It had been close to two months since the twins were placed on the reserve, Tyler had been spending more time with Scootaloo who was enjoying every minute of it.

He'd even spent time with the other crusaders, volunteering to help at the Apple farm. Big Mac who was happy to have some male company for a change, Apple Bloom would often stare at him when he wasn't looking which amused both Granny Smith and Applejack. Sweetie Belle was also often there and would laugh at some of the stories he would tell her.

Vick had some trouble adjusting to her time off and would often roam around Ponyville, often playing with the fillies and colts at the park much to the parents delight. It warmed their heart to see how kind she was. A few days later she was invited by Pinkie and Rarity to come with them to Manehatten with Pinkie's sister Maud for their annual gift swap, which she found sweet, after a while it began to get a little crazy even for Vick but that's a story for another time.

(Present time.)

Tyler had volunteered to help Barb and Rarity in collecting gems for her shop as she was running low for her dresses and orders. He was currently holding a large basket with Barb as Rarity gathered gems.

''I can't thank you enough for helping me and Barb with my gem collecting Tyler.'' Rarity said placing the gems in the basket.

''Anytime Rares, besides Scootaloo had to work today and I really didn't feel like being in my house all day.''

Tyler said in a low voice as he didn't want to wake up the bats.

''The last time I was here I woke them and ended up with a mane full of bats!''

She explained flicking her mane out of her face and sighed. ''Again thank you for the help.'' She said with a smile.

Both Rarity and Tyler were caught off guard when a bright light had suddenly blinded them a bit.

''A little bright don't you think?''
Tyler said shielding his eyes.

''Barb you'll wake the bats turn that off!'' Rarity said in a panic.

''I can't!'' Barb said scratching herself like crazy.

Rarity gasped when she looked at Barb who looked to be in a large amount of discomfort.

''Uh oh.'' Was the only thing Tyler was able to get out as the bats began to fly about.

(Castle of Friendship)

Twilight was hosting a small tea party with Princess Celestia and Princess Luna as this was one of the rare acations where they can just visit.

''I'm so glad you two can come.'' Twilight said with a small smile.

''Of course, we so rarely get a chance to relax and just visit.'' Luna said.

''There's usually some crisis we have to deal with, somepony always needs our help but today-'' Celestia was interrupted by a sudden scream for help.

''Twilight there's something wrong with Barbra!'' Rarity said as Tyler had walked in with Barb who was scratching herself from her sides to her back and face like crazy.

Rarity used her magic to pull out a chair for Barb to sit down in.

What's wrong?'' Twilight asked with concern lacing her voice.

''I don't know all of a sudden my scales just started glowing. and burning!'' Barb said trying to scratch away the irritation.

''Little is know about dragon culture but this is a phenomenon we've seen before, it is the call of the dragon lord.'' Luna said with a serious expression on her face (Can't really tell what that expression is that she had on her face).

''Dragons glow whenever the dragon lord has need of them in the dragon lands.'' Celestia explained to the ponies and human present.

''Great, how do I make it stop!?'' Barb asked still scratching.

''The only way to end the summons is to answer it, you must journey to the dragon lands and see what is expected of you.'' Luna tells the young dragoness.

''But the dragon land are full of dragons and they're ghastly creatures.'' Rarity said forgetting that Barb is a few feet away, looking slightly hurt from that.

''Ooh that's messed up Rarity.'' Tyler says with a wince.

''Oh not you of course Barbra, but remember that rotten Garble!'' She said looking worried causing Barb to gulp.

''How could I forget, he would have burnt us to a crisp if you weren't there.'' The young dragoness said.

''And now that Barb is older who knows what he might try if he recognizes her.'' Tyler said making everyone look more worried and Barb sweat a bit.

''If I have to go back to the dragon lands would you three go with me?'' Barb asked her friends with a bit of hope.

''Oh my goodness I'd love to, we are sadly lacking information in dragon culture and customs, I could research them maybe even write an article, this could be my chance to make a great contribution to knowledge of Equestria!'' Twilight exclaimed doing her usual 'Twilighting' thing.

The others including Tyler looked at her with a look that said 'really that's what's on your mind right now?'

''Oh and Be there for Barb of course.'' Twilight said with an embarrassed expression.

''I'm sorry Barb as much as I would want to go and believe me I would I can't.'' Tyler said getting a surprised look from them.

''But why?!'' Barb asked him.

''Something like this is a bit out of my skill set Barb, my role in the company is mainly hacking and tech support, sorry.'' Tyler explained to her making her a bit saddened. ''But I think I know someone who can do this no problem.''

''Be very careful the dragon lands are particularly dangerous for ponies, it would be wise to be discreet.'' Celestia warns them.

''Ooh I'm sure I still have the dragon costume we used last time we snuck into the dragon lands.'' Rarity said getting an unsure look from Tyler.

''I still can't believe they fell for a disguise like that.'' Tyler said remembering episode 21 of season 2.

''I think we might want something a little more practical this time.'' Twilight said with a smirk.

''Oh this'll be good.'' Tyler muttered.

''I can't believe what I'm looking at.'' Tyler says facepalming.

''What'' Twilight said as she and Rarity were in a two pony rock costume.

''Whatever let's just go get Johnny.'' Tyler said not wanting to question it.

The four hopped in Tyler's car and began to head to the base which didn't take very long at the speed he drove to get there much to the displeasure of both Twilight and Rarity, upon arriving at the base Tyler pulled up to his house and let the girls in.

''Okay girls I'll go see if I can find Johnny and see if he'll go with you to the dragon lands, but until then Twilight there should be some anti-itch cream for Barb in the bathroom.'' Tyler said as he went off to get his brother.

''Okay thanks Tyler.'' Twilight said heading to the downstairs bathroom.

