The crowd was chattering as usual in the courtroom for a couple of minutes. Ember then slammed the Bloodstone Scepter onto the ground and silenced the room.

“Court shall resume now,” she announced. She glanced over. “Master Ash, is the witness ready?”

The elder dragon crossed his arms and looked way. “Yes, my Lord. Before we do so, I still have my reservations about this. We’re going off testimony from someone you sent to follow Garble.”

Ember nodded. “I understand, but we have to listen to all witnesses before passing judgement.”

Ash said nothing.

“I’m sure you’re also unsure about this because of what Matches said to you about Garble. He does have a point, Master. Regardless of your personal feelings for Garble and how he’s family, you have to put it aside so the truth can be shown to everyone here.”

The elder dragon nodded solemnly. “I understand, my Lord.” He looked over and said, “Matches, come forward!”

The green dragon walked up to the stand and looked determined.

“Matches, you were sent on a mission by Lord Ember to spy on my own grandson,” said Ash. “You do understand that should what you claim is the truth ends up being nothing more than a waste of time will result in dire consequences for you, correct?”

Matches nodded. “I understand, Master. I’ve got nothing to lose at this point, and I assure you and everyone in this courtroom what I’m about to say is the truth.”

Ash said nothing again.

Ember banged the scepter against the ground. “Matches, your testimony please. Tell us exactly what happened on your mission.”

The drake nodded. “Yes, my Lord. I was following Garble around by order of Lord Ember. She believed that he was the one who sabotaged her trip to Equestria and wanted me to find evidence proving so I kept following him until he went to his house next to Brimstone Lake. I listened in on him until he came back outside and walked towards the lake and followed him until he reached the lake and he pulled out a crystal. He said he was going to get rid of the last bit of evidence to connect him! There was nothing I could do as he laughed loudly and threw the crystal into the lake, so I ran back to the castle to inform Spike and his friends.” Matches looked a little disappointed. “That’s all that happened. I wish I could’ve reacted faster to stop Garble.”

“Your Lordship,” said Ash. “I decided to bring a map around my grandson’s house.” He held up three pieces of parchment paper. “They show the area around his house and the edge of Brimstone Lake nearby. I’d like to submit this as evidence.”

Ember nodded. “Very well. This court accepts this into the record.”

Two guards flew over and handed a copy of the map to Ember and Spike. The drake looked over the map and saw a house with a small opening on the side and a lake to the right of Garble’s place.

“I guess that opening must mean it’s a window,” said Twilight as she looked over.

“Tell me, Matches,” said Ash. “Did you get a good look at the crystal and what it looked like?”

“To be honest, it was pretty hard to see,” he replied. “There were very few hiding places between Garble’s house and the lake. So I had to mostly crouch to keep myself out of Garble’s sight. What I did see was something that did look like a crystal in his hand.”

“What color was it?” asked Ash.

“Red,” he answered. “I remember it being red.”

The elder dragon hesitated for a moment before saying, “I see.”

“I believe it’s time for the cross examination now,” said Ember. “Mr. the Dragon, please–”

“Hold it!” barked Ash. “This trial has been going on for a long time now, and it’s so far been relying on a lot of wasting the court’s time with crazy theories from the defense.”

“Hey!” objected Spike. “They’re not–”

Ash slammed his sword on the table. “I’ve already warned you if nothing fruitful comes from Matches’ testimony, I would bring this trial to an end. That’s why I don’t want you two to stall any further. No useless questions, just find any contradictions or drag out further information.”

Spike nodded. “I understand.”

Ember cleared her throat. “Now then, Mr. The Dragon, your cross examination please.”

Spike nodded and looked over at Matches. The green drake nodded back at him as he knew what he had to do.

“I was following Garble around by order of Lord Ember.”

“She believed that he was the one who sabotaged her trip to Equestria and wanted me to find evidence proving so.”

“I kept following him until he went to his house next to Brimstone Lake.”

“Hold it!” yelled Spike. “Matches, there’s something I do want to know about who was there.”

“What do you mean?” he wondered.

“Yesterday when I talked to Garble, there was another dragon with him. Was there anyone else around with Garble when he went home?”

Matches rubbed his chin, and then it hit him. “That’s right! There was another dragon who was with him.”

Spike leaned forward. “Who was it?”

“Objection!” yelled Ash. “I told you no useless questions! What do you hope to gain from who Garble was with?”

“Objection!” Spike yelled back. “I talked to Garble myself yesterday and there was another dragon he was with. If he followed him home, then this should help confirm Matches’ claims!”

Ember brought the scepter down. “Objection overruled, Master. I too saw Garble with another dragon when he talked to Spike yesterday.” She looked over. “Mr. the Dragon, continue with your questioning.”

Spike nodded. “Matches, who was it? Who was with Garble at his place?”

Matches thought for a moment and then snapped his fingers. “Fizzle! I saw Fizzle with him!”

The audience muttered to each other, but Ember quickly slammed her scepter down. “Order!” she commanded. “Matches, please go on.”

“When I saw Garble and Fizzle talking to each other, I remember Fizzle asked Garble about what Spike said to him. Garble suddenly got angry and told him not to say anything.”

“Objection!” barked Ash. He slammed his fist on the table. “How do we know this isn’t another insane theory of the defense? For all we know, this is all a fabrication to stall for more time.”

“Objection!” Spike shot back as he pointed a finger. “Remember, Master Ash, that I spoke to Garble yesterday and I saw Fizzle with him.”

Ember nodded. “I saw them too when I was passing in the courtyard. Objection overruled, Master.”

The elder dragon growled softly. “Well what makes you think he’s connected?”

Spike slammed his hands on the desk. “Why don’t we ask him ourselves?” He looked around. “Is Fizzle here?”

Matches rubbed his chin. “I think I saw him sitting not too far from me. He was like two rows below where I sat.”

Ember slammed her scepter against the ground. “Fizzle! Come forward right now!”

The white dragon cautiously stood up and gulped nervously as every eye in the courtroom fell upon him. He flew down the witness stand and approached it as Matches stepped away. He walked up to the stand and looked up to be met by Ember’s stern gaze, which only made him more nervous.

“Fizzle,” said Ember, “did you hear everything that was just said?”

“Y–yes, Lord Ember,” answered Fizzle in a shaky tone.

“Then is what Matches said true? Were you there at Garble’s place that night?”

Fizzle said nothing and looked down.

Ember slammed the scepter down. “Fizzle, it’s important that we know what happened that night. Now tell us what happened between you and Garble that night.”

The white drake gulped. “I...I...I can’t.”

Ember raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean you can’t?”

Fizzle rubbed the back of his head. “Well, I mean, it’s just that nothing really happened that night. I asked Garble if wanted to do some lava surfing, but he didn’t want to go. That’s it.”

“Hold it!” shouted Spike. “Fizzle, that’s not true and you know it.”

The white dragon froze up.

“Listen to me, Fizzle,” ordered Spike. “You were with Garble up until he went home. You must know something wasn’t right with Garble after I talked to him. You saw how quickly his mood changed when I brought up the crystal.

Fizzle scoffed. “You just made him upset because you were trying to accuse him of something he didn’t do. Of course he’s going to be angry.”

Spike raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure about that, Fizzle? After how Garble acted yesterday do you really believe that?”

“Well...I…”

He leaned forward. “Fizzle, you’ve seen everything that’s happened here today. You know something’s been wrong with Garble.”

Fizzle narrowed his eyes. “That’s because you’re trying to make him look like a criminal. He saved Lord Ember from what that pony did. He’s looking out for us dragons.”

Spike grumbled to himself. “We’re not getting anywhere,” he whispered to Twilight. “How can we get him to tell us?”

Twilight rubbed her chin. She then snapped her fingers. “Fizzle, let me ask you something.”

“What is it?”

“If you believe Garble is looking out for other dragons, why is he then threatening you?”

Fizzle opened his mouth to respond, but couldn’t find the words.

