At the castle of the Dragon Lord, Spike was lying in his bed sleeping peacefully once again having a fantasy about his harem, "Yes, Twilight. That's the spot. Rarity! Oh, yes so soft," he was suddenly brought out of his slumber by a dragon's roar which practically shook the area. Spike ended up falling out of bed bright and awake, "Ugh! Dragon's roaring is worse than alarm clocks," he groaned, before remembering, "Right, Gauntlet of Fire. I got to get over to the cliff." Spike got changed and transformed into his dragon self before heading off.

As he left his room he spotted Stone all set, "Morning, Spike."

"Morning, Stone. Nice to see you're not sleeping in." Spike joked.

"There's too much riding on this tournament, Spike. No time for being lazy."

"That's good to hear." Spike said, as they left the castle and flew for the cliff.

As they arrived they saw the rest of the dragons were arriving as well. Spike looked around seeing many of the dragons were wear sets of armor and helmets. He and Stone suddenly saw the painted Ember also wearing armor to hide herself from her father. They kept silent as Torch announced, "Welcome Dragons to the Gauntlet of Fire. I hope you had a good nights rest because you'll have needed it. Remember, you all came here to compete at your own peril. And now there's no turning back. Flying to Flamecano Island is the first of many challenges you will face in your quest to find the Bloodstone Scepter. The first dragon to obtain it and bring it back here will be the new Dragon Lord!"

The dragons cheered, while Spike and Stone pretended to be excited. Spike was suddenly startled by louder cheering, "YOU CAN DO IT, SPIKE!" Spike looked over and saw Pinkie Pie dressed as a cheerleader while waving pompoms around. She and the rest of the girls were off to the side ready to see their two dragon friends off.

"My own cheer squad. I'm so popular." Spike chuckled.

Torch spoke up, "You all may begin at the blow of my fire!" and with that Torch launched a blast of fire, and the dragons took off flying for the island.

"And they're off!" Applejack called.

"Yes, they are," Torch said, and yawned, "Well, I'm gonna catch me some winks until one of them returns." he was ready to go off.

"Don't you wanna know how it's going on with them?" Lyra asked.

"It'll make no difference to me. Whoever makes it here with the scepter will be my successor." Torch left to go nap.

"I can't believe we have to sit back and just wait." Rainbow sighed in boredom.

"Maybe. Maybe not." Twilight smirked, as she used her magic to display a rectangular screen with Spike and Stone in it flying across the sea while avoiding blasts of water shooting up from the mouths of sea worms.

"You can do it, Spike!" Bonbon cheered.

"Go, Stone!" Octavia cheered her boyfriend on.

With the two dragons, they were flying around the geysers of water being shot up, while other dragons ended up getting hit and landed in the sea. Spike looked down seeing the ones who were hit flew back into the air, "Gotta give it to these lunk heads, they're determined."

"No kidding." Stone agreed, as they avoided another geyser shot.

Spike looked and saw Ember was also dodging the geyser shots as well, "What a woman," he swooned, until he saw the Dragon Garble get his chin hit by a geyser knocking him back and whacking Ember making her plummet into the sea. Garble just flew on with the others. Spike gasped, as Ember was sinking, "She'll drown!" Spike dove down into the water.

"Spike!" Stone called, but couldn't help but join him.

The girls saw Spike and Stone dive into the water, "Are they crazy?!" Rainbow asked in disbelief.

"They're going back to help someone in need, Rainbow." Sunset replied.

"Especially since they're doing it for her." Rarity reminded Rainbow.

"Well, they better pick up the pace after this." Rainbow said.

Spike and Stone resurfaced, before they flew the unconscious Ember to the island. They laid her down, and removed her helmet seeing she was still unconscious, "Ok, in times like this CPR is required," Spike said, as he started the basics, "Tilt the head back, plug the nostrils, and administer mouth to mouth." he started moving in for her mouth. Stone watched wondering how this would play out.

