Chapter 8: The Life and Times of a Prince

Spike sat with his arms crossed, his eyes glaring at the bound unicorn mare sitting in the middle of the room. A series of ring nullifiers covered her horn, and her neck sported a probation collar; the same kind Umbra wore months prior during her slow but steady recovery.

Next to him sat Blueblood and Shining Armor, their expressions both cold and emotionless. The Bearers sat next to them, all of them wearing worried expressions. On the other side, a series of high-ranking and important nobles, officers, and a few representatives; mostly pertaining to envoys and diplomats from other nations sat with cold indifference.

Sitting on a slightly elevated pedestal sat Celestia, Luna, and Cadance. The latter presented a gravid stomach. Twilight was also present, but she was standing next to the bound mare.

“Starlight Glimmer,” Luna started. “Your crimes… your crimes… I cannot even begin to fathom them,” she spat.

“As I’ve said, Princess Luna, Starlight Glimmer didn’t actually commit any crimes! She stopped, on her own volition, after realizing her mistakes and what her actions could’ve caused,” Twilight implored.

“Damnation. Death. Destruction. Genocide. War. Eternal Darkness,” Cadance listed, her eyes fixated on Starlight.

Twilight gulped, unable to unsee the disgust reflected in the nicest pony she knew. “I-I know… I know better than anyone… I saw those alternate timelines. But they don’t exist and never will!”

“That still does not absolve her of nearly causing the damnation of Equestria and that of Equis, most likely,” Celestia replied in a firm, strict tone. “But let us assume that is the case. Let us assume that due to the nature of time-traveling magic itself all of her actions are of no consequence. She is still guilty of crimes more than enough to spend the rest of her days inside a dungeon cell.”

“Brainwashing. Cutie Mark stealing? Ponynapping. Theft. Assaulting Royalty. Destruction of private property. Not to mention,” Luna growled. “The near loss of the legacy of Starswirl the Bearded. And gravest of all charges: rebellion. She wanted to instigate her own regime across Equestria and beyond in a quest to remove everypony’s cutie mark!”

“But she didn’t!” Twilight countered.

“Because you and your friends stopped her with the aid of those she held captive inside her cult village,” Cadance clarified. “Had you not stopped her, she would be doing just that right now, wouldn’t you?”

Starlight lowered her head in shame. “Yes, Princess Cadance,” he replied.

“But the fact remains that she nearly caused the total annihilation of everything we know and love due to her miserable, petty, and absurd motivations,” Luna snarled, her pupils turning to slits. “Someone so mentally unstable and frail should not be allowed to wander freely nor forgiven.”

“Do not be so hasty, sister,” Celestia raised a hoof. “She was but a filly when she lost everything dear to her. An experience that traumatized her to guide her actions in the wrong direction.”

“Why do I find this to be unsurprising?” The Diamond Dog envoy said rather loudly, her arms crossed as she glared at Celestia. “Of course a damn pony that almost erased us from existence itself is shown leniency because she’s a damn pony,” she spat.

“That she’s a pony has nothing to do--” Celestia started but was cut short by a boisterous laugh.

“Don’t make me laugh!” Ambassador Mighty Horns stood up. “I am quite sure that if that thing-” he pointed at Starlight. “-belonged to any other species, this trial wouldn’t even exist. She’d be executed right on the spot. But, because she’s one of your precious little ponies, you’ll risk your own coat to save her stinking life!”

Other envoys and representatives, along with officers and nobles, began to murmur between each other.

“Tirek was a threat to all of us. Did he not attack the griffon settlement near the border of Griffonia? Did he not attack minotaurs, diamond dogs, zebras, cervidae, yaks, sheep, mules, donkeys, cows, and every other species that got on his way in equal measure?” Celestia questioned. “And yet, despite his crimes, he’s locked away in Tartarus after a fair trial was held against him.”

Spike flinched and his body stiffened. Luckily for him, everyone else was busy with the trial to notice his reaction.

“And what about Discord?” The Abyssinian Ambassador brought up. “Where was his trial? You unilaterally decided to free the greatest threat upon us on a whim. He may be docile for now, but for how long?”

“Discord is the God of Chaos,” Cadance replied. “In reality, there is nothing we can do against him. All we can hope for is to arrive at a compromise with him.”

“I knooooow~! He’s such a weirdo!” Discord said next to Cadance. Everyone in the room gasped in surprise, having no idea when he appeared. “Sorry for being late. I was having a rather intense and exciting 'Paradox-Billiards-Vostroyan-Roulette-Fourth-Dimensional-Hypercube-Chess-Strip’ Poker match with my good pal Smooze and I lost track of time! But here I am,” Discord explained as he rested on a hammock supported by two chubby centipedes. “So, what’s this all about?”

