My Little Pony: The Power of Ten

Sarah's POV

Hi there, It's been a while since we last talked. As you know, I defeated my brother, Void and now I'm finally living peacefully in Equestria with my friends. I have to admit, it is kinda weird for me to relax since all I ever did when Void was around was spread friendship and love. But now.... well... I'm trying this 'raising Pokemon' thing with Ren and others, let's just hope this works out.

But for now, Twilight and I were having some quality time with Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.

“I'm so glad you two could come!” Twilight happily told the royal sisters.

“Of course. We so rarely get a chance to relax and just visit.” Luna returned. “Especially after everything that had just happened.”

“I couldn’t agree more.” Twilight tried to think nothing of it but more on being prepared for when she strikes next.

“There's usually some crisis we have to deal with. Somepony always needs our help. But today—“ Celestia agreed with both princesses as she spoke until being interrupted by Rarity and the others’s cry for help.

"Twilight!" "Newbie!"

Oh dear, wonder what could be wrong. The group then burst in with Rarity holding a glowing Spike. "Bookworm, somethings' wrong with your dragon here!" Jack exclaimed as Rarity put Spike on the table.

"Spike, what's wrong?" Twilight asked, having never seen this with Spike ever.

“I don't know! Nngh!” Spike grunted as he scratched himself. “All of a sudden, my scales just started glowing and... burning!”

“Little is known about dragon culture, but this is a phenomenon we've seen before. It is the call of the Dragon Lord.” Luna calmly spoke from her observations.

“Dragons glow whenever the Dragon Lord has need of them in the Dragon Lands.” Celestia explained to them.

“Great... H-How do I make it stop?!” Spike replied as he still itches like crazy.

“The only way to end the summons is to answer it. You must journey to the Dragon Lands and see what is expected of you.” Luna told him with a raised hoof.

“B-B-But the Dragon Lands are full of... dragons!” Rarity stammered at this response. “And they're ghastly creatures!” She further exclaimed before quickly turning to Spike apologetically upon realizing that she unintentionally insulted Spike. “Oh, oh, not you, of course, Spikey-wikey. But remember that rotten Garble?” She corrected of what she meant who nervously gulps when his name was brought up.

“How could I forget? He would have burnt us to a crisp if you guys weren't there.” Spike recalled.

“We were lucky we managed to get out of there in time.” Twilight also recalled.

“If I have to go to the Dragon Lands, would you guys come with me?” Spike asked the two ponies and Ren and the others.

"Of course Spike." Kaede smiled.

"Yeah!" Carrie grinned.

"As long as we don't have to turn into our dragon forms again." Ren stated, but I smirked at them.

"I can arrange that, hehehehe..."

"Newbie! Don't you even-!"

POOF! Hehehehe, I do have a mischievous side curtsy of Discord.

"DARN IT!" Jack exclaimed as he was back in his dragon form, along with Ren and the others, "Alright!" Ren smiled. "Let's go!"

“Be very careful. The Dragon Lands are particularly dangerous for ponies. It would be wise to be discreet.” Princess Celestia warned them to be cautious.

"Oh please, just wait until they see Torch and the others." Ren scoffed, pointing out Torch and the gang's other dragons coming into the room.

"We will" Twilight replied to assure her mother-like mentor.

“Ooh! I'm sure I still have the dragon costume we used the last time we snuck into the Dragon Lands!“ Rarity replied as she squealed in delight and clapped her hooves together.

“I think we might want something a little more practical this time.” Twilight suggested that they need something more that blends in more. “And if that fails then they’ll be walking away thinking twice about messing with some ponies friends.” She then said with determination to stand her ground against Garble they next they cross paths like that again. "And so much for a day of relaxation with the other princesses."

"Then, come on, let's go..." I said and we all set off for the Dragon Lands.

Later at the Dragon Lands, Ren, the gang, their dragons, Spike and I sat up on top of the rock to which serves as Twilight and Rarity’s disguise where Rarity is peering her eyes from the top and Twilight peers her eyes from the bottom.