Suddenly Ember's right eye opened, and what she saw was Spike moving right in for her with his mouth opened. Seeing this, made her let out a panicked scream causing Spike to scream as well, before pulling away from her. Stone chuckled, before Ember sat up and coughed up water, "What're you doing?"

"I was doing CPR. I know what I'm doing. I learned it in Health Class." Spike explained.

"Well, this is just great I get knocked off into the sea and now my body paint was washed off." Ember grumbled.

"Technically you only needed it so your dad wouldn't recognize your scales," Stone explained, "But now that we're away from him, you don't need it."

"Whatever. Why did you guys save me back there?" she asked.

"One, we need you in the game if you want to be Dragon Lord," Spike began, "And two, if there's one thing we've been taught it's to never turn our backs on our friends."

"And that's a fact." Stone finished.

Ember raised a brow, "We're friends?"

"Why not?" Stone asked.

"You may think dragons don't do things like friends or anything else, but remember what Bahamut said?" Spike asked, "In his day dragons were a symbol of strength and wisdom. And I'd like us to renew that belief among the dragons starting with you."

"Well, said. My friend." Bahamut spoke from the gem.

Ember sighed, "If you say so, but we gotta move before some other dragon claims the scepter." Ember said, before dawning her helmet.

"Look out!" Spike called, as he pushed her out of the way before a boulder almost crushed them. Ember looked over seeing what could've been her, and up at Spike who was on top of her. She had a blush on her face, but shook it off, "Where'd that come from?" Spike wondered.

"From them." Stone motioned to some big lizard creatures on the mountain hurling boulders at the other dragons with their big tails.

"What're those things?" Spike asked.

Ember answered, "They're slingtails. Dad never settles for anything small, especially for obstacles."

"Well, come on. We got to get around them." Spike said, as the three dragons returned to the race.

The girls watched in relief, "Phew, that's a relief." Twilight sighed.

"I can't believe he almost gave CPR to Ember." Fluttershy said.

"Makes me glad she did wake up before he did." Rarity replied.

Spike, Stone, and Ember started flying circles around the mountain while avoiding boulders launched by the slingtails, "What're we looking for?" Spike asked.

"There should be an opening in the mountain somewhere." Ember looked around.

"There it is!" Stone saw an opening.

They saw Garble had landed before them, and the red dragon looked at the three, "Catch ya later, losers." he went inside.

"Come on, let's go." Ember was ready to follow, only for Spike to grab her arm, "Hey!"

"Hold up, Princess. Watch." Spike said, as they saw a blast of fire shoot out form the cave, and three dragons flew out covered in soot.

"How'd you know?" Ember asked.

"I have a strong sense of smell." Spike explained.

"Huh. Very handy. Come on." Ember said, as the three ran inside.

They entered, and saw several dragons struggling through the next obstacle being stalagmites and stalactites rising and dropping from the floor and ceiling before going back up or down again, "This could be difficult." Spike said in worry.

"Not so much," Stone smirked, "If I know my videogames this is just like the castle levels in Yoshi's Island."

Ember was confused, "Who's Yoshi and what're videogames?"

Stone replied, "Never mind, just follow my lead!" he led the two through the obstacle and avoiding the spikes.

Garble meanwhile was punching his way through the dropping or rising spikes, like it was nothing, "Man, this power up is so gonna make me the new lord." he went to catch up.

The trio had entered a cavern loaded with lava pools, Spike looked down into one, "Mm. Steam. Like a jacuzzi." he said with a southern drawl.

"Yeah, sort of." Stone replied, "Hop in!" he knocked Spike forward and he fell into one of the pools.

Spike emegred while flaying his arms around, "Help! I'm burning!" after flailing around he looked down seeing he was fine, "It's not that hot."

"We do have strong hides. Enough to swim in lava." Stone reminded him.

"Oh, well cool." Spike got out.

"He's seriously the vessel to the dragon king?" Ember asked in disbelief.

Bahamut answered, "My partner may be silly and ridiculous at times, but beneath that is the heart of a true dragon."

"Thanks, pal." Spike smiled.

