Spike spoke up, and said, "That does sound nice, Emerald, but.....that's probably stuff i'd want to do when I was still a baby drag-...er, an adolescent dragon. But Sombra's spell, and that Friendship magic helped both my mind AND my body grow up. I'm older in body and spirit now, and now I can think of other ways we could possibly acquaint with this dragon we've never met til today." He chuckled. "Heck, i'm already thinking of a few right now."

Smolder giggled, "Never change, Spike." Then looked to Emerald with a bit of sympathy. "Besides, no offense to you, Emerald, buuuut those aren't the kind of things my brother would really be interested in."

"Really?" Fluttershy asked. "Then what kind of things does your brother actually like, Smolder?"

"Just me, and Spike being with him, and accepting him for who he is!" She exclaimed happily, before hugging herself. "Letting himself be free to show others his more sensitive side." Scorpan hummed in thought, then said, "I guess things really have changed if there really are dragons like that around. I can understand how Spike is the way he is, and how you, and Dragonlord Ember learned to be more noble, caring, and friendly. But the fact there may be others who are willingly nice, but too afraid to show it is.....endearing, but also sad. Noone should be afraid to be who they are. Just as noone should ever fear loving those who mean everything to them, despite the different types of diversity creatures have, be it their race, or gender......or their feelings for others."

"Well, it's a good thing we brought you along, Scorpan." Spike proudly admitted. "I guess being "Champion of Light" means you get to keep an open mind about everything. If things are as they are, we'll need that if we're going to help out Smolder's brother." He then stood upright to walk, and raised a claw to his chin, before an idea came. "Maybe we can even discuss it with Ember when we get the chance. Once she knows what we're trying to accomplish, maybe she'll work it into helping the dragon kingdom improve itself."

Scorpan smiled. "Well, I think it's worth a shot - and no, it's not because i'm the "Open-minded Champion of Light". I just know when a good idea's a good idea. I've always been that way." Spike then gave him a blank look as he said, "I wasn't implying that first part."

"But you were probably still thinking it!" Scorpan said in a sing-song tone that made everyone giggle, including Spike after a few moments. "Not fair: I didn't know you were a mind-reader, too." Scorpan shrugged. "Maybe I can, maybe I can't: i'm a gargoyle full of surprises." Suddenly Smolder cleared her throat to gain the two's attention. "While it's nice you guys are getting along so well, maybe we should wait till we find my brother for that? So that way, he'll know what it's like to have friends who are that close?" Both winged creatures agreed, and kept going. Suddenly, Emerald Wonder gasped in revelation, and shouted, "I got it! Showtunes!" He even shook his hooves side to side for added effect. "Yeah, no, but good try." Smolder said hastily, but nicely as they continued on.

The group soon reached the inner regions of the Dragon Lands. Travelling along a gravelled path as they passed by volcanic formations of numerous variety. And yet while the others were handling the place well, the only two ponies in their group began blocking their noses. "Oh, my! That's an.....interesting smell this place has!" Fluttershy said over the loud boiling sizzles as the fumes of sulfur tortured her, and Emerald's nostrils. Smolder, however, simply breathed it in with an enticing sigh. "That's good. The smell of fresh sulfur, the heat of boiling lava," she then looked down at the path, and shuffled her foot in the flaking ground, "and the feeling of rocks in my toes. It's good to be home." Spike seemed to be taking in the atmosphere in a similar manner as Smolder. And unlike the previous times he'd been there, this time his own life wasn't in danger: especially now that he was older, stronger, and had some latent skills under his figurative belt. Now he actually felt......comfortable being here. Like, if he wanted, this could be a home away from home. He sighed contently, before remembering the task at hand. "Alright, we're here now. So maybe we should plan things out now." He smiled again as he said, "I really want to meet your brother, Smolder. Somehow, I just know we'll be best friends."

"Well, he usually hangs out around here. I'll go, and look for him. You guys wait her for a bit." And with that Smolder took off to find her brother. With nothing really to do, Spike decided to get to work on something he'd apparently been working on since this trip started: carving a heart-shaped crystal with his bare claw, and his dragon flames. The others were actually interested in this display. Emerald was even more curious about it. "Amazing! I didn't know dragons could do something like that! This is really spectacular." Spike gave the forest-green maned pony a teasingly inquisitive look before asking, "What: using and breathing fire? That's kind of hereditary to all dragons, Emerald. Even with limited knowledge on them, i'd think all ponies knew this, at least." And he went back to heating, and carving the jewel with his index finger, leaving the young pony to stammer in nervousness as he apologetically said, "Nonononono! I'm s-sorry about that: I meant being able to actually carve and shape objects with your dragon fire like a glass and crystal smith does with sculptures! I didn't mean to offend-"

"Hahahah!" Spike laughed good naturedly before patting Emerald's head. "Relax, bud, I was just kidding! I know what you meant, but I want to have a little fun with you." Then he, himself, looked a little ashamed as he admitted, "But, to be fair, I probably should've remembered how seriously you said you take things. So my bad." Again Emerald shook his head, saying, "No, it's alright, really. I always have the tendency to....overreact. If anyponies to be at fault, it should be me." Scorpan then put a hand on Emerald's shoulder. "Don't beat yourself up over something so small." Spike nodded in agreement. "What he said - it's nothing to fret about. Right, Fluttershy."

"Well, um...only if you both feel that way, then I agree." Fluttershy said, trying to help cheer up the teenage pony, and looking glad when he did finally begin to ease with a cute, little smile. She then turned to Spike, and asked, "So what are you working on, Spike?" He glanced at her, then back to his project. "This? It's a ruby statue i'm smithing by hand for Smolder's brother. I figured a gem reminiscent of a Fire Ruby would be a good symbol that he is cared for, and has others to stand up for him, no matter what." Fluttershy touched her chest as she exclaimed "Aw! I'm sure he'll love it, Spike." Then she finally asked. "Do you think it would be okay if I took a look at all the cute, eggy, baby dragon nests?"

