Tri Point Mountain. It was an odd name to give a sight when what was considered a mountain was really, a oversized hill slowly being eroded by the elements of wind, ice and time. What made this barren, withering rock important was the hidden structure beneath its earthen surface. Tunnels carved a path from entrances beneath the ground, leading to ancient stone doors that still opened and closed as smoothly as the day they were made. All led to three compartments, each with enough room for say a large dragon and a few guards to maybe one dozen ponies or half a dozen griffons, complete with rations and bedding. This was not the case as the compartments had once served to house each ruling party from the nations. A representative from Draconis, the Griffon King or Queen themselves and last the Alicorn sisters. Tri Point Mountain housed a diplomatic gathering room at the center, where peace talks among uneasy truces were conducted when negotiations among the citizens were failing.
Over time, the descendents lost interest and knowledge of the mountain as the three nations grew. In the end the mountain was abandon, forgotten to be lost to the sands of time, eroded away until there would be nothing left of its existence. Or, it would have were it not for the ancient magics long woven into the the hidden earthen structure that kept the place looking as grand as it was centuries earlier upon its completion. Steelwing was astounded that Tri Point almost was erased by history and that, had he not dug into the old arch hive files, would have never known it remained. Sapphire considered the same as she marveled at the compartment and the main chamber room itself. It felt odd that such a place was abandoned doomed to be lost and yet, great magics of ages long ago kept the place in pristine condition.
Which made it the perfect place to conduct their meeting. No one knew Tri Point still stood to this day, rumor including that even Celestia herself may have forgotten about its existence. Both griffon and dragon sat in marble thrones, the depiction of their nation's symbol carved into the back rest. Each silently observed the other, without so much a peep or a sound as they waited for a third party member to arrive. The latch of the stone door shifting from Equestria's side drew their attention as a unicorn with a cloak obscuring its appearance made its way to the last throne. Hooves clopped along the floor, its echo reverberating along the corners as the pony took its seat, unraveling a scroll in its magical aura.
"The report is as follows..." The stallion spoke," Nine of the thirteen mercenaries bodies were recovered from the forest, including the ring leader. Four are still missing, presumed eaten by the local wildlife. Traces of dark residue was also felt at the location, though confirmation on its origin remains inconclusive."
Steelwing spoke,"Dare I ask, how bad was it?"
The unicorn shivered,"Well... since I was there as part of the investigation." a brief pause,"The looks on the faces, sir. It was like they saw Death itself coming for them. Some of the others insisted they died of fright. I don't believe it, not after looking at the injuries sustained."
Steelwing closed his eyes, tapping a talon on the table before them. Sapphire said nothing to add to this small discussion, her own eyes shut as arms folded over her chest for the duration. She stirred after the griffon ceased his taps, eyes half lidded.
"He's due here any moment. I fear he will not be pleased with the outcome."
The griffon grunted,"That's his problem. He never mentioned the purple beast would have such a temper. Or that he would shift into a monstrosity. Smash n grab that was the order. Besides it was mercs, the pirates of our time. Thugs looking for a quick coin or gold bar to stuff in their pockets and spend away on drink and pleasure. Why should we care?"
Sapphire unfolded her arms to let them rest on the table, elbows propping as her fingers folded into a tent.
"Lives of dragons and griffons were lost. There was never supposed to be any loss of life."
"Or the near attempt on Twilight Sparkle's life I might add." The unicorn chipped in. Both ambassadors shifted and stared at the pony. He merely tapped the scroll as well with a slight roll of the shoulder,"Her testimony was the leader ordered her to be executed. He considered her, like all powerfully gifted unicorns, a threat and wanted her removal." He snorted,"He's better off in the ground now. Given how close her ties are to Celestia, the sun goddess would no doubt have been furious. That's not to say she is already angry as it is."
"Most unfortunate. My benefactor was hoping the capture of the dragon would have been without incident. He may not be pleased, but this was out of your claws and hooves."
All heads turned to find a robed figure, slightly hunched over occupying the space between Steelwing and Sapphire. What appearance each attempted to make out beneath the cowl was futile, for what magic that allowed this being to materialize without their senses, easily hid the features.