“...I’m sorry, what?” Blueblood mumbled.

“Oh, don’t bother! I’ll do it myself,” with a snap of his fingers that seemingly did nothing, Discord stared at Starlight and nearly was able to contain his laughter. Nearly. “Bwahahahaha! Seriously!? You know that altering timelines don’t work, right? All you were doing was creating alternate possibilities and streams! And you nearly imprisoned both you and Twilight here in an eternal loop!” He used his tongue to dry off his tears. “Never go there. It never ends well. My good friend Jean-Luc has gone through enough time-traveling nonsense to last a lifetime.”

“Putting your personal life aside, Discord. I’m glad you could make it,” Celestia said. “You’re the only being that can tell us if Starlight’s actions regarding her ventures in time-traveling and the alteration of timelines can count as a crime or not for us to consider.”

“I said that altering timelines doesn’t work, didn’t I? However, it is not her actions that must be judged, but rather her intentions for doing so. So, I say, she’s guilty and must be held accountable,” Discord provided.

“Thank you, Discord,” Luna replied through gritted teeth. “Are there any other points you’d wish to discuss in her defense, Twilight Sparkle?”

Twilight shared a determined look with Starlight. “I know that everything she has done is wrong. And that her motives may look childish, perhaps stupid to some. But the fact remains that she would have destroyed the spell, trapping us in an infinite loop and dooming Equestria and everything else to fate I cannot, nor I wish to, fathom. But she didn’t. She voluntarily stopped and surrendered herself to me after seeing reason. She willingly put on the nullifiers and the probation collar. She was the one who asked me to arrange this trial, knowing it would be to her detriment,” Twilight stepped forth.

“Please, I beg you… all of you to show leniency in light of her cooperative actions. Starlight has accepted and acknowledges her mistakes. By the will of Harmony and this Trial, I ask only to find mercy in your hearts.”

The room fell silent for several long, cold seconds until Celestia spoke. “How does the gathered Council vote?”

“Death!”

“Reformation!”

“Obliteration!”

“Life-Prison!”

“Death!”

“Obliteration!”

The voices began to shout one by one, each creature present having the right to vote or abstain if they so pleased.

“Dea--” Spike stopped himself as he glared at Starlight. Suddenly, her figure was replaced by that of Tirek as he was rendered asunder, reduced to ashes by his fire and claws. He shook his head, suddenly finding it extremely hard to breathe while his heart drummed loudly within his chest. When he opened his eyes again, Tirek was gone showing Starlight standing in the center of the room once more.

I shouldn’t feel any mercy for her! He shouted inside his head. She almost erased everything I love and treasure! She nearly trapped Twilight! She nearly destroyed Equestria and Harmony itself! And even if she hadn’t, her laundry list of other crimes can’t be ignored either! He looked at Celestia and Luna, his heart tearing itself apart at the mere thought of imagining them gone from his life.

Looking down, he found his hands were shaking, followed by a brutal ghostly pain in his abdomen and an urge to vomit. He stood his ground, however, and managed to control himself as he removed his gloves. He traced the tip of a claw over the marked ‘D’ he scrapped on his scales. The ‘D’s’ symbolized ‘Defeat’. But now… now another word came to light.

Looking at Starlight, his glare intensified. In terms of danger and potential damage, she was a greater threat than Tirek.

“And if other enemies as dangerous as Tirek show up? Are you going to kill them too?”

“It is the will of Harmony to grant second chances, Umbra. If they squander it… perhaps. I’m not afraid to stain my hands if it means protecting those I love, my friends, and my home.”

The question made by Umbra after he’d finished off Tirek and his answer replayed themselves in his mind at that very moment. And only now… only after weeks of pondering and ever-increasing doubt and lies he told himself trying to calm the thunderstorm inside his head. Spike saw the truth.

“...Was I wrong?” He muttered to himself, his voice lower and softer than Fluttershy’s. “Did I do it for Harmony or because I was angry, scared, and selfish?” Tirek was a danger, that much was true. And killing him instead of hoping he’d never escape again and wreak havoc solved the issue from the root. He was in the right.

He knew he was in the right. His action had been not only justified, but also deserving against that heartless monster that had killed his own parents with his own hands. Tirek deserved no mercy. Tirek’s death was justice; his actions pure.