"Come on, we need to get moving." Stone said, as they were ready to move on, until they saw Garble blocking their way.

"You three aren't going anywhere." he stood his ground.

"Oh, and who's going to stop us? You?" Spike asked with a chuckle.

"Even you know one dragon alone is no match for three dragons." Stone explained, as he drew his sword.

"Maybe, but I'm more than a match with my power boost!" Garble replied, as dark magic surrounded him. The three backed up in shock at this sudden change.

"What's going on?" Ember asked.

"That's dark magic surrounding him," Stone noted, "Incredibly dark magic."

Back with the girls, they had noticed the change in Garble, which left Twilight shocked, "This can't be. A Dragon shouldn't be able to use dark magic like that."

"Tell that to him." Vinyl said.

Garble spoke to the trio, "Only I am getting my hands on the Bloodstone Scepter. And when I do, Lord Tirek's gonna award me gratefully."

Spike and Stone were taken aback, "Lord Tirek?" Spike asked.

"You work for him?" Stone inquired.

"That's right. And thanks to this power boost he's given me. I'm stronger than any dragon here." Garble smirked.

"We'll see about that." Spike said, as he got ready, only for Stone to block him.

"No. You and Ember go find the scepter. I got this."

"Are you sure?" Ember asked.

"I am," he readied his sword, and zipped at Garble holding him back, "Hurry, go!" Spike and Ember taking advantage of the distraction hurried past the two and further into the Flamecano.

Garble broke the grappled and spoke, "Guess I'll deal with you first, halfbreed."

"Bring it." Stone replied, as both he and Garble fought.

"Come on, Stone!" Octavia cheered him on, along with Spike's girls.

"You got this!" Pinkie called.

Garble was using his dark magic enhanced strength to fight back against Stone, who was parrying him with his sword. Garble spoke, "Tirek told me of how you fought your dad using your special ability. But I'm not gonna lose like he did." Garble launched a blast of dark fire from his mouth at Stone.

The kirin dodged before seeing the blast destroyed a lava pool causing lava to pour out. Stone thought, 'That dark magic really is really affecting him. I better end this quick.' he activated Tempest and started striking at Garble resulting in him getting cuts and scars. But Garble was staying strong almost like it wasn't hurting him as much as it should.

"Nice try, halfbreed. But your sword cuts won't be enough to knock me down." Garble mocked.

"Then how about I bring the cavern down on you?" Stone asked as he powered up Calldander and sent a shockwave of energy from it at Garble who used his magic to redirect it upward to the ceiling. This result caused stalactites to rain down on them. Stone was dodging with Tempest before seeing Garble escape before the exit was closed up by the stalactites, "No!" he cried before escaping the stalactites, "I got to go after him!" he started pulling away the rubble.

"Garble's escaped Stone." Fluttershy gasped.

"I can't believe Tirek had a dragon spy this whole time." Sunset said in shock.

"And a dragon like Garble with that kind of magic spells enormous amounts of trouble." Twilight feared.

"Let's check in on Spike and Ember." Applejack suggested.

Twilight nodded, and the screen shifted back to Spike and Ember who were wandering through a cavern of caves, "Oh they're all right." Rarity said in relief.

"They won't be for long." Vinyl said, as they saw Garble approaching from behind.

Spike and Ember were looking around, "Oh, man it could be in any of these crevices." Spike sighed.

"We'll find it. We have too." Ember said, as they looked through the caves.

"Not if I can help it." Garble approached while looking mad.

"Oh, shit." Spike cursed.

"Be careful, Spike. That dark magic is strong." Bahamut warned him.

"Well, then I just gotta be stronger." Spike answered, as he powered up into his armor form.

"So that's the armor of the dragon king?" Ember looked in awe, "Now that's cool."

"You ain't seen cool yet." Spike answered, as he attacked Garble with his raw strength while Garble did the same.

The two dragons grappled, as Garble spoke, "When I'm Dragon Lord, you will have no choice to be loyal to me and to Tirek."

"It doesn't matter if you become Dragon Lord. I'd never serve you or Tirek!" Spike threw Garble over his shoulder and into a wall.