“Hmmm... Well, it may be practical, but this disguise isn't flattering in the slightest!” Rarity complained and sneered with a glare.

“It's not supposed to be flattering. It's supposed to blend in!” Twilight retorted as she urged the unicorn to quite her whining.

“Shh!” Spike whispered to them from up top as the glowing dragons are gathered together and walking around.

“Hey-hey, look! It's our old friend Sparkle-warkle.” Garble, the big and red muscular dragon said, as he walked up wasting no time in taunting the young dragon.

“It's Spike.” Spike corrected the arrogant dragon.

“Are you sure your pony friends didn't give you a pony name?” Garble further taunting with his eyebrows showing girly eyebrows

“It's nice to see you too, Garble.” Spike sarcastically returned with crossed arms.

“I didn't say it was nice to see you. It's not. I don't like you. Was I not clear about that?” Garble blatantly missed his sarcasm as he flicks Spike off of the rock and sits on it causing Twilight and Rarity to feel a little cramped by the extra weight.

Torch snarled at Garble, "Oh what do you want? Think you can beat me?" Garble smirked. Torch snorted out smoke before he set himself on fire, greatly intimidating Garble. "Wah!"

"Hahahah! Don't mess with the Monstrous Nightmare, loser!" Jack snorted.

"What the-? Jumbo? What are you doing back here? Along with Burn, Rune, Blaze and Torch?" Garble questioned.

"That's none of your buisness... Garble." I spoke up.

"Ugh, you again, pony? What are you doing here? This place is for dragons' only." Garble grumbled, placing a claw on Sarah's head. That did not settle well with Slice, who whacked Garble away.

"Hahaha! Good boy!" Skye smiled.

Then, a large shadow loomed over all of the dragons as a giant blue dragon with dark gray armor and orange eyes loomed on his throne. "That's the Dragon Lord, ruler of all dragons in Equestria..." I whispered to the group.

“Dragons of Equestria, hear me!” The dragon leader announced through a shouting and commanding tone. “I have been Dragon Lord for longer than many of you can remember, and my reign has been extraordinary! Agree with me!” He then shouted and commanded the dragons to make utters and cheers of agreement.

“Torch! Torch! Torch! Torch!” The dragons chanted as the giant dragon raised his hand to gesture them to be silent now.

“Who is that?” Spike asked Garble who flew back over to where Spike was sitting.

“It's Dragon Lord Torch, dummy.” Garble scoffed as if it was a stupid question.

“No, next to him.” Spike corrected as he was pointing to the light blue scaled dragon in flight by his side.

“That's his daughter, Princess Ember.” Garble answered. “I wouldn't even look at her if I were you, unless you want Torch to eat you!” He warned otherwise as he pointed a finger in Spike’s face who nervously gulps in response.

“This is fascinating! Dragons are notoriously reckless, but they do whatever the Dragon Lord says!” Twilight whispered to Rarity as she observes the Dragon Lord’s speech.

“Unfortunately, according to dragon law, it is time for me to step down. Sad, I know.” The dragon lord announces both begrudgingly and somewhat solemnly. “Be sad!” He commanded the dragons to do so when he doesn’t get the reaction he was expecting again who then cries tears of sadness. “This is why I have summoned you – to compete for the throne in the Gauntlet of Fire!” He then announced much to the dragon’s excitement while Spike sweats and shakes nervously. “Whomever has the strength and fortitude to retrieve this blood-stone scepter from the heart of the flame-cano will be crowned Lord of the Dragons!” He then announced as he held up said scepter and then flicked into a hollow and crystallized structure to which to which it releases a huge red wave of magic that causes every dragon to stop glowing.

“When the scepter disappeared, the dragons stopped glowing! We are learning so much!” Twilight whispered in amazement as she writes it all down in her journal as Rarity itches up a sneeze due the feather pen she was holding tickling her nose but thankfully Twilight quickly placed a hoof on her nose before she could let loose one that could have blown their cover.

“The Gauntlet is dangerous, for I designed it myself! Only dragons with my ferocity, strength, and determination will be able to finish. We will gather at the cliff when the sun is at its peak!” The Dragon Lord announced to the dragons as they all cheer in agreement.

