Gauntlet of Fire
Pony's Log Number 605: Spike may have a greater destiny than he might realize...
One day, Mario, Rarity, and Spike were heading into the gem mines located on the outskirts of Ponyville. Rarity would usually come here whenever she needed some extra gems for her fashion outfits and such. Mario also took notice that Rarity had added a large blue bow to her mining helmet.
"Hey, Rares, can I ask why you added the bow to your helmet?" Mario asked.
"Simple," said Rarity, "To make you smile. After all, you always said you liked it when one of your friends wear a large bow. I hope you don't mind I went blue instead of yellow."
"Not at all," said Mario, "Blue goes well with your coloring. Thank you." Rarity chuckled as she gave him a quick hug. Spike, who was walking behind them, just glared. While he knew Rarity was only being a good friend, or sister, to Mario, he still couldn't help but feel jealous.
"I wish she would ask my opinion about her bow," Spike muttered when he tripped and fell over, causing a dust cloud to rise into the air. The dust, however, tickled Spike's nose.
"Ahhh...ahhh...ahhh...ACHOOO!" Spke sneezed loudly, which caused large tremor, and the passage they were heading toward was quickly plugged up with rocks.
"What the...cupcakes?!" Mario exclaimed.
"That passage is the only way to the bottom of the mine!" Rarity exclaimed, "now how can we...wait a second..." Rarity then headed over what looked like a giant hole.
"Hmm..." said Rarity as she turned to Mario and took a long look at his wings.
"Rares...why are you staring at me?" Mario asked wearily.
"I was...well..." Rarity said with a sheepish smile before saying quickly, "You could glide us down with your wings?" Mario's eyes shrunk.
"Why me?!" Mario exclaimed, not liking the idea of, "I would have to freefall most of the way until we got closer the bottom!"
"Well, we need those gems and I promise you'll be okay," said Rarity before giving him a cute and pleading smile. Mario but then saw Spike gesturing for him to do it. Mario sighed with a huff.
"Fine!" said Mario as he walked over to the edge of the large hole. He then breathed deeply.
"Okay...on three," said Mario nervously, "One...two..." It was then Rarity and Spike jumped into his back...
...and pushed him over the edge!
"WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! I wasn't ready!" Mario screamed as Rarity held him so tight that he couldn't control his descent. Spike noticed.
"Rarity, loosen up!" said Spike as he held onto Rarity for dear life, "Mario can't control his momentum!"
"Well I need to hold on so...uh-oh," Rarity remarked as she saw they were heading towards some planks of wood in the way.
And Mario smashed through them head first.
"OW! My head feels like it was used as a battering ram!" Mario yelled.
"Sorry!" Rarity replied as she loosed her grip a bit and Mario finally was able to take control. Then they all gasped when they saw a huge metal fan rotating clockwise below them. If Mario didn't time their descent just right, they'd be in big trouble. Fortunately, Mario was able to slip between the blades just in time.
"Why was that even there?!" Mario called out, but Rarity and Spike were in too deep of a shock to answer. Mario was finally started to get used to the momentum to keep them from crashing into anything else.
"You know, after a while, you kinda get used to the terror!" Mario remarked. Rarity rolled her eyes and purposely tightened her grip on Mario so he crashed into some more wooden planks.
"OW! I was just joking!" Mario retorted as Rarity and Spike snickered. It wasn't much longer before they neared the end of the chasm and Mario finally opened his wings so they could glide to the ground. Mario was able to make a smooth landing.
"Phew! Glad that's over," said Mario as he rubbed his sore head. Rarity gave Mario a hug to say thank you before they got to work on collecting the gems that Rarity wanted as Spike held the basket. Rather than using their pickaxes, Rarity and Mario were using their magic to extract the gems from the rocks and put them into the basket Spike was holding as quietly as they could. The reason for this was because up above them was a huge swam of fruit bats who were sleeping upside down on some stalactites. Spike was just staring at the gems and licking his lips.
"The last time we were here," Rarity told Spike in a hushed tone, "We woke them and ended up with a mane full of bats!" She sighed with discontent.
"Don't remind me," said Mario wearily in the same tone, "You gave me an earful over it too and now I'm banned from using my super axe in the mines."
"Well, isn't there a way you can make those power-ups of yours not have background music?" Rarity asked.
"The music is what makes those power-ups so strong and effective," said Mario as Rarity just sighed.
"Thanks for being my basket holder, Spike," Rarity said with gratitude.
"Basket holder?" Spike exclaimed, "I thought I was your bodyguard." Mario discreetly rolled his eyes, but kept his back to them so neither he or Rarity would notice.
"What?" Rarity remarked before quickly recomposing herself, "Oh, heh, yes, yes, that of course, too." She then got back to work using her magic to extract the gems again.
"Oh, for once I wish unicorn magic wasn't so...luminescent!" said Rarity.
"I've even tried reducing the lighting on my horn," said Mario, "but its slowing me down to where I can only grab one gem at a time." Rarity just sighed, unsure of what to say when suddenly a bright light appeared behind them, which made some of the bats open their eyes.
"Spike!" Rarity called out in a hushed tone, "You'll wake the bats! Turn that off!"
"This is not the best time to be...gasp!" Mario turned around and was shocked to see Spike's entire body was glowing.
"Uh, I can't!" Spike groaned as he kept trying to scratch himself. Rarity then gasped before she, Spike, and Mario were invaded by a huge swarm of bats.
(Main Theme)
Back at the castle, Twilight had invited Celestia and Luna to the castle for tea and scones. Twilight had already told them that Mario was busy helping Rarity in the mines.
"I'm so glad you two could come!" said Twilight.
"Of course," said Luna, "We so rarely get a chance to relax and just visit."
"There's usually some crisis we have to deal with," said Celestia, "Somepony always needs our help. But today-"
EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK!
Rarity screamed from afar and suddenly the doors to the dining room burst open. Rarity and Mario were covered in grime as the former held Spike with her magic grip.
"Twilight! There's something wrong with Spike!" Rarity cried out.
"And there's nothing I can do to fix it!" Mario added frantically.
"What's wrong?" Twilight asked as she removed the tea and scones from the table and Rarity put Spike down on the table.
"I don't know!" Spike grunts since the glow was making him scratch himself, "Nngh! All of a sudden, my scales just started glowing and...burning!"
"Little is known about dragon culture," said Luna, "but this is a phenomenon we've seen before. It is the call of the Dragon Lord."
"Whoa..." said Mario in a low but shocked tone.
"Dragon's glow whenever the Dragon Lord has need of them in the Dragon Lands," said
"Great..." Spike remarked, "H-How do I make it stop?!"
"The only way to end the summons is to answer it," Luna replied, "You must journey to the Dragon Lands and see what is expected of you."
"B-b-but the Dragon Lands are full of...dragons!" Rarity protested, "and they're ghastly creatures!" Spike looked a bit offended.
"Oh, oh, not you of course, Spikey-wikey," said Rarity, "but remember that rotten Garble?"
"How could I forget?"Spike gulped, "He would have burnt us to a crisp if you weren't there."
"No he wouldn't," said Mario, "We all proved that we can defeat him without much difficulty. The problem is that Garble is stubborn nuisance. You could beat him a thousand times and he still won't get it in his head to back down. He likes to use his strength to dominate and intimidate others smaller than him, not to mention he likes to cross lines, such as hurting my wife, twinsie, and little brother. Why? Cause he's a sore loser!"
"Despite Garble," said Spike, "If I have to go to the Dragon Lands, would you three come with me?"
"Ooh! Oh my goodness," said Twilight excitedly, "I'd love to! We are sadly lacking any information on dragon culture and customs. I could research them - maybe even write an article! This could be my chance a great contribution to the knowledge of Equestria!" Twilight smiled widely...until she saw Mario, Rarity, Spike, Celestia, and Luna both giving her unamused looks.
"And be there for Spike, heh, of course," said Twilight sheepishly. Mario chuckled.
"A-dork-able as always, my love," said Mario. Twilight growled at him as her cheeks turned deep red.