"As eager as the master is to have him, this sudden turn of the dragon's dark half is surprising to say the least."
Steelwing shook his head after ruffling his feathers,"Are you saying these deaths could have been avoided?"
The being drew in a slight breath with even a even bare nod,"Spyro and this dark entity, though great when unleashed has never truly crossed the thresh hold when lives were laid on the line. Mmmmm, perhaps an internal struggle long kept at a stalemate is starting to tip though, in whose favor it remains unclear. Temper or no temper, it is not within Spyro's nature to take a life. Unless his was threatened, or that burning sense of justice as you call it came to mind."
Sapphire rapped her knuckles on the table drawing every ones attention,"We're not here to sympathize over the losses, regrettable as they were. Clearly there is something your master wishes to address through you I presume."
The robed figure heaved slowly, indicating some silent nod before waving a arm towards the unicorn,"I believe our little horned companion has something of importance he wishes to discuss besides the report."
The unicorn stallion jerked as all eyes gazed upon him. Clearing his throat, he set aside his scroll and withdrew another,"Well... its about my inside informers gathering any information you asked of me. From what they've pooled together is this: Whom ever or what ever the princesses are involved, they are finished. The dragon will be sent home tonight at midnight. Preparations have been completed and soon this will just go in some book as a minor incident, if any."
"He can not be allowed to return. My master insists on the dragon's capture."
Sapphire's gaze drew from pony to robed being,"Why is your master insistent on Spyro? While we've learned he is not of our world, would it not be better for him to return home and forget any of this happened? Why so much effort for one small creature?"
"A grudge.. you could say. Even I do not know the full details as to why him." The robed figure shifted,"All I do know and have been informed to relay the message on to you three, is that his capture is of utmost importance."
The stallion unicorn spoke up at last,"You can't simply just waltz into Canterlot and ask nay, demand two royal alicorn sisters to relinquish the dragon. You've heard what they are, let alone are capable of."
He shivered as he felt something rest upon his shoulder, a sense of nervousness and anxiety creep along his skin,"Rest assured little pony, we don't intend to storm the castle and take captives. Enough life has been lost, surely we have no desire to add to the toll now."
The unicorn was unsure whether he could trust this being. He knew as much as Steelwing and Sappire did about his "master." Next to little. Only that he is a powerful creature capable of great things. Things was too vague and this messenger being never went into detail as to exactly what his master was capable of to begin with.
"We thank you for the report and your constant observance as to the activities within the Canterlot castle little pony. Now, if you do not mind, I wish to speak with Steelwing and Sapphire, privately."
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The private gathering had concluded. The appointed adviser to this... master as he referred him had left. The discussion he or it shared with the griffon and dragon was conflicting and at times, confusing. While he requested they lend what ever means of aide in the capture of Spyro, their direct involvement was not allowed. Sapphire was trying to sort out these twists and turns it had laid out for them both, only to find herself at some dead end or knot she could not undo. She was not alone. Steelwing shared her puzzlement as to the conflicting orders given to them both. He found the ambassador on a alcove over looking the valley which would lead any traveler into the outskirts of Equestria.
"Did... anything of what he said made any sense to you? Be honest. Your entry exams into those prestigious schools were far easier then what he was asking us."
Sapphire's brow furrowed,"I think the entry exams those unicorns hold to allow gifted ponies into their magic school makes more sense then what he was asking. Listening to him was like listening to a mystery wrapped in an enigma. I don't think he was even himself."
The griffon raised a brow in curiousity,"What do you mean?"
Waggling her scaled fingers like the dragoness was playing a key instrument, she motioned with her other arm,"It was like he was a puppet and his master was pulling the strings only compared to a master, he was a novice. What ever control he had was botched or messily imposed."
"Your saying this follower was being controlled against his will and struggled through our meeting?"
Sapphire shrugged,"I don't know what to make of him or it, Steelwing. His words conflict themselves. One moment he was adamant about us pooling together our resources to capture the dragon, the next he insists on handling the matter himself. Its like watching two commanders bringing up their plans for a practice run, each claiming theirs is better then the other."
