It had been years now since Malefor's defeat, Spyro and Cynder were famous for their heroic deeds that day. Celebrations were held in their honor, songs were sung, and even statues were built. But, not everyone was as gracious for their victory, although evil was thought to be vanquished with Maelfor's demise – a new evil had only been allowed free. Malefor was the tyrant who had controlled majority of the world, and during his reign, no other evil force could even think about coming into the open.
And so, with his death, came the chance for a sadistic evil to arise. In the darkest corners of the world, where no pure hearted dragons dared go, dwelled the tainted beasts of night. The dragons who didn't live by the laws of morals and honor, the dragons who lived for evil, for chaos. The stone castle, rose up from the jagged peaks of cavernous cliffs. The pointed roofs impaling the sky, as the full moon shone down on the illuminated territory. Creatures masked in darkness moved about, some fighting over scraps and others fighting just for the fun of it.
"Malefor was a formidable King, but he was not invincible. The new purple dragon made that very clear, along with his treacherous companion. "Came the sultry voice of a female dragoness, her scales were such a dark blue they were nearly black, her eyes were yellow, and the markings on her only detailed her beauty. Her elegant build was sleek, yet muscled, and her very presence was intimidating.
"Yes, my Queen… "Replied a guard, another dragon, an armored male. His eyes were red, hidden beneath his helmet, as he listened to his Queen. She sighed, closing her eyes and taking in the cool night air.
"We will not be ignored, the Guardians in Warfang have seemed to have forgotten our existence… "She cooed, stretching out her enormous wings to there full length, before gently folding them back to her sides. Her silver/black jewelry gleamed in the moonlight, the green jewels glittering. "I will lead an army so vast, it will dwarf the Dark Armies, I will give this forsaken world a true Queen. "She spoke, regally and proudly as she gazed down at her people.
"My Queen! "Shouted a guard as he barreled through the doors, his scales shimmering in the pale light streaming through the curtained windows she sat in front of. Turning her head slightly, just enough to see him, her scowl ever present. He panted, out of breath his wings dragging the floor, as the red eyed guard gaped at him.
"Yes? "She asked, raising a scaly brow, he hesitated briefly before continuing.
"It's about Tassos… "He said, already his body language showed his fear, and she reveled in it for a moment, before glaring down at him.
"What about Tassos? "She asked with a hiss as she turned, fully facing him now. Her long, silver claws clicking the stone with impatience.
"He's fled the Kingdom… "he blurted quickly, snapping his jaws shut. Her eyes widened in rage before she advanced on the guard.
"Then why are you still standing here! "She yelled, baring her white teeth in anger, whacking the other guard with her tail she turned on him. "Find. Him. NOW! "She roared, the volume shaking the castle, the few others who heard it snapped up from their distractions and began covering the grounds, searching for the runaway.
The two guards hurriedly rushed out of the room, and left the Queen to seethe alone. She stared out of the window, her eyes narrowed in pure fury. As she let black flames lick her lips, she smirked. "Run all you want, dear "she purred in a seductive fashion, "I will find you. "
Spyro hit the soft grass as Cynder tackled him, they rolled down a shallow ravine before she pinned his shoulders down. Smirking triumphantly down at him, swishing her tail with delight as she had won again.
"You aren't very good at this, are you? "She asked sarcastically, earning an endearing smile from Spyro.
"Not when it's against you… "He replied, she got off of him allowing him to stand up. With one last attempt, he lunged at her, aiming to pin her, but she swiftly stepped aside having predicted it. He caught air as he hit the grass snout first, slumping down, his rear end sticking up in the air as his wings and tail dropped in disappointment and embarrassment.
"Nice try! "She called, throwing her head back in a laugh as she saw him sit up, spitting out grass and dirt. He shook his body to cast off the blades of grass that clung in the small cracks between his scales, as he turned his amethyst eyes towards Cynder, meeting her green ones. She smirked, padding off towards Warfang, the giant walls towered over the now, lush meadow that was once ravaged by war. The years of peace had been harmonious and plentiful. Dragon races that had been in hiding had now regained the courage to come out, joining Warfang to start their families.
"So, what do you think we should do today? "Spyro asked, as he walked beside Cynder, she shrugged her shoulders boredly.
"I don't know, but isn't it awfully quiet without Sparx around? "She asked, gazing around as if the dragonfly was going to pop up out of nowhere, which would be impossible. He had gone back to the swamp to visit their parents, leaving Spyro and Cynder alone together. The two dragons had become close friends, and Spyro had often wondered if they could be more than that.
