The castle was a mess. The storm that mysteriously started had faded once the dark entity known as Malefor had departed leaving the survivors, soldiers and other residents of Canterlot to pick up the pieces. The throne room itself was a disaster and thus off limits until repairs could be made to the marble columns, the tiled floors and the throne re-made. Already workers and crafters were painstakingly rebuilding the shattered windows caused by the dark dragon's power being unleashed in such confined quarters. Down the halls, more workers and maintenance crews darted out of their princess's path. Celestia, her wounds bound and recovering made her way towards the medical wing where Luna and Twilight were resting.
The doors were cast opened by her aura, some nurses and doctors ducked for cover. There was a hidden anger stirring in their majesty's breast. Her face may remain neutral, the unicorns could feel the magical tension gathering within. Celestia was pissed and it showed physically the way her hooves came striking down on the floor as she all but stomped her way through. In one room, Luna lay propped against the best pillows brought from her chambers. Her muzzle was deep in a newspaper, the headlines reading
Cult attack on Canterlot! Insane followers attempt on our princess's lives! Pg3 full story.
An ear flicked against the bandage around her head, her eyes peeking as her sister entered the room.
"Morning to you sister. What news of our... situation?"
Celestia shook her head as she strode to the window, her eyes casting out towards the lands below them.
"Not good. I've dispatched every able bodied pegasus and unicorn I could spare. I've sent word to both the nations of Gryf and Draconis, informing the rulers of what occurred. I've also interrogated the cultists our soldiers had managed to detain as well."
"And?"
"Nothing. Some are babbling mad rantings, others have no clue how they got here. What ever Malefor did to them, he's done them well. All his tracks covered. I can't even detect that foul magic he used to blast his way into the castle last night."
Folding the newspaper, Luna patted the side of her bed. The alicorn moved to stand by her, both siblings silently looking at each other,"And Discord?"
"Restrained. The moment Malefor took off with Spyro, every thing came back to him like a freight train. He's not speaking to any pony. He's just a furious as I am."
A soft chuckle drew her eyes to her sister,"Well maybe not all is lost Celly. Perhaps with some encouragement, Discord may be able to tell us about Malefor's whereabouts. After all he was his little puppet for awhile. We all know how Discord always holds a grudge."
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Twilight's eyes fluttered open. Her body started to stir which halted as quickly as it started. She ached all over. Her head was pounding something fierce as the unicorn felt nauseated when she tried to sit up. Reaching up with a hoof, she felt her head swathed in bandages, her horn just a nub peeking from beneath the wrappings. A prickling pain on the side informed her of where her head had struck the door when the explosion occurred, the mare moaning softly in discomfort. Her eyes caught movement out of the corner, her head slowly shifting. She found Applejack asleep at her side. Fluttershy was tucked against the wall, nestled up close to Rainbow Dash as they too slept. Rarity was asleep in a chair pulled close and Spike was curled up at the foot of her bed. The only pony missing was Pinkie Pie. No doubt that mare was fetching breakfast even as the unicorn was the only one awake.
"Mornin sugarcube."
Violet eyes fixated on soft green as the farm pony yawned, ruffling her messy mane before adjusting her Stetson. Twilight smiled as they embraced, Applejack being gentle with her friend's condition.
"When did every pony arrive?" She asked.
"Last night. Back in Ponyville, Pinkie Pie was mentionin there was a bad doozy happenin up in the castle. Minute she says that, this explosion was heard. Every pony comes rushin out their doors an seein smoke risin from the castle. The six of us, Spike included knew somethin bad was goin on. So we high tailed it on up here. Learned bout them crazy cults from some of the soldiers still round. Heard bout Discord attackin you and the princesses. Then something bout this Malefor character wreckin the place and takin Spyro."
"We heard that borish brute hurt you as well." Both ponies looked across to find Rarity awake, a brush combing her mane,"Twilight darling, you look dreadful your head all wrapped up in those bandages."
Lightly brushing said bandages, she winced with a slight nod,"Explosion sent me crashing against the doors. Knocked me out cold. Didn't come too until now."