“But I didn’t do it for Harmony…,” Spike whispered as his hands stopped trembling. “D-Did I fail?”

“Spike?” Blueblood asked. “Are you alright, cousin?”

“...I will… eventually…” he replied.

“Reformation,” Twilight announced.

“And you, Starlight Glimmer? How do you sentence yourself?” Cadance asked.

“...If my choice matters… then… Obliteration,” she replied.

Celestia nodded and Luna sighed. “It is a tie between the Death Penalty. Obliteration. And Reformation. However, one vote yet remains to be cast,” Luna turned to Spike. “How do you vote, Spike?”

Spike stood up. For a moment he thought about putting on his gloves, but discarded the idea along with the gloves as he approached Starlight Glimmer.

“Killing is disgustingly easy,” Spike began. “I could slice your throat with a single claw right here, right now, and be done with it. I could burn you to a crisp… and even less than that. Or I could crush your head or punch your heart out of your chest,” he stopped in front of a scared Starlight and an astonished Twilight. “I’ve killed before. In self-defense, you could say. And despite being a dragon, once I thought I was invincible. Yet I nearly met my end because of my hubris,” he glared death upon Starlight.

“I could simply choose Death and end you myself. You are weak-minded. You are volatile. You are incredibly intelligent. You are frail but cunning. You’re probably one of the most powerful unicorns alive, maybe as strong as Twilight was,” he chuckled. “The sole reason you got your with Twilight so long was because, at heart, Twilight is one of the most kind, caring, and noble ponies I know. A true Princess of Equestria. Harmony is strong within her and she represents Friendship itself,” he smiled at Twilight for a moment before turning back to Starlight. “But you? You are pathetic, Starlight Glimmer. So pathetic that you don’t even deserve death to escape from consequences.”

“And Obliteration? No. Out of the question. I will not allow you an easy exit. A childish tantrum first drove you to hate cutie marks, the very essence of ponykind, and nearly instigate a rebellion across Equestria. When that failed, that same tantrum nearly caused the destruction of Equestria. Because if you couldn’t be happy, then no creature else could be happy,” he glared at her with utmost contempt. “You disgust me, Starlight Glimmer.”

Then, he chuckled. “And yet… I stand below you,” he turned to the elevated podium. “I killed Tirek in his cell. He was unarmed and goated him into attacking me first. All to have an excuse,” he closed his eyes when he saw the surprise and shock in the eyes of the three Princesses. “He was a threat, just like you. Letting you roam free is a mistake. Killing you is preferable. Obliterating you is also a tempting option. But… that is not the way of Harmony. You realize your actions were wrong and you gave up yourself at the eleventh hour,” he opened his eyes.

“That’s why I vote for Reformation… under the vigilance of the Princess of Magic and Friendship, Twilight Sparkle,” he turned to the podium, kneeling and planting his head against the floor. “My Princesses, I beg of you, not as family or as a Prince, but as a citizen of Equestria and a firm believer of Harmony and Friendship, that Starlight Glimmer is given a second chance under the tutelage of Twilight Sparkle so she may understand what Friendship really is. That said, however, she should not be set free so easily. I suggest she be forbidden from casting any sort of magic for an entire year, as well as carrying a probation collar for as long as Twilight Sparkle deems it necessary,” he begged.

“Why did you kill Tirek, Spike?” Celestia asked, her voice somber and heavy.

“Because he was a true monster. He squandered every chance he got… and I decided that keeping him locked away in the hopes of him never returning wasn’t enough. So I ended his miserable life,” he began to shake. “Taking a life is disgustingly easy… but I make this promise to you. All of you. That in the name of Harmony and Friendship and Equestria, I will never claim the life of another being unless it is absolutely inevitable and only as a last resort,” he promised.

Celestia, Luna, and Cadance looked at each other, then nodded. “We shall discuss your punishment in private later, Spike,” Luna said, unflinching and serious. “But we agree with your request, if Princess Twilight Sparkle accepts the responsibility?”

“I do, your majesty,” Twilight bowed. “Thank you, Spike,” she muttered to her dear friend.

“Are all parties satisfied?” There were a few grumbles, but eventually, every creature raised a hand or hoof. “Then this Trial is adjourned,” Cadance announced.

***********************************************

“As it turns out, they were far more saddened than disappointed,” Spike said to a cooing, adorable little baby alicorn. “Yup. Uncle Spike did a naughty,” he looked around to see the coming storm closing around the Crystal Empire. “Like you did a naughty, little snot.”

“Uhhaawooo!” Flurry Heart giggled.