“I know you may think Garble is looking out for other dragons and is a friend to you, but after what you’ve seen and how he’s treated you, can you be sure of that?”

Fizzle scoffed. “I don’t do friendship. I just follow Garble because he’s a good leader.”

Twilight smirked. “Ah, but don’t friends follow one another like you do with Garble? You hang out with him and do stuff together. Whether you want to admit it or not, you already have a grasp on friendship.”

“Uh...well…” Fizzle tugged his shirt collar.

“And you know that deep down, Garble’s been acting strange since he showed those photos. If you want to look out for other dragons like you think Garble is doing, then you’ve got to tell us the truth. If not, then nobody here will ever learn the truth about what happened.”

Fizzle gulped a little. “Well...I…”

“Fizzle.”

He looked up at Ember.

“I know you’re probably afraid of what Garble may do to you if he finds out you talked, but I promise you that I’ll do what I can to protect you. Unlike Garble, I do look out for other dragons and want to protect them. If you know something, this is the only chance you’ll get to say something.”

Fizzle felt a sharp pain and rubbed his stomach. He remembered the punch Garble delivered to it and the nasty expression he gave him. He glanced over at Spike who gave him a bit of a sympathetic look. He looked down and thought to himself. The room fell silent as everyone had their eyes on Fizzle and waited to hear what he had to say.

His mouth muttered something incoherent.

Spike raised an eyebrow. “What did you say?”

Fizzle looked up and frowned. “What...what Matches said is true. I was with Garble up until I went to his house.”

The crowd muttered amongst themselves.

Ember slammed the scepter on the ground. “Order!” she bellowed. “Fizzle, please continue.”

He nodded. “I did notice something has been off with Garble for a while now. Ever since what Spike asked him about Lord Ember visiting that pony, he’s been...hot headed to say the last, or more so than usual.”

“How so?” wondered Twilight.

“Garble can get angry, and I mean really angry,” said Fizzle. “Whenever I asked him about what him and Spike talked about, he told me not to talk about it and not to say anything about it. I didn’t think much beyond that, but after what I’ve been hearing today and what I saw yesterday, I’ve had some second thoughts.”

Spike slammed his hands on the table. “This proves it! Fizzle has confirmed what Matches has said!” He pointed a finger. “The defense would like to call Garble back to the stand!”

“Objection!” Ash slammed a hand on the table. “Fizzle has confirmed only half the story! We don’t have any other witnesses who saw Garble supposedly destroy the crystal; much less have proof he’s the thief!”

“Yet his story matches most of what Matches said!” argued Spike. “With what’s been proven so far, this is something worth questioning too! Garble’s been at the center of this whole thing, and after all the lies he’s told, what’s to say he isn’t lying about the crystal too?”

“GAH!” Ash’s armor was dented. He leaned forward and panted a little. “This...this can’t be though. It just can’t be.”

Ember brought the scepter down. “Enough! The defense has made a point. Most of Matches’ story collaborates with what Fizzle has told us. Master Ash, you’re to bring Garble back here at once for further testimony.”

She looked down. “Fizzle, I know you were hesitant to talk about this, but know that I will remember this. Once this is all over, I’ll reward you for coming forward with this information. This much I promise you.”

Fizzle blushed a little. “Th–thank you, Lord Ember,” he said as he bowed.

Ember turned to the right. “Master Ash, I want you to bring Garble in at once for more testimony.”

Ash looked almost furious, but nodded anyway. “I shall do so at–urk!” He leaned over the table.

“Master Ash?” asked Ember, sounding concerned. “Are you alright?”

He held up a hand and raised his head. He let out a flame and a scroll popped up in the air. Ash snatched the scroll in his claw. He looked at the black seal on the scroll and raised an eyebrow.

“What’s that?” wondered Spike.

“Since the theft in the vault, I’ve been asking the investigation team to keep me informed of any new information,” explained the elder dragon. “They usually bring me reports to my desk or when I’m looking over the scene, but I’ve never gotten one yet through dragon mail.”

“Why would they do that now?” asked Twilight.

“No idea, princess,” replied Ash. “This must be urgent to send me a report like this.”

He broke the seal and unfurled the scroll. His eyes slowly moved down the scroll. Spike and Twilight looked on as they saw Ash’s face change expressions from anger to a look of shock.

Ash slammed the scroll on the table. “What is the meaning of this!? This can’t be right!”

“Master?” inquired Ember.

“What was in that report?” wondered Twilight.

“It appears...we’ve been deceived.”

“What?” asked Spike.

Ash raised his head up. “This report...it says that more crystals were stolen than previously thought!”

“Wh–WHAT!?” Spike stepped back in surprise.

The crowd muttered amongst themselves.

Ember repeatedly slammed the scepter down. “Order! I will have order at once!” She looked at Ash. “Master, what exactly is going on here?”

The dragon shook his head. “I...I don’t know to be honest, my Lord. This report has told me that more magic crystals. Apparently, an investigator was walking through the vault when he noticed something from behind a crate that looked like a scroll. Upon closer look, he found several more scrolls and some broken wooden chests.”

“Chests?” asked Twilight.

“Yes,” replied Ash, “it’s where we keep our magic crystals and knowledge of magic on each scroll stored in those chests. All the small chests were broken and all the crystals were stolen.”

“Which means our thief was only concerned about the crystal and wanted to get it quickly,” reasoned Twilight.

“From what they’ve gathered so far, it looks like six chests in total were stolen and broken into. Once all the crystals were taken, the remains look like they were hastily hidden behind the crate.”

“Why didn’t they find this sooner when the first crystal was reported missing?” asked Ember. “Some other dragon had to have noticed those chests missing.”

“Once it was discovered the transformation crystal was stolen, it became the top priority to find it immediately,” explained Ash. Inventory had just begun anyway and most of the chests containing magic crystals hadn’t been inspected when the theft was reported. The transformation crystal was one of the first to be looked at, and once it was gone, all focus shifted on locating it.”

“Was there anything else about the report?” asked Twilight.

Ash looked at the scroll. “It appears there’s one thing that’s come to light. A patrol was preparing to pass around that area and heard something strange like a cracking.”

“Cracking?” asked Spike.

“When they went to go look, they saw nothing, but one guard stated they could’ve sworn a silhouette. They did another check, but never found any dragon in the vault.”

“When was this?” wondered Spike.

Ash looked at the scroll again. “It happened a few hours after Lord Ember announced her plan to go to Equestria.”

The crowd muttered to themselves again.

Spke slammed his hands on the desk. “Master Ash, were all dragons summoned for Lord Ember’s announcement to go to Equestria?”

The elder dragon raised an eyebrow. “With the exception of some guards patrolling the castle, yes. All dragons were ordered to attend.”

Spike looked over, “Fizzle, one more question!”

The drake looked surprised. “W–what?”

“Was Garble with you at all after Lord Ember’s announcement?”

Fizzle scratched his head. “He...he wasn’t actually. He wanted to stay behind a little longer.”

Spike’s eyes widened. He looked up. “Lord Ember, I believe we need to search Garble’s house at once!”

The dragoness looked baffled. “Why would you say that?”

“We’ve just learned Garble stayed around the castle and then a few hours later there’s a theft in the vault! With how he’s acted and been defensive about the crystal, it’s obvious he’s hiding something from us! The defense argues that Garble stole those other crystals and tried to figure out which one was the crystal to use for his scheme!”

“Objection!” bellowed Ash. “You have no right to order something like this! You’re basing an outrageous claim over a witness that Lord Ember sent to spy on my grandson, and one of Garble’s friends! You have no definitive proof of Garble being in the vault!”

“Objection!” Spike shot back. “The defense has proven Garble’s story to be unreliable and we’ve confirmed Matches’ story about what he saw!”

“Only part of it though!” argued Ash. “Fizzle was never around to see Garble dispose of the crystal in the lava pool! Besides, only the Dragon Council and the Dragon Lord know about those hidden crystals!”

