The first step

In the village of Yakyakistan, most of the yaks remained in an awkward silence after their leader, Prince Rutherford, destroyed the hut the ponies had built. The yaks thought their leader had exaggerated by so bluntly despising everything the ponies did to try to replicate the yaks' customs. However, none of them raised their voices. They all deeply respected their great leader, who always guided them correctly and protected them from all danger. Despite this, there was a young yak girl who decided to take a risk and go against the orders of her great prince.

Moments before Prince Rutherford tore down the pony hut, Rarity had made some beautiful scarves and had shared one of these with a young yak, who had been watching her with great interest. That yak watched with great sadness as the prince took her scarf and threw it away, because it was not made with yak wool, as their traditions indicated. However, after the prince left and everything calmed down a little, the young yak took the opportunity to sneak away and started looking for the beautiful scarf that had been given to her.

After much searching, the young yak girl finally found the scarf near the big wall of the town. That young yak had a nice, well-groomed, light brown coat. She wore a green blanket that she carried on her back, and, like most yaks, she had two large braids that hung from her mane, almost touching the ground. The only notable difference with the other adult yaks was that this yak had large, lively eyes, which could not be completely hidden by her fur.

“Prince does not want a scarf, but Yona think it is a very nice scarf.” The young yak girl said with a big smile. Taking the soft scarf between her hooves, smiling when she saw the cute design it had. Hugging it with her face, as if it were a great treasure.

“Oh! You found the scarf!” Rarity suddenly said. Who had also gone there to look for the scarf that Rutherford threw away, relieved to see that the young yak girl had found it.

Seeing that someone had discovered her, young Yona jumped in fright, threw away the scarf and ran from where she was. Unfortunately, the young yak only managed to take two steps before tripping over her two huge braids of mane, which caused Yona to fall and roll quickly. Hitting hard against the large wooden barrier that surrounded the town.

That wall sector was precisely located on one of the sides of the mountains bordering that valley. The blow of the young yak caused the snow accumulated on that mountain to loosen, and it plummeted over the defenseless yak with a great avalanche.

"Watch out!" Shining Armor suddenly shouted. Using his magic just at the last second to put a shield over Yona, saving her from being crushed by that avalanche of snow. "Are you okay?" Shining asked worriedly, running over to where Yona was, relieved to see that Yona was unharmed.

“You… You save Yona!” The young yak girl shouted excitedly, hugging Shining.

After receiving the young yak's tight hug, Shining Armor smiled, relieved to see that the girl was safe. However, his face quickly changed to fear as he realized that, upon using his magic, his invisibility spell had completely disappeared.

“Shining Armor? What are you doing here?" Rarity asked who and her friends ran over when they saw the situation.

Shining Armor wanted to respond on the spot but finally fell silent when he saw that, in addition to Dusk's friends, all the commotion of the avalanche had also attracted many yaks. Many of them recognized Shining Armor and knew Prince Rutherford had banned him from the village. For this reason, many of the yaks remained murmuring among themselves, seeing that this pony had challenged their leader.

A pair of yaks, which seemed to be some of the biggest yaks in the village, slowly approached Shining, and stood in front of him with menacing gazes, or at least so Shining Armor believed, since he couldn’t see their eyes because of their fur. For the same reason, Shining was shocked to see that those yaks, instead of yelling at him or trampling him for entering the town without authorization, hugged him and laughed loudly.

“You save Yona. You be hero!” The huge yak said, smiling and hugging shining tightly.

Seeing Yksler, the huge yak who was Prince Rutherford's own guard, hugging the white pony, all the other yaks also came over and thanked Shining Armor for his heroism.

“White pony save Yona, I am very grateful!” The young Yona said smiling. Rushing to approach Shining, but she was in such a hurry that she almost tripped over her huge braids again.

"Oh darling! That’s a problem. Let me help you." Rarity said, who was nearby. Approaching Yona, taking her braids, and giving them a small twist, tying each braid in a circle, with a small bow, so that they no longer touched the ground.

The young yak shook her head in surprise and put on a huge smile of gratitude when she saw that her braids were no longer in the way. Yona opened her mouth to thank, but that gratitude remained in the air when she, and everyone around her, were distracted by seeing a large shadow that briefly darkened the valley.

Ponies and yaks turned around in surprise when they saw that shadow, and their eyes widened in surprise when they saw that it had been the shadow of a great dragon. Not just one, there were dozens of dragons! All flying in front of the sun, approaching quickly towards the town.

“Are those dragons?” Rainbow Dash asked in surprise. “I thought the migration was already over. Do dragons always come through this area?” Rainbow Dash asked, glancing at a yak next to her.

"No... Dragons never appear in these lands..." The yak responded, confused. Without ceasing to watch with concern, that horde of dragons was already flying over the town.

Without warning, a pair of dragons swooped down, flying very close to the town, opened their mouths, and released large flames, burning part of the roof of some huts. Causing the yaks that inhabited them to run away.

“Are the dragons attacking the yaks!?” Shining Armor shouted in confusion and fear. Illuminating his horn with magic, to defend the ponies and yaks that were around him.

Suddenly, another figure came down from the sky, a female dragon. This dragon was smaller than the two dragons that had released the flames. She had turquoise scales and big red eyes. In addition, she carried a scepter with a red stone, symbolizing that she was the new 'Dragon Lord'.

“Listen to me yaks!” Ember spoke loudly. Flying right in the middle of the center of the village, looking annoyed at all the yaks staring at her. “You welcomed the enemy of the dragons into your lands. It’s our right that you give him to us! If you don't, face the consequences.” Ember added, pointing her scepter menacingly at all the yaks within her sight.

The yaks maintained absolute silence and didn’t move even from where they were. They simply stared at that dragon that threatened them... None of the yaks knew what that dragon was talking about, but even if they had known, the attitude would have been the same. If there was something a yak never reacted to, it was a threat. They were a strong and proud race! And no one could threaten them!

“Well… You wanted it.” Ember said after a while. Taking the silence of the yaks as a sign of complicity with their enemy. “Attack!” Ember shouted, looking at her subjects and pointing her center at the town.

Instantly, most of the dragons that had been flying around waiting for orders rushed towards the town. Some launched flames from afar, burning the roofs of the huts, while other dragons wanted to have a little more fun and landed in the town to destroy those huts with their own claws.

“Don't hurt anyone! Just trash the place!” Ember shouted, reminding the most violent of her subjects of the order she had given them before arriving there. After all, she wasn't bloodthirsty, and she didn't want to take the life of any innocent, just that of an evil pony.

The brutish dragons regretted that their Dragon Lord did not allow them to harm those foolish yaks. However, even if they wanted to, they would soon discover it wasn’t as simple as they expected. The yaks quickly ran to attack all the dragons that dared to land in their village. Throwing them into the air before they could even react.

Ember opened her eyes in surprise when she saw that it was a mistake for the dragons to land in the village. In the air, the dragons were superior, but on land, the strength of the yaks was unmatched. Ember opened her mouth to order the dragons on the ground to return to the air, but just then, a scream distracted her.

"We found him! There he is!" A dragon that had been flying over the village suddenly shouted. Pointing right where a small group of yaks were, gathered with several ponies.

“It's him…” Ember whispered in surprise. Focusing her gaze towards where the ponies were. Verifying that indeed there was the mark that she had been looking for so much.

Most of the dragons immediately charged towards that group of ponies and yaks, even before the Dragon Lord ordered them to. Everyone knew what the mission was. It wasn't about destroying the town, but about taking the bearer of that cursed mark... the pony that had a drawing of a six-pointed pink star on his flank.

Shining Armor was surprised to see that several dragons suddenly landed near where he was and looked at him with big, evil smiles. There was no doubt the dragons were looking directly at him. Why!? Shining wondered confusedly in his mind. However, despite his confusion, Shining simply put on a serious face and illuminated his horn menacingly. If those dragons came after him, he would give them a fight.

Several dragons rushed without thinking into the group of yaks and ponies that their target was in, thinking that they were just a group of weaklings. However, they would quickly understand that facing a yak on land was more difficult than they expected. Several dragons were sent flying into the air when the yaks that were near the ponies charged at them, hitting them with their large horns, preventing them from getting closer.

“I do not know what happened, but yaks defend their land!” One of the yaks next to the ponies said. Stopping a dragon that had managed to get close with his horns.

"Yeah! Yona is indebted to the pony who saved her!” The young Yona said, next to Shining. Also staring menacingly at the dragons.

Shining smiled at the bravery of that young yak but was quickly distracted when he saw that a dragon had landed behind him without anyone noticing, and he lunged at him.

"I have you!" The dragon shouted, leaping at Shining. However, Shining quickly jumped to avoid him and with an agile movement, he used his magic to launch a lightning bolt at the dragon. Who was hit directly and pushed to the big wall of the town.

"Are you fine?" Shining asked worriedly, looking at the little yak and Dusk's friends. Immediately verifying that they had not been injured by his attack or by the dragon.

Seeing that everyone was fine, Shining sighed in relief and then put on a worried look. That attack confirmed it, HE was the target of the dragons. That left him in a very complicated position because he knew that in Dusk's absence, he had to stay with his friends to protect them, but if he was the target, he needed to do just the opposite.

“Ouch… That hurt…” The dragon who had been hit by Shining's magic suddenly said. Rubbing his head after hitting it against the wall.