“You’re the cutest little magical weapon of mass destruction ever!” Spike said as he kissed and tickled his niece’s stomach. “Want to know a secret, little snot?” Flurry Heart teleported and latched herself to his face a second after reappearing. “I’ll take that as a yes,” he chuckled as he pulled her away from his face. “I’m going to spoil you rotten!” He declared as he cradled her and she giggled, taking one of his fingers and sucking his claw. “You are adorable!” He said kissing her forehead.

From where he was sitting, he saw Cadance and Twilight fail to reconstruct the Crystal Heart.

“The spell failed! I don’t know what else to do!” Twilight lamented.

Spike looked around the increasingly worsening climate. “Don’t you worry, bug, uncle Spike won’t let you be cold,” he hummed, making his body warmer and some snow fizzle upon touching his scales.

While Flurry cooed and giggled enjoying the warmth, Shining Armor entered past the curtains. “What happened? I thought you said you’d give me the signal once you were all on the train?” Spike asked worriedly.

“Change of plans,” he smiled.

“I believe an old student of mine might have the solution we seek, Twilight,” Celestia said as the curtains were parted to reveal a near-frozen Celestia and Luna, Starlight, the girls, and a unicorn stallion he had never seen before.

Taking the baby away from his grasp, Spike remained on the sideline watching as the unicorn pony talked with Twilight about magic and spells. They managed to piece together a solution and the Crystalling proceeded as normal. The only problem came when the need for four active powerful casters to maintain the Crystal Heart together and activate the series of spells required to fix the Heart showed up.

Sunburst had the knowledge, not raw power. Cadance and Shining Armor would be busy outside performing the ritual necessary to empower the chosen crystal. And Umbra’s horn was still recovering. Even if she were capable of doing magic, she’d never be allowed to enter the Crystal Empire. So, he knew what was about to happen.

“I hate myself sometimes,” Spike sighed as he walked to Starlight. Startling her with his approach, she froze when he grabbed her horn and removed the nullifiers. “The second you try anything funny, I’ll lop off your horn without a second thought, got it?” Starlight nodded vigorously. “Then go and help.”

“That was a bit uncalled for, don’t you think?” Rarity asked softly. “Starlight Glimmer has been a dear and has proven she’s willing to change and recognize her faults, darling.”

“Perhaps,” he stared at Starlight as she joined her magic to that of Twilight, Celestia, and Luna. Each of them working both in tandem and focusing on their own individual spells. “But I’m not going to trust her so soon,” he looked down at his hands. “At least she didn’t do anything as what I’ve done,” he felt Rarity place a hoof on his back and he looked at her to find a warm, understanding smile.

“While I do not approve of what you did to Tirek, darling. I know you had the best intentions in mind. When he consumed my magic… it was like he was sucking my very soul out of my body. Truly, a harrowing experience,” she shuddered. “But I am ever so proud and happy that you’re my friend and a Prince I can look up to, Spikey dear. Blemishes and all,” she said.

“Thanks, Rarity,” Spike grinned a moment before Sunburst came running and jumped next to the Crystal Heart, inserting the charged crystal with his fall. A few moments later, the Crystal Heart was back to normal and it shone brightly. A wave of pure Harmonic energy flowed through everyone present making their bodies crystalline. The energy instantly pushed back the weather, resuming its slow but steady growth to reclaim all the territory the ice had claimed over millennia.

When everything was done, Spike put the nullifiers back on Starlight’s horn. “I appreciate the help, but you’re still under reformation.”

“I understand,” she said in a solemn tone.

************************************************

“Spiiiiiike!” Smolder called out as she rushed to greet her friend.

“Smolder!” Spike replied, catching Smolder and rolling around the ground for a few moments. When they stood up, they shared one last tight hug. “Man, it’s been so long since we last saw each other!”

“Yeah, if you call last month’s Gala a long time,” she punched Spike’s arm.

“Ha ha! Look at Smolder! Hugging like a pony,” a fat, brown dragon mocked causing some of his friends to laugh. In an instant, he was laying on his ass and clutching his jaw painfully.

“I may hug like a pony, but I punch harder than you, boulder brains!” Smolder snorted fire before stepping on the tail of the fat dragon; his friends shutting up instantly as he cried in pain. “Anyone else want a piece of me?”

And like that, they scattered.

“Stupid idiots,” Smolder crossed her arms and glanced back to Spike. “So, I see you got called as well, huh?”

“Yeah. I didn’t want to come but this itch is driving me crazy. It’s almost as bad as the molt,” Spike replied. “By the way, awesome punch! Where did you learn to fight like that?”