''Twilight please hurry with that itch cream, I feel like I'm going to start scratching my scales off!'' Barb says as she continues to scratch.

''I'll go grab some ice from the fridge darling.'' Rarity says going to the kitchen.

Opening the freezer the fashionista grabs a few icepacks from the freezer and walks towards the young dragoness.

''Here darling this should help I think.'' Rarity says passing the icepack to her.

''Sorry Rares but no can do, if my body gets too cold it will make me fall asleep.'' Barb tells her.

''Hmm.'' Rarity hummed as she placed the icepack back.

The fashionista's ears picked up the sound that she was very familiar with given the time she has spent going to Canterlot for business, it was the sound of a piano. It didn't take long for Twilight to return with the Anti-itch cream for Barb then she too heard the music.

''Is that a piano?'' Twilight asked handing the cream to Barb who popped the lid and started rubbing the cream on her scales.

The girls followed the sound with Barb following close behind them after using the whole bottle of cream.

''I wonder who's playing?'' Barb asked.

''I'm not sure but it's beautiful.'' Twilight said.

The three walked around the corner to find a room with the door slightly ajar, peeking inside they had found Johnny sitting at the piano wearing a simple pair of black pants with a holster and a compression shirt, he had his eyes closed as he played and listened to the music.

As he played the last note Johnny gave a sigh as he opened his eyes but became aware that he was not alone as the sound of clapping drew his attention.

''That was beautiful.'' Twilight said.

''I've never heard of such a magnificent piece darling.'' Rarity said agreeing with the lavender alicorn.

Johnny just blinked with a look on his face the said 'okay' and closed the piano.

''Can I help you three, and why is she glowing?'' He asked pointing to Barb.

''As a matter of fact you can darling.'' Rarity said to the captain.

(One explanation later)

After explaining the situation Johnny rubbed his chin in thought.

''So you want me to be her bodyguard.'' He said in a plain tone.

''In a sense yes, we would like you to guard Barb while she's in the dragon lands.'' Rarity says.

''And this would be a great opportunity for me to learn more about dragons and their culture!'' Twilight says with excitement.

''hmm I admire your tenacity to your pursuit of knowledge, but there is a time and place for that kid.'' Johnny said with a small smirk getting a blush from the lavender alicorn. ''Alright. I'll bite, but I ain't doing this for free, I'm a mercenary not a charity business.'' He said to them.

''I'm sure we can work something out for your payment.'' Twilight told him.

''Okay so what do I need for this OP?'' He asked her. ''I hate going into areas not knowing about what I'm getting into.''

''Well, first this needs to look as simple as possible, so none of those loud weapons of yours,'' Twilight said pointing to the gun he had in his holster.

''So no guns, anything else?'' He asked waiting for her next answer.

''Yes, you will need a-'' Twilight was cut off as Tyler came into the room the were in.

''Girls I can't find Johnny - oh there you are.'' Tyler said spotting his brother.

''You were saying.'' Johnny said to Twilight.

''Right like I was saying you will need a disguise, now there are two ways for this you can either go in a costume that Rarity made.'' Twilight said showing him a picture of the outfit.

Johnny looked at the outfit and was not amused with it in the slightest.

''Yeah I'm not wearing that.'' He stated handing the photo back to her.

''But darling the outfit is absolutely fabulous, plus it worked when we used it last time.'' Rarity said trying to reason with the captain.

''My answer is still no Prim'n'Proper.'' He tells her getting a small pout from the ivory mare.

''What's the second option?'' Johnny asked.

''The second option is we change your species to that of a dragon.'' Twilight said getting Johnny's attention.

''Change my species?'' Johnny asked.

''You mean like when you tried with me?'' Tyler asked as well.

''Yes but hopefully it will go uninterrupted this time.'' Twilight says waiting for this answer.

Johnny had to think this over so he told them to give him a few minutes to himself which the obliged to and leaving him to level out the pros and cons to this situation that he's found himself in, on one point he get to experience a small childhood dream of being a dragon (because lets be honest who hasn't wanted to be a dragon for a while?) and on the other if he didn't go through with it he would have to go in that ridiculous costume that Rarity made, after about five minutes of thinking he decided to go with option 2 and go through with the transformation and was standing outside in front of his house.

''Okay so now what?'' Johnny asked the lavender alicorn.

''I just have to prepare the spell as well as put a little more magic into it so it can work, what with humans having a natural resistance to magic.'' Twilight explained to the captain.

''Well don't let me stop you.'' Johnny said turning to Tyler. ''I'm going to need you to tell the Russians that you and I are going on a job, so until then let Dimitri know he's in charge till then.'' He tells him.

''You got I- wait what you and I, are you saying I'm going with you?'' Tyler asked in confusion.

''Yes I need someone watching my six.'' He stated.

''Vick is not going to be happy about missing this.'' Tyler said knowing his sister.

(Vicks location Sugarcube Corner)

''*ACHOO!*''

''Gesundhoof Dear.'' Said Mrs. Cake.

''Thanks Mrs. Cake.'' Vick said.

(Back with the others)

''This is probably gonna feel a little funny at first but you're gonna have to trust me.'' Twilight said.

''Lady I hardly trust myself in certain situations.'' Johnny said making the girls worry a bit.

''Relax J, Twilight knows what she's doing.'' Tyler says trying to reassure him.

''You like when she turned you from a he to a she.'' Johnny stated getting an embarrassed blush from both Tyler and Twilight.

''That was different, Eris surprised her and made her accidentally change the spell.'' Tyler said defending her.

''Lets just get this over with.'' Johnny said.

Twilight uses the charged up spell a fire at the captain, he begins to feel the spell take effect as his bones start to shift and change, his clothes begin to feel tighter as his shirt rips from his new wings shooting out, his skull changing shape and his boots ripping apart.

