The wooden door leading into Celestia's private magic experimentation chamber was slammed open by a magical aura. The door groaned in protest to its abuse as both sun goddess and moon goddess entered. Bearing four more scales plucked from a certain purple dragon, Luna wasted no time on channeling the spell that would once again transform the pearl sphere into a mirror that would link them to Avalar. Once the spell was in place and the scales acting as conduit once more, Celestia approached the opal design.
"Volteer! I demand your presence at once!" The alicorn all but bellowed.
The walls trembled while the ceiling shivered under the intense vibration caused by enclosed spaces subjected to loud volumes. Particles of dust and tiny debris rained down in a fine mist as both sisters stood there, awaiting a response. Luna was both stunned and amazed. Celestia had not used the Royal Canterlot Voice... well in forever. She gave that up long ago, even before her banishment. Clearly sister was angry, the report from Captain Highwind of what had occurred earlier this night still sat in her chair by the dresser back in her room chamber. Two minutes passed by yet no creature stirred on the other end. Celestia's eyes narrowed as she stepped even closer, her nose and muzzle almost touching the surface.
"VOLTEER! ANY DRAGON WHERE ARE YOU?! WE DEMAND AN EXPLANATION IMMEDIATELY!"
The mirror resting on the wall shook with such force. If Celestia were to shout any louder, it would clearly knock the item from its resting place and shatter it to the floor. Being this close however did have some positive feedback. The volume caused by the alicorn's voice was so intense, the wall began to vibrate from its force. Already Volteer was there along with the other elder dragons, their faces sour and moods somewhat irritable.
"I take it the term,'Let sleeping dragons lie' has never occurred to you, has it Celestia?" The yellow dragon grumbled.
"Spare me your feeble attempts to cower me, Volteer!" Celestia all but snarled back,"Why did you not tell either me or Luna of Spyro's dark half?!"
The demeanor and posture of all the dragons changed instantly. Luna saw the look of shock and for a brief instant, fear mar the scaled faces of the dragon elders. This quickly faded as all three shifted uneasily. Suddenly unable to answer the question as though they were willing to give their side of a story in front of court, yet now found their minds changing as they stood before a judge.
"Well?"
After the moment of awkward silence stretched for a few minutes more, some one spoke up.
"The reason is we thought that part of him was extinguished when Spyro re-built Avalar." A feminine voice replied.
Both alicorn's gaze shifted from the three large beasts to a smaller dragon, whose size and stature were similar to Spyro's own. She stood on her hind legs, peering at the two alicorns, her own violet eyes full of intelligence and strong spirit.
"Cynder, are you sure?" Terrador started to speak up.
The dragoness looked back at the green earth dragon and a nod followed.
"It's alright, Terrador. I can explain that part of Spyro better then any dragon here. You and the others go rest, I'll take care of this." The purple dragoness replied.
The three elders nodded in slow union, then left the room where the mirror sat. Soon it was just Cynder and the alicorn sisters staring at each other through the mirror's reflection.
"Who are you?" Luna asked.
"I am Cynder, resident dragon who lives here at the temple."
"Volteer did not mention a fourth." the dark alicorn responded.
"I was away when the unfortunate accident that befell Spyro took place. I arrived a few days later and it was from Volteer, Terrador and Cyril that I learned everything, including you both. Honest to say at first I was shocked and saddened. I feared the worst had happened during the storm. I am thankful Spyro survived and has been under your care." Cyndar gave a soft bow of relief, one that Luna returned.
Celestia had calmed a little, but her mane and tail still flowed irratically when she was angry.
"Thanks aside, that still does not answer the question I gave earlier. I had received a report a few moments ago, detailed information from one of my captains. Spyro, a student of mine, along with a fellow soldier were beset by unknown forces. They struck down their means of transport, attacked my guards ponies and nearly killed them. As if matters were not dire enough, your Spyro suddenly went on, what I can only describe as a frenzied assault. While I am aware of his combat ability, this dark force he possessed was never before mentioned when we first spoke. Why is that?"
