Post War Assembly

New York City was more bustling than usual as news caravans and a large gathering crowd waited at the entrance of the United Nations building behind protective barriers.

The crowd awaiting to see the Leaders Of Equis make a rare debut to attend what could be a historic meeting. Wanting to get first looks of the heroes that helped save both Universes.

“Three…two… and…..action.” a female reporter adjusted herself before beginning speaking into the mic, staring at the rolling camera. “Scylla Faun here bringing you a live look now of the crowd behind me.” Gesturing her cameraman to view the crowd before going back to her. “Just like everyone else glued to the screens, we are all waiting for the Leaders of Equis to arrive. All the other members of the UN have already been accounted for and the meeting is about to begin. Can we finally settle our differences with Equis so both of our worlds could coexist in peace and harmony? Could this ten day meeting spark another all out multiversal war? Or will it be determined that the Portal must close for good? So many theories, so many questions we are here to get the answers to.”

On camera, it was viewed that something in the air shifted. An electrifying sensation was building up in the streets.

Caught on camera and dozens of eyewitnesses, a spark of gold magic and a poof of smoke, the Leaders of Equis, well what they could see were the Ponies, Zebras, Kirins, Changelings and others appearing.

The crowd gasps and a gazillion photos were taken.

“Now that's an entrance! Carl, get the shot, get the shot!” The reporter shouted at him, motioning him to the leaders. “Now it seems most of the Equis leaders have arrived, many races of the alternate world are here before us.” Scylla reported as the group began to move into the building.

“We have…hold it, there seemed to be a sudden change of temperature. Anyone else getting- holy crap!”

They all jumped when there was a brief green firenado that was massive and appeared where the other leaders came from.

The crowd and other pedestrians on the street started to go nuts in joy when they saw the Dragons making their mark.

The Dragonlord and His Queen, along with a handful of their personnel appeared before them. Both rulers displayed their crowns and staffs, standing tall as the onlookers watched in awe.

“It seems the ones who saved all of us have finally arrived. This is amazing.” Scylla reported, making sure to get all of them.

The cameraman noticed something when they began to follow behind the rest of the Leaders. Looking right at the Queen and saw what else she was holding in her hands besides her staff.

“Holy shit, is that a baby?” Carl gasps.

The baby was holding onto his mother, eyes looking wide as he looked around the humans curiously. When he realized there were cameras going, the baby waved and giggled before suddenly sneezing, letting out a tiny poof of purple fire before cooing cutely at them.

“This is incredible.” Scylla said but was also at awe seeing the dragons really walking among them. “I have to get an interview with them.”

“With who?” Carl asks.

Scylla watches the large queen. She leans close to Carl. “The Queen. Rumor has it she was from our world, human.”

“Unless the Queen is in a large believable costume, she doesn’t look human.”

“Her name is Rachel Lockhart. There's no doubt about it, it's her. No other creature in Equis uses a human name.” Then the Dragons disappear inside.

“Sure you wanted us to bring him here?” Rachel asked Spike as she held Iggy who wanted to go and play. She tries to distract him with his favorite toy.

“They would want to know us, to help further our reasoning to storm Sombra's lair.” Spike said, reaching over to messing with the baby.

Igneous cooed, grabbing his hand and nuzzling his palm.

They were having a brief moment out in the hall before they went in.

“So, you take the lead on this one, hero?” Rachel asks.

“Was thinking that I'll answer what I can, but you address them.” Spike suggested.

Rachel's eyes widened. “Why? You're the Dragonlord and had actually been there for the first Treaty meetings.”

“But you were on Point before I ever took my place. You've been part of the War Council, you have been in talks with the Humans more than I. Had as much to do with our victory as I.” Spike explained. “However, if you're having trouble, I'll step in.”

Fluttershy comes up to them after coming from the restrooms. “Sorry, I hope I'm not late.”

“You're good.” Spike said to her before looking at his mate. “You got this.”

“Sorry I'm late.” Malik quickly runs up to them. Coming in wearing a suit and tie. His hair tied back. “Traffic backed up here to sixty-four street.”

“Glad you made it.” Rachel said before turning to Fluttershy. “Mind holding him?” She asked, offering the baby.

Fluttershy squeaked and took the baby. “I don't mind at all.” her wings fluttered as she held Iggy gently and rocked him.

He got comfortable real quickly.

“Ready?” Spike asked, offering his hand to her.

Rachel nodded and grabbed his hand. “Ready.”

The two then turned, holding hands. The guards opened the door and they entered the General Assembly room.

