In the blue colored and crystal-like hallway of Twilight’s castle, Spike, who had changed his dirty shirt for a black t-shirt with a green flame on it, was walking and writing on a piece of parchment paper.

“Let’s see,” he muttered to himself. “What else can I show Ember while she’s here? Maybe Rainbow can take her to Cloudsdale. I can see if Applejack has any spare cider for Ember to try out. There’s so much I can show her that I don’t even know where to start.”

“Well I can tell you I ain’t got any spare cider, sugarcube,” a mare with a southern accent said.

Spike stopped and looked up from his paper to see the lean muscular Applejack and Rainbow Dash walking up to him. Applejack had a plaid red shirt on and cut blue jean shorts with a belt on it with an apple shaped buckle on it. Rainbow, Spike noticed, looked like she had just finished one of her workouts as she was in a tight, black tank top shirt and black jogging pants that showed off her rather curvy, but leaned muscular, figure.

Spike chuckled and said, “Well it was worth a shot anyway, Applejack.”

“Well maybe if a certain pegasus didn’t get all greedy over the cider, I’d be more than happy to share it with your new friend.” Applejack shot a stinkeye over at Rainbow.

Rainbow shrugged nonchalantly. “Hey, it’s not my fault your family makes the best cider in all of Equestria. Besides, you owed me one after I helped you hook up on a date with Soarin.”

Applejack blushed and grimaced. “Alright, you got me there.” She looked over at Spike and smiled. “Still, I can’t believe your friend from the Dragon Lands is coming over. Not only that, but the Dragon Lord herself.”

“I still think Spike should’ve stayed as Dragon Lord,” said Rainbow. “I think it has a nice ring to it and it would’ve been cool to have Spike be ruling over the dragons.”

Spike’s cheeks went red and he smiled. “Well, I don’t think I would be ruling over all the dragons, but it was tempting. However, I made my choice and would much rather stay with my friends.”

Applejack put a hand on Spike’s head and rubbed it as she grinned. “We wouldn’t have it any other way, partner.”

Spike turned and waved a hand. “Come on, Twilight should have Pinkie and Fluttershy over by now.”

The two mares nodded and followed Spike down the hall and came up to a large set of double doors. Spike put a hand on the door handle, but suddenly heard a rather loud bang from inside. He looked at Applejack and Rainbow and both looked as concerned as him. He opened the doors and saw colorful confetti raining down in the Friendship Council chamber.

The large round table and chairs around it were covered in some streamers and confetti. Streamers lined the ceiling around the roots of the former Golden Oaks Library. Near one of the chairs, a rather chubby pink mare in a yellow shirt and frilly sky blue skirt was pushing around a small blue cannon. Twilight was leaning over and had her face buried into her hands.

The princess looked up at the pink mare with an exasperated look. “Pinkie, can you stop firing that!?” she demanded. “She’s not coming today!”

Pinkie looked up with a disappointed expression on her. “Aww! But I was ready to give her a big ‘Welcome to Ponyville’ party! Now that I think about it, do dragons like surprise parties, or any kind of party?”

“Well I like them,” Spike input. “So I think the answer is yes.”

Pinkie turned and smiled as she saw the dragon. She ran up and gripped him in a tight hug that made Spike gasp for air.

“Spike! I must know what kind of food to serve at this welcome party!” ordered Pinkie. “Do you have any gems I can use? Maybe I can make some gem encrusted cupcakes.”

Spike gasped and said weakly, “Put… me down… please.”

She saw Spike’s strained expression and released him. He let out a gasp and took several deep breaths. He looked up at Pinkie and smiled a little.

“Let’s take one thing at a time,” he said. “I want to know more about Ember’s visit first.” He looked over at Twilight. “Are Rarity and Fluttershy here?”

Twilight nodded and pointed to her two friends each in their chairs. A slim and curvy Fluttershy, dressed in a simple lime green and pink polka dotted sundress, was shaking a little and her eyes darted around. Spike, however, noticed Rarity with a rather grim look on her and had a hand up to her head. Fluttershy nervously waved to greet her friends, but Rarity didn’t seem to notice the chaos going on around the room.

Spike walked up to the fashionista. “Rarity?”

There was no response.

HE put a hand on Rarity. “Are you alright?”