“Yet based on Fizzle’s words and how Garble’s been acting, it’s obvious Garble knows something about the stolen crystals!” Spike pointed a finger. “You can’t keep denying he’s been hiding something, Master!”

The elder dragon growled.

“Excuse me.”

Every eye fell back on Fizzle again.

“What’s wrong, Fizzle?” inquired Ember.

He gulped a little. “I...I do have one last thing I’d like to say.”

“That is?” wondered Ash.

“I just remembered there’s one last thing I heard Garble say shortly after he talked to Spike,” he replied.

Spike raised an eyebrow. What could this mean?

“He muttered something about a crystal, but he quickly stopped talking about it once he saw me. I tried to ask what he was talking about, but he denied he was saying anything about it.”

Ash looked like he was about to explode. “N...NOOO!” He stumbled back as his armor was bashed in.

The room filled with whispers immediately.

“What’s going on with this trial? Wasn’t this about some attack on Lord Ember?”

“Is what that lawyer saying really true? Was this all a plot by Garble?”

“I don’t even know what’s going on at this point? Who do we even believe anymore?”

Spike slammed his hands on the desk, silencing the room. “This is your proof, Master! Garble’s been talking about a crystal and is trying to hide about it! You still think he isn’t connected?”

Ash was shaking a little. “This...this can’t be...it just can’t be.”

Ember brought the scepter down. “Enough! The defense has made a valid point! Considering Garble’s actions and the recent circumstances, I believe a search of Garble’s house is warranted.” She looked down. “Matches!”

He quickly straighten himself up. “Y–yes, my Lord?”

“I want you to go with a group of guards to help search the place,” she ordered. “If you find anything, I want you to bring it back here at once.”

“Objection!” barked Ash. “He’s not even a member of the guard! He was discharged!”

“Unfairly I might add,” said Ember, sternly.

Ash looked confused. “What!?”

“He was discharged because he failed to do his job, right?” wondered Ember.

Ash nodded.

“Well, I already confessed that I was the one who started the fight with Rarity, and Matches didn’t know about it until it was too late. He didn’t do anything wrong.”

“Why defend him though?” wondered the elder dragon. “Regardless, he was relaxing on a beach instead of watching over you.”

Ember looked down. “Because when he offered his help about the feud between Rarity and myself, I turned down his offer. I put him through so much because of my own actions and I swear not to allow something like this to happen again. He looked out for me like a good friend should, and I let him down. The only one who failed was me for what I put him through, and it’s why I’m officially allowing him back into the guard effective immediately.”

Ash said nothing as he took it all in.

“Matches,” said Ember, “or should I say, Private Matches? I want you and an investigation team to look into Garble’s place at once.” She looked over. “Master Ash, send a message about this recent change and about Matches’ involvement.”

The elder dragon hesitated for a moment before nodding. “As you wish, my Lord.”

Matches bowed and said, “Thank you, Lord Ember. I won’t fail you.”

Ember smiled slightly. “I know you won’t. Now get going.”

Matches stood up and with a salute, turned and ran out of the courtroom.

Master Ash raised a scroll up and with a burst of flames, he sent the paper away. “It’s done, my Lord. I’ve sent orders to search Garble’s house.”

Ember nodded. “Very good,” she looked up. “Guards, one of you take Fizzle away for protection. The other, bring Garble back in at once!”

The dragons saluted and one escorted Fizzle out of the room. A few minutes later, the other soldier returned with Garble. If there was any chance that the red drake had cooled down, it was quickly destroyed as he still looked furious and was fuming smoke through his nostrils.

Spike took a deep breath. “This is it,” he whispered. “Our chance to finally bring him down.”

“Just be careful, Spike,” warned Twilight. “There’s no telling what he’ll do now.”

“What’s going on here!?” demanded Garble. “I thought this trial was over!”

Ember brought the scepter down. “This trial is far from over, Garble. Shortly after you were forced to leave, we learned some new information surrounding you.”

Garble slammed his hands on the stand. “I don't have anything to do with this!”

He looked over and pointed a finger. “That stupid pony is guilty, do you get it!? Guilty! Even if you don’t think she is, you have nothing on me at all! Spike has just been making stuff up to make me look bad!” He looked to the other side. “Come on, old man! You aren’t going to let this go on, are you?”

Ash slammed his hand on the table. “Boy, you’ve got a lot of explaining to do.”

Garble raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

“There’s been some developments since you were forced out,” explained Ash. “It appears the defense has managed to establish the possibility of you being involved with the stolen crystal.”

Garble looked like he was going to blow up again. “How!? They don’t have any proof!”

“Two witnesses say otherwise, boy. Matches claims to have seen you take the crystal and destroy it.”

Garble’s eye twitched slightly.

“And just now, Fizzle claims that he heard you mention something about a crystal, but when he asked you, you didn’t want to talk about it.”

Garble slammed his hand on the stand, nearly cracking it. “FIZZLE! YOU TRAITOR!” His eyes darted around the room. “After all I did and what I went through, this is how I’m repaid for my efforts!? I have every dragon here thinking I’m suddenly a criminal! Is this my reward for looking out for Lord Ember!?”

He looked over and pointed a finger at Spike. “You did this, you pony loving pansy! You think it’s funny to do this to me!? Well I’m not laughing!”

Spike crossed his arms. “Well I guess we’ll see who has the last laugh after this.”

Ember brought the scepter down. “That’s enough! Garble, you will testify about your actions after you got home last night. The court won’t accept anymore excuses or attempts from you to stall.”

Garble panted a little as he turned to Ash. “Come on, old man! You can’t let this happen!”

Ash looked down. “Garble, you’ve put yourself in this position. For once in your life, do try to get yourself out of this; not rely on me to bail you out.”

Garble growled and huffed. “Fine! Be that way! I guess it’s up to me to finish what you couldn’t do.”

Ash glared at him.

Ember slammed the scepter again. “Garble, testify about what you did last night!”

“With pleasure,” he said. “The defense is lying; plain and simple.”

“I was at home the entire time after I decided not to go lava surfing.”

“I just prepared myself for court like any witness would do.”

“I didn’t see or hear any dragon out my window; especially one that had a magic crystal.”

“This is all just a waste of time and another attempt by the defense to make me look bad.”

Ember rubbed her chin. “So, you say that nothing happened at your place?”

Garble nodded. “Yeah, and I can even prove it; unlike a certain lawyer here.”

Ember held up the map. “Show us where on the map your window is.”

Garble rolled his eyes as he was handed all the maps and a quill. He quickly drew on them to show a cone near his house.

“Here!” he announced. “My window has a perfect view of the lake nearby. No way would I have been able to miss seeing a dragon or hear one; even at night.”

As Ember was handed the map back, she nodded. “I see then.” She looked down. “Very well, Mr. the Dragon your–”

“HOLD IT!” bellowed Garble.

Everyone in the room froze up.

The red drake pointed a finger. “I know what’s going on here and I’m not falling for it! Spike’s going to just constantly badger me until I slip up and he tries to make me out as the bad guy!”

“Hey! I’m not the one who–”

Spike’s argument was cut off as Garble continued. “Listen up, Spike! Every time you ask me something stupid, you’re going to pay for it!”

Ash crossed his arms. “In other words, don’t waste any time pressing needless statements.”

“Don’t think I won’t forget what you’ve done to me, Spike,” spat Garble with a venomous smile on him. “I’ll make you wish you never were born once I’m done with you.”

Spike gulped a little.

Ember slammed the scepter down. “Mr. the Dragon, in light of Garble’s recent...anger problems, I believe it’s best you stay on topic.”

Spike nodded. “Yes, Lord Ember.”

Garble smirked. “I’m ready for you this time, Spike. You aren’t going to catch me that easily.”

“Now Mr. the Dragon, your cross examination please!” ordered Ember.

Spike looked over to Garble.

“The defense is lying; plain and simple.”

“I was at home the entire time after I decided not to go lava surfing.”