"Be very careful," said Celestia, "the Dragon Lands are particularly dangerous for ponies. It would be wise to be discreet."
"Not if you can blend in with them," said Mario.
"Oh no, you don't!" Twilight said sternly, "You nearly scared me half to death the last time you went undercover and did a Splashdown into a pool of lava."
"Honey, I was fine!" said Mario, "Besides, Spike needs me around to keep that dumb Garble from pushing him around. Plus I've done a few upgrades to my undercover appearance if you wish to see it." The others nodded as Mario took out a bracelet. Unlike the last one, this one was black and had some dull spikes on it. Mario put the bracelet onto his left fore-leg. Some sparkles appeared around him as he began to transform. Instead of a tall skinny teenage dragon like the last time, Mario now looked like a stronger, smarter, thinner, and better looking King Bowser from the Mario games, but with only one spiked bracelet on the left wrist. His body was also glowing as well.
"Well, how do I look?" Mario asked, his voice was now rugged and brawly. Rarity, Twilight, Spike, Celestia, and Luna were speechless for several seconds.
"Can I be honest?" Rarity replied once she found her voice again.
"I'm hoping you're not gonna say I'm ugly," said Mario, "I tried to give myself some good-looks."
"I was gonna say you look absolutely savage," said Rarity and smiled.
"Oh...thank you," said Mario, feeling much better.
"Garble will think twice before he misses with me if you're by my side," said Spike.
"I'd like to say I agree," said Mario, "but Garble looks too stupid to take a hint."
"Well, I feel better having you to defend me," said Spike as he went for a hug but then stopped himself, "Whoa! Uh...how sharp are those spikes?" Mario turned to the side to show that his back had a shell loaded with razor sharp spikes on it. Twilight then grabbed one of her mane hairs and let it float over one spike. The instant the hair touched the tip, it split in two!
"Uh-heh, I'll just settle for a fist bump," said Spike nervously. Mario gave a rather brawly laugh before giving the little dragon his fist bump.
"Well, I believe if Mario keeps out of trouble," said Celestia, "He should do just fine in his new dragon disguise."
"That is correct," said Mario, "While I'm not as fast in this form, I am physically stronger and more durable thanks to my spiked shell. Plus I've still got plenty of agility to keep me mobile in this form."
"Very good," said Luna, "But please be careful nonetheless. You might be more durable, but you're not invincible."
"And try not to let this Garble get to you," said Celestia, "I know you're still sensitive to bullying and such, especially when they constantly get under your skin." Mario sighed.
"I know, Mom, I know," said Mario wearily as he crossed his arms, "no fighting unless absolutely necessary. I'm mature enough to do that." Celestia nodded in approval.
"Now I'm assuming that you only have one of those bracelets on you?" Rarity asked.
"Sadly, yes," said Mario as Twilight gave him a death glare, "Hey, ease off. It took me this long to upgrade the bracelet! I didn't have time to make a second one." Twilight just groaned and rolled her eyes.
"Ooh!" said Rarity, "I'm sure I still have the dragon costume we used the last time we snuck into the dragon lands." She giggled excitedly as she clapped her fore-hooves together.
"I think we might want something a little more practical," said Twilight.
Soon the group of two ponies and now two dragons were at the rendezvous location where Spike, and now Mario, had been summoned. In the distance was a large mountain crag, where it could be assumed that was where the dragon lord lived. Their disguise was basically a chunk of rock that blended into the environment with two sets of eye holes for Twilight and Rarity to see. Mario was just standing beside them. Rarity felt rather indignant.
"Hmmm...Well, it may be practical," said Rarity, "but this disguise isn't flattering in the slightest."
"It's not supposed to be flattering," said Twilight in a hushed tone, "It's supposed to blend in!"
"Take it from me, Rares," said Mario, "Ya don't wanna do sporting barbequed chic." Rarity squeaked.
"Point taken, Mario," said Rarity.
"Think you should use your old name while we're out here," said Spike.
"Would it really matter?" said Mario, "Garble and only two other of his...lackeys...would even know I was a pony. What can he do, snitch on me?" Spike chuckled.
"Yeah, Garble too full of himself to be a tattle tale," said Spike.
"Just remember not to go looking for trouble...Koopa Stoopa!" Twilight warned as Mario glared.
"Shh!" Spike shushed.
"They're here!" Mario whispered as several other dragons arrived. All of their bodies were glowing as well. It was then a certain red dragon made himself known.
"Here we go," Mario remarked with an eye roll when he saw him.
"Hey-hey, look!" Garble taunted, "It's our old friend, Sparkle-warkle."
"It's Spike," said the little dragon indignantly as he glared at the red dragon.
"Are you sure your pony friends didn't give you a pony name?" Garble sneered, trying to make anime eyes, "and where's that pony big brother of yours?"
"Oh give it a rest, Garble," Mario remarked, "You're jokes are older than cold lava!" Garble blinked as he noticed the muscular dragon sitting beside Spike.
"Wait...Koopa? That's you!?" said Garble in shock and then laughed, "Geez, you got big! Looks like somepony over did it on the all the pony treats! Did they have to roll you here or something?" The other dragons laughed. Mario just groaned and rolled his eyes. He knew Garble was dumb, but he had hoped the red dragon knew the difference between body fat and muscle.
"Nice to see you too, Garble," said Spike sarcastically.
"I didn't say it was nice to see you," Garble remarked.
"Don't you know sarcasm when you hear it, dum-dum," Mario muttered under his breath.
"It's not," Garble continued, not hearing Mario's remark, "I don't like you. Was I not clear about that?" He then shoved Spike off the rock disguise and sat on it. Twilight and Rarity grunted since the roof of their guises sank a bit from Garble's weight.
"Crystal," Mario remarked as he and Spike glared up at the red dragon.
"Hey! That's my rock!" said Spike
"Oh, really?" Garble retorted, "Then why aren't you sitting on it?" The other dragons laughed.
"Because there's a big pile of blubber all over it!" Mario shot back.
"Yeah, that's right!" said Garble before he blinked, "Hey!" Mario and Spike chuckled and shared a fist bump. Garble growled but then the moment was interrupted when a large shadow appeared. It was then a very, very, very large sized pale blue dragon with even large downward horns and crystal-like hair and tail appeared. He was apparently the Dragon Lord and that mountain the other dragons were gathered around was actually just his throne.
"Dragons of Equestria, hear me!" the Dragon Lord announced, "I have been Dragon Lord for longer than many of you can remember, and my reign has been extraordinary!" The other dragons just stared.
"Agree with me!" he yelled furiously. The other dragons began to cheer for him.
"Torch! Torch! Torch! Torch!" the dragons shouted. Torch then raised his fist to make the dragons stop cheering.
"Who is that?" Spike asked.
"It's Dragon Lord Torch, dummy," Garble replied as Mario shot him a glare.
"No, next to him," said Spike as he pointed toward a smaller light blue dragon that was hovering beside Torch.
"That's his daughter, Princess Ember," Garble explained, "I wouldn't even look at her if I were you, unless you want Torch to eat you!" Spike gulped.
"Ease off," said Mario indignantly, "We've already got girlfriends, unlike you!" Garble looked stunned, but then snickered.
"They must be ponies," He snickered, "no female dragons would date either of you."
"Don't mock my girl, Garble," said Mario, "she makes Torch look tame when she's angry." Spike hushed him. Twilight began to snicker deviously since Mario's remark had made her feel powerful again.
"Twilight, I'm going to buck you if you don't stop," Rarity warned. Twilight just rolled her eyes.
"This is fascinating!" said Twilight as she changed the subject, "Dragons are notoriously reckless, but they do whatever the Dragon Lord says!"
"Unfortunately, according to dragon law," said Torch with an eye roll, "it is time for me to step down. Sad I know." The dragons just stared.
"Be sad!" Torch commanded and soon several dragons started crying.
"It's such a shame when good things must come to an end," said Mario as he cried to keep in character and used a handkerchief to blow his nose.