"Heeeey every pony!!!! Breakfast is served!" Pinkie Pie came hopping in, a tray of baked goods balanced on her puffy mane. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash awoke to her call rubbing the sleep from their eyes. Spike stirred from his spot, glanced around and saw Twilight up.
"Oh Twilight!" The unicorn braced herself as the small dragon collided with her, ignoring the complaints of her sore body as he hugged tightly. She heard his muffled sniffles, a few tears gathering in her own eyes while brushing his scales,"I missed you too, Spike." she said soothingly. Fluttershy broke away from Rainbow Dash to join the others, in case Twilight needed some extra help in easing the distraught dragon.
"After we got here, they said you were in the infirmary. I thought the worst had happen. We came as quickly as we could. We found your room and... ooh Twilight, you looked horrible. I thought you would never wake up!"
Twilght wiped her eyes with a sad smile, hugging her little brother tightly,"I'm tough Spike. No door is going to keep this librarian down, no matter how big it may be."
"Still, this Malefor guy is bad news! I mean he did what?! Shot lightning from his talons like it was nothing? I say we find this guy and show him a thing or two about messing with us!" Rainbow Dash hovered above them, her usual go-and-get-em attitude was there, while she ghost punched the air with her fore hooves.
"Yeah that ugly mean weanie needs a good spanking for all the trouble he's caused. And taking Spyro? That is a major bad no-no. Muffin anyone?" Pinkie Pie asked.
"Its easier said then done, my little ponies." Came a gentle regal voice. The mane six, plus Spike turned to see Celestia standing in the doorway. They all bowed in respect, save for Twilight who could only nod slightly. The alicorn nodded back as she entered. Applejack and Fluttershy made room as she approached her student's bed, gently nuzzling the mare.
"How are you feeling, Twilight?"
"Oh just got plowed through the throne doors last night. I can see its going to take a little more practice to be able to survive crashing into everything. I'm sure I can learn a few pointers from Rainbow Dash though."
"H..hey!" The cyan pegasus scoffed as her friends laughed lightly at the tease.
The laughter died down as hungry pony bellies resulted in the breakfast pastries offered by their friend. As each ate in silence, Twlight looked to Celestia for answers. The alicorn could only shake her head,"No luck my student. I've dispatched the best, interrogated the captured and there is nothing to show. Our only hope rests in Discord now."
"What?!" The other five cried in unison.
"Ya'll tellin me that trouble makin varmint is back?! Thought we cooked his goose fer good when we busted him last time. Dang, that guy jes won't quit."
Rainbow Dash psshed,"That's okay. Guess he likes getting his tail whooped by our awesomeness and came back for more."
"Unfortunately, Rainbow Dash. As much as you wish to sweep him under the rug as it were, Discord may hold vital information on where Malefor is and Spyro."
"Forgive me, your majesty, but do you honestly think that horrid draconequus will talk? He likes to gloat and mock us, even when kicked to the curb. Frankly I'm surprised we're not being smothered in cotton candy clouds or drowning in chocolate rain." The fashionista unicorn mentioned with the wave of her brush.
"His inability to cause chaos Rarity may be due to Malefor's negative influence on him. I am departing to speak with our prisoner right now. Your welcome to come all of you."
Twilight laid back down, a gentle shake of her head,"I can't move without the room spinning, Princess.You girls go ahead without me. I'll think I'll stay here with Spike, if he does not mind."
The five nodded and gave their small farewells. Rarity was the last to go, making sure that if her fellow unicorn friend ever needed anything, she would be right there for her. Celestia gave her one last gentle nuzzle before they exited the room, leaving Spike in her company.
"Twilight?" The dragon spoke as he wiped his eyes.
"Yeah Spike?" The unicorn asked, knowing well what his question was going to be.
"Will we get Spyro back from this Malefor before he does... anything bad to him?"
A gentle exhale sounded while her head turned towards the window,"I hope so, Spike. I really do."