“I just prepared myself for court like any witness would do.”

“I didn’t see or hear any dragon out my window; especially one that had a magic crystal.”

“Objection!” yelled Spike. He shook his head. “So much for you saying I wasn’t going to catch you that easily, Garble.”

The drake leaned forward. “What?” he said, coldly.

“I’m afraid that a certain witness has something to say about that.” He pointed a finger and said, “Matches can easily tell you that’s a lie!”

Garble flinched a little. “What does he have to do with this!?”

Spike leaned forward. “Garble, you said that you didn’t see or hear any dragon at all. Matches though said you were laughing loudly when you threw the crystal into the lake!”

“NO!” Garble looked up as a small tower of fire erupted from his mouth.

The crowd muttered to themselves. Ember slammed the scepter down three times.

“Order!” she commanded. “Garble, what do you have to say about this?”

The red drake was panting. “I...I must’ve...well…” He stood straight up. “Wait! I do remember a sound, but it wasn’t laughter. It was...it was just some explosion nearby. Probably just another volcano going off.”

Spike shook his head. “There’s a difference between laughter and an explosion.”

Garble glared. “Y–you can’t prove though what Matches said was true!”

Spike frowned. He’s right. I don’t have any definitive proof.

Garble laughed loudly. “I knew this was a waste of time! Now let me–”

“OBJECTION!”

Everyone looked over and saw Ash holding his sword out.

“I wouldn’t be so sure of that, boy,” he said. “In fact, I’d say you’ve only made things worse for yourself.”

Garble looked baffled. “What’re you talking about!?”

The elder dragon smirked. “It’s true that there’s a volcano in the distance from the lake, and it’s equally true it’s Erupting Season right now. However, there’s something you’ve overlooked, boy.”

Garble said nothing.

“The volcano already erupted,” said Ash. “You were staying with me when it happened.” He brought the sword down. “I’d say this kills your argument about the explosion you apparently heard.”

Garble looked stunned. The courtroom filled with muttering again.

“Old man, what do you think you’re doing?” Garble asked in an icy tone. “I thought you would’ve been on my side.”

Ash shook his head. “In the courtroom, the only side I take is justice. I want the full truth, Garble. You’ve done nothing but make things worse for yourself. Now then, what did you really hear outside your house?”

Spike looked on in awe. Master Ash.

Garble bit his lip and looked down. “I...I was just uh, thinking…” He slammed his hands on the stand. “Alright fine! I did hear laughter!”

Twilight leaned over. “Think Master Ash is on our side?”

Spike shook his head. “Hard to say,” he whispered. “He did say that he wanted justice served, so maybe he’s finally decided to let go of his personal feelings for Garble.”

Ember slammed the scepter on the ground. “Garble, I must warn you that your testimonies have been unreliable. Like Master Ash said, you’re only making things worse for yourself. Perhaps it’s time you told the truth at last instead of trying to lie your way through court.”

Garble huffed and looked away. “Fine! I’ll tell you what really happened this time.”

“Your testimony once again, Garble,” ordered Ember.

He cleared his throat and said, “Alright, so I did hear some laughter, and I looked out my window to see what it was.”

“I saw some dragon standing near the lake laughing at something.”

“I didn’t give it much thought because I thought he just remembered something funny and was laughing about it.”

“After that, I just went back to preparing for court.”

Garble shrugged. “That’s all there is to it.”

“Did you get a good look at who the dragon was?” inquired Ash.

Garble shook his head. “Not really. It wasn’t bright enough to see who the dragon was. All I saw was a shadow figure standing near it.”

Ash crossed his arms and said nothing.

Ember slammed the scepter. “Mr. the Dragon, your cross examination please.”

“Just remember, no stupid questions,” reminded Garble.

“I haven’t forgotten,” said Spike. “Now let’s get started.”

“Alright, so I did hear some laughter, and I looked out my window to see what it was.”

“I saw some dragon standing near the lake laughing at something.”

“Objection!” yelled Spike. “Garble, you sure you saw only one dragon?”

“What kind of question is that?” he wondered. “I have an excellent view of the lake and I know for a fact that I saw only one dragon.”

Spike smirked and said, “That’s not according to what Matches did last night.”

Garble looked up. “What?”

Spike slammed his hands on the table. “Matches went to spy on the dragon who stole the magic crystal, Garble! In fact, he even told us last night about how a certain dragon laughed as he threw the crystal into the lake!”

“Ack!” Garble flinched.

“Take a look at the map!” Spike slammed the paper on the table and pointed at it. “Garble’s window view is wide enough to see the dragon, but yet he couldn’t see another close by?”

“So here’s my question to you, Garble. If you claim to have a good view of the lake,” Spike pointed a finger, “why didn’t you see Matches as well?”

“Ergh...ARGH!” Garble let out another small burst of fire.

“Objection!” barked Ash. “He said all he could see was a shadow standing near the lake. Perhaps he couldn’t see Matches.”

“Objection!” Spike shot back. “Remember what Garble said though. He said he would hear or see a dragon; even at night. So why is it he can’t tell what the dragon he saw looked like; much less see Matches nearby?”

“Gah!” Ash’s armor clanged again.

Garble was huffing as more smoke billowed from his nostrils. “I...I...um…” He stopped in mid sentence again and then he smiled. “Wait, I now know what happened!”

Spike leaned forward. He’s probably got another excuse ready. Wonder what his ‘truth’ will be this time.

“I can explain it!” Garble hastily said. “Let me testify again!”

Ember glared at the red drake. “Garble, the court has gotten tired of your actions. I’ll let you testify this one last time, but this’ll be your last chance to prove yourself.”

Garble chuckled. “One chance is all I need,” he said, sinisterly. “Wait until you here this.”

“It’s true there were two dragons down at the lake.”

“I didn’t get a good enough look at the one near the lake, but I saw out of the corner of my eye Matches walking up to him.”

“I saw Matches give something to that dragon and then fly off.”

“A few minutes later, that dragon standing near the lake threw something in its direction and began laughing.”

“I didn’t know what I just saw, so I didn’t think much of it.”

“Matches must’ve been the one who stole the crystal! Why else would he be around that lake last night?”

Ember gripped the scepter tightly and gritted her teeth. “Garble, do you have any idea what you’re saying?” she asked, tersely.

Garble shrugged. “Hey, I just tell it like I see it. I know what I saw.”

Twilight slammed her hands on the desk and looked livid. “How dare you!? You’re trying to put the blame on Matches!? How can you even say that!?”

Garble smirked. “Not my fault he was hanging around that area. What else would he be doing there at night meeting with some dragon?”

“He’s our friend though! You’re just trying to put the blame on someone else for your crimes!” argued Twilight.

“Maybe he was faking it,” suggested Garble. “He could’ve been against this alliance the whole time and was planning to destroy it. That dragon he met up with may’ve been someone he worked with to destroy the alliance.”

Twilight’s mane looked like it was about to light up. “You monster! After all he did to help us, you try to do something like this!?”

“I could say the same about Spike and him trying to pin the blame on me,” Garble said, smugly.

Ember slammed the scepter down more forcefully than normal. “Mr. the Dragon, get to your cross examination, now!” she barked.

Spike was taken aback by the dragoness’ sudden outburst. I can’t really blame Ember or Twilight for being upset. He glared at Garble. Time to pick apart this last testimony, and bring Garble down!

“Bring it on, Spike!” Garble said with a confident smile.

Spike merely nodded at him.

“It’s true there were two dragons down at the lake.”

“I didn’t get a good enough look at the one near the lake, but I saw out of the corner of my eye Matches walking up to him.”

“Hold it!” ordered Spike. “How did you know it was Matches?”

“He was close enough for me to recognize him,” answered Garble. “He did look shifty when I saw him.” Garble smirked.

Damn it, cursed Spike. “Go on, Garble.”

“I saw Matches give something to that dragon and then fly off.”