"It is, I wonder how he's doing… "He trailed off as he saw two dragons approaching them, the two were flying overhead before doing a circle back around and landing. "Flame! Ember! "Spyro called, the two began padding over. Flame a red fire dragon with golden horns, plates and wings, and Ember, a small fire dragoness with pink scales and golden horns, plates, and wings. She wore a necklace around her neck, a collar with a red ruby stone shaped like a heart resting in the middle. Her blue eyes were full of adoration for Spyro, her lashes batting as she approached them.
"Hey Spyro – "She was cut off by Flame, who shoved past her, resting a wing over Spyro and Cynder's backs, winking at Cynder.
"Wassup guys? "He asked, his voice full of happiness, as always. Cynder envied that.
"Nothing much, we were just heading back… "Spyro explained.
"What are you guys up to? "Cynder asked, noting that they were flying out towards the forest. Immediately a blush crossed Ember's face, but Flame remained calm and collected. With the occasional, red eyed glance at Ember.
"What makes you think we're up to something? We were just sightseeing. "Flame remarked, joining Ember as the two nervously eyed each other, Cynder and Spyro exchanged knowing glances.
"Well, never mind us, we were thinking of eating dinner early… "Cynder said, motioning for Spyro to follow her towards the city, while Ember and Flame began walking towards the forest. "They aren't very good under pressure huh? "She asked with a sly smirk, Spyro chuckled.
"Do they really not know that we found out about the two of them? "He asked, glancing a curious look over his shoulder at the two, who were now comfortably nuzzling each other as they walked.
"Guess not. They seem very nervous for us to find out, perhaps we should let them know… "she said, figuring they were probably having a hard time telling the two of them, but Spyro was adamant that they were just embarrassed for two friends to know that they were more than that.
The rest of the trip back to the city was quiet, aside from the occasional joke by Cynder, to which Spyro laughed. Warfang was relaxed now that the war was over, the gates were kept open so dragons could freely stride in and out without a care in the world. Dragons dotted the grass around the gates, some were standing and talking, others were laying down, or entering and exiting the city. On the battlements, dragons in armor patrolled, guards had been doubled for precautions. Malefor may have been the great evil, but not all threats were yet diminished.
The streets were lined with bustling merchant stands, dragons, moles, and cheetahs walked about examining the wares. Cynder spotted a type of dragon she'd never seen before, a pure white dragoness with feathered crests and pale blue eyes, she wore golden jewelry and had two hatchlings with her, beside her was a large, lean male with grey scales. Spyro noticed her staring at them and smiled warmly.
"Those are air dragons. "he said, hinting at the fact that one of her elements was air. Her eyes widened as she observed the three dragons, the female was inspecting some quills and parchment, while the male smiled lovingly at her as she obliviously moved down the line.
"They look so happy together… "she trailed off solemnly, seeing a family of dragons. She often wondered who her parents were. What type of dragons were they? What type of dragon was she before her corruption? Does she have siblings out there somewhere? Any family at all?
Spyro noticed her change in attitude and quickly looked for a distraction, seeing a stand of dragon fruit, he quickly gestured her towards it, blocking her view of the family. "Look Cynder, it's your favorite! "He chimed, leading her towards the stand, her mood brightened slightly, and she licked her lips as she spotted the fruit. Spyro took some coins from his satchel, and gave them to the merchant, two dragon fruits were exchanged and the two dragons rested down beneath a tree and dug in.
They hadn't even finished their fruit completely before a panicked mole came rushing towards them, Spyro was the first to spot him and Cynder didn't take long to jump to her paws ready. The mole skidded to a halt before the two dragons, panting and out of breath, he wheezed as he struggled for air. "Guardians….*wheeze*…need…you…*wheeze* "
After a quick look at one another, the two young adults took to the sky and headed for the temple, their hearts pounding as they let the thoughts of what it could be rush through their minds. Cynder let her imagination go wild, her heart thumping against her ribs. Spyro shared the same worried look, the way the mole had delivered the message, it sounded urgent and above all, fearful. It didn't take long to reach the temple, landing just outside the hall on a balcony, the two made their way quickly towards the chamber where the moles were directing them. Upon the doors opening, both of the dragons were jaw dropped, and Cynder felt ice go through her.