193 leaders of Earth sat in their assigned spots, turned and stood as the rulers came to see them. More cameras flashed at them as they walked through the room.

Approaching their seats with the rest of the Equis leaders near the head of the table. Sitting on the head were Celestia, Luna, Cadence, Shining and Twilight, next to them was Lord Iodine and Chief Druid Leaf. Next to Rachel and Spike were Thorax and his brother, Queen Nova, and Lady Trinity.

Fluttershy carried Igneous over to the side to join up with the other girls.

Soon everyone took their seats and the Assembly began.

The President of the United States took point and spoke into the microphone. President Quentin Baxter, a sixty three year old man. A familiar face to the Ponies and Spike.

“Welcome everyone, I first want to congratulate the Leaders of Equis on the victory and lead the fight against King Sombra. Dragonlord Spike and Queen Rachel especially. Thank you.” The president first said, having the room give a round of applause.

After the formalities were done, the meeting oversaw a summary of what happened during the War, each Leader of Equis gave their part. The humans also gave a summary of events, at least from Staff Sergeant Amir accounts since he had represented the Humans during the Portal closed for the year.

Whom which was not part of the Assembly.

“By all accounts, it seems you, Queen Rachel, had been the one taking lead during the War, for simple reasons, we will be addressing you as Speaker for Equis.” Mr. President says. “And I will take the lead to speak for Earth, does everyone agree on that?”

There was a collective of ayes echoing in the chamber. Humans and Creatures both agree.

“Oh shit.” Rachel whispers underneath her breath.

Spike reached over and rubbed the small of her back to both calm her and to encourage her.

Rachel looked to him and then looked down the row to her allies, who all nodded to her to go ahead.

She sighed, pulling the microphone close to her. “Agreed.” She said, sitting up, her hands laying on the desk, fingers interlocked.

The President cleared his throat, looking at his notes. “Okay, your highness. I'm not going to lie, we made critical mistakes as a result that sparked the war. The Human race admits that we had created three outposts during the duration of the ten years since the creation of the Treaty.”

“Blueblood, the pony prince and nephew of Princess Celestia created a terrorist group called the White Mantle. He had his forces infiltrate your illegal posts. Stolen many critical weapons, such as seven black hawk helicopters,” Rachel's taloned hooves dug into the flooring.

The sight of her cabin blowing up by one of those things replayed. “And a nuclear bomb that was modified by both Blueblood and Sombra.” watching and hearing the nuke gone off replayed as well, her jaw tensed up. “If things didn't pan out the way it did, Equis would've been a wasteland.”

Rachel gazed at Spike. Feeling a wave of emotion was washing over her before shuddered.

She quickly regained her composure. “However, we ourselves had a part in sparking this War. There had been signs showing Blueblood’s true intentions, there had been failure to put a stop to it before it was too late. He had played both Universes like fools and the destabilization of the Portal and Earth caused you to invade Equestria.”

“The Portal, as our Intel and research says that you closed, which stabilized our world and now you control it with the….Mordi.” The president read to make sure he pronounced correctly. “A lot of good men died in the Temple. Many soldiers and scientists were attacked and tormented.”

Rachel took in a very deep breath. “The Mordi that caused that were fallen into a curse after the Dragons were chased out of their homes and moved to Equis eons ago.” She explained. “The curse was lifted and those who were cursed are no longer in this world.”

The human leaders muttered and talked to themselves about what she said.

“I am sorry for what they went through, the ones who suffered by the cursed ones.” Rachel said.

The President nodded. “We apologize for our transgressions and our part. We are open to renegotiating the Treaty. There cannot be another war between worlds, both sides lived in harmony before, we can have that again. I want that.”

“What is it you want?” Rachel asked.

The President turned to his allies and adversaries. They talked to him in a low voice before he turned back. “The major points will be discussed during our next talks, but as of right now, what we are asking is for the Humans retake this side of the Portal. Now we will allow the Temple to continue to be used by you because of your Dragonlord's kind and the culture and history preservation, but the Portal itself, the operations controlling it, is to be held by the humans.”

Rachel snorted. “You will allow us to use the Temple of our birthright? That's rich.”

Spike's eyes widened when she said that, looking at her.

“What I meant is that the portal cannot be controlled by both sides. We all saw how that worked and it failed. Parts of the Original Treaty my former colleague President Charles Valor discussed with the Princesses,” President Quentin motioned to the Alicorns. “Is that one side controls one part of the Portal and another controls the other side. Of course we'll talk about having better security and-”

“Lemme stop you right there, Mr. President.” Rachel speaks. “You managed to smuggle dangerous artifacts that could've destroyed Equis, my home, my family was threatened by it. Our son was in the heart of the battle, you know how a nuclear bomb sounds? Seeing the nuke itself go off and believing the world has ended?” She was trying hard to control her emotions remembering that.

