The following morning Phoenix walked into the map room of the friendship castle. He had spent the night thinking about spending time with the girls. He didn't think it was too much of a big deal at first. But the more he thought about it, the more he considered the advantages of getting closer to them.

Twilight Sparkle had already started her training to become the avatar of the spirits. Even if there was a doubt that she would be able to use all the elements. He considered the fact she had a talent for magical mastery, she would likely be able to beat the odds and pull it off.

Even if she was a timid pegasus, Fluttershy had made a quick bond with the spirit of wind. Though, looking back. He had to admit it made sense. She was a gentle pony. Even without the title of Element of Kindness, it was easy to see how caring she was.

Phoenix noticed too that Rainbow Dash had taken an interest in the spirit of fire. From what he knew about her… behavior. She did seem the type to bond well with it. Confident, loyal, brave… she had a fire in her that didn't seem to quit, even when her body would. Good looks aside, she was the type of female his people found desirable.

Rarity was soft spoken and showed a nurturing heart. It would be easy to see her bond with the spirit of water. Her sister even had her own generosity, and from what he heard… a good set of pipes.

Pinkie as well, her playful personality would be a good match. Then again. The spirit of wind did tend to pull a few pranks as well. All things considered. He may have her lean more to wind.

Applejack and her sister are an easy match. They already showed great skill on the farm and grew up close to the spirit. Even without knowing it. They had built the bond. All that was left was to accept it.

Scootaloo had formed a bond with the spirit of fire. Regrettably out of necessity for survival. Regardless, the fact she was taking to it so quickly and easily was impressive. The only question now was, "how would she see me after the thrill of flight passes?"

With a sigh he decided to put those thoughts to the side as he entered the sight of the girls and Spike at the table looking at the table in concern. From the looks of it, his fears had come to light. Several spots of the map had turned gray.

"Twilight!" Several voices called from behind Phoenix, causing everyone to turn and see who it was.

In the doorway stood an exhausted changeling, two considered dragons, and a frantic unicorn stallion holding an alicorn filly.

No words had to be shared. Twilight instantly rushed to comfort the filly, who was crying and instantly clung to her.

The two dragons looked surprised at seeing what Spike looked like. And to his credit, Spike walked over to them. After giving the dragoness, he smirked at the red dragon before offering them some gems.

"I think we all know what's going on." Rarity sighed, turning to Phoenix. "Do you happen to have any ideas on what we should do dear?"

Phoenix nodded as everyone gathered around the table. "Yes. However, it would require you all to take the trials."

"What do you mean?" The dragoness asked. "What trials?"

Phoenix looked to the girls for a moment before turning to the others. "There is a way we can fight back. And the girls have agreed to take the path to insure that chance."

"We want in." The red dragon snorted. "No freak is going to mess with our home and get away with it."

"It's not that easy Garble." Spike pointed out. "I felt the power he's talking about. And if the trials are anything like the little bit I felt. Then it's not something you can toss around."

"Spike's right." Phoenix confirmed before Garble was able to speak. "You have to be willing to change your life if it comes to it. And for a dragon…. That may include giving up your hord. Whatever it may be."

Bothe dragons looked at each other before the female stepped forward. "Is it worth it?"

Phoenix shrugged. "That depends on what you consider important. If protecting your homeland and those you care about is important then yes. But if being the strongest of your kind is… then no."

"There's a catch. Isn't there?" The unicorn asked.

This time Twilight spoke. "There is Sunburst. I've taken the role of… what the spirits call a shaman. Much like the shaman of ancient Equestria, my job is to understand the spirits and help others do the same. Apparently following this path would require us to enter into a kinda… relationship with Phoenix as well as the spirits."

The changeling stepped forward with his head hung. "If it means saving my hive. I think the queen would understand… count me in."

The two dragons looked at each other and stepped forward. "Us too."

Taking a deep breath the stallion joined them. "I owe your family a lot Twilight. So if there is a way I can help. Then count me in."

Looking between the group, Phoenix smiled. "Our chances are looking better by the second." He said, pulling a large rainbow gem from his tail. "A little trick I learned during my long hunts." He mentioned as he put the gem on the table. "Everyone who doesn't wish to take the trials. Now is your chance to leave." He called, after waiting a few minutes he took a deep breath. "I can't predict what you all will face. But what I can tell you… is to trust in what the spirits tell you." With that said, he struck the stone with his claws causing a thick smoke to billow out and cover everyone in the room. "Good luck."

A white stallion trotted over to a concerned Discord with a knowing smile. "Don't worry my friend. Soon you'll get a front row seat to the greatest show this world will ever see. And possibly the rise of a new kingdom."

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