"Oh, give me a break," Garble said with an eye roll, but then Mario threw the now dirty handkerchief at Garble's face.
"EEK!" Garble shrieked in a high pitched voice as he threw the handkerchief off his face.
"Didn't know you were afraid of germs," Mario snickered as Garble growled.
"This is why I have summoned you," Torch continued and ending Garble's chance of retaliating, "to complete for the throne in the Gauntlet of Fire!" The dragons cheered, Spike began to sweat and panic, and Mario raised an eyebrow in curiosity. It was then Torch held a dark blue rod that had a magical red gem at the top of it.
"Whomever has the strength and fortitude to retrieve this bloodstone scepter from the heart of the flame-cano will be crowned Lord of the Dragons," Torch announced. Then with a simple flick of his claw, he sent the scepter flying into the center of the flame-cano's hole, which caused a large wave of magical energy to erupt from the top. This red wave went past all the dragons to make their bodies stop glowing.
"When the scepter disappeared, the dragons stopped glowing!" Twilight remarked to Rarity, "We are learning to much!" Twilight began using a quill to write down her observations as Rarity just rolled her eyes. Then there was trouble. Twilight's quill danced against Rarity's nose.
"Ahhh...ahhh...achoo!" Rarity sneezed. Garble heard her as Spike quickly made it seem like that was him.
"Uh, excuse me!" said Spike.
"Ugh, you even sneeze like a pony!" Garble remarked as he jumped off the fake rock and moved away from both Spike and Mario.
"And unless you want the disease, you better buzz off!" Mario told him sternly.
"The Gauntlet is dangerous, for I designed it myself," said Torch, "Only dragons with my ferocity, strength, and determination will be able to finish. We will gather at the cliff when the sun is at its peak!" The dragons all cheered, except for Spike and Mario.
"I don't want to be Dragon Lord or dragon toast," said Spike, "And Mar...I mean Koopa and I stopped glowing, so let's sneak out of here!"
"Might as well," Mario remarked as he got up and followed Spike. The little dragon then pushed the disguise holding the two ponies away. But their quiet departure didn't go unnoticed.
"Ah!" Torch exclaimed, "Where do you think you're going, little dragon and dragon bigger than you?!" The other Dragon's split up to ensure that Spike and Mario were the center of attention. Mario groaned as Spike quickly turned around.
"Oh, uh, hi, your Lordship," said Spike as Mario turned around but kept his game face on, "Uh, I was just going home!"
"And I was just taking him home," said Mario, "I'm his older brother."
"You don't get to leave unless I say you can!" Torch yelled. Spike looked frightened while Mario just looked annoyed. It was then Ember landed beside Spike.
"Dad, look at him," said Ember as looked at Spike, "He's just a runt. Besides, he doesn't even wanna compete. Let him go."
"He is rather tiny, heh-he," said Torch, "I could squish him with my pinkie claw." Torch chuckled as Spike nervously chuckled back. Mario fought not to roll his eyes at the remark.
"That wasn't a joke," said Torch bluntly, "it was a fact. When I want you to laugh, I will say "be amused"!"
"Of course, your Lordship!" said Spike, "I, uh, guess I don't understand dragon customs. Another reason why I shouldn't compete." Ember just glared at him.
"Hm," Torch sighed, "Very well then, little dragon. I release you."
"Thank you!" said Spike and then turned to Ember and gave her a wink, "And thank you. Come on, Koopa." Spike began to push the rock disguise with him.
"I said you could leave, not...your brother!" Torch yelled, which made Spike cringe.
"Well, Koopa shouldn't be allowed to complete either," Garble interjected, "He's not even a real dragon! He's a namby-pamby pony princess!" Mario just rolled his eyes as the other dragons gasped. Spike cringed fearfully as Twilight and Rarity became very worried.
"Is this true?!" Torch demanded as he looked sternly at Mario. Even Ember gave the dragon turned pony a skeptical look. Mario crossed his arms and snorted.
"I think Garble's been out in the sun too long," said Mario, "his dome has cracked." The other dragons snickered and Garble looked indignant.
"I'm serious!" said Garble and then looked at his lackeys, "Come on, you guys! You know he's not a real dragon!" The others dragon's looked away and said nothing, leaving Garble to stand alone. Garble then noticed the spiked bracelet.
"I'll prove it!" said Garble and snatch he bracelet off Mario's bracelet. Spike, Twilight, and Rarity gasped. But to everypony's surprise, Mario didn't revert back to his pony form. He just stood there with a bored look on his face.
"What?" Mario asked, "Were you expecting me to turn back into a pumpkin or something?" The other dragons stared and then laughed. Garble just had a very stupid look on his face before he bawled his fist as he slammed the bracelet to the ground. He was hoping to smash the bracelet and even stomped on it, but no luck.
"ENOUGH!" Torch shouted to make the dragons stop laughing, "We've got more important thing to do than dealing with some silly games! You all must prepare for the gauntlet." The other dragon's cheered as Mario turned to Garble. He then shifted his left foot to make the ground launch his bracelet into the air and land perfectly back on his wrist. Mario then gave the red dragon a raspberry as well, making Garble seethe with fury. Ember just looked at Mario skeptically before she took off. Torch then noticed Ember flying off and caught her in his giant claw.
"Where do you think you're going?" Torch grunted.
"To prepare for the Gauntlet," Ember replied simply.
"No, you're not," said Torch, "You're not much bigger then that runt I just sent home!"
"But I'm smarter than most of these boulderheads and you know it!" Ember protested.
"Being smart won't help you win this Gauntlet," Torch said sternly, "It was designed for a big, strong dragon to win, because it takes a big, strong dragon to lead! Besides, I said no!" Ember was knocked back by her father's loud voice. She growled irritably.
"I hate when he does that!" Ember pouted before flying off. Mario, who had been listening, just rolled his eyes and snorted.
"The Dragon Lord just admitted a dragon leader is all brawn, no brains," said Mario to Twilight and Rarity.
"It proves that the dragon put more emphasis on strength rather than intelligence," said Twilight as she continued her notes.
"It also explains why most dragons are a bunch of hotheaded dum-dums," said Mario.
"And Twilight married one of 'em," said Spike.
"Very funny!" Mario retorted as Twilight, Rarity, and Spike snickered to each other. The other dragons were just chatting amongst each other.
"Ha. When I become Dragon Lord," said a dragon named Maar, "I will make burps an official greeting!"
"Ha, you?" said another dragon named Barry, "Please! When I win, I will pillage Equestria for all the pillows. Why should these ponies be comfortable when we sleep on rocks?"
"Seriously?" said Mario as he walked, "I already did that! And all those pillows are clogging my cave. Here, just take this one! I've got more where that came from!"
"Wow! Thanks," said Barry in surprise, but then the moment was interrupted when Garble shoved him, Maar, and Mario out of his way.
"That's nothing!" Garble boasted, "When I'm in charge, the first thing I'll do is get revenge on those puny ponies! They'll regret they ever crossed Garble! We'll take whatever we want from Equestria and burn the rest!" Mario was in shock and then growled before he zipped up to Garble.
"Listen, punk!" said Mario sternly, "You're beef is with me. You leave my family out of this or else!"
"Or else what, Koopa Stoopa?" Garble retorted, "when I'm Dragon Lord, it won't just be me who will attack those ponies, but every dragon in the kingdom! You won't be able to stop us all by yourself!" Mario gritted his teeth as Garble pushed him aside, laughing as he walked away. Mario glared but was very worried. Rarity, Spike, and Twilight had heard everything from the background.
"Oh, my gosh!" said Twilight in a hushed tone.
"Ooh, I can't believe I'm saying this," said Rarity, "But I hope that burping dragon wins!"
"None of them can win!" said Spike as Mario walked up to the group, "Equestria's in big trouble if any of them are in charge!"
"But what can we do?" said Twilight, "any idea's honey?" She then noticed that Mario looked very upset.
"Honey?" Twilight asked.