“Madam, we're not trying to downgrade the events. We can assure you that no such materials will be taken across worlds.”

“Yes, because I now have control.”

“Rachel.” Spike reaches across to Rachel's microphone, puts his hand over it and leans close. “What are you doing?” He asked her quietly so his voice wouldn't be picked up.

“They have got to be insane to think I'm just going to give up the Portal.” Rachel grunted. Trying to hold herself back but he could see her eyes were turning red and was about to tear up.

“For someone who was one of us, you should understand the precaution as to why we need control-”

Rachel took the microphone back from her mate and growled. “I'm not one of you.”

Spike quickly lowers it down again and goes to his microphone. “Sorry everyone, but I think we may need to take a five minute recess.” He said, giving his mate a worried look.

“It doesn't have to be decided right now. I recognize tensions are still heavy with all of us. There are still many things we need to get through, Dragonlord. We'll end the meeting for the day, come pick it back up in two days time. All in favor?”

There was a unanimous of yes before the meeting was adjourned.

Rachel storms inside the restroom still inside of the building. She makes sure no one was in it before Spike came in.

Spike enters, clicks the lock latch of the door before turning to her. “Rachel, what exactly was that out there?” He asked.

She had her hands on her hips, pacing around, tail furiously whipping about. “It was a mistake for me to talk.” She said, shaking her head. “Give up control so they can endanger us again? Hell no.”

Spike watched her and sighed. “Rachel, I know how you're feeling, but when it comes to these things, you gotta give an inch.”

“So they can take more and practically hang themselves? Humanity doesn't deserve it.”

His gaze softened. “Baby… you know what you sound like, right?”

Rachel scuffs, crossing her arms, ears pinned back.

However, now she thought of it…she sounded just like those racists, xenophobic pricks they fought hard against.

Her ears fell and she stopped pacing.

“We….we never actually discussed how you felt during your change.”

“What's there to discuss? I accepted my fate.” She responded. “That kid who traveled to Equestria isn't here anymore. I'm no longer human. Not one of them.”

Spike gave her a knowing look. “Baby…” He walks up to her, wrapping his arms around her. She automatically wraps hers around him, clinging to him tightly.

“Rach, please…talk to me?” He asked.

Rachel shuddered. “As a human, no one so much as bat an eye when shit happened to mom and I. When I turned, everyone sees me when things happen and they listen.”

“Rachel, there were people who saw you when you were human. Brimstone saw you, Ruby and Gemcity saw you.” He pulls away, only to cup her face. His thumbs stroked her furry cheeks. “I saw you. Saw you the first day I laid my eyes on you, and I met you when you were human. I still see you, even now.” He kisses her forehead before placing his forehead against her. “You changed so much, you can't forget where you came from or ignore what you once were however. It's part of your story.”

“My story began when I met you.”

He smiled. “No, my love, yours started a long time ago, before we met.” He then sighed. “Let's get out of here. We'll take Iggy, grab some lunch and we can begin planning our wedding. Grab some ideas. When we come back here, you'll have a clearer head when speaking to the humans.”

“Can't you take the lead then?” She asked, making herself look exceptionally cute.

Spike smirked, boops her snoot that caused her to scrunch her face up. “Can't do, Speaker of Equis.” He said. Lowering his hands from her face, only to grab one of her hands, unlocked the restroom door and escorted his Queen out.

As Rachel followed, she stared at Spike silently.

Seeing the little bounce he has, the confidence, the smile he has.

The kind she thought she'd never see again…

Over two weeks ago, Equis

On the War torn battlefield of the desolated chateau, the radiation and the explosion of the nuclear bomb were completely crystallized in a way nobody ever witnessed dragon magic used. It was different from the crystal prisons Queen Rùna buried herself and her people to protect the outside world.

A greater power was just used to free members of their army. Rachel nearly slipped to unconsciousness after combining both the Bloodstone necklace and her Blue Celestial to bring them back.

Ember raced up to the fallen queen, took her arm and put it over her shoulders and helped her up. “What the fuck was that?” Ember had asked Rachel.

“Guys! We found him!” Someone called to their attention.

Now filled with renewed energy and hope, Rachel and Ember raced over to who shouted.

They finally came to a small crater, one of the dragons pointed down it. “The Dragonlord is down there!”