"Sure. I don't see why not, and I doubt Smolder would mind. Just be careful: there are still dragons around that aren't fond of ponies," he glared with contempt, "like an overblown, red salamander I know, and don't love."

"Don't worry, Spike: i'll keep Fluttershy safe as she makes her way." Scorpan offered. "Besides, i'm both curious about the hatching grounds, and hopeful to meet the new Dragonlord, herself. Just look out for Emerald while we're gone, okay?" Spike hummed his okay, and the pony-gargoyle duo set off for the nesting grounds. Leaving the teenage dragon and pony behind to do their own things - like Spikes sculpting, and Emerald writing down notes on something dragon related, no doubt. The two flew for quite some time, following the many jagged paths, and looking over the plateau-riddled lands that looked easy to get lost in if one were to go by foot. "Goodness, this place is huge." Scorpan thought aloud as they continued their flight. "How are we going to find the nests in a place like this, anyway?"

Fluttershy suddenly looked a certain way, and gasped in excitement." There it is!" And she took off like a shot towards what he now saw were the nesting grounds. "Huh." he said, sounding genuinely surprised. "Guess that answers that, then." And he went over to the Hatching Grounds, taken by the sheer vastness, and wonder this rocky terrain had to offer. This entire region was a valley in a jagged canyon, with hundreds of pits in the ground: and each one holding a clutch of eggs in each of them. To Scorpan's amusement, Fluttershy was giving every last egg she could all the coddling a new mother hen might give her young. Fawning over the oval-shaped objects, and complimenting them as if they were already hatched. He watched the display with his arms crossed, and an endeared smile on his muzzle. Suddenly, he noticed they weren't alone when a shadow loomed over Fluttershy. "They can't talk back, you know." Said a dragon around the same size as Spike, if at least smaller. She certainly reached the middle of Scorpan's region between his abs and muscular chest. Her scaly skin was ocean blue, and she had a pair of ram horns on each side of her head complimenting a row of deep blue spikes on her head. And her voice made it clear she was, by dragon standards, in her early to late twenties. SO definitely older than Spike and Smolder. "They haven't even hatched, yet." When Fluttershy saw the dragoness, she made a surprised noise. "Dragonlord Ember! It's very nice to see you." She said happily, bowing her head in respect for a few moments.

"And it's great to see you too........" Ember trailed off, trying to think. ""Uh....sorry, but, which one are you, again? The party one. Appledash? No, that's the country one, right?" She asked, while trying not to sound TOO rude: even now, old dragon habits die hard. Something that made Scorpan roll his eyes as he finally decided to step forward, and present himself. "I might not be the same species as the ponies, but when even I can easily tell them apart by name, and appearance while a nice dragon besides Smolder can't, then you know the road to complete friendship is longer, and vaster than one realizes. Uh, with all due respect, of course." He bowed his head slightly in respect. Though Ember was more taken aback by the sudden appearance of this......new creature than what he had actually said to her. "I'm sorry, but who - and WHAT - are you, mr. someone I don't know?"

"Oh! This is Scorpan: a strong, but kind-hearted Gargoyle!" Fluttershy answered excitedly, before reminding Ember, "And i'm Fluttershy." She then gently hugged one of the eggs. "The one who loves creatures."

"It's a privilege to meet you, Dragon Lord Ember." Scorpan fully bowed with one arm, at the waist. "I'd been told that the Dragons received a new, more benevolent leader some time ago, but I had to see it for myself to believe it." He then smiled as he stood upright. "And I can already tell you are a noble dragon, Dragon Lord Ember, if Spike's appraisal is anything to go by." He then gave her a questioning look, and asked, "Although I AM curious about why you can't tell your pony friends apart from each other when it's actually quite easy. Is that, and please don't take too much offense when I ask this.....a dragon trait that makes the species come off as racist to others, whether they mean to, or not?"

Ember almost seemed to take offense to that, but was quick to calm herself. "No, it isn't." She said in a strained tone that settled after a while. "I just have a hard time with telling ponies apart because even with their whole fur-color thing, and horns, and wings, and stuff......they look almost exactly the same. Dragons are more physically diverse than ponies, so we tell each other apart more easily." She then appeared somewhat sheepish. "Buuuut.....maybe it IS a bigoted trait I picked up from living among dragons all my life, since we originally were supposed to be superior to them, and hate them for being weak, frail creatures." A fond smile then came over her. "Spike helped me change my perspective on things. And even though i'm still learning, with help from him, his pony friends, and my new friend King Thorax, i'm working harder to drop the habit. You get what I mean?" She asked, with the gargoyle answering with, "Maybe, a little bit." He then waved it off, and said, "But it's not that big a deal, since you mean what you say, as much as you believe it. That's good enough for me. And before you ask: I have my ways of knowing what others think. Call it an...intuition of mine." He said, surprising the Dragon Lord before opening his wings. "I was here mainly to keep an eye on Fluttershy, and meet you.....prince to lord."

"I see." Ember said thoughtfully. "Well, it's good to meet you. I hope you, and your friends have a good time in the Dragon Lands."

"I'm sure this will be a visit to remember."

Back in their corner of the Dragonlands, Spike and Emerald were still in the middle of their own things. Emerald was writing down some info on dragons while Spike was resting from his sculpting. Needless to say, they were both pretty pleased with themselves right now. That is, until a company of four dragons appeared from the air, led by Garble, surrounding Emerald Wonder. Spike was a few feet away, so they didn't notice him. Despite their glares, Emerald still had a bright smile on his face. "Oh, hello! It's nice to meet you all."