Rarity flinched and looked around. “What’s going on?” she abruptly asked.

She looked around the room and saw her friends were staring at her with confused looks on them. Rarity felt a hand on her shoulder and looked over to see a worried Spike.

“What’s wrong, Rarity?” he wondered. “You’ve been acting funny all day.”

Rarity turned away to hide a blush and waved a hand. “It’s nothing, darling,” she said. “I’m just um… still in shock that your… friend is coming here.”

Spike smiled and said, “Well, I’m happy to know you’re just as surprised as I am. I’ve been thinking of the things we can all do together.”

Rarity felt that empty feeling in her again and shuddered a little.

“You can do that later, Spike,” said Twilight. “We need to talk about Ember’s visit itself.”

Spike nodded in agreement and went over to sit on his throne near Twilight.

Twilight looked at her friends and smiled. “As you all know, I got a letter from Lord Ember.” She pulled out the scroll she was carrying earlier and showed it to her friends. She opened it and began to read the letter out loud.

Dear Princess Twilight,

I believe I have a solution to this “problem” you’re having with Spike. I know you are aware of my efforts to change the way dragons are and start a new beginning between dragons and ponies, but some of them aren’t happy with this.

I’ve talked to the Dragon Council and have convinced them to allow me to come to Equestria for a week. I will be headed to the castle you reside in the town you call Ponyville and stay with you there for the week. While I stay with you, I will not only be learning about Equestria and showing the Dragon Council that we can be friends with each other, but to also hang out and help Spike.

I will be coming along with one dragon to act as my guard during my visit. I must warn you that the Council has told me that this may be the best chance at improving relations between ponies and dragons, but they have said that if it doesn’t look like things will work out, they’ll have no choice but to break off this alliance.

I will arrive this Sunday and hopefully this visit will finally bring this issue to an end and we can all start being friends. I look forward to meeting Spike, you, and all the friends you’ve told me about.

Your friend,
Dragon Lord Ember

Twilight put the scroll down and everypony was looking at each other with various look. Pinkie seemed excited, but Fluttershy was still shaking nervously. Rainbow and Applejack each raised an eyebrow as they looked at each other. Rarity lowered her head to hide her agitated look. Twilight opened her mouth to speak, but was suddenly pulled to the side and saw a distraught Spike.

“What the hay are you doing mentioning something like that to Ember?” he whispered in a demanding tone. “Why would you even tell her something like that? How did you even know about that?”

Twilight glared and whispered in a scolding tone, “Spike, she’s the only dragon who can help you with this matter. Besides, think of this as a way to not only help Ember out, but also maybe learn more about dragons. You’re helping each other out with this.”

Spike opened his mouth to object, but the thought of seeing Ember made him stop. He looked down and put a hand on his chin.

Ember, it’s been awhile since I’ve seen her again, he thought to himself. As much as I don’t like what Twilight did, I would like to see her again and maybe get to know her a bit more. The thought of it made Spike’s cheeks heat up.

“What’s wrong?” inquired Twilight.

Spike shook his head and leaned back. “Nothing. I was just thinking that you were right. Sorry about that overreaction.”

Twilight smiled and leaned back. “I’m sure this will work out for both you and Ember, Spike.” She looked back at her friends. “So what do you all think?”

“A whole week, huh?” asked Applejack. “This isn’t going to be like when Prince Rutherford and those yaks visited, right? Granny Smith is still angry about what they did to the barn.”

“Don’t worry, Applejack,” Spike answered. “Ember isn’t like that at all. She isn’t a perfectionist like the yaks.”

Rainbow smirked smugly. “Heh! I’ve always wanted to race against a dragon,” she boasted. “Do you think there’s any way she and I could see who’s a better flyer?”

“Rainbow, she’s not here for some race,” scolded Twilight. “She’s here on a diplomatic mission.”

“Yeah, yeah,” said Rainbow nonchalantly as she waved a hand. “I think maybe though we could also settle who are better flyers. Pegasi or dragons?”

Twilight groaned and rubbed her head.

“She’s not a big, monsterous dragon, right?” asked Fluttershy timidly. She looked over at Spike. “No offense.”

The dragon waved a hand. “Don’t worry, Fluttershy,” he assured. “Ember may seem a little scary at first, but she’s really great. She’s nice, she’s really brave, and strong.”