Cyndar stood back resting on her haunches, forearms folded, head nodding as she looked in deep thought. Gazing up once more, the dragoness waved a paw idly.
"How much did Spyro tell you of our world and of a dark dragon named Malefor?"
"We learned quite a bit about your world and the dangers both you and Spyro had faced. We learned that Malefor was the first purple dragon of your kind and that his thirst for power set him on a dark path that was the cause of his imprisonment. We learned about you and Spyro, about Malefor's release and attempt to destroy Avalar only to be defeated by Spyro thus your world was saved."
Cynder gave a light nod,"Did he also mention what Malefor had passed onto us that purple dragons were known for bringing about destruction across the lands, that they were susceptible to dark influences?"
The dragoness held a pained expression, clearly visible on her scaled face. Luna and Celestia remained silent unsure of what to say. Cynder looked up into the image before her and drew in a deep breath.
"Everything Malefor had said was true. Even if Spyro and I did not want to believe it purple dragons can either save, protect Avalar. or downright bring about its end. Malefor tried, failed, and tried again. I was used as an agent of his forces, was corrupted by his taint, nearly ended Spyro and the others before being freed. Spyro himself had been tainted by Malefor's dark influence. This dark shade that dwelled within him, I referred to as 'Dark Spyro.' The negativity, corrupt, hunger for power was what this thing represented. While in this state, Spyro's power is most chaotic. I mean no offense to your guards and the pony who was with him Celestia, but if Dark Spyro was fully powered, I fear none of them would have survived."
Luna and Celestia were shocked by this information. After seeing those dark clouds gathering and feeling that foul presence rising, both alicorns could only imagine what that entity would unleash. Which raised another question.
"What causes this 'Dark Spyro' to emerge from Spyro?" Luna asked.
"Extreme emotions or feelings, Luna. Anger, sadness, hatred, any strong negative influx that would push any dragon or pony into doing something reckless without any regard for their own safety." The dragoness replied.
"Has this occurred often, even after the threat of this Malefor was ended?" Luna asked.
Cynder shook her head,"Spyro felt himself after the re-building of Avalar. I guessed that with Malefor finally ended what ever dark taint he had on him was gone as well, ending that presence once and for all."
She shook her head and exhaled,"I should have known better to take things for granted. The restlessness, the urge to push himself beyond exhaustion, the inability to sleep at night. Why didn't we see this sooner?"
"How was he able to control this dark entity from becoming out of hoof?" Celestia demanded.
"I was." The dragoness replied,"Each time that shade rose to the surface, I was able to bring Spyro back from that void and return him to his senses. How did he manage to break from it this time?"
"We do not know, the message merely mentioned he was struggling with himself, then tore away the dark shade like some thick covering." The dark alicorn responded.
"So Spyro now contends with it, rather then relying on others for help. This is good. But still does not ignore the potential for disaster."
Cynder paced looking at her surroundings. She looked at what the elders had gathered, the preparations for bringing Spyro back. All that was needed was to dig through the arch hives of the temple in hopes of finding a similar spell or means of re-creating a link to the princesses worlds and bring him home.
"Please, what ever you can within your power, keep watch over Spyro. There is no telling what his dark self will do, should he succumb to negative emotions once again. If there is no way to keep that under rein, I fear your world could suffer the same fate that nearly befell Avalar."
The image started to linger and weave both alicorns noting the spell used was starting to fade. Cynder approached the mirror, eyes fixated on the moon goddess.
"If you see Spyro... Tell him I miss him. We all do and long to have him back home. Please."
Luna gave a soft bow,"You have my word, Cynder."
The spell died, the image faded and the mirror reverted once more to the pearl sphere, the blackened remains of four dragon scales now dust, sat at four corners. Luna gazed over to Celestia. The sun goddess whom had always shown stability, calm and grace, was shaken by what they learned. The light alicorn turned and departed her sister hot on her heels as they left the chamber room.