"Yeah?" Garble said. "Well, the feeling's not mutual, pony."

Emerald's smile fell away, and he began to grow worried for himself. "What do you mean?"

"See, my boys and I were just about to do some awesome dragon stuff in this spot - since it's OUR territory." Garble explained as a coy smile formed on his muzzle. "The only problem is, there's a small, pony problem that's keeping us from having our fun: you. Which means we're gonna have to chase you out of here if we wanna have fun, now."

Emerald got to his feet while the other dragons shouted in agreement, gaining Spike's attention, who quietly watched from behind a stone. "Hold on now, fellas, there's no need to get aggressive. I didn't know this spot belonged to you, so I can just leave without any trouble. Besides, didn't the Dragon Lord say dragons aren't allowed to harm ponies?"

"Yeah, but we don't have to hurt ya to get rid of ya." A brown, fat dragon said with a chuckle.

"He's right. So tell me, pony: how's your footwork?" Garble asked rhetorically. Before Emerald could question what he meant, Garble and the dragons started breathing fire at the ground in front of him. He yelped when the flame almost touched him, and that just made them laugh - which was the idea as their fire changed from pink to blue. The more they ignited the ground, the hotter the area became. And the hotter it grew, the more unbearable it became for Emerald Wonder. It looked like he was dancing as he was stepping off the ground, and the more he 'danced', the more the dragons laughed. And the more they laughed, the hotter the ground became. Now, Emerald was yelling in pain as his hooves began burning.

Spike finally decided he had enough, and with a flap of his wings, zoomed past Garble while clocking him.

It didn't knock him unconscious (fully), but it did stun him, and shock the other dragons into stopping their fire belching. All the while Spike picked Emerald Wonder up and held him in the air. Safely away from the searing ground below. "You okay, Emerald?"

Emerald sighed in relief as he said, "I am now, thanks to you."

"Sorry you had to deal with that, buddy. Garble can be a bit much."

"Hey!"

Spike looked down to see Garble glaring up at him. "What do you think you're doing? I was in the middle of something, and you clock me right in the snout? What kinda dragon are you?"

Spike returned the glare as he lowered to the now cooling ground, saying, "The kind who doesn't tolerate a jerk like you picking on "namby, pamby ponies", Garble."

This made Garble raise an eyebrow. "Have we met before?"

"Why don't you take a better look at me, Garble?" Spike suggested, as he put Emerald back on his rock. Garble did as Spike said, and really looked at him. And there was no denying it at this point: the purple, and green skin, the frills on his head. He knew exactly who this was. "Spike?!"

"In the flesh."

Though shocked at first, Garble was quick to start laughing in amusement. "Hey, guys, look! The pipsqueak got a glowup!" The other dragons started laughing as well, but Spike would not stand down. His eyes simply narrowed as he crossed his arms. Seeing this, Garble huffed and asked, "What, did you decide you hate being a puny weakling, so you went for a Greed Growth? Wouldn't surprise me in the slightest."

"How I got this way is none of your business, Garble." Spike said defiantly, as a worried Emerald watched on. "I'm only gonna say this once: leave Emerald alone.......or you'll have to deal with me."

The dragons actually laughed at this threat, thinking it was nothing. When they were done, Garble wiped a tear from his eye, and said, "Now that's priceless, even if it is pathetic. You really think you can take us all on? There's four of us - and one of you, you pony-loving reject!"

Spike smirked. "Sounds like fair odds to me."

Once again, Garble was surprised by this newfound confidence Spike was displaying. But he quickly got angry as he decided he didn't like this new attitude in his favorite punching bag. "You really got some nerve, you know that? I don't care if you did grow up, all of a sudden! Noone talks that way to me, and gets away with it!"

"Then why are you still standing there, running your mouth? Come at me."

Garble's eyes widened. "That's it!" Garble charged for Spike with his fist drawn back. However, Spike sidestepped to the right, and shoved him in the back to make him fall down. While Garble was shocked by this, Spike gave him a look of disdain as he said, "I'm not going to fight you, Garble. But if you attack, i'll defend myself by any means necessary. Such is my responsibility as Equestria's Friendship Ambassador."

"A worthless title from a wimpy dragon - no matter how big he gets!" Garble says spitefully, before trying to slash Spike with his claws. However, he underestimates Spike's reflexes, and he ends up missing with each swing of his hands. After the sixth swing, Spike grabbed his arm, and flipped him over his shoulder. Throwing him several feet away from the spot the duo were standing on. The other dragons actually laughed at Garble as he shook his head, trying to get rid of the dizziness he felt. "Come on, Garble, beat this guy!" Said a yellow dragon with a long snout. "Unless you're too wimpy to take him on?"

"How about you shut up, and help me?!" Garble roared at the others.

"Yeah, how about no?" The brown one said. "It's more fun to watch than anything else."

While Garble was shocked by this lack of comradery, Spike snorted a bit before saying, "So much for loyalty among bullies, eh, Garble?"

The red dragon growled in anger, and said, "Whatever! I don't need anyone to help me put you back in your place, you pony-loving excuse for a dragon!"

"At least I have somepony to love, unlike you." Spike said, not realizing he had touched a nerve. Garble's eyes filled with anger, and he took a deep breath, ready to try and burn Spike. But the rational part of his brain reminded him that Spike was fireproof, and wouldn't be harmed by the flame. So, without even thinking, he aimed at the only one who wasn't fireproof. Emerald Wonder. Garble shot his flame right at the green pony, whose eyes widened in fear as he saw the attack coming. Spike's own eyes widened as he saw where the stream of fire was heading. So, without a moments hesitation, he jumped in the way of the fire, and blew his own stream.