“Ember and I spar from time to time, I also train by myself. Not like I lack punching bags around these parts. How come most dragons are such big idiots?” She questioned as she sat on a rock.

Inviting himself, Spike sat next to her. “Well, most dragons only care about themselves and survival, so that may be a factor. Also, dragons have a nasty tendency to be dicks most of the time,” he stretched. “It’s so refreshing to talk more freely like this. I don’t have to worry about insulting anypony, or dignitary, or diplomat.”

“Or some pretty lady?” Smolder asked, elbowing his ribs.

“The only pretty ladies here are you and Ember, but Ember is… well, Ember. And you are yourself. No way some crude language would ever offend you. Less so if your mouth is dirtier than mine!” He chuckled and Smolder did the same.

“Hey, where’s Umbra?” She asked.

“She’s back in Canterlot since I had to come alone,” he replied. “She’s been surprisingly helpful, to be honest. I don’t always approve of her thinking or methods, but her advice is always good. Honestly? She has the mantle of a leader and the mind to back it up. She knows what she’s doing, she’s firm, strong, solid, resolute, and unflinching,” he frowned. “Which makes me all the more curious as to why she made a pact with a demon to take over the Crystal Empire. Her genius is obvious, her attitude could use some work. And though I think I’m a positive influence on her, I wonder what she could do on her own.”

“You’re not planning on setting her loose, right?” Smolder placed a hand on his knee. “You know, Spike, if you ever need someone to watch your back, you know you can count on me, right?”

“Of course I know, Smolder,” he passed an arm behind her neck. “Hey… do you still have tea parties?”

“Do you wish to die if someone hears you saying that?” Smolder threatened, squeezing his knee quite hard.

“Point taken,” he gulped nervously. “H-Hey, where’s Ember?”

“She must be with uncle Torch. He wants her to stay out of the Gauntlet of Fire. He thinks she’s not tough enough, that only strong dragons should participate. Which is bullcrap! He allowed me to participate and Gar-Gar is as soft as you!”

“Speaking of, where is he?” He asked, looking around. “Is he still the same douchebag he pretended to be?”

“Sadly, yeah…,” Smolder sighed. Then, she leaned against Spike. “I don’t know what’s wrong with him. I wish I could help him, though,” she lamented.

“Have you tried beating him to a pulp?” He joked.

“Twice! And it didn’t work!” Smolder tossed her arms to the front, sliding down until her head was laying on his lap. “I love my brother and all… but I don’t know why he keeps on being such a pain in the tail.”

“Well, well, well. If it ain’t the traitor Prince!” The voice of Garble was heard. Spike and Smolder looked at the taller red dragon, flanked by two dragons they knew only by association; Fizzle and Matchflick. “What? You got tired of living in the pansy-daisy castle of yours, Spike?”

“I see he’s worse than last time I saw him, Smolder,” Spike sighed as Smolder straightened up. “Hello, Garble. Nice to see you again.”

“Uggghh, and you call yourself a dragon? Those damn ponies have rotten you, Spike. Do you even remember how to breathe fire?” Garble pressed on.

“I’m quite aware I’m a dragon, Garble,” Spike smirked. “But at heart, I’m a pony,” this caused Fizzle and Matchflick to laugh fiercely.

“You punks want to deal with me?” Smolder threatened and that shut the two idiots right up. “Thought so,” she said, quite proud of herself.

Before further exchange could happen, a mighty roar followed by a gust of wind, and an enormous shadow covered the land. Within seconds, hundreds of young dragons of all shapes, colors, sizes, and ages approached the stone stadium. Several dozens of adult dragons sat or perched over from the distance, their purpose unknown.

Spike and Smolder sat near the front, watching as Dragon Lord Torch descended and perched himself over a large stone hill in the center of the stadium. It didn’t take them long to find Ember. She was hovering next to her father’s head and looking extremely unamused and pissed.

“Dragons of the Dragon Lands and Beyond!” Torch exclaimed loudly; his booming voice echoing all over the place. “I am Torch! And I’ve been Dragon Lord for many centuries, far beyond what many of you will live! And my reign has been extraordinary!”

Dead silence met him.

“...I-Is this the level of respect the Dragon Lord gets?” He whispered to Smolder, but she shrugged.

“AGREE WITH ME!” Torch commanded.

Instantly, Spike saw how every dragon present, including the adults in the back, Ember, Garble, and Smolder started to cheer; agreeing with Torch, shouting his name and praising his reign. Torch raised a claw, and all the dragons stopped.

