Spike laid back against the bed and shifted around. He took a deep breath and laid motionless for a minute. He stared up at the stone ceiling above him and listened to the sound of volcanoes rumbling in the distance. His head tilted to the side and he saw a box on the desk near the bed. He grabbed it and brought it up to his face. He opened it and pulled out his defense attorney’s badge. He looked at and his fingers rubbed it playfully.

Hard to believe a few days ago, I was showing Ember around Ponyville, he thought. Now I’m back in the Dragon Lands trying to help Ember and Rarity all because of...that.

A knock came from the door. “Spike?”

The drake sat up and got out of bed. “Come in,” he said.

The door opened to reveal Starlight and the others walking into the room. Applejack was the last one in and shut the door behind her.

“Hey, girls,” said Spike. “How’s it going?”

Applejack rubbed her back. “We’re doing alright, partner. I just wish those beds were a lot more comfortable. It feels like I’m sleeping on a rock.”

“Ooo! I’m sure Maud would love that as a birthday gift!” squealed Pinkie.

Rainbow rolled her eyes. “We just wanted to check and see how you were doing.”

“I’m fine,” said Spike. He looked behind the others and frowned. “Where are the princesses? I thought they were still with you all?”

“They’ve gone to the Detention Center to talk to Rarity,” answered Fluttershy. “They said they needed to let Rarity know what was going on.”

The drake looked away. “I wonder how she’s going to react when she finds out I’m part of her defense team.”

“I’m sure she’ll be excited to hear about it,” assured Applejack. “Why are you so glum about it?”

Spike didn’t say anything.

“I don’t think we need to think hard for why,” said Starlight. “You’re worried about this whole love triangle, aren’t you?”

The drake said nothing.

“Why are you being like this, Spike? If you’re feeling fine, why didn’t you go with Twilight then to talk to Ember? I thought you said you wanted to help her and Rarity.”

Spike nodded. “Of course I want to,” he said. “I want to do everything I can to save Rarity and help Ember expose Garble’s lies.”

“Well lying around this room isn’t going to make that all go away,” stated Starlight.

“She’s got a point, Spike,” said Applejack. “This whole love triangle is the reason this has gotten so bad. You’re gonna have to talk to them about this sooner or later.”

“I know!” snapped Spike.

The mares backed off and looked shock.

Spike took a deep breath. “I’m sorry about that,” he said, calmly. “I know that’s the reason, but I’m just worried about it causing trouble again.”

“How? It can’t be any worse than it already is,” said Fluttershy.

“What I mean is that I’m worried that they may start trying to fight over me again,” said Spike. “They may just want to ask me who I like more; Ember or Rarity? The last thing I need right now is for them to start asking me something like that.”

“Spike, remember what I told you about what happened between me, Sunburst, and Trixie?” inquired Starlight. “I had this same problem too and look how things are now.”

“Yeah, but at least Sunburst and Trixie weren’t fighting over you like Ember and Rarity are. I know that’s going to be one of the first things they’ll ask me about or talk about.”

Rainbow shook her head. “Hate to tell you this, but you know they’ll want an answer eventually.”

“This is going to have to be settled soon, Spike,” said Starlight. “You know this will be brought up at the trial tomorrow. The only thing you can do now is either talk to them about it today or wait until it’s inevitably brought up in the trial tomorrow. It’s your choice, Spike.”

The drake looked down and turned away. He said nothing for a few minutes as he took in what his friends said. He paced around a little while the others watched on and waited for his answer. After nearly a minute, Spike stopped and looked at his friends. They all leaned in in anticipation of what he had to say.

Spike took a deep breath looked up. “You said the princesses went to the Detention Center, right?”

Starlight nodded. “That’s right.”

“I guess I better get going there then,” he said.

Starlight smiled softly. “That would be for the best.”

Spike nodded. “No more running away,” he vowed. “One way or another, it’s time to finally put this to rest.”

“Just try not to be too hard on them, Spike,” cautioned Applejack. “I know they upset ya, but I’m sure they need all the help they can get.”

“I don’t plan on abandoning them,” vowed Spike. “Not again.”

Spike walked down a long hallway and looked at his wrist. His watch showed it had just turned half past three. He looked up at a door nearby and saw the sign said, Visitor’s room.

Just in time, he thought to himself. Right before visiting hours are over. Hopefully, Rarity is still available to talk to.

He turned the turned the knob and slowly opened the door. His ears perked up as he heard voices coming from inside.

“Do you have any other questions, Rarity?” wondered Luna.

“None, your highness. I truly appreciate you and Princess Luna coming to visit.”

“Think nothing of it, Rarity," said Celestia. "We know this has all been a harrowing ordeal for you. We assure you that it will all be over soon.”

“I hope so," she said, glumly. I just hope that maybe, just maybe, Spike will at least be willing to stay friends with me. That is if he’s still willing to speak to me.”

“I’m sure he will, Rarity,” assured Celestia. “He just needs a little time to clear his head.”

Rarity let out a sigh. “We’ll see what happens. I just hope he knows that I never meant to cause him and Ember so much trouble.”