Rarity winced a little, but nopony noticed.

Fluttershy stopped shaking and smiled a little. “Well, she does sound nice,” she said. “You sound like you really admire her.”

Spike blushed a little. “Well, I wouldn’t say that,” he stated. “However, I do have to admit she is kind of…”

Rarity scowled and crossed her arms as Spike talked about Ember. I can’t believe this, she said to herself. I’ve known Spike for years, but he’s acting like Ember is an old friend that he’s known his whole life! He’s helped me with gem hunting and designing clothes, and yet suddenly the moment he sees some new dragon that’s friendly to him, he can’t get over her.

The unicorn felt her anger shift to a feeling of sadness and she closed her eyes. I just don’t understand it. Spike has always helped me and always seemed fond of me so much. Now that he’s seen Ember and made friends with her, he’s been different. It’s almost like he doesn’t… Rarity couldn’t muster the courage to utter those words.

“Rarity!”

The fashionista looked up and all her friends were staring at her. Rarity forced a smile and asked, “Did I miss something?”

“We were just wondering why you’re gripping your throne so hard,” said Spike. “You looked like you were about to break the armrests off of it.”

Rarity looked down and saw that the dragon was right. She could feel her hands crying out in pain as she gripped the chair, and let go of it. She looked at her friends and chuckled a little as her eyes darted around the room.

“Sorry, but I just have a lot on my mind,” she said.

Twilight looked away and took a deep breath. “Well, now that you’re listening, Rarity, we only have two days to prepare for Ember’s arrival. Spike and I will get a room prepared for her and we’ll need to let the town know about this upcoming visit.”

“What about Starlight?” wondered Spike. “I know she’s visiting Sunburst in the Crystal Empire, but I wouldn’t want her to miss this.”

Twilight smiled and rubbed Spike’s head. “Don’t worry. She’ll be back tomorrow and I’ll tell her what’s going on. Are there any other questions?”

The group shook their heads.

Twilight clapped her hands and nodded. “Alright, we’ll meet here tomorrow to get everything ready. Spike and I will get the castle cleaned up and set up a room for Ember. The rest of you think about what we can show Ember while she’s in town.”

“You got it, Twilight,” said Applejack as she got up.

The others rose out of their chairs and began moving towards the double doors.

“Hold it, Rarity,” Twilight called out. “I need you to stay for a moment.”

Rarity stared at Twilight for a moment, but sat back down.

Spike looked at Twilight. “Is something wrong?” he wondered.

“I just need to talk to Rarity alone,” she answered. “Go on and find a good room for Ember to stay in. This won’t take long.”

Spike looked at Rarity and then back at Twilight. He nodded and went out the room with the others. The doors slammed shut, leaving Rarity and Twilight alone.

Twilight crossed her arms and looked over at her fidgety friend. “Rarity, I think there’s something you’re not telling me.”

“Whatever do you mean, darling?” asked Rarity. “If you’re referring to Ember coming here, I am perfectly fine with it.”

The alicorn raised an eyebrow. “You’re not exactly doing a good job convincing me of that. Ever since you’ve heard about this visit, you’ve been snappy and distancing yourself from us. For somepony who seems fine with seeing Spike’s first dragon friend, you’re proving yourself otherwise.”

Rarity frowned and slammed her hands on the table. “I–It’s not that I have a problem with Ember,” she stuttered angrily. “I’m just worried about the company she’s bringing.”

Twilight tilted her head and looked confused. “You mean that dragon bodyguard she mentioned?” The purple mare wondered. “Why would that worry you?”

“You said it in the letter Ember sent you,” replied Rarity. “Some of them aren’t happy with this alliance and I still haven’t forgotten how most of them treated poor Spikey Wikey. I’m sure I don’t need to remind you of Garble.”

“I haven’t, Rarity, but you have to remember that Ember is trying to change all of that,” argued Twilight. “Spike managed to create this alliance through his efforts in the Gauntlet of Fire, and I think we shouldn’t let this opportunity pass.”

Rarity’s expression melted into a solemn one and she looked down. “Twilight, I am proud of Spike and what he’s done, but I’m more worried about him.”

“Why would you say that?”