“My lightning bolt must have made him faint… How can he still be conscious!?” Shining thought in surprise. Until he realized something important and opened his eyes in shock. “Dragons are resistant to magic…” Shining recalled, realizing that the situation was more dangerous than he had initially thought.

Before that dragon could get back up, Rainbow Dash quickly flew towards him and gave him a strong blow. Followed by Applejack, who ran up and gave him another hard smack with her hind legs. Making the dragon fly away scared, not wanting to receive any more strong kicks.

“Shining, we can defend ourselves. You take care of the little yak.” Applejack said, who along with her friends, looked at Dusk's brother with determined looks. They realized that Shining was worried about them, so they quickly showed him that they wouldn't be a burden to him and that they could defend themselves together.

Shining smiled when he saw how strong-minded those mares were, but his smile faded when he felt something grab his head. Shining tried to look up and saw that a dragon had flown over him and was now holding his horn tightly with his claw. Shining tried to use magic, but the dragon's strong grip on his horn made it very difficult to do so.

In just an instant, two more dragons flew overhead, grabbed Shining's hoofs, and lifted him up, attempting to fly him away.

“Shining!” Dusk's friends shouted, trying to return to where Shining was. But around them, many more dragons had arrived to push the yaks further, making them all much more crowded and unable to move well.

“Yona do not let ugly dragons take away her new friend!” Yona shouted, holding on tightly to Shining, to serve as an anchor to the ground so that the dragons wouldn’t take him away.

In the air, Ember saw that her subjects had captured their prey, who was now defenseless in the air, but unable to get out of there due to a yak that wouldn’t let him go. Ember looked around and saw that on land, the dragons were losing the advantage, and with every minute, more yaks were getting closer. If they didn't get out of there soon, the yaks might turn the tables.

“Take the little yak too! Raise the wounded! Let's go from here!" Ember ordered, raising her scepter high. Ordering to retreat.

Following their leader's order, two more dragons flew over to Yona and lifted her into the air as well. Then, finally, the dragons were able to take Shining Armor, who was still attached to the young yak. Only now were both lifted into the air, kidnapped by the dragons. The other dragons saw that they had captured their target, and they all spread their wings and fled from there, helping to lift the injured who had been beaten by the yaks.

Rainbow Dash flew quickly to follow the dragons, but when she was about to catch up with them, several of them threw flames back, generating a large screen of smoke. Rainbow Dash stopped in the air and started coughing from all the smoke around her, so she finally had to land so she could recover and breathe properly again. When she did, she looked up at the sky again, but it was too late. There was no trace of the dragons, who were lost in the dark clouds of frozen Yakyakistan.

In the town, everything was confusing. That surprise attack by the dragons only lasted a few minutes, but it had left the town almost destroyed, with roofs on fire everywhere. Still, most of the yaks didn’t react with regret or anger. In fact, many of them were even smiling a little since they hadn't fought like this in a long time, and they had had the great opportunity to hit many dragons, which they found amusing. However, when everyone found out that the dragons had kidnapped Yona, all those smiles disappeared, and the anger of the yaks began to boil in all of them.

A noise like that of an avalanche began to be heard louder and louder until suddenly, the doors of the wall burst open, and Prince Rutherford, who had run towards them at full speed, passed through them. Just a little further behind came Cadance, Pinkie Pie, and Dusk. The four of them had heard the explosions of the flames and had run towards it at full speed. Unfortunately, arriving when everything was over.

“Tell me what happens!” Rutherford ordered furiously, looking at his guards. Who then approached and began to tell what had happened.

The same situation happened with the ponies as Dusk quickly approached his friends and breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that they were all fine. For the same reason, he didn't understand why everyone had scared and worried looks.

“Where is Shining?” Cadance asked, worried as she saw the mares' looks. Immediately noticing that her husband was not there.

The girls explained to Dusk and Cadance what happened, explaining how they couldn't save Shining from being kidnapped by the dragons.

“...I tried to follow them, but the smoke blocked my path.” Rainbow Dash said sadly, finishing telling what happened. Pointing towards the sky, where she had lost track of the dragons.

Out of inertia, all the ponies looked towards where Rainbow Dash pointed, and for some reason, everyone remained staring in that direction.

"Uh? What's wrong?" Rainbow Dash asked confused. Turning to see what everyone was looking at.

In the sky, a small black dot was getting closer. Getting bigger and bigger, until a strange silhouette was formed that was flying towards there.

“Dusk!!” A childish voice shouted from the sky. A voice that Dusk would recognize anywhere in the world.

“Spike!?” Dusk shouted in surprise. Finally managing to identify the figure that was approaching. It was none other than his little brother, who was strangely being carried by another dragon that Dusk also knew... the rogue Garble.

Both dragons landed in front of the ponies, causing the yaks to quickly surround them and threaten them with their horns. Leaving Spike and Garble very shocked.

“Wait!” Dusk shouted quickly. Making his way through the yaks to get closer to his little brother. “They didn't attack the village; they aren't with the other dragons!” Then Dusk finally managed to approach his little brother and immediately gave him a big hug. After a long hug, Dusk finally thought clearly again and quickly separated from the hug, holding Spike by the shoulders. “Spike! What are you doing here!? What is all this going on!?”

"What do I do here? What are you doing here!?" Spike asked, just as surprised. “I sent the dragons here because you weren't supposed to be here!”

“Wait… You sent the dragons here!? What does that mean?" Dusk asked very confused.

“Well… It's a long story…” Spike replied, sighing and glancing sideways at Garble. Who simply looked away in annoyance.

'Spike flashback. '

One night during his stay in the Dragon Land, Spike decided to help old Graytusk with his work. The old dragon was the guardian of the history of dragons. Keeping old books and scrolls that he almost always carried with him, and that were the only written legacy of the old stories of the dragons.

Despite the importance of his work, the rest of the dragons never cared to come and read those old scrolls. Dragons preferred to eat, search for treasure, or take relaxing lava baths. They didn't care about history; for the same reason, none helped old Graytusk with his work. However, for Spike, who had grown up with books, helping the old dragon with his scrolls was the closest thing to feeling at home. Imagining that he was back in the Ponyville library with his dear brother Dusk.

“This scroll tells the story of the great Dragon Lord Valakas; shouldn't it be in the letter 'V'?” Spike asked, arranging some scrolls in front of some chests and seeing that that scroll was in the chest of the scrolls with the letter 'C.'

"Uh? Oh yeah! You’re right. I’m sorry, it’s just that my eyesight isn’t as good as before.” The old dragon said, smiling, touching his tired eyelids. “I always confuse the letters, even when I transcribe old scrolls... It's lucky that now I have two young eyes helping me, hehe.” The old dragon laughed.

"No problem! I love helping! Furthermore, I’m an expert with books and scrolls.” Spike said proudly. Balancing several books in his claw and deftly placing them into their corresponding chests. “It's lucky to only group them alphabetically. Dusk would make me sort them by size, topic, number of pages…” Spike added, sighing exhausted as he remembered but also smiling as he remembered his brother's craziness.

“Yes, I have heard that ponies have large libraries. Huff… It's a shame that dragons value gold and gems more than books.” Old Graytusk sighed. “A few years ago, a young dragon was also very interested in helping me with the old scrolls. But the other dragons began to make fun of him, and finally, he didn’t return again..."

"It’s a shame. If you’re passionate about something, you shouldn’t give it up, even if they make fun of you.” Spike smiled as he continued ordering. He suddenly made a scared face when he thought he had broken a book because a page had fallen from it. Taking it, Spike got a surprised look. “Hey! I know this star… Hehe, who knew I would see something familiar in an old dragon book.” Spike smiled, seeing a familiar drawing of a certain star on the loose page of that book.

“Hmm? What book are you referring to?” The old dragon asked, approaching. The old dragon's face turned pale, and his expression changed radically when he saw the book Spike was holding and the drawing of the star it had.

“I… I didn't break it! I swear! It was like that!” Spike said quickly, scared. Thinking that the old dragon's change of gaze was because he thought he tore the book.

“That is the 'Fade Star,' symbol of the ancient enemy of dragons.” The Graytusk elder said, with a serious look, staring at Spike. “Where did you see this star? Who has this symbol!?”

Spike looked with fear at the old dragon's fearsome gaze and swallowed nervously, remaining silent. It wasn't necessary for the old dragon to say it, Spike knew immediately that if he said that that star was Dusk's cutie mark, he would put his brother in danger.

"Who!?" The old dragon asked again. Only this time, Spike didn't wait, and simply ran away from there.

The next thing that happened was that Spike tried to run far away from there, but finally old Graytusk warned Ember, and she managed to catch Spike. Then, she asked Spike again about the same thing that the old dragon wanted to know; however, Spike continued to refuse to speak. Seeing that she had no choice, Ember used her scepter's magic to force Spike to speak. The little dragon fought against the magic of the scepter, but every dragon was forced to blindly obey whatever its Dragon Lord ordered if it used the magic of the scepter, and Spike was no exception.

Spike's soul fought with all his might not to say Dusk's name because if he did, he could put him in mortal danger.

“Don't say Dusk Shine! Don't say Dusk Shine!!" Spike screamed in his mind, while the magic of the scepter forced him to tell the truth... To answer: 'Who has this symbol?'