When the transformation was done the others were shocked at Johnny's new appearance.

(Ignore the sword and skirt thing and the hair.)

Johnny was now a midnight black dragon with scars and his tattoos were blended in with the color of his scales, his eyes were still their usual blue but now had slits to them making them look reptilian.

''Woah dude you look awesome!'' Tyler exclaimed.

''I have to say darling you look quite ferocious.'' Rarity said bringing out a hand mirror.

''So that's what I look like, not bad.'' Draco Johnny said before he started glowing too like Barb.

While Johnny was admiring his new form Barb couldn't help but stare at the now dragon captain, the way the sun gleamed off his scales, how the wind blew threw his hair, the way her eyes were drawn to his blue eyes. It was at this point that Twilight, Rarity and Tyler took notice of Barb's attention.

''Hey Barb you ok?'' Asked Tyler.

''Yes darling you look a bit flust-'' Rarity stopped before she looked at her and the captain before she put the pieces together. ''Oh, oh! I see.'' Rarity says with a giggle and smug look on her face and getting a deep blush from the dragoness. ''My, my darling I didn't know you had such good tastes.''

Barb just groans in embarrassment and covers her face.

''Hey Twilight can you change me into one too?'' Tyler asked her.

''I'm not sure I can, I used up more than a normal amount of magic just to give Johnny a disguise.'' Twilight explains.

''Awe man.'' Tyler said with disappointment in his voice.

''Alright enough messing around, we have to get to the dragon lands.'' Johnny said as he flexed his new wings and jumped to fly only to fall flat on his face. ''Damn it.'' Came a muffled response.

After getting a good laugh out of Johnny's misfortune Twilight gave him a quick run down on how his wings work which she almost turned into a thesis if Tyler not reminded her that they had a job to do and set off to head to the dragon land but not before Tyler grabbed a ghillie suit from the basement to which Rarity said it made him look like a monster from the Everfree forest.

''Rarity the whole point of this suit is not to be seen and blend in with the surroundings, I for one happen to like it.'' Tyler said to her.

''I think it's less flattering than our disguise.'' Rarity said pointing to the rock disguise.

The two were about to argue but were cut off.

''Can we please focus!'' Johnny hissed silencing the two since his dragon form made him look menacing especially since he had his wings wrapped around his form like a cape like the old ''Gargoyles'' cartoon.

The group had just entered the dragon lands where they had saw dragons of all kinds there though most were teenagers while there were very few adults. However upon arriving Johnny had immediately drawn some attention from some of the dragons including Barb who had stuck close to him.

''Whoa who's that?'' A teen dragon says pointing to Barb.

''That's some nice tail.'' Another said making Barb feel embarrassed and uncomfortable.

''Who's that with her?'' A dragoness said referring to Johnny.

''Think that's her mate?'' Another dragoness said getting a small blush from Barb and a raised brow from Johnny.

''Doesn't look so tough, bet I could take him.'' A cocky dragon said before Johnny looked at him with a glare that promised pain.

''The things I would do to her.'' Another dragon said now making Barb Johnny's arm who was growling at the comments.

''You'd be wise to watch you tongue little lizard, least I rip it out and force it down your throat.'' Johnny threatened making the dragon go quiet.

Johnny was a little put off by that cause usually he's more composed.

''Hey look It's a new face, what's your name hot scales?'' Came a voice.

Johnny and Barb turned around to see three teenage dragons, one was black with green head fins and large horns, one was purple a lighter shade of purple hair (I think) and long horns and dragon was all red with orange spines on his back and an orange fin on his head, Johnny guessed he was the leader of the other two from the way they were following him.

''Can't say I've seen you around these parts.'' Garble said ignoring Johnny.

''*Sigh* I knew I would have to deal with him but I didn't think it would be now.'' Barb thought as she turned to Garble. ''Hello Garble.'' She said in an uninterested tone.

''Oh you know who I am already?'' Garble says with a smirk.

''I'm surprised you've forgot who I am, last time we met you tried to get me to smash a phoenix egg.'' She said to him.

Garble was confused till she said that and something in his brain clicked and he remembered the dragoness in front of him.

''You're that pipsqueak from ponyland!'' Garble exclaimed.

''I'm surprised you can even remember now.'' Barb said with a raised brow.

Garble was about to reply but a large shadow was cast over them getting everyone's attention, before them was a colossal dragon with a large chest plate, grayish artic blue scales, moderate vermilion eyes and pale, light grayish gold to moderate vermilion horns.

''Dragons of Equestria hear me! I have been dragon lord for longer than any of you can remember, and my reign has been extraordinary.'' The colossal dragon said and looked to his subjects. ''Agree with me!'' He shouts getting the dragons minus Barb and Johnny to cheer and chant his name which was Torch who puts up is hand silencing them.

''Who is that?'' Barb said pointing to the dragon lord.

''It's Dragon Lord Torch you bimbo.'' Garble said in a rude manner.

''I meant the dragoness next to him.'' Barb growled pointing the dragoness flying next to the dragon lord.

''That's his daughter princess Ember, I wouldn't even look at her if I were you unless you want Torch to eat you.'' Garble says moving his hand to poke her in the shoulder only for a hand to grab it. ''huh?'' He turned to see that the hand belonged to Johnny who's glaring at him.

''Keep your claws to yourself.'' Johnny responded.

''Unfortunately according to dragon law it is time for me to step down, sad I know.'' Torch said looking at his subject expecting them to be sad about it. ''Be sad!'' He roared making the dragons do as he said while Johnny just rolled his eyes about it. ''This is why I have summoned you, to compete for the throne in the gauntlet of fire!'' Torch said getting the dragons excited while Barb looked worried. ''Whomever has the strength and fortitude to retrieve this Bloodstone Scepter from the heart of the flamecano will be crowned Lord of the Dragons!'' He explained before flicking the comically small scepter into the mouth of a volcano.

