In Griffonstone Spike and his girls continued to follow Gabby who was showing them all around her birthplace.

“I have to say Gabby, you've been an excellent tour guide.” Spike admitted.

Gabby's eyes brightened, and she gasped, “Really?”

“I concur, you've been so helpful to us in enlightening us with your culture and history.” Twilight commended her.

“Thanks.” Gabby said with a blush.

“Hey, Gabby!” a male voice called.

Coming over was a male griffon with blue feathers and was about the same age as Gabby, “Gallus, hey!” she cheered, “Come and meet my new friends,” she dragged him over, “Guys, let me introduce you to Gallus. And, Gallus, this is Spike the Dragon King and the Elements of Harmony!”

Gallus looked at them, “For real?”

“Uh-huh.”

Gallus spoke to Spike, “So the famous Dragon King and Harem Master in the scales.”

“Ah, you've heard of both my reputations?” Spike asked a little embarrassed.

“Oh, yeah. How do you manage so many ladies?”

“It's a talent.”

“And he's just lucky we find him so undeniably attractive.” Pinkie put in making the girls giggle and Spike feeling further embarrassed.

Gabby continued, “Gallus considers you a role model to males everywhere in Griffonstone.”

“Gabby! You don't have to say things out loud!” Gallus shouted getting embarrassed like Spike.

Spike looked over at him, “So a role model to males, huh? Would that include you?”

Gallus looked away to hide his face, “Possibly.”

“Well, we think it's good you think our Spike is role model material.” Fluttershy smiled.

“Really?” Gallus asked.

“You bet.” Rainbow agreed.

“Aside from his other nature he's got so much to offer.” Applejack added.

“Oh, girls.” Spike smiled happily.

Suddenly they heard a commotion coming from behind them, “What's going on?” Sunset Shimmer asked.

“No idea.” Starlight replied.

“Let's go.” Twilight instructed, as the group hurried followed by Gabby and Gallus.

They ran through Griffonstone seeing several griffons flying or running for cover, until Gilda flew over, “Gilda!” Gabby called.

“What's happening?” Spike asked.

“We got an intruder in Griffonstone.” she explained.

“An intruder?” Rarity asked.

“Who?” Rainbow inquired.

“Him!” Gilda motioned behind herself.

They looked and saw the very creature that was recently speaking with the Storm King was trashing several griffon homes and crushing shops, “No way!” Gabby cried.

“Isn't that...” Gallus trailed off.

“Arimaspi?” Rainbow asked in shock.

“But how?” Rarity asked in confusion.

“Ain't he supposed to be dead?” Applejack asked.

“Zombie!” Pinkie cried.

Twilight sighed, “Let's see what this is about.” they hurried over.

As the creature continued trashing the griffon's home, Spike called out, “Yo!” the creature stopped to see Spike and the girls standing tall, “Don't you know destruction of private property is a serious offense?” he asked.

“Stay out of this dragon, this does not concern any of you!”

“Who are you?” Rainbow demanded.

“I am Arimaldo. Descendant of the long since deceased Arimaspi of the Cyclopsis Tribe.”

“He's related to Arimaspi?” Gallus asked Gabby and Gilda who were just as surprised.

Gilda spoke up, “Why're you here?”

“Justice and Revenge!” Arimaldo answered, “I've come to wrong the injustice your kind brought upon my ancestor!”

“What injustice?” came a cough, as Gruff flew down, “Your ancestor trespassed in our kingdom!”

“He wouldn't have done it if your deceptive King Grover didn't trespass in our kingdom first!”

“What're you talking about?” Spike asked, as everyone was confused.

“Long ago Griffon King Grover traveled to our kingdom Cyclopsia and stole my ancestor's prized possession the Idol of Boreas.” Arimaldo explained.

“That's a load of worms!” Gruff denied, “Your ancestor came to steal it from us during the reign of King Guto.”

“Lies!” Arimaldo shouted, “Your first king was a liar and thief! Just as all you griffons!”

“He sounds serious.” Twilight said in surprise.

“You think he's telling the truth?” Fluttershy wondered.

“Of course he's not!” Gruff replied, “He'd say anything to make us feel guilty just because his ancestor tried to take what wasn't his.”

“How dare you!” Arimaldo growled, “As compensation I'm taking something of value to you griffons.”

“What could that be?” Applejack asked the group.

“Wait a minute, oh no!” Gabby gasped, “The crown!”

“The crown?!” Gilda, Gruff, and Gallus asked in shock.