The griffon exhaled noisily, his eyes cast over to his country, his home,"Questions will rise once this is set in motion. Our king, your queen and the alicorn sisters will start searching. When our names come up it will be the end of us."
Sapphire drew away from the balcony, pulling her cloak more tightly around herself,"Which is why we slip a few rumors about what the other nation is plotting. Throw a little confusion in and draw their attention away from the real task at hand."
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Spyro yawned for the umpteenth time. The day started off slow. Twilight had trouble getting out of bed, relying on Spike to help support her as she descended down stairs. The injuries were not severe, but the unpleasant soreness that comes with all rough encounters, left the unicorn being careful this morning. Breakfast was quiet save for the occasional chit chat between assistant and librarian over the chores for the day. Sparx decided to sleep in after the meal, the dragonfly feeling more lazy then helpful. This left Twilight along with Spike, the two guards and Spyro. The morning was spent going over the mail, accepting and cataloging new and used books that ponies no longer read and donated. Spike tended to the upper shelves while Spyro tackled the lower ones. As for the lavender unicorn, she stood back and supervised. With the extra set of paws on hoof, the morning chores were quickly finished and Spike found himself with some free time. Free time that quickly turned into errand runs, Twilight always keeping a list of even more tasks she had to have for completed today.
Aerial Ace opted to join the dragon, leaving Highwind to watch after Celestia's student and her guest. Pegasus and dragon left, leaving the trio alone. Bored and fidgeting about, the other guard fancied himself with some old books he saw in stock pertaining to the layout of the lands and military routines. Twilight found quill and ink before jotting down some thoughts or added things needed to be done for the day while it was still clear out. Rainbow Dash mentioned an afternoon storm, thus the unicorn wanted to make sure what ever was on her list did not involve going out. While both ponies kept themselves occupied, Spyro decided to glance over a few books he had seen Spike leave him. They were on of course dragons. With a bit of help from Twilight (the text was foreign, thus being able to read what was printed was lost on the dragon) Spyro learned the dragons here were far different from the ones he knew and mingled with.
Living in caves, claiming and defending territories, not to mention being solitary. It was a wonder there was Draconis to begin with. Without the Queen's guidance and presence, the clans would have torn each other apart, leaving the rest to squabble over what remained. And yet still, a dragons lust for greed often came in conflict with both the neighboring cities of the griffons and Equestria. Spyro's vague grasp on Avalar's history with dragons was well more of a pleasant story with some bad parts to it, but upbeat in general. The idea of being under the rule of a queen. That did make for some interesting ideas. Would Cynder be considered a queen if she took up the role? His mind raced back to the encounter with Celestia within her castle. He tossed it out realizing that his fellow friend probably would go out of her mind if she had to sit in such a seat and do... what ever it was the princesses did behind those walls.
A low rumble started to sound outside the library walls, high in the sky above their sheltered heads. All eyes glanced out to a darkening sky, the sound of the wind picking up. The door opened admitting both Spike and Highwind, who carried the bags since Spikes arm's were full. Twilight breathed a sigh of relief. There was a storm scheduled and it was to be an intense downpour made to replenish the lakes and streams surrounding Ponyille. Both pegasus and dragon had been quick with their task, pausing only for a light lunch before making haste back to library. And in just time. The sounds of rain drops drummed against the windows, blurry sights of ponies quickly bundling their carts of wares and retreating indoors was the sight before another rumble of thunder growled above their heads.
"Pegasus in control of weather. I've seen magical events before my eyes, but the idea of flying ponies creating rain still evades me." Spyro murmured as he peeked out.
Spike handed the items over to Twilight, shrugging a shoulder idly,"Well they don't so much control the rain, rather they move the rainclouds to where they are needed."
"Ahh. For me, weather occurs on its own, much like the rising and falling of the sun and moon. We don't experience princesses or pegasus of these feats that you probably consider the norm." Spyro remarked to Spike.