“S-Shining… Armor… That star is Shining Armor's cutie mark…” Spike finally said, speaking against his will.

Finally, the little dragon's mind managed to do both: obey the order of his Dragon Lord and protect Dusk. But in the process, his mind gave up on his other brother, who also had the same star on his flank.

With the magic of Bloodstone's scepter acting on Spike, the baby dragon was finally forced to say that that star was Shining Armor's cutie mark and that, at that time, he was in Yakyakistan. At least, that was what Dusk wrote to him about Shining and Cadance in his last letter.

Upon discovering that someone alive possessed the ancestral symbol of the enemies of the dragons, Ember knew that she must comply with the traditions of her race and immediately put together an expedition to face this dangerous enemy. Ember decided to fly with the youngest and fastest dragons, those that could fly non-stop all night, at high altitudes. This, to fly above the clouds, surrounding Equestria, and thus not alert the princesses of the Sun and the Night.

After locking Spike in a cave, the dragons got ready to leave.

“You won't go. You’ll stay watching Spike.” Ember said before leaving. Looking with a serious look at a young red dragon, who had just been one of the most excited about going to Equestria to fight.

"What!? Why!?" Garble yelled angrily, seeing Ember pointing at him.

"Because I say it!" Ember shouted in annoyance without giving him an explanation.

“This mission is only to seek revenge against one pony. I don't want this violent fool inciting other dragons to go on a massacre against other ponies.” Ember thought without telling Garble the reason for excluding him from the mission.

After Ember and her small army left, Spike watched helplessly as everyone flew away, and he was unable to leave his cave, which was guarded by the annoying and cruel Garble.

“Great… Everyone's going to have fun, and I have to stay taking care of the baby…” Garble grumbled from the cave entrance. Blowing smoke from his nose because he was so frustrated.

Spike didn't like being called baby; however, he didn't say anything to defend himself. Instead, Spike put on a mischievous and sinister smile, thinking of a way to get out of there.

"Don't worry. It's not so bad that it's just the two of us… 'Gar-Gar'.” Spike said with a smirk.

As soon as Garble heard Spike, his ears turned red with embarrassment.

“Only my sister calls me that!” Garble shouted, red with embarrassment.

"I know. Smolder told me that, but I think it's a nice nickname.” Spike taunted, moving closer to Grable, maintaining a mocking smile. “She also told me that you read her the poem that I ordered you to write when I was Dragon Lord,” Spike added with a bigger and bigger smile, while Garble was getting redder and redder, with a scared look. “It seems like you liked poetry so much that Smolder says you made some bongos and sing poetry when no one sees you.”

"Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!!" Garble shouted in terror, red with shame. “I'll do whatever you want, but don't tell anyone what you just said!” Garble begged, getting to his knees. Completely forgetting his pride.

“Fine… I won't tell anyone if you let me get out of here.” Spike said, happy that his plan worked.

Regaining his composure, Garble stood up and glared menacingly at Spike.

“Or maybe I'll shut that little mouth of yours up forever… To me, that's the better plan.” Garble said, raising his sharp claws threateningly.

“Y-You can't! Ember ordered you to watch me. If you hurt me, you would be disobeying your Dragon Lord.” Spike stuttered, trying not to sound nervous.

For a second, Garble analyzed the situation and finally looked away in frustration.

“You're right... But by that same order, it's impossible for me to let you run away. I cannot disobey the order of a Dragon Lord… Even though she's the annoying Ember.” Grable growled.

“But she just said you should keep an eye on me. She didn’t say I couldn’t get out of here.” Spike said, thinking as shrewdly as his older brother. “If you come with me, you won't be disobeying her. And so, you too can go with the rest of the dragons on the mission.”

That's how Spike finally managed to convince the grumpy Garble to let him out, and take him with him to the frozen north of Equestria.

'End of flashback. '

“...And that's how I got here.” Spike said, after telling his story.

For several seconds, Dusk looked at him with a perplexed and thoughtful look. His brother's way of fleeing seemed brilliant to him, but the origin of everything remained a mystery.

“The six-pointed star on my cutie mark… Does it represent the 'Fade Star'?” Dusk said with a confused look, thinking out loud. “A fading star… In ancient astronomy, the only fading star is…” Dusk murmured, beginning to put together pieces of a confusing puzzle.

“I don't know why, but for some reason, the star of your cutie mark and the one from Shining represent the enemies of the dragons,” Spike said, scared. Seeing that Dusk simply stayed muttering meaningless things.

“Of course, you don't know because you don't know anything about dragon history,” Garble growled, sighing in annoyance. “That star is the symbol of the enemies of the dragons because there is a legend which says that thousands of years ago, a pony came to 'The Withered Heath,’ the ancestral cradle of the dragons, and froze it completely.” At that moment, Garble picked up some snow from the ground and let it fall into his claws. “According to legend, all of this, the North of the continent, was the ancient cradle of dragons, until that pony with the star froze everything.”

All the ponies looked at Garble in surprise. Especially Spike, who then put on a thoughtful look as he looked at the irritable red dragon.

"It's ridiculous. A single pony can't freeze an entire continent. Not even an alicorn could!” Cadance said, slightly impatient. “This is all a misunderstanding! My Shining has never done anything against the dragons!”

“Dragons never listen. They are violent beings by nature. They are not as calm and gentle as yaks.” Rutherford said, moving towards the center of everything, so that everyone could see him. “The only solution is war! Yaks go to war!”

At Rutherford's shout, the other yaks also shouted and stomped their hooves, showing that they all agreed with their leader. Then, most of the yaks began to disperse, ready to look for their armor and weapons to go to war. Causing screams of excitement to begin to be heard throughout the town. After all, what better way to end a Yicksluberfest than with a great battle!

“Prince Rutherford, there is no need for you to go to war.” Pinkie Pie said worriedly, approaching the yak prince. “I know that yaks are excited about battles and breaking things, but going to war because the dragons destroyed the village, is that really right? Because if I remember correctly, at the end of Yickslurbertfest you-”

At that moment Pinkie Pie fell silent, because Rutherford put a hoof in her mouth so she wouldn't continue talking.

“Pink pony does not ruin this moment. Yaks are going to destroy dragons, and it will be a good end to the yak festival.” Rutherford said with a small smile. “Besides, the new dragon leader will not mock the yaks. Dragons always despise yaks, and that will change today!” Rutherford shouted, causing the yaks around him to also shout in excitement, ready for battle.

“Prince Rutherford, we cannot go to war.” Cadance quickly intervened, attempting to reason with the volatile yak leader. “They have Shining Armor and little Yona prisoner. Our priority must be to get them to safety.”

“Hmm… Pony princess is right, but she forget one thing.” Rutherford responded, pointing towards Spike and Garble. “We also have two prisoners. We can exchange prisoners, and then go to war!”

Not wanting to argue with the ponies any further, Rutherford turned away. Going to prepare for the epic battle they were about to have. While Cadance was left with a frightened look, seeing that it seemed like she could do nothing to stop the war between yaks and dragons.

Deciding not to waste any more time, Cadance and the other ponies left the village to go in search of the dragons. Accompanied by Spike and Garble, who were very well guarded by two yak guards who tied the claws of both to prevent them from escaping before the prisoner exchange.

“Will you really exchange us as prisoners?” Spike asked, looking worriedly at Dusk and Cadance as they walked through the frozen lands of the north. “I think Ember won't take too kindly to the fact that I escaped and came here.” Spike added, fearing for his safety.

“I would never put you in danger, Spike.” Cadance responded, looking lovingly at Spike to reassure him and then putting on a more serious look. “But if the dragons see that we are with you, perhaps it’ll give us a chance to talk and explain to them that everything is a misunderstanding.”

“Hmm… I don't know if they want to listen to us.” Spike responded, lowering his head hopelessly, as he knew that changing Ember's mind would be very difficult. “By the way, how will we find the other dragons?”

“Rainbow Dash saw them leaving in this direction.” Dusk responded, looking towards the nearby mountains. “I think they shouldn't be too far from here. After all, according to what you told us, the dragons flew all night, and after attacking the yak village, they must be very tired. Even more so with this cold since dragons prefer heat. So, the most likely thing is that they’re hiding in a nearby cave, to recover energy.”

“Even if you find the dragons, it’ll all be in vain.” Garble suddenly said, with a cruel sneer. “We dragons are cruel by nature; we’re finally returning to the ancient traditions! The yak chief was right; the ancient dragons never cared about eating yaks; they were just food! No yak has ever been worthy of respect from a dragon... Well, except for Prince Ulysses, who was the only yak who could face a dragon, earning the respect of the former Dragon Lord Scintilla..." Garble added, who during his speech radically changed the way he spoke. Going from a mocking grimace to a thoughtful look, as if he were giving a history class.

At that moment, Garble stopped talking and realized that Dusk and Spike were staring at him in surprise. That made Garble feel embarrassed and look away, annoyed to realize that he had gotten carried away with a silly old story.

“I got it… You were that dragon that helped old Graytusk before! Right!?" Spike said excitedly, pointing at Garble. “That's why you know so much about history, like the thing about the star and that story about the yaks. No wonder you abandoned old Graytusk when others began to make fun of you… You always want to seem tougher and crueler than you really are.”

“Ugh! Shut up now!" Garble shouted in embarrassment. Red with shame, raising his bound claws high to threaten Spike.