“I’m sure he knows,” assured Luna. “Maybe tomorrow in court, you and him can have a proper talk before the trial begins.”

“Perhaps, but it’s hard to tell what he’s really thinking after everything these last few days.”

Spike, having heard enough, pushed the door open. “Why don’t I tell you myself then?”

Everypony turned around in surprise upon seeing the drake.

“Spike,” said Celestia, “you came after all.”

“Your timing is perfect,” said Luna. “We were finishing talking to Rarity about the arrangements for the trial tomorrow.”

“I appreciate that, your highness,” said the drake. “If you don’t mind though, I’d like to talk to Rarity alone.”

Celestia nodded. “We need to get going anyway.” She turned to Luna. “Head back to Canterlot and keep an eye on things. Be sure to be back here in the early morning.”

Luna bowed. “Very well, sister. Just be careful around here. Master Ash and Lord Ember may have welcomed you here, but the way things are right now, you may want to be careful with the other dragons.”

The two sisters began to walk out, but Celestia stopped and looked at Spike.

“I know you have a lot to say to Rarity, but please be gentle on her, Spike,” cautioned the solar princess. “She’s been through a lot.”

The drake nodded. “I understand, m–….Princess.”

Celestia snickered. “Still a little embarrassed to call me that?”

Spike rubbed the back of his head, and his cheeks flushed slightly. “Not here, please.”

The princess rubbed Spike’s head and smiled. “Alright, I won’t embarrass you in front of Rarity.”

Luna raised an eyebrow at her sister. “Honestly, Tia, I think sometimes you tease him too much.”

“Oh, hush,” she responded. “Let’s leave them alone.”

The two walked out and the door slammed shut, leaving Spike and Rarity alone. The drake took a seat and both him and Rarity stared at each other. Silence filled the room as the two uncomfortably shifted around and looked around the room.

Rarity cleared her throat. “So...what was that about with the princess?”

Spike was startled by the question. “Um, what?”

“What was Princess Celestia asking you?” wondered Rarity.

The drake waved a hand. “I’ll tell you in a minute. I don’t have much time before visiting hours are over.”

“Of course.”

He took a deep breath. “Rarity, there’s a lot I want to say to you about these last few days. You and Ember hurt me with what both of you did, and all of this over me.”

Rarity shrunk back a little. “I know,” she whispered.

“That being said, the first thing I want to ask you is this.”

Here it comes, thought Rarity.

“Are you doing alright?”

The unicorn looked shock. “...What?”

“I asked if you’re doing alright,” repeated Spike. “I know prison has been rough on you from the looks of things, but I want to make sure you’re doing alright.”

A smile formed on Rarity’s face. “Oh, Spike, you’re so considerate even after what Ember and I did. I’m surprised you’re like this after what you said to us.”

Spike smiled a little. “I had some time to cool off and think it over. I admit I was upset and angry at what you both did, but that doesn’t mean I want you to be in jail, or for Ember to suffer like this. Despite everything, I still want to help you all.”

Rarity sniffled a little. “If you want to know, it’s true that these days in jail haven’t been kind to me. The beds feel like they’re made of rocks, the guards are nasty and unforgiving, and the food is hardly edible. If it wasn’t for the fact that they knew how to make gruel, they probably would’ve given me nothing but a few gems to eat.”

“Heh. If that’s the case, I’ll gladly eat those gems.”

Rarity couldn’t help but chuckle a little. “You always find a way to keep my spirit up, Spike.” She leaned forward. “So it’s true then. You and Twilight are my lawyers.”

“That’s right.” Spike pulled out his attorney badge.

“Oh, my!” said Rarity, joyfully. “It looks so beautiful!” She looked closely at the bagde. “Maybe I can decorate it with some gems along the edge, or a ruby in the center to bring it more flair!”

Spike chuckled weakly. “Um...maybe later, Rarity.” He tucked his badge back into his pocket. Better get back on subject.

The drake smiled sheepishly. “I’m just glad you’re fine; despite everything you’re going through.”

“There is one good thing that came out of this stay though,” said Rarity. “It made me stop and think about that day.”

Spike’s smile dropped. “Oh,” he said in a hollow voice.

Rarity looked down. “Spike, I know you still must be upset about that, but I had enough time to think about what I did.”

He crossed his arms. “And?”

“It’s something I deeply regret,” admitted Rarity. “At first I was angry at Ember because I thought it was her fault, but I realized over time that I have really no one to blame but myself for this mess. Ember tried to take full responsibility for–”

“Ember!?” interrupted a shocked Spike. “You talked to her!?”

Rarity’s cheeks flared red in embarrassment. “Oh, sorry about that, Spike. I should’ve mentioned that first. She did come by to talk to me.”

Spike sat there with a dumbfounded expression on him. “I don’t believe it. I thought after the beach, the last thing you two would want to do is talk to each other. Especially after all those things you called each other.”

Rarity looked crestfallen. “I know, darling, but you don’t have to worry about us doing such barbaric things anymore.”

The drake raised an eyebrow. “Why do you say that?”

