An enemy one thought dead has risen. Spike with his wife Ember and her sister Cynder must find a way to finish Malefor before his army reaches Cantorlot. multiple threats are after them from now on...they just don't know it yet.
“Spike? Spike wake up” A voice called out for the sleeping dragon. He slightly moved his head towards where the voice was coming from. Opening one of his eyes to see a cyan blur begin to form into Ember.
“Ember?” Spike's voice sounded like he had something in his throat. But Ember still shook his body to get him up. “Ember what’s going on?”
Ember didn't say a word. Spike looked into her eyes and saw that they were worried. Spike forced himself off the ground and looked at Ember.
“What happened?” Spike was now concerned. He’s never seen Ember like this. “Come Spike And you’ll see”.
Spike stretched his wings and legs as they made a pop sound. He followed Ember into the room where the Friendship table stood.
Until he saw what Ember woke him up in the middle of the night for.
“Cynder?”
Cynder's head slightly moved. Her neck was in pain after taking what looked like a fire blast. Ember was putting cold water cloths on her burns.
Spike looked around and only saw Cynder and Amethyst. Spyro was nowhere to be found. This was odd. Spyro was always with Cynder as far as he knew.
“Spike wake Twilight up, she needs to know what happened”. Ember says as she continues to help Cynder recover. Spike nods before leaving, he looks back at the two dragonesses. “Who could do this?”
After Spike leaves the room with Ember alone to take care of her sister. The cold water stung her wings as Cynder let out a hiss. “Your gonna be okay Cynder,” Ember said as she was trying to keep Cynders mind off the water.
There was a small noise that brought Ember and Cynder's full attention. The young dragon Amethyst finally woke up and stretched her wings. Rubbing her eyes she noticed she was no longer in the cave.
Her eyes darted towards seeing her aunt and her mother. She jumped onto the roundtable where her mother was laying on. Seeing the burns on her body was scary but she looked at her mother's eyes.
“Mom where is dad?” Amethysts eyes were pleading for the information. Cynder looks at Ember as she backs away. “I’ll let you be” Ember walked away and opened a door looking for Spike and the Twilight.
Cynder looked back at her daughter with a heavy heart. How could she tell her that Malefor killed her father?. There sadly is no easy way to sugarcoat it.
“Amethyst...your father is...gone”. Amethyst’s world fell apart. How could her father be dead? Nothing could kill him yet he’s gone.
Amethyst’s eyes filled with tears as she began to cry. Cynders wing covered the dragon as they cried together.
Ember was on the other side of the door but even with through a door. She could feel the pain that was in that room. She looked behind her and saw Spike and Twilight still rubbing her eyes.
“Ember what's going on?” Twilight asks as Ember blocked the door. “Cynder will tell you later just..give her a moment”. Ember says as she rubs her shoulder. Twilight stops asking questions and waits a few minutes.
After a few minutes of letting Cynder and Amethyst mourn their loss. Cynder looked up and saw everyone walking into the room. They began to ask questions mainly about what happened to Spyro and who attacked them.
They only required simple answers.
Dead and Malefor.
Twilight went to grab the book she asked Spyro to fill with information about his heritage. There were mentions of Malefor but nothing to explain his history. He was like a ghost to her.
Torch woke up to the commotion with the four adults. Ember asked her son to play with Amethyst to try and take her mind off what she was just told about her father.
Once the two younglings left the room Twilight asked another question. “Who is Malefor? There are only mentions of him in this book” Twilight's magic lifted the book in front of Cynders snout.
Her claw lowered the book. “Malefor was a purple dragon-like Spyro, he was destined to bring peace to the dragon realms. But he was corrupted by the darkness he controlled. His Desire for death and war nearly brought all dragon kind to extinction, Spyros own father gave his life to stop Malefor...yet it was not enough”.
Cynder took a breath from talking as the information traveled through Twilights mind.
“He has no emotion towards who he kills. Dragons, Ponies, all matter of creatures will burn under his flame”. Spike walked up towards Cynder.
“But How is Spyro dead? He told me that Malefor told him that they are both immortal”. Cynders face took a sharp turn towards the purple and green dragon.
“And he believed that monster?” Cynder couldn’t believe that Spyro listened to the lie of immortality from Malefor.
Cynders legs tried to move her off the table. Landing gently on the ground she walked up to Spike and Ember.
“Listen to me, Malefor is manipulative and cunning. He will play you like a deck of cards in this ponies game called Poker”.
“He will stop at nothing to kill the ones you love”. Cynders voice was stern with the truth. Ember and Spike look towards the door where they hear Torch and Amethyst laughing.
“How do you know so much about him?” Twilight asks as Cynder lowers her head. “That’s not important, what’s important is that we stop Malefor”.
Ember crossed her arms. “And how do we do that?” Cynders answer was simple yet concerning.
“I do not know”
Ember leaves the room for a few seconds only to return with her bloodstone scepter in hands. The red orb begins to form a picture.
“Flame warn everyone in the dragon lands. Keep an eye out for a large dark purple dragon named Malefor”.
There was no answer.