"Do not move! You are prisoner!” The yak guard holding the ropes tying Garble and Spike said angrily. Pulling this to calm Garble down. “Also, red dragon made a mistake. Great Ulysses was not a yak prince, it is a mountain that watches over the valley.” The yak added, pointing behind him, towards where the village was.

Seeing where the yak was pointing, Dusk squinted his eyes to get a good look at the distant mountain that was at the opposite end of where they were going. Now that he saw it well, that mountain really looked like a great yak, since it was very wide, like the body of a yak, and with two smaller peaks on one of its sides, which resembled the head and horns of a yak. At that moment, Dusk remembered that that morning, at the town bonfire, he had heard part of the story of the founding of Yakyakistan, when Rutherford gave them a tour of the town.

' ...And that is how our great town was founded, between these two great mountains. Between the 'Two Horns' and the 'Spitfire,' which, over the years, changed their names...' Dusk remembered vividly what he had heard. Then he opened his eyes in surprise as he realized something. He quickly turned his head to look in front of him and looked with wide eyes towards the mountain they were heading towards.

“Could it be…” Dusk murmured in amazement. Thinking of a strange and surprising idea.

Minutes earlier, after Ember and her dragons fled, the new Dragon Lord realized that many of her subjects were exhausted, including her. Both for the battle just fought and for flying all night. There were even a couple of dragons who were more tired than the rest since they were in charge of carrying the old Graytusk, who was flying too slowly. Graytusk was the only elder in the entire group, who had begged Ember to go there, to see with his own eyes the ancient prophecy of the extermination of the enemy of the dragons come true. Furthermore, another factor of exhaustion for the dragons was that neither of the two prisoners they had captured made the job easier since the little yak had a lot of strength and continually fought with those who had taken her away from her home. While in the case of the unicorn, there were four dragons trying to control him, with two of them squeezing his horn at all times, to try to block his magic, which at times also escaped between the dragons' claws and hit hard those around him.

Seeing that they had no other options, Ember saw a nearby cave in a huge mountain and led her clan there. Upon landing, several of the dragons threw themselves to the ground, completely exhausted. Despite their fatigue, several dragons shouted with joy, satisfied at having been victorious in their mission and in that unexpected battle.

Since Ember chose small and fast dragons for the mission, except for Graytusk, most of them were very young. So, despite their fatigue, they immediately celebrated that great adventure they were living. Many of them began to throw flames into the air, shouting that the new age of dragons was about to arrive, where they would once again reign in the world.

“We’ll once again be the most feared!” Several dragons shouted. "The law of the strongest! Dragons rule!”

Looking at her subjects, Ember put on a thoughtful look and try as she might, she couldn't share their joy. She raised her scepter and remembered how she had won it.

“I didn't win my throne by being the cruelest or the strongest…” Ember thought, remembering when Spike gave her the Bloodstone scepter. Narrowing her eyes as she thought of her first and only friend, who she must have locked up to follow the ancient traditions of her race. “Will this really be the right path...?”

"We did it!" A dragon suddenly shouted with joy. A scream that made Ember snap out of her thoughts.

Looking towards the dragon that had screamed, she saw that he was celebrating because he had finally managed to separate the little yak from Shining Armor. Apparently, the little yak had given everything she had to not let go of Shining and prevent the dragons from taking him, but finally her strength was exhausted, and the dragons were able to keep the pony they were looking for.

Several dragons that were still restraining Shining took the unicorn to the other end of the cave, while those dragons who had carried the little yak looked at her with menacing glances and cruel smiles.

“What will we do with this yak now?” One of the young dragons said, running his tongue through his mouth. “Maybe, we should eat her…”

“Nah… She has a lot of hair.” Another dragon mocked, grabbing Yona's braids. “She's just a useless yak; let's throw her into a volcano and watch her burn, haha.”

Ember knew that those young dragons would hardly do any of the things they said, but they loved to pretend to act cruel, like the ancient dragons. They were amused to see Yona's scared face, and they began to laugh and make fun of the little yak even more. For some reason, that attitude greatly irritated Ember, who hurried over. However, she stopped when she saw that someone else approached there before her.

“Enough, Backdraft. You've never eaten anything bigger than a mouse. And Scorchy, you don't even go near the deep end of the lava pools, you want to burn something in a volcano? Hah!” Another dragon mocked. A young, small dragon with orange scales, who was on her first mission outside the Dragon Lands. “Our mission was to catch that pony, not scare a little yak girl.”

“Ugh… How boring you are, Smolder.” The purple dragon named Backdraft said. Deciding to leave, now that the fun was over.

“Are you okay, little yak?” Smolder asked, approaching the prisoner.

“Hmpf! I am fine, I do not scare easily. Also… Why dragon call Yona little?” Yona asked, grumbling, who seemed to be more bothered by being treated like a baby than by the fright of the other two dragons. Then she looked carefully at Smolder, put on a surprised look and smiled. “You are too little to call Yona 'little', hahaha.” Yona laughed, seeing how young and little that dragon was compared to the others.

Smolder was surprised by Yona's sudden change of attitude. Then she blushed and looked away, embarrassed.

“Yeah… Uh… I guess you’re right. We’re probably the same age.” Smolder responded, scratching her head. “Actually, I'm the youngest of the dragons that came… I guess I just wanted to sound cooler.” Smolder added, smiling embarrassed. Starting to laugh with Yona, because of the absurdity of the situation.

Smolder was Garble's younger sister. Someone who had become quite close to Spike that last week. For the same reason, it had hurt her a lot that her new little friend 'betrayed' the dragons. Still, when Ember asked for fast and stealthy dragons for her new mission, she did not hesitate to enlist to finally see new lands. While Ember, at first, hesitated to accept that young dragon, Smolder had already obtained her wings and could officially leave the island. Deep down, Ember liked that Smolder was more sensible than her brother. Just as she just now demonstrated, she had helped Yona, with whom she was now chatting animatedly.

Ember watched with great interest how easily Smolder and Yona began to chat. As if both girls had suddenly forgotten what situation they were in and were just two girls meeting a new friend. Ember's heart felt a strange warmth as she saw that young dragon laughing with that young yak.

“Even under these circumstances, they can laugh together…” Ember thought, with a slight smile, comparing the small, smiling Smolder to the huge, grumpy old dragons that had stayed in Dragon Land. Looking askance at old Graytusk, who only spent his time reading scrolls, never interacting with anyone. “Smolder's generation... They’re the future... Maybe... it’s time for dragons to stop thinking about being feared and start thinking about... being part of this world.” Ember thought, without taking her eyes off Smolder and Yona, as her mind struggled with that revelation, which forever changed the paradigm of what a dragon could be.

While meditating, Ember's mind wandered as she felt the ground on her paws. Curious, she bent down and took some of the dirt from that cave.

“This land is not frozen… This is volcanic land.” Ember thought in surprise. Immediately, this land was recognized as similar to the land that was so abundant in her territories.

Thinking of a brilliant idea, Ember called a couple of dragons, and together they headed deeper into the cave. After walking quite a bit through the cave, which was larger and deeper than they thought, Ember's eyes shone when she saw frozen volcanic rock, just as she had thought she would find.

“This is not a mountain…” Ember said, with a big smile. Looking at the dragons that had come with her. “It’s time to wake up this volcano, to make this place more pleasant.”

After a long walk entering that large mountain full of small caves, Dusk and company continued looking for the dragons, hoping that Dusk's theory was true. However, all the caves they had seen so far were too small, and they had no trace that there were dragons there.

“Dusk, what if you were wrong and the dragons didn't hide here?” Rainbow Dash asked, after returning from unsuccessfully inspecting another small cave.

“I thought I might be wrong, but for a few moments now, I've been sure they must be here.” Dusk said with a serious look. Raising a hoof so his friend would notice something. "You realized? It’s still snowing, but it’s less cold here.” Dusk added, looking at his friend with a smile full of confidence.

"Uh? You're right!" Rainbow Dash said surprised. Only then, noticing that subtle change in temperature there.

"Over there! Look!” Spike suddenly shouted, pointing towards a small hill.

Everyone turned to look and saw two silhouettes of dragons, which quickly moved away, flying further up the mountain.

“We found them! Those must be the lookouts. Pay attention, they must already know that we’re here.” Dusk said, looking at all his friends with concern. Then he realized something important, and he asked one of the yak guards to borrow his blanket.

“The best thing will be that they don't see my cutie mark, until we solve this problem.” Dusk thought, placing the blanket over his body.

They didn't have to go far until they finally reached a part of the mountain where they could see a large cave. There, as Dusk guessed, several dozen dragons were already waiting for them. Everyone blocking the entrance to the cave and staring menacingly at the yaks and ponies that had come there.

“I am Princess Mi Amore Cadenza. I have come here to have a diplomatic talk with your leader.” Cadance shouted, taking a step forward.

After a couple of seconds, the dragons made way, and behind their ranks, Ember appeared, holding her scepter and looking coldly towards the pony princess. Then, the Dragon Lord looked carefully at everyone present, and her cold gaze disappeared in an instant when she saw that Spike and Garble were also there.

“What are you two doing there!?” Ember yelled in annoyance.

“They are our prisoners! We came to exchange prisoners by order of Prince Rutherford.” The yak guard carrying Garble and Spike shouted. Stepping forward to answer before Cadance. Since the Prince had secretly instructed him that his priority was not diplomacy but saving Yona.