"I knew Garble was petty," said Mario, "But this is taking bullying to whole new low. If he becomes the Dragon Lord, he'll stop at nothing to get what he wants no matter how many times we defeat him. And all of pony kind will be at war with the dragons for thousands of years to come!" Twilight and Rarity had panicking looks on their faces, knowing that what Mario was saying was true. Spike pondered quietly as he got an idea.
"There's only one thing to do," said Spike, "and only I can do it! I have to enter the Gauntlet of Fire."
"Oh..." Twilight and Rarity groaned at idea before they removed their disguise and tossed it behind them.
"What do you mean you have to win the Gauntlet?" Rarity asked, "why can't Mario do it instead?"
"It's the only way to protect Equestria from the dragons," said Spike, "You heard them! They have horrible plans for ponies if they win!"
"Only Garble is the real threat to the ponies," said Mario, "I think I can work out a deal with the dragon who wants the pillows."
"Not my point!" Spike retorted, "What I'm saying is, somehow, I have to do it!"
"There has to be another way," said Twilight.
"What about-"
"Mario is NOT going to do it instead!" Twilight snapped, "It's too dangerous. Besides, if either Mario or Spike were to win, they would have to stay here!"
"Honey, we're talking about the safety of Equestria," Mario tried to explain, "and I can probably handle anything that cave throws at me..."
"I DON'T WANT YOU LEAVING ME! MY HEART CAN'T TAKE IT!" Twilight cried out as tears streamed down her face and her lips trembled. Mario was taken aback for a moment before he sighed.
"Listen," said Spike before Mario could speak up, "that is why I have to do this and not Mario. Twilight needs Mario at her side. I know I'd be stuck here, but there's no other way to keep my friends safe." There was a brief silence as Twilight dried her eyes.
"And if it helps," said Mario, "I can go to assist you. If we work together, we can guarantee you get that scepter and become Dragon Lord."
"Sounds like a plan to me," said Spike, "what do you girls think?" Twilight and Rarity pondered, both feeling tears in their eyes, but then they exchanged smiles with each other.
"Well, if you're both staying to compete," said Twilight, "then we're staying to cheer you on!" Spike and Mario smiled.
"Then let's do this!" said Mario as he raised his head into the air and gave a dragon like roar and spewed fire into the air.
When the sun was at the highest point in the sky, the dragons had all gathered at the edge of a cliff where Torch was waiting. It was then Spike and Mario ran up to the rest of the dragons.
"I thought I released you, tiny one!" Torch remarked.
"I decided to complete," said Spike proudly, "I'm a dragon, after all."
"Are you sure?" said Garble, "You can't even fly!" The other dragons laughed.
"Neither can you," said Mario, "Yet they let you in." Garble growled as the dragons, and Spike, laughed again.
"All dragons are welcome to complete, but they do so at their own peril," said Torch, "Flying to Flame-cano Island is the first of many challenges you will face in your quest to find the bloodstone scepter!" He then roared loudly, creating a massive flame above them as several dragons took off for the island.
"Whoa! Toasty!" said Mario, clearly impressed to see such a large flame blast above him. Garble was "supposedly" trying to be a gentledragon with Spike.
"Good luck!" said Garble as he offered a clawshake, but then took it back, "Just kidding. I hope you lose." Then he smacked Spike right off the cliff edge.
"Whooooooooooooooooooooooooooa!" Spike screamed.
SPLASH!
And then landed in the water below.
"Thanks, Garble!" Spike shouted sarcastically once he surfaced, "I was planning on swimming anyway." Garble just flew off, feeling pleased with himself. Mario just glared, but then remembered that even in his dragon form.
He could still equip his Double Gem Amulet.
MORE POWER!
Mario then fired a large fireball at Garble and then jumped off the cliff to join Spike in the water. Garble noticed the fireball and easily moved out of the way and chuckled arrogantly. That was his mistake since the fireball Mario launched was a homing fireball, which quickly turned around and smashed into Garble while he was laughing. Garble was left dazed for a few seconds before he growled and kept flying, figuring he could deal with Mario (or Koopa) later. Spike was rather impressed as Mario swam up to him.
"Nice fire blast!" said Spike, "Garble's clearly never seen one with homing abilities." They both chuckled. It was then a huge bush appeared in the water with them.
"You can do it, Spike!" said Rarity, "You too Mario!" Mario and Spike smiled as they continued to swim their way to the island. It was then some large sea worm appeared that shot water geysers at the dragons. Some of the dragons were knocked into the water while others managed to dodge the geysers. While Garble took a geyser to the face, he managed to recover.
"Good thing we're taking the low road," Mario whispered to Spike as they kept swimming around the sea worms. It was then a dragon wearing some gold armor was trying to avoid the sea worm's attacks and was knocked into the water. Spike and Mario winced at the dragon splashed in front of them, but then realized that the dragon was hit so hard that they were now sinking and not moving.
"He's gonna drown!" Spike called out.
"Let's go!" Mario called out as they both went underwater.
"Spike! Mario!" Twilight cried out, but there was no reply. Then some bubbles surfaced from the water as Spike and Mario resurfaced with the armored dragon being held between them. Spike panted as he and Mario dragged the unconscious dragon to shore.
It wasn't long before the armored dragon started waking up and saw the worried looks from Spike and Mario's faces. Behind them were Twilight and Rarity as they watched the dragon from their bush disguise.
"Hey, are you okay?" said Spike.
"You took quite a hit back there," said Mario, "We managed to get you to shore." The dragon coughed as Spike pulled off...her helmet?! Spike and Mario gasped.
"Princess Ember!" said Spike.
"Your highness!" Mario exclaimed.
"Don't get all formal with me," said Ember quickly before saying sternly, "Who do you two think you're doing?"
"Only saving your ungrateful scales!" said Rarity as Spike and Mario winced and looked back at the bush. Mario gestured with his claw for Rarity to zip it, but it was too late. Ember had taken notice.
"Did that seaweed just talk?" Ember asked but didn't wait for an answer when she pulled the seaweed off to reveal Twilight and Rarity, "Ponies?! What are they doing here?!"
"They're our friends!" said Spike.
"Friends?" said Ember, "Dragons don't do friends."
"Well, these dragons do," said Spike as Mario nodded in agreement.
"Correction," said Ember, "You and Alicorn Prince Mario do friends." Twilight and Rarity cringed as Mario just kept a stern look.
"How'd you guess?" Mario asked in a calm tone.
"Oh, I pick things up," said Ember, "Course it was pretty obvious that you're not from around here. You and Spike don't act like other dragons."
"Well, excuse me for having a brain," said Mario indignantly.
"I never said being different was a bad thing," said Ember dismissively, "I might not be into all that romantic mush, but mates usually have this look in their eyes when they're in love with each other. It's obvious one of these ponies is your mate." Twilight blushed and looked away bashfully. Ember blinked.
"Funny, I thought your mate was the white pony," Ember remarked.
"He's MINE!" Twilight shouted loudly, but then flinched and smiled apologetically and her entire face went bright red as she backed up a bit. Even Spike took offense to the remark.
"That white pony is supposed to be my mate," Spike muttered through her teeth.
"Say something Spike?" Rarity asked.
"N-n-n-n-nothing!" Spike said quickly, now blushing himself as he looked away. Ember just groaned and rolled her eyes.
"Whatever," said Ember, "I don't care as long as none of you get in my way. I have a Gauntlet to win."
"But I thought your dad said that-" Spike tried to protest.
"I don't care what my dad said!" Ember yelled, "I'll show him and every dragon who thinks I'm just a little princess there are better things than being big and strong!"
"It's kind of why we're competing," said Mario basically.
"What?" said Ember, rather stunned.
"A good leader needs to have brains as well as strength," said Mario, "Strength can only take you so far, but learning to use that strength wisely is the key to making good decisions and leading your subjects." Ember just looked dumbfounded for a few seconds. Inwardly, she was rather impressed.
"You're my kind of dragon...Koopa," said Ember.