"Sister what do we do?"
"What Cynder asked us to. Keep close tabs on the dragon and hope for Equestria that what we witnessed last night does not repeat itself."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
At the Ponyville library, a tired and anxious Spike watched as Highwind applied the last wrapping to Twilight's shoulder. Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash were there looking on as first aid was given to the unicorn. Spyro sat apart from the group huddled in the shadows cast by the flickering candle light as they sat on the table. The dragon had remained quiet ever since he broke free of his dark self and looked lost in thought given how his eyes remained shut. At first, Pinkie Pie wanted to get Twilight to the hospital the idea quickly shot down by Aerial Ace much to the party pony's dismay. Highwind had agreed that Spyro was not to be seen and that the risk was too great. All that could be done was to whisk her back to her home and treat her there.
Pinkie Pie helped carry Twilight, Rainbow Dash carried an exhausted Spyro. He could barely lift himself off the ground after untying the unicorn and even now, his body ached with anger and displeasure of being put through so much strain that it had long forgotten.
"So tell me again, why couldn't you fight back or defend yourself Twily? I thought your magic would have made them all poof! just like that!" the pink mare nodded.
She winced as the bandage was tightened, a meek groan followed,"Our captors slipped this..." a gold metallic ring was levitated before the pony,"Over my horn. It was unnerving, Pinkie Pie like some magical force was sucking away all my magic. It was like I had been reduced to a newborn foal, unable to perform any spells."
"How many were there?" The cyan pegasus asked.
Aerial Ace shook his head,"In the dark with only Luna's moon light to illuminate the way, the numbers were hard to make out. We won't really know until an investigation team from Canterlot arrives and give us the body count."
Rainbow Dash nearly choked,"B...body count?! You mean, they're... "
"Dead? Deceased? Expired?" Highwind said his work done,"After what we witnessed, I wouldn't be surprised. What's worse is Celestia is going to have a fit if we find griffon and dragon corpses around the forest. Both nations will be livid and demand answers, IF their accursed scouts are still not lurking about."
While ponies worried what near future lay in store, Spike had found himself drawn to Spyro's quiet form sitting in a corner. Sparx was with him at the time of their arrival and after the explanation from the guards about what took place, the dragonfly was floored. Since then Sparx remained with his brother as the dragon brooded in silence. He didn't even notice Spike there, not even when he cleared his throat in hopes of getting his attention.
"Is he... gonna be ok, Sparx?" The baby dragon asked.
Sparx shifted from atop Spyro and glanced at him,"I was it was easy to say, Spike. I mean, I'm not gonna butter this up and sugar coat it just to make it easier. Dark Spyro is a rather nasty being. Cold, cruel, cunning to a degree. He's bad news no matter how you slice it, kid. Trust me you do not want to meet him in some dark forest."
"Spyro?"
The dragon opened his eyes, exhaling slowly before setting back on his haunches.
"What Sparx said. It's nothing I can't handle or contain. You don't save your own world by being a push over or letting others try to push you around, kid."
Spike looked a little unsure of what Spyro said but nodded in silent agreement,"Is he really that bad?"
The purple dragon waved a paw idly in the air,"Take the worst villain you can imagine, either from books or what your friends have faced. That dark half makes them look like nothing more then a perhaps at worst a sprained ankle or wrist."
Both dragons became aware of other presences. Heads turned to find Aerial Ace, Highwind, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie and Twilight standing before the two. Spyro could see the stirring emotions in Twilight's eyes. The unicorn was fighting the urge to keep Spike away from him at all costs or continue to allow the baby dragon hang around his newest idol. Ace and Highwind's faces were blank, any feelings they may have shown were hidden beneath their professional visage. Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash? The pink party pony was concerned for her friends just as any pony would. The cyan pegasus on the other claw, looked ready to take a battle to those responsible for causing Twilight harm.
The silence started to build, every body present was shifting slightly at the uneasy tension starting to build. Twilight was the one who finally broke the peace.