“Flame? Flame can you hear me?”. Finally, there were sounds of movement within the red orb.
“Hello Ember”
Yellow eyes stared at Ember. The pupils were not moving as they burned within her soul. The voice was deep like her fathers but more dark and evil.
Cynders head jumped up at the voice as a growl was heard from her. “Malefor” she muttered with her teeth held together. “Ah, Cynder it seems you survived the blast. A shame Spyro didn't”. Malefors laugh echoed within the small orb.
“You monster, I WILL KILL YOU”. Cynder yelled as loud as it would've been to shatter every glass in ponyville. Malefors smile only grew. “I can see you miss having the blood of your victims drip from your claws”.
Cynder felt flashes of dragons blood spilling everywhere in her mind. She savored every moment of their suffering. “Never again”.
Malefors smile disappeared. He looked disappointed as his eyes return to Ember. “ I believe your little friend here as something to say”. his large claw picked up Flames suffering body. Cuts and stab wounds filled his body as blood spilled.
“I’m...sorry we...failed..you” Flames voice was getting weaker and weaker with each moment. His left wing was torn from his body only leaving a splinter of bone within the drooling blood. “Poor Flame. He really put up a fight but shameful that he failed to save your home.”
The orb changed from Malefors eyes to a burning wasteland. Embers castle was slowly burning down as with each passing moment. It could collapse at any given time. Embers eyes widened with shock. Malefor attacked Cynder last night and then made quick work of her home.
“Everyone you will ever love will die”. Malefor broke the connection as everything went silent. Everyone had no words. Spike walked up towards Ember as he wrapped a wing around her. Spike felt tears flow down his wing but he didn't care. He held her close. Her home was burning. He destroyed it all.
Ember could still hear the screams of her people through the orb when Malefor spoke.
“This is a matter that the princess’s need to know about”. Twilight said as she grabbed a letter and began to write. Cynder came up to Ember and hugged her as well.
After hearing a little dissolving sound everyone broke from their hug. Twilight just finished the letter to the princesses. Within 5 seconds flat a letter was sent back. Twilight's eyes scanned the page. “What is it?” Spike questions as she floated the page onto the table.
“We are going to Canterlot”
———————————————————-————————————————————
The smoke filled the air. Embers castle fell with a swift gush of wind. The red crystal that contacted Embers blood scepter was smashed into millions of pieces like glass. The smile on Malefor’s face was greeted with a red dragon that had a tan belly showed up.
“Master, we have done what you asked. All dragons that lived in this land are dead, ones that were spared will join our army”.
Malefor looked down at the dragon. His massive size was terrifying already. His breath was filled with the smell of a dead corpse. The body of the young Flame laid waste as he struggled to claw his way out of here.
Malefor only watched as the suffering dragon made a small hope of escape. His large claw impaled the back of the dragon on the hard rocks. Within seconds Flame died as the red dragon only stared.
“Well done, be thankful I allow you to continue to serve me after what you failed to do with princess Ember.” The red dragon stood up off his knee. “But master I had no idea that Spyro would’ve been around, give me one last chance”. Malefor looked up at the fallen kingdom of Embers. It was in shambles. Dragons being hunted down and killed like cornered creatures. Some were smart enough to surrender and join his army.
Malefor looked back at the dragon as his glare made him return to his knee. “Very well. You shall hunt down Ember and this Spike”. Malefor turned around before thinking of one last request. “And if you see a young dragon with neon purple wings, bring her to me. Unharmed that is or you will suffer”
The dragon stood up and turned around as his wings began to flap to fly.
“Garble”
Malefor spoke the name of the dragon to get his attention. “Do not fail me again. Because if you do I will hang your corpse on the wall as a reminder to those who fail me”.
The threat of death was always a motive for Garble. Do better or die. It was that simple yet he failed many times. Malefor watched Garble leave within the sky. His patience was wearing thin with that dragon.
The only reason Malefor keeps him around is to infiltrate other dragon lands beyond this new land called Equestria. Together they killed thousands perhaps millions of dragons and these ponies.
Garble always broke down the defenses from within and Malefor brings his rising army to conquer. He killed the rulers of their lands and only those who are deemed worthy join Malefors army.
“Iezan, come here” Malefor calls out without looking behind him. A bright white dragon with a large body and wings comes from the cloudy sky. His claws were sharp enough to slice a clean cut within a manticores throat.
“What is it my king?” the dragon's body twitched furiously. He was like a creature that lost its mind. One half controlled his movement and one half controlled his insanity. “Follow Garble. If he fails me once again...kill him”
Iezan only bowed at his king's glare. “Oh yes, yes my king I will kill if I have to hahahahaha”. The white dragon flew into the sky as he followed Garble.
“Zuvruth” He yelled as a dark blue dragon passed Iezan in the air. “You call for me my king” Zuvruth bowed his head. “Mobilize my army. it will take days to reach Canterlot, burn villages that are in the way. Once we reach those princesses castle, there I will sit on my rightful throne” Zuvruth’s head was still lowered as he listened. “ and kill everyone who gets in your way”.