"Thanks," said Mario, "I didn't get my crown beating up a bunch of airheads like them!" Mario looked up and there was several other dragons flying overhead. It was then a large monster used its flat tail, known as a slingtail, launched giant boulders at the dragons. Garble was one of the dragons to get smacked with a boulder as it sent him crashing the ground. He also happened to land just several yards away from the rest of the group and the bounder was on top of him.
"Don't leave me here, Spike!" Garble cried out.
"What's the matter?" Mario taunted, "I thought you were a big and strong dragon. Baby can't handle whittle rocky!"
"Koopa! It's crushing me!" Garble groaned painfully.
"Come on!" Spike said sternly as he headed over to Garble with Mario right behind him. Mario just groaned.
"I have a feeling I'm going to regret this," said Mario, but by the time he was ready to lift the boulder off the red dragon. Spike had managed to roll the boulder off on his own.
"Ha-ha!" Garble laughed as he got up and showed he wasn't hurt at all, "Knew you'd do it. Your pony friends made you soft." He then kicked a dirt all over Spike, burying the small dragon.
"Uh-huh," said Spike bluntly and annoyingly, "You're welcome."
"For what? I didn't say thank you," Garble remarked.
"Hey, show some gratitude ya doofus!" Mario snapped, "He just rolled a boulder three times his size off your fat gut!"
"I'm not the one with the fat gut, Koopa!" Garble retorted as he poked Mario's dragon stomach.
"That's pure muscle!" said Mario angrily, "and being generous makes Spike a far greater dragon that you'll ever be!"
"Sez you!" said Garble, "Helping one another is for weaklings!" Mario then got right into his face.
"Showing compassion and generosity is never a weakness," Mario said in a slow but threatening tone.
"Pft! Whatever!" said Garble as he shoved the dragon turned pony back, but then he caught whiff of something, "Wow, you two even smell like ponies." He then sniffled some more, "Or is it coming from over there?"
"It's probably just us," said Mario and then saw Garble heading toward the seaweed bush, "Unlike you, we actually took a show...Hey! I said it was just me and Spike! I know your brain doesn't work! I didn't think your sense of smell was broken too!" Garble paid Mario no attention as he reached the bush. It was then Ember, now wearing her mask, shoved him away from it.
"Uh, that's just me," Ember remarked in a gruff voice, "I, uh, robbed some ponies on my way over here."
"Huh, I like your style," said Garble but then asked skeptically, "Have I met you before? You kinda of look like-"
"My, uh, old neighbor!" said Spike as he zipped up between the two dragons, "Uh, Sandy...Rockbeach!"
PLOP!
Mario did a comedic plop to the ground, which only Twilight and Rarity noticed.
"Stupid slingtails knocked me down!" Garble mumbled before addressing Spike specifically, "But I've wasted enough time making small talk. Get it? Ha-ha. Because you're too small to win this! I'm funny."
"Yeah, so funny that I forgot to laugh," Mario remarked as Garble flew away.
"Why'd you cover for me?" Ember asked Spike, "You could've had one less competitor."
"I could ask you the same thing," Spike answered, "You could've told Garble about our friends!"
"Unlike Garble, you have real proof that I'm a pony turned into a dragon," said Mario, "You could've exposed me, but you didn't." It was then they heard a Wilhelm scream from above. They saw Garble dodging the rocks as several other dragons got hit by some more flying boulders.
"Yikes..." Ember winced, "That looks rough. But there's what make it a challenge."
"You dragons certainly know how to go hardcore," Mario added as he cringed at seeing another dragon get hit hard with another boulder.
"Are you kidding?" Spike retorted, "Those boulders are huge!" Then he got an idea and gestured for Mario to lean in. He whispered his idea, which Mario hummed and then they shared a fist-bump together.
"Hey, what if we worked together?" Spike proposed, "You fly me up there, and I'll help look out for boulders, like a second set of eyes!"
"And I'll stay close by to deal with the boulders head on!" said Mario as he lifted the boulder Garble was once trapped under, tossed it into the air, and used his fist to smash it into dust. Ember just gave them both a skeptical look.
"Pssst!" whispered a familiar voice. Spike and Mario went up to the bush, but the moment they touched it, it flattened out. They turned to see that Twilight and Rarity had found themselves another rock disguise and they were using a tree branch to get their attention.
"Excuse us for a moment," said Mario as he and Spike walked over to the rock.
"Spike! Mario! Are you sure it's a good idea to team up with Ember?" Rarity asked, "you both don't know her too well."
"I do know she could've told Garble about you," Spike pointed out, "but she didn't. I think we can trust her."
"Her behavior does seem contradictory to everything I've noted about dragons so far," said Twilight as she appeared above the rock with a rather worn out book filled with notes.
"Plus, unlike other dragons around here, she's got a brain," Mario added, "Plus I've always been partial to the old saying: "the little one can beat up the big one"." Mario chuckled.
"Hey, you, little fella and pony dragon!" said Ember as she walked up to the group, "I've thought about it, and your plan makes sense. Let's do it!"
"Really? Great!" said Spike happily, "It's a deal!"
"Excellent choice, princess," said Mario.
"I already told you to knock it off with the formal junk!" Ember warned as she got into his face.
"As you wish...Ember," said Mario smugly. Spike then held out his claw for a handshake. Ember hesitated and then returned the gesture by letting him grab her pinkie claw.
"Would a fist bump be more your style?" Mario asked as he extended his right fist. Ember just sighed.
"I guess," said Ember as did gave him a very quick fist bump.
"Just so you both know," Ember added, "this doesn't mean we're gonna pick flowers or exchange necklaces or whatever pony friends do."
"Fair enough," said Mario.
"First of all, Mario," said Ember, "What do I call you to keep your cover? Two, I'm not carrying you and Spike up on my back!"
"Just call me Koopa," said Mario, "and as for getting up to the flame-cano..." Mario then made a pair of dragon wings come out of his spiked shell and then he hovered into the air.
"I think I can handle getting up there on my own," said Mario as Ember smirked.
"Good luck," Twilight told them, "We'll meet you at the top." Spike waved as he and Ember walked away. Mario then hovered over to the two ponies.
"Um...how will you girls do that?" Mario asked when Twilight chuckled.
"We girls have our ways," Rarity remarked as Mario just smiled, rolled his eyes, and the now three dragons took to the sky. Mario then put on his targeting visor, which he had modified to fit his dragon-sized head and adjusted his already equipped and modified Double Gem Amulet.
"What's that for?" Ember asked when she saw the visor. Mario smirked as he saw a flying boulder, launched a fire ball, and the fire ball homed right at the boulder and destroyed it.
"Cool!" said Ember. As they made their way toward the flame-cano, the slingtails continued to launch several boulders at once. She quickly maneuvered around the other struggling dragons and bounders with Spike riding on her back. Mario was flying along side, using his fists to smash some of the boulders heading directly at them.
"Pull up!" said Spike as he saw a boulder coming up from behind, "there's one on your tail!" Ember yelped as she barely managed to avoid the boulder.
"Go left!" Spike called out as another boulder was launched their way. As Ember and Spike moved out of the way, two more dragons were struck by the oncoming boulders. Then a third boulders was heading for Mario from behind.
"Koopa! Incoming from behind!" Spike shouted.
GOTTA DODGE!
Mario used his Double Gem Amulet to move out of the way and smashed the boulder for good measure.
"Whoa! You're really fast!" said Ember as Mario hovered beside her.
"You'll find that I'm full of surprises," said Mario, which Ember smirked, but rolled her eyes in reply. Soon, they were close behind Garble, who looked back to see the three dragons catching up to him. He quickly flew inside as Ember, Spike, and Mario landed just outside the cave.
"So what do we do now?" Spike asked.
"I think we go through there," said Ember. It was then two more dragons flew into the cave
FLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSH!
A huge burst of fire came out of the cave above them.
"Whoa! Toast...oh...I already said that today," said Mario as the two dragons came out whimpered and slightly charred. Ember and Spike winced when they heard somepony shriek nearby. The three dragons turned to see that Twilight and Rarity, still in their disguise, were also at the mouth of the cave.