“I don't want to be Dragon Lord or dragon toast, and I stopped glowing, so let's sneak out of here!” Spike proposed and whispered to Twilight and Rarity seeing that he no longer feels required to stick around as he pushes the rock away. "Spike, wait. Let's just see what he really wants." I whispered to the little dragon, who sighed but obeyed.

Ember set off in the gauntlet’s direction only to be stopped by her father when he caught her in his hand.

“Where do you think you're going?” The Dragon Lord questioned.

“To prepare for the Gauntlet.” Princess Ember replied.

“No, you're not. You're not much bigger than that runt I just sent home!” The Dragon Lord refused and dismissed her much to her frustration.

“But I'm smarter than most of these boulder-heads and you know it!” Ember protested as she flew up to his eye level.

“Being smart won't help you win this Gauntlet!” The Dragon Lord dismissed as they faced each other eye to eye. “It was designed for a big, strong dragon to win, because it takes a big, strong dragon to lead! Besides, I said no!” He then shouted in his daughter’s face blowing her back a little.

“I hate when he does that!” Ember growled in anger at her father’s condescending behavior as she flew off.

Having watched the scene from above had sparked some anger in Twilight’s eyes as she and her friends watch as the many dragons chatter in preparation for the Gauntlet.

“Ha. When I become Dragon Lord, I will make burps an official greeting!” The purple dragon declared.

“Ha, you? Please! When I win, I will pillage Equestria for all their pillows. Why should these ponies be comfortable while we sleep on rocks?” The brown dragon smugly declared.

“That's nothing! When I'm in charge, the first thing I'll do is get revenge on those puny ponies!” Garble declared as he pounded his fists together. “They'll regret they ever crossed Garble! We'll take whatever we want from Equestria and burn the rest!” He told the others as they walked off with him.

Oh no.....!

“Oh, my gosh!” Twilight spoke in shock hearing this announcement of what this could mean for the fate of Equestria.

“Ooh, I can't believe I'm saying this, but I hope that burping dragon wins!” Rarity expressed her dismay hoping one of the least worst to come out on top.

"Yeah, I agree. They've got bad plans for Equestria." Kaede agreed.

“None of them can win! Equestria is in big trouble if any of them are in charge!” Spike pointed out that none of them are qualified.

"Then, what can we do?" Carrie asked in fear.

“There's only one thing to do, and only I can do it! I have to win the Gauntlet of Fire!” Spike determinedly declared much to Rarity’s discomfort.

“What do you mean you have to win the Gauntlet?” Rarity questioned Spike of why he is changing his initial stance on competing.

“It's the only way to protect Equestria from the dragons.” Spike justified as he explained himself. “You heard them! They have horrible plans for ponies if they win! So somehow, I have to do it!”

"Not just you Spike, we all have to win." Ren pointed out referring to himself and the others. "We can't let Equestria suffer at the hands of those dragons!"

"Yeah, Corporal Loodan is right. We have to win this Gauntlet together." Skye agreed. "Come on, you maggots!" We all nodded, "Twilight, Rarity, stay here, okay?" I asked and the two girls nodded while the rest of us headed to the edge of a cliff where all the dragons were.

"Hey! What are you doing competing here pony?" Garble snarled, pointing me out. "This is for dragons only, so beat it!"

"Just because I'm a pony doesn't mean I don't have the heart of a dragon, buster!" I replied, getting all up in his face. Brat.

"She can compete." Dragon Lord Torch announced, much to Garble's shock. "The pony is a trusted old friend of mine."

"Seriously?!" Garble exclaimed.

"Seriously?!" Everyone else added.

"Indeed. All dragons are welcome to compete, but they do so at their own peril! Flying to Flame-cano Island is the first of many challenges you will face in your quest to find the bloodstone scepter!" Torch said before he held up a scepter with a blood red jewel in it and tossed it to Flame-cano that was guarded by large dragons with catapult like tails and powerful geysers.