The two collided in a fierce clash as Spike struggled to push back Garble's fire. However, after a few moments, he found himself pushing back the torrent with relative ease. Garble was surprised by this, too, but kept up his attack. Even so, Spike refused to relent, and started walking forward. Pushing the fire away with every step. Garble was now struggling at this point, and running out of breath. He wondered how Spike could be this strong when he'd been nothing more than a puny weakling in the past. Before he could ponder any further, Spike got close enough to punch Garble in the face, and knock him back. Cutting off each other's respective firebreath in the process. Even so, Garble refused to give up and tried grabbing onto Spike. The purple and green drake locked his hands with Garbles, and the two began pushing into one another. "I'm so sick of you, you pony-loving runt! Why do you have to be such a pain in my backside so much?!"

"Nevermind that, you red jerkwad!" Spike retorted in a surprisingly angry tone. "You just defied Dragon Lord Ember's decree! Are you that desperate to prove you're the best that you'd go against your own leader?! Are you that pathetic?!"

"I'm not the pathetic one!" Garble argued. "Dragons are supposed to be strong enough to look out for themselves! But you changed everything! Now we dragons have to care about others, and treat others with respect or some crap like that! I'm sick of it! And i'm sick of ponies influencing out lives with their sappy, weak ways!"

"That's what this is all about?!" Spike asked incredulously. "You still think dragons are supposed to be a race that doesn't care about others, and that ponies are a bad influence just because they want to live a better life than just fighting, and pushing around those weaker than them?! Well, i got news for you, Garble: to be strong isn't to push around others! It's about having the courage to stand up for others who can't stand up for themselves! I couldn't do that before because you were right about me: I was too small, and weak! But now, I have the strength to stand up for my friends because that's who I am! The question is, who are you really, Garble?! A coward who pushes around those smaller than him because it makes him feel good?! A thug who thinks violence and aggression solve everything?! Is that who you really want to be?!"

This monologue actually seemed to make Garble hesitate for a moment. Like he was really thinking about what Spike was saying to him. Spike noticed this, and also let his guard for a moment. However, he was quick to act on Garble's momentary distraction, and tackled the red dragon into the nearby wall of a cliff. Once again, Garble had been stunned, and was now at Spike's mercy. But before anything could be done, or Spike could decide on anything, a familiar female voice asked, "What's going on here?"

It was Smolder, looking rather shocked at what was going on. Spike's momentary reaction allowed Garble the time he needed to recover, and push him back. Smolder flew beside Spike before landing next to him. The former raised an arm protectively over her, and said, "Be careful, Smolder: this guy's serious trouble."

"What are you talking about?" Smolder asked. "Garble's my brother."

Both Spike, and Emerald's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets at this revelation. And both of them asked at the same time, "HE'S YOUR BROTHER?!"

"Yeah. Sorry I didn't explain who he was, or what he looked like. I just wanted to see him again as soon as possible so I could help him out." Smolder then adopted a threatening look. "What I want to know is, why are you two fighting?"

"Yo, Smolder!" Garble said in a surprisingly genuine, and happy tone as he waved to his younger sister. "It's great to see you again! As for what's happening, me and my boys were just minding our own business when this creep jumped us!"

Spike growled as he asked, "You call bullying a defenseless pony the way you used to bully me "minding your own business"?"

Now it was Smolder's turn to be surprised. "Wait a sec: YOU were the bully dragon Spike's been telling me about?!"

For the first time, Garble seemed to grow nervous under his sister's gaze. "N-no! Of course not! This punk's just trying to make me look bad. Isn't that right, boys?"

"Forget it, Garble." The yellow dragon said. "We ain't covering for a loser who couldn't even beat a baby dragon."

"Then again," said the brown one, "Spike has gotten alot cooler now that he's grown up. Maybe he's not as wimpy as we thought he was."

"That still doesn't answer my question." Smolder said sternly. "Have you been bullying Spike, and Emerald Wonder?"

"Uh. I....I-"

"If you don't believe me," Spike said, "Then look at Emerald's hooves. They have the burn marks to prove your brother's been up to no good."

This made Smolder angry, and said, "I can't believe this, Garble. I came down here to help you with your depression, and what do I find? That you're still sticking to the old ways of how we dragons used to be to the point you even defy Dragon Lord Ember. Is this really how you've been handling your depression: by being a bully and a thug like other creatures accuse us of being?"

Garble actually looked guilty, and tried to defend himself. "Smolder, I-"

"Save it. Unless it's an honest apology coming out of that big mouth of yours, I don't want to hear it." She then turned to Spike. "Come on, Spike. We're going back to the nesting grounds. " She then looked to Emerald Wonder. "You can have Scorpan heal you there. And maybe you can help Lord Ember with the eggs."

Emerald smiled at that, and said, "I'd be happy to help."

Despite Garble trying to get a word in, Smolder ignored him. Asking Spike if he could carry Emerald as they journeyed to the nesting grounds. He agreed, hoisting the little pony up in his arms before taking flight with the smaller dragon. The two then began making their way to the nesting grounds, leaving a despondent Garble with a bunch of dragons who made fun of him getting scolded by his sister. Once they were finished, they decided to go off on their own. This left Garble alone with his thoughts. He wondered how things could have turned so sour for him lately. At first, he wanted to blame Spike and the ponies like he always did.

But then his sister's words rung in his ears, and made him really think. Though he hid it well, he secretly hated having to act like the punks, and thugs who called themselves dragons. But his time among them had raised him to believe that this was the natural way all dragons were supposed to live. And since he didn't want to be on the receiving end of their toxic masculinity, he felt he had to emulate them. This led to him becoming one of the toughest young dragons in the dragon lands. Then Spike showed up, and everything began to change. Showing him up at every turn, making him look pathetic, always having the support of......ponies. They were the ones who raised Spike to be kind and generous, which led to him becoming Dragon Lord first, before he passed it on to Ember.

