After making the plan for the assault, Spike ventured down to one of the many rocky isles that surrounded Dragon’s Lair. Having to recruit the big guys to help save Igneous and stop Sombra once and for all. And at this point, Spike will be willing to do just about anything to get his son back.

Now for the big guys, they are basically dragons who had reached a certain age where they have grown so much that they revert basically back to their large primal forms, something similar to how Spike had become when he had grown 50 feet, but the difference between what he went through to what the others are was that they retain their minds. They aren’t completely feral and are generally more wise and not very corrupted with greed as some dragons are.

In a way, for those who want to retire and not deal with the young come here.

Makes him feel somewhat comfortable that he wouldn’t be seeing his larger self in the reflections for at least a thousand moons. However, which brought the question of how Rachel would look if she were to ever grow this big.

The thought of having a thousand moons with her and their family is a goal.

However, though Torch was no longer the Dragonlord, he still held power and was in charge of tending to the larger ones.

That aside, he landed on the shore, already seeing the large dragons resting comfortably. The smell of lava and brimstone filled his nose.

Spike took a deep breath before combing through the isles. He approached a couple of dragons that were awake, playing their version of connect four with carved stone and gems to use as game pieces.

“Hey guys, uh, do you know where Torch is?” He asked them. In comparison, Spike was barely as big as their pinkie claws. If they wanted to, they could flick him with such ease.

A female pink dragon with antler-like horns and blue eyes turned to him. Taking her a moment to register that the Dragon Lord graced them. “Oh sorry, Lord. We didn’t know you’d be visiting us.” She gave him a pleasant smile.

“It’s fine, so you guys know where Torch went?” Spike asked. “It’s pretty urgent.”

The solid black one with red accents points to a large cave with his tail. “He’s over there.” He said as he took his turn.

“Thanks.” Spike said before flying over towards the cave. He goes inside and stops at the edge of a drop. In the bottom of the drop was the former dragonlord, Torch, laying on a large mountain of gold.

Seeing the dark blue leader munching on a pile of fish.

“Hey Torch!” Spike called out.

Torch stopped eating when his name was called. He lifted his large head up to meet Spike at eye level.

“Well well, if it isn’t the new Dragonlord finally making his rounds after all these years.” He snorted. He knew that Spike was the true dragonlord all these years, it didn’t take long to realize that his daughter didn’t actually win, but couldn’t help but respect the little one’s chivalrous deed and letting her rule after Spike had won.

And knew it wouldn’t be long until he wanted the throne fully.

“Torch, I’m not here for pleasantries, I need you to gather all of your guys, Sombra has my son and we need for the full assault.” Spike said, going right down to business.

Torch’s eyes widened. “The war went that far?” He grunted, shaking his head. “I knew what Ember was telling me about it was bullshit.”

“She’s been telling you about it?” Spike asks. Since these dragons were too large to have many modern luxuries, they had to learn the news by word of mouth.

“She’s been telling me that she and Queen Rachel were handling it well. I offered my advice since I have been in several wars myself.” There wasn’t anything that indicated that Torch had any malice towards Spike’s mate due to her once being human, which he doesn’t.

“So you ready to jump back into battle?” Spike asked.

Torch goes to stand, nearly hitting his head on the very tall ceiling. “I’ve been going crazy just sitting around on my ass. I’ll gather them up, just tell me where the battle is.”

Spike was a little lowkey surprised that he'd so willingly wanted to jump in. “That was…easier than I thought it would be to convince you.”

“You’re the Dragon Lord now. Whatever you say, we’ll follow.” Torch said. He then lowered his head to meet his gaze. “Also, I’m not agreeing to this just because you’re the Dragon Lord. Father to father here, we’d burn down the whole world if we have to to get our offspring back.”

“Hell yeah we would.” Spike agreed full heartedly.

“Also, why did you come all the way out here? You could’ve summoned us with the Dragon’s Call.” Torch asked.

Spike chuckled nervously. “Uh, didn’t think about that.”

It was then all set.

It wasn’t long before all the dragons that the royal couple could enlist, the Mordi, as well as Shining Armor’s army and several Canterlot Guards - those who were all in on the assault - were enough to storm the chateau and burn it to the ground.