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It was unthinkable. The sheer magnitude of the predicament he found himself in. It was a mockery of an insult by a weak attempt at a prank all rolled into one. Captive and held prisoner by Celestia in some part of her castle. Discord's teeth grinded together as he sat there in the hospital bed, his mind fuming with a mixture of anger and hatred aimed at the damned alicorn sisters AND the wretched heathen who left him here. Malefor. Even thinking of that name was enough to spit the poison from his tongue at his enemies eyes if he could. The draconequus looked down at his arm cast in a sling. The sight of his casted arm the bone broken and fractured, all bound up while unable to call upon his vast power to heal it like no more then a bruise. To feel helpless like this. It was... disgusting. Yellow red eyes glanced around the room. Royal elite guards were posted at the door, two pegasi were by the window. And two more remained on the other side. Prisoner and watched like a common thief. How insulting!
His murderous thoughts were quickly dampened as the guards stirred by the approaching hoof steps outside. The door opened and in stepped the sun princess. The spirit of chaos merely leaned back, idly playing with the tuft of hair on his chin,"Ahh, dear Celestia. Come to pay your respects to the indisposed? I suppose with what has occurred your trying everything to salvage your reputation. And who could blame you? The great Sun Princess beaten by an undead dragon who used parlor tricks to sweep you aside like yesterday's trash."
Celestia ignored Discord's goading. He was no more a threat then hot soup at the moment. She watched as his eyes fell upon the mane five as the ponies entered next, that smirk of his growing,"Ahh if it isn't the great Bearers of Harmony. What's this? Only five of you? Dear Twilight have her head stuck so deep in a book, they're attempting surgery to pull her out?"
Rainbow Dash was revved up and ready to go. The only reason she was not pummeling Discord was due to her tail being in Applejack's mouth as the earth pony brought her down to their level. Discord merely chuckled under his breath while they just stared coldly at him.
Celestia broke the long silence,"For all your bravado, Discord your not in any position to mock us. I wonder how much it must burn you to be cooped up here. The great Discord, Lord of Chaos reduced to a mere patient with a file number soon to be a prison number once your deemed fit for travel."
"Celestia you hurt me with such words. I guess I should be thanking you for the hospitality you've given me so far. Your not here on social calling nor bearing gifts for moi. So what could be troubling the great alicorn to want to stoop to such low levels to come crawling to me, I wonder?"
The five watched as the alicorn approached his bed, her head leaning close until he could see her eyes softly glowing with her power,"Information... on Malefor. Where he is hiding with Spyro and what his next move is. Surely one as crafty as you Discord must have been able to pick that corroding brain of his during your time of... service."
The draconequus yawned in a bored fashion stretching out his eagle arm to admire the filed talons,"That depends, Celly..."
A slight arched brow formed,"On...?"
"On how well you fluff my pillows." Discord responded with an amusing chuckle.
"Whyyoulittle!" Rainbow Dash blurted out and zipped forward, ready to plaster that nasty smirk of his to the wall. Her attempts were thwarted by Applejack intervening once more, with the aide of Rarity and Pinkie Pie to keep the farm pony from skidding across the floor. Discord merely laughed while wiggling in his bed in delight, just enjoying this little offset of in balance between them. It went to show that even were he to be in a full body cast, the draconequus would still get his kicks for chaos by irking any pony the wrong way.
"Enough of the games, Discord. The longer we wait the more time Malefor has to gather his strength and lay waste to Equestria, nay the entire world. Are you really just going to lay here idly taunting us while some foreign outsider takes control of the nations? What if he finds you here all alone and decides to turn you into his marionette again? I can't imagine a greater humiliation then being strung up on string all decked out in some jester's outfit, cracking outdated jokes only to have your tail set aflame from your master's irritation?"
Discord's smile melted into a scowl as he noted the hint of satisfaction in his nemesis's eye. Damn her for taking such cheap shots at him like this. She did have a point. A wretched outsider taking control of Equestria? Never! It was his rule, his domain and he sure hell was not going to just sit around and let some miserable half dead pile of scale and bones take over what was rightfully his. Draping his good arm over his eyes with a sigh of defeat, he pouted for a while just to lure them on baited string.
"Very well, princess you do press a great concern. I shall confess everything I know about his whereabouts."
The mane five and alicorn leaned a little closer awaiting him to spill everything he knew about where the dragon hid.
"Where Malefor resides is... I have no idea."
