Spike and Cyro ran ahead of the group to look up at the massive arena before them in awe. It's tremendously tall stone walls towered over almost any structure Spike had seen before, and the regal purple banners that hung on the sides of the walls demanded the utmost respect to anyone who would gaze upon it.

"It's a lot bigger than it looked in the city," Cyro said as he looked to the imposing structure.

"To be honest it looked big even there." Spike said; spacing out a little as he gawked at the sight of the huge coliseum.

Winslow patted Spike on the back as he walked by; ushering him to follow with Coba to the front gate as they passed by the two dragons. "Follow Coba, he knows where to go."

The two dragons approached the large iron gate to the arena with Jhettei; tagging behind as he was surveying his surroundings. There were many guards lining the circumference of the arena, two of which were standing guard by the main entrance. Their attire was alien to what Spike was used to in Equestria. He was acclimatized to the centurion-style armour of the Equestrian royal guard, and the gear the Twhubi wore was far from a centurion.

The armour was a glimmering bronze, and on it was various etchings of lions and various jungle animals Spike was unfamiliar with. A plate of metal concealed the guard's faces like a cowl, along with purple wraps that formed a sort of hood as it covered the rest of the head. In fact, almost all of a guard's skin had been covered by both armour-plating and purple cloth.

"Halt." The guard on the left side of the gate said as he put his hand out to stop the group. "State your name and business."

"I am Coba Munyetta, and this is Spike," Coba said as he turned his head to Spike. "We are entering the tournament."

"What of his last name?" The guard said curiously.

"He... uh..." Coba said nervously.

"Drafir, it is Spike Drafir." A familiar voice finished Spike's sentence.

Draven made his way to the guards along with the rest of his small group. He patted Spike on the shoulder as he stood beside him.

"Sorry, if I was a tad late boyo." Draven chuckled lightly as he looked down to Spike.

"Are you all with Spike and Coba?" The guard asked.

"Yes sir, we are," Twilight said as she found her way to the front as well.

The guard laid eyes on Twilight only for a brief moment before dropping to one knee in respect. He put his arm across his chest, and he laid his spear on the ground beside him.

"An absolute honour to meet you Princess Twilight Sparkle." The guard has said as he grabbed her hand and held it in front of his lowered head. "I had no idea that the Equestria was sending you to watch the tournament."

"I-I'm sorry what?" Twilight said; flabbergasted by the guard below her.

"Your princess, Celestia, she sent you to represent Equestria did she not?" The guard asked.

Draven nudged Twilight on the arm to get her attention as he nodded to her to say "yes". Twilight quickly snapped out of it as Draven gestured to her to say it to the guard.

"Um, yes... of course. These people are my associates, and um- Coba and Spike represent Equestria in this tournament." Twilight said; shifting her way of speech to a more proper Canterlot accent.

"Very well your highness. Follow me to your chamber's." The guard said as he turned to the large door.

"Um, sir? We're entering as well. My name is Cyro, and this is Jhettei." Cyro stated as he gestured to Jhettei, who was standing behind the group.

"You will have to join the rest of the competitors while I escort these ponies to their chambers. You should be able to ask a guard where your living area will be." The guard said to the left-out frost-dragon.

The large metal doors swung open slowly to reveal a huge room filled with competitors gathering near the center. Twilight entered first, but after entering she was directed to a flight of stairs on the right, along with the rest of her group.

Cyro held Spike's arm before he went up and gave him a grin. "I'll see you in the arena, Hotshot."

"Yeah, I'll see you there!" Spike said gleefully as he began walking up the steps.

****

The Equestrian Quarter was huge. It was familiarly decorated like a typical nobleman's house in Canterlot. The main room was coloured with blue and silver, and various tea-sets and utensils were stocked in the many cupboards that lined the walls. The other rooms adjoined to it had enough beds to house an Equestrian battalion. Each room was decorated with the same design as the main room and had chests and drawers along with many closets for clothing. Gin excitedly ran up to the couch on the right of her and jumped on it; letting out a deep sign of instant relaxation as she plopped down onto it.

"Lucky bastards... Is this how you folks always live back home?" Gin asked as she turned her head to face Twilight.

"Well... not always." Spike said bashfully. "This is something you would see in Canterlot or the Crystal Empire, not Ponyville "

"It's a hell of a lot better than a creaking old ship that smells like a dead rat!" Gin laughed to herself.