The volcano erupted a large red pulse wave making the dragons glow effect finally stop getting a sigh of relief from Barb.

''When the scepter disappeared the dragons stopped glowing, we are learning so much!'' Twilight said in an excited whisper as she took down notes, unfortunately her quill had tickled Rarity's nose causing her to sneeze almost giving her away if Barb didn't say it was her that sneezed.

''The gauntlet is dangerous for I designed it myself, only dragons with my ferocity, strength and determination will be able to finish. We will gather at the cliff when the sun is at its peak!'' Torch announced getting more cheers from the dragons.

''I don't want to be Dragon Lord or dragon toast and I stopped glowing so let's sneak out of here.'' Barb whispered pushing Twilight's and Rarity's costume/disguise before she and Johnny were spotted by the Dragon Lord trying to leave.

''Where do you two think you're going?'' Torch said making the other dragons around them rush away from the two.

''Oh uh hi your Lordship, I was just going home.'' Barb said nervously.

''You don't get to leave unless I say you can.'' Torch said to the dragoness.

''Dad Look at her she doesn't even have her wings, she's a late bloomer and doesn't even want to compete so let her go.'' Princess Ember said to her father, she was a brilliant cyan dragoness, brilliant red eyes, moderate phthalo blue spikes (That's what the site says), an underbelly and wing membrane gradient of moderate indigo to light colbalt blue and light apple greenish gray horns. (I can't exactly find any images of her with clothes.)

''Hmm that is true, her lack of wings would make it almost impossible for her. Very well little dragoness, I release you.'' Torch said letting her go.

''Thank you your Lordship, and thank you.'' Barb said thanking Princess Ember who just rolled her eyes.

''And what about you?'' Torch said looking at Johnny who had a scowl on his face like it was normal.

''I have better things to do than play a game of who gets what, I'm only here cause for two reasons and that is her.'' Johnny said pointing to Barb who blushed at the attention she was getting from other dragons. ''And because your little calling cost me a high paying bounty.'' Johnny said trying to pass himself of as a bounty hunter.

The Dragon Lord looked into Johnny's eyes to try to get a better read of him, looking into his eyes he learned from his mate Queen Cold and it had taken him some time to figure out, looking into Johnny's eyes Torch saw something he hadn't seen in hundreds of years and just by looking in the eyes of this dragon he knew this was no mere bounty hunter but a warrior, a warrior that had been in countless battles and had his fair share of losses, he wasn't as good at reading others like his mate but he got the general idea of what kind of dragon this was.

''Now there is something I haven't seen in centuries. '' Torch said surprising the dragons around them including his daughter who looked at Johnny with curiosity. ''Before us stands a dragon warrior, a dragon who devotes their lives to the craft of battle, very few are left these days as many have chosen to forgo the lessons our ancestors left for us and the few that are left chose to keep these lessons alive.'' He said bowing his head to Johnny a bit shocking the dragons further.

Johnny didn't respond as this was kind of the first time he's heard someone complement him to a degree, most others would just say things like good job this and great work that, it was all the same to him but a small part him saw that he was getting praise for something he's not, the dragon lord was praising him because he thought he was one of them, to Johnny these words felt empty so he just did what he could do. He brushed it off as something of little importance.

''I don't do this for recognition, I do this cause it's all I know.'' Johnny said walking away and passing Barb who looked at him with concern along with Twilight and Rarity who were still in the rock costume and Tyler who was not far away from them disguised as a bush.

Barb pushed the rock so she and the others could leave, Ember flew off to go get ready but was caught by her father who forbade her from participating in the gauntlet cause he didn't think she was strong enough to be in the gauntlet but in retrospect Tyler could only guess that he just didn't want her getting hurt.

The other dragons were chatting with each other talking about what they would do as dragon lord.

''When I become dragon lord I will make burps an official greeting.'' One dragoness said.

''Ha! You? Please. When I win I will pillage Equestria for all their pillows, why should these ponies be comfortable while we sleep on rock!?'' One brown dragon said.

''That's nothing. When I'm in charge the first thing I'll do is get revenge on those puny ponies! They'll regret they ever crossed Garble.'' Garble said. ''We'll take whatever we want from Equestria and burn the rest.'' He said not knowing Twilight and Rarity heard him.

''Oh I can't believe I'm saying this but I hope that burping dragon wins.'' Rarity said with and equal amount of worry.

''There's only one thing to do and only I can do it.'' Barb said with confidence. ''I have to win the gauntlet of fire.'' She said forgetting Johnny and Tyler were with them.

''Do they forget that Equestria has us backing them up?'' Tyler said to Johnny who is just looks unamused.

''Sigh I feel like I'm getting too old for this crap.'' Johnny said sounding tired.

Twilight and Rarity throw the disguise off and try to understand what Barb meant, She then explained how it was the only way Equestria could be safe is for her to win the gauntlet, Twilight was against the idea of her sister even participating because if she were to win then that would mean she would have to stay in the dragon lands, Barb told her it was the only option they had getting tears from both Twilight and Rarity who said they would cheer her on from the sidelines.

Johnny had followed Barb back to where the other dragons had gathered to start the gauntlet where the dragon lord was waiting.

''I thought I released you dragoness?'' Torch said with a raised brow.

''Change in plans your lordship.'' Johnny said.

''I've decided to compete, I am a dragon after all.'' Barb said to Torch.

''I go where she goes.'' Johnny said getting a blush from the dragoness.

''Are you sure, you can't even fly!'' Gargle mocked making the other dragons laugh at her only to stop when they all felt a chill go down their spines.