“Yes, master as you wish” Zuvruth left as Malefor looked at the smoke-filled land as lava flowed down streams.
Malefor felt his left claw disappearing as he looked down to see it turn back into ash.
He growled in anger as smashed his claw onto the rocky ground in anger. “The ancient ones put this curse on me for my crimes against dragon kind. They thought it would change me. My destiny is to destroy this worthless world, I would've done it by now without that purple dragon Spyro ruining my plan with the golem.”.
Malefor took flight towards the outskirts of the dragon lands. Possibly to find an answer on how to free him of his curse, or simply cause more havoc across the lands.
The river was slow and calm. The area was foggy and had no color. Trees held rainwater in the leaves as they slowly dripped.
Within the river the clear water mixed with red. Blood soon flowed within the little gaps between rocks. A purple body of a dragon with yellow horns and belly floated down. His breathing was slow and getting slower between each passing moment.
The stream forced his body to land on a small edge of the grass. He moved his arm as he struggled to climb over a small hill. His chest was in pain as blood continued to drip. A small hole opened after being impaled by the branch when he was thrown into it by Malefor.
His wings were bruised with claw marks still showing. He continued to push himself to his limits until he fell into the grass.
“Must...get..get..back...to them…” his voice struggled with blood being spit out from his mouth. “Cynder….Amethyst..no” his eyes closed as his body fell on the ground.
Death would finally claim its prize of the soul that belonged Spyro The Dragon.
A few seconds past as a large figured covered in a black coat found his body.
The figure was a dragon as he used his wing to pick the body up and put him on his back.
“Come young dragon, this is not your final battle”. The dragon made way to a small cabin built of wood. Thunder soon came roaring in. The dragon looked back at the young purple dragons body.
Within the walls of Canterlot stood Dragons and an Alicorn. Ember Spike and Cynder. Along with Torch and Amethyst on Spikes back. The castle looked magical with the bright colors everywhere.
The hallway they reached held the glass paintings of important events. From princess Luna’s return to Twilight's ascension to royalty.
If you looked more closely. you could see that they will be telling stories.
The dragons looked at the glass while walking by. Some Ember never knew about especially the one coming next. The glass was painted mostly purple and green. Spike was seen falling and reaching out for a heart like stone.
Pony’s all over watched as a darkness tried to cover Spikes body. Ember didn't realize she stopped moving as she stared at the glass.
Even back when Spike was a young dragon he would risk life and limb for those ponies. She felt a wing wrap around her. It was Spikes wing.
“I remember that. It was when I saved the Crystal Empire. All the crystal ponies bowed to me which took me surprised.” Ember turned her head to Spike.
His size was a few inches taller than her. His muscles were bigger when you had the right look. The week of training Spyro put Spike through proved useful in Heartfire.
Spike was stronger then what he use to be. Ember was strong of course. She could protect herself if she was attacked, but whenever spike held her with his arms or wings she gets this sense of safety within him.
“Is that you daddy?.” Spikes son asks as he climbs up onto his father's head. Seeing his father on the glass was amazing. It was like he was part of history as a legend.
“Yes, it is son. It was during the first time we found the Crystal Empire. The evil king Sombra wanted to rule the empire through fear and hate, that crystal heart stopped it all with the love from all the crystal ponies.”
Ember smiled at her son's curiosity. That’s definitely a trait he gets from Spike.
Soon felt the wing that was warming her body left as he walked towards Cynder Twilight and the kids. “Come on Ember they are waiting on us.”.
Ember nodded and walked towards the closed door. Both claws pushed the doors open.
Inside the room was the princesses. Princess Celestia, Princess Luna.
“It is good to see you all are safe.” the voice of Celestia filled the room. Behind her, were more figures surrounding a table.
The first was two changelings. Thorax and his brother Pharynx.
“Spike, Ember I'm so glad you two are alright,” Thorax said across the war table. The green changeling said with a smile as his brother muttered under his breath. Unaware to his brother Thorax Pharynx just wanted to fight already.
There was a threat out there. The longer they were away from the hive. The more of a target they are. This meeting was nothing more than a waste of time.
“Now that we all are here we can begin.” Princess Celestia said as she and Luna walk up. Twilight scanned the room to only see Prince Rutherford of the Yaks. but she did not see her sister in law alongside her brother.
“Where Cadence And Shining armour.?” Her voice was mixed with confusion and a bit concerned. Celestia and Luna looked at each other.
It was the same look that if someone was holding information from you.
Twilight stared at the two princesses as they sighed together
“Twilight….there’s been no word from the Crystal Empire.”
“What do you mean?.” Twilight asks as a letter appears with a flash of magic. The letter slowly levitates towards Twilight as she begins to read it. “This letter was sent by your brother a few minutes before we lost contact with them.”
“This is Shining Armor Prince of the crystal empire. I write this message as a warning to all ponies, changelings or any of Equestrias alliances.
There is a dragon attacking the crystal empire. He is a dragon never seen before. The description from our tower guards reads dark purple scales, large yellow horns,”
Cynder overheard Twilight describe the dragon that attacks but she knew who it was. Her blood boiled like a fire at the description. Twilight brought the letter down with a face of concern.