"Spike, I see the scepter!" Ember called, as she looked down a tunnel.

They looked in and saw the scepter sticking out of a crystal, "The Bloodstone Scepter," Spike gasped, "Go on, Ember. Take it."

"Before I do. I just wanna say thanks, Spike. For helping me through this. No dragon's ever done anything so nice for me before."

"Good to be there for a friend, Ember." Spike smiled.

Ember smiled back, "Yeah, friends." they walked for the crystal, only for Ember to be tackled away by Garble.

"Ember!" Spike shouted.

Garble and Ember grappled in the air, "So Torch's daughter decided to take part in this? I thought he said only a big strong dragon can win this tournament."

Ember frowned, "I'm strong enough to keep you down!" she threw him into a wall, only for Garble to regain air support before crashing.

Spike flew past Ember and attacked Garble, "Grab the scepter!"

"Ok!" Ember ran to the crystal, and saw the scepter, "Yes." she pulled it out and the scepter enveloped her in a fiery glow sending a shockwave through the Flamecano alerting the other dragons.

The girls seeing this knew Ember won, "Yes!" they cheered.

Ember stood tall with the scepter in hand, as Spike and Garble saw her. Spike turned to Garble and spoke, "It's over, Garble. Ember's the new Dragon Lord."

"Not yet she's not," Garble retorted, "Not until she brings it back to Torch. And none of you are leaving here alive!" he fought Spike as they landed on the ground.

"Hang on, Spike!" Ember called, as she flew in and fought Garble.

"If any dragon's gonna be Dragon Lord, it's me!" Garble scratched at Ember knocking her down and the scepter landing out of her hand.

"No!" the girls cried.

"At last it's mine." Garble smirked, as he was prepared to take the Bloodstone Scepter.

"YOU!" came a growling voice. Garble looked over and saw Spike stomping toward him looking as mad as hell. What also shocked Garble was seeing a magical aura around him like his only it was colored light brilliant raspberry with a touch of purple mixing in it.

Twilight watched this through the magic screen in shock, "No way. That's my magic aura."

"So how come Spike has it?" Applejack asked.

"I'm not sure." Twilight answered.

Back inside the Flamecano, Spike growled at Garble, "You hurt my friend!"

"Dragons don't do friends!" Garble argued.

"TO HELL WITH THAT SHIT!" Spike tackled Garble and fought hard and rough against the red dragon.

Garble was using all his dark magic enhanced strength against Spike, but was starting to lose his edge. Ember groaned before looking up and saw Spike fighting Garble like a true warrior. The girl dragon watched in amaze at the armored dragon beating the dark magic powered dragon, and started to blush, 'Wow.' she thought.

Spike threw a punch to Garble face disorienting him before announcing, "Your magic may be dark, but even dark can be extinguished!" his magic aura started increasing and with a powerful roar unleashed a blast of magic from his medallion. Garble's eyes widened as he was engulfed by the magic which removed Tirek's dark magic from his body returning him to normal.

Garble looked at himself before frowning, "No matter. I can still take you down for Tirek! I won't be bullied by..." Garble was cut off when Spike got behind him and grabbed the red dragon's tail. He started slamming Garble right from left on the ground and the walls. With one final smash to the ground Garble laid in a smashed outline of his body groaning.

Spike placed his foot on Garble's torso pinning him down, before reaching downward grabbing him by the throat. The girls watched in fear of Spike going to kill him, but instead Spike said to Garble, "You will be loyal to me now!"

Garble gagged, "You can't make me!" Spike got into his face and growled.

"Can't I?!" Garble looked into Spike's eyes as if he was looking into the eyes of death.

"I-I will serve you. Just don't kill me!" he squirmed.

Spike released Garble's throat and answered, "Trash like you isn't worth killing."

"Spike?" Ember asked, as she approached him still carrying the Bloodstone Scepter.

Spike powered down his armor and spoke, "Ember, you ok?"

"I'm fine," she smiled, "You were awesome back there."