Arimaldo held up the crown of Grover, “Grover's Crown!” Spike said in surprise.

“Correct. Your king took my family idol. Now I take your kings crown.” Arimaldo sneered.

“We got to get that crown!” Rainbow called.

“Come on!” Twilight ordered, as the girls flew in and attacked Arimaldo who fought back using his brute strength.

Spike watched with conflicting emotions about the situation. The Idol was founded by King Grover according to Gruff, but Arimaldo claims it was his family's heirloom that was stolen by the griffon king. Part of him felt Arimaldo was telling the truth, but had no idea how he could be so sure.

“There's got to be some way to find out the truth.” Spike said to himself.

Bahamut spoke to him, “There may be a way, but it's risky.”

“How?”

“If what Arimaldo claims is true, then the Idol of Boreas must have the marking of his family on it.”

“Well, we don't know for sure since it's lost in that abyss,” Spike reminded him, “Unless... Bahamut, we have to go find it.”

“It's risky, Spike. You know that.”

“We have to try.”

“Spike!” Gilda called snapping him out of it, “Aren't you going to get in there?”

Rainbow landed close to them after getting knocked aside by Arimaldo, “Yeah. We could really use some extra muscle.”

“I think we're going about this all wrong, Rainbow.” Spike answered.

“What do you mean?” she asked.

“We won't know for sure who's telling the truth unless we find the Idol of Boreas.”

The four gasped in shock, “Are you insane?!” Gilda squawked.

“I think he's lost it.” Gallus said in disbelief.

“No, he's got a point,” Gabby spoke up, “We don't know which side of the story is real.”

“Correct,” Spike confirmed, “And we won't know for sure unless we find the Idol and see if it has the marking of Arimaldo's family.”

“So does that mean you really wanna go with my idea and find it somewhere in the Abysmal Abyss?” Rainbow asked.

“I do.”

“Well, then we better hurry,” Rainbow turned to the griffons, “You guys in?”

“I am.” Gabby volunteered.

“And you two?” Spike asked Gilda and Gallus.

The two looked at each other before looking back at Arimaldo and the girls fighting him. Gallus finally spoke up, “If we don't try our home's gonna be in ruins.”

“And we're not about to let that happen.” Gilda added.

“Then let's go.” Spike said, as they hurried off.

Applejack who was using her strength against Arimaldo noticed Spike, Rainbow, and the younger griffons heading off, “Now where are they goin'?”

Arimaldo noticed and smirked, “Probably fleeing like cowards. As should all of you!”

“We never back down.” Twilight answered, as she shot energy blasts at Arimaldo making him break grapple with Applejack.

“I hope they come back.” Fluttershy said in worry.

“Don't worry. They will.” Sunset assured her.

The young griffons led Spike and Rainbow right to the abyss. They stopped and looked down noticing it was windy down below, “So this is it?” Spike asked the griffons.

“This is it.” Gilda confirmed.

“Are you sure we can't fly down?” Rainbow asked.

“No dice, the wind is too strong.” Gallus explained.

“Luckily, I've come prepared.” Gabby pulled out some grappling hooks and ropes.

“Clever.” Spike admitted.

“Come on, let's get to work.” Gilda instructed, as they hooked their hooks onto strong rocks, and using the ropes began lowering themselves down.

“Whoo, really chilly down here!” Spike shivered.

“Just keep climbing!” Rainbow ordered, as they kept going down.

“I just hope we have enough rope,” Gallus said, “Who knows how far we have to go down.”

Rainbow looked down and spotted something shiny, “Hey, I think I see something!”

“Is it the idol?” Spike asked.

“Possibly.” Rainbow said, as she got down closer only for her rope to get caught in a crevice between two rocks, “Hey, my rope's stuck!” she struggled to get it loose, but the wind was rocking her around.

“Don't move so much!” Gilda called, as the griffons got to her.

“You three get her loose. I'm going down further.” Spike instructed, as he lowered himself down while following the glow Rainbow spotted.

When Spike got closer he saw to his luck the Idol of Boreas on a ledge, “That's it! The idol!” he landed on the ledge and picked it up and marveled at it, “Wow, what a beauty,” he suddenly looked over and came face to face with a giant skull belonging to the former Arimaspi. The sight of it made Spike jump, but he held onto the idol.

“Alas, poor Arimaspi. I wish I knew him.” Spike said dramatically.

“Spike, do you have it?” Rainbow called from above.

“I got it!” Spike called up.

“See anything?” Gallus called.