“A few minutes later, that dragon standing near the lake threw something in its direction and began laughing.”

“I didn’t know what I just saw, so I didn’t think much of it.”

“Matches must’ve been the one who stole the crystal! Why else would he be around that lake last night?”

“Hold it!” Spike interjected. “Why would Matches do something like that? He’s Lord Ember’s friend after all, and has helped us out.”

Garble laughed. “There are plenty of dragons who don’t like being friends with ponies. Matches just probably pretended to like it, but worked with some other dragon to ruin everything.”

“What makes you think he’d do something like this?” wondered Spike. “He was even arrested for not protecting Ember! If he had the crystal, they would’ve found it on him!”

“Objection!” barked Garble. “Use your brain, Spike. He didn’t have the crystal; the other dragon did!”

“Then how do you explain why Matches supposedly gave the crystal to the other dragon?”

Garble scoffed. “He probably hid it somewhere and told Matches to go get it from his hiding place to throw off suspicion. Who knows what really happened? Why don’t you ask Matches himself and see what he’s got to say?”

Spike lowered his head. “It’s no use, Twilight,” he said. “No matter how much we keep picking at his testimony, he just comes up with one excuse after another.”

Twilight looked frustrated. “We’re so close though. We know the truth, but without decisive evidence, he’ll never be exposed for what he did.”

Garble laughed coldly. “Finally giving up I see! It’s about time you did too!” His gleeful expression changed to fury. “It’s over, Spike, I’ve won. Your attempt to make me look like the villain has failed. When I become Dragon Lord, I’ll make you watch all of Equestria and your friends burn for what they did to Lord Ember.”

Spike pounded his fist on the table.

“However, if you decide to apologize and bow before your soon to be next Dragon Lord, I may show some mercy on you. How about it, Spike?”

The drake looked up with a glare on him and said, “Never.”

Garble smirked. “I was hoping you’d say that. I’ll enjoy making you suffer for what you’ve tried to pull.”

Ember gulped a little. “Are there any more objections from either side?”

The room fell silent as Spike looked down and Ash had his eyes closed in concentration. Ember kept looking to Spike, hoping for him or Twilight to speak up, but never did.”

Garble clapped his hands together. “Well, that answers that! Let’s end this trial once and for–”

The doors to the courtroom busted open “HOLD IT!” a voice called out.

Everyone looked up to see Matches leaning over and panting. He held up a green bag in his hand and had a weary smile on him.

“Lord Ember, I’ve...I’ve got it!” he announced in between pants. “The final piece of evidence!”

The dragoness looked shocked. “The final piece of evidence?”

The courtroom filled with muttering from all sides.

Matches nodded. “Yes, my Lord. We’ve found something that’ll blow this case wide open! It’s the decisive piece of evidence to this case!”

Ember held back a smile and sigh of relief. “Well, it seems this trial has taken another turn. If there’s no objections, I think we should look at–”

“NO! NO! NO! NO!” bellowed Garble. He pointed a finger. “No more waiting damn it! This trial is over!” He looked over. “Old man, tell them this is over! This has got to be another pathetic attempt to pin the blame on me!”

Ash crossed his arms and said nothing.

“Come on, old man,” pleaded Garble. “You’ve got this trial in the bag! You can easily object to this and refuse to let this so called trial go on.”

“I’ve told you before, Garble,” said Ash. “I’m interested in the truth. I want to know whether what the defense has claimed is true or not.”

Garble banged his hands against the stand. “Who cares about the damn truth!? You’re going to win this trial! You’d rather let your own flesh and blood take the fall for something he didn’t do!?”

Ash glared at Garble, and then looked down. He muttered something and his expression softened a little.

Spike tilted his head in confusion. What’s with Master Ash?

“Come on, old man!” urged Garble. “Do it! Bring this damn trial to an end!”

Ash said nothing as he looked down. All eyes fell upon the elderly dragon as they waited for a response from him. Spike held his breath in anticipation and Twilight wiped the sweat from her forehead. Garble looked at him with a furious look on him.

Finally, after what felt like hours, Ash raised his head and with a pained look said, “The prosecution has no objections to the new evidence.”

Garble’s eyes widened. “Wh–WHHAATT!?”

Spike looked stunned. “He...he’s going to allow it?”

Garble slammed his hands on the stand. “What do you think you’re doing, old man!? This trial was going to be yours! What are you–YIKES!” A streak of fire whized close to his face.

Ash held his flame sword out and looked livid. “BE! QUIET!” he ordered in a commanding tone.

Garble shook nervously as he backed away slowly.

“I’ll give them five minutes,” said Ash. “That should be enough time for them to see if they got what they needed.”

Ember slammed the scepter down. “Court will take a quick five minute recess to allow the defense to look over the evidence!”

Spike and Twilight quickly raced out of the room with Matches. As they ran down the hall to the defense lobby, they saw their friends running towards them. They all went in and quickly slammed the doors shut.

“What’ve you got, Matches?” wondered Spike. “We’re just about out of time there.”

The green dragon held up the bag. “We just finished searching Garble’s place found five crystals underneath is bed.”

“That’s great!” Rainbow said, happily. “That should then let Spike and Twilight win.”

Matches held up a hand. “Not so fast. The crystals are being treated as evidence, so we couldn’t determine them. Four of them were sent to the lab to see if they have the properties of a magic crystal.”

“Four?” asked Starlight. “Where’s the fifth?”

“Here.” Matches pulled out the bag a rather small orange crystal. There was a yellow spot in the middle of the crystal. It was being held inside another bag that was clear.

“This one’s already been tested for fingerprints and they’ve confirmed that Garble’s fingerprints were over this crystal.”

“That was fast,” said Fluttershy.

“Garble’s had trouble with the law in the past,” said Matches. “They’ve had his prints on file and were quickly able to match them up with the ones on the crystal. They think all five crystals may be the missing ones, but we won’t be sure until the results come back.”

“Yay!” Pinkie hugged Spike and Twilight. “You guys are going to do it!”

Spike pushed Pinkie away and frowned. “I’m not sure about that,” he said.

Everyone looked at Spike in shock.

“What do you mean?” wondered Starlight. “We’ve got the evidence here.”

Spike shook his head. “Garble may just try to once again come up with some story about the crystals. I don’t even know if Master Ash will let the trial go on until the results of the crystals come back.”

Twilight frowned. “Spike does have a point. Garble’s been constantly able to slip away every time we’ve got him cornered. He’s tricked everyone with his so called ‘truth’ and–”

“Twilight, stop,” ordered Spike.

The alicorn looked over. “What is it, Spike?”

The drake just held a hand up and turned away. Everyone watched him curiously and raised eyebrows at one another as to what their friend was doing.

Spike snapped his finger. “Of course! Why didn’t I think of it sooner?”

“Think of what?” inquired Matches. “Want to let us in on what’s going on?”

Spike turned around and had devious smile on him. “Garble loves to rely on fooling others, right?” Everyone nodded. “So, what do you say we give Garble a taste of his own medicine?”

“How?” asked Twilight.

Spike looked over. “Starlight, I think we’ll need your help.”

The unicorn looked surprised. “Me? What can I do?”

Spike smirked. “I’ve got a plan.” He waved a hand. “Come on, I’ll tell you all.”

The doors to the courtroom swung open and Spike and Twilight quickly made their way back to their stand. The room that echoed with dragons muttering quickly fell silent as they saw the two lawyers go back down.

“Mr. the Dragon,” said Ember, “is everything ready?”

Spike nodded. “Yes, my Lord.”

Garble scoffed. “You don’t have anything on me! This is just another waste of time!”

“Quiet, Garble!” ordered Ember. She looked over. “The defense will present its final piece of evidence.”

This is it, thought Spike. I’ve got to hope I’ve got things figured out.

He closed his eyes in concentration. We know Garble’s the one who sabotaged the visit and that he was the fake pony who’s been following us for so long. He used one of the stolen magic crystals, but got rid of it once he realized we were onto him. He believes that he’s gotten away with it all. He thinks he’s left no way to connect him to the theft of the crystal.