Ember glared at the huge yak, and then, with a simple gesture of her head, she gave the order to one of her subjects to bring the prisoner. In just a few moments, Yona appeared, upon seeing the enormous yak guard, who was precisely her uncle, could not stand it anymore and ran to him to hug him. Meanwhile, the yak guard approached to hug Yona, immediately releasing Spike and Garble. Then Garble quickly grabbed Spike by one paw and flew quickly towards where his clan were.

“Spike!” Dusk shouted scared. Seeing that Garble had taken his little brother. Then Dusk stepped forward and looked at Ember angrily.

“Free my brothers!” Dusk shouted furiously. Releasing a few sparks from his horn.

"Your brothers?" Ember asked confused.

“Spike, the dragon, and Shining Armor, the white unicorn.” Dusk responded annoyed. Describing his brothers, so that there was no doubt. Because with every second that passed, Dusk felt more upset, seeing that he was losing his family.

“The white unicorn will not be returned.” Ember replied coldly. “He has the symbol of the enemies of dragons, and he doesn't-” At that moment, Ember fell silent as she realized something.

Ember flew and landed right in front of Dusk, staring at him with a cold gaze. Same look that Dusk had, looking at her angrily, without even blinking. Then Ember leaned over and quickly removed the blanket that Dusk had over his torso, revealing his cutie mark.

“I knew it… I knew I had seen that star before.” Ember said seriously. “You're the pony that accompanied Spike and sneaked into my domino.”

“I'm the pony that saved you from being crushed to death,” Dusk responded, challenging her with his gaze. Reminding her of what happened in the Dragon Lord competition. “Maybe THAT was my first mistake.”

"That's a threat?" Ember asked, pointing her scepter at Dusk. “Now you too will be our prisoner. You and your brother, a family cursed by its star.”

"No! Enough Ember!” Spike shouted in terror, running towards where Dusk and Ember were.

“Leave it, Spike.” Dusk said, still looking annoyed at Ember. “I want her to take me to Shining and see that he's okay.”

“B-But, Dusk…” Spike stuttered, scared, hugging his brother, fearing for his safety. He knew that there were some dragons that could be very cruel.

“Don't worry, I assure you that everything will be fine,” Dusk said, finally softening his gaze as if that hug had made him forget his anger in an instant. Stroking his little brother's head.

Seeing both brothers hug each other, Ember narrowed her eyes in annoyance, lost in her own thoughts as new feelings were born in her. A conflict inside her that grew and grew.

“Dragons! This pony carries the ancient star of the enemies of the dragons!” Ember shouted, raising her scepter, so that all her subjects could hear her. “What should we do with him!?”

“End his life!! Destroy him!” The dragons shouted. Several of them laughed when they saw that they were returning to the old customs of their ancestors.

“Another question… Have any of you read the ancient legend of the star!? Do any of you know WHY we should put an end to this pony!?” Ember yelled, this time yelling angrier.

This time, there was no response. All the dragons looked at each other in confusion and shrugged. Well, the truth is, none of them had read the legend.

“No matter the reason, that's how we dragons are! We destroy everything and everyone!” A dragon shouted. Causing the other dragons to shout, supporting that response. Meanwhile, Ember, upon hearing that answer, clenched her teeth tightly and narrowed her eyes angrily. However, she did not turn around, and none of her subjects could see how upset she was, except Dusk and Spike.

“Come everyone. We’ll go see your brother.” Ember finally added, curiously, with a much calmer voice. Looking at all the ponies and then turning to have them follow her as she returned to the cave.

Dusk, Spike, and the others hurried to follow Ember, even Yona, who, despite her uncle's efforts, refused to leave, saying she would not abandon the pony who had saved her. So Yona and the two yak guards also entered the cave with the ponies, also followed by the other dragons, who followed them excitedly, thinking about the terrible punishment their leader could have planned.

After a long walk deeper into the cave, everyone was surprised to see how warm it was there, getting warmer the further down the cave they went. Finally, the eyes of ponies and yaks widened in surprise when they saw the bottom of the cave illuminated with a huge lake of lava. In its center, there seemed to be a small island of land, from which a large column of rock rose, and lava slowly and continuously fell from it, generating a small lava waterfall.

“It was difficult to control your brother, so we locked him behind that waterfall.” Ember said, looking calmly at Dusk. Pointing towards the lava waterfall that was in the middle of the lava lake.

“Behind the waterfall!?” Dusk repeated, scared and surprised. Then he looked at Ember angrily again. “Do you want to lock me in there too? All because my cutie mark looks like a drawing in an old book!? You don't even know if that legend is as told!

“The legends are true! Dragons never lie!” Old Graytusk suddenly said, approaching, feeling offended. Then he moved closer to Ember and stared at her. “Dragons always keep their word and their promises.”

“Ember, have you noticed the shape of this mountain?” Dusk suddenly asked, approaching Ember's other side to immediately alleviate the stubborn old dragon's words. “It’s a large mountain with two wide mountains on its sides, almost as if they were wings… If you see it from afar, this mountain looks like a dragon with its wings open!”

"What?" Ember asked confused. Without understanding why Dusk would bring up such an inconsequential topic like that right at that moment.

“Yona!” Dusk said, this time looking at the little yak. “Tell me, what is the name of this mountain?”

“Huh? This is the old 'Spitfire' mountain. It is one of two mountains between which the Yak town is founded after big war.” Yona responded, confused by the strange question. But taking the opportunity to proudly show that she knew the origin of her town. “But those are old names. Yaks now call them something else. Yaks call the mountain 'Two Horns' as 'Ulysses,' and we call the mountain 'Spitfire' as 'Scintilla.'”

Hearing the names 'Ulysses' and 'Scintilla', Ember and Graytusk widened their eyes in surprise. That was exactly the impact Dusk wanted to make. His discovery had been correct.

“I thought that Ulysses was a huge yak who earned the respect of the dragons and that Scintilla was the name of an ancient Dragon Lord who gifted these lands to the yaks,” Ember said, looking at the old Graytusk, raising an eyebrow in confusion.

“I… well…” Graytusk responded nervously. Searching among the old scrolls that he had rolled up on his body, to be able to read the story again and verify the data.

“The story, told by word of mouth, is transformed. Even more so the ancient legends.” Dusk said calmly, taking advantage of the fact that he had the advantage. “To the dragons, Scintilla and Ulysses were ancient beings that existed, but to the yaks, they’re just the names of mountains… It’s possible that the yaks were wrong, but it may also be that the dragons were wrong, and if so, perhaps the story that says that my star and that of my brother are symbols of the enemies of dragons are also exaggerated.” Dusk added, finally getting to the point of his entire statement. If the dragons' records were so confusing, there must also be confusion about their cutie mark... Let Ember realize that it was the only chance to save Shining and avoid a war!

Ember was silent for several seconds. Maintaining an annoyed and thoughtful look. Meanwhile, old Graytusk looked furious at Dusk and approached Ember again to whisper in her ear.

“I’ve kept the history of our tribe for years and dozens of dragons before me,” Graytusk said annoyed, feeling deeply offended. “Dragons are never wrong! That pony is trying to trick you! He just wants to save his skin, so we don't enforce the old promise!

“Must we forever be bound to the promises of the old dragons? What good is a promise that doesn't make anyone happy!?” Ember muttered, annoyed, looking at the old dragon. “And what about the promise that says we must be allies of the ponies? Should we not also keep that promise?” Ember added, pointing at Spike and then looking very annoyed face to face at old Graytusk. “But two ponies carry the star of our enemies, which means we must go to war against them… So, WHAT PROMISE SHOULD WE KEEP!?” Ember shouted furiously, finally taking out her anger when she saw that, despite being Dragon Lord, she was still bound by the word of already dead dragons.

“I-I… I'm not sure…” Graytusk stammered. Lowering his head with a lost look. Only now did he realize that great contradiction.

“Which word has more value!? The one that was said by an extinct Dragon Lord!? Or that of your current Dragon Lord!?” Ember shouted. Turning to see the dragons that had come down there.

The dragons saw the fire in their leader's eyes, and there was no hint of doubt. They all raised their claws and let out flames, showing that they approved of what Ember was saying. She was their leader, and her word was law.

Seeing that her race supported her, Ember looked at Dusk and looked him face to face, with a fierce look.

“What you say is true… But don't think I don't know what you're planning. I’m not a fool.” Ember said, staring at Dusk and pointing her scepter at the lava waterfall in the middle of the lake of fire. “You won't escape from here that easily. I already told you where your brother is. You can go get him and take him, you just have to… Walk on the lava and go through that waterfall, like a dragon would!” Ember added with a loud shout.

Instantly, the dragons burst into laughter, seeing that their leader was making fun of that pony. What she asked of him was impossible. However, for some reason, Ember didn't laugh, nor did she turn around. She simply kept staring at Dusk, with a defiant look. Meanwhile, Dusk opened his eyes in surprise when he understood that what she was asking of him was impossible. For a second, he also thought it was all a joke. But seeing Ember's serious look, Dusk slowly lowered his head and began to think with a worried look.