Rarity looked at Twilight with an anguished look on her. “I’m afraid that we’re losing Spike. Ever since this trip into the Dragon Lands, he’s become far more interested about dragons and Ember herself. It almost feels like he isn’t the same dragon anymore.”

Twilight frowned and walked over to put a hand on Rarity. “I understand that, Rarity,” she said in a softer tone. “It’s been kind of hard to see a dragon that can be considered like my little brother change so much over the years. He’s grown up and isn’t the ‘baby’ I used to call him when I first came to Ponyville with him.”

Rarity smiled softly. “He certainly has. He’s still a bit childish, but he’s grown into a mature, smart, nice, strong, handsome dragon who–”

“What was that last part?” asked Twilight.

Rarity slapped a hand over her mouth and her cheeks went red. “Nice!” she blurted out quickly. “A nice dragon who cares about his friends!” She smiled awkwardly and chuckled a little.

Twilight raised an eyebrow, but shook her head. “Well, you’re right, he does care about us,” she admitted. “He also cares about Ember a lot, and wants to help her in any way he can.”

“Maybe he cares about her a little too much,” muttered Rarity angrily.

“What did you say?”

Rarity waved a hand. “Nothing, darling,” she answered. She let out a sigh and leaned her head back. A thought crossed her mind and she looked back at her friend. “Twilight, do you ever get this feeling like Spike really cares for Ember a lot?”

Twilight rubbed her chin for a moment and then gasped as the revelation dawned upon her. “Rarity, are you saying that Spike has feelings for Ember?”

Rarity waved her hands and shook her head. “Well I wouldn’t say that,” she said. “I just think Spike is really fond of her.”

“Well, I can’t say for sure,” said Twilight. “Spike has talked a lot about Ember since his trip to the Dragon Lands. It’s possible though that maybe he has grown attached to her.”

“But he’s only known her for a month,” argued Rarity. “I don’t think he’d fall for her so quickly.”

Twilight shrugged and said, “I’m not sure, Rarity. He hasn’t really shown much of a romantic interest for Ember. However, he has grown up after all and it’s possible he may have found some dragon he’s developed a crush for. It’s kind of like when we first showed up in Ponyville and…” The alicorn bit her lip and blushed a little. “Well… I don’t think Spike would want me to talk about that.”

Rarity looked down and felt her stomach twist into a knot. Like how he acted when I first met him, she solemnly thought to herself.

Rarity stood up from her chair and looked at Twilight. “Darling, I do apologize for how I’ve been acting,” she said. “I guess this whole thing has just been a big shock to me. I’ve been so worried about those dragons we’ve encountered over the years that I guess I’m not thinking straight.”

Twilight put a hand on her friend and smiled. “Rarity, I know that it’s hard to forget the troubles that dragons caused for us in the past, but now we have a chance to make peace with them thanks to Spike and Ember’s efforts. Besides, since Spike will see Ember again, maybe the two of them can get to know each other a bit more.”

Rarity forced a small smile and nodded. “I think I better go now,” she said. “I need to finish a few things at my shop.”

Twilight hugged Rarity, who also returned it. “Just don’t forget about tomorrow,” she said. “We’ll need help getting the castle ready.”

“I’ll be there, Twilight,” assured Rarity.

The two mares waved goodbye and Rarity walked out of the council chamber and made her way out of the castle. As she made her way back to her boutique, Rarity couldn’t help but think back to the conversation she and Twilight had about Spike.

Spike certainly is something else, she said to herself. Even after all these years since I first met him, he hasn’t changed much. Yet one thing hasn’t changed at all; his kindness. He still finds time to help me out in designing clothes, or gem hunting. Sure, there have been a few times where he’s tried to hide his obvious affection for me, but it was a silly crush.

Rarity stopped and felt a chill run down her spine. It may have been a silly crush, but yet I feel something is missing now. Spike has grown into a smart, strong, kind, handsome dragon. He’s always treated me well and was always ready to help me when I needed it the most. Now ever since he saw Ember, he seems to be obsessive over her, and seems to really like her.

She stopped and gasped as a thought hit her. He has grown up after all and it’s possible he may have found some dragon he’s developed a crush for, the words of Twilight rang out in her head.