"Hey! I'll have you know that it does not creak, and it doesn't smell at all... I quite like it!" Draven said; a little offended by Gin's words.

"Whatever you say, Captain!" Gin chuckled.

"Draven, did you know we would represent Equestria?" Twilight asked; curious about what had happened at the gate. "By that I mean, were you aware of my status as Princess?"

"Aye, I was. Although I had no idea you'd get mixed up in all of this. I was originally going to say the same thing you said back there." Draven explained. "Granted, who are they going to believe serves Celestia? Some dragon, or an actual Princess? You saved me a hell of a lot of explaining lass."

Fluttershy sat down on the couch adjacent to Gin and began massaging her hooves as she lifted her legs up to her. "All of that walking made my hooves sore."

"Mine ache as well." Winslow said as he sat down beside Fluttershy; causing her to blush a little.

Gin giggled a little under her breath as she eyed the two sitting beside each other.

"What's funny?" Winslow asked as he looked to Gin.

"Oh, nothing." Gin uttered as she got up and walked off to a room down the hall; smiling as she did so.

"Princess Twilight, your chamber is just down that hallway on the right side near the end." The guard stated as he pointed down the long hallway in front of him. "I believe I shall take my leave."

As the guard left, another zebra entered the room in his place. Only this time it was not a guard, but what looked like a nobleman or high ranking officer. He approached Twilight and bowed as she got close.

"A pleasure to make your acquaintance Princess Twilight, I am Prince Wantinga. I have heard much about you." The extensively dressed stallion said as he gave salutations.

"Thank you." Twilight said, slightly flattered by all of the respect she was getting.

"I take it your fighters are ready? The tournament will begin shortl-." The zebra cut off as he looked to Coba.

The two looked at each other for a moment as if they were completely shocked but hugged each other after eyeing each other intently, as if making sure they were, in fact, not dreaming.

"Coba!" The zebra-prince said as he put his hand on Coba's shoulder. "You look well brother!"

"Brother?!" Twilight and the rest of the group said; completely stunned.

"Ah, yes. Everyone, allow me to introduce you to my brother, Prince Wantinga Munyetta." Coba said as he placed his arm around his brother's shoulder with a gleeful smile.

"What the hell Coba? Your royalty, and you neglected to tell us?" Gin shouted in protest.

"Well, I'm not technically royalty. The eldest inherits the title of Prince." Coba said as he cheerfully gestured to his brother beside him, although his expression changed to worried once he turned to his brother. "How is father Wantinga?"

"Not well. He is becoming more and more plagued by his illness every day." Prince Wantinga said as he looked down at the ground. "I fear your absence has made it worse."

Coba was saddened by his brother's words as he sighed in sorrow. "As I feared."

"Your father is sick?" Spike asked as he rose from his chair.

"He has been for many years..." Prince Wantinga said; heartbroken by the thought of his father. "I fear it has finally taken hold of him, and I don't think he will live much longer."

"What ails him?" Winslow asked. "Can it be cured?"

"We are not sure about his illness. Some say it is a pestilence of some sort, others say it is a curse, but I think it is just his body giving out from old-age, and something like that cannot be cured." Wantinga explained as he sat down on a chair adjacent from his brother. "I don't know what to do if and when he passes. I'm not sure if I'll have the strength he had."

"You will be a good king, brother. I know that for a fact." Coba reassured Wantinga.

"Thank you, Coba," Wantinga said as he got up from his seat. "I cannot keep this saddened spirit within me for the tournament. This should be a splendid occasion for the people of Wantthai. Their own Coba has returned to his people to witness the tournament!" Wantinga joyfully laughed.

"I appreciate your hospitality brother, but I am not here to reunite with my people. I am here to enter the tournament with the fire-dragon." Coba said with an expression of utter determination.

"I see." Wantinga said; hiding his disappointment from his brother. "Well, I wish you the best of luck in the coming days brother. Know that I am watching you and cheering you on."

Wantinga left the room down the staircase; leaving Coba slightly regretful of his actions. Although he knew his family wished to accept him again, he could not let family get in the way of his mission. His train of thought was interrupted by the sound of trumpets and the boom of the crowd.

"They are about to start Spike," Coba said as he grabbed his arm.