''Are you making fun of her disability?'' Johnny said looking very intimidating.

Every dragon slowly backed away from Garble knowing he'd just landed himself in hot water for what he said even the dragon lord couldn't help but feel a bit put off at the amount of killing intent surrounding the warrior but at the same time he saw a bit of himself in the warrior.

''I asked you a question Gecko.'' Johnny said his tone not changing.

Barb not wanting anything bad to happen decided to put herself between him and Garble.

''C-come on lets just get ready, he's not worth it.'' Barb said pushing Johnny away from Garble.

The dragon lord began to explain what was to be expected in the gauntlet and what was needed of a dragon to beat the challenge and had them gather at the edge of the cliff pointing toward the volcano, Torch then let out a fierce roar that told the others to start, Garble went to say something to Barb but stayed quiet on count of Johnny being next to her.

''Hold on to me, I'll fly us across.'' Johnny said to Barb.

Barb agreed to letting him carrying her but what she didn't expect from Johnny was for him to carry her bridle style getting a massive blush from the dragoness.

''D-do you have to carry me l-like this?!'' Barb asked completely embarrassed.

''This seemed like the only logical way to carry you.'' Johnny stated like it was no big deal.

Johnny was flying in a straight path when giant eel like creatures tried to attack them and the other dragons with geysers of water or snapping at them with their teeth, one geyser manage to hit Garble throwing him back into another dragon causing him to fall into the water below.

''He's going to drown!'' Barb shouts in a panic.

''My job is to protect you not worry about other dragons kid.'' Johnny told her while hovering above the area the dragon fell.

''You're just going to leave him?!'' Barb asked shocked. ''B-but you're supposed to help ponies.'' She said to him.

Johnny didn't know why he was acting like this, normally he would rush to help other yet here he was ready to let someone drown, taking a deep breath he looked toward the water.

''Get ready and take a deep breath kid.'' Johnny said before diving toward the water making Barb scream in surprise.

Diving into the water Johnny uses his wings and legs to swim faster while he holds Barb who's holding her breath as they reach the fallen dragon, grabbing hold of the armored dragon the two make for the island the flame-cano is on, as they set the dragon down Johnny took notice of the dragons scales being a cyan color instead of dark green color which looded like it was painted on for some reason.

''Hey are you ok?'' Barb asked the armored dragon who was coughing.

Barb removed his only to discover he was actually a 'she' and she was actually princess Ember.

''*Gasp* princess Ember!?'' Barb said in shock.

''Saw that one coming.'' Johnny said rolling his eyes.

''What do you think you're doing.'' Ember said sounding a bit rude.

''Only saving your ungrateful scales!'' Rarity snaps making Barb nervously smile.

''Did that seaweed just talk?'' Ember asked moving Barb aside and grabbing the seaweed revealing both Twilight and Rarity. ''Ponies! What are they doing here!?'' Ember said in surprise and shock.

'''Well shit.'' Tyler said spooking her.

''And what the heck is that!?'' She shouted pointing to Tyler who was wearing a soaked ghillie suit making him look like some sort of water creature.

''They're my friends.'' Barb responded.

''Friend? Dragons don't do friends or whatever that thing is.'' She said still pointing to Tyler.

''Ok that one hurt a bit.'' Tyler said a bit annoyed.

''Well this dragoness does.'' Barb replied.

''Whatever I don't care as long as non of you get in my way I have a gauntlet to win.'' Ember said taking her helmet.

''But I thought you dad said-''

''I don't care what my dad said! I'll show him and every dragon who thinks I'm just some little princess, there are better thing than just being big and strong.'' Ember exclaimed.

While she was talking Garble was hit with a bolder and sent hurling towards the beach with the bolder trapping him underneath it.

''*Grunt* Don't leave me here!'' Garble Grunts under the bolder.

Barb moves to help him but is stopped by Johnny who walks over to the bolder and moves it with little effort.

''I guess that bravado is just for show.'' Johnny said looking at the red dragon with a bored expression.

That comment only made Garble angry as he took to the air.

''Grr just you wait, when I'm dragon lord you'll be doing whatever I say!'' Garble said as he flew off.

''Not gonna happen!'' Johnny called out.

''I really can't stand him.'' Barb said with annoyance.

''I've run into others like him before, they often like to put up an act to cover up some sort of flaw.'' Johnny said looking to Barb.

''What kind of flaws?'' Tyler asked removing the soaked Ghillie suit and surprising Ember.

''Wait you're not some sea creature?'' She asked confused.

''Um no, not really.'' Tyler replied wringing out his suit.

''Then what are you?'' She asked.

''Um that's a bit hard to explain.'' He said rubbing the back of his head.

Tyler was unsure if he should tell the dragoness that he was human or not since both he and his brother are supposed to be on a undercover op. He couldn't jeopardize the mission but then again most if not all of Equestria already knows about them and it won't be long before other kingdoms find out as well.

''You might as well tell her kid. Most of pony land already knows about us, it won't be long before others find out.'' Johnny told him making him get a surprised look.

Tyler had an unsure look upon his face with his brothers green light to give up crucial information to someone they'd just met, and that 'someone' who just happens to be the daughter of the retiring leader of the land they are currently in.

''I'll just tell her after we're done with what we're here to do sir. Um if that's alright with you princess Ember?'' He said looking to the cyan dragoness.

''Fine but I want some answers.'' She said looking to him suspiciously.

''Now that that's out of the way we have more important things to worry about.'' Johnny said pointing towards the flying boulders knocking dragons out of the sky.

''Yikes that looks rough, but that what's makes it a challenge.'' Ember said sounding a bit unsure.

''Uh are you kidding, those boulders are huge!'' Barb said before she had an ah ha moment. ''Hey why don't you team up with us? you fly with us and we help you look out for boulders like extra pairs of eyes.'' she suggested to her.