Rarity lowered her head and soon made her way back to the Boutique. She went in it and walked up to her room. When she entered it, she went over to a nearby dresser and opened the top drawer to reveal a golden necklace with a heart shaped red ruby in it. She leaned her head down upon the jewel and frowned.

“... I was a fool,” she sorrowly said. “I knew his feelings for me, and yet I never acted on them. Spike has always treated me so nice and he’s never hesitant to help me, but I took advantage of that.”

She walked over to a mirror and looked at herself to see a few tears running down her. “I always thought that his pursuit of me would go away, but over time, I slowly grew more and more attracted to him. Now it seems he’s moved on and has fallen for Ember. I was too slow in the end, and I let a friend I know who treated me like a lady slip away because of my selfishness.” Rarity lowered her head again and was shaking a little.

He hasn’t really shown much of a romantic interest for Ember, Twilight’s words rang out in Rarity’s head.

The fashionista stopped shaking and looked up with a hopeful look on her. “Hasn’t shown much of a romantic interest, huh?” she asked herself.

She looked at the Fire Ruby necklace and gripped it tightly. Her despair slowly turned into a burning desire and determination. Her eyes narrowed and a triumphant smile formed.

“There’s still a chance,” she said softly. “I can’t let what I’ve done to Spikey in the past happen again. I must step up my efforts! I won’t stand by idly anymore and let this chance pass up!”

Rarity put the Fire Ruby necklace around her and she looked in the mirror with a proud expression. “Ember, I swear to it that I, Rarity, will not let you have Spike. Dragon Lord or not, I won’t give up Spikey Wikey without a fight. I may be a lady, but that doesn’t mean I’m not willing to fight for a dragon I’ve come to love.”

Rarity looked at the Fire Ruby again and smiled again as she turned and walked out of her room.

The sound of shouting could be heard coming from a rocky, circular arena that stood out near a towering stone castle. Hundreds of dragons filled the stands and were shouting various things. In the circular arena, Ember and Matches looked around the large crowd.

Matches leaned near Ember. “Tough crowd I see.”

Ember scoffed and said, “Not for long.”

She pulled out a small red ruby crystal and gripped it as she concentrated. She felt an aura surge in her and felt her throat tingling. She stepped forward and looked up at the crowd.

“Fellow dragons of Equestria!” she bellowed.

The crowd of dragons slowly died out as they all looked at Ember.

“In a few days, I will be leaving for Equestria to strengthen the pony and dragon alliance!” she announced.

“Why do we need to be friends with them?” a pink female dragon asked. “We don’t need them!”

“Yeah!” a red male dragon next to her agreed. “All ponies see us as monsters and constantly get in our way! You remember what happened to my father? Some ponies rudely told him to leave when he was just trying to take a nap!”

Ember shook her head. “If I recall, your father was also endangering a town with all that smoke he was venting!” The red dragon shrank back and tried to hide himself. “The point is this! For too long there has been a strained relationship between ponies and dragons! My… friend, Spike, helped create this alliance and he’s a dragon who has embraced friendship!”

“You mean that pint sized dragon?” a white male dragon wondered. “He gave up being Dragon Lord to be with those ponies.”

“And he let me be Dragon Lord and pass on what he’s taught me!” argued Ember. “If a dragon is capable of learning about friendship and living in peace with ponies, then I think all of us can! When I return from this visit, I hope that it can finally end years of conflict between us and the ponies of Equestria!”

The dragons in the stands talked to each other. Some leaned in and whispered to each other.

“It may be possible for this to happen,” said a female green dragon.

“I think this is a waste of time,” stated a male blue dragon.

“I would like to maybe see some ponies,” said a male yellow dragon. “I heard the unicorns are really powerful with magic.”

“We don’t need those wimpy ponies!”

“That is enough!” a deep voice male ordered.

The crowd went deadly silet and all turned their attention to a square platform sticking out of the stands. A few lit torches in the stands showed seven brown hooded figures sitting on red chairs, and one of them stepped forward. A claw reached up for the hood and pulled it down to reveal an elderly black male dragon with a hardened look on him.

“Your Dragon Lord has spoken!” he announced in a commanding tone. “We, the Dragon Council, have granted Lord Ember to embark on this quest for peace!”