“There must be something else… I know Ember little, but Spike said she wasn't a bad dragon. She is a tough but fair leader... Maybe there is something else... "Dusk thought, racking his brain, but not finding any solution. “I can't teleport or float, much less create a rock bridge. She said I had to walk on the lava… ” At that moment, Dusk opened his eyes wide as he understood what Ember wanted to try. Then he looked at her with fear, while Ember kept looking at him seriously, without even blinking.

Understanding that there was only one chance, Dusk approached the edge of the lava lake and used his magic to freeze the lava in front of him. His spell worked, but in just a second, the flaming heat of the lava instantly melted the ice, evaporating it completely. Dusk tried again, this time using more magic, but the result was the same. It was impossible to freeze boiling lava.

“We both will.” Cadance suddenly said, approaching Dusk when she saw what he was trying to do. “My magic will be stronger, but even so, I doubt it will last much.” Cadance added, looking determinedly towards the lava waterfall, determined to save her husband at any cost.

“Just freeze the lava under my hooves, I'll run as fast as possible.” Dusk said, also with a determined look. Knowing that his plan was extremely risky but they had no other alternative.

Dusk stood in front of the lake, in a running position, staring at the lava waterfall. While Cadance stood behind him, illuminating her horn, to activate her magic as soon as Dusk indicated it.

"Now!" Dusk shouted, running and taking a leap of faith over the lava. Hoping that his magic combined with Cadance's would at least manage to freeze the lava for a second.

As he fell into the lava, Dusk felt like he touched something hard, which meant it was ice and not lava. However, there was no time to look. Dusk just kept running, using his magic to freeze under his hooves, while Cadance did the same. Both must have impeccable coordination because Cadance had to freeze exactly where Dusk stepped without failing.

Dusk felt the heat on his hooves. He knew that if he stopped for a second, the ice would not hold. This was literally a race for his life. Back at the edge of the lava lake, Spike and his friends watched in terror as Dusk ran. The dragons put on shocked expressions when they saw that pony running over lava, leaving a trail of vapor behind him. As soon as Dusk took a step, the ice behind him evaporated instantly.

Finally, upon reaching the lava waterfall, Dusk knew that he and Cadance would not be able to freeze the lava under Dusk and the top of the waterfall at the same time. So, upon reaching the front, Dusk took another leap of faith, hoping that Cadance would understand what they needed to do. When Dusk jumped, he and Cadance stopped freezing the lava under Dusk instantly, and for a second they froze that part of the waterfall. However, the heat of the lava was so intense in that part that the ice only lasted half a second. Just enough and necessary for Dusk to cross it without getting burned. With that act, everyone was left with their mouths open, not knowing if Dusk had survived since they could only see the lava waterfall.

“Dusk!?” Shining Armor suddenly said on the other side of the waterfall. Surprised to see his brother fall there. And even more so, seeing him cross a lava waterfall with such a daring jump.

“Shining!” Dusk shouted, exhausted. Jumping up to hug his brother, relieved to see him safe.

“Calm down… I'm fine.” Shining said, hugging his dear brother tightly. Finally, naturally giving each other a brotherly hug.

“Okay... Now we have to get out of here.” Dusk said. Exhausted, but knowing they couldn't waste time. “To get out, we’ll have to do the same. Freeze the waterfall at the same time, for a small moment, and jump to the other side… The only problem is that I won't be able to tell Cadance when I’ll jump.”

“If Cadance is on the other side, there's nothing to worry about,” Shining said with a confident smile. “We’re the two most important ponies in the world to her. She won’t leave us alone.” Shining added, blindly trusting his wife.

On the other side of the waterfall, Spike and the mares stood with their mouths open. Holding their breath, not knowing if Dusk was okay. The same look of astonishment that most of the dragons had, who were also waiting to know what had happened. The only ones who held different glances was Ember, who struggled to maintain a firm gaze, even though inside, she was beginning to blame herself for thinking that she had sent Dusk to his death. And the other one who stood firm, without even blinking, was Cadance. The pony princess was absolutely still, her eyes burning from staring at the lava waterfall without blinking, trusting with all her being that Dusk and Shining would return at any second, and they would need her.

In a split second, part of the waterfall froze, and Dusk and Shining jumped through it. Being the expected moment, Cadance immediately activated her magic to freeze the lava under Dusk and Shining, just before they fell into the lava. Despite the relief, there was not a second of respite. Shining and Dusk ran at full speed, freezing their steps, while Cadance supported them. Thus, both unicorn brothers finally arrived back at the edge of the lava lake, jumping to dry land and falling completely exhausted.

Immediately, Spike and the mares ran to help Dusk while Shining approached his wife and they both hugged, exhausted but happy to be together again. For their part, the dragons remained absolutely silent. Everyone was amazed to see something they thought was impossible.

“My word is law… You can go.” Ember said, looking seriously at Dusk and the other ponies. Then turning to leave.

“M-My Dragon Lord! You can't let them go!" Old Graytusk shouted. Running with a scroll in his claws. “They have the 'Fade Star,' the symbol of-” Graytusk fell silent as Ember turned around angrily and snatched the scroll from his grasp. Then Ember let out a flare and burned the scroll.

“Old stories say that a pony with that star froze the entire north of this continent…” Ember said, looking at the old dragon in annoyance. “A single pony!? That's impossible! Look at them!!" Ember added, pointing at the exhausted ponies. “A princess and two unicorns could barely freeze where they stepped… Do you really think that a single pony could freeze the ancient Dragon Lands forever!?”

Old Graytusk tremblingly opened his mouth to respond. However, he couldn't say anything. He simply didn't have an answer to that question.

"Hey everyone!" Ember shouted again, only this time, she turned to look at all the other dragons. “Take all the food and gems you brought with you… There is something we need to do right now.” Ember added with an annoyed look. Starting to walk out of the cave.

For their part, the dragons looked at each other with confused looks, not understanding what their leader was planning.

"Now!" Ember yelled furiously. Causing all the dragons to jump in fright and begin to follow her order.

The yaks were now ready for war. The elderly and children had taken shelter in the ancestral shelter of the yaks, while the adults dressed in armor and prepared catapults to attack the winged beasts and make them fall. The only thing Rutherford and his army expected was for their guards to return with little Yona after the exchange.

Finally, Rutherford's guards appeared in the distance, carrying a happy Yona with them. Along with them came the ponies, who apparently had also managed to free the pony princess's husband. However, what left Rutherford completely stunned was seeing that at their side also came the young turquoise dragon, who was carrying the scepter, the symbol of the Dragon Lord. Walking with her brow slightly furrowed, looking down at the ground in annoyance. And behind them came dozens of dragons, all of them walking, none of them flying. All carrying a lot of big bags.

“Prepare the catapults!” Rutherford shouted, looking at his yaks. Then he turned around, looked at the dragons angrily, and began to advance towards them alone. “Why you come walking? You think you are too good to attack us without flying?” Rutherford growled, yelling at Ember.

For her part, seeing Rutherford approaching, Yona and the yaks stopped, as did the ponies. While the only one who continued to advance was Ember, to face Rutherford face to face. As soon as the two met, Ember did the most incredible action Rutherford had ever imagined. Something that could never, in any story, not even in the craziest yak fantasy tale, happen... Ember knelt in front of him.

“Prince Rutherford, I…” Ember said slowly. Suddenly falling silent, as if she had a hard time opening her mouth. Then she squeezed her eyes shut and forced herself to continue speaking. "I... I'm sorry for attacking your village."

A great silence remained in the icy air of that frozen steppe. The yaks were stunned to see a dragon asking a yak for forgiveness, and not just any dragon, a Dragon Lord! For their part, the dragons that accompanied Ember also opened their mouths and eyes in amazement, unable to believe what they were seeing. Their great leader… Was she kneeling before an inferior creature!?

“I know this is humiliating, but… I am willing to do whatever it takes to seek peace for my tribe.” Ember said speaking quietly, more talking to herself than to Rutherford. Feeling more humiliated than she had ever felt in her life. But still, she wanted it that way. It was necessary if the dragons were going to change, she would make the first move. “I'm tired... I'm tired of everyone believing that our race only lives through violence. I'm tired of being chained to the past. I got tired of living isolated from the world. I got tired… of not showing my race that we can be better.”

Seeing Ember kneeling, listening to every word she said, Rutherford stared at her in silence. The last thing Ember said went deep into Rutherford's heart. As if an ice stake stuck in him, and he realized that he, too, was about to follow that same path against dragons and ponies. Then Rutherford looked up, and for a fleeting moment he looked at Dusk.

'You’re a great leader...' Were the words that Dusk had told him. Words that Rutherford took to heart because a great leader protected his clan, and that meant putting his pride aside for the good of his race and... for that of other races.

“Hohohoho!” Rutherford suddenly laughed, lifting Ember by the shoulders, so that she was no longer kneeling. “Dragon no need kneel, yaks are happy that dragons wanted join the festival!” Rutherford added, pointing to the town.

"Uh!?" Ember said confused. Followed by a 'Uh!?' general of all those who were present there. Both yaks and ponies and dragons.

"Yeah. This is the last day of Yickslurbertfest. It is tradition on the last day to destroy old huts to build new ones.” Rutherford laughed, taking a stunned Ember by the shoulder and pointing towards the yak village, from which a little smoke was still rising from the dragon attack. “So yaks thank dragons for make everything faster.”

Rutherford looked at Ember as he grabbed her shoulder. While Ember looked at him for several seconds in surprise and then lowered her head with a small smile. The young dragon understood what Rutherford was doing... They both chose peace, instead of war.