“Hey, Smolder, what just happened?” Spike asked, clearly confused.

“It’s the power of the Dragon Lord, dummy. The Dragon Lord can command other dragons to his or her will. And all dragons are bound to obey the Dragon Lord’s orders,” Smolder explained. “Don’t you know anything about your people’s culture?”

“My people’s culture lies in Equestria, Smolder. I know next to nothing about dragon culture… huh… I never bothered to ask much about it, now that I remember,” Spike realized as he rubbed his chin.

“Unfortunately, according to Dragon Law,” he explained as he rolled his eyes; his voice laced with a hint of sarcasm and disdain thick enough to be cut by a knife. “It’s time for me to step down and a new Dragon Lord to rise. Sad, I know,” once more, dead silence. “BE SAD!”

As all dragons began to cry, weep, or generally lament that Torch had to step down, Spike crossed his hands as he looked on amusedly to the dragons around him. Torch silenced them again shortly after.

“This is why I have summoned you: To compete for the Throne in the Gauntlet of Fire!” Torch announced and this time, every dragon began to cheer and shout in excitement. “Whoever has the strength and fortitude to retrieve the Bloodstone Scepter from the heart of the Flamecano will be crowned as the new Dragon Lord!” With that said, Torch merely flicked the Scepter to the Flamecano, landing perfectly inside the crater. An eruption followed after and moments later a wave of energy surged across the land.

“Finally, the itch is gone,” Spike said before spreading his wings.

“Where do you think you’re going?” Smolder asked, placing a hand on one of his shoulder pads.

“Home?” Spike replied whilst Torch talked about something. “I only came because I wanted to stop itching and glowing,” he waited a few seconds while Smolder looked at him with a puzzled stare. “What’s wrong?”

“Y-You didn’t come to answer the call? You didn’t come to participate?” Smolder asked.

“I’m a Prince of Equestria, Smolder. I don’t have time to be Dragon Lord. Nor I have a desire to be one.”

“We will meet when the Sun is at its peak!” Torch hollered. Then, they watched him and Ember discuss something for a few moments. Suddenly, Ember flew off rather angrily.

“What do you think that was about?” Spike asked.

“Who cares!” Smolder exclaimed, pressing a finger against his chest. “Now that I think about it, I didn’t see you cheering or crying when Torch said so! How!? No dragon can’t disobey an order given by the Dragon Lord!”

“What do you mean? Dragons are forced to obey the Dragon Lord even against their wills?” Spike asked, surprised at this new information.

“Duuuuh!” Smolder replied. “It’s basic dragon 101! Every dragon must obey the Dragon Lord, whether they like it or not!” Spike shrugged before the conversation of nearby dragons caught their attention.

“When I become Dragon Lord, I’ll make burping an official greeting!” A female dragon said.

“Ha! You? Please. When I win and become Dragon Lord, I’ll pillage Equestria for all their pillows! Why should these ponies be comfortable while we sleep on rocks!?” A jagged dragon exclaimed.

“That’s nothing! When I’m in charge, I’ll raid and pillage Equestria for all they have and burn the rest. They will pay for everything they’ve done!” Garble exclaimed.

“Forget me leaving,” Spike snarled as he eyed Garble. “I’m going to make sure none of these idiots win the Scepter.”

“I can’t believe Gar-Gar would say such a thing!” Smolder said, outraged. As she climbed off of the rock they were sharing, Spike stopped her by grabbing her shoulders. “Let me go, Spike! I’ll beat some sense into his thick, dumb skull if I have to!”

“Calm down, Smolder. As much as I want to do the same, we have to focus on winning the Gauntlet before any of them does,” he explained.

************************************************

“What are we waiting for, they’re getting away!” Smolder cried as she saw the hundreds of participants embark on flight towards the Flamecano.

“You heard Torch. Flying to the Flamecano is the first of many challenges,” Spike reasoned. Looking over the edge, he glanced at the sea. “I think it would be a better idea to swim.”

“What!? Why!?” Smolder protested. Suddenly, several dozens, maybe hundreds of anglermorreys emerged from the water’s depths, spitting pressurized water up to the crowds of flying dragons. Too many to count were hit, sending them spinning out of control, launching them further up to the sky, or sending them down to the water. “Oh…”

Spike took off his armor, loincloth, and sword before proceeding to dive into the water. Smolder removed her armor, grumbling about why she bothered to put one on in the first place, then followed Spike’s lead. As they were swimming, a green-scaled dragon wearing a golden armor set fell from the sky after Garble, barely able to dodge a water stream, bumped against it in full force. The dragon hit the water roughly, the impact seemed to wake it as it began to struggle and flail, trying to swim or fly out of the water, but the armor was too heavy and cumbersome. In a matter of panicked seconds, the dragon vanished beneath the water.