“Because we realized this feud over you made the both of us look like fools,” answered Rarity. “Rather than talk to each other about our feelings for you, we both let this thing get out of control and dragged you and the rest of our friends into this mess.”

Spike just stared at her.

Rarity frowned slightly. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” he said. “I just didn’t expect you two to make up so fast.”

“Why do you sound so confused then?”

“I’m not confused,” said Spike. He smiled a little. “I’m just a little shocked, and happy you two are finally seeing what you’ve done.” He looked away for a moment. “I just wish you two saw it earlier.”

Rarity nodded. “I know, Spike, I know. What matters now is that although we both ruined our chances for a relationship, I’m just happy we could be friends again.”

Spike fell silent again.

“Don’t tell me you’re so upset that you won’t even consider that, Spike,” said Rarity, in a worried voice.

“Of course not,” replied the drake. “I just...I just have something to say about what you just said.”

Rarity tilted her head in confusion. “Really now?”

Spike cleared his throat. “Rarity, the truth is I don’t know what I should do about you and Ember.”

“I don’t understand what you mean.”

“What I’m trying to say is that I still care for you and Ember,” clarified Spike. “But as far as anything romantic, I’m still not sure about that. This whole thing has left me confused and I don’t know what to do.”

Rarity bowed her head. “I understand, Spike,” she said. “I just want our friendship between us back now. Whether you want to pursue a romantic relationship with me or Ember, I won’t interfere with your choice.”

Spike couldn’t help but smile. “Thanks, Rarity.”

The unicorn let out a sigh of relief. “Well, now that we got that out of the way, there’s something I must tell you about when Ember visited me.”

Spike raised an eyebrow. “Something important? Tell me what happened.”

“As you know, Ember and I talked and made up with each other about that horrible fight we had. Before we could think about what to do next, a certain dragon came in.”

A cold feeling washed over Spike. “It can’t be,” he whispered.

Rarity nodded. “Garble,” she finished. “He was eavesdropping on us and mocked both me and Ember for what happened.”

Spike’s fist clenched. “What was he doing there anyway? Why would he listen in on you two?”

“I think he believed Ember was going to talk to Matches first, but didn’t know about her visit with me,” answered the unicorn. “But that wasn’t even the worst part.”

Spike looked bewildered. “What do you mean?”

Rarity’s eyes narrowed. “He confessed.”

The drake’s eyes widened and looked like they were about to pop out. “WHAT!?” he exclaimed.

“Spike, keep it down,” scolded Rarity. “The guards here are already nasty enough as is, but I don’t want them throwing you out for being so loud.”

He took a deep breath and wiped his forehead. “Rarity, what’s going on here? It’s bad enough Garble eavesdropped on you and Ember, but now this?”

He paused for a moment. “Wait a minute. If Garble confessed, why are you still in jail then?”

“Because he knows that without evidence, Ember can’t do anything against Garble,” she replied. “He knows she’s got nothing on him, and has us all right where he wants us to be.”

Spike said nothing.

“This is terrible, Spike,” said Rarity. “If you plan on accusing Garble, there’s no evidence to convince the Dragon Council otherwise.”

A small smirk formed on Spike’s face. “Don’t be so sure about that, Rarity.”

She looked puzzled. “What?”

“Twilight did some investigating of her own, and she believes we’ve got proof that Garble did do it,” said Spike. “I managed to look over what she and the others found, and it looks like we do have a case to prove Garble was involved.”

Rarity looked a little relieved, but a thought popped in her head. “Spike, as good as that is, there’s something else you’ve forgotten. How could Garble have done all of this? It’s pretty hard to miss a dragon like him around.”

Spike rubbed the back of his head. “Twilight does have an idea about that. You remember the day Ember and Matches showed us crystal magic.”

Rarity nodded.

“That’s exactly what Twilight believe Garble used. There must be a form of crystal magic allowing a user to turn them into another creature, but we’re not sure yet. It’s a stretch, but it’s the only lead we’ve got to go on.”

Rarity rubbed her chin. “Crystal magic huh?”

“I really hate to say this, but I need to find Garble and try to see if I can get him to talk,” suggested Spike.

Rarity leaned forward and closed her eyes. “Garble...Garble…” A revelation suddenly dawned on her, and she let out a gasp. “Spike, that’s it!”

The drake raised an eyebrow. “What’s it?”

“I noticed something very interesting when Garble was leaving,” said the unicorn. “Something small fell out of his pocket.”

“What was it?”

“I wasn’t able to get a close look, but it looked like a crystal.”

Spike was alarmed. “A...a crystal!?” He slammed his hands against the table. “What did it look like!?”

“All I can remember is that it was small, and it looked as red as Garble’s scales. When he dropped it, he looked scared at the thought of losing it.”

The drake took a deep breath. “Okay, it’s red. Maybe Ember knows something about this.”

“She did say that crystal may be connected to Garble’s plan. If Twilight’s theory is correct, that crystal has to be the key.”

Spike bowed his head. “There’s only one thing to do then. I need to go find Ember and see what I can get from her.”

The door behind Rarity opened up and a dragon guard stepped in. “Visiting hours are over,” he said, sternly. “Please leave at once.”