''Pst Barb!'' Came Twilights voice.

Barb poked the seaweed only for it to fall apart.

''Over here.'' She called from her new disguise which was a fairly sized log that was big enough for both her and Rarity.

''Are you sure it's a good idea for you and the Captain to team up with Ember? You don't know her too well.'' Rarity asked her.

''I understand you're worried about me Rarity but something tells me I can trust her.'' Barb says reassuring her.

''Her behavior does seem contradictory to everything I've noted about dragons so far.'' Twilight clarifies looking through her notes.

''Hey um kid!'' Ember called Barb over to her. ''Listen I thought about it and your plan makes sense, lets do it.'' she said making Barb happy that she agreed.

''Great it's a deal then!'' Barb said holding out her hand for a shake which Ember hesitantly accepted.

''But just so you know this doesn't mean we're going to pick flowers, or exchange necklaces or whatever pony friends do.'' Ember said placing her helmet back on.

''Good luck Barb, we'll meet you at the top!'' Twilight said to her sister.

''Yeah we'll meet you at the top sir.'' Tyler said placing his damp Ghillie suit back on

Barb, Ember and Johnny had just arrived at the cave entrance after dodging the flying boulders, they had seen two dragons fly into the cave but a large burst of fire erupted from the entrance and the same two dragons came slowly flying out looking a bit on the well done side.

''Well something smells good.'' Wrath said getting an eye roll from Johnny.

''Gasp That looks scary, I mean you can do Barb!'' Rarity said quickly correcting herself.

''Listen Barb I wouldn't have made it this far without you and you friend here, I guess if you want to we can keep working together. I mean just until we get through that tunnel.'' Ember said with a bit of gratitude.

''Okay.'' Barb said with a smile as she ran with the princess with Johnny following close behind.

''We'll be right behind you Barb.'' Twilight said.

''Damn straight.'' Tyler replied as he followed.

The trio of dragons came to a stop when they saw the next obstacle which was a cavern of stalagmites and stalactites opening and closing on each other like they were alive.

''This place gets stranger by the minute.'' Johnny said looking at the obstacle.

Ember and Barb look to each other and nodded, Ember flapped her wings and Barb jumped into Johnny's arms in the same bridle style he had been carrying her in. With a bright blush she also had a determined look on her face as she told Johnny to fly after her. The two flyers maneuvered through the moving obstacle with Garble flying right behind them trying to catch up but fell short as he got caught between the rocks, he struggled to free himself as the three ran down the tunnel as he managed to free himself from the rock he chased after them.

The three dragons were currently in a sprint narrowly dodging crystal columns coming from the walls and ceiling that came close to crushing them, Garble was just behind them but was blindsided by one of the columns tossing him into the wall.

''Ow.'' Was his only reply.

The three made it out of the tunnel and were greeted to a open cavern with pools of lava.

''Boot camp's got nothing on this place.'' Johnny thought taking in his surroundings.

''You made it oh we were so worried!'' Rarity said with relief.

''What about us, that tunnel was cake.'' Barb said before her legs collapsed under her.

''Easy kid.'' Johnny said helping her up.

''You alright there Barb?'' Tyler asked.

''Wait how did you three get here?'' Ember asked sounding surprised.

Before any of them could reply one of the geysers went off making the area around the shake causing Rarity to lose her footing and almost falling off the ledge had Tyler not grabbed her in time.

''Thank you Tyler!'' Rarity said trying to give him a hug but couldn't because of her costume/disguise.

''You're welcome Rarity, it was nothing.'' Tyler said wiping some sweat from his forehead. ''It's freaking hot in here.''

''Nothing? You just risked your life to save her and you're all putting yourselves in danger just to support her.'' Ember says pointing to Barb.

''Because that's our job.'' Johnny said.

''And that's what friends do. They watch each others backs.'' Tyler replied.

''Yeah, don't you have anyone who looks out for you?'' Barb asked her.

''Not really. Unless I count you, which I don't because we were only helping each other get through the tunnel and now we're through the tunnel so that's it.'' Ember said confusing Barb.

''Wait what do you mean?'' Barb asked.

''Well there's one winner, one scepter and one dragon lord, so I guess it's every dragon for themselves.'' Ember said to Barb.

''Oh so we aren't really friends.'' Barb said looking downcast and Tyler shaking his head at the cyan dragon.

''Maybe if we were in pony land but like I said, dragons don't do friendship.'' Ember said going to the ledge and flying off.

The whole group were walking close to each other with Twilight, Rarity and Tyler trying to comfort Barb.

''I can't believe Ember ditched me.'' Barb said with a sad expression.

''Oh you're better off she was only looking out for herself, she's just like all the other dragons.'' Rarity said trying her best.

''She's not though I know it, I don't care what she says, she's my friend and I know she knows it too.'' Barb says with determination.

''You still have us if that make you feel any better Barb.'' Tyler said throwing his thoughts in.

''Is it just me or have we've seen this crevice three times already?'' Twilight said looking around.

''This place is like a maze.'' Johnny said looking around as well.

''It's kinda hard to tell they all look the same.'' Barb said before she looked to one crevice that looked different than the rest. ''Except for this one look!'' Barb said running down the direction with the others following close behind. ''We made it!'' Barb exclaimed as the scepter was in sight. ''I can't believe We're the only dragons to make it this far.'' Barb said with pride.

''You're not.'' A voice said.

The group turned around and saw Garble standing at the entrance with two other dragons, one was a lanky yellow dragon with chest armor and a metal helmet, the other was a light green dragon with a mace like tail.

''And I'm not losing to some pony loving dragon like you.'' Garble said making his way toward her.

''Looks like he brought backup.'' Johnny said as he moved Barb behind him.