"WHAT?!" Rainbow Dash all but shouted. Again she lunged at the draconequus with Fluttershy joining the mix while the mare flailed her fore legs about wanting to pop him on the snout.
Celestia huffed and pulled him up by the collar of his coat,"I said no games, Discord!" The alicorn voice was hard and steadily becoming heated.
Discord merely coughed and held up his palm as a gesture of defeat,"Look I would like to help you but being under his spell made me about as inquisitive as a dead tree stuck out in the farthest coldest north regions. I know not where he hides, or what he has planned next for your poor helpless mass of ponies. You said it yourself, I was but a mere puppet dancing to his every command. The only info I can gather was his loathsome hatred for this Spyro whom he wanted to capture so badly. What he has planned for this foe of his, I can say it will be most unpleasant. You thought Malefor was a menace at the castle before? Just wait until he fully recovers."
Celestia released him,"Recovers?"
"What ever Spyro possesses, Malefor seeks to obtain it from him. How, I do not know. But what I do know is Spyro was not the only dragon Malefor hated. Seems there was another that caused him displeasure. I vaaaaguely recall him mentioning this traitor as he referred to her this... Cynder."
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In the hidden chambers below her place of study, Celestia was casting a spell. A spell that was meant to send Spyro back to his world, to return him to his kind and leave them in peace. Now much to her dismay, it was to be used to bring yet another dragon from Avalar into Equestria. The alicorn remembered from the dragon's stories he told to the other ponies, that he did not take on Malefor alone. The dragoness that was among the elders, Cynder had a hoof in his defeat as well. With the way things were heading in Equestria right now, Celestia knew they would need her help as well. Not just for hopefully finding Spyro but putting an end to Malefor's threat upon her kingdom and the kingdoms of Gryf and Draconis.
The discussions with the dragon elders had not been good. They were shocked to learn that not only was Malefor alive somehow, but that he had captured Spyro. Volteer had been stunned while Cyril was working frantically in his mind to figure out some plan of rescue. Terrador wanted to come through to simply start trashing the place until they found Spyro. In the end, Cyril and Volteer agreed that Cynder should be sent through. The magics involved were difficult as it were to maintain stability between worlds. Plus given the size difference, there was no way three full grown dragons could squeeze through such a small mirror portal.
Using the power of the sun to aide as a back up since her sister was still in the hospital wing, Celestia concentrated on opening the gateway. The magic hummed while the air crackled with tension. Her horn shone brightly as the tip was a searing point of light aimed at the sphere set on the pedastool before her. With one final murmuring chant, the alicorn grunted and opened the way. A swirling vortex of blue appeared in the sphere while a great wind kicked up everything in the room as it shook beneath the spells strength. All Celestia could do was wait and hope this worked. Seconds ticked by as the spell started to waver, its effect only brief enough to send one body through and even they did not have the time to idle. Just as the gate started to close a small dragon leaped out, nearly bowling Celestia over as the portal closed with a loud pop!
Backing up to give the new guest some space, the alicorn cast down at the dragoness. Cynder was very different in appearance then Spyro. Her scales were such a dark purple it was almost as if she was dipped in black onyx instead. Her chest plates and wing span coloration reminded Celestia of Twilight's own mane color only brighter. Cuffs bound her forelegs as did the neck and even the tail which ended in a wicked looking curved blade. Her horns were more of an light ashen gray. The alicorn noted what looked to be markings upon her forehead and shoulders as she admired the sleek form she held. What moved her was the aquamarine eyes, that which the shy Fluttershy had. The dragoness noticed she was being gawked at, which she ended by clearing her throat.
Celestia looked away with a meek smile,"Umm forgive me, Miss Cynder on staring too long. We don't see dragons such as Spyro and you out here, thus your appearances are... rare."
She gave a light nod as the alicorn gestured with one wing to show her the way out of the hidden room. Letting this creature lead gave Cynder enough time herself to look the being over. What they told about themselves was not as far fetched as what she learned from the elders. They were quadrapeds like herself and the others, but they were taller, more lithe. The wings span on this one was impressive easily three times her own. Cynder's eyes traveled to the great horn peeking from the creature's head. To harness such strange magics and focus it from just one horn? She wondered if they suffered headaches from concentrating too hard.