Without hesitating, Spike dived into the water. Smolder waited expectantly for several seconds for their return. The idea to dive down herself started to materialize in her head, but thankfully for her sake, bubbles came up and a second later Spike emerged gasping for air.

“It’s actual gold!?” He protested. “I thought it was just a golden armor! But it’s actual gold!” He grunted as he swam to the beach at the bottom of the Flamecano. “No wonder you sunk like a rock! Why would anyone wear actual gold for armor!? Gold is tasty, but it sucks for making armor and weapons!”

“Can you stop bitching already?” Smolder groaned in good humor, happy to see her friend okay.

“I am… but seriously, gold!?” He grunted again as they reached the beach. He dragged the dragon inland before taking off the helmet. “Ember…?” He whispered with a fearful whimper as he saw his dear friend’s face right before she started choking and coughing up water.

“Ember!?” Smolder yelled. Reaching down to her, she helped her up to her feet. “I thought uncle Torch said--”

“I don’t care what my father said,” Ember protested, but continued to hug Smolder. Then, she turned to Spike. “Thank you, Spike. I would be a goner now if not for you saving my tail.”

“I didn’t even know it was you!” Spike exclaimed. “But you’re welcome. Anything for a friend,” he did a little bow. “Why did you decide to participate?”

“Because I want to show my dad and every other boulder-head idiot that thinks I’m just a little Princess, that there are better things than just being a big and strong dragon!” Ember explained, her voice full of determination.

Just then, one of the many stationed boulder-throwers launched a five-ton boulder that hit a distracted Garble perfectly. It bounced against the crystalline structures a few times before landing on the beach, crushing Garble underneath. The weight of the boulder mixed with the softness of the sand forced Garble into a lock. Despite the infamous strength of the dragons, five tons were far more than what many dragons their age could lift or move without great effort. He tried to punch it, but due to his predicament, Garble was unable to use his full strength, and thus merely chipped a few scratches on the granite surface of the boulder.

Looking around, his eyes, filled with desperation, found Spike, Ember, and Smolder.

“Help! Don’t leave me here!” He pleaded. Just as Smolder was heading to aid her brother, Spike stopped her. “What are you doing, Spike? Help me! Don’t let me die here!”

For a fraction of a second, Spike saw Tirek in Garble’s place. Shaking his head, he came to a halt. “Why should I?” Spike replied as he looked down at Garble. “I heard what your plans are if you become Dragon Lord. I’m a Prince of Equestria. And you openly declared that you want to invade and burn my home. Why should I help you?”

“I was only joking!” He said desperately. “Please, I would never do something like that to Equestria!” He flinched as Spike glared at him.

“You sounded pretty damn convincing to me before,” Spike knelt next to Garble. “What did ponies do to you, Garble?”

Garble gritted his fangs, trying to look away. “You wouldn’t understand,” Garble replied. “You wouldn’t understand what it feels like to be hunted down by a mere pony. To cower… to be so afraid for your life,” he closed his eyes.

Spike stood back up. With a few grunts and effort, he lifted the boulder and tossed it aside. “Was the pony a Dragon Hunter?” He asked, offering a hand.

“H-How did you--” Garble muttered, shakily accepting his hand to stand back up.

“I do know what that feels like,” he presented Garble with one of his marked backhands. “I nearly died when I stumbled upon a griffon dragon hunter.”

“Then you understand how I feel!” Garble snarled, glancing only briefly to see his cousin and little sister nodding. “You must understand how much I hate those damn ponies! Surely, you must hate those flying chickens as much as I hate ponies!”

“Why should I hate them?” Spike asked. “I hate the dragon hunters. And the dragon hunter that nearly killed me just happened to be a griffon. That doesn’t mean I hate every griffon because of the actions of just one,” Spike explained.

“B-but why not!? They’re no dragons! They’re all weak, inferior, lying, backstabbing creatures!” Garble countered. “They’re all the same!”

“Listen, Garble, I’d love to stay here and talk with you, but I have a Scepter to win,” Spike said as he began walking toward Ember and Smolder. “You can follow us if you want.”

“You? You want to be Dragon Lord? Don’t you love your peace-loving, nancy-pansy ponies?” He asked mockingly, complete with a funny accent, and making faces.