"Oh, that looks scary!" said Rarity but then corrected herself, "I mean, you can do it!"
"Rares, don't shriek like unless you're in danger," Mario said sternly, "I was fearing the worst."
"We're sorry!" said Rarity and Twilight as they gave him puppy dog eyes. Mario sighed.
"Alright, ease off," said Mario, "We'll be careful okay."
"That's all we ask," said Twilight.
"Listen, Spike, Koopa," said Ember, "I wouldn't have made it this far without the two of you. So I guess, if you both want to, we could keep working together. I mean, just until we get through that tunnel."
"Okay!" said Spike happily.
"Works for me," Mario added as the three dragons charged inside the cave.
"We'll be right behind you!" said Twilight.
(Cue "Bowser's Road" from Super Mario 64)
It wasn't long before the three dragons reached a part of the tunnel where the stalactites were rising up and down like a set of razor sharp teeth. Many of the dragons were struggling to get through. Ember, Spike, and Mario nodded to each other. Spike then climbed into Ember's back as they maneuvered through the chomping stalactites. Then Ember was a little late with her timing as one set of stalactites was about to sandwich her and Spike.
SPEED GEM!
Mario made time slow down so he could leap into the air, grab Spike and Ember in the middle of a front flip just as the stalactites closed shut. He then deactivated his amulet as he made it to the other side, landed, and put the two dragons down so they could continue. They hadn't noticed that Garble had fallen behind them, but was determined to catch up to them when he got crushed between a set of stalactite teeth. Garble struggled to get out as he saw the three dragons heading down another cave. Garble then squeezed free and landed flat on his face, but he quickly recovered and zipped away to catch up.
Further down the tunnel, Ember, Spike, and Mario were trying to weave their way past some sharp crystal pillars that made a "Shing" sound as they tried to crash and smash into any dragon trying to get through the cave. While Ember and Spike struggled to avoid getting hit by the crystals, Mario found this particular obstacle easy.
"How are you having such an easy time with that huge shell on your back, Koopa?" Ember called out.
"Years of parkour," said Mario as he vaulted over another set of crystals and slid under another, "I do this kind of stuff regularly and those crystals had sharp spikes on them!"
"Spike, you never told me your "brother" was crazy," said Ember.
"I thought it was obvious!" Spike replied as he landed over another crystal pillar when he saw that Ember was in the path of an oncoming crystal. Spike gasped.
"Oof!" Spike groaned a he pushed Ember out of the way just as a pillar would have crushed her from above. Ember gave Spike a smile to say thank you.
"Every dragon okay?" Mario asked when he saw a pillar coming right at them.
POWER GEM!
Mario then leaned back and punched the oncoming crystal pillar, smashing it to smithereens before he powered down.
"Whoa..." said Spike and Ember in surprise.
"I'll tell you how I did that later," said Mario, "let's move!" Spike and Ember snapped out of their shock and kept moving forward just as some crystal pillars missed hitting all three of them. Garble was still on their tails and not too far behind. He snarled at seeing them when a crystal pillar smashed into him.
"Urgh!" Garble groaned as he was smashed into wall, leaving a cookie cutter indention. He groaned as he fell out of it and landed on his face again.
(lose a life fanfare)
Ember, Spike, and Mario soon reached the end of the passage and found themselves in a large area that had multiple flowing lava pools.
"Scenic view for a flame-cano," said Mario, "kinda tranquil too."
"Oh, you made it!" said Rarity as the three dragons turned to see the two ponies now disguised as stalactites, "Oh, we were so worried!" Ember and Mario were stunned.
"About us?" said Spike and scoffed, "That tunnel was cake!" Not a second after Spike passed out.
(Lose a life fanfare)
Mario just rolled his eyes at the dragon. Ember didn't really notice.
"Wait," said Ember, "How did you two get through?"
"That's what I'd like to know," said Mario as gave Spike a green and white mushroom to wake him up.
"We said that we girls have our ways," said Twilight as Mario rolled his eyes. Suddenly, there was some rumbling. Rarity yelped as she lost her balance and wobbled dangerously toward the edge of the platform.
"Rarity!" Spike cried out as he ran up and pulled Rarity away from the edge just as a fire geyser fired a blast behind her.
"Oh, thanks, Spike!" said Rarity.
"Are you alright, Rares?" Mario asked.
"I'm fine, darling," Rarity replied, "thanks to Spike."
"It was nothing," said Spike modestly as Rarity and Twilight smiled through their disguise.
"Nothing?" said Ember, "You just risked everything to save her! And their putting themselves in danger just to support you and Ma...I mean Koopa."
"Well, that's just what friends do," said Spike.
"Friends are a treasure that is far more valuable than even a cave completely filled with gems and any other items you can think of," said Mario, "After all, gems come and are consumed, but good friendship lasts forever."
"That's pretty sappy," said Ember.
"Maybe," said Mario, "but I'm not lying about that either."
"Don't you have anyone who looks out for you?" Spike asked the dragon princess.
"Not really," Ember replied sadly, "Unless I count you and Koopa." Ember then froze at what she had said.
"Which I don't," Ember tried to deny, "Because we were only helping each other get through the tunnel, and now we're through the tunnel; so that's it."
"Wait, what do you mean?" said Spike, not understanding Ember's point.
"So what are you saying?" Mario asked in a slightly defensive tone.
"Well, there's only one winner," said Ember, "one scepter, and one Dragon Lord. So I guess it's every dragon for themselves." Spike looked hurt.
"Oh. So we aren't really friends?" said Spike.
"Maybe if we were in Ponyland," Ember remarked, "but like I said, dragons don't do friendship."
"The magic of friendship is not just limited to just ponies, Ember," said Mario, "it's magic and knowledge belongs to every creature, including dragons. But...we also not going to force you into it either. We've made our offer to be your friend, but the decision is ultimately up to you." Ember quickly made her choice, by walking away and flying off. Spike and Mario just watched her leave at the former looked very hurt and disappointed.
"Not cool, Ember," said Mario sadly with her arms crossed, "Not cool."
As they continued down the path, Spike was venting to Rarity and Twilight, who were still in disguise.
"I can't believe Ember ditched me," said Spike.
"She ditched me too, Spike," said Mario, "So much for spreading friendship in the Dragon Lands."
"Oh, you're both better off," said Rarity, "She was only looking out for herself. She's just like all the other dragons."
"She's not, though. I know it," said Spike, "She saved me, even when she didn't have to. I don't care what she says. That makes us friends."
"You still can't force her into it, Spike," said Mario, "But you're right that she is different." It was then they came out of a passage they were in found that they were right back where they started.
"Is it just me, or have we seen this crevasse three times already?" Twilight asked. Mario gasped.
"You're right, dear," said Mario, "Great! We're going around in circles! We need to find the correct path and find it now!"
"It's kinda hard to tell," said Spike, "They all look the same. Except for this one!" Spike then lead the group down a new path. There before them was a very thin path that lead to some red crystals. There within the crystals was the bloodstone scepter!
"Look! We made it!" said Spike, "I can't believe we're the only dragons to make it this far!"
"You're not!" said a voice. Mario and Spike turned around to see Garble, glaring menacingly at them.
"Figures he'd follow us," said Mario, "Probably too stupid to figure out the path on his own!"
"And I'm not losing to two puny-pony-loving dragons like you!" Garble shot back. Mario stood in front of stop.
"I've just about had it with you threatening my family!" said Mario, "Let's settle this once and for all!"
"Fine by me!" said Garble darkly as Mario roared.
SHOWTIME!
(cue Bowser style turn battle)
Both dragons stood on opposite sides of the battle field while Spike stood at the sidelines. Mario, being faster than Garble, was able to go first. He began to reel back for the punch. Garble just laughed as Mario's fist glowed.
"Does he really thinks he can..."
POW!
Before Garble could finish speaking, Mario gave him nice, strong knuckle sandwich to his face, sending the red dragon sliding backwards several yards.