They went through a archway which revealed a strange room. Cynder turned to watch the door close up by a odd looking wall, the creature making sure it was locked. The way she carried herself. It was that of great importance and responsibility towards what ever duties were placed on her shoulders. Yet there was a kind gentle feeling she gave off as well, though Cynder also felt her hostess was not one to be trifled with. Goddesses Cyril said they were. Cynder was not sure what goddesses were like. Only from hearing from Cyril that they were powerful yet benevolent in their lands and to the inhabitants, much like the dragons were in Avalar who ruled with honest and just cause without coming off as overbearing or tyrannical.
"Forgive me, Cynder I wish your welcoming to Equestria was on a more positive note. Given the events that have unfolded however, we face a crisis." Celestia spoke with a hint of guilt in her voice.
"Malefor. I'd hope with his defeat Spyro and I could be left in peace once and for all. I see that it was not to be for not only does he live, his foul presence stains this world." The dragoness replied.
"If I had not allowed Discord to weaken me while he was under his control, I could have been at my sister side to drive him back."
"Listen, Celestia is it? Look don't blame yourself that an old enemy of yours got duped into working from Malefor. Coming from a dragon who was also manipulated by his dark influence, you can say we were blinded and controlled by his ambition. It only made my resolve to end him that more absolute. With Spyro helping of course."
Alicorn paused as she showed Cynder the door to the hallway. The dragoness looked up to gaze into her eyes,"Cynder. If... Malefor pushes Spyro too far and his dark self emerges, can you stop it?"
The dragoness looked down at the tile floor, gazing upon her reflection for a moment. Then she looked up and nodded,"I can and will to keep him from potentially causing harm to any innocents, Celestia. You have my word."
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Celestia returned to the temporary hospital wing of her castle with her new guest in tow. Many of the ponies there stood gawking at this small dragon following their ruler, unable to wonder how she had managed to get past the increased security. Even the royal elites felt as if they had failed seeing this new one roaming and left to scramble for any orders they may have missed, lest their commanding officers chew them out. The alicorn ignored all of this save for a pleasant smile, while Cynder herself took in this "cave" they lived in. It almost resembled their temple seeing various statues and pictures depicting this alicorn with another smaller creature at her side or solo. Perhaps this Celestia was like an elder to these ponies who sought her advice or guidance during hard times. She certainly looked it and how these four legged creatures bowed when she passed by.
The dragoness's curiousity was put on hold as they entered into the wing, where the mane five were catching up with Twilight and the events of last night. Celestia cleared her throat to gather their attention then beckoned Cynder with a gesture of her feathered wing. Twilight and the others jaws dropped as this new dragon appeared before them. Even Spike was fixated on her, amazed that Spyro had not mentioned this one more often during his time with him at the library.
"Girls. This is Cynder, friend to Spyro and resident of the temple in Avalar as well. She has come to help us find Malefor and bring back our dragon friend."
"Wow" Spike whispered as the five surrounded the dragoness.
She felt a little nervous as these ponies seemed amazed with her, but remembered what Celestia had said about the dragons who lived here. Short tempered and nasty, they avoided ponies and vice versa. Still it took some time to get used to the sudden attention she was receiving. There was the unicorn in the make shift nest with her head swathed in bandages. The tan pony wearing the hat and had a funny accent. There was the two ponies with wings (pegasus she later learned they were called.) one of whom reminded her of Cyril only due to her coats color and how the hair was a reflection of the ice dragons scales when the sun's rays reflected off the surface. The other appeared rather shy, opting to hide behind the cyan one, casually glancing with her eye from behind the mane. There was the snow white unicorn her nature suggesting she was keen on her appearance as it showed by how well styled her mane and tail was. Then there was the bouncy pink pony. She spoke a thousand words a minute when she was not hopping all over the place. Cynder vaguely recalled that one mentioning something about a party, what ever those were.