"Spike, its getting late. You should head to bed right now. I'll tuck you in."
The dragon frowned slightly, but gave a nod and followed his sister up the stairs. He traded one last look at Spyro, fearing that come tomorrow he could very well disappear from the library never to be seen again. Visions of being hauled away by Celestia's soldiers or banishment plagued the dragon as both unicorn and baby vanished around the corner. Highwind nudged Aerial Ace next, whispering something in his ear before the two stallions broke away and retreated towards the front door, their plan of keeping guard coming together. That just left the party pony and the pegasus. Spyro could not help but feel some of that anger payback Rainbow Dash was thinking about returning directed at him. Given the circumstances of the reasons, he opted to keep silent on the matter. The pegasus mare opened her muzzle to speak, but it was quickly covered by a fore hoof. Pinkie Pie chose to speak instead.
"I know what your thinking. Big scary crazy dragon going whoosh! bam! pow! and whammo! But look on the bright side, Dashie. Even though it wasn't Spyro himself, he still helped, saved everypony from those big meanie mercs. That has to be a positive feeling right?"
Rainbow Dash snorted as she kicked the wooden floor,"That's still does not change the fact that Spyro here went all shadow evil on every pony. Dead bodies, Pinkie Pie. Read my lips... actual corpses. I mean in all of Equestria's history of Ponyville, how many died out side of natural causes or accidents? He hid this from us an I don't like secrets kept from me no more then you like any pony lying through their teeth. I may not have liked this merc team, but seriously he just made it tens times worse... no twenty percent, uncool worse."
Spyro shook his head, rising to his feet and started to pace back in forth.
"I think uncool is hardly the word I would choose for him. He's bad news, Rainbow Dash plain and simple. If we were separate and went our own ways, the monster would probably tear up half of Avalar just for amusement, IF he was bored."
The cyan pegasus blinked a couple of times, then shook her head not believing what she just heard.
"Your saying, your dark self would hurt others just for fun?! What a jerk! I ever meet him I'd bust his snout right then and there, teach him a thing or two about being a punk to innocents everywhere!"
Spyro just chuckled shaking his head before looking up at the winged mare.
"Probably just grin at you and say,'Please girl, may I have some more?' He likes to taunt and bask in his own ego, which makes him just as bad as Malefor if not any worse. Again, its nothing I can't handle. Keep him on a tight leash or bury him if I have to. What ever it takes to keep Equestria from heading down an unwanted dark path."
Pinkie Pie just shook her head and looked at the both
She started with Rainbow Dash,"If you ever stayed awake during history classes, you might remember all the bad stuff that Equestria did have back then. Both princesses along with the budding colonies had to contend with famine, disease and a whole buncha other sad stuff like any growing civilization. And don't forget those icky wars either. Draconis and Gryf had their fair share too. So stop acting all grumple fumps over this thing that happened tonight."
The pink pony turned her attention to Spyro next,"And what about you? Can't you like, talk to him? Tell him what he is doing is like super bad, you know try to change his mind and stop being such a meanie?"
Spyro paused for a moment to give it a thought or two, then shook his head before resuming his pacing,"Pinkie Pie. You would have a better chance of convincing a rock to fly, then to try and get him to change his mind about what he's done. Frankly he would find your idea laughable, then kick you. Once your down and just for even more twisted glee, he'd probably light your tail on fire and watch you freak out as you attempt to put it out. He's... that wicked in his own sense."
Pinkie Pie gave a pout and a hmph, folding her forelegs over her chest. Clearly the more the purple dragon painted an dark picture about this entity and its lack of compassion or mercy towards any creature, the more she was leaning towards Rainbow Dash on inflicting some punishment for his bad deeds.
There was nothing to be further argued at this point. With a sigh and a disappointed shake of the mane the pink mare turned to Rainbow Dash and gestured.
"Its been a long night and I have to open up SugarCube Corner tomorrow. Wanna spend the night?"