Despite the implicit agreement between their leaders, the yaks and dragons were left very confused, and they were even more confused when Ember ordered her dragons to deliver the food and gems they had brought with them, as an offering to the yaks. While Rutherford ordered the town's gates to be opened to receive his new guests.

At first, the yaks did not stop looking at the dragons with resentment, while the dragons did the same with the yaks, even more so when Ember ordered them to help with the reconstruction of the huts. However, as time progressed, slowly yaks and dragons began to converse with each other. They all found it very strange to talk to other races, even more so with one that they almost went to war with. However, curiosity prevailed over resentment, and slowly the dialogue began to grow between both tribes.

It was very helpful when Yona introduced everyone to Smolder, saying that she was a good dragon. While the curious Smolder quickly began asking the yaks many questions, very interested in knowing more about the traditions of other races.

The ponies noticed that the yaks and dragons quickly put aside their resentment, beginning to believe the obvious lie that Rutherford had told them about the 'fake' dragon attack. Seeing that they had much more in common than even the ponies because instead of being small and adorable, always talking about love and friendship, yaks and dragons were big and strong, and they preferred to be more direct and speak without expressing their feelings so much.

As night fell, the bonfires began to light, thanks to the flames of the dragons, and laughter began to be heard as the alcohol flowed and the banquet began. Everyone was surprised to live together for the first time in such a large and diverse group. Something that made Ember's eyes shine with excitement, seeing how several of her clumsy young dragons, who were always looking to annoy others, were now laughing with young yaks and toasting together. Everyone was beginning to discover how warm it was to open up to others instead of closing and isolating.

“I never heard of a dragon bowing down to yak.” Rutherford suddenly said, approaching Ember. Taking advantage of the occasion to chat away from his subjects. “You really want to stop war.”

“Heh! Yeah... Kneeling doesn't suit me. It's something I don't intend to repeat again.” Ember said with a mischievous smile. Then she turned to look at her dragons and put on a more serene smile. “Someone had to take the first step… Things must change, even if they’re old traditions that no one has ever broken before.” At that moment Ember opened her eyes wide as she remembered something. “Speaking of traditions…”

Ember stood in front of Rutherford and stomped her feet several times. That caught the attention of Dusk Shine, who was not far away. Then Dusk looked panicked when he saw that.

"No! Ember is trying to do the traditional yak greeting!” Dusk thought scared, running towards where Ember and Rutherford were. Remembering how Cadance's student had failed to make that greeting. “Only a yak can do the salute correctly! If Ember does it, Rutherford will be angry!”

Before Dusk could stop them, Rutherford bowed his head, and then, to Dusk's surprise, they clashed their horns.

“Hohoho! Dragon Lord know how to do traditional yak greeting! You do have horns!” Rutherford laughed, pleased with that greeting. “Clumsy ponies trying to greet… They do not have horns! They are too clumsy! Hohoho!” Rutherford laughed. While Dusk simply put on a silly smile of relief.

“Oh no… Then I'll never be able to do the traditional yak greeting…” Pinkie Pie lamented. Approaching there with a sad look.

Rutherford stared at Pinkie Pie, as if his brain were very slowly loading information. Then he brushed his mane out of his eyes, so he could see Pinkie Pie directly.

“Pink pony is more than a friend. Without her, ponies would not have come here and none of this would have happened.” Rutherford said, pointing to the large campfire they all shared. Then Rutherford turned to look for something and then came back, standing in front of Pinkie and speaking very loudly so that everyone would turn and see him. “Pink pony is the first friend of yaks outside yak town. She also helps ponies and dragons become friends with yaks. For this reason, I name pink pony “Ambassador of yaks with ponies!” Rutherford spoke solemnly, placing a huge horned helmet on Pinkie Pie's head. Causing the yaks to stomp the ground loudly in joy. “Now pink pony can do the traditional yak greeting.” Rutherford added, tapping his horns on Pinkie's helmet. Making she spin due to the force of the blow and fall to the ground dizzy.

“I… I’ve never felt so honored!” Pinkie Pie shouted, totally dizzy. But with a huge smile on her face.

As ponies and yaks celebrated, Ember put on a thoughtful look, looking down at the ground. Then she looked up with a determined look, and stood on a rock, so that everyone could see her clearly.

“Dragons! This day we’ve shared with yaks and ponies, something our ancestors wouldn’t be proud of…” Ember said seriously, causing the dragons to wear looks of shock and confusion. "WHO CARES! What does it matter if our ancestors were stupid brainless dragons who only dedicated themselves to violence. We can be better! We’re better!!" At that moment Ember paused and spoke more solemnly. “That is why I decree, that from today, our great tribe will be allies of yaks, and also... of the ponies. And I don't say this last because I'm bound by the word of some old Dragon Lord, who swore he would do it as a mockery of the ponies. I do it because I know that it is the best for our race and also because I believe... In the friendship of our tribes!” Ember added, raising her scepter high.

This time, it was the dragons who celebrated their leader. Throwing flames into the sky. Celebrating the new alliance of their tribes. But mainly, celebrating that new lifestyle they were discovering. Sharing with other races, without always being looked at with displeasure or fear. Celebratory flames were released by 'most' of the dragons, for, away from the main group, were old Graytusk and a very small group of dragons. All looking down on 'the new generation' of dragons.

“And for our new alliance, I must also appoint an ambassador.” Ember added, lowering her scepter and pointing it at the smallest of her subjects. A small baby dragon with purple scales. “Spike, as ambassador of our race, you’re authorized to leave our lands, even if you don’t have your wings yet.”

“A-Ambassador?” Spike stuttered, very surprised. Until he suddenly understood what Ember was letting him do. “So, that means…”

“You can return to Equestria.” Ember smiled, a warm smile. “Although from time to time, you’ll have to come back and visit us, to deliver your reports as a new ambassador.”

“I…I… I-It’ll be an honor!” Spike shouted, trying to contain his joy. Solemnly bowing to the honor of the position entrusted to him. Then, he couldn't take it anymore, and hugged Dusk tightly to his side.

The little baby dragon had enjoyed his time in Dragon Land, but the truth was that he had never been away from his brother for so long, and he missed him too much! Furthermore, he could now return to the Dragon Land whenever he wanted so he could continue getting to know his race without leaving his family.

With that naming, yaks, dragons and ponies continued the celebration. With Dusk and his friends hugging Spike tightly. Happy to finally be reunited, the seven of them.

Now that it was night, dragons and yaks continued with their celebration. Even the yaks were much happier to discover that the dragons had reactivated the old Scintilla volcano. Well now, the lands near that volcano were warmer, and with some effort, the yaks could grow their precious vanilla there, instead of traveling for several moons to search in the south for the vanilla essence that they used so much for their cakes.

As the two tribes celebrated, the ponies began to say their goodbyes. For they had a long journey ahead of them, and they must return to the capital soon, bringing with them the new and exciting news.

Spike, Dusk and their friends boarded the hot air balloon, while Cadance and Shining finished saying goodbye to Rutherford and Ember. Once everyone was on board, Dusk lit the flame of the balloon, they slowly ascended into the cold of the night. Moving away from those frozen lands that had brought them so many emotions.

"It’s wonderful!" Cadance said excitedly, giving Shining a loving kiss. “Now we return to Canterlot with the news that not only did we make an alliance with the yaks, but we also made an alliance with the dragons!! Aunt Celestia and Aunt Luna will be so happy!”

While Shining gave his pretty wife another kiss, the other stallion in the group stood at the edge of the balloon basket, looking into the distance with a thoughtful gaze.

'Must we forever be bound by promises...? What good is a promise that doesn't make anyone happy!?' They were the words that Ember had said in the cave, when she had the revelation to rebel against her ancestors and their traditions. Words that Dusk now remembered, because they also applied to him.

While Dusk had his lost gaze, with his thoughts and feelings confused, his marefriend was close to him. Who looked at him carefully, knowing from his lost look that Dusk was suffering, not knowing what to do in his heart. Then she came to his side and tenderly placed her hoof on his, which was on the railing. She looked at him with a loving and tender smile. Dusk also looked at her with bright eyes and put on a warm but sad smile while his heart remained confused.

Pinkie Pie opened her mouth to speak, but not a word left her lips. She wanted to repeat what she had said to Dusk so many times. That everything would be fine, that they had to keep their promise, that they had to ensure the happiness of their friends. However, looking into his eyes that night, as much as Pinkie Pie wanted to, she couldn't say it. She couldn't lie to her heart.

“Stay with me, and never abandon me…” Pinkie said mentally, knowing that she wasn't able to say that out loud either, no matter how much she wanted to. Closing her eyes and simply resting her head on her coltfriend's warm fur.

Dusk Shine understood that not only him was the one who tortured himself with what his heart felt, but also Pinkie. Then he rested his head on Pinkie Pie's mane, hugged her, and they both simply stayed enjoying that beautiful starry night. Simply enjoying those seconds of happiness and smiles.

Deciding to put away his sad feelings for a moment, Dusk stared into the distance at the two great mountains that surrounded the valley of Yakyakistan. Huge mountains that could barely be seen now, due to how far away they were already.