What he shouldn’t know though is what Matches and the guards did. He should be in the dark about what just happened. If everything works out, he’ll be completely caught off guard.

Ash slammed his sword on the table. “Mr. the Dragon!”

Spike broke out of his thoughts and looked at the elder dragon.

“No more stalling,” he ordered. “I allowed you to look at the new evidence because I thought it would show the truth.”

His expression turned to one that looked like he was in agony. “I want to know,” he pleaded. “No, I need to know here and now. Show this final piece of evidence,” he gulped a little, “please.”

Spike felt a little sad. I think he’s finally gotten it.

He looked over at Garble and narrowed his eyes. A phony pony, a phony act of heroism, and a phony way to make dragons hate ponies. Everything Garble has relied on has been tricking everyone into believing him. Sounds like a good time then for some phony evidence!

“Very well, Master.” He looked over. “Garble, you’re tricks aren’t going to work now!” He pointed a finger at the furious drake. “Behold! The final piece of evidence that’ll seal your fate!”

Spike slammed his hands on the desk. “Everyone knows about the stolen magic crystal. However, thanks to Matches’ efforts, we’ve finally found it!” He held the bag up. “This is the missing crystal!”

The courtroom filled with muttering. Ash just looked on and said nothing.

“We’ve even been able to get some fingerprints from the crystal itself that belong to Garble!” Spike continued. “Furthermore, we’ve been able to determine that this is the transformation crystal!”

“What?” Garble asked, coldly.

Ash continued to look on.

“If you don’t believe me, why don’t I let Twilight try it out?” inquired Spike. “It’s all I need to do.”

“Hey! She can use magic!” objected Garble.

“Just watch her horn and you’ll notice it won’t glow like she’s going to use pony magic,” said Spike. He looked over. “Ready to show them?”

Twilight nodded and took the crystal. She closed her eyes and everyone watched on. A couple of seconds later, a bright flash went off in the courtroom; making everyone shield their eyes. Once it faded, they all lowered their arms and the courtroom started filling with gasps and awes.

Standing next to Spike was not Twilight the alicorn, but a griffon.

“It...it’s amazing! The pony managed to use that crystal!”

“I’ve never seen something like this before. It’s beautiful.”

“What power!”

Another flash went off and Twilight was back to her normal self again.

“I think that’s enough proof there,” said Twilight. She handed the crystal back to Spike.

Garble was shaking a little.

Spike held the crystal up. “Garble, you can’t get out of this one! All your lies will be exposed! You’ve finally been caught!” He pointed a finger. “What do you have to say about that, Garble!?”

The red drake huffed and looked down. His shaking became more violent as he gripped the witness stand.

“...Heh…”

Spike raised an eyebrow.

Garble raised his head and laughed loudly. “That’s a good one Spike! You really got me there!”

Spike looked perplexed. “What’re you talking about?”

“Shut up!” snarled Garble. “I know what’s going on here! You can’t fool me! That’s not the transformation crystal!”

Spike shook his head. “No, wait! We just proved it by Twilight–”

“Shut up!” yelled Garble. “I can see straight through your lies! The crystal was red and smaller than that thing! That crystal looks nothing at all like it!”

The courtroom fell deathly silent. The Dragon Council members shifted forward and had bewildered looks on them. No dragon, or pony, in the audience said anything. The only sound that echoed seemingly loud was that of the fires from the chandeliers hanging above and the candles around the courtroom.

Spike let out a mental sigh of relief. Got him! At last I got him!

Garble noticed that everyone was staring at him and was feeling a bit on edge. He raised his arms up and looked around. “What!? What’re you all looking at!? What’s with all of you!? I just said–”

Spike held a piece of parchment. “Is the crystal like what Master Ash described in his letter to Lord Ember?”

Garble was handed the letter and nodded and tossed it back to Spike. “Yeah! That’s it! But I already told you that I don’t have it!”

He flashed a sinister smile. “Thought you could just trick me with Matches ‘finding’ the crystal? That’s probably just some cheap trick to fool us all.”

Garble put his hands behind his head and closed his eyes. “Go on, old man! Tell that so called lawyer where to go!”

Ash said nothing.

Garble opened an eye. “Old man?”

The flames around the courtroom intensified. All eyes fell on a violently shaking Ash looking down. Garble gulped nervously as smoke was billowing from his nostrils.

He raised his sword up. “You…” The elder dragon slammed it on the table with a thunderous crack. “FOOOOOOOL!” he boomed in a menacing tone.

“AAHH!” Garble scream in terror. He ducked behind the witness stand.

Ash was panting as he glared daggers at the red drake. “Do you realize what you just said!?”

Garble was shaking. “W–what? What did I say?”

Spike smirked. “You know, Garble, for someone who claims that can’t be fooled, you really made one out of yourself.”

The red drake said nothing.

“While it’s true we mentioned about the crystal theft, we learned what it looked like after you were forced to leave,” continued Spike. “If you truly didn’t know what the crystal looked like, you shouldn’t know the details about it. Like what it looked like or what color it was.”

Garble’s insides froze. “But...but…” He pointed at the orange crystal. “What about that then!? That crystal did what you said it really was!”

“Oh, this?” Spike picked up the crystal. “This is just one of the crystals Matches and the guards found when they searched your house?”

Garble’s jaw dropped. “M–m–m–my house!?” he stammered.

Spike smirked. “Yeah. You weren’t here when we heard about the report Master Ash got about the theft in the vault. How they had found more chests broken, their crystals stolen, and the broken chunks thrown behind some crates. After connecting the dots, they went over and found five of the six stolen crystals.”

“While we have proven that the fingerprints on the crystal are Garble’s, they didn’t know if they were the ones stolen or not,” said Twilight. “We know this isn’t the real transformation crystal.”

“Then how did you do it!?” demanded Garble.

Twilight smiled confidently. “A little trick of our own,” she looked up and waved. “Starlight, you really outdid yourself this time.”

The unicorn smiled meekly. “What can I say? I learned from the best.”

Garble looked like he was about to explode. “THIS ISN’T FAIR!” he bellowed. “They...they tricked me! This has to be against some sort of rule! I...I...I was tricked!”

“Stop your whining, Garble,” ordered Ember. “You’re the last to complain about tricks after what you’ve pulled.”

Spike slammed his hands on the table. “Which means one thing! Garble, you were the thief in the vault and you’re our mysterious red pegasus!”

Garble looked down and tried to hide the fear on his face.

“Isn’t that right, Hot Streak?” wondered Spike.

“Or is it, Sergeant McCloud?” asked Twilight.

“Front Page?” inquired Ember.

“Which pony are we talking to today, Garble?” asked Spike. “Or, are you ready to finally admit to everything you’ve done?”

“You...you can’t do this to me!” the red drake growled. “You...you cheated! You think I’m letting some pony loving dragon one up me!?”

Spike shook his head. “Sure, that last piece of evidence was fake, but it’s what you deserve after all the tricks you’ve pulled and how you manipulated everyone!”

Garble raised his head. “NO!” He let out a small burst of fire.

Ash was leaning over and huffing. “No...this cannot be! GAH!” He flinched as his armor was bashed in. “ARGH!” The armor was dented again. “ACK!” The suit was hit again. Ash was dazed by the constant attacks and had a weary look on him.

“Bested...by two rookie lawyers?” he asked in a defeated tone. “I...I never thought I’d see that.” His armor was hit again, but there was a scraping noise from it.

Spike and Twilight gasped. On Master Ash’s chestplate, a large gash had opened up. The elder dragon looked down at it and placed a hand over it. He used his sword to keep himself up.

“Mr. the Dragon,” he said, softly.

Spike leaned forward.

Ash looked up with a sad smile on him. “Thank you...for showing us all the truth,” he said, solemnly. “And thank you, for opening my eyes. I couldn’t have asked for a better lawyer to go against.”