The cyan mare yawned, then shook her chromatic mane,"I'd love to Pinkie Pie. But I have to rise early tomorrow to help with a storm that's due come late afternoon. I'll check in for lunch how does that sound?"
"Okie, dokie lokie!" Pinkie Pie's once sour mood brightened on the flip of a bit coin. She smiled then turned and hopped on out of the library, Rainbow Dash in tow. She gave the dragon one last glance before departing, leaving him with just the guards and Twilight who emerged from her room just now and had paused coming down the stairs to catch Pinkie Pie's small speech. A quick clearing of the throat drew his attention. Eyes drawn to the staircase revealed Twilight descending down them, her face expressing concern.
"Can you really keep him under control, Spyro? After what we've seen tonight I'm having doubts about your ability to do so."
Spyro met her at the foot of the staircase, his violet eyes meeting hers as the two purple beings stared at one another almost in a contest to see who would budge and blink first. The dragon was the first to react.
"Not going to lie, Dark Self makes your Nightmare Moon incident look like a bad dream but I can handle him. He tries to pull any stunt or try to harm any pony or other person living on your world. I'll bury him so deep in my sub conscious, or where ever I can shove his presence, it will take him years to start digging himself out of the hole I stuffed him in."
A rough clearing of the throat drew their attention to Highwind and Aerial Ace. Both had entered after the other two ponies left, keeping silent as unicorn traded with dragon on terms of this new rising threat.
"Miss Twilight Sparkle, with all due respect is it wise to allow Spyro here to continue to roam given what we've seen tonight? I still think you should have made some mention of your life being in danger to her majesty when I wrote up my report." The stallion said with some unease in his voice.
The lavender unicorn huffed softly with a casual roll of her eyes before trotting over to the fireplace. She withdrew a scroll she kept from them and tossed it in, casting a small igniting spell to watch it burn,"Celestia and Luna have enough on their plate to send Spyro back as it is. To add what that... thing nearly could have done to me would only draw their attention away and complicate things. I love Celestia, but I have no wish to burden her any further."
The stallion peered over her shoulder to the scroll as it slowly burned to cinders,"So... what ever orders she just sent, we're just going to flat out ignore and carry on?"
She smiled and trotted away,"Orders? What orders? This is just some old stuff I've been meaning to get rid of for some time now." Highwind could feel a groan rising in his chest, while Aerial Ace looked a little uncomfortable where he stood. For soldiers who obeyed the alicorn's wishes, turning a deaf ear and a blind eye was going to be a little hard on two strictly disciplined ponies.
Spyro grinned, flashing his fanged muzzle, "So, what do we do then?" He asked the librarian.
She smiled,"Simple. You continue to lay low, then when everything is ready in the next few days you go home. We'll try and move you to Fluttershy's home when the coast is clear, I know she's been meaning to see you again and you Sparx."
The dragonfly rubbed his small hands together,"Been looking forward to seeing the lovely Fluttershy again. Her cottage has got to be the coziest place I ever had the chance of being in."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Deep in the kingdom Draconis, high above one mountain peak and deep within a darkened cave, a figure stood waiting. The messenger arrived, the sound of wings beating against the warm climate air could be heard at the entrance. It took him all of two minutes to rush to the being, then kneel with a clawed hand to his breastplate.
"Sire, news from Ponyville. The mercs have failed in capturing the dragon and are slain. Troops from Canterlot have been increased along the borders, while the griffon King increases his watch as we speak."
The figure remained silent, her posture slightly hunched over from brooding.
"Sent word to Steelwing. Tell him what you told me. Speak to no one else."
The messenger bowed and took leave, leaving Sapphire alone once more. The dragoness returned her gaze to the wall, her mind whirling with answers and dreadful outcomes. He would not be pleased in their failure to obtain Spyro. This ancient creature who mysteriously appeared in their nation months ago. A being of great power and a thirst for knowledge, a creature who oddly enough hailed from the dragon's home world Avalar.