This also led to Smolder joining the School of Friendship, which split them up for the first time since he can remember. She had always been his emotional support during their time in the dragon lands. He always aspired to be a dragon that she could be proud of. But she had changed since going to that school. Maybe for the worse.....or maybe for the better. If there was one dragon in all the world whose views, and opinions he respected, it was Smolders. Despite their upbringing, he never looked down on her tea party hobbies. And she never spoke ill of his own likes. It was in those private moments Garble was truly happy. But seeing Spike being himself so openly always angered him because Garble feared how other dragons would react. Maybe that was the problem. Maybe he'd been too cowardly to be who he really was for too long, and now the mask he had been wearing to protect himself threatened to drive a wedge between him, and the only family he had left.

As such, he knew he had to do something to make it up to Smolder, and perhaps even Spike.

But what could he do?

Meanwhile in the secret cavern, Erebus and DIsmay were still preparing for the ceremony. Erebus had already stolen a number of eggs - 6, to be exact - and placed them in holders around the volcanic crater. The lava had risen to considerable heights since they had prepared for the ceremony. And all was going according to plan. " I wish I could see the look on those dragons faces when they see what we're about to unleash." Dismay said with a chuckle.

"Temper your expectations, Dismay." Erebus said. "First the ceremony needs to work. Which means the sacrifices must be sufficient for our needs. After all, it isn't ever day one resurrects a Balrog."

"And yet you doubt that it is possible, Erebus?" Suddenly said the voice of a familiar, armored centaur with his arms behind his back. "I thought you of all being would have faith in the powers of the darkness."

"Oh! Lord Tirek! I didn't realize you would be here!" Erebus said in surprise.

"Of course I am here. As you said, it's not every day one witnesses the resurrection of a Balrog, much less their King." Tirek said with a smile. "Besides, I am needed to cite the incantation which will complete the ritual, and revive Grothmog from his eternal slumber. Thankfully, the lava has risen to its highest point." He looked around the see the eggs on metal pedestals shaped like claws. "And you have procured pure souls for him to feast upon. All is ready."

"As you wish, my lord." Dismay said with a bow. Tirek smiled at this, and stepped towards the edge of the caldera. WIth his arms stretched out, and his eyes glowing, a dark aura surrounded his body as he began to cite the incantation which would reawaken the great calamity demon from its slumber.

"Öthzüvnyz dazzambuzüranr abgruz dørbthurgÿz, yuth ruzdyzgörz. U müzbärg zurbrÿv nyzzuv gzÿv zürbgaz ruzbzür häz kuzurzdyzvÿrz dazrozboḧbr. Gḧurhrüzrup gzÿv gorzhydakh häz bråbd øẗhhyddraz anrhyg dazvohzgröḧḧwög nyzzuv gzÿv udgÿb urzabgüth. Häz Guḧr abgruz Dyzzüv udaz årrz....rupgÿz häz anrugavr abgruz Häz Urzbaazäkhbäæz zubydaz müzduvz!"

Lord Tirek raised his arms high, and let his power spread throughout the caldera. The souls of the hatchlings began pouring out of the eggs in a miasma of blue energy, and flowing into the lava. The lava itself began to glow brightly as the energy began feeding into it. The ceremony of resurrection has begun. And nothing can stop it now.

Back at the nesting grounds, Ember, Scorpan and Fluttershy were still trying to figure out what was wrong with the eggs. Despite her experience with animals, Fluttershy had never seen this kind of behavior in eggs before. It was almost like they were too frightened to come out of their shells. Ember tried coxing them out of their shells, even acting like a mother comforting her young. But she quickly lost her patience and shouted at the eggs before Fluttershy calmed her down. Either way, they were back to square one.

"I don't get it!" Ember said in frustration. "It feels like we've tried everything to get them to come out. But so far, everything we've hit is a dead end. What gives?"

"Hm. I admit, even I am perplexed by this behavior." Scorpan said. "Even dragon eggs should not behave like this without reason."

"Maybe they're just feeling cold?" Fluttershy suggested, earning questioning looks from the other two. Before anything more could be said, Spike, Smolder, and Emerald arrived. As soon as they landed, Scorpan noticed that his friends hooves were burned. He was quick to rush in, and heal him with The Light until his hooves were all better. Once he could set foot on the ground again, Emerald happily hopped around, thanking Scorpan for what he did. While happy to see Emerald was healed up, Fluttershy was still curious about something. "So how did it go with Smolder's brother? Did you find him?"

Both dragons had a disappointed look on their face, and Smolder said, "I don't want to talk about it right now."

"Oh." Fluttershy said in understanding, with her smile dropping a bit.

"Nevermind that, Fluttershy." Spike said. "How's it going with the eggs?"

"Not good. They still continue to shake, and we can't figure out what's wrong. Scorpan says that, physically, nothing IS wrong with them. That just makes this situation all the more confusing."

Taking a moment, Emerald went over to one of the clutches, much to Ember's concern, and reached for the ground beneath the eggs. He felt at it for a few moments, before humming in thought. He then asked Ember, "Uh, Dragon Lord Ember: is the ground here supposed to be this cool?"

"What are you talking about?" Ember asked. "There are lava flows running beneath this landscape keeping it nice, and hot. Hot enough to hatch the eggs. It never gets cold."

"Well, feel the ground here, because it feels cold."