Spike nodded, and looked at Rarity. “Just hold on a bit longer, Rarity,” he urged. “I know this hasn’t been easy, but I promise to save you and Ember.”

Rarity looked at him with awe for a moment, and then nodded. “I know you will, Spike. I know you will.”

The guard came over and put a hand on her shoulder. “Let’s go.”

The unicorn stood up and was being escorted out of the room. Spike stood up and began walking out.

Halfway though, he turned around. “Oh, Rarity, one last thing. The thing Princess Celestia talked to me about was that she prefers I call her mom since she did raise me like her own child.”

Rarity nodded. “Oh, I see now.”

As soon as Rarity was lead out of the room and the door closed, the revelation hit her like a brick.

“Wait, WHAT!?” she shrieked.

Spike couldn’t help but chuckle as he left.

Spike walked around the castle courtyard and looked around. The place stood out like a sore thumb compared to the rest of the castle. It was all nothing but some harded rock, but there were several white cobblestone paths leading around the courtyard. There were a lot of statues of different dragons in poses ranging from warriors to scholars around. In the middle was a large fountain with some lava slowly flowing from the top, and several stone benches near it.

The drake walked over and sat on one of the benches. A loud clang rang out, and he looked up at a tower nearby to see a giant clock was chiming at the top of the hour. He let out a dejected sigh.

“I’ve walked all over the castle for over an hour now, and still can’t find Ember.” He leaned forward and tapped his chin with a finger. “The guards said she wasn’t in her chamber, so where is she?”

He closed his eyes in concentration. “I need to figure this out quickly. If it’s true what Garble did, then I need to find something to prove it.” He leaned back against the bench and sighed again.

“Ha! I like to see you try that!”

Spike’s eyes opened up and he stood up. A cold feeling washed over him. Oh, no. That voice. It can’t be…

He looked over and his fears were confirmed. It was Garble with a smug smile on him, and a white male dragon next to him.

“Hello, Spike,” said Garble in a sinister voice.

Spike’s face darkened. “Garble.” The drake looked over. “Fizzle, it’s been a long time. What do you two want?”

“Hey, that’s not exactly a friendly way to greet an old friend, is it?” wondered Garble in a mocking voice. “I thought you wanted to spread friendship, love, joy, and–PFFT!” He started to laugh wildly.

Spike rolled his eyes. “Is there a point to this?”

Garble took a few deep breaths. “Oh, it was hard to keep a straight face saying all that crap.” He looked at Spike with a smug smile. “My ‘point’ is that I was just wondering if you were here to see your precious pony friend be punished for what she did.”

Spike felt his anger built up.

“It’s going to be fun to see what happens to her tomorrow,” remarked Fizzle. “Maybe she’ll be roasted alive.”

Spike gripped the stone bench so hard, he thought it was going to crack in his hands.

Garble laughed. “I’d love to see that happen!” He leaned forward. “What’s wrong, Spike? No stupid little remark? Got nothing you want to say to me?”

The drake took a deep breath and said, “Actually, Garble, for once I’m glad I could talk to you.”

This caught both dragons off guard, and looked at each other with confused expression on them.

“What the Hell is that supposed to mean?” inquired Garble in a cold tone.

“I’ve got some things I want to ask you, Garble,” stated Spike. “I already know you’re the key witness in the trial tomorrow, and I need some answers from you.”

Garble scoffed. “I’ve got nothing to say to you. I’ve got better things to do then spend it with some pony lover like you.”

Fizzle said, “But I thought you wanted to go and tease–OOF!” He leaned over and gripped his stomach in pain.

“Shut! Up!” barked Garble as he raised his fist. “You really are an idiot, you know!”

Spike smiled a little. “Funny way to treat your friends, Garble.”

The red dragon rolled his eyes. “What does he care? Dragons don’t do friendship and all that crap. They just know when to follow a good leader, like me. Right, Fizzle?”

He nodded hastily, making Spike frown.

“Now if you’ll excuse me, I got some stuff to take care of.” Garble turned and began walking away.

“Hold it!” yelled Spike.

Garble turned around. “What now!?” he asked, impatiently.

“We still have to talk.”

“And I told you I’ve got nothing to say to you. Unless you got something to offer, then I’m out of here.”

Spike raised an eyebrow. Something to off, huh? Well, I got something for you then, Garble.

He reached into his pocket. “Oh, I got something for you alright.”

Garble scoffed again. “Alright, welp, what have you got?”

“Behold!” Spike held out his hand and showed his attorney badge.

Garble snorted a little and tried not to laugh. “What is that supposed to be? Your stupid little hoard?”

Spike sighed and said, “No. This is my attorney badge. I’m going to defend Rarity in court with Twilight.”

“Your attorney badge?”

Garble and Fizzle looked at each other with confusion on them. They then burst out laughing loudly and pointed at Spike. The drake grimaced as he looked on.

Garble wiped a tear from his eye. “You! An attorney!? What a jokester you are, Spike! I didn’t know you were such a comedian!”

Spike crossed his arms and glared at him.