The elder dragon closed his eyes and slumped against the desk. The grip on his sword loosened and he let go of it. The blade dropped to the ground, clanging loudly and echoing throughout the room. The flames on it slowly died out until only smoke remained.

Garble looked around nervously. “No…” he whispered. “This can’t be! My plan was perfect! How could I’ve been beaten!” He slammed his hands on the witness stand. “Somebody tell me! It’s not fair! There was no way I could lose! No way I tell you!”

“Garble, I have one last question for you,” said Spike.

The drake looked on in fear.

“Here, or in Equestria: where would you like to stand trial for your crimes first? Either way,” Spike pointed a finger at Garble, “it’s game over for you!”

The red drake said nothing and covered his head with his hands. The whole courtroom disappeared around him, which made him only more nervous. Suddenly, he saw something glowing from his pocket. His heart raced as her nervously reached into it. He pulled it out and gasped as her saw a red crystal.

“Hey! H–how did that get there!” He demanded.

He let out another gasp as he looked at his hand. It wasn’t scaly like the rest of his body, but instead was covered in fur. He looked at himself and saw his other hand wasn’t scaly either. He felt his face and panicked as he felt soft fur over him.

“No!” he yelped. “This isn’t me!”

He tossed the crystal away, but then noticed a glow from the other pocket. He gasped and pulled it out to show another red crystal. He then noticed he was wearing a blue and yellow suit and looked at himself again.

“What’s going on here!?” Garble threw the crystal away again. “This isn’t funny!”

He saw another glow and quickly threw the crystal in his pocket out. He desperately tried to throw each crystal he had away, but they kept somehow falling back into his pockets. In a rage, he ripped his jacket off to stop it all and let out a furious howl that sounded almost outworldly.

He looked at himself and noticed he was a complete mess. He had the right arm of his normal self, but his left arm was wearing part of the Wonderbolts’ uniform, his torso had part of a pinstripe suit on him. His legs were constantly shifting between that of a pony and a dragon.

“NOOO!” He screamed. He put his hands up to his face and felt his left side was furry and his right side was scaly. “Stop it! This isn’t me! Stop this! NO! NO! NO! NO! AaaaaaaRGGGGggggggHHHHHHHHH!”

Garble raised his head up and let out a powerful blast of fire. It covered him completely and made it impossible for others to see him. Garble saw all he had done from stealing the crystal, to him standing over Feather Flight’s body, to Ember and Spike, all flash before his eyes. All the while, he continued roaring in anger.

Suddenly, the fire died from Garble’s mouth and the screaming ceased. As the fire around Garble died out, everyone got a good look at the drake. He was leaning over and was covered in his own soot. The beastly look he had earlier was now just replaced by a broken dragon shivering. The confident look on him was now nothing more than a furious scowl on him.

Garble banged his hands against the stand. “I...I should’ve been made Dragon Lord! Me!” He pounded the stand again. “Spike, you bastard! If you just didn’t get in the way, I would’ve been in complete control! It was all perfect! I had everything basically given to me and still you somehow beat me!”

Ember slammed the scepter on the ground. “So you finally admit it, Garble?”

“Yes!” snarled Garble. “I went into the vault shortly after your announcement was finished. It was so easy since most of the guards were protecting you and the security was light. I thought I could just get in there and quickly take the right crystal, so I started busting open the chests that had them.”

“But once the guards came to investigate the noise, you panicked,” said Spike.

Garble nodded. “I had no choice but to hide and wait for them to leave. I couldn’t just take all the contents of the chests, so I just took what crystals I found and quickly got out of there. I kept testing them out until I found the real one and threw the rest under my bed. It was then just a simple matter of following Ember and Matches to Ponyville and spy on her. Once I heard about how her and Rarity were fighting over Spike, I knew I had the best chance to destroy this damn alliance. I slowly pushed them over the edge and made them hate one another more and more. All I had to do was just make them think one of them was taking Spike for themselves.

I stole the camera off that stupid pegasus and took photos of them fighting. I went to that academy and goaded Ember about Spike and her feelings for him. I threw the crystal into the lake after Spike and Ember were onto me. It was all working so well, and my revenge would’ve been complete at last. No damn alliance with Equestria, or embracing friendship. I would’ve expanded our borders and wipe out those ponies for good!”

“I do have one question for you, Garble.” Ash had risen up and holding his broken chestplate. “How did you even know about the crystals? Only the Council and the Dragon Lord know about them.”

“I heard some rumors about stuff in the vault,” answered Garble. “Stuff like powerful magic crystals, artifacts, treasures, and everything. I didn’t really think it was all true, but then I came across a drunk guard hanging out at the Smoldering Crater. He pulled me aside and told me he was being discharged for failing to do his duty. He decided to tell me about what the vault had as ‘revenge’, he put it, to let others steal from there.

At first I thought it was because he really hammered, but I did some checking around. Heard some things here and there. The more I learned, the better it sounded. I just needed to wait for the perfect chance. It was my best chance to make myself Dragon Lord and make this a better place.”

“You really think you were going to make the place better?” wondered Spike. “I know this isn’t my home, but I’ve seen the dragons in my time here during the Gauntlet of Fire. These dragons have their own ambitions as well. I know some of them don’t fully embrace what Lord Ember is doing, but I don’t think they’d go to the extremes you did just to get power.”

“I would’ve made this place better!” argued Garble. “We would’ve been free to do what we want!”

“Who would be free?” wondered Spike. “Every dragon would be under your rule and considering how you treat your ‘followers’ like Fizzle, everyone would suffer.” He looked up. “Let’s ask your so called ‘fans’ now if they still think you’d be a good Dragon Lord.”

The room filled with muttering and discontent. Garble noticed every dragon glaring at him or shaking their heads.

“I can’t believe it! To think we’d consider him to be the next Dragon Lord!”

“What a monster! Has he no shame or honor?”

“Mama, is the big red dragon going to hurt us?”

“Don’t look at him, dear!”

Garble narrowed his eyes at Spike. “Why you…”

Ember slammed the scepter against the ground, silencing the courtroom. “That’s enough! Garble, in the name of the Dragon Lands, you’re under arrest for theft, obstruction of justice, and treason to the kingdom! Guards!” Two dragons flew down. “Take him away!”

They both walked towards Garble. One had a spear pointed at Garble while the other drew his short sword out.

“Put your hands in the air!” the dragon with the spear ordered.

Garble backed away as the guards approached. He glanced at Spike and a new surge of anger filled up in him. He looked over at Rarity and smiled sinisterly. As the guard with the spear approached, he let out a roar and used his tail to smack him in the face. The guard fell over and groaned in pain.

“Hey!” The other guard charged at Garble and raised his sword up.

Garble tackled him and the two of them struggled against one another. Garble managed to get one punch across at the guard’s stomach, making him flinch and drop his sword as he clenched his stomach. Garble quickly grabbed it and looked over at a terrified Rarity. Before anyone could say something, the red drake flew over and tackled the unicorn.

“RARITY!” Spike and Twilight cried out.

Garble put a hand around Rarity’s body and held the sword up to her throat. “Back off, all of you!” he demanded. “I’m not finished yet!”

“Garble, let her go!” barked Ash.

“Shut up, old man! I’m through taking orders from you and Ember!” He pressed the edge of the sword against Rarity’s skin. “If you think I’m going to go peacefully, you’ve got another thing coming! One wrong move, and I’ll slit this pony’s throat wide open!”

Spike felt his heart nearly stop.

“Spikey!” cried out Rarity as she struggled. “Forget about me! You’ve got to stop Garble!”

Garble elbowed Rarity in the head, knocking her out. “That’s enough out of you!”

“YOU FIEND!”

Everyone looked up to the ceiling and saw a livid Princess Luna.

“YOU DARE TRY TO HARM ONE OF OUR FRIENDS!” she boomed in the royal Canterlot voice.

Garble laughed coldly. “Back off, moon butt, or else!” The tip of the sword slowly dragged across Rarity’s throat.