''*Gasp* We have to do something!'' Rarity said to Twilight.

''*Gasp* Look!'' Twilight shouted.

Rarity and Tyler turned their attention towards the direction Twilight was looking to see Ember flying to a stop in front of Barb and Johnny.

''Ember I thought it was every dragon for themselves, why'd you come back?'' Barb asked excited.

''Because that's what friends do. And I am, I mean we are, I never should have ditched you back there *groan* please don't make me talk about my feelings.'' Ember said as she struggles to find the right words.

''Can we focus on the situation at hand here?'' Johnny said getting their attention.

Both Ember and Barb see Garble and the other two dragons getting closer looking for a fight.

''Barb you go for the scepter we'll handle this.'' Johnny said clenching his fists.

''Ha! Two on three this'll be easy.'' Garble said smugly.

''Yeah and if we beat him the other dragons will know we mean business.'' The green dragon said with a cocky tone.

''Yeah.'' The lanky one said.

''Actually it's three on three.'' Tyler says making himself known.

The three dragons turn around to see Tyler with the hood of the Ghillie suit down.

''What the heck are you some sort of shaved monkey?'' Garble said confused.

''How did I know that was going to happen.'' Tyler thought with an annoyed expression. ''You want that scepter you'll have to go through us.'' He said pulling out a pair of Knuckles from one of his pockets. ''Your move.'' Tyler said getting into a boxer stance.

The tension in the air was heavy as everyone stared each other down waiting for the other to make a move, however it was the lanky dragons who made the first move and leaped at Tyler who was the closest who was a bit surprised but was able to act quick and rolled to his left away from the attack.

''Looks like I have my opponent.'' Tyler said rushing in and delivering two right jabs to the dragons face.

The light green dragon decided to go for Ember leaving Garble with Johnny who just stood there with an unreadable expression.

''Barb while we have these guys occupied you head for the scepter, the sooner this is over the better.'' He said keeping his eyes on the dragon before him.

''R-right.'' Barb said as she ran to the scepter.

Garble seeing this tried to rush past Johnny only for him to grab his tail and toss him back to his original position.

''Your fight is with me kid, or are you just going to run with your tail between your legs.'' Johnny said baiting him.

''Why you!'' Garble said charging at Johnny who dodged of redirected his attacks.

Ember was using her agility to her advantage and striking her opponent every chance she got, every now and again he would try to fly towards Barb but would be tossed back by Johnny. Garble was getting more and more frustrated by the minute because not once had he landed a single hit on him.

''Stand still!'' Garble yelled as tried to strike him again but he just moved out of the way.

''You let your anger and run your movements kid, you won't get far in life if this continues.'' Johnny stated as he dodged another attack.

Over with Tyler who was still dealing with the yellow dragon who looked worse for wear had tried to strike him only for him to duck underneath the attack and deliver a strong right cross to the dragons face sending him flying a few feet.

''Ow that hurt!'' The yellow dragon shouted.

''That's the point.'' Tyler replied with a small smirk.

This only proved to anger the dragon more as he took in a big breath of air.

''Uh oh.''

The dragon then unleashed a torrent of fire at the young merc.

''Tyler!'' Both Twilight and Rarity screamed.

''Fuck!'' Tyler shouted as the flames came flying at him.

Acting on impulse he used his frost magic and sent a wave of ice to meet the flames creating a thick coat of steam hiding him from the sight of his attacker.

''What?'' The dragon said in surprise.

Using the steam as cover Tyler rushed in and ran straight for the dragon.

''Coming in hot!'' Tyler shouted catching him off guard.

The dragon tried to react but Tyler was faster as a flying punch came straight at the dragons face followed by a left uppercut, three right jabs and finally a left hook that brought him down.

''*Pant*, Can't beat a Classic.'' Tyler said panting heavily before walking away.

Over with Ember who was delivering her own smack down to her opponent who was unable to lay a single claw on her do to his attacks being too predictable as he would prefer to use his fire breath of try to charge at her. however during his as he charged at Ember she unknowingly redirected him in the direction of both Twilight and Rarity knocking them both to the ground and out of their disguises.

''What ponies, what are they doing here!?'' The green dragon shouts getting dangerously close to them.

''Oh no!'' Ember said flying after him.

''Girls!'' Tyler shouted as he ran towards them.

Both Ember and Tyler rushed toward the girls but Tyler was a bit closer than her and was able to intercept. and by that he just planted both of his feet into the guys face sending him a few feet knocking him out surprising Tyler as well as Ember and the girls as well.

''Wow didn't know I had it in me.'' Tyler said with surprise.

''Nice kick.'' Ember said looking impressed.

Back with Johnny who was busy keeping Garble distracted from going after Barb who might have taken a bit longer to go for the scepter do to her watching the fights, however she snapped out of it when she had heard more voices coming from the tunnel they took and ran toward the scepter.

Barb reached the crystal mound where the scepter rested on top of, as she was climbing the mound Garble took notice and tried to rush towards her.

''No! I will not lose to some pony loving dragon!'' Garble shouted as once again tried to rush pass Johnny redirected him again. ''Stop getting in my way!'' Garble shouted as he threw a punch toward Johnny who caught it in his right hand.

''Sorry kid but you're leagues behind me in terms of combat.'' Johnny said as he help him in place. ''Anytime now Barb!'' He called out.

No sooner when he said that the dragoness grabbed the scepter and a large pulse emitted from it signaling the winner of the challenge.

''Game over kid.'' Johnny said releasing Garble.

''B-but that means she's-''

''The dragon lord. Dragon lord Barb.'' Princess Ember said bowing in respect as the arriving dragons did the same including Garble although reluctantly.

''Dragon lord Barb.'' Garble grumbled.