Garble noticed this and stopped laughing for a moment. “Oh, wait. You’re serious. Let me laugh even louder.” He roared with laughter while Spike looked on with annoyance.

Yeah, yeah, laugh it up now, Garble, Spike thought to himself. Just wait until tomorrow and we’ll see who gets the last laugh.

Garble caught his breath and his laughter died down. “You know what, Spike? I’m actually feeling pretty good from that stunt you pulled. Since you made me laugh so hard, I’ll let you ask me anything.”

“Anything?”

“Are you deft? Of course I said anything. Now ask before I decide to change my mind.”

Better take up his offer. There’s just one thing I want to ask him. Spike cleared his throat. “Alright, Garble, there is one thing I want to know from you.”

“Go ahead,” said Garble, confidentally. “No matter what you ask, it won’t help you.”

“Rarity told me about a certain visit you made yesterday.”

The red dragon’s confident look turned cold. “What?”

“You heard me.”

“That damn pony,” cured Garble.

Fizzle raised an eyebrow. “Garble, what does Spike mean by that?”

Garble shot a nasty look at him. “Go away, Fizzle,” he said, icely.

Fizzle raised an eyebrow. “Hey, what’s wro–”

“Just go! Now!” bellowed Garble.

Fizzle stepped back and held his hands out. He gulped a little and nodded. He turned around and quickly flew off.

As soon as he was out of sight, Garble looked at Spike with a nasty look on him. “So, she told you about my visit to jail yesterday. What’s it to you?”

“She told me about your so called ‘confession’ and how you feel so confident thinking we have no evidence,” said Spike. “You’re not as invincible as you think you are, Garble.”

Garble narrowed his eyes. “Where are you going with this?”

“Rarity mentioned something you did before you left,” stated Spike. “Or should I say, you dropped something before you left.”

Garble froze up.

“You dropped a crystal on your way out, and Rarity noticed you were scared when you lost it for that brief moment. Now tell me, what exactly is so important about this one little crystal?”

Garble said nothing.

“Well?” wondered Spike.

Garble just smiled at him. “So what if that stupid pony told you that?” he asked. “What’s to say you or her didn’t make it up?”

Spike glared at him. “I know this wasn’t made up. Someone else was there yesterday, and you know exactly who I’m talking about.”

“Heh. You lie,” Garble said in a low voice.

“It’s Ember,” stated Spike. “All I have to do is ask her, and I’m sure she can confirm what Rarity told me.

Garble looked away.

“Well, Garble? What have you got to say about that?”

The red dragon flinched and some flames shot from his mouth. He looked at Spike with an annoyed expression on him.

“You think you’re so clever, Spike,” he spat, venomously. “So what if Ember can back up that pony’s story? It doesn’t make a difference?”

“Why do you say that?”

“One, she’s the judge, so she can’t testify or show any favoritism to either side. Two,” Garble pulled out his pockets and smiled sisterly, “I don’t have that stupid crystal you’re talking about.”

Spike’s eyes widened.

“You know, Spike, it doesn’t matter if you and that pony princess is going to defend Rarity. You can bring all the lawyers you want, but it won’t help save her.”

“How can you be so sure of that?”

Garble leaned forward with a smug look on him. “I got a nasty surprise for you in court.”

Spike raised an eyebrow. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Garble laughed coldly. “You’ll just have to wait and see what happens. I’ve wasted more than enough time here with you, pony lover. Before I leave though, I’ll say one last thing.”

“What is it?” inquired Spike.

“Tomorrow in court, you and I are going to see who’s the better dragon. I promise you this much, Spike, you aren’t going to walk out of that courtroom until I make you suffer and make you watch your greatest failure.”

Spike snorted a little.

“See you later, Spike. I hope you enjoyed talking to Rarity because that’ll be the last time you get to speak to her.”

Garble turned around and took off into the air. As he flew off, Spike heard his laughter and he gritted his teeth in frustration.

“I swear I’m going to get him!” vowed the drake. “I need to find out what he did with that crystal though.”

“Don’t worry about the crystal, Spike,” a female voice said. “I’ve already got that covered.

Spike froze up. His heart started to race as he recognized the voice. He slowly turned around and saw Ember standing behind him with a stern look on her. Silence fell upon the two of them as they stared at each other. Spike felt a bit uncomfortable, but didn’t take his eyes of the Dragon Lord. Ember looked on with a neutral expression, but her cheeks turned a slight shade of red.

“Ember,” whispered Spike.

“Do...do you mind if I sit down?” she asked, hesitantly.

The drake quickly scooted over and made room for Ember. She took a seat and both of them looked at each other with nervous expressions.

Finally, Spike said, “I’ve been looking all over for you.”

“So have I,” she replied.

Silence fell between the two again for a moment.

“How are you–” they both said in unison before stopping. They waited a moment and both said, “Are you doing al–” They stopped again.

Ember let out a sigh. “This is a lot harder than I thought.”

“Same here,” agreed Spike.

Ember noticed out of the corner of her eye that Spike seemed a bit uncomfortable. She looked at him and said, “Spike, I know this is probably hard for you to see me and must still hate me, but I want you–”

“Ember, stop,” interrupted Spike.