She heart was racing. What happened to Cadence? Or Shining Armor and poor Flurry heart?. “That’s why there is this meeting, we are taking the fight to this dragon,” Luna explains with courage that could inspire even a weak mind fool could follow.
“Are you sure we have to fight? Maybe we can just talk to him and find a peaceful resolution.” Thorax said while holding his insect hooves together. He was nervous at what he just said.
“No.”
The voice came from behind Ember. Cynder walked past Ember and Spike towards the table.
“There is no talking for peace, this dragon attacks the Crystal Empire and Ember home. He killed my bondmate Spyro and attempted at killing me and my daughter.”
Cynder drew a breath of air in her lungs. Talking about Spyro was still painful.
Like a dagger stabbed in the heart.
“Malefor is a tyrant, he will do whatever he can to get what he wants,” Cynder says as her claws scraps a line into the glass table.
“How do you know so much about him?.” Celestia’s question turned the room silent. Cynders heart was beating nervously. How could she tell that she was one of Malefor generals?.
How she killed dragons of all kinds and dead for him?.
However while in her thought Ember stepped up to the table.
“My sister Cynder was going through the ancient books that were not burned by my father regarding our history, there was a prophecy that a purple dragon return and destroy this world.”
“There purple dragon behind you why not fight him?.” The yak prince said as Spike rubbed his head in annoyance.
“Seriously?.”
Ember silently giggles at the annoyed Spike but soon gathered herself. “Spike is not the purple dragon that destroys my home and is now attacking the Crystal Empire, we need to stay focused and help out our friends in the empire.”
Everyone nodded their head to Embers idea of helping their friends in the Empire.
However, Celestia held a hoof to everyone.
“I do have one question Twilight, where the other elements of harmony? I sent the letter requesting all of them to be here.”
Twilight rubbed her good in the back of her mane. “Well, you see they all were sent out for a friendship mission by the map,” Twilight said with a guilty smile.
“Where are they?.” Celestia asks as Twilight simply answers with. “Outside of Equestria.” She said sheepishly.
Ember cracks her neck and fists as the sounds of bones pop. “Well if we are done here I’m going to help our allies now.”
“Then it is decided then, Spike and Ember along Cynder will help with the Crystal Empire. The leaders of their homes should be ready for any attack.”. Celestia says as everyone nods.
Cynder Spike and Ember leave the room as everyone else begins to do the same. Ember quickly turns around to Thorax. “Hey remember if he comes just turn into something to equal him,” Ember says as Thorax hugs her goodbye.
The three dragons exit the door where they see Amethyst and Torch play fight around the craft floor. Cynder takes her daughter to an empty hallway to speak privately.
“Listen to Torch your mother and I were thinking while we flew to Canterlot.” Ember and Spike look at each other. Torch sits there awaiting their answer.
“We think it’s best that you stay with the princesses, we will be back but right now it’s the safest place for you.”
Torch was confused. “But what do you mean safe for me?.” Spike picked Torch up and placed him on his wing. “I’ll talk to him you meet up with Cynder and then we can head out.” Ember nodded and kissed Torches forehead and said goodbye.
Spike takes Torches to a hallway where no guards or anyone was near. The hallway was the same one where Torche saw the glass painting of Spike.
“Is everything okay dad?.” Spike gently let his son off his wing. “Yeah everything is fine but...Listen to me buddy...your mom and I gonna be gone for a while. Your gonna stay here with Amethyst and….”
Spikes heart stopped beating. How could he tell his son? His own son. That he and his mother possibly will die.
Torch is still young. Spike wished to be with him until he grows into the dragon Spike would be happy to call a son.
Spike leans his head into Torch’s left ear and whispers.
“If I don’t come back...take care of your mother for me.”
Torch’s eyes watered. He quickly grabbed his fathers chest and held on. The sniffles echoed in the empty hall as Spike covered torch with his wing.
“Don’t go, dad, please.” Hearing that from his son was heart-wrenching. Spike did not want to leave but he had to fight Malefor and keep him safe.
Spike would sooner sacrifice himself than let Malefor control his future.
He turns around after letting Torch go from his wing. Spike walked towards the door before turning his head back.
The smell of flames fills Malefors nostrils. It was intoxicating.
Malefor lived for the smell of death. A small creature slowly crawled her way to the dragons sharp claws.
“Please let us be, the Kirian has done nothing to you.” She begged. This Kirin was slightly bigger than the others but Malefor picked her up with his claws.
His growl was monstrous. His mouth slightly moved to show his fangs. The teeth were covered in blood. Pieces of intestines remained within his gums.
The queen of the Kirin showed no fear though. Being picked up by the large purple dragon would scare anyone.
“This is not personal…..you're just in my way,” Malefor added as his throat turned to orange.
Flames built up and shot at the queen between his claws. It spewed like a wildfire on her brown fur.
Her screams echoed as her skin began to scorch. Her people forced to watch what was becoming of her queen as they ran for safety.