Kaede, got onto Skystorm, while Jack got onto his Monstrous Nightmare, Carrie and Mason got onto Comet, the Stormcutter. Skye got onto Slice, her Razorwhip, Ren got onto Eclipse, his Night Fury and Jamie got onto Striker, his Triple Stryke dragon while I got Spike onto my back, "Ready Spike?"

"Ready Sarah." he smiled.

"NOW GO!" The Dragon Lord said and we were off like lightning.

I was in the front weaving in and out of the huge geysers that were caused by large sea snakes from below. Skystorm, and the other dragons easily weaved through the geysers not getting hit at all. Wish it could be said for the other dragons. "Woah, they're doing great!" Ren commented the dragons expert dodging skills.

"Well, they are some of the best flyers in the world." I smirked before we came near Flame-Cano where the dragons launched large boulders at us. "Slice, you deal with this!" Skye called and her Razorwhip roared and sliced the boulders coming our way with her tail with great ease while Striker smacked the ones that were coming from behind down, with one hitting Garble, who was not happy about this. "Grrr....."

"Hahaha, this'll be a piece of cake!" Jack smirked.

"Gah!" Suddenly, one dragon, who was wearing golden armor got hit by one of the boulders and was sent crashing down. "I got her!" I called and I swopped down and grabbed her before landing underneath the large cave that lead into Flame-cano. "You okay?" I asked.

The dragon grunted and took off the helmet to reveal, "Princess Ember!”

“What do you think you're doing?” Ember ungratefully asked me. Yeah, she's had a small rebellious streak like all dragons did.

“Only saving your ungrateful scales!” Kaede replied.

“Whatever. I don't care as long as none of you get in my way.” Ember replied she as she takes back her helmet. “I have a Gauntlet to win.”

“But I thought your dad said that—“ Spike pointed out as he thought.

“I don't care what my dad said!” Ember shouted back angrily. “I'll show him and every dragon who thinks I'm just a little princess there are better things than being big and strong!”

"Maybe we can help you with that, Ember." I offered, much to her surprise.

"Really?" Ember questioned.

"I am a friend of your dads' remember. If I can help you then you can help me." I grinned. Ember sighed, "Fine Sarah, you were always good friends with my dad." I smiled.

"Come on, let's a shake a leg, you maggots! We got a gauntlet to win!" Skye exclaimed from Slice. We all nodded and together we flew into the cave as one. first we had to get through a section of the cave that had moving large rock stalagmites and stalactites. "Crap baskets!" Ren whimpered.

"Oh please!" I scoffed. "This is so easy! Charge!" and I flew in with blinding speed easily dodging the rocks with speed and grace. "Hahaha, come on gang, some of you got Strike Class dragons!"

Ren and the others looked at each other and nodded before they and their dragons, along with Ember flew through the rocks with the dragons using their dodging skills to make it through. Next we had to get through a section with large crystals that were shooting from everywhere. Luckily, Slice used her tail and easily protected us from getting impaled. Gotta love the Razorwhip!

Finally, we made to the final part of the cave that had a small mount of crystals, "The Blood Scepter!" Ren smiled with joy.

“We made it! I can't believe We're the only dragons to make it this far!” He said feeling very accomplished.

“You're not!” Garble called out from behind with fuming anger. “And I'm not losing to a puny pony-loving dragon like you!” He added as he pointed a finger in Spike’s face and grabbed him by the top scales.

"Striker, tails!" Jamie called and his Triple Stryke grabbed Garble with his middle tail and grabbed Spike with his left tail. Strike threw Garble with his middle tail and gently put Spike down. "Hey!" Garble growled.

"Spike do for the scepter, now!" I ordered and Spike nodded before he made a break for the scepter.

Ember helped Striker deal with Garble, who had cornered him with his fire breath. Striker and Ember kept him there with Strike raising his three tails as a threat.

“I'm sick and tired of you three helping each other! Dragons don't do helping! Ponies don’t do helping!” Garble angrily told Ember.

"Well these dragons do!" Ember retorted in response.