"So were you. And see you got the scepter."

"I owe you and Stone for that."

"Someone call me?" Stone asked, as he came down the tunnel.

"There you are. What took you?" Spike asked.

"There were a lot of boulders to clear away," Stone answered before seeing the state of Garble, "What happened to him?"

"I persuaded him to shift his loyalty to me." Spike smirked.

"Wished I could've seen it." Stone said.

Spike turned to Ember, "Thanks for looking out for me as well, Ember."

"Hey, we're friends, remember?"

"You bet." Spike hugged her.

"What is this?" she asked.

"Where I'm from we call this a hug." Spike explained.

"I don't know if I like it," Ember said unsure, until she gave it a try and returned the gesture, "Actually, I think I do."

'So do I.' Spike thought as he felt her rack press against his chest.

"Guys, I hate to break up the moment, but shouldn't we be somewhere now?" Stone reminded them. The two remembered, and headed out of the Flamecano, with Stone carrying Garble on his back.

At the meeting spot Torch continued to wait for the dragons to return with the girls, until they saw the dragons returning, "They're here!" Pinkie cheered.

Torch looked up hoping to see the winner, and to his shock saw Ember holding the scepter. The dragon girl flew up to her dad, as he spoke, "Ember? You?!" he growled.

Ember spoke before her dad could continue, "I know you didn't think I could do it, but I did."

"I expressly told you not to do it because you're not..." Ember shouted back.

"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! You remember what Bahamut said? We dragons were a symbol of strength and wisdom in your day. Maybe I don't have that kind of strength compared to you, but you know what? I can do wisdom. And I'll share Bahamut's beliefs from his day with future generations so that maybe ponies and other creatures won't be so scared of us!"

Spike smirked, as Bahamut spoke, "Your daughter is wise, Torch. Maybe wiser than even I was."

Torch processed all Ember said, as well as listening to his old friend before speaking, "I was wrong, Ember," the girls watched with interest as Torch continued, "You may not be big, but you are strong. And smart. And perhaps that does count for more than I ever gave credit for. And you will make an excellent leader." he smiled.

Ember smiled back for finally getting on good terms with him, "Thanks, pop. Agree with him!" Ember announced to the other dragons. They looked confused, until she spoke again, "I'm kidding. That's not going to be my thing." Torch and the other dragons laughed at her humor.

"Dragons hear me!" Torch announced, "I present t you our new Dragon Lord, Ember!" The dragons cheered and applauded for their new leader, as well as the girls.

Stone flew up holding Garble upside down by the tail, "Though we're gonna have to do something about this one."

Spike spoke to Torch, "Apparently Garble here was a spy sent by Tirek."

"Tirek?!" Torch asked, "That vile power stealing horn head?!"

"Yeah. He wanted Garble to win the Gauntlet so he can control the dragons and even force me to work for him." Spike explained, "But don't worry. Garble's changed his loyalty to me now. Though you're gonna have to keep him here under tight security."

"Duly noted." Torch replied.

"And dad, I've also decided on something else." Ember continued.

"What is that, my daughter."

Ember turned to Spike and smirked before announcing, "I've decided to make Spike Drake my husband!"

"WHAT?!" the girls gasped.

"Huh?" Spike asked in shock.

"Figured." Stone said.

Torch hearing this spoke up, "Now, Ember, let's not make rash decisions here!"

"I made up my mind, dad. Spike has all the qualities I could ever ask for in a husband," she looked to Spike, "He's brave, kind, strong, and would sacrifice himself for the safety of those he cares for."

"Shucks, I'm speechless." Spike replied with a blush.

Ember continued, "And even though it would mean becoming part of his harem, I would gladly become a part of it."

"And it is in my partners best interest to accept it," Bahamut spoke up, "After all, Torch. It is his passion, you know."

Torch seeing not only has his daughter made up her mind but also knew is was dangerous to interfere with a Dragon's Passion. Swallowing his pride, he answered, "If that is what you wish, Ember. Then I accept it."

"Thanks." Ember smiled.