The black dragon looked down at Ember. “Lord Ember, have you chosen who will be going with you as your guard?”

Ember released the crystal in her hand and the aura of energy left her body. She bowed before the robed dragon and nodded. “Yes, Master Ash. He is right next to me,” she answered. She pointed over to Matches. “He’ll be my guard during my trip.”

The black dragon rubbed his chin and hummed to himself. “A recent graduate of the Dragon Guard, huh? Are you sure such a dragon with little experience in battle is your best choice?”

Ember nodded without hesitation. “Matches is a close friend of mine, and Spike has taught me to trust my friends. I believe a dragon who is willing to learn about friendship would benefit from this trip.”

Master Ash closed his yellow eyes and said nothing for a moment. Ember and Matches looked at each other with worried looks on them. After a minute, Ash nodded in agreement and opened his eyes.

“Very well, Lord Ember,” he said. “The Council has also talked about it, and we have agreed to allow some of our teachings about crystal magic to educate the ponies of Equestria.”

“Master Ash, forgive me!” a male orange dragon called out. “Isn’t that risky? Why show ponies some of our magic?”

Master Ash held up a claw. “I understand your concern, but you don’t need to worry,” he assured. “They are only some of the basics like speed, strength, and elemental resistance. We believe that if ponies understood something that they use, it could deepen the bond between the two races. That speaking amplifying crystal you’re using right now will be one of the few you’ll be allowed to take.”

“I understand, master,” said Ember.

“There is one last thing,” said Ash. “The Council would like daily reports on your studies and progress on making friends with ponies during this trip. On behalf of the Dragon Council of Equestria, we all wish you and Matches the best of luck on this trip.”

“Thank you, Master Ash,” the two dragons said in unison.

Ash looked at the circular arena stands. “This concludes our meeting! All of you are dismissed!”

The crowd of dragons slowly left the stands as they flew off into the sky. Ember and Ash looked at each other for a moment, and then Ash turned and left with the other members of the Dragon Council into the shadows. Ember and Matches took off into the sky and flew off the arena and headed for the castle.

Ember had a proud look on her. Spike, I promise I’m not going to let this effort go to waste. She felt some burning sensation in her that made her blush a little. She shook her head and glared. I don’t know what that was about. I need to stay focused and do this for Spike and everything he’s done for me and all of the dragons.

As all the dragons departed, a lone, muscular red dragon in a black leather jacket and faded blue jeans stayed in his seat and scowled.

“Yo, Garble!” a white dragon called out. “You coming?”

He waved a claw to dismiss the other dragon. “In a minute, Fizzle,” he replied. “I just want to be alone.”

Fizzle shrugged and took off with the remaining dragons. Garble crossed his arms and grinded his teeth in irritation.

“How can Ember do this?” he asked himself. “We don’t need ponies, and after all the history of what they did to us, she wants to suddenly make friends with them because one wimpy dragon that was raised by them convinced her to?”

Garble saw the image of Spike in his head and he clenched his fists as anger built up in him. “That wimpy dragon did all of this. We don’t need those ponies, and yet he insisted that we all become friends with them? What a pathetic excuse of a dragon. I can’t let this ‘friendship’ thing happen at all. But how can I end it?”

He sat and tapped his foot as he concentrated. Suddenly, a thought crossed his mind that made his eyes widen.

The Council has also talked about it, and we have agreed to allow some of our teachings about crystal magic to educate the ponies of Equestria. They are only some of the basics like speed, strength, and elemental resistance.

The dragon smiled sinsterly. “Magic crystals, huh?” he asked himself. “Well if what I’ve heard they got in the vault is true, then I think I may have some way to get close enough to Ember without her even noticing me.”

He looked in the direction of the castle and smirked. He took off and flew towards it with a smirk on him. “Ember, you and Spike aren’t going to get away with destroying our pride and making friends with those wimpy ponies.”

Author's Notes:

I should explain something before I get tons of comments about this. You see, I think dragons are capable of using magic. While there is a general thing about them being resistant to it, I like to think they can technically use magic to a degree. Thus, I came up with the idea about the crystals infused with magical energy. It's a bit out there, but hey, this is a show where magic just simply runs the entire world it seems.

Anyway, hope you all enjoy the chapter and prepare for the rivalry between Rarity and Ember!