"Why must we wander around this dreadful place? It is giving me nightmares and we haven't been here ten minutes!" Volteer complained for what felt like the third time in under thirty seconds. Cyril had half a mind to find a window and throw him out, but no, he was stuck in this blasted laboratory. With Volteer's voice echoing.
Loudly.
"We're all stuck here. We don't know what could be around the corner, so stay quiet." Terrador spoke almost exactly what Cyril was thinking.
"But what else am I to do? I have lost my wings and half of my books in this crusade, I am allowed to complain."
"Then do it in another place." Cyril replied icily.
Despite it all, Cyril agreed with Volteer. They had already been attacked by strange crystalline creatures, Gnorcs, and the like. The red ice glowed slightly, and there were strange, twisted abominations encased inside. Cyril shivered around them, as if they could see him. It didn't help that it was almost like a maze, the ice unending. Some doors were sealed shut as a result, but Terrador smashed one with a thundering boom.
They immediately wished he hadn't. Inside was the rotting, decayed mess of failed experiments. They were indescribable, inconceivable. The spine should not bend in the way it did on a few. They were not alive as far as it could be told, but it didn't make it any easier to look at.
All the ice guardian could think of was how Azulia must have felt during this. The act of putting through others in this...torture…no wonder why she never mentioned it. The scars had been torn open, and Cyril wasn't sure if their relationship would shrivel up or not now. There already was the eternal life concern, and with this...no, he couldn't think of that.
They continued on, coming across a wide, expansive room filled with tables and straps. An experiment room, they quickly realized. Notes were scattered and frozen, inaccessible or unreadable. Blood, both fresh and dried, covered the floor. The walls were dented, and the back door was ripped apart. Fresh blood dripped from the splinters.
"You finally made it." Came a voice he never wished to hear again. Whirling around, he saw Malefor standing in the middle of the room. Cyril spat a ball of ice, which was deflected with ease.
"Relax you need my help if you wish to progress." Malefor said. "Afterward you are expendable, but I figured why not get what we both want."
"Why would you ever help us?" Terrador snarled. "You created this apocalypse!"
"Yes, I did, but that doesn't mean I'm completely heartless. In fact, I just grew it back." He grinned widely, eyes widening to where it might consume their souls. "Also you only have your ancestors to blame for this as well."
"Do not blame your crimes on others, Malefor." Volteer snapped. "You caused a genocide back then, and you caused one now. There is no excuse."
"Yes, tell that to the ones who brought out my family and executed them before me over a vague prophecy." Malefor said dismissively. "Now, if you don't want my help, I will slaughter you all here and now."
"Why would you ever want to help?" Terrador asked again.
"Do you really think I am a slave to The Sorcerer? He is weak now, and I can undermine him." Malefor chuckled darkly, heading toward the destroyed door. "Now, do you want it, or not? Final time I will ask."
"I'm really not seeing much of a choice." Volteer spoke first after a heavy moment. "Make no mistake, I will cut you down after this."
"And how will you do that? Wing it?"
It took Terrador and Cyril both to restrain Volteer.
Inside the door was...there were no words. Around them, Convexity lay out into infinity. Stars, planetary systems all twinkled in the dark. Falling would be a long, slow death, and he doubted there was a bottom. Volteer looked nervously down before hopping onto destroyed platforms to get across after Malefor.
After Malefor...good lord what had they gotten themselves into? The destroyer, the Lich Lord himself...making sure Volteer was able to cross the chasm. It was baffling. It was ridiculous. It defied every rational explanation. And yet, here they were.
Oh, but that didn't mean Malefor wouldn't slip in a snark or two on their travels. His voice held no warmth, and when he gazed upon the corpses of the dead, he chuckled darkly. In one case it looked like he re-animated one and then killed it, but Cyril couldn't tell too well.
Eventually, they ran across the problem that would have stopped their advance. While it seemed like they would go straight ahead, Malefor instead strode toward a wall. It shimmered and retracted like liquid, revealing a door that was guarded by four panels. Each was color coded to represent elements, and sure enough, they would need fire to pass.
"Just what is in here?" Volteer inquired. "This is not where we find this key."
"She has you searching for keys? Really?" Malefor sounded amused and disgusted at the same time. "How droll."
"I'm going to assume you're leading us to an area she wants to keep hidden." Cyril caught onto the act.
"It is a shortcut..."
"Yes, but you are trying to turn us against her. That will not happen."
"Hmm...well, that remains to be seen, but not my goal." Malefor replied with a shrug, breathing fire onto the lock.
"That is hard to believe." Terrador grumbled.
Once inside, they indeed found a hidden passage. Azulia, or at least some of her vampires, were here before. Ice crunched under their steps, and there was a window for some reason that allowed a view to a massive planet. A massive hall of sorts rose out of it, like a waypoint between worlds. Cyril almost thought it to be his world, but the geography was wrong. Could The Sorcerer have come from another planet?
"Beautiful, isn't it?" Malefor stopped to stare. "Such a ripe planet, so full of life and possibilities."
"Don't talk as if you are impressed. You're going to destroy it." Volteer scowled.
"Perhaps. Perhaps not. Being lord of the dead does not mean I can't admire beauty." Malefor chