Equestrian Heroes
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Naruto x ?

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Story Start
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Dear Twilight Sparkle,

I am afraid another matter of importance has come up that I require your assistance in solving. Earlier this week our patrols have been monitoring the outskirts of our lands and spotted a dragon. A further scouting expedition has revealed that the dragon is building a hoard within the mountain side and there is a possibility that the smoky embers this breed of dragon produces could have disastrous effects on the local ecosystem. The Earth pony's crops are already suffering from a lack of sunlight. We cannot let this continue. I would feel better knowing that you and the other bearers were to go up there to persuade him to move elsewhere, by any means necessary. I will also be sending reinforcements to act as support. I must remind you that this is a peaceful mission and violence is a last resort, especially when dealing with a dragon, but I want to make sure that my subjects are safe, including you.

Your teacher,

Princess Celestia of Equestria

Not too long later, the Elements of Harmony, along with Naruto, had gathered for Twilight's meeting at the library.

"Wha' in th' name o' all things cinnamon-swirled is a full-grown dragon doing here in Equestria?" Applejack asked.

"It's taking residence in the mountain," Twilight answered, much to the collective "Huh" from everypony present.

"According to Princess Celestia, he has already moved his hoard there and is making the space his new home. He was recently spotted in the area by patrols earlier this week. He could simply be migrating for any number of reasons. Dragons by far are one of the more secretive races, but I would not be surprise if the increasing amount of criminal activity in the country side had anything to do with it."

Rarity with an uncertain look on her face spoke up. "But why us? Surely a unit of trained guards would be better suited for this kind of situation."

"It might have to do with special status you six might have." Naruto spoke up as the six of them turned their attention to him.

"Special Status?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Its not uncommon for leaders of the nation to gift a special title to those who have done a great service to their nation. Depending on the laws of the nation one doesn't always need to be in the military to be deputized by their nation's leader for their service. Considering the six of you are now known as the Bearers of Harmony it wouldn't be all that unusual to think that the other natives of this town might expect you six to do something. I can see this as the Princess's way of helping you six avoid bad publicity thanks to your new found status , or as I should say five as I assume Twilight is used to it being Princess Celestia's pupil. Its probably why she's sending the backup as well. Think about it, as the bearers without your elements going in against a dragon is pretty much insane. Right now you're all still legally civilians and asking you to go in unarmed would be rather stupid. I feel that the Princess wouldn't make this request without making sure sufficient backup is going to be sent."

To which Twilight began speaking up. "This is a diplomatic mission and Princess Celestia is sending us backup in case the situation goes awry. Unfortunately our forces have been spread thin which is why the Princess isn't sending a unit. Hopefully we'll be able to solve this without much incident."

"Right," Naruto agreed. "So we should figure out a plan."

"I'll tell you the plan, we give him the boot!" Rainbow piped up and with a backward kick into a wooden horse head bust in the middle of the room, Twilight re-setting it with her aura. But Rainbow was getting into it as she launched herself at the bust, yelling, "Take that!"

But Twilight had moved the bust out of the way, leaving Rainbow to crash into the wall in a slump.

"Doing so could cause untold property damage or the loss of innocent life. We need to be diligent in how we approach this," Twilight corrected her." Princess Celestia has given us this mission and we must not fail."

"Then we're going to need to get ready." Naruto added.

"Alright everypony, I'll need you to gather supplies quickly," Twilight instructed as she put on her saddlebags. "We have a long journey ahead of us. Let's meet back here tomorrow morning. The reinforcements should be arriving by then."

"Fillies and gentlecolts, we've got a job to do!" Rainbow Dash declared. "Do we have what it takes?!"

Applejack, Pinkie, Rarity, and Naruto all let out a cheer affirmatively as they headed out, with Fluttershy bringing up the rear, looking nervous. This did not escape Naruto's notice. He went over and gave an encouraging nudge to her shoulder, saying, "Everything will be alright, Flutters. We all have something to contribute."

As she watched Naruto walk alone the path back to his home, Fluttershy couldn't help but smile a little at his encouragement, despite the lingering doubt she felt.

That following morning they all gathered in front of the library as they waited for the arrival. As if on cue, sky-carriages drifted down in front of them. The first was gilded with the golden and white metal, symbolizing Celestia's guiding sun, and was pulled by two Pegasus guards. Out of the carriage was known other than the Solar Captain herself, Shine Spark.

"Auntie Spark!" Twilight exclaimed in surprise.

"Aah Twilight, how is my favorite niece?" The Captain of the Guard warmly greeted her.

Happily, Twilight went over and embraces the much taller Unicorn. "What about the situation in the country side? Shouldn't you be on a more important mission?"

"The sanctity of Ponyville is important. After all, the location of her majesty's priced pupil and the bearers is one of our more prominent hot spots. I was already assigned nearby to overlook the training of some new recruits. Because of Ponyville's small population, recruiters have it low on the list to visit for recruits. As such by her majesty's will I am to server in an advisory role until the situation escalates into one requiring military intervention. She and I both have faith that you will be able to handle this situation quite well. Now, I wish to meet the ponies who have become your friends."

"Oh, of course." Twilight said as she happily led her aunt over to meet everypony.

"Oh hello Twilight's aunt it's so nice to see you! I'm Pinkie Pie!" As always, Pinkie Pie began greeting her with her usual exuberance and flurry of questions. As expected of a professional she took it all in stride. One by one they introduced themselves.

"So, I mean, now that Miss Spark is here, surely I'm not needed. I mean who would feed my animals when I'm gone?" Fluttershy quickly excused.

"Well Spike is going to take care of it." Twilight reasoned. "I asked him to take care of them while we're gone. All he'll need is your set of keys."

"Now hold on a minute. Why would we not bring'em along with us to convince that dragon to move?"

"From what little I read about dragons, if Spike happens to be from an enemy clan that could make the situation even worse. Not to mention they really respect power so he might take it as an insult and react rather violate." Seeing Fluttershy's fidgeting, he realized she was really nervous. "Hey, if anything happens I'll be by your side Shy."

With that Shine Spark dismissed the members of the Pegasi Guard. Being one of the strongest Unicorns alive today she had fought many dangerous magical creatures. That included a manticore, a hydra, and even a dragon. With dragons regarded as so dangerous she was chosen for her power and skill.

Not long later, Twilight walked in front of eight ponies assembled, saying, "Alright, everypony, I'm mapping out the quickest route, but we've all gotta keep a good pace if we're to make it by nightfall."

"Looks pretty cold up there." Applejack observed.

"Higher altitudes have colder climates." Rainbow Dash answered. She then glanced over to Fluttershy who was practically hanging off Naruto. On one hand, she knew her foal hood friend had a tendency to be scared of well…everything. While she wanted to suggest to Twilight it might be best to leave Fluttershy there, but on the other hand, maybe it was time to start giving her little pushes here or there so she would start growing a little braver.

"Well then it's a good thing I brought my scarf." Rarity commented as she pulled it from her saddlebag, a scarf striped into two shades of pink, Pinkie complimenting, "Ooh, pretty!"

Rarity posed with it, Rainbow giggling, "Yeah, that'll keep you nice and cozy!"

Before long, the ponies were making their way towards the mountain, and the closer they got, the louder the snores coming from atop became.

"You know the dragon won't even be able to see us until we get to the top of the mountain, right?" Twilight said to Fluttershy.

"I'm f-fine thank y-you." She stuttered as she rode on Naruto piggy-back style. She held onto him with an iron grip.

"Don't you think you might slow him down dear?" Rarity suggested, fighting her feelings of annoyance at her longtime friend which was battling with her feelings of sympathy towards her. The fact that Fluttershy was coming at all was a rather large step for her, but it didn't mean she had to be all over Naruto like that.

"This trek is taking forever," Rainbow whined with her usual impatient showing. "I'm gonna fly up and check it out."

But Naruto barred her way, saying, "Hold on Rain, you might inadvertently disturb the dragon before we're ready. Remember, we're approaching this diplomatically."

"Oh alright." Rainbow pouted.

Before long, everypony was making their way up, Rainbow flapping aloft with the same bored pouty look as Rarity said, "I heard the only thing that sparkles more than a dragon's scales are the jewels they use to build their nests. Ooh, if I play my cards right, I might convince him to part with a few!"

"Oh! You mean like, 'Welcome to my cave, Rarity'!" Pinkie said in a growly voice. "'Care for a diamond?' Rargh!"

Everypony laughed at her little joke except Shine who was still forming her own opinions about her niece's companions and Twilight who said, "Everypony! This is no laughing matter!"

"Oh relax, Twilight," Naruto waved it off. "Just a little humor to ease the tension."

Twilight growled at his words but let it go as she said, "Fluttershy, you're the expert on other species. What do you think the dragon will be like? Fluttershy?"

"Angry…furious…mad…hungry." Fluttershy squeaked out as she threatened to put the blond in a choke hold.

Twilight was about to press on, wondering what was up with Fluttershy when Shine called her over. It looked like they spotted some sort of movement. Potential bandits or slave traders could also be in the area.

"The ponies in the area could be potential hostiles." Shine began as she began making notations on the map Twilight brought. She circled four spots on the mountain. "Patrols have broken up small traveling packs in this area that were transporting carts of weaponry and pillaged goods from small towns. Many of these attacks were carried out quickly and efficiently, meaning that there is likely one or more mastermind behind the attacks. There is a good possibility that some of the bandits are here for the sole purpose of waiting for the dragon to go to sleep or leave to hunt to pillage from his hoard. With this possibility in mind we have no choice, but to prepare for the likelihood of engaging in combat." As she finished this statement she gazed upon their faces. Determination and worry were the most common expressions. "This means doing whatever we can to prevent a surprise run-in and ambush. Miss Fluttershy and Miss Dash, since you're both Pegasi it would help if you use your talents to clear the smog in the sky and act as our eyes in the air to warn us if anypony is coming."

Fluttershy's panicked expression wasn't hard to miss. After all, those who knew Fluttershy also knew she wasn't a strong flier. "Captain Spark I'm better off handling the fog on my own, Fluttershy really isn't the strongest flier."

Even though Fluttershy knew Rainbow Dash was trying to be helpful, the reminder still made the other flier wince."Very well, I suppose we should be going over a strategy for when we engage the enemy."

"Fluttershy is not one for violence either. She's a pacifist you see." Rarity explained as Shine Spark sent the Pegasi a look that the untrained eyes would inevitably miss.

"I see." While the words may have seemed a simple reply, it was the tone that defined it. Judgmental. Those were the eyes of the soldier who did not get along well with one they deemed as weak. "Then Miss Fluttershy will have to stay safe by the sidelines if we find ourselves in such a situation."

A frowned marred Naruto's features. He remembered stories his wife used to tell him a long time ago on how she was treated. How she was treated like glass and the assumptions that were made about her in regards to her strength.

Fluttershy's ears drooped a bit. Had she picked up on it as well. "I'm sorry. I wish I could be brave as everypony else. It's just…" She trailed off as she sniffled.

"You can be, Flutters," Naruto assured her, "There was a time where I thought being brave meant jumping head first into danger and proving you weren't a coward, but I soon learned that wasn't the case. You remind me of somepony I knew a long time ago. Somepony I loved dearly."

A blush appeared on Fluttershy's cheeks at this admission. "R-Really?"

"Yes, she was a lot like you. Soft-spoken, kind, and very loving. One day she grew tired of being treated like a failure and strove towards growing stronger. Even if it meant going against people and obstacles she feared, she knew she had to take on those challenges so her fear would no longer control her. In essence, being brave means facing somepony or something even when you're scared and just because you get scared sometimes does not mean you're incapable of having courage. I know, when the time is right, you'll be able of show that courage.

Fluttershy smiled at him gratefully. Acting as their eyes from above Rainbow Dash was able to steer them towards the mountainside without much incident. The sooner they handled the situation with the dragon the sooner they would be able to leave the area without much incident.

Since the threat of combat from other ponies seemed unlikely at this point Twilight took the reins again.

"Rarity and Pinkie Pie, you'll create a distraction for the dragon in case the situation goes south in there. Applejack, Naruto, you two be ready with crystal bombs to support Captain Spark in case he decides to attack."

The duo nodded, bringing forth the sack of crystalized magic spheres that were brought for the trip. Because the hide of dragons was as tough as to be resistant to most magic or weaponry, special items were often crafted to get around that. The concussive force of these magic bombs were more than enough to cause pain to the creature seeing as he lacked any of the tall tale signs of being an elder dragon.

"But it shouldn't come to that, because Fluttershy will do what she needs to do to wake him up." Twilight assured.

Fluttershy, feeling her heart pound soon found a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"You'll be fine," He tried to sooth her. He figured Fluttershy was reacting with her usual levels of fear, having grown used to her sensitivity. "And between her, and me, we should be able to get him to understand why he needs to go. Is everypony ready?"

They all nodded, Twilight saying, "Ok then, we're going in!"

Fluttershy found herself unable to move. "I…I can't…"

Twilight paused in her tracks. "Wait, what?"

"I…I…" the Pegasus began stuttering. "I c-can't do it Twilight. "

"But Fluttershy we need your help. You have a great deal of knowledge on dragons so who better than you to negotiate with one?"

"I can't…I just can't…" Fluttershy choked back a sob, on the verge of a breakdown before she was pulled into a comforting hug by Rainbow Dash.

Remorseful, Rainbow Dash began speaking. "I'm such an idiot. How could I have forgetten? If you don't want to do this I won't let them make you okay Fluttershy?" Fluttershy nodded and whispered out a thanks. "We're going to have to do this without Fluttershy. I'm sorry, I know you were depending on her Twilight, but there's some personal baggage behind it."

"It's ok," Twilight's face softened in empathy. "I understand ," Recalling her own fears and how it could make one irrational. She turned to the others who nodded in understanding. Fearful and panicked they were used to, but the fact that the poor mare seemed like she was going to have a panic attacked was more than enough to keep them from pressing on the issue. In fact, considering her nature the fact she was afraid to speak up on the issue also made sense.

So with that they alternated the plan a bit. Naruto and Twilight would try diplomacy first. If the dragon immediately went hostile, he would be able to get her out of there while saving up her magic for the conflict.

"There are things that some just aren't ready to face. We've all had that moment you know."

"I know," Twilight responded with a sigh. "I just assumed that she would be up to this without even checking with her."

"Don't feel too guilty Twilight," Naruto's face mirrored the same guilt. "I just assumed this was her usual fearfulness without even trying to see if there a deeper issue. Let's just focus on the dragon for now."

Going deeper into the dwelling they expected it to be cloaked in darkness but the shine off the treasure trove of gold coins and jewels illuminated the dark and dank infrastructure of the mountainous cavern gave a lovely visual image. Napping on top of a large cache of coins was a massive russet scaled dragon. The creature from what they could see may have been from one of the rarer wingless ground based species.

"Um, excuse me," Twilight called nervously, the dragon only shifting onto his back and scratching his belly. "Mister dragon?"The creature either didn't hear her or was ignoring her.

"Hey! Trying to get your attention here!" Naruto hollered out to the beast catching his attention.

The visible eye of the creature opened immediately putting the two ponies on edge.

"Oh good, you're awake. My name is Twilight Sparkle, this is my friend…"

The dragon simply yawned a bad case of morning breath onto the two, making them cover their noses, "Naruto…" the blond answered as he repressed the urge to let out a few choice words. "Listen…we are part of a party, an envoy from the town of Ponyville which occupy lands near here. We know you seem interested in making this dwelling your new home, but the smog you produce is hazardous to the environment. Its killing off our crops not to mention you did not go through the proper channels to take residence in this territory." In other words, he didn't apply for citizenship, was not a visiting dignitary from another nation, nor was he given Asylum by the Equestrian Government. The methods one often goes through when taking residence in foreign soil.

The dragon huffed smoke at them disdainfully, making them cough, but Twilight continued. "Surely you have heard of the treaties between our two species in the regards of rogue citizens simply taking residence in foreign soil."

The dragon growled as he stretched his arms and slumped down, again snorting smoke at them, and the message was as made loud and clear as the two ponies' coughs. Smoke followed them on their way out. "So much for the persuasion option." As much as Naruto would have love giving that creature one to the eye it wasn't worth starting an incident over.

"Now what do we do?" Applejack asked.

"Obviosuly," Rarity stepped up, tossing back her mane," this situation calls for a little 'pony charm'. Allow me, darlings." With her usual confident stride Rarity made her way into the cave.

"Oh, Sir Dragon~!" She sang out with her usual melodic tune. "I was just passing by, and I couldn't help but notice how shiny your scales are."

The Dragon's ears perked up at this. This was new one for him. Most ponies begged for their lives when they met him, and never had the courtesy to compliment him on anything before he roasted them alive.

"And you just have the most perfectly polished claws to match them," Rarity continued as she absent-mindedly helped herself to his hoard, trying on various accessories of jewelry. Unfortunately, Rarity's momentary lapse into greed would prove her undoing as if there was one thing you don't do when it comes to dragons is touching their hordes.

Moments later Rarity had to abandon every single piece of jewelry to escape the rain of fireballs behind her. Rarity propped herself on a rock, to which she covered with her emergency survival blanket of course, looking very displeased at her failure. "I was this close to getting that diamond." she complained.

"You mean 'getting rid of that dragon'?" Naruto corrected with a raised eyebrow.

"Oh, yeah, sure." The mare answered, only half listening as she was lamenting the loss of that beautiful treasure. On one hand she was glad she didn't come in high heels.

Pinkie Pie went next, trying to use the power of laughter to get the creature on her side. When she came out singed and the only remain of the silly get up she brought was a single balloon tied to her tail, they knew there running out of ideas.

"Twilight it appears diplomacy is a lost cause. The dragon refuses to move so we have no choice, but to engage it in battle." Those who saw themselves with might were often far too arrogant or drunk on their own image of their invincibility to give diplomacy a try. Shine Spark had seen it many times.

"Wait Auntie," Twilight paused and corrected herself. "Captain Spark we can do this. Just give us some more time." She pleaded.

"Twilight the nature of this mission is proven too…specialized for the unique nature and capabilities of you and your friends." The pause and substitutions in her response was obvious. Shine Spark was not one to mince words, but seeing as she had a soft spot for her niece, never having foals of her own as she was essentially married to the job, wanted to avoid hurting her feelings. From what she was seeing so far, it was difficult to think these mares were the bearers of such ancient and powerful artifacts as the Elements of Harmony. Reckless, a socialite, a goofball, and a coward. Tartarus, the only one that seemed remotely normal was the farmer and that was the thing, she was a farmer. No formal training.

At least her niece was the Princess's personal apprentice in magic and as for the stallion, she didn't know what to make of him."Hey! You trying to say we weak or something?" Rainbow Dash was no stranger to being underestimated.

"It is not my place to question her majesty's decisions. I am merely expressing my concern that in this situation that your tactics of diplomacy are merely ineffective in this situation."

"Now wait…hold on…" Twilight began to plead, not wanting a fight to break out.

"No, you're aunt are just like some of the others in town." Being a Pegasus, one had more opportunities than the other tribes to stumble upon or to overhear a private conversation. Rainbow Dash had more then picked up a few times on ponies disbelieving that the bearers were the bearers because of their issues.

There were those who thought Pinkie Pie was an unstable loon that needed to be locked up. Applejack, an idiot farmer who was only good at applebucking. Rarity, a vain and self-entitled elitist. Fluttershy, a nervous nut incapable of doing everything and needed to practically be babysat and how many others thought she was a disillusioned and lazy liar. Ever since…since that incident.

Damn him.

Damn the stallion that.

That.

"We'll get that damn dragon to move without your help." The memory had sparked strong emotions within Rainbow Dash. She was angry. The anger and apprehension coursing through her caused her to act without thinking. She didn't hear her friends cry out.

"Time for you to find a new home." Rainbow Dash began rotating at such speeds she ended uunleashing a powerful spinning tornado kick with her legs. The impact was enough to cause the dragons head t snap to the side, but not enough to cause any lasting damage.

Awakened, the creature began to raise to his full height, dwarfing the Pegasus in size a hundred times over. The reveal of its teeth suddenly caused the Pegasus to lose much of her bravado. "Ahh shit."

The dragon roared with such force, Rainbow was sent hurtling outside, crashing through her friends. Shine Spark was the first to react, firing off several curses at the creature's ankles, but the scales proved harder than diamond as not so much as a scratch appeared on them.

Naruto recovered next with Applejack shortly behind him. Widening the sack, they began hurling the spheres at the beast. The concussive blasts proved strong enough to physically cause the creature to recoil, but they were proving ineffective in terms of drawing out any physical damage.

"The eyes and underbelly are weak points. Aim for them." Shine Spark ordered as she used Telekinesis to gain control of five magical spheres. With pinpoint accuracy she hurled them in a line up the upper portion of the dragon's torso causing it to fall backwards. "Now!" As she launched a magical attack.

Twilight charged up a concentrated bolt of magic and fired. Naruto and Applejack launched several more magical spheres at the creature only for him to maneuver his wing and blocked the attack. The force of the attack caused the nearby ground to crack under the attack.

The Dragon responded by letting out a stream of flames forcing, Applejack and Naruto to abandon the bag. The dragon let out a roar when something hot seemed to be branded on his scales. Looking down, he noticed some kind of marking. He nearly crumpled over when a blast from the captain of the guard caused another to appear on one of his legs.

He fired at the Captai,n only for her to quickly erect a barrier to shield herself from the flames. His vision was soon obscured by Rainbow Dash who was using speedy blitz attacks. Repeated blunt force attack by the others was beginning to wear the dragon down. There was only two possibilities, either the magic on his body was part of a complicated spell that somehow transferred damage past his body or the markings were somehow being used as a conduit to mess with the signals in his body to fool it into thinking it was in pain which would cause enough of a distraction to keep him from fighting off balance. However there was one thing that he had to his advantage. Despite his appearance of a low intellect dragon he was still very sound in mind. Inhaling, the creature suddenly let out a spray of smog that quickly enveloped the group.

"The smog! Clear the smog!" Shine Spark commanded in between her hacking fit. "We need to track the beast!" Immediately her horn illuminated as she tried to make out the image of the creature. Even in this dark substance its size shouldn't be difficult to find. Suddenly she found herself yanked off her feet by her ankle. Zeroing in she quickly maneuvered and fired a blast of magic from her horn only for the creature to twist out of the way only for her blast to nail Naruto instead. The dragon immediately began to fire flames at her to which Shine Spark barely erected a barrier in time. The intensity and quickness of the blast didn't make since. Even crouching there was no way its flames should have reached her that quickly. The toxicity from the smog was starting to do its thing as her eyes started to burn. She found herself unable to move from having inhale too much of the substance.

The brightness of Shine Spark's lilac's aura proved to be an effective beacon as the others rushed over. "What in Tartarus!" Applejack cried out as the creature immediately went on the attack. The massive beast of a dragon had taking a much smaller Bipedal form. He was as large as your typical earth pony in height, but his serpentine shape was more slender and aerodynamic giving him a Pegasi like build along with a long and elongated neckline reminiscent of a serpent. This much smaller form allowed him to maneuver much faster, he proved capable of dodging the spells that weakened him.

Seeing Twilight was about to launch a spell, he used his tail to strike her in the horn, stunning her and sending her flying back.
"You bastard!" Naruto, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack rushed him from three different sides. The toxic smog having been blast away thanks to powerful gusts from the Pegasus. Before they could reach him he began spewing a ring of fire around him causing them to stop in his tracks and took to the air. Rainbow took to the air ready to use some martial arts before the dragon took a deep breath and let out a deafening roar. Its smaller form only served to compress the mighty creature's roar to near skull splitting decibels, completely stunning Rainbow Dash as her mind went about recovering from the attack.

The creature was caught off guard as a twin set of feet drove into its back and send it crashing back into the ground. Naruto and Applejack went on pressing the attack which was able to force the creature back, thanks to the pain channeling throughout its body from Shine Spark's spell. Suddenly remembering what happened earlier in the battle the creature allowed the two earth ponies to strike, fighting through the pain of their strikes to his torso. Drawing his hand back he jabbed three of his nails into Naruto's shoulder.

Naruto let out a wail in pain as his body seemed to seize up from the pain. The very magic prepared for the purpose of weakening the toughness of a dragon's hide was being used against them. The potency of both the magic and spell proved its effectiveness by crippling his body. Applejack paused and turned to grab the blond and tried to get them out of there, but the dragon was not going to give up the opportunity to put them down. The creature's roar and sudden lunge drew Applejack's attention.

She wasn't going to be able to move in time. Suddenly a blur of pink had appeared between them and moved them out of the creature's path. Applejack let out a sigh of relief. "I hope ya'll have a plan cuz ah sure don't." Applejack remarked as Rarity finished using her telekinesis to bring over Rainbow's body. Shine Spark and Twilight were out of the fight thanks to how much of the smog they inhaled and Rainbow was unable to stand straight still.

"We were hoping you had one." Pinkie Pie answered her usual characteristic exuberance absent. Neither Pinkie nor Rarity had any abilities that could take on a dragon, hence why it was suggested they stood back if they went the route of combating the dragon.
The dragon charged forward and was about to attack when he found himself blind-sided by a kick.

A restrained cry escaped Naruto’s lips as he tried to repress the pain. "N-Naruto!" Rarity cried out.

“Get the others…get them a safe distance.” He said as the dragon began to recover. Clutching his fists, Naruto readied himself for the dragon’s attack. With a flap of his wings he shot forward as Naruto edged back and launched a fist between the creature’s eyes causing him to jolt back from the impact.

Suddenly the creature’s tail wrapped around his ankle and yanked Naruto off his feet. Naruto rolled over as the creature’s foot smashed into the ground causing a crater where his head was. Getting back to his feet Naruto decided it was time to turn the tables. Seeing as there was the possibility for combat, Naruto made the decision to create clones to gather sage chakra.

Dispelling a clone Naruto went into sage mode and nearly blacked out from the transformation. ‘The magic spell is being fueled by the magic in the energy you drew in. Your body won’t be able to handle it. You have to handle this quickly.”

Naruto immediately pressed the attack, hitting it with several frog kata strikes, to which the dragon found himself unable to defend against. He didn’t understand how he was being struck without being physically touched.

‘I got…I got to end this now.’ Naruto formed a Rasengan in his hand, but the stress was too much. His body seized up and he began coughing up blood. He could feel the faint sound of voices but he couldn’t move. Suddenly he felt arms being wrapped around him. He wanted to shout at them, tell them to get out of there, but he couldn’t move.

Upon realizing that he was no longer being beaten around, the Dragon made his move. The dragon decided to transform back into his larger body. It had been ages since he last had entertainment so he decided to make it last. Using his tail he flung it at them. Naruto using what strength he had left knocked Rarity and Pinkie Pie down as the tail knocked him back into a boulder, causing it to shatter and reveal that Fluttershy had been hiding behind it.

The moment the fight started Fluttershy had hid behind the boulder in fright. She just couldn't, she couldn't face one of those creatures again. She began having flashbacks to that day. To that day she was almost devoured as a filly by one of the greed controlled dragons when she stumbled upon its horde by accident one day when she was exploring to meet more animals.
She was shaken, paralyzed with fear as tears streamed down her cheeks. The heavy footsteps caused her to fall over and that's when Fluttershy caught site of her friends. Bruised, beaten, cut up, and terrified. The dragon began spewing flames at them, causing Rarity and Pinkie to cry out in fear while Applejack let out a stream of curses cutting them off from the downed stallion and the others. The dragon was tormenting them.

It was hurting her friends.

In that moment, something deep inside the Pegasus has snapped. Her face took on an expression of fury. 'How dare you.' The wings of the Pegasus extended. "How dare you!" The fierceness and intensity of the statement caught everypony off guard.
"Fluttershy?" Rarity asked in utter surprise.

She zoomed right up onto the dragon's snout, glaring right into his eye, scolding, "If you think I'll stand by and let you hurt my friends then you are sorely mistaken. What gives you the right to come into Equestria and decide to do whatever you want, huh? What have any of us done to provoke such a reaction? All we asked is that you please move somewhere else so you wouldn't end up damaging our town. You think just because you're a dragon you can come and throw your weight around like some bully? You may have huge teeth, and sharp scales, and snore smoke, and breathe fire. You can air your grievances all you want, but you do not- I repeat- You do not! Hurt! My! Friends! You got that?"

Everypony couldn't stop gaping and were shocked as the dragon lowered his head submissively. The dragon was utterly surprised at the bravery of this little one. And those eyes. Looking into those eyes a sense of dread began to fill him. He had already been on the receiving end of the ponies' magic once already, he did not want to press his luck.

"This matter only escalated because the Rainbow one attacked me while I rested. If I had been left in peace the situation would not have escalated as it had."

The revelation that he wasn't a mindless greed beast had shocked the others. Most loner dragons were either on a quest to which they journey only with the items required for this soul searching journey or they were dragons that gave into their greed. Either for a lust of wealth or for the size and rage which would grant them strength proportionate to their size. Size was also something of a status in dragon culture.

"And I'm very sorry about that," Fluttershy replied, "but you know full and well most of my friends tried to be very diplomatic about that before it came to that point. You refused knowing full and well your actions were going to be harmful to others. Now could you please move so your smog will stop putting the area in risk?"

"Very well yellow one. Your courage is rather commendable I will oblige by your request."

Fluttershy then landed on the ground where the others were waiting for her. Since Shine Spark knew a healing spell she was able to jump start Twilight and Rainbow's recovery as well as cast the counter spells for the spells that magnified the sensation of pain as well as screw up the nervous system of the victim on Naruto.

"You did it!" Twilight cheered.

"That was amazing Fluttershy." Naruto added.

"My word I never knew you get like that." Rarity voiced in surprise.

"Who-wee remind me ta never get on your bad side." Applejack playfully remarked.

"That was amazing, way to go Fluttershy." Pinkie Pie stated.

"Yeah, you were a total badass." Rainbow added.

Fluttershy blushed under the praise of her friends.

"A job well done indeed, which means I can report back to the Princess that the situation was resolved." Shine Spark then added, "Good job by the way Miss Fluttershy." She supposed there may be a bit of something to these bearers after all. Maybe. Either way, it wasn't her place to question her majesty after all.

As you can see more hints into Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy's past. Full disclosure has yet to be revealed of course.
So I have a few questions for you guys and gals and I'm hoping you're willing to answer them.
How big you would personally like for the harem to be? Remember these are just answers you're giving me for me to contemplate on.
Whose you're favorite character in this fic? Whose interpretations do you like the most? Why do you like them? Who do you want to see romantically paired? Why do you want to see them romantically paired? Whose interview do you want to see next?

Also if anyone has any suggestions, like popular fanon ideals or anything at all fun they want to see added to the fic let me know. Anyway I think its finally time to start getting into the Applejack and Pinkie Pie portions of the fic. I haven't decided who to go with next, so bear with me.