Ember did as instructed, and felt the ground. To her shock, Emerald Wonder was right: the ground was considerably cooler than it should have been. That's when it dawned on them all. The eggs weren't shaking with fear: they were freezing. "This is bad." Ember said. "If the eggs get too cold, they could die from the lack of heat they require to survive."

"We have to fix this somehow." Spike said. "You said there's a lava flow that runs beneath this place?"

"Yeah. There are nearby volcanoes that fees into this place, and keep it as hot as it should be in order to sustain the eggs and let them hatch. If something happened to them, we need to find out what it is."

"Then let's find out what it is." Smolder said.

The other dragons agreed, and took off after Ember to the volcano - unaware of the discovery Scorpan, Fluttershy and Emerald had made just as soon as the three left. A few minutes later, and the dragon trio were shocked by what they had seen: the same punks who had accompanied Garble were now cracking open the side of the volcano, and diverting the flow of lava into a smaller volcano. All to make their own lava jacuzzi. The sight baffled Spike and Smolder. But it completely enraged Ember to no end. "WHAT IS THIS?!" She roared at the other dragons, who stumbled over themselves when they realized the Dragon Lord was present. "How long have you been diverting the lava from the nesting grounds?!"

"That's where this came from?" the brown one asked. "Sorry, Dragon Lord Ember! We had no idea!"

"How could you not know?!" Ember shouted. "Now because of you idiots, the future of the dragon lands have been jeopardized! Now start putting that lava back where you found it, or so help me, i'll make you pay for every dragon hatchling we lose!"

The implications finally set in, and now the dragon thugs realized their mistake. And all of them were quick to try and push the lava back into the hole they had made. Ember then ordered a purple dragon with blonde hair to gather every dragon to the nesting grounds, deciding that they would have to ignite the eggs, and hatch them themselves. Just at that moment, Scorpan arrived with Emerald and Fluttershy. All of them had panicked looks on their faces. "Guys? What's wrong?" Spike asked.

"Some of the eggs are missing!" Fluttershy exclaimed.

"What?!" Ember shouted in fear.

"Worse: we believe someone may have stolen them." Scorpan explained. "Someone with a great deal of dark power staining their being. Thankfully, this means I can track the dark taint to its source. Unfortunately, I think I know who's behind this theft."

"Then we better rally the other dragons at the nesting grounds." Ember said, as she took on a threatening tone. "Whoever did this will burn."

Lord Tirek continued to channel the souls of the hatchlings into the center of the caldera. The process was slow, but worthwhile, as he could already sense the spark of life within the lava. Soon, Grothmog would live again, and would help bring about the end of this world of Light. Dismay and Erebus both watched on with amusement as the ceremony continued. Each one taking pleasure in the chaos this would wreak on the land once it was completed. Suddenly, a fireball came soaring through the sky, aimed right for Tirek. Erebus fired a beam of magic at it, and caused a minor explosion. But still, one that caught Tirek's attention as his eyes opened. He looked at the entrance of the cavern to see our group of heroes, and dozens of dragons in the air, ready for a fight. He sneered at them all. "You dare to interrupt the ceremony?"

"I should have known you were behind this, Tirek!" Scorpan said angrily.

"Oh, dear, sweet Scorpan: who else would be behind such a scheme as this?" Tirek said with a malignant smile.

"Only a wicked, and devious mind such as yourself."

"You flatter me."

"Shut up!" Ember shouted. "Whoever you are, you better explain what you're doing with those eggs before we burn you to ashes!"

"How dare you threaten the master?!" Dismay snarled, their body sparkling with red lightning. "Maybe I should teach you, and your whole pack a lesson!"

"Stand down, Dismay." Tirek commanded, to which the homonculus obeyed. "To answer your question, I am performing a ritual to revive a powerful demon of the ancient world. But because of the complexity of the spell to revive this demon, I require pure souls to fuel his resurrection. And none are more pure than the young. Their souls shall be an excellent fuel for the King of all balrogs."

"Not if we have anything to say about it!" Spike said confidently.

"And how will you say anything when you will be too busy fending off my hordes?" Tirek asked, before opening a portal. To everyone's surprise, an army of Tiracians emerged from the portal in numbers to match the dragons. Scorpan was quick to put Emerald down somewhere where he'd be safe, with Fluttershy joining him. After telling them to wait in their hiding place, Scorpan rejoined the dragons for their fight against the Tiracians. He conjured up two blades of Light, remembering how these weapons seemed to harm them last time he encountered them.

Both sides collided with intense force, and became a fierce brawl between two powerful forces. The Tiracians were mighty, but the dragon's own brute strength seemed to equally match them. They were punching biting, scratching and clawing at each other as they fought. Neither side seeming to have an edge of the other - until Spike drove his claw into a Tiracian's chest, straight through its heart. It exploded into black smoke upon death, which did not go unnoticed by the others. Ember told the others to aim for the heart, and the dragons did as commanded. Of course, Scorpan was cutting down Tiracians left and right with his blades due to their nature as creatures of darkness. Either way, the tide was slowly turning......but not fast enough. After all, the Tiracians were not intended to actually defeat the dragons: just slow them down long enough for him to complete the ceremony. And the time was fast approaching, for the eggs color began fading as something large began emerging from the lava. A massive, black, horned figure with large wings to go with it.

"Excellent!" Tirek laughed. "Soon, Grothmog will live again, and the world of Light shall be no more!"

Suddenly, the ground in front of Tirek exploded, disrupting his concentration and the ceremony itself. The souls of the hatchlings stopped flowing, and color slowly began returning to them. When he looked to see the source of the distraction, Tirek was surprised to see Garble in the air, looking determined. "Not if I can help it, horn head!" He then flew around the caldera, snatching up all of the eggs before Tirek and his cronies could do anything about it. Garble then flew over to where Ember and Smolder were. Both of whom were surprised to see Garble holding the eggs. "Gar-Gar?" Smolder said in complete shock. "What are you-?!"