Soon the screams became silent. Her burned corpse was tossed into the river. The splash left a hissing sound. Steam covered her body like a mist as Malefor roared into the sky. He was satisfied with the smell of burning flesh.
After a few huffs, Malefor heard a faint voice near the edge of the village.
“Come on everyone we come on come on.”
Malefors eyes watched to find where the voice came from. He soon saw a kirin leading others through a hidden cave.
They voiced their thanks to another Kirin named Autumn Blaze. Malefor growled as they escaped but they meant nothing to him.
There was only one reason Malefor found the kirin village.
For the Pool of Restoration.
Finally to be rid of the curse ever since he escaped the hellhole he was trapped in.. There were mere mentions of a village distend to hide the pool from all trespassers. the Crystal Empires hidden libary underneath the castle and the vast amount of amazing. there were mentions of some liquid creatures that infect a host. they give him increased strength and allows them to take any form.
but that was no interest to Malefor he only wanted the pool and its power.
How it is able to heal any wound or any curse that is affected. The curse of simply turning to ashes wasn't painful or corrupting to Malefor.
It was more of an annoyance to him.
Malefor destroyed the houses of the kirin village. If the pool wasn't here then Malefor would be glad he stated his bloodlust. The kirin possibly never knew they right under their nose was a pool that could possibly bring back life.
Finally destroying the queen's wooden home a cave was found. The dark cave held a small light near the end. Walking towards the brighten room was peaceful. Something Malefor has not felt in years.
The legends were right. This was the right place where the pool was hidden for many years. Malefor stepped into the cool and calm water. It was refreshing like a luxury bath. Never has he had one since turning on his dragon brothers and sisters.
After a single drop of the cool liquid, his body felt different. Like his body was free of ashes.
He left the pool water dripped off his scales. They slid down slowly as Malefor looked back at the pool. Malefor growl as he slammed his body heavily against the entrance to the pool.
The heavy rocks collided from the ceiling. They crashed together filling the water. The pool was soon nothing more than covered by rocks.
It would take someone months to remove all of them.
Malefor smirked at the cave in he caused. He left the cave as the sun blinded his yellow eyes and the smell of flesh still burned into his nostrils. His wings stretched out as he flapped to rejoin his conquering army.
His breathing was calm and quiet. If anyone couldn’t hear the quiet breathing they would think he died.
Spyros head laid on a wooden floor of a shack. Spyros body healed slightly from the fight with Malefor.
Pulling his weight off the hardwood floor Spyro looked at his chest. The hole from the branch that he was impaled with healed nicely overnight.
Within his yellow belly, there was a red spot with dried blood. After looking at the dried up wound Spyro thought of what happened.
His mind went through many questions. What happened to Cynder and his daughter? Did they get away? Or...or are they even alive?.
Spyros muscles ached as he tried to get walk. He wobbled around trying to stand up straight.
He soon fell as soon as he got up. He was too weak to do anything. He had to accept that and wait no matter how much he wanted to go make sure his wife and kid are safe.
“Ah, so your awake.” A voice came from outside as a hooded figure watched the purple dragon stumble.
“Where...am I?.” Spyro asked as he stopped wasting his strength to stand up. The hooded dragon walked up and held his neck checking the wound.
“You are in my home, tell me do you remember anything from two days ago?.” The hooded dragon showed his claws while checking Spyros dried up the wound.
Spyro shook his head sideways confirming the dragons suspicion.
The dragon just hummed as he was looking. Soon taking his claw off Spyro before he began to walk away.
“You are lucky that I found you. you would have died of blood loss and we don’t need that.”
Spyro once again tried to use his strength to get up but as before he fell. “Hey hey hey don’t get up, that damage may not be bad on the outside, but in the inside you damaged some vital organs.”
“Like what?.” Spyro asked. “Like say your heart and your lungs. It’s amazing that you're still alive right now.”
Spyro just nodded away. He didn't care how lucky he was. He just needed to heal until the hooded one spoke again.
“I have done all I can but I know a person who can help with your insides.” Spyros head spun toward him with a confused look.
“Who?”.
“Well let’s just say that he is a bit…...venomous.”.
Once a city filled with love and kindness, the Crystal Empire had become nothing more than a battleground.
Homes were destroyed and bodies filled the streets. Blood was spewed onto the walls like confetti. Screams echoed in the town as some children ran. A shadow chased them down an alley, and all they could do was run and run. Yet the large shadow continued to gain on them.
Soon, the three children found themselves cornered. There was no way to go. They were trapped with a dragon determined to kill them. The oldest child moved in front of his two siblings and stood his ground, protecting his little sisters behind him as the dragon laughed.
Then it charged down the alleyway with his fangs sharpened and tongue ready to taste blood. The older sibling clenched his eyes shut, getting ready for the claws. He could soon feel the hot breath of death on his face. He slightly opened his eyes to see the dragon trying to bite his face. Its saliva flung from its mouth, splattering the pony's face.
Startled, he looked over to the side to see Spike and Cynder using their strength to hold the dragon back. And without warning, a few fireballs came down from the sky, slamming into the malicious dragon. It roared as the smoke covered all four dragons.