Before he had to go out to meet the troops, Spike was finishing getting the armor adjusted to his body. It was a solid gold and silver armor, adding extra protection to his already hardened scales. The red crystal crown on his head felt odd, but it was accustomed for the rulers wearing their crowns.

He tries to adjust the breast plate before his nose detects Rachel’s scent, hearing her hooves go up to him.

Rachel grabbed the straps and tightened it up. “Guess you haven’t gotten into just materializing the armor on?” she asked.

“Not one of my skill sets.” Spike responded before he turned around to see his mate wearing her blue and black armor and her obsidian crown. The Blue Celestial held in one of her hands. “Uh..how do I look?” He asked.

Rachel observed him and hummed. “I can get used to you wearing it. Fits like a true dragon lord.”

“While you look like a true queen.” he smiled at her before sighing. “Are you ready for the assault?”

She nodded. “I’m ready to get our kid back." she stated. "Ready like yesterday."

Spike nodded before he grabbed the Blood Staff off the wall. It shimmered on contact.

He then wrapped his arm around Rachel's waist, brought her in close and kissed her. He hoped it wouldn't be the last.

The vision he had lingered in the back of his head.

"Thank you, for everything." He whispered to her, pressing his forehead against hers. "For all you have done."

Rachel shrugged but smiled softly. "We're going to win."

"We'll win." He said. Planting one last kiss on her head before he grabbed her hand and the two left their chambers.

The couple marched out to the meeting grounds. Dragons young and old, allies, all gathered, ready to begin the assault. The final stand against Sombra before all would be lost.

As everyone was talking amongst themselves, when the two royals stood on the high rock, they continued to talk among themselves.

Rachel looked to her mate. "Want me to talk to them?" She asked the Dragonlord. Since she has more experience giving speeches to the troops before their conquest, though she hated it and was never fond of doing so.

Spike shook his head. "I got it."

"Ready?" Ember asked, decked in her battle armor.

With a nod, Spike lets go of Rachel's hand and approaches the edge.

After taking a deep breath, he began. "Everyone, can I have your attention?" He called out, wanting the chattering to stop.

They didn't listen. Spike got louder but they still didn't hear him.

Before both Ember and Rachel were about to do it themselves, Spike slammed the end of the staff on the rock and it glowed. Ministrating a shock wave that carried out and he opened his mouth. "EVERYONE LISTEN UP!" Spike's voice boomed, echoing across the grounds.

His voice carried through all ears, all of them stopped their chattering and faced forward towards him. Giving him their undivided attention.

"Thank you!" Spike grunted. Now understanding why Torch hollers like he did and what Celestia and Luna have been doing to get others attention.

Now all eyes were on him.

He sighed. "Everyone, what we're about to do will be the fight of our lives. Every single one of us against one of the most evilest beings we've all faced. Sombra in one way or another has taken something from all of us. Taken out loved ones, taken lives. Taking my son…" his voice was soft when mentioning that before hardening up. "I know most of you don't trust me, I never exactly been the Dragonlord you needed, but this battle, this war is not about me, it's about taking this stand. For centuries, all of us, man, dragon, pony, we've all been divided, we've all cared and worried about ourselves.

"But now, with much at stake, we've become allies. Not just that, we've become brothers, sisters. Together we become one!" Those in the crowd were getting excited, agreeing to what he was saying. "We'll show Sombra that we will not stand for what he has done. All of us together, we will make sure he pays for everything and thensome before we give him a one way ticket down to the bottom depths of Tartarus where he belongs!" More of the crowd excitedly cheered. "Like I said a moment ago, this will be THE fight of our lives, some of us may not make it, but what we do here will determine our history. Those that have sacrificed their lives won't be in vain! We won't go quietly into the night! We won't hide in the shadows while Sombra stands! We're going to fight! We're going to survive! Together we stand as one!"

There was an uproar from all the troops. The dragons belt out their roars, the Mordi and ponies shouted.

All were ready.

"Let's move out!"

Author's Note

We are approaching the end soon. Buckle up and get ready for WAR!