"Um, wait a minute please." Spike politely asked as he let go from Coba's grasp, and he walked up to Twilight. "So I, uh... guess I'm-"

Spike was silenced as Twilight pulled him close for a hug. "Good luck Spike."

Fluttershy stood up and gave him a hug as well. "I'll be rooting for you."

Spike smiled as he walked down the steps; stopping for a moment on the first step to look at Twilight one last time before going down.

****

Spike was beside Coba in the long line of eager competitors waiting behind the door to the arena. He looked around for any familiar faces, but none was to be found. Although most of the noise was muffled by the large iron doors that blocked off the entrance to the coliseum, Spike could still hear the announcer.

"People of the Blacklands! You have waited long enough! May I present to you... your challengers!" The announcer yelled as the iron doors slowly creaked open.

The sound of cheering was deafening as it entered Spike's ears, and he had almost covered them as the sound of trumpets hailed their arrival into the gigantic arena. The circle shaped battlefield was lined with dozens on soldiers in a formation; making a sort of runway for the fighters to walk along as the people roared with joy.

"Representing Canterlot, and the Equestrian Empire... Coba and Spike!" The announcer yelled as one of the guards ushered the two outside.

The crowd's cheering grew louder as Spike put his hand up and waved. Coba simply put his hands at his side as he looked forward; walking like a soldier to the end of the guards. They were directed by one of the guards to remain standing in the center while the other competitors lined up beside them.

"From the Changeling Empire... Viper and Sigrid!" The announcer shouted as the changeling and pegasus lined up beside Spike on the left side.

Viper looked at Spike and stuck out his forked tongue; hissing at him as he did so. The display from Viper got him nervous about the upcoming fights ahead, and he knew a mercenary like him had a lot more experience in fighting than Spike could ever have. Regardless he tried not to think about it, as he knew that would only guarantee failure in the future.

"And all the way from the Northlands in Equestria... Cyro and Jhettei!" The announcer bellowed as the blue dragon and short stallion waved to the crowd down the isle of soldiers; taking their place on the opposite side of Coba and Spike.

"And from the Crystal Empire... Stín and Armandura!" The announcer howled as two stallions made their way into the line.

Armandura was dressed in a brown leather armour that covered his entire body, along with a red cape and hooded cowl that concealed his features. Stín's face was shrouded by a large white hood that hid his expressions in shadow, and his body was wrapped in a white robe. He carried with him a crystal sword on his belt that shone a dim grey light, and beneath his hood his eyes were glowing a similar color.

Spike felt a chill run down up his spine when his eyes were locked with Armandura as he just got in-line. He didn't know what to think of it at first. His presence seemed... familiar to Spike, almost like déjà vu, but different.

"Do you know anything about those two Coba?" Spike whispered.

"I know that Stín is the Crystal Empire's grand-mage. The other, I have no idea." Coba answered as he also locked eyes with the pair.

As other competitors exited the door, Spike scanned the crowd for Twilight and found her separated on a balcony next to the King of Wantthai; smiling as she caught a glimpse of Spike waving to her. He felt a lot less nervous after seeing Twilight watching her, and Spike always felt more secure knowing Twilight had his back. Spike knew he needed Twilight, and he knew she needed him as well. Perhaps Twilight was meant to join him on this journey with Fluttershy. Perhaps Twilight would always join Spike wherever he went, and maybe this is what comforted him the most; knowing he had friends like Twilight and Fluttershy to follow him in his footsteps.

"You look as if in deep thought my friend," Coba stated as he noticed the blank expression on Spike's face. "Something wrong?"

"No, not at all. In fact, quite the opposite... perhaps I don't count my blessings as much as I should." Spike said as he looked down; smiling a little.

"You have good friends Spike. I think that's more than enough to get you through what lies ahead in the next couple days." Coba said as he looked up at Twilight. "Look at that... She's already made a friend out of my father. "

"Well, they don't call her 'The Princess of Friendship' back home for nothing," Spike said as his grin grew larger.

"So without further ado, may the tournament commence!" The announcer shouted as the sound of cannons rang out, coupled with the cries of the roaring crowd.

"Now it gets interesting..." Draven said as he sat down in the seat beside Twilight.

Author's Notes:

To tell you the truth, I'm awfully-excited to write the upcoming chapters ahead! I've got a lot in store!

Hope you enjoyed!