The dragoness shut her mouth.

Spike looked at her. “I don’t hate you, Ember.”

Her heart skipped a beat. “Really? Even after what I did?”

Spike nodded. “I overreacted a little that day. I don’t hate you or Rarity. I was just upset at what you both did.”

Ember smiled a little.

“Ember, I’m still pretty mad at what you two did,” said Spike. “But that doesn’t mean I don’t want to help you and Rarity.”

“That’s all I want, Spike,” said the Dragon Lord. “I know what I’ve done and I’m doing everything I can to fix it.”

“Now I know you probably want to talk about this love triangle, Ember, but I–”

“I don’t care about that now,” she interrupted.

Spike had a bewildered look on him. “What did you say?”

She looked at him with a solemn expression. “Spike, I noticed earlier in the castle you didn’t want to go with Twilight to see me. I can only guess it’s because of Rarity and I fighting over for your love, right?”

Spike looked shocked.

Ember noticed. “Looks like I’m right. But you don’t have to worry about that, Spike. Rarity and I have–”

“Made up,” he finished. “I know. Rarity told me everything.”

Now, it was Ember’s turn to be shocked.

Spike smiled a little. “I’m glad you two finally made up.”

Ember let out a sigh. “Too bad it took the both of us looking like complete idiots to realize what we got all of you into.”

“At least you two admitted to it,” said Spike. “Ember, there’s a lot I need to ask you about tomorrow’s trial.”

Ember bowed. “Go ahead and ask.”

“You mentioned something about not worrying about the crystal. Why?”

“Twilight told me about her theory about Garble, and I believe that crystal you’re talking about is the key to everything,” explained Ember.

Spike frowned. “Ember, I’ve got bad news; Garble doesn’t have the crystal. Unless we find it, then Rarity will be found guilty for sure.”

Ember scowled. “Damn it. Twilight was right after all.”

“About what?”

“Twilight believed that Garble already got rid of the crystal after Rarity and I saw it. Looks like I was right after all.”

Spike gulped a little. “What do we do now?”

“Don’t worry about it, Spike,” assured Ember. “I’ve got my own ways of finding out what Garble did with it.”

Spike raised an eyebrow. “Okay, I guess,” he said in a skeptical voice. “Tell me more about this crystal.”

Ember pulled out a piece of parchment. “During my visit to Equestria, I got a letter from the Dragon Council about the crystal. They say the user wielding it can transform themselves into any creature they want to be. It’s the perfect way for Garble to disguise himself and spy on us.”

“When did you get this letter?” he wondered.

“The day after I arrived at Equestria,” she answered. “Remember the day I showed you, Rarity, and Twilight the history of dragons?”

Spike nodded. “So that means Garble took it sometime after you said you were coming to Equestria until the day at the library.”

“Exactly. Hold onto that letter now. You’ll need it for tomorrow.”

“Right.” Spike placed the letter into his pocket. A thought hit Spike, which made him frown. “But how can it be proven he stole it? I can’t just go into court tomorrow and show this letter and say Garble did it.”

Ember looked a little discouraged. “I’m not sure, Spike. You know as judge for the trial tomorrow, I won’t be able to help you or the prosecution. You and Twilight need to figure it out.”

Another thought clicked in Spike’s head. “Wait a minute. Who’s the prosecutor anyway? So far, I haven’t seen who it is.”

Ember shook her head. “I’m not sure myself, Spike. Master Ash told me he found the perfect choice, and that he would personally bring him to me before the trial begins tomorrow.”

“Do you know anything about him at least?”

Ember shrugged. “All Master Ash told me is that he’s a long time veteran, and was known for his mercilessness on attorneys.”

Spike had a deadpanned look on him. “Great,” he said, sarcastically. “Sounds like we’ll get along just fine.”

“I’m sure he’s just making some stuff up,” said Ember.

“There’s something else that’s bothering me, Ember,” said Spike. “Garble doesn’t have the court in his pocket, does he?”

Ember raised an eyebrow. “Why would you say that? I’m the judge for the trial after all.”

“Garble told me he had a ‘nasty surprise’ in court,” the drake replied. “I’m wondering what he means by that.”

“I’m not sure, Spike. Garble is a tricky dragon, but he’s going to slip up very soon. He may seem confident with everything going his way, but I think you and Twilight are going to finally expose his lies.”

A small smile formed on Spike’s face. “I hope so, Ember. I hope so.”

“Lord Ember!”

Spike and Ember turned around to see a dragon guard running up to them.

He stopped and saluted her. “My Lord, the Dragon Council is assembled. They’re ready to discuss final preparations for the trial tomorrow.”

“Very good,” she said. “Tell them I’ll be there in a couple of minutes.”

“Yes, Lord Ember.”

The guard bowed and ran off to the castle.

Ember looked at Spike and said, “Well, Spike, that’s all I can do for you. The rest is up to you and Twilight.”

The drake nodded. “I understand. I’ll tell Twilight what I know when I get back to my room.”

Ember fidgeted a little. “So...see you tomorrow, I guess.”