Rachel quickly rushed into the crater, seeing Spike laying face down in the rubble, one hand holding on to that staff in a death-like vice. Many parts of his armor and scales were gone, many burnt places on his body.

The staff had a soft glow, there was also this red aura that was covering Spike from the tip of his horns to his tail.

“SPIKE!!!!” Rachel cried as she slid down to him.

She tugged his body and quickly checked his pulse. The aura wasn't letting her check. “What the hell is this?” She asks hysterically. Trying to see if he was breathing or not.

“Oh shit,” Ember said, peering down the crater before jumping down and joined her.

She saw the situation and knew what it was. She turns her head towards the other dragons. “Find a stretcher, he needs to get back to Dragon's Lair, now!” She ordered them and they took off to find one.

Ember then turned to Rachel. “Spike's alive, but barely. When a ruler undergo something so traumatizing and is near critical, a safety measure kicks in. He's what is called a healing stasis. The Staff is currently healing him. See?” She motioned to one of his burnt wounds, just barely they could see he was in fact healing. “He'll be in a deep sleep until it's done.”

“But will he wake up?” Rachel asked her, still in complete tears.

“He should.”

They were able to transfer the injured to Dragon’s Lair.

For two weeks, Rachel had barely stepped out of the hospital wing of the Palace. The only time she left Spike's side was to handle things at the reopening of the portal but it didn't take long to get back.

Igneous never left his father's side. There were times the tiny prince was curled up against his father on the bed, would fuss and throw a huge, fiery temper tantrum if anyone tried to take him away from his dad unless it was mom.

Each day was stressful and at times it felt like nothing was healing. Fighting off the negative thoughts constantly as what if he never wakes up, what kind of side effects he'll have after taking on all that radiation. What long term effects should they know? Each day, they never got their answer.

Then, after two long weeks, the red aura dropped from Spike's body. The staff stopped glowing.

Rachel was reading Iggy a book when she sensed the staff stopping.

“Spike?” she whispered. Picking up her baby, she walked over to the bed. Setting Iggy on the mattress.

She was finally able to check his pulse. To her relief, it was thundering against her palm. She turned her head to the physicians. “Hey, he's not on stasis anymore. You need to check his vitals now.”

This was good. She goes to move out of the way….

When her hand was grabbed.

Rachel gasps, seeing Spike's hand was holding hers. “Spike? Spike baby, can you hear me?” she asked, her hope levels rising.

His eyes began opening slowly. Wincing at the light flashing. But coming too, basking in that bright light, Spike seeing Rachel.

Looking like an angel to him.

“Rach…el..” Spike whispers.

“Oh my god!” Rachel cries. Draping her arms around him and hugged him. “Spike! Oh my god!” sobbing very loudly.

Spike wrapped his arms around her, his whole body shook as he began sobbing loudly as well.

Iggy starts to wail, seeing his father was moving again, tunneled between his parents so he could be part of the hug.

Spike held his boy, kissing the top of head, sobbing until his fur before turning to his queen. Giving her a kiss that he had believed he'd never do it again.

“I love you, I love you so much.” Rachel sobbed.

Now On Earth

Spike, Rachel and Igneous were having a delicious ice cream treat and a walk around the large park. Ignoring all attention they were getting by focusing on the three of them.

Doubted any other humans would try coming up to a group of dragons.

“So, where do you think we should have our ceremony?” Spike asked as he was enjoying a creamsicle.

“Well, I have thought of using the Temple, but I can do an outdoor setting.” Rachel responded with her chocolate cone.

Iggy was having his first chocolate ice cream. His eyes were wide and his chunky tail was thumping away happily as if he was in heaven. Getting all messy.

Spike thought of us. “Outdoor ceremony seems good. Somewhere secluded where It'll just be us and our family. Don't really want a large gathering.”

Rachel smiled. “Small gathering it is.”

“Excuse me.” a new voice cuts in.

Rachel and Spike looked down to see an older looking man with olive skin, blue eyes and silver hair and a small beard. He wore a blue business suit and carried a large black briefcase. “Excuse me, sorry to interrupt you two.”

“What seems to be the problem?” Spike asks him.

Iggy having no care in the world but his treat.

“Oh there's no problem. I'm Sebastian Nicholas, I urge to have a word with you, Ms. Lockhart.” He looks at Rachel.

Rachel blinked confusedly. “Uh, why?”

Sebastian clears his throat and stands straighter. “You may find this hard to believe, but I represent your mother, Darline Lockhart’s estate.”