Meanwhile, Spike climbed up the rock formation leading up to the scepter before he grabs ahold of it as he marvels in amazement of it. As soon as he grabs it and hold it up it releases a huge a huge burst of red magic through the Dragon Lands. "Alright Spike, he got it!" Carrie cheered happily.

“What? You?! You have the scepter?!” Garble spoke in confusion unable to comprehend all of this. “But that means that you're...”

“The Dragon Lord. Dragon Lord Spike.” Ember finished as she and the other dragons placed a hand on their hearts as they bow in respect to him.

“Dragon... Lord... Spike...” Garble reluctantly bowed with a groan.

“That's right!” Spike confidently said before giving them a command. “Uh... Now, go start your long journey home. And give every dragon you see on the way a hug. Don't tell them why.”

“Awww! But that'll be super embarrassing!” Garble protested.

“I command you to do it!” Spike again ordered him to which he reluctantly does so to a nearby huge blue dragon.

“I can't believe this...” He grumbled before setting off home.

“Dragon Lord Spike. Hm, has a nice ring to it.” Ember complimented as he walked up to her.

“Dragon Lord Ember sounds a lot better.” Spike told her as he held her the scepter.

“What? No. You're the Dragon Lord now.” Ember tried to decline.

“The Dragon Lord is whoever brings the scepter back to your father!” Spike insisted. “My place is in Equestria with my friends. Besides, you'll make a great leader. I was just doing this to protect the ponies. But I know you'll protect them just as well as I would have.”

“You sure about this?” Ember questioned him.

“Absolutely.” Spike assured her yes in response.

“Well, you'll have at least one friend here too.” Spike happily responds by hugging her. “What are you doing?” She asked in confusion by his gesture.

“It's called a hug!” Spike answered.

“Oh. I don't know if I like it. But... okay.” Ember somewhat awkwardly answers but accepts as Spike tights his hug as Ember pats him on the head while blushing.

Later as the dragons all made their way back, Twilight flying with Rarity and Spike in tow flies over to watch from afar as Ember presents her father the scepter in hands.

“Ember? You?!” The Dragon Lord spoke in surprise to see her come out on top of the challenge as he had not expected her to win at all.

“I know you didn't think I could do it, but I did.” Ember responded while standing her ground against her father.

“I expressly told you not to do it, because you're not—!” The Dragon Lord tried to protest only to be cut off.

“I'm not big and strong. I know. But you know what? I won anyway. So maybe it takes more than just being big and strong to be a good Dragon Lord!” Ember further defended herself as she continued to stand up to him.

“I was wrong, Ember.” The Dragon Lord admitted after swallowing his pride. “You might not be big, but you are strong and smart, and perhaps that counts for more than I thought. And you will make an excellent leader.” He then smiled as she flew up to his nose.

“Thanks, dad.” Ember greatly appreciated what her father said before turning to the other dragons. “Agree with him!” She commanded as they look at each other surprised. “Just kidding! That's not gonna be my thing.” Ember jokingly assured them she was just messing with them as her father laughs in amusement.

“Dragons, hear me! I present to you our new Dragon Lord, Ember!” The Dragon Lord presented their new official leader as every dragon cheers for her as she flies up and waves to everyone including Twilight, Rarity, and Spike from afar.

“Hm? What is the meaning of this?!” The Dragon Lord asked in confusion as Garble clung onto the Dragon Lord’s nose.

“I can't tell you!” Garble replied in embarrassment as Ember laughed at him.

“You did well, Spike. With Ember as Dragon Lord, the ponies will be safe.” Twilight smiled as we headed back to Ponyville together.

"Thanks for helping me, everyone." Spike smiled.

"Of course." Kaede smiled.

"Yeah, you're one of my soldiers, little dragon." Skye grinned.

"It was pretty cool, being a Dragon Rider for a short time, though." Ren chuckled. "We should ride them more often rather than walking."

"I agree!" Jack grinned.

I chuckled at my friends. Yeah, like I said before now that Void is gone, I still continue to spread friendship throughout Equestria and beyond, with the help of my friends. And that's all I could ever ask for now. And I couldn't be happier.