Spike looked concerned. “Ember, what’s wrong now?”

The dragoness looked away. “It’s nothing.”

“Ember,” warned Spike. “Hasn’t hiding how you feel caused enough trouble?”

Ember cursed under her breath. “Good point. Spike, I just don’t understand something.”

“That is?”

“How can you be so forgiving like this? I know you said you didn’t hate me or Rarity, but how can you still want to help us? Dragons aren’t known for being so forgiving like this. They usually hold grudges over those who hurt them. Even after they’re long gone, they still hate them with all their heart. Why go to so much trouble to help me and Rarity?”

Spike smiled a little. “I’m not like other dragons, Ember, and you know it. While it’s true I was furious, I think I was just sad at what you and Rarity did?”

“Sad?” inquired Ember. “But you said you hated both of us.”

“I already told you I don’t hate you and Rarity. I was just sad and disappointed because…” Spike’s words trailed off.

“Because why?”

“Because I was afraid you were throwing away everything I told you about friendship,” said the drake. “I was disappointed that you not only hurt Rarity, but the two of you did it over me of all dragons. You should both know I care about you and Rarity. I just wish you two would’ve told me what was going on first.”

Ember looked down in shame. “I know. Rarity and I said something like that.”

“But,” Spike continued, “I’m glad to know you two have finally patched things up. As for my reason, you and Rarity are still my friends.”

“I don’t–”

“Let me finish,” interrupted Spike. “There’s something else you need to learn too about friendship.”

“That is?”

“A true friend never gives up on those they care and love. We all at times make mistakes and feel hurt by our friends, but that doesn’t mean we should give up on them completely. No matter how bad it is, or how the odds are stacked against you, you never give up on them. When they’re in trouble and need help, a friend is there for them always.”

Ember stood there and took the words in. She blushed a little and tried to hide it.

“I...I see,” she whispered. “I’ll be sure to remember it.”

“One last thing, Ember,” said Spike.

She looked up. “Yes?”

“When this is all over, I want to talk to both you and Rarity about this love triangle. We’ll settle this once and for all, and discuss what to do.”

Ember nodded. “I understand. And Spike?”

“What is it?”

Ember smiled at him. “Thanks for still being a friend to me. Just do everything you can to bring down Garble and make the fellow dragons see his lies. Spike, you and Twilight have to win tomorrow if there’s ever going to be friendship between dragons and ponies.”

“For you, Rarity, everypony, and everydragon, I will,” vowed Spike. “One way or another, Garble won’t get away with this.”

Ember just smiled confidently.

Rainbow Dash sighed as she walked back to her room. She looked up and saw the others talking to each other in the hallway.

“What’s up?” she asked them.

The group turned, and Applejack said, “We were just talking about what we saw around the castle.”

“More like what we couldn’t see,” interjected Pinkie. “Every dragon around here was just mean to us and would tell us not to go here, or do this.”

“Glad to know I’m not the only one,” said Rainbow. “I saw this really cool flying obstacle course for the dragon guards, and I wanted to see how they do it. I try to see, and the guards accuse me of trying to learn their techniques to use against them. They threw me out before I could even say a word.”

“Well, the way dragons view ponies right now, it’s not hard to see why,” said Starlight.

Rainbow crossed her arms. “Yeah, well they still don’t have to treat all of us like we’re monsters or something.” She looked around the others. “Have any of you seen Twilight or Spike?”

Fluttershy shook her head. “No. We just got back and talked about what we did.”

“Maybe they’re back in their room,” said Applejack. She walked over to the door and raised a hand up. “No harm in checking.”

She knocked on the door, and waited. A few seconds later, the lock clicked, and the door opened to reveal Spike.

“Hey, Applejack,” He looked at the others. “Hey, girls.”

“Howdy, Spike,” said Applejack. “Is Twilight with you?”

The drake nodded. “Yeah. We were just discussing about what to do for tomorrow’s trial. So far, we’ve been thinking about what to do.”

Any luck?” asked Starlight as the others came in and shut the door.

“We’ve just been discussing about how to link Garble to everything from what’s been going on in Equestria, to the theft of the crystal itself,” said Twilight. “So far, we thought if we could bring up all those events and find a way to tie them to Garble, it’ll put pressure on him and he’ll start to crack.”

“What about the crystal though?” wondered Rainbow. “Have you found it yet.”

Spike shook his head. “Not yet, but Twilight told me about how Ember sent Matches to spy on him. We’re hoping that if Matches can find where Garble hid the crystal, we can bring it in to prove he took it.”

“How will you do that?” asked Fluttershy.

“We haven’t thought that far ahead,” answered Twilight. “All we got to do is wait for Matches to come back.”

The sound of pounding from the door made everyone jump.

“Princess Twilight! Princess Twilight! Open up!”

Twilight’s eyes widen. “That voice.” She quickly ran over and opened the door.

Matches tumbled in and had a panicked look on him.

“Princess! Spike! Everyone! I...I...I…” he said in a distressed tone.

Spike put both hands on Matches. “Whoa! Slow it down!” he ordered. “What’s wrong with you!? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

Matches took several deep breaths. “It’s...it’s the crystal,” he said in between breaths. “Garble, he...he...he…”

“He what?” inquired Spike.