“That’s because I have to win, or make sure Ember or Smolder wins,” Spike smirked at Garble while the dragonesses looked at him surprised.

“Ugghh, whatever. I thought you could understand me. Bye, losers!” With that, he left.

“Gar-Gar…” Smolder lamented. “I… I didn’t know he was attacked by a dragon hunter… what kind of sister am I?”

“Only the best kind,” Spike reassured her. “Being attacked by a dragon hunter is not something I tell to just anyone, you know. Although I’ve come to learn from my mistake. Give him time, he’ll come around,” Spike replied. Looking up, he started to think about a way to avoid the boulders and still reach the entrance.

“So, what’s the plan?” Ember asked.

“We could either climb or fly slowly near the surface of the mountain. But that would take too much time,” he turned to face them. “Do you know how to fly in formation?” They nodded. “Good. Then, Ember, you take point and guide us. Smolder, you’ll be her wing dragon to check for potential forward dangers. I’ll stay on your trail, flying backward and checking for incoming boulders.”

With a nod, they began to fly in a close formation. With some difficulty, they managed to evade the boulders and arrive at the entrance of the Flamecano. Sticking together, they traversed eruptions, lava-spits, eluded crystalline protrusions that slammed dragons into walls. Finally, a maze.

“I don’t think Torch really made up all these challenges specifically designed for dragons with ‘strength and fortitude’,” Spike pointed out as they looked around the maze.

“Yeah, me too. During the first challenge, he did say that flying would be met with danger… how did you figure that one out, Spike?” Ember asked.

“I spend most of my days dealing with petty nobles, dignitaries, lawyers, bankers, diplomats, and all sorts of creatures that know how to twist their tongues or are in love with the sound of their own voices. Noticing little details like that is practically second nature to me now,” Spike replied.

“All of these entrances look the same! We have already passed this road three times!” Smolder complained.

“They do look the same,” Ember murmured. “Except for that one, come on!” She pointed at a normal-looking entrance. The only difference was that, unlike the others that had some sort of gem-encrusted on top or around then, this entrance was devoid of any.

“Follow them!” Garble shouted.

The trio looked back to find a group of five dragons, led by Garble, flying toward them as fast as their wings could manage.

Ember and Smolder looked at each other and nodded. “Go for the Scepter, Spike! We’ll distract them!” Shouted Ember as she pushed Spike past the entrance.

With a nod, Spike ran to the Bloodstone Scepter resting comfortably on a sort of pedestal. Behind him, he could hear his friends fighting against the group of dragons. Picking up the pace, Spike jumped at the pedestal and picked up the Scepter. A rush of ancient, unbelievable power flowed through his body and he could hear the Scepter itself roar with draconic might.

Raising the Scepter, it unleashed a wave of energy and an explosion of power that made the Flamecano tremble. Moments later, it was done. He looked at Ember and Smolder, who had managed to delay the other dragons at the entrance of the cave, struggling against Garble and his goons.

“Leave them alone!” He commanded and he felt his voice vibrating around the cave. Instantly, Garble and his goons stopped.

“The pony loving traitor has the Scepter!?” The fat dragon from earlier shouted.

“B-but that means he’s…” the pudgy dragoness muttered.

“The Dragon Lord,” Ember finished before kneeling alongside Smolder.

“Dragon Lord Spike,” Smolder said, smiling and winking at him.

“...B--but…. P-Pillows…” the jagged dragon muttered while he and every other dragon present, including Garble, knelt before him.

“Now, leave this place!” Spike ordered. “Except for Ember and Smolder,” the other dragons obeyed, and within moments, the trio was left alone once more.

“Dragon Lord Spike. It doesn’t sound that bad, huh?” Ember asked, smiling at her closest friend after Smolder.

“Dragon Lord Ember sounds way better,” he said, handing the Scepter to Ember. A smaller wave of energy surged from the Scepter and into Ember. “I just wanted this to end as soon as possible.”

The two dragonesses looked at each other, both of them blushing madly. “T-That’s not how this works, Spike,” Smolder began.

“Pardon?” Spike blinked.

“Smolder is right. Spike… you picked the Scepter. You’re the Dragon Lord,” Ember began, holding the Scepter in her hands. “Giving it to me like that… you… you made me your Placeholder.”

“...And that means?”

“That you just made Ember one of your mates!” Smolder shouted.

“One of my mates?” He blinked. “...oh…”

Spike muttered right before he fainted.

Chapter 8 End.

Author's Note

Special thanks to anyone that read this!