''That's right um now go start your long journey home, and give every dragon you see on the way a hug. But don't tell them why. '' Barb said smiling a bit at the thought of getting a bit of payback.

''Aww but that'll be super embarrassing.'' Garble complained.

''I command you to do it.'' Barb said with a bit of authority in her voice.

''Damn!'' Wrath said.

Garble left and grumbled a bit but not before hugging a nearby dragon who smiled from the hug.

''Dragon lord Barb, hmm has a nice ring to it.'' Ember said smirking at Barb who approached her.

''Yeah but I think dragon lord Ember sounds better.'' Barb said giving her the scepter surprising the cyan dragoness.

''But you're the dragon lord now.'' Ember said in disbelief.

''The dragon lord is whomever brings thee scepter back to your father, besides you'll make a great leader and I was just doing this to protect my home, but I know you'll protect them like I would have.'' Barb explained to her.

''You sure about this?'' Ember asked.

''Absolutely my home is in Equestria with my family and friends.'' Barb said looking to Twilight and the others.

''Well at least you'll have one friend here too Barb.'' Ember said before Barb pulled her into a hug. ''What're you doing?''

''It's called a hug.'' Barb explained.

''Oh I don't know if I like it but okay.'' She said giving her a small pat on the back.

''Aww.'' Both Twilight and Rarity cooed at the display.

The soon to be retired dragon lord was laying in his spot on top of the mountain (I think that's what it is, I really don't know.) when the light from the scepter caught his attention. Turning to his right he saw to his surprise was his daughter Ember with the scepter.

''Ember you?!'' Torch said in surprise.

''I know you told didn't think I could do it but I did.'' She said to her father.

''I expressly told you not to do because you're not-''

''I'm not big and strong I know, but you know what I won anyway, so maybe it takes more than being big and strong to be a good dragon lord.'' Ember explained getting nods from the smaller dragons.

''You kid's right your lordship.'' A voice called to Torch's right.

Torch looked and saw it was the dragon from before carrying the dragoness in his arms. the dragon had set her down and flew up next to Ember.

''Whether you want to admit it or not you're not always going to be there for your daughter, there will be time where she has to do thing for herself and grow on her own. She won't be able to do that if keep holding her hand, she's not a hatchling anymore.'' Johnny said making the former dragon lord ponder his words.

''Sigh I was wrong Ember, you might not be big but you are strong and smart and perhaps that counts for more than I thought, and you will make an excellent leader.'' Torch said to his daughter.

''Thanks dad.'' She said before looking to the other dragons. ''Agree with him!'' She shouts making an echo and Johnny raising his brow a bit. ''Just kidding that's not going to be my thing.''

''Bwahahahaha! Dragons hear me, I present to you our new dragon lord, Ember!'' Torch announced getting cheers from the dragons before he was hugged by Garble. ''What is the meaning of this?!''

''I can't tell you.'' Garble says clearly embarrassed then looks to Johnny.

''Don't even think about it.'' He stated while Ember just giggled.

Torch looked to Johnny and gave him a silent nod which Johnny returned

''May our paths cross again dragon warrior.''

Johnny simply nodded and flew back towards Barb. While he was flying he looked back to Garble and saw some of the other dragons laughing at him. sighing to himself he knew he couldn't leave this be and flew over to Garble who looked more embarrassed than anything, Garble sees Johnny and a scowl finds its way on his face.

''What do you want, come to gloat.'' He said with his expression not changing.

''Not exactly no.'' Johnny said shaking his head. ''I came to check on you kid.'' He said getting a snort from the dragon.

''I'm not a kid!'' Garble shouted.

''Could have fooled me.'' Johnny stated.

''Is there a point to this?'' Garble said annoyed.

''Yes the point is you tell me what's wrong, and I'm not talking about losing the gauntlet. I've been around the corner a few times to see someone is putting up an act around others.'' He said getting a sigh from the teen dragon.

''I don't know what's wrong alright.'' Garble says with a downcast look. ''I just feel like I'm missing something's missing and I just needed something to distract that feeling.'' He said looking at the ground.

''And what about your feelings towards the ponies?'' Johnny asked him. ''Why do you feel such animosity toward the ponies?'' Johnny asked.

Garble sighed and explained how some years ago when he was a small drake he had aa bad encounter with some ponies that tried to kidnap him from the dragon lands and again a few years later during a dragon migration when they tried to steal an egg from a nesting ground.

''Hmm I can see why you're so hostile towards ponies, but you can't let the actions of a few affect the rest of the ponies Garble.'' Johnny says before continuing.

''You're going to encounter individuals who aren't so nice, you can't let these individuals set you off every time you hear something you don't like, the best this you can do is leave before you boil over and if you're still angry that find something to take your mind off it like a hobby or something.''

''And what would that be?'' Garble asked.

''That's entirely up to you to find something that makes you feel happy, so long as it doesn't involve something bad.'' Johnny said giving the dragon something to think about.

''Fine I'll try it out.'' Garble said flying off.

Johnny went back to the others and could see Tyler talking to Dragon Lord Ember who's jaw looked like it would hit the floor.

Landing next to the group Ember turns to him with a surprised expression on her face processing what she was told.

''Something on your mind?'' He asked her.

''You were a human!?'' She shouted.

''Oh... Right.'' He thought as both he and Wrath internally sweat dropped.

Finally after so long I got it out!

There you have it ladies and germs. Next chapter : Out of the bag.

This chapter was edited by Wiltrose and a bit by BrOnY4LiFe2.

P.s: Stay safe out there fellow Bronies and Pegasisters.

P.s.s: I don't know if the last parts of this chapter are good but let me know in the comment section but don't be rude about it.

P.s.s.s: Know that dragons are wearing clothes but I' don't want to explain all of them.