Then at last was the dragon who sat at the edge of the nest. His name, she learned from Twilight was Spike. Given his scent, she could tell Spyro was around him as she approached the young hatchling. Spike was rather nervous and Twilight felt protective. There was an aura around Cynder much like Spyro, but hers felt different. Almost dark like that of potential threats. The mare was starting to wonder if it was wise to bring her here. Could she be trusted?
"So Spyro has been around you plenty of times little one." The dragoness spoke.
Spike nodded slowly,"Y..yeah. He's a great dragon. I was raised by Twilight here so she is like my sister. As such, I've never been around dragons. Well except this one time, but that's a long story."
Cynder hmmed as she peered closer,"You don't have wings and you walk on your hind legs. Never seen a hatchling like you before."
"Oh, well they say I won't grow wings for another fifty years or so. And well, even then it will take some time to grow out."
"Do you breath fire?" Spike grinned,"Yeah! Course its not great or anything, not like Spyro. But its helpful to Twilight when she has to send letters to the princess."
"Hmm a magical fire that burns and doubles as a messenger. Delayed growth of wings. You dragons are different from us." Cynder murmured to herself, earning a light hue of red to appear on Spike's cheeks.
Her eyes drifted to Twilight and noted the hesitation she seemed to hold for her and how close she was keeping tabs on Spike. The dragoness knew what the unicorn was feeling. Some denizens of Avalar felt it from her as well. Even though years had past since Spyro had freed her from Malefor's grasp, his taint upon her would always be a reminder of how evil his intentions were.
"I know what your feeling and trust me, its not easy to admit that I do not pose a threat to you, Spike, your friends or anyone else here. I've atoned much for my sins in the past, being under Malefor's control."
"You worked for Malefor?!" Cynder's vision was suddenly obscured by a pair of rose colored eyes glaring at her while her snout was pressed uncomfortably against her own,"Are you a spy?" The pegasus growled.
"Rainbow Dash!" The tan pony, Applejack yanked the cyan pegasus away, giving Cynder some breathing room,"Case ya forgotten, remember what Twilight said bout Spyro's story? She was taken as an egg an was corrupted. Spyro rescued her an she helped him fight Malefor down. If'n that don't prove who side shes on then yer head needs some clearin."
"So Spyro says. If Malefor made Discord dance like a puppet, whats to keep him from coming after her and making her do his dirty work again? Or turn her against us if we face that punk?"
Cynder stepped away from the group. She strode to the window that overlooked their lands and gazed out,"I don't expect any of you to warm up to me right away. I always felt I would put anyone in danger. It's why I left the temple the first time, despite Spyro's pleadings to have me stay. I couldn't trust myself and she has a point. What if Malefor turned me against my friends? I would not be able to live with that guilt. But Spyro, he believed in me and never gave up on me, even when I felt so low."
Casting a glance towards their ruler, the dragoness exhaled,"I owe so much to him. The thought of a world without Spyro is unthinkable. A world with Malefor is unfathomable. As I promised your matriarch, I will do everything in my power to help rescue Spyro and with his help, end Malefor once again."
"Beg pardon Cynder but we got no leads. Discord said somethin along the lines of not knowing where that evil fella is hidin out." Applejack motioned.
"True. But there is a strong bond I share with Spyro. No matter how far away he may be, I can find him."
"Then its a start." Celestia spoke,"With your help Cynder we can locate your friend and end this monster's tyranny once and for all."
A sound of armor clanking drew every pony's (and dragons) attention. A messenger soldier skidded to a halt, having to back track when he passed the room Celestia was in. The alicorn approached as he bowed, breathing hard from being almost out of breath,"Your majesty! I bring news!"
"Go on."
"Draconis has declared a state of emergency! A coup has started within its borders and has spilled into Gryf and Equestria!"
"What?!" Every pony cried out in shock.
"The Dragon Queen is under siege in her own kingdom and is being threaten to be overthrown! There is word of betrayal from within her ranks! Already soldiers hound the griffions, forcing the king to send reinforcements! And our eastern borders are under heavy assault!"
All eyes turned on Cynder as her eyes narrowed towards the horizon,"Malefor." She said.
It has begun again. The dark master, Malefor declaring war against all nations, never to rest until all bowed before him. Or the world torn asunder by his dark power.