“He got rid of it!” yelled Matches.

Everyone gasped. Twilight stepped forward and said, “What do you mean he got rid of it? Matches, you need to tell us everything.”

The dragon nodded. “Okay. It started right after Spike and Garble talked to each other. I was following him like Ember told me…”

Matches flew down to a nearby clearing and wiped his forehead. “Man, Garble sure gets around a lot. What’s he doing now?”

He ran behind a boulder and peeked around it. Garble and Fizzle landed in front of a small, rocky house.

“Me and the boys are thinking of doing some lava surfing. You up for it, Garble?” wondered Fizzle.

Garble shook his head. “Nah. I gotta take care of some stuff. Besides, you know I got that stupid trial tomorrow.”

“That’s right. That reminds me though; what was Spike saying earlier?”

Garble grabbed Fizzle by the collar and pulled him in. “I told you to shut up about that,” he said, venomously. “You didn’t hear anything; got it?”

Fizzle nodded hastily. “R–right.”

The red dragon let go of him. “Now get out of here,” he ordered. “I need to be alone.”

Fizzle waved. “Alright, see you later.” He turned and flew off into the air.

Garble looked around slowly; which made Matches duck behind the boulder. A few seconds later, he heard the sound of a door slamming. Matches slowly tiptoed to the house and saw some lights emitting from the window. He leaned against the wall near one of the windows, and heard rustling inside.

“Where is it? Where is it?” wondered Garble. “I know I put it here in my room. Just where exactly?”

Matches raised an eyebrow. “What’s he talking about?”

Some more noise came from inside the house and then silence. Matches leaned closer to the window.

“Got it!” shouted Garble.

Matches yelped.

“What was that?”

Matches gasped and quickly ran around the corner. He waited for a moment and held his breath.

“Probably another volcano eruption,” said Garble. “Erupting Season gets more and more violent every year.”

Matches heard the door open and saw he was close to it. He held back a gasp and ran around the corner again. He poked his head out slightly and saw Garble looking around him. A few seconds later, Garble ran off, and Matches followed shortly after that.

Matches made sure to stay far enough to make sure Garble couldn’t hear him, but he took cover behind some boulders. Eventually, Matches saw something bright that Garble was walking towards. The air filled with a very strong sulfur smell, and the the air around it was blinding hot. Matches walked over a small hill and was shocked to see a large lava pool in front of him.

“This is it!” vowed Garble.

Matches looked around and quickly hid behind a nearby boulder. He looked over and saw Garble reaching into his jacket pocket for something.

“I can’t take anymore chances with this,” said the red dragon. “Ember probably has figured it out, and told Spike about it. It’s only a matter of time before they come looking around for it.”

Matches’ eyes widened as he saw Garble take out a red crystal.

Garble looked at the crystal. “You’ve served your purpose, but it’s time to finally ditch the last bit of evidence. Once this thing is destroyed, they’ll have no chance of saving that stupid pony.”

He raised his arm up. “Well, Spike, looks like this time I have outsmarted you!”

With a grunt, he threw the crystal far and Matches scrambled to the edge of the pool. He watched helplessly as the crystal fell from the air and into the lava. He heard Garble laugh, but he didn’t care. Matches flew off and headed for the castle.

Damn! Damn! DAMN! he thought to himself.

“...So I had to get here as fast as possible and tell you,” said Matches.

Everyone looked at each other with shocked looks on them. Twilight, on the other hand, was hyperventilating and her eye was twitching.

“Okay, no need to panic,” she said, nervously. “We just need to um,...erm…” She threw her hands up. “I don’t know!”

Spike tried to comfort Twilight. “Matches, isn’t there anything we can do?”

“I don’t know,” he answered. “This is a disaster.”

“Think, Matches, think,” said Starlight. “There has to be something about these crystals. A book or something.”

Matches looked up. “Wait a minute; a book.” He stood up. “There may be a chance, but I need to get to the library fast.”

“What’s going on, Matches?” inquired Twilight.

He grabbed the doorknob. “No time to talk. I need to go!” He opened the door and ran off before anyone else could get a word out.

Everyone in the room looked at each other and muttered.

“What just happened?” wondered Applejack.

“I don’t know,” said Twilight. “But whatever Matches is thinking, it’s got to be something to help us.”

“But what?” asked Pinkie.

While everypony was talking to each other, Spike stood there with a worried look on him.

Just when things couldn’t get any worse, he thought. An unknown prosecutor, Garble saying he has something nasty for me us, and now he’s gotten rid of the decisive evidence we need! I don’t know where this trial will head for, but I can’t lose; I won’t lose! I got to win for Ember and Rarity’s sake!

Author's Notes:

As promised, I managed to get a new chapter out before February was over. To be honest, this chapter was a pain to write. Not only was I busy with work, but I lacked motivation too to work on it more. I'm hoping the next couple of chapters will be smooth sailing because it's time to finally go to court!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnmEnjWy288&list=PL4B22D54E54AC7CB9&index=3