"Doing the right thing for once." Garble said. "I'll leave these with the ponies for now, and come back to help you guys out afterwards." Without another word, Garble flew down to where Emerald and Fluttershy were hiding, and asked them to look after the eggs, before giving a genuine apology to Emerald for the trouble he caused. He then flew up to the aerial battle, and started taking on Tiracians left, and right. Needless to say, things were going well for the side of good. "What do we do now?" Erebus asked. "Without the full essence of those souls, Grothmog cannot fully awaken!"

Instead of sharing in his colleagues worry, Tirek simply smirked. "You worry too much, my friend. There is still a way to complete Grothmog's revival - with our own contributions. Tiracians: to me!" Almost immediately, the Tiracians halted in place, and returned to the Caldera. This confused everyone, and they wondered what the centaur could be up to. Once every remaining Tiracian was gathered in the air before him, Tirek absorbed their essence until they all turned into puffs of smoke. His horn then ignited with purple magic, and transferred into Grothmog. Everyone was shocked to see Tirek so casually kill off his own forces, and then seemingly use their own lifeforce to power the demon. Either way, it seemed to work as Grothmog began to stir from the surge of energy pouring into him. Moments later, and he roared into the air, announcing his return for all to hear.

The dragons actually felt a sense of fear from that roar, much to their surprise since they were supposed to be fearless. Yet none were as fearful as Scorpan, as parts of his memory as Courageous Heart began flashing before his mind: memories of a clash with a creature of shadow and flame, and the struggle to imprison it which cost so many lives. Now it was free, and ready to wreak havoc on the world. Once he finished roaring, Grothmog looked down upon the centaur and his minions. "Are you the one who has awakened me?"

"Indeed I am." Tirek said with a light bow. "I am Lord Tirek Supreme Lord of Darkness, and heir to the mighty Tirac."

"Tirac. That is not a name I have heard for an age. He was my master during the Age of Darkness....before the Champion of Light united the forces of this world to rise against me, and my brothers, and imprison us within the Earth. I can sense his essence within you, and see you wield a soul of pure darkness."

"Indeed. I have abandoned the Light to become Darkness incarnate. Now, I have resurrected you in the hopes you may serve my purpose as you served my predecessors purposes."

Grothmog took a moment to consider, before saying, "The bylaws are clear on this matter: I am in your debt for freeing me from my prison. Now, I will serve you as I served the first Dark Lord. What would you ask of me now?" Tirek smiled with glee as he said, "Something you will enjoy: smiting those fools out there who tried to prevent your release." Had he the lips for it, Grothmogs face would have formed a cruel grin as he turned to face the army outside the caldera. Placing a hand on the surface of the lava, he sucked all of the heat out of it until he was stepping onto solid ground.

Needless to say, the dragons were rightfully intimidated by the appearance and size of this demon. He easily towered over any dragon currently present. And they could tell he could kill them all with a single blow of his claws, and fists if he so chose. Even so, Scorpan was not willing to give up. Even as Grothmog once again roared into the air, he brandished his weapons, and let his aura of Light wash over the dragons. The ponies also felt their sense of fear slowly wash away as they were filled with hope, and courage. Scorpan then turned to the dragons, and took command.

My brothers
The eggs we protect, they wait at the nest
And if we're defeated, they're good as dead
Straight ahead
That is who we're fighting

No backup
No chance for support, so draw out your swords
Our foe must be thwarted right here and now
Show me how great is your will to survive

Six hundred lives at stake
It's just one life to take
And when we kill him, then our journey's over
No dying on me now
Defeat is not allowed
We must live through this day, so fight, fight, fight

The dragons all cried out as they rallied to Scorpan. Meanwhile, Emerald ran out of his hiding spot despite Fluttershy's protests, hoping to help any way he could. Grothmog roared as he charged the dragon horde, ready to kill them once and for all. Yet the dragons followed the Gargoyle's instruction to the letter. Even Ember, despite the fact she was the dragon lord.

Surround him (surround him)
Attack from behind, keep distance in mind
And stay in his blind spot
And strike his heels (strike the heels)
Show him that we're deadly (ha, ha!)

Exhaust him (exhaust him)
Don't let him get close
He's strong but he's slow
He can't land a blow if we're out of reach
Find a breach
Stand up and fight for your lives

Six hundred lives at stake
It's just one life to take
And when we kill him, then our journey's over
(Push forward) no dying on us now
Defeat is not allowed
We must live through this day, so fight, fight, fight!

Scorpan managed to fly behind Grothmog, and land a spinning slash onto his back while the dragons continued their assault. None of them using fire, as they knew it would do them no good. For the most part, they did well to evade the demon's blows, and stay aloft. But for those who were swatted out of the sky, Emerald Wonder checked over to make sure they were alright. To his surprise, each one thanked him before returning to the fight. Needless to say, the fight seemed to be going rather well for our heroes, and it looked as though they might stand a chance.

All of that changed when Grothmog noticed Emerald standing nearby.....and conjured an ax which cleaved him in two, and sent his upper half landing in front of Scorpan.

"S-Scorpan...." Emerald said in a weak voice.

"Enough."

Grothmog slammed his fist down on Emerald's body, smashing him into the ground. Scorpan, Spike, Smolder Garble and Ember were all horrified by what had just happened. And that it had happened to Emerald Wonder of all ponies. Fluttershy was especially horrified, and was breaking down in tears. The other dragons, however, were now terrified at the massive weapon in Grothmog's hands. "He's got an ax.......HE'S GOT AN AX-" One dragon's warning was cut off as Grothmog swung his ax at him. The dragons were becoming disoriented, wondering what they should do. One dragon asked what their orders were, crying out to their dragon lord futilely before being cut down.