Torch turned to Spike, "And as for you, Spike Drake. I trust you will treat Ember with much love and respect. Otherwise you'll be hearing from me." he raised a claw.

"Don't worry, Torch," Bahamut replied, "Your daughter's in excellent claws." he laughed.

Ember flew over to Spike, "What about you, Spike? Do you accept me?"

"Are you kidding? Of course I do. But you know you can't live with me since you need to remain in Equestria should any issues involving dragons come up."

"Don't worry. I'll take my chances."

"Then I humbly accept you as part of my harem." Spike smiled.

"Thank you," Ember smiled, before cupping his face, "Now come here. I'd like to reward you for watching my back." she pulled Spike into a kiss, which Spike accepted without hesitation.

Torch put a claw over his eyes not wanting to see this, while the dragons cheered, and the girls were in shock. Twilight watched with a twitchy eye, until Fluttershy spoke, "Twilight, are you ok?"

"Fine, why wouldn't I be?" she asked trying to suppress her jealousy.

"Twilight, ya know Ember ain't gonna be livin' with us. Son ya got her beat there." Applejack reminded her. Twilight hearing that once calmed down, but still had issues watching others kiss Spike in front of her.

When Spike and Ember parted, Spike spoke, "Wow. Was that your first one?"

"Yup." Ember admitted.

"That didn't feel like it was a first time." Spike said.

"Guess I'm naturally that good." Ember chuckled.

Spike smiled before looking out into the crowd of dragons, "Dragons and Ponies, it's time to celebrate!"

"PARTY!" Pinkie shouted, and as quick as a flash the whole valley was decorated with party lights, streamers and balloons. Vinyl was mixing music at her portable turntable, and the dragons were dancing it out. Spike was dancing it up with his girls while Stone was with Octavia. On his perch, Torch was rocking his head to the rhythm.

As Spike was dancing with Twilight and Rarity, Ember came over, "Mind if I join you?"

"Not at all." Spike answered, as Ember danced along with them.

"So, Ember, how does it feel being Dragon Lord and all?" Rainbow asked.

"Feels good to finally be able to show my dad I'm responsible."

"Good to hear." Applejack replied.

"Though we've got to get you out of the Dragon Lands and into the human world." Pinkie said.

"I'd actually like that." Ember admitted.

"There's still something we haven't figured out yet," Sunset spoke up, "How was Spike able to use Twilight's magic?"

The girls were curious, until Bahamut spoke up, "I can field that one. My theory is when Spike and Twilight sealed their relationship on his Birthday, a portion of her own magic was transferred into Spike's body. And was triggered when Spike got angry at Garble for hurting Ember."

"Wow really? That's awesome!" Spike cheered, "So I can use magic like Twilight now?"

"Not so much. Only a portion of her magic was transferred into you, so it's not as powerful as her own."

"I see."

"Wait a minute, Spike and Twilight sealed their relationship?" Applejack asked.

"Does he mean..." Bonbon trailed off as all eyes fell on the two victims.

"You and Spike had sex?" Fluttershy stammered.

Spike and Twilight chuckled sheepishly and grinned, "Well, it looks like Twilight's beaten us all in that round, girls." Rarity teased.

"Figured she'd be the first." Pinkie said.

"Already you've done the deed?" Ember asked Spike, "Well, this is something I'm gonna have to be ready for."

'Be ready for?' Spike thought, 'Oh this is gonna be so awesome.'

Meanwhile in Tirek's lair, Tirek sat on his throne looking displeased, "Garble has failed me."

Off to the side was Grogar kicking back on a couch, "This is what happens when you leave a teenager to do an adults job."

Tirek shouted, "Silence! I will not take any lip from you on this matter, Grogar."

"Perhaps it's time to unbench the benched?" Grogar suggested.

"Enough! You will remain here until I say otherwise. Until then you are to do nothing without my approval. Nothing!" Tirek ordered, and Grogar sighed in annoyance, "Spike Drake may have once again slipped past me. But he will not be so fortunate the next time."