“I told Ember that the story of the yaks and the dragons about 'Scintilla and Ulysses' were different. But the truth is, both can be true... What if the yaks renamed the mountains in honor of the fact that Scintilla and Ulysses really existed?” Dusk thought, narrowing his eyes slightly. “If so, the legends of the dragons wouldn’t be a lie, nor would they exaggerate. And if so... Could it be true that an ancestor of mine could freeze all of Northern Equestria...?” Dusk thought, feeling a small shiver of fear. “Now I have another clue regarding the star of my cutie mark… I'll have to check my astronomy books to remember more about the 'Fade Star'…”

For some reason, after thinking that, Dusk had another shiver. But only then did he realize that he was not feeling chills from fear, but from the cold. Then he looked up and saw that the globe was wobbling strangely.

"What's going on? Is something wrong with the balloon?” Shining asked, who also felt the strange movement of the balloon. Approaching the balloon fire and seeing that it was still well lit.

"I don't know. I’m flying the balloon exactly the same as I did when we came.” Dusk said with a confused look. "We didn't have this turbulence before... Cherry Berry told me that there would be no problem as long as the balloon flew at maximum altitude..." At that moment Dusk opened his eyes wide as he looked around, focusing on Rarity. Putting on a worried look when remembering something important.

'Six passengers... I guess you'll be fine if you fly at maximum altitude, so as not to run into the storm. You'll be fine, as long as you travel light.' Had been the balloon pilot's words of caution, yelling at Rarity not to carry extra luggage. Caution that Dusk completely forgot because, although they were not carrying extra luggage, they were now carrying something heavier... Three extra passengers!

“The balloon is flying too low! It’s approaching the ‘Northern Storm’!” Dusk said scared.

Just at that moment, a large and fleeting green light illuminated the entire sky and blinded everyone momentarily. Being the largest and brightest northern lights that had been seen in centuries in Equestria. With it, the wind intensified and shook the balloon violently. Taking it to the center of the storm. Everyone screamed in terror as the balloon basket spun violently until it flipped completely over, causing everyone to fall.

"Girls!" Dusk shouted, losing sight of everyone in the air as he fell. His view completely blocked by the white of the storm. His eyes still hurt from the strange northern lights that lit up the sky, and it was spinning so fast in the air that he wasn't even sure where the ground was. Finally, Dusk lost consciousness when he fell to the ground, crashing into the snow...

Not knowing how much time had passed, Dusk slowly opened his eyes, his face covered in snow. He stood up with his body sore after the fall and looked up confused.

Dusk was not sure if it was still night or it had already dawned, because the enormous northern lights continued to illuminate the sky and, although the storm had decreased in intensity, it was still difficult to see far in the distance. He still remembered the words of Cherry Berry, who had told him that the Northern Storm was an eternal storm that never stopped. But if so, why had its intensity suddenly increased and then decreased!? Almost as if the storm wanted the balloon to turn over... However, the strangest thing was what was in front of his eyes.

“Has there always been a city in this part of Equestria?” Dusk muttered confused. Seeing the huge crystal city that was in front of him.

Far away, in the capital of the kingdom, Luna watched the night from the watchman's balcony. Using the magical telescope that she and her sister had, to see great distances and be prepared for anything strange that happened in their kingdom.

Suddenly, someone knocked on the door of that room. Luna raised an eyebrow in surprise and indicated to the visitor that it could come in. Then the Princess of the Night's surprise was greater when she saw that the pony visiting her at that time of night was none other than Sunset Shimmer.

"You...? What are you doing here?" Luna asked, surprised.

“Meh… I just arrived in Canterlot, so I came to deliver Cadance's report, about our first encounter with the yaks.” Sunset said with a shrug. Levitating a scroll with her as she moved through the room as if it were her own. “Honestly, I don't think that alliance will work.” Sunset added, smiling sadly. Levitating a chair and sitting next to Luna on the balcony.

Luna raised her head with some annoyance, seeing the overconfidence that Sunset had in front of her. She was a princess! And Sunset walked and chatted with her as if she were any pony, no, worse, as if they were friends! Despite that initial annoyance, Luna raised an eyebrow in confusion when she realized another detail.

“The last train to Canterlot arrived hours ago... You were able to deliver the report to my sister during the afternoon.” Luna said, with some curiosity in her voice.

“I know... But... I thought that you’re also a princess, so I decided to report to you.” Sunset replied. For some reason looking away, feigning disinterest.

“Did she choose me?” Luna thought, opening her eyes in surprise as she realized something. Then she also looked away, blushing slightly. “She did it because she felt alone… She doesn't have anyone here to see. And she knows… I'm alone too…”

Both mares stared into nothingness in silence. They were both embarrassed to see each other in the face, because they knew that they thought the same thing and that they had been discovered. They both felt alone, they both hated being alone, and they were both ashamed to admit that they felt alone. They were both so similar that they could almost read each other's minds. But what embarrassed them most was admitting that they both said they didn't like the other, yet, at the same time, they felt a certain happy complicity in being close to each other.

“Well… I'm not going to read the report. Too long.” Luna said, coughing to pretend she wasn't happy to chat with someone that night. “Tell me, how was your trip to Yakyakistan? Why do you think the alliance with the yaks won’t work?”

“Yeah, I guess I better tell you. Cadance's report has too many little hearts drawn on it, hehe.” Sunset scoffed, moving her chair closer to Luna. “I think I ruined things with the yak prince, with that traditional greeting of his tribe.”

“Ugh! Don't even tell me. Something similar happened to me the last time I went there.” Luna said, remembering her past, with an amused look. “I think I threw the entire court of yaks away, because they tried to greet me by hitting me with their horns.”

"Yeah! The same happened to me! Haha!" Sunset laughed. Causing Luna to laugh as well.

After that, Sunset continued telling more details about the trip she had taken with Cadance and Shining, telling some funny anecdotes, which Luna enjoyed, laughing more and more. After finishing her last story, in which Sunset told her about the time she couldn't sleep because of 'the happy couple' on their honeymoon, Luna laughed so hard that she even shed a small tear of laughter. After a long pause, in which silence reigned between both mares, Luna smiled and opened her mouth to thank Sunset for her company, knowing it would be embarrassing, but feeling the need to be honest even for a second. However, she was interrupted by Sunset, who spoke first.

“Thank you for joining me tonight… I think sometimes, I just need someone to listen to me.” Sunset said with a sad smile. Looking up at the night sky, as she felt too embarrassed to look Luna in the eyes. “You don't know… How much I needed someone to just want to sit with me and talk…” Sunset's eyes shone and then she closed them and took a deep breath, then finally saw Luna face to face. “I know we're not friends, but anyway, thank you.”

For a fleeting moment, Luna remembered that torturous feeling of being alone, locked in the moon. Her entire Nightmare Moon era was very confusing; she only remembered blurry images, but what she didn’t forget, nor could she still get rid of, were the dark feelings that surrounded her. That infinite loneliness that felt like a black hole in her heart.

“Maybe… We're too similar to be friends.” Luna said with a small smile, remembering the different personalities of Dusk's friends, and that is why they all fit together so well. “Also, I know how hard it is to make friends. Especially when you have… a dark past…” Luna added, sadly lowering her head.

“Yeah… That's right…” Sunset responded, also sadly lowering her head. Remembering her last encounter with Moondancer. One that still made her heart ache.

For several seconds, both mares remained completely silent. A sad silence that contrasted greatly with the laughter they had had just seconds before becoming depressed, remembering their past.

"Well, we couldn't be friends even if we wanted to,” Sunset said, slightly blushing, with a nervous smile. Speaking quickly to break that awkward silence. “I mean, we both love the same stallion.”

"Yes... Although, unlike Dusk's friends, we can only dream about love." Luna responded with a sad smile. “We’re similar in that too.”

“I can't because of Discord's curse,” Sunset said with a sad look. But then, looking seriously at Luna. “But in your case, there is no one to stop you. You're even a princess! If I were a princess, I would make a law for Dusk to be my coltfriend, haha.” Sunset laughed, trying with all her being to forget the fact that she could never get close to the one she loved.

Luna simply remained silent at what Sunset said. Averting her gaze and putting on a nervous and sad look... Luna couldn't help but remember the argument she had had days ago with her sister. Which caused Luna to close her eyes in pain.

“Hmm? Is something wrong?” Sunset asked worried. Immediately noticing that something bad was going through the Princess of the Night's mind.

After a moment's hesitation, Luna opened her mouth to answer. However, she was again interrupted by Sunset, who was distracted by something and spoke before Luna.

“Wow…! It’s the brightest northern lights I have ever seen.” Sunset said, looking back at Luna in surprise.

"What?" Luna asked, confused. Turning to see what Sunset was seeing.

Luna squinted her eyes for a few seconds, seeing what was effectively the largest northern lights she had ever seen. Tinting the entire northern sky with a beautiful emerald green. Then, Luna opened her eyes almost in shock, and ran back to the telescope.

“I-It can't be…” Luna stuttered after looking through the telescope for a long time. Taking a few steps back with a scared face.

After blinking several times to wake up, Luna put on a serious look, opened her wings and prepared to fly. However, just as she had taken off, Luna remembered something important and stopped in mid-air, turning to look at Sunset.

“Sunset, I… I need to ask you a favor. A very important one.” Luna said with a scared look. Knowing that she was about to send Sunset on an extremely dangerous mission.

End of chapter 34

Author's Note

Many thanks to 'Silveranon' for his great help