The baby dragon chuckled as he gnawed on a ruby idly,"Mmmm if you could spend more time with us, you would get the handle of things and treat them normally."
He offered Spyro a blue sapphire, which he accepted and gazed upon the polished surface for a minute. He watched as Spike made short work of the ruby, digging out an emerald next to devour. Temptation took over as the purple dragon carefully slid a corner of the offered sapphire and attempted to break off a piece. Dragon teeth, known to tear through even the thickest armor or toughest hide was of no match to the gem. Spyro spent the next few minutes, vainly trying to taste the gem, only to have his teeth thwarted again and again, much to Spike's amusement.
Spyro sat there, gem dangling from the corner of his muzzle while Spike casually grounded the emerald between his molars as if it was no more then lettuce while leaning back in a chair, contently sighing.
Ok, small fry two can play this game. Spyro thought.
Spitting the gem into an open palm, he eyed the blue jewel for a brief moment. Digging within himself, Spyro recalled the crystal formations back on Avalar, each coloration representing beneficial properties when used by dragons of his kind. Question remained, would that effect be the same on Equestria? Or would he merely be providing more entertainment to Spike as he stared dumbfounded at the sapphire, straining himself until something gave way? Well there was only one way to find out if he could pull it off.
Sitting there off to the side as Twilight and the guards conversed over small details, Spyro re-called the events of last night and tried to remember if he had pushed his magical reserves to the brink. A quick nudge here and there informed him, yes they were a tad low but in no danger to being at the point that full rest was required. A chance to test out this little experiment of his. Pale purple eyes focused on the gem in paw, poking, prodding in hopes of finding a familiar signature hum he was used to sensing in the crystal formations back home. There was a subtle hum in the sapphire, but the notes sang a slight different tune then what Spyro was easy with. The worst outcome would be a broken shattered gem and finger food for Spike. The upside? His elemental attunements fully charged.
Spike sat and watched as his fellow dragon companion continued to stare at the offered treat,"You know you keep looking at it any longer, it might just sprout legs and run off."
Spyro just shook his head, ignoring the grin across the baby dragon's face as his thoughts focused on the sapphire once again. The soft melody of the hum danced in his ears, the older dragon focusing on its point. Across the room, Twilight had just wrapped up speaking with Aerial Ace about their run today, when the unicorn felt a few strings of magic pluck the air around them. Shifting the mare and fellow guards turned their gaze on Spyro and the sapphire as it hovered over his palm.
"What is he doing?" The lavender unicorn asked before a bright flash lit up the inside of the library. Spike yelped in surprise, tipping the chair he sat in over onto its back. Both pegasus guards leaped in front of Twilight, wings crossed in a defensive manner, ready for anything from emanating from Spyro. As quickly as it had started, the flash died out, leaving Spyro sitting there and a small mound of fine dust upon his palm. He drew in a deep breath and let a great "Aahhhhh..."
A hard tap on his shoulder drew his eyes to fixate on Twilight's. Ones that were a mix of shock, awe and a tad anger as the mare kept her temper from bubbling,"Mind telling me, Aerial Ace and Highwind what you just did with the now remains of the gem in your paw?"
Glancing over to the sand, he oohed! and let it slip between his fingers,"I replenished my magical reserves that is all. Didn't know I could pull it off here without trying. Thanks to Spike and the sapphire though I was succesful."
"Magical reserves?" The mare asked,"You mean despite having what me, Celestia and a few others are considering vast stores of elemental magic, there are a few restraints?"
"Well, yes of course. I mean just like all unicorns on Equestria, I am guessing here you grow tired after using so much am I correct? Well I am not without limits as well. I can hurl earth, spit fire, unleash lightning and chill with ice. That does not mean I can do this every day and night without repercussions, Twilight. Like the magical beings on your world, I too need rest to recover. Otherwise I would be spent after two days tops of aggressive fighting, if your looking for an example."
"Well that may sound fine and dandy for you, but next time could you warn us when your going to recharge?" Highwind gruffly replied,"After last night we're walking on thin ice around you and frankly I think I have seen enough of your erm, flair to last me a life time."