Then another was cut down.

Then another.

Then another.

You've hurt me enough
Six hundred lives I'll take
Six hundred lives I'll break
And when I kill you, then my deed is over
You're dying here and now
Escape is not allowed
You won't live through this day, now die, die

Then the strangest thing happened just before Scorpan and his friends could be cut down: Grothmog suddenly grew weak, and fell over with a tremendous thud. However this happened, the dragons were thankful that Grothmog's attack ended. Everyone wondered what could have happened to cause this when Tirek walked up to the demon, and said, "It seems my method for reviving you wasn't enough. It seems you need more time to regain your strength." He then placed a hand on his shoulder, and in a dark puff of smoke, sent him back to The Midnight Mountain. he then looked to Scorpan, and said, "But do not worry, Champion: our day of reckoning will come sooner than you think."

Scorpan was now filled with unbridled anger, and charged Tirek while shouting "Muderer!". But before he could reach him, he disappeared in purple fire while Erebus and Dismay disappeared via their own magical means. Scorpan landed on the ground before releasing an anguished roar into the air. A cry for all those who had needlessly died on this day that he could not protect. Those who should not have had to die. Everyone watched him roar his heart out to the fallen, and their own hearts seemed to feel the pang of guilt for what had happened. When it was over, Scorpan fell to his knees with tears in his eyes. He did, however, feel a gentle hand on his shoulder, and saw Spike standing behind him.

"I'm sorry."

Scorpan took comfort in the friendship Spike offered.....but knew it would not be enough to quell this familiar sensation of losing a dear friend.

After moving their dead to a random location, the dragons all decided to shift their focus back to the eggs in the Nesting Grounds. At Ember's command, every dragon began enveloping the eggs in their flames. But it was no use. No matter how much fire they released, it just wasn't hot enough. It seemed that no matter what they did, they were set to lose even more dragons before they could even have a chance to live.

But just when all seemed lost, the one to come up with a solution was Garble. Donning a beat poet's outfit, and a set of bongo drums, he began citing his own personal beat poetry. And as he anticipated, the dragons, despite their grief, found enough room in their hearts to laugh at this ridiculous display Garble was putting on. Smolder in particular was proud of her big brother because he was being open, and sharing a part of himself he only shared with her. Quickly she realized along with Spike and the others that Garble was intentionally making the dragons laugh so that their fire would grow hotter, and hotter until it was blue. Once at this temperature, the eggs stopped shaking, and began to crack. Next thing anyone knew, the hatchlings were emerging, crying for their parents.

Once the laughter died down, and they saw that the eggs hatched, there was much joy among the dragons. Smolder, especially, found herself feeling great pride for her brother. "Gar-Gar, that was amazing!" She said as she hugged him. "I can't believe you actually conquered your fear like that!"

"Actually, sis......I have you, and Spike to thank for that." Garble admitted.

"Wait, me? Seriously?" Spike asked curiously.

"Yeah. What you both said to me, and....what happened today made me realize life's too short to be afraid of showing the real you. Even if others make fun of you for it, it's better to be yourself and cherish the life you have." Garble then looked sad. "Alot of dragons won't have that chance now because of that horned creep."

"That is why we must honor, and remember their sacrifice, Garble." Scorpan said. "They gave their lives so that the future generations of dragons could live. Now these young have a chance to live in a better future than what any other has had before. And it's up to you, and the others to show them that better future."

"That sounds wonderful." Fluttershy said happily. "I'm sure Emerald would love to-" Her voice quickly caught in her throat as she realized what she had said. "Oh, dear. Why did I say that? This is meant to be a happy occasion, and-"

"And it CAN be, Fluttershy, if we remember Emerald Wonder, and all of the support he has provided us since we met him." Scorpan said. "Though he is no longer with us, he is now part of The Light, along with all of those who fought bravely against evil."

"And we'll remember him, just as you want." Ember said, before turning to the other dragons. "In fact, I decree we honor all those who saved our future together - including Garble, who had the courage to stand against evil, and save our future through his actions." She then adopted a nasty look. "And anyone who has anything nasty to say about it will answer to me."

Following this, a bunch of teenage dragons went up to Garble, begging to learn beat poetry. He was surprised at first, but with some encouragement from Smolder, Spike, Fluttershy and even Scorpan, he gave in. Despite their losses, today was truly a day to honor life, and welcome those who now had a chance at a future. Though Scorpan couldn't help but think about Tirek. Whatever the centaur was planning, it involved the Balrogs. Worse still, he was willing to kill to get what he wanted - even if it was just sick, demented pleasure. Scorpan knew the time was coming for him to be stopped before he could destroy Equestria or worse.

For Emerald Wonder.

to be continued.

Author's Note

Mighty spirit of shadow, and flame. I call upon you to rise from the endless sleep. Waken to bring the very world that surrounds you to its doom. The Age of Light is over....now the time of The Darkness has come!

That's the translation of the Incantation Tirek cites in the Ceremony.

It's official: i'm an evil man. I just killed off Emerald Wonder like Jorge killed Polites in Epic: The Musical. I knew I had to do this to add a shock value, and to up the stakes of the story. Tirek is not messing around, and is willing to kill others to have his way. Even if he uses others to kill for him, they still kill in his name. So things are getting pretty serious from this point on. How serious? Well, you'll just have to wait and see.

Sorry for taking so long with this chapter. It threw me for a loop for a while until I came up with ideas on what to do. It seems like I was overthinking things - again. But now I have the chapter ready.

And I hope you all enjoy what i've done with it.:)