All that could be heard was the slashing of claws against scales and more fire spews. The smoke was beginning to flash orange and a light blue at times. Soon the smoke cleared, revealing a cyan dragon with one foot on the other dragon's neck. Her growl rivaled the one on the ground. Spike put a claw on her shoulder.
It felt soft, and liquid ran down her arm. A few moments later, she realized it was blood.
Spike's blood.
The red dripped onto the floor as it brought Ember out of her deadly state. The dragon that was just after the pony children laid on the ground, defeated.
Ember swiftly twisted her clawed foot and a snap was heard from the neck. The dragon now laid on the ground dead. Ember turned her head to the scared children. Their bodies were shaking with fear.
They stared at Ember like she was a monster. However, Ember knelt down to them and began to talk in a soft and gentle voice. “Hey, little ones. Don’t worry, you are safe now.”
Spike blew a green flare into the sky. It was to announce that they found survivors, but of course, it could attract some unwanted attention. Multiple roars of dragons grew closer. It was a bird of mindless drones as they stumbled over each other for the kills. Spike and Ember stood tall as Cynder stayed behind as a last defense for the children. Spike and Embers throats began to burn like Celestia's burning sun.
Finally, the mindless dragons came around the corner as they ran at the dragons. Spike's green flames mixed with Ember's purple fire. If they were not fighting for the lives of the children, they would be amazed at the color they made. The combined firepower between the two bondmates was spectacular. Their equal strength melted any opposing threat in front of them.
But the dragons kept coming. Soon Ember and Spike's flames were shorting out and the foes kept coming closer. Ember unleashed her claws as she charged right into the horde. Spike continued to spew his flames on one side of the charging dragons while Ember dealt with the other side. She became ferocious like a caged timberwolf, her claws swiping wildly, and were soon covered in crimson blood. She fought for as long as she could, but soon it became overwhelming.
Spike saw his lover get overwhelmed and his protective instincts kicked in. His mighty roar echoed into the destroyed town of the Crystal Empire. His fangs ripped into the throats of the creatures as he gave in to his primal instincts to kill and protect. Blood covered his snout and pieces of dead skin stuck to his teeth. At one point he even seized two dragons in his claws and smashed them together.
Spike's roar was so loud it finally got the attention of the crazed dragons. He looked into their eyes and each held the same emotion. It was fear. Spike looked down to Ember as he gave her a cocky smile. “Might want to cover yourself, darling.” Ember covered herself with her wings as Spike's throat burned hot.
“Spike? Ember? Cynder?” A voice came from behind all the dragons with a shining light. The dragons turned back to Spike just in time to see an orange flame hit them. The fire was so hot that it began to melt them down to liquid in seconds. Their screams were heard only for a short time, and once they were taken care of, Spike was able to see who had called for them.
The voice calling out was none other than Shining Armor. “There you all are! We saw your signal and came as fast as we could.” Shining Armor came up to Spike, his hooves getting covered in the liquid, but he didn't pay it any mind. He watched Spike as he helped Ember from the ground.
“Be lucky dragons are fireproof or you could've killed me,” Ember said to Spike as she hit him with her elbow. Spike rubbed his neck. “Well, that was not the intention, Ember.” Ember looked at him while giving an ‘I know’ look before returning to Cynder.
“So who have you found?” Shining asked. Spike turned around to see the kids they just saved. “Just three kids... still haven't found Cadence or Flurry heart.” Shining heart felt crushed until he felt Spike's bloody claw on his shoulder.
“Don't worry. We will find them,” he assured him.
Ember and Cynder walked up to Spike and Shining Armor. “The kids are safe thanks to Cynder killing the ones that got past us.” Shining nodded, then told everyone to get back to the camp outside of the empire. “Spike, I should help you find Cadence and Flurry Heart. I’m her husband and Flurry’s father, it’s my duty.”
Spike sighed. He agreed that it was a father’s duty to protect his wife and child but now... he couldn’t allow that. The refugees that survived the attack were without a leader back at the camp. Without a leader, they would quickly fall into chaos, and he couldn't let that happen.
“I agree, Shining,” Spike said. “If this was Torch and Ember I would stop at nothing to find them. But right now your people need a leader to guide them.” As hard as Shining wanted to deny it, Spike was right. So he swallowed his pride and agreed. The small group of remaining Crystal guards stood on alert as they began to leave.
Spike, Ember, and Cynder took to the sky toward the destroyed castle. Burn marks covered almost every side. It was just like when King Sombra's darkness corrupted it, but now they were the burn marks of a dragon’s flame. The dragons arrived at the balcony, where their reflections shone from the crystals, and entered the castle. Strangely, the throne room hadn't even been touched with a single claw or hoof.
“Let’s check the rooms, they have to be in here somewhere,” Spike said. They left the room to find where the ponies slept. Cynder checked Flurry Heart's room, but sadly, no luck. Spike and Ember checked the parent's bedroom but again they were not there.