"Oooooooooooooooooooooh!" Spike groaned, "That's gotta hurt!" Garble twitched painfully as he walked back up to Koopa. rubbing his sore chin before growling at him angrily.
"What's the matter?" Mario taunted, "Couldn't take a pony punch?"
"I'll give you a pony punch!" Garble shouted as he charged for Mario. Mario just glared and when Garble was in range.
POW!
Mario counter attacked by slugging Garble to the face, knocking him back. Mario then went to take his turn. Garble tried to mimic Mario's counter attack, but Mario used his other fist to block as he charged up, his other fist glowed, then...
POW!
Mario sent Garble flying backwards once more. This time, the red dragon nearly slid into Twilight and Rarity's disguises, now seeing ducks hovering around his head, but stopped short. Twilight was most impressed.
"Such raw power," Twilight giggled quietly, "I'm so attracted to Mario right now!" Twilight giggled again as Rarity just rolled her eyes. Garble didn't take long to recover as he charged for Mario again. But as Mario went for the punch.
"Missed!" Garble taunted as he jumped into the air to stomp Mario on the head. But Mario was ready. Do you remember that extra sharp shell on his back? Mario lay his stomach as Garble went to land right on top of the spikes.
YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW!
Garble screamed as he hopped from pricking both his feet from the landing and shook the pain from his feet off. He then growled furiously as Mario smirked and stepped up to give Garble another knuckle sandwich. Garble tried to counter attack again, like before...
...then Garble finally played dirty.
Instead of punching back, Garble pulled off Mario's Double Gem Amulet!
"Hey!" Mario shouted as he wobbled back to cancel his punch.
"I've seen you cheat your way here with this thing," said Garble as he put the amulet on, "and I saw how you use it. Wonder what happens if I use both gems at once?"
"You can't!" Spike called out, "You can only use both gems at once if you're close to being KO'd..." Spike then realized something and covered his mouth. Mario then realized this as well. By dealing so much damage to Garble, the red dragon's health was low enough for the white gem to activate!
"I'm not as dumb as you think!" said Garble, "Now I'll use your own amulet to destroy you!" Spike and Mario gasped.
DOUBLE GEM!
To Mario and Spike's horror, Garble activated both gems at once. He then used his new speed and strength to rapid punch Mario at a tremendous rate. Mario raised both his fists over his face to block Garble's punches, but the fact Garble was punching fast and hard allowed Mario to be pushed back. Mario fought hard, but he could fell himself being pushed dangerously over the edge of the path. Garble knew this, jumped back, and then fired a power-enhanced fireball at Mario.
"ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAR!"
Mario cried out as he knocked over the edge of the platform and into the abyss below. Then he disappeared.
"Noooooooooo!" Spike cried out. Twilight inwardly screamed from her disguise to avoid being caught. Her disguise also blocked the tears that were streaming down her cheeks. Spike was about to cry when heard a loud thud behind him. Spike turned around to see Garble looking very exhausted.
"What...what's happening to me?" Garble panted heavily, "I feel...so tired..." Spike snorted.
"Well, if you had let me finish," said Spike angrily, "I would've told you that if you use both gems at once that your body tires out!" Garble growled.
"Leave it to some namby-pamy ponies to make an amulet that is completely useless!" Garble complained as he tore off the amulet and tossed it behind him. Twilight quickly used her magic to grab the amulet before it hit the ground and slid it under her disguise. Garble then noticed that Spike was just walking away when he grabbed the little dragon by the tip of his top scale.
"Where do you think you're going?" Garble said darkly. Rarity yelped in fright.
"We've got to do something!" Rarity said in a panic. Twilight was still crying when she saw something in the distance.
"Look!" Twilight shouted. It was then Ember came flying in from above. She body slammed into Garble, which made the red dragon let go of Spike...and made the little dragon tumble over the edge of the platform. Garble was also sent colliding into Rarity and Twilight, knocking them over and out of their disguises. Spike then screamed as he started falling, but Ember grabbed Spike and brought him back to safety.
"Ember!" Spike exclaimed, "I thought it was every dragon for themselves! Why'd you save me?"
"That's what friends do!" Ember answered, "And I am. I mean, we are. I never should've left you both back there. Agh, please don't make me talk about my feelings!" Ember then blinked and looked around.
"Um...where's Koopa?" Ember asked. Spike lowered his head sadly and pointed to the edge of the abyss, "Oh no..." Meanwhile, just a short distance away, Rarity and Twilight were looking rather woozy when Garble happened to not only recover, but discovered them.
"What the?!" Garble exclaimed and then growled at them. Twilight and Rarity both found themselves with their hind legs at the edge of the platform.
"Now that Koopa's out of the way," Garble gloated, "I'm gonna finish you both off!" Twilight then growled as she made her horn glow.
"Give me your best shot!" Twilight challenged angrily, "You destroyed my husband! I've got nothing to lose!"
"Um, Twilight, did you forget I'm still here?!" Rarity exclaimed, "I do NOT want to be barbequed!" Garble snarled when...
"Hey!" A familiar claw grabbed him by the shoulder blades and lifted him off the ground. There was Mario, looking so battered that many of the spikes on his shell were chipped or flat out broken.
"You're alive!" Twilight and Rarity said happily. Even Ember and Spike smiled in the background. Garble squirmed to get Mario to let him go.
"Like, I said before, I've had just about enough of you threatening my family!" Mario said angrily to Garble, "Take this!" Mario then let Garble go and slugged him full force into the outer wall of the area, which made the red dragon slam painfully against the wall. Garble managed to recover quickly and growled angrily and went for a lunge. Mario stood his ground, ready to fight, but then Garble changed direction at the last minute so he could lunge at Twilight and Rarity instead. Fortunately, Ember was able to intercept Garble and pinned him against the opposite outer wall.
"Spike! Get the scepter!" Ember grunted as she struggled to keep Garble against the wall. Spike ran off to get the scepter as fast as his small legs could go. However, Garble was able to break free and tossed Ember aside as he charged right at Spike from above. It was then Mario used his dragon body to curl up into a large ball of spikes and home attacked the red dragon. Despite being knocked away, Garble managed to grab hold of Mario, tossed the spiked ball aside, and continued pursuing Spike. He was just within grabbing range when Ember grabbed Garble's tail and pulled him back. Garble snorted as he used his tail to flip Ember over onto her back and they started wrestling each other. Spike gasped as he saw he was only a couple of yards away from getting the scepter. Spike glared angrily before he jumped onto Garble and started tugging the scale where his ear would be. Garble easily pulled Spike off and tossed him away, making the little dragon fall and was now hanging over the edge of the platform again. Mario, who had recovered from being tossed thanks to his still functioning dragon wings, saw Garble toss Spike and headed right behind Garble, giving Ember a wave to let him know he was right behind the red dragon. By now, Garble was feel very frustrated and agitated as he started wrestling with Ember again.
"I'm sick and tired of you three helping each other," Garble vented, "Dragon's don't do helping!"
"These dragons do!" Ember said sternly as she flipped Garble over and tossed him to Mario. Mario then grabbed the red dragon by the tail, swung him around quickly. He let go and Garble was sent flying into a wall behind Twilight and Rarity. Garble crashed into the wall head first before landing on his stomach. And finally was knocked out.
(Battle victory!)
Mario beat his chest and posed. Twilight and Rarity just smiled applauded Ember and Mario before they heard some dragons chattering behind them. Twilight used her magic to quickly put on their disguises. Spike was still struggling to climb back up and his just lost his grip when Ember grabbed one claw and Mario grabbed the other. Together they pulled Spike back up the platform. The three dragon's exchanged smiles with each other. Then Spike rushed up to the giant crystal and grabbed the bloodstone scepter.
"Whoa..." said Spike as the magic from the scepter empowered him as he held the bloodstone scepter proudly above his head. It was then a large red wave of magic expanded from the scepter as well as ball of white light that extended beyond the island. The other dragons all saw the light, including Twilight and Rarity. Ember and Mario just smiled. Suddenly, certain red dragon tried to sneak attack the two dragons.