Spike looked the Idol over before looking at the bottom of it and his eyes widened in surprise, “Whoa.”

Meanwhile back in Griffonstone, the girls were still holding Arimaldo at bay, all while trying to keep more of Griffonstone from being demolished and trying to secure King Grover's crown.

“Twilight, if we don't do something fast Griffonstone's gonna be totaled.” Starlight warned the princess while firing her own magic shots at Arimaldo.

“I know, but I don't know what else we can do.” Twilight answered, as she dodged a flying cart filled with cabbages that was chucked at her.

“My cabbages!” a griffon cried.

“There's nothing any of you can do.” Arimaldo warned them.

“Think again, Arimaldo!” Spike called, as he, Rainbow, and the young griffons approach.

“Spike! Rainbow!” Fluttershy cheered.

“Where were ya?” Applejack asked.

“Looking for answers.” Rainbow answered.

“And we found them all right.” Gilda added, as Spike held up the Idol.

“The Idol of Boreas!” Gruff and Arimaldo called before glaring at each other, while other griffons came out from hiding and marveled at it.

“They really found it.” a griffon lady gasped.

“It's beautiful.” a young griffon boy marveled.

“Too bad it doesn't belong here.” Gallus told the child.

“What?” Gruff asked.

“Upon close inspection, we found something.” Gabby said, as Spike showed them the bottom of the Idol was marked with Arimaspi's face.

“The mark.” Starlight gasped.

“So, Arimaldo was telling the truth?” Twilight asked in surprise, as every griffon was in shock.

Arimaldo himself stood down, as Spike approached, “I apologize for my skepticism. But this mark proves you were telling the truth. And the Idol of Boreas is indeed your family's prized heirloom.”

“But hold on!” A griffon spoke up, “If it was really Arimaspi's why did King Grover take it from him?”

Gallus spoke up, “I may have a theory on that. If you'll allow me.”

Gruff looked at the griffon boy before answering, “Speak, Gallus.”

“We all know King Grover used the Idol to unite our ancestors who back then could only think about gold. It was always a fight for it with every griffon squabbling for even the tiniest bit. King Grover must've known if things kept up this way our very kingdom would erupt into anarchy and destroy itself. He somehow learned about the Idol of Boreas and flew to Arimaspi's homeland and stole the Idol to use it to help unite our ancestors.”

“It worked, but that also meant he had to lie to every griffon about its origin,” Gabby put in, “Even the kings that followed must've had no idea.”

The griffons and the pony girls listened in and saw the logic in that claim, while Arimaldo himself listened closely and pondered on it.

Spike spoke to the cyclops, “I know returning the Idol can't make up for what happened to your ancestor. But you can't blame the action of one griffon on all griffons.”

Gabby spoke, “King Grover may have been a thief and a liar, but he was only trying to protect his people.”

“It may not have been the smartest thing to do, but we can tell being a ruler isn't always an easy thing to do. He probably didn't know of any other way.” Gallus put in.

“We can't undo what happened in the past, but we hope one day you will learn to forgive us for the deception of our former king.” Gilda finished.

Arimaldo looked around seeing the griffons no longer looking like the greedy birds he was led to believe them to be, but rather scared and concerned with the well being of their home. He looked at the Idol and then to Spike and the three griffons giving him hopeful looks.

Swallowing his pride, Arimaldo spoke to them all, “A tragedy brought both our kinds to a rivalry that's lasted for hundreds of years. All my family could think about was vengeance. And that twisted and warped them into thinking nothing but that mattered. But no more. I am ending that cycle of vengeance here and now.” he took the Griffon Crown and set it down before Spike.

Taking the gesture to heart, Spike smiled and offered the Idol to Arimaldo who accepted it, “Thank you.” Spike said.

“Yes, thank you.” Gabby said while smiling.

Gallus and Gilda nudged Gruff forward who flew to the cyclops, “I apologize on behalf of all griffons for this tragedy between both our kinds. We now only wish to end the hostility.”

“As do I,” Arimaldo agreed, “To start I shall help you repair the damages I caused here.”

“Sounds good to me.” Gilda said, as the griffons agreed.

“Then let's get to work, All of us.” Twilight instructed.

And so Spike, his girls, the griffons, and Arimaldo started fixing all the houses and shops that were broken and smashed up in the heat of the fighting. And soon enough the whole place was good as new.

“Well, now this is a pretty sight.” Gruff said looking over all the new homes.

“It sure is.” Gallus agreed.