Spike was beginning to lose hope until they heard the distinct noise of something smashing against a wall. He tracked it to a closet, and the noise tried and failed to quiet down. Spike opened the door, and immediately a blast of magic threw him against the wall. The force felt like a punch from Spyro back at training.
The pony that cast the spell was none other than Princess Cadence. Her face was full of anger and determination to protect herself and her daughter, until she realized who their rescuers were. “Oh, sweet Celestia, Spike I’m so sorry.” Cadence ran up to the downed purple dragon.
Spike's back almost destroyed the wall. He fell to the ground but soon got back up. “Oh, it’s okay. My wing isn't too crushed.” Ember helped Spike get up from the ground, and then they heard the voice of Flurry Heart.
“Who are you?” They realized she was talking to Cynder. Cynder turned around with a gentle smile. “My name is Cynder and I’m friends with Spike and Ember.”
Flurry smiled and walked out of the small room. “Any friend of the heroic Spike is a friend of mine.” Spike heard a few popping noises come out of his wings as they stretched. “Come on, we are getting you out of here.” “Agreed,” Cadence said as they walked back to the throne room. Without warning, their limbs were bound and they were tripped up. Then they felt their claws get tied together as if by rope, and they were soon unable to move, crying out with alarm.
Slow clapping echoed through the room, coming from behind the throne, and they all stared as a dragon came out from behind it.
“Well, well, well. Leaving so soon?” His scales were a dark blue color, with tints of gold on his belly. His red eyes spotted Spike and Ember on their knees as they struggled to get out of the ropes. He placed his claws on Ember's shoulder with a ravenous look. Spike noticed the look he gave her and anger immediately swelled in him. “Don’t you touch her.”
The blue dragon smiled and held his claws in the air. “Very well.” He continued to walk around the group. He smiled when he saw Cynder. He knelt down to her level and used his claw to lift her chin. “The Terror of the Skies. You can’t know how much I’ve always wanted to meet you,” he said as he licked his snout. “Malefor wishes you still joined back up with him.”
Cynder just spits in his face. “Never, Zuvruth.”
Zuvruth just wiped the spit off his face and onto the floor as he stared back at her. Then he got back up and walked towards the throne, sinking into it. “Now look, Malefor wants the Crystal Empire dead and I want you guys dead... So maybe we can help each other.”
“What do you mean?” Spike asked, anger filling his voice. “Simple really, you tell me where they are and I don’t kill them all slowly and painfully,” Zuvruth grins sadistically. “We will never tell.” The smile disappeared when Ember spoke. “Well I can’t allow that, you killed some of my dragons,” Zuvruth said. “And when I sent more dragons to kill you, you killed them too. So not cool, buddy. Now I gotta hurt one of you and I kinda did not want that to happen.”
He pointed his finger to Ember as he got up from the throne. He walked closer and knelt back down, his face inches away from her mouth. His fork-like tongue licked along her cyan scales. It slithered from her shoulder to her chest. Spike's eyes watched the tongue go places where it didn't belong, and rage began to boil as his eyes. His pupil narrowed into a slit, and growls erupted from his throat as he bared his fangs.
“Mmm, you're delicious... shame that I have to do this.” And with that, Zuvruth grabbed Ember's left wing and broke it. Her screams filled the empty castle as she collapsed in pain. Spike looked down at her in anguish. His love was hurt and there was nothing he could do.
“Oh my, you look angry. Was that your wife? Oh my, I’m so sorry, Prince Spike,” Zuvruth said sarcastically. “Here, let’s see what you can do while in a fit of rage. go on spread them wings." The ropes broke, and as soon as he was free, Spike lashed out at the blue dragon. He dodged Spike's attack, and continued to avoid him as he slashed away without pause. Zuvruth jumped on the wall and launched from it, pouncing on Spike and punching him in the jaw.
Spike's tail wrapped around Zuvruth's stomach and he slammed him against two pillars. After a few hits, Zuvruth opened his fangs and bit down on Spike's tail. The sharp pain in Spike's tail made him flinch. He was forced to swing Zuvruth off his tail, instead of tackling him. They both rolled around, fighting viciously until Spike landed on his back and Zuvruth gripped his throat. Spike began choking, the blue dragon gripping harder and harder.
“Once I kill you, I will give Cynder to Malefor, I’ll kill the ponies...” He leaned down to Spike's ear, “And I will take your wife as a trophy.” Spike's anger grew into a more primal state. His fangs chomped onto Zuvruth's arms, then he twisted his neck and broke the hand in his mouth.
Zuvruth yelled and Spike tore flesh from his other arm. Blood began to spray on the floor and Spike's face. Spike then rolled to reverse their positions, and lowered his head down to the other dragon, who was screaming in pain. “This is for my wife.” His jaw opened wide, showing all his sharp teeth, all the way to the back of his mouth. Then he bit down on Zuvruth's neck, sinking his teeth in deep, and blood streamed down. With one strong pull, Spike tore Zuvruth's neck open all the way down to the chest and organs spilled out. Crimson blood spilled onto the carpet, soaking it.