“Luna, stop!” pleaded Celestia. “We can’t risk Rarity’s life!”

“Sister, I shall make sure she’s safe!” Luna’s horn glowed.

“Don’t you dare!” barked Garble. “The moment I see you try to use magic on me, the pony dies!”

Luna growled furiously.

“Can you do it?” mocked Garble. “Can you really risk your ‘friend’s’ life, or not? If you fail, it’ll haunt you forever.”

Luna’s eyes darted between Garble and Rarity. She yelled out in frustration as the glow from her horn disappeared.

Garble smirked. “Smart of you.”

The courtroom descended into chaos as dragons screamed in horror and everyone watching helplessly as Rarity desperately tried to break from Garble’s grasp.

Twilight’s horn lit up. Careful now. Just got to do it right.

Garble saw out of the corner of his eye Twilight’s horn. “NO!” he yelled. He shot a fireball out of his mouth and was racing towards the alicorn.

“Twilight, get down!” Spike pushed Twilight over.

“AAHH!” Twilight screamed in pain.

Unfortunately, it was a little too late. The fireball nicked Twilight in the shoulder and was clutching it in pain. Spike held her up and tried to help keep her calm.

Matches leaped down from the audience stand and looked beside himself. “MONSTER! I’ll rip your arm off and beat you with it!” As he flew towards Garble, the red drake used his tail again to smack Matches and sent him falling to the ground.

“Spike!” Garble called out. The drake looked up. “You and me aren’t done yet. Not by a longshot. If I can’t become Dragon Lord, then you and I will settle this away from the others.”

Spike glared. “What do you mean by that?”

Garble chuckled. “If you want to know, you’ll have to come face me.” He pulled Rarity closely. “And know that if you run from this, if you decide to bring help to fight me, then I’ll end this pony’s life. You do want to save her, right? Do you still care for her, or do you hate her?”

Spike growled. “Where do you want me to meet you?”

Garble smirked. “Where it all began.”

Spike raised an eyebrow. “Wait, what?”

“GUARDS!” ordered Ember. “Don’t let him escape! Lock down the castle at once!”

Garble took a deep breath and let out a stream of fire everywhere. Screams filled the courtroom as other dragons started running for it. The whole place was soon on fire and the sound of crackling flames filled the room. Spike shielded Twilight as the flames intensified around them. Although he was able to resist heat, the smell of smoke made him cough violently and he knew Twilight and his friends wouldn’t last very long unless he did something.

“Spike!”

He looked over and saw Celestia and Luna with a magic shield around them.

Luna held her hand out. “We must leave! The others have already fled!”

Spike picked Twilight up and looked around. “What about Matches? Where is he?”

Celestia frowned. “We didn’t see him. He must’ve already left too.” A piece of rock fell over nearby. “Come on! We have to escape!”

Spike nodded and ran out with the princesses.

The world seemingly shut off for Spike as he sat on the couch and helped keep Twilight comfortable. The wound on her had thankfully not been as bad as he thought, but she still needed some bandages and some of the fur on her was burnt. He saw guards running around the castle, but didn’t pay any mind to what they were saying. Some dragons were bringing in hoses to the burning courtroom that had smoke pouring out of it. All the chaos and yelling around the castle seemed insignificant to him as he held Twilight’s head.

“I’ll be alright, Spike, honest,” said Twilight.

The drake shook his head. “Not after what happened. If we hadn’t gotten out of the courtroom, who knows what would’ve happened to you?”

“I agree, Twilight,” said Celestia. “If Spike hadn’t pushed you over, I fear things would’ve turned out much worse.”

Starlight frowned. “Why did you do that, Twilight? You heard what Garble said.”

Twilight grimaced. “I thought with him distracted, I could somehow free Rarity without him noticing. I was wrong though.”

“Your intentions were good, princess, but foolish.”

Everyone looked up to see Ember and Master Ash approaching them.

“What’re you doing here, Master?” wondered Spike.

“Master Ash and I wanted to check on Twilight,” answered Ember. “Right now, we have guards running around the castle searching for Garble and Rarity. So far though, no luck at all.”

Ash looked down. “I can’t believe it though. I knew Garble had issues, but…” his voice trailed off as he looked away.

Ember put a hand on his shoulder. “Master, it’s not your fault. He fooled you and everyone the whole time.”

“It doesn’t excuse though how I didn’t question his story too much. I shouldn’t have let my own emotions cloud my judgement for what was best for the Dragon Lands.”

“Lord Ember!”

She turned to see a guard run and salute her. “What’ve you got to report? Have you found Garble and Rarity yet?”

The guard’s expression drooped. “My Lord,” he said in a nervous tone, “I’m...I’m afraid he managed to escape.”

“What!?” exclaimed Ember, furiously. “How!?”

The guard shrunk back a little. “My Lord, it appears that while we were busy locking the castle down and scrambling the guards, Garble took advantage of the confusion and snuck out one of the rooms we didn’t check. He broke a window open and managed to escape from there. We looked around outside, but he was long gone. We’re currently sending out guards now to check across the land, but since we have no lead where he went, it could take hours to possibly track him down.”

Ember growled and punched the wall nearby. “Damn it!” she shouted in frustration. “We almost had him, and he slips from us again!”

Ash looked over at Spike, “Mr. the Dragon, what did Garble mean when he wanted you to meet him at where it all began?”

Spike shrugged. “I really don’t know to be honest. Could be anyplace really. I know it has to be here in the Dragon Lands, but I don’t know where.” He let out a sigh. “It doesn't matter though. We don’t even know where Garble took Rarity. He could be anywhere now.”

“Don’t be so sure.”

Everyone turned around to see Matches walking up to them and was panting.

Ember smiled. “Matches, it’s good to see you.”

He bowed. “Likewise, my Lord.” His eyes fell upon Twilight and he leaned down to her. “How bad is the injury?”

The alicorn blushed a little. “It...it’s fine. It was a minor burn, but nothing too serious.” She raised an eyebrow. “The question I should be asking though is where did you go? We thought you were trapped in the courtroom.”

Matches shook his head. “No, I managed to escape shortly after Garble set fire to the room. I refused to let him get away, so once he escaped with Rarity, I chased after him. He was probably too worried about evading the guards to notice me, so I managed to keep up with him. I saw him go into one of the rooms and heard a shattering noise.

When I went in, I saw the window was broken and he was flying away with Rarity. The guards hadn’t made it to that part of the castle yet, so I took off to chase him down. For a while, he flew around, and I was able to stay far behind so he didn’t notice me. As we passed over the land though, I noticed he was heading to the Scale Sea for some reason.”

Ember raised an eyebrow. “Why there? There’s nothing that interesting out there.”

“There was one place I saw him head to,” said Matches. “An island with a volcano around it. It’s off of the Sawtooth Cliffs.”

A thought crossed Spike’s mind. “Wait a minute. A volcano? A cliff near it? In the middle of an ocean?”

Matches nodded. “That’s right. Once I saw that, I figured I should return and let you all know.”

Ember’s eyes widened. “Wait a minute.” She looked over. “Spike, you don’t think it’s where I think it is, right?”

The drake nodded his head. “I think I know where we need to go. Garble wasn’t kidding when he said it’s where it all began.”

Ash raised an eyebrow. “I’m not following. What exactly are you talking about?”

Spike narrowed his eyes. “The Gauntlet of Fire. That’s where Garble is.”

Author's Notes:

Well, here it is at long last. The final chapter of this trial. It took a lot longer than usual to get this chapter out because of how I wanted it to play out. Had to think about how to make things progress, the handling of how Garble's scheme should've fallen apart, and how to set up the final parts of the story.

The amount of work I've had lately and some laziness hasn't exactly helped make this chapter much easier to be honest. Thankfully, I do have most of what I want to do in the final few chapters of the story thought out, so I'm remaining hopeful things will be alright.

Hope you all enjoy regardless!