Spyro meekly grinned as the stallion spun around and mumbled under his breath, leaving Twilight and him alone. Spike was at his side the next moment, amazed as ever,"That was wicked! And you could do this with sapphires?" Spyro turned to nod at his fellow dragons,"Well since they are as close to the blue crystal formations where I'm from, yes." The baby dragon immediate launched into a series of new questions involving different gems, leaving Spyro to answer them as Twilight managed to slip away with a smile as her assistant peppered him almost endlessly.
The conversation was cut short as Spike felt is eye twitch then opened his mouth with a loud belch. Spyro ducked as green flame danced over his horns, a scroll appearing amongst the fire. This was enveloped with a pale purple aura, Twilight bringing the message over to un-roll and read. All eyes fixated on the unicorn as she read the contents written on parchment before nodding and rolling the message up once again.
"They have finished at Canterlot. Celestia and Luna, along with your dragon elders have managed to find a way to send you home. She wants to try it tonight. So after the rains let up, a chariot with guards will be arriving. Also, I will be joining you on this journey as usual, Spyro." Twilight said.
The purple dragon sat there. Home. He and Sparx were finally going to go home. Not that anything was wrong with Equestria. It was just... despite being restless at the temple and taking that flight, Spyro never imagined he would be homesick to see the elders and Cyndar once more. The purple dragon nodded as he turned in the direction to the basement.
"I'll go inform Sparx. Thank you, Twilight. For the message."
A quick glance over to Spike showed him a baby dragon suddenly saddened to see the dragon go. Spyro nodded quietly then turned and made his way down the stairs, leaving Spike to stand there as Twilight joined him to watch him disappear in the open doorway.
"I don't want him to go. I just met him, there still so much more I want to know about him." Spike said.
Twilight wrapped a foreleg around his neck and shoulder, gently nuzzling a scaled cheek,"I'm sorry Spike. I know how much you've become attached to Spyro and I know he means well. It's just he needs to return home before things quickly grow out of hoof here with the nations."
Spike said nothing save for a sigh, his green eyes slightly opaque as he was going to lose someone he could have called big brother.
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Nightfall. A time when the rain was to let up and Luna's grace be taken notice of against the great evening sky. A time to admire her moon and gaze upon the stars, to watch the evening life take hold and carry on this evening. That was not the case. The storm continued to drench Ponyville and the surrounding forests. It even start to spread into Canterlot, putting an early end to the night life as the wealthy remained in doors and ponder as to who was to blame for this extended downpour.
In the castle sitting upon her throne, Celestia poured over messages to and from the pegasi, trying to gather an explanation. The storms were supposed to end and evening was to be clear skies for the next couple of days. The pegasi were looking into the matter intensely, finding no way as to why the clouds were not co-operating with them. Scores of pegasi had punched holes into the storm, hoping to break it up with ease. Celestia read from there on, their efforts were futile as the holes were patched up. To make matters worse the storm was starting to fight back. Thunder rumbled outside the stain glass windows as it continued to pour outside. Celestia was beginning to think that some force was coming into play, though their purpose was shrouded by the mists that clung to the foundations of homes and castle alike, bathing the land in a thick fog.
Luna had sent out the chariot which was to bring back Twilight, Spyro and the others. The dark alicorn sister took her place at her sister's side, glancing over as she watched Celestia furrow her brow in concern.
"The pegasi have done everything sister and still no luck?" A silent nod,"Truly a strange night indeed for such a storm to resist a pegasus's efforts to break it apart. Do ye think something is a hoof sister?"
Celestia pulled out a few reports her patrols had gathered at the borders,"All I've learned is both Draconis and Gryf have doubled their forces along their borders near ours, yet our inside sources say there is no threat or hidden danger either nation is facing. I am wondering if this is some ploy to distract us from our home for something we have yet to detect."
Luna glanced over to the majestic windows,"If this storm was not enough of a warning that something sinister is at work, then I know not what more proof there is."
The double doors to their throne room opened, revealing Aerial Ace and Highwind flanking both Twilight and Spyro as they entered, along with Spike in tow. The small group bore some form of dampness, mainly Twilight's mane and tail as was the pegasus guards. Celestia's eyes narrowed at the sight of the mare unicorn, bandaged and healing. She head heard the reports at the forest after the attack on the carriage. It angered the alicorn that some low life merc would want to harm her favored student.
Spyro for his part, kept his eyes on the floor as they approached. After their first encounter, he was not wishing to irk or butt heads again with either princess. All bowed respectively as both Luna and Celestia rose from their seats. Twilight eeked in surprise as she felt the rush of wind from Celestia's descension, a great wing wrapping around her tightly. The lavender unicorn knew how her mentor had felt about her and pitied any fool was was crazy enough to even think of causing harm.
"Does it hurt?" came the worried question.
Twilight shook her head, nuzzling into the princess's warm coat,"A little sore, your highness, but I'm alright."
Releasing her faithful student, the alicorn nodded as Luna addressed the rest,"Greetings Aerial Ace and Highwind of the royal guard. You have performed valiantly for my sister and we are thankful to your efforts."
Both guards gave a crisp salute as the dark alicorn turned her gaze upon Spike and Spyro,"A greetings to you Spike and of you, Spyro." Spike waved while Spyro mumbled a hello, trying best to stay on their good side without looking like the sort to cause trouble again.
"Spyro we also wish to thank you for your actions last night. We are deeply grateful that you saved Twilight's life when danger threatened her." The purple dragon gave a light bow,"Umm, saying it was nothing probably would not do it any justice. Erm, I'm sorry about well...him coming out and wished that those involved did not pass on. But from your stand point, I would not just sit there and watch either as some pony or other creature tried to harm Twilight."
"And for that, we are deeply thankful." Celestia finished. Twilight took a spot by the guards as both sisters joined,"We have prepared the way for you Spyro with the help of your Elder dragon kin. Though the weather is not favorable with us tonight, we can still open a path to send you home."
Spyro nodded, Sparx buzzing about above his friend's horn. The dragon turned to look at Spike and the others then back to the princesses,"Do you think that, before I go I can say good bye to every pony here at least?"
Celestia and Luna traded looks with one another before the white alicorn nodded,"I do not see any reason why you can not. You have made friends here during your brief time, I do not wish to-"
She was cut off by a few cracks of lightning flashing outside, followed by the deep rumbling growl of thunder. The rain drummed against the walls even harder as the winds picked up. Spyro felt his wings flinch at the sounds before he felt something strange taking place outside. Resting his head on the floor, the dragon closed his eyes and listened while the alicorn sisters, Twilight and the others watched him with oddity.
Muffled shouts went up outside as the loud clatter of armor was heard, guards running to their posts. Spyro raised his head as one rain drenched guard came galloping into the throne room,"Your highness!" he said almost breathlessly,"We are under attack! They came... out of nowhere! Thousands of them suddenly!"
Before Celestia could ask, every pony in the throne room could hear a chant outside. The chant rose and fell along with the rains, intensifying in volume as thunder and lightning crashed outside. Celestia broke into a brisk canter, Luna following the lead with the rest of the ponies giving chase. They left the throne room chamber and headed into the main hallway. As they went the chanting grew louder while heavy footsteps drummed along the castle's floor. Guards were shouting orders, ponies in the royal armor rushing to join their fellow brother's aide.
They came upon a balcony over looking the main entrance. Down below hundreds of Royal guards pushed against a sea of black cloaked figures. Beings who chanted in a strange tongue as they pushed back, seeking entry. They bore a sigil emblazoned on their chest and back, one the the alicorn sisters nor Twilight could identify nor the language.
One of these cloaked figures looked up, revealing a grey ashen pony's face with dull eyes. They sharpened upon seeing Spyro with the princesses and he shrieked,"He is here! Come brethren!" The others howled and shoved with earnest, even as Celestia and Luna began drawing up protection spells.
"Take the dragon! Take the dragon in the name of the Dark Master, Malefor!"