He tossed the meat in his mouth away against the wall, his growls erupting into a mighty roar. He celebrated his victory until his bloodlust was satisfied. His eyes returned to normal, and he turned back to everyone to cut their ropes. He first cut the ponies' bindings, and then Cynder's and Ember's.
“Cynder takes Cadence and Flurry heart the camp, I need to get Ember to Canterlot,” he ordered. His wings extended and he flew out the window, leaving the others behind. He held Ember tenderly in his forearms, keeping her close to his stomach and chest. Cadence watched the purple dragon leave the castle in a mix of shock and amazement. “I’ve never seen Spike do stuff like that.” Cynder shook her head in agreement. “Neither have I.” —————————————————-—————————————————-—————————————————- Ember slowly came to, realizing she was on a soft bed. She groaned in mild pain and confusion, pushing herself up. She held her head, wobbling slightly. Her wing still hurt, but it seemed to be healing. She looked around to find out where she was. She looked out the nearest window and to her shock, she was back in Canterlot.
There was a note on the side of the window, which Ember read out loud. Ember.
You passed out from the pain in your wing. I brought you back to Canterlot since there was no way I could heal you. Celestia used her magic to heal your wing but it drained her a bit. Listen, I know you don’t want to hear this but you should stay with Torch. After Zuvruth broke your wing I felt... I felt powerless. Until he made the decision to see me fight in a fit of rage. He is dead. I’m going to the changeling kingdom to help reinforce their defenses before Malefor's army shows up and takes them out. I know you want to be out there with me but... I can’t see you in any more pain and Canterlot is safer for you to heal. Stay safe and tell Torch I love him.
Spike.
Embers snout just barely held back flames. She couldn’t believe Spike didn't want her to fight. She has to avenge her people by placing her teeth in Malefor's neck. But with her wing healing, there was nothing she could do. She walked back to the bed she woke up on, laying down. The soft pillows quickly eased her back to sleep. But it wasn't long before she heard footsteps outside the door, and it silently opened it. Silent, save for the annoying creaking sound. She turned over.
“Torch, not now.”
“Oh, I’m not Torch”
Her eyes shot open at that voice. That voice has annoyed her ever since she became Dragonlord. “Garble.” She jumped out of bed and tried to attack him. She clawed his face, but he grabbed her arm and slammed her against the wall. “For someone with a broken wing, you still put up quite a fight.” He threw her at the wall and she broke right through it from the force of the throw. She scrambled back, and he walked out after her. Growls and flames began to erupt between them, until they both heard a voice.
“Aunt Ember?”
It was Cynder's daughter Amethyst. Garble smiled as he finally found who Malefor had ordered him to find. Her scales were dark black and her claws were neon purple, just as he had been told. He took advantage of Ember's distraction, punching her hard enough to knock her out. She fell to the ground, unresponsive. With her out of the way, Garble walked toward Amethyst, who slowly backed up.
“You're coming with me.”
Amethyst took off running, but Garble took to the air, easily managing to chase her down. She tried to lose him by going around corners, but he stayed right behind her and she was unable to shake him. She was soon at the end of a hall with nowhere to go. She turned around to find Garble right behind her. His laugh was haunting, and Amethyst could only stand there, terrified.
“You're mine now.” He stepped forward, but stopped upon hearing a loud thud. “What the?” He looked down and saw a black goo-like liquid wrapped around his ankle. Behind him was a mist of darkness that definitely wasn’t there before. The line of black liquid began to drag the red dragon toward it. He scrambled to claw the liquid off but with no luck. His screams became muffled as the liquid surrounded him in a cocoon like a butterfly.
Only his eyes were left uncovered, and he looked to the darkness, seeing clear white eyes staring back at him. Growls were all that could be heard from the mist. “Wha-wha-what are you?” he stammered. The eyes didn’t blink, they only stared. A long tongue began to lick his forehead. The saliva was hot and sticky as he continued to be licked, only stopping once he was completely coated in saliva.
“Eyes, lungs, pancreas. So many snacks. So little time.”
A thousand rows of teeth came out of the dark and tore Garble's face. Blood covered his face and his eyes were torn from their sockets. His face was quickly reduced to a mangled piece of flesh. The black liquid let go of Garble's fleshy body, dropping it to the now blood-soaked carpet.
Amethyst looked away from the blood-spitting body of the dragon that tried to kidnap her. Her weeping was saddening as it echoed throughout the hall.
She felt a claw on her shoulder. It was skin, but there seemed to be something moving within the flesh. She slightly turned her head to see who it was.
“Amethyst?” a familiar voice asked.
She turned around to better see who it was. Were her eyes deceiving her? She must be seeing a ghost. “Dad?” Spyro's smile was big and his eyes were wet. He was happy to see his daughter was safe from Malefor, as well as anyone else who would dare try to harm her.
He hugged her tightly, his wings covering her. After the long hug that lasted minutes, Amethyst told her father about what just happened with Ember and Garble. Then she told him about the fight and about Spike and Cynder leaving to help other kingdoms. Spyro followed his daughter to Ember's unconscious body. He picked her up and carried her back to the room.
There was going to be a lot of explaining about how he came back.