This dragon just doesn't know when to quit!
"Leave them alone!" Spike shouted sternly. Garble then looked dumbfounded when he saw Spike holding the bloodstone scepter in his claw.
"What? You?! You have the scepter?!" Garble spluttered, "But that means that you're..."
"The Dragon Lord," said Ember, "Dragon Lord Spike." Ember and Mario both bowed respectfully. So did the other dragons, who had arrived at the entrance of the area. Garble groaned as he knelt down to pay his respects...reluctantly.
"Dragon...Lord...Spike..." Garble muttered through his teeth.
"That's right!" said Spike, "Uh...Now, go start your long journey home. And give every dragon you see on the way a hug. Don't tell them why."
"Awww!" Garble whined, "But that'll be super embarassing!"
"How about I make you wear a pink princess dress for a hundred years instead?" Spike suggested. Garble shrieked as Mario and Ember snickered. Mario had been the one to suggest that idea when they were navigating the tunnel.
"That's what I thought," said Spike, "Now go! I command you to do it!" Garble walked away, grumbling and complaining to himself.
"I can't believe this," Garble complained as he gave a nearby dragon a hug and flew away. The dragon smiled at the gesture. Mario laughed.
"Maybe now Garble will think twice before messing with ponies again," said Mario to himself. One could only hope, but that red dragon doesn't look like he'll be learning sense anytime soon.
"Dragon Lord Spike," Ember repeated as the little dragon walked up to her, "Hm, has a nice ring to it."
"Indeed," said Mario, "You'll make a great ruler, Spike."
"Dragon Lord Ember sounds a lot better," said Spike as he gave her the scepter, "And she'll make a great ruler."
"Wuh?!" Mario said in shock.
"What?' said Ember in surprise, "No. You're the Dragon Lord now." She offered the bloodstone sceptar back, but Spike refused.
"The Dragon Lord is whoever brings the scepter back to your father!" said Spike, "Besides, you'll make a good leader. Mario and I were just doing this to protect the ponies. But I know you'll protect them just as well as I would have."
"You sure about this?" Ember asked, feeling a bit unsure. Spike gave Mario a smile, which he returned and gave the little dragon a nod.
"Absolutely," said Spike to Ember, "My home is in Equestria with my friends."
"Well, you'll have at least one friend here too," said Ember, "same for Koopa...or should I say Mario?" Mario chuckled as Spike wrapped his arms around Ember, surprising her.
"What are you doing?" Ember asked.
"It's called a hug," said Spike and kept holding the blue dragon.
"Oh. I don't know if I like it," said Ember, feeling very embarassed as her cheeks colored a bit, "But...okay."
"Mmmmm!" Spike hummed as Ember just timidly patted his head. Mario chuckled to himself.
"We can just fist bump, Ember," said Mario. Ember just smiled gratefully and gave Mario a much more sincere fist bump. Twilight and Rarity just awed and the latter giggled to herself.
Meanwhile, Torch was just sitting on his throne, looking very bored and grumpy. It was then a bright red light appeared behind him. He turned to see Ember holding the bloodstone scepter in her claw and the rest of the dragons following behind her.
"Ember?" said Torch in shock, "You?!"
"I know you didn't think I could do it," said Ember firmly, "but I did."
"I expressly told you not to do it," said Torch furiously, "because you're not-!"
"I'm not big and strong," Ember finished for him, "I know. But you know what? I won anyway. So maybe it takes more than just being big and strong to be a good Dragon Lord!" The other dragons just nodded in agreement.
"I was wrong, Ember," Torch admitted, "You might not be big, but you are strong and smart. And perhaps that counts for more than I thought. And you will make an excellent Dragon Lord." Ember than landed on Torch's nose.
"Thanks, dad," said Ember before turning to the other dragons and yelled, "Agree with him!" The other dragons just stared.
"Just kidding!" said Ember, "That's not gonna be my thing." Torch laughed.
"Dragons, hear me!" said Torch, "I present to you our new Dragon Lord, Ember!" The dragons cheered. Ember just hovered in the air and waved. It was then Garble appeared and hugged Torch's giant snout.
"Hm?" said Torch when he noticed the red dragon, "What is the meaning of this?!"
"I can't tell you!" Garble whined. Ember just laughed.
In the outskirts of the dragon lands, Twilight, Rarity, Mario, and Spike were now heading out. Mario had finally powered down back to his pony form. However, despite his disguise, he was still looking rather battered and bruised. Twilight had also handed Mario back his amulet.
"Are you sure you're okay, darling," said Rarity as Mario his amulet back on, "You clearly took quite a beating back there."
"Just bruised, sore, and stiff, Rares," Mario groaned, his voice now back to normal, but still straining as he limped forward, "nothing I can't handle."
"Well, I hope you'll never have to do this again," said Twilight, "You scared me half to death when you fell off that platform...again." Twilight nearly started crying when Mario kissed her cheek and held her close.
"Hey, I didn't mean to scare you, honey," said Mario gently, "How was I supposed to know Garble was gonna steal my Double Gem Amulet and use it against me? At least I was able to block most of those fast and powered up punches. And thank goodness the fail safe kicked in before he could beat up Spike!"
"You can say that again," said Spike, "But...Garble got what he deserved in the end."
"I still say you should've made him wear the princess dress for a hundred years," said Mario.
"Nah, he doesn't need a dress to humiliate himself," said Spike as the two brothers chuckled to each other. It was then a bright light glowed above them and two Flower Sprites appeared!
"Oh, sweet!" said Spike, "I finally earned a Flower Sprite!"
"Shall we?" Mario asked the little dragon who smiled and nodded.
(Cue "You got a Flower Sprite" fanfare)
Mario and Spike both jumped up to grab the Flower Sprites, which floated down the them. Mario and Spike each grabbed a Flower Sprite, twirled, and then posed while holding their Flower Sprite into the air.
"Aw yeah!" Mario and Spike shouted before the two Flower Sprites floated into Mario's body. Twilight and Rarity applauded the two happily.
"You did well, Spike," said Twilight, "With Ember as Dragon Lord, the ponies will be safe and you and Mario gained us a powerful ally."
"And a new friend!" said Spike.
"True," said Mario, "Ember is a pretty cool dragon."
"Well, why don't you marry her then?" Twilight said jealously.
"Oh, Twilight, stop it!" said Rarity, "You know Mario only has eyes for you." Twilight glared and saw Mario smiling cutely at him. Twilight just groaned before she gave him a good kiss on the lips.
"Plus, Ember said I could write to her anytime I had questions about dragon culture!" said Twilight as she used her magic to pull out her collected notes, "With this much information, I'll be able to write a whole book on dragons!"
"Awesome, honey," said Mario, "Ponies will finally have information about dragons now!"
"And I gained tons of ideas for a new line of camouflage clothing!" Rarity added, "I think I'll call it "Camo-Maud"."
"With fashionable "Boulder" accessories," Mario added. The group all laughed as the three ponies and former Dragon Lord headed for home.
If you need a voice image for Koopa, aka dragon Mario's voice. Think of Bowser's voice actor, Harvey Atkin, from the 1989-1991 Super Mario cartoons. That's pretty much the voice I was going for. Though when Mario does fall off that platform and breathes fire. He does sound more closer to current generation Bowser.
I hope you all enjoyed the alternate opening of this chapter. Whenever I think of mines, I always get memories of playing through the Mine level of Lego City Undercover. Many of Mario's shout-outs were based off that game.
And I hope you enjoyed the Turn Battle as well, even if Mario lost due to Garble being a dirty cheater by stealing Mario's Double Gem Amulet. But in the end, Mario made sure he paid for trying to hurt his family. And Spike made him take the walk of shame all the way back home. LOL
And like I said a couple chapters ago, Spike finally got his Flower Sprite!
Next time: A former rival returns to Ponyville. While a truce was made, can Mario finally call her his friend? Can Starlight trust her? Can Twilight finally trust Mario's input about the matter? (Eh...that last one is wishful thinking...)
Peace Pony Fans!