“I think it's lovely.” Rarity said, as she was adding her own flare to it with some ribbons and bows.

Arimaldo spoke, “Well, I think it's time I got going, but I should warn you all the whole reason why I cam here was because of the Storm King.”

“Storm King?” Spike and Twilight did a double take.

“Yes. He employed me to defeat you and your girls Spike, and that I would also regain my family Idol. He will not be pleased when he learns I failed in my mission, but I do not care about that. If ever you need help drop me a line.”

Twilight smiled, “Thank you Arimaldo.”

“We really appreciate you filling us in on these events.” Rarity added.

“Well, see you all around.” Arimaldo left Griffonstone.

Spike and his girls smiled at one another, until Gruff cleared his throat, “Spike Drake, on behalf of Griffonstone I personally wish to thank you and your ladies for not only defending our kingdom, but for also uncovering a long buried truth about what happened with our first king.”

“This just goes to show you what greed can do so any creature.” Sunset noted.

Gruff nodded, “And these three have made a very special request that concerns you.” he motioned to Gilda, Gabby, and Gallus.

“A request?” Spike tilted his head, as Gabby approached holding the Griffon Crown.

“We would like you to wear the Griffon King's Crown for the rest of your stay here.” she explained.

Spike's eyes widened in surprise, “Me? Wear the crown?”

“It's only fitting since you are the vessel to the dragon king.” Gallus said.

“And it's not something any of us have ever have the privilege of receiving.” Gilda finished.

Spike looked down at the crown, before looking at the girls who smiled and beckoned him to accept it and not be rude. Spike smiled, as he knelt down before Gabby who crowned him. Spike stood up and saw Rarity hold a mirror up so he could see how he looked.

“Mm, a crown really does look good on me.” Spike admired his reflection.

“I think it looks lovely.” Twilight admired, as she kissed her husband.

“All hail Dragon King Spike!” Gabby, Gallus, and Gilda announced.

“Hail Dragon King Spike!” the griffons declared, as they bowed to him.

“Every griffon, prepare a feast for tonight we dine like never before!” Gruff announced before coughing.

Meanwhile at the Storm King's lair, Grubber stood before his master and had just delivered some upsetting news.

“Arimaldo betrayed me?!” the Storm King shouted.

“I'm sad to say it, your excellency.” Grubber winced, as the Storm King grumbled.

“I thought for sure he'd be able to get the job done.”

“So what now, your majesty?” Tempest inquired.

“We'll have to come up with another plan to eliminate them. Fortunately, I always think of one.” he smirked.

Back in Griffonstone, the griffons had set up a huge feast, and were having loads of fun, with more griffon girls begging Spike for autographs.

“Ok, ok, one at a time.” Spike calmed the griffon girls as he signed more autographs.

After signing enough he went back to his girls to relax, “So how does it feel to be worshiped by griffons, Mr. King?” Rainbow nudged him.

“Pretty good.”

“Such a shame you can't keep the crown.” Rarity said with a pout.

“Well, it ain't his, Rarity.” Applejack reminded her.

“Yeah. It belongs here in Griffonstone.” Twilight added.

“Besides, I'd hate to damage it if I ever went into battle with it still on my head.” Spike put in.

“Hey, Spike?” Gabby flew over.

“Hey, Gabby, what's up?”

“I just want to thank you and your friends once again for what you've done with us.”

“Well, we should be thanking you, Gallus, and Gilda for helping us.” Rainbow replied.

“She's right. If it weren't for you three we never would've gotten down the abyss and find the Idol.” Spike said.

“Always glad to be of help, And... Oh, I just can't wait any longer!” Gabby cheered, as she kissed Spike much to his and the girls shock.

When they parted, Spike blinked before finding the words, “That was very generous of you.”

“Thanks. And I couldn't have asked for a better first kiss.” Gabby smiled while blushing.

“You just really have a knack for being a girls first kiss, Spike.” Applejack playfully nudged him.

“Or other 'firsts'.” Pinkie whispered to Fluttershy who giggled.

“Hey, if there's a chance could I see what your world is like?” Gabby asked.

“Well, it sounds ok to us. Just make sure to get permission.” Spike noted.

“I'll be sure too.” Gabby said, as she rejoined the party.

“Wearing a legendary crown and kissed by a devoted fan,” Spike started, “Could this get any better?”

Twilight smirked, and leaned into him, “I can make it better when we get home tonight.” Spike panted knowing what he was going to be in for when they got home. But until then, he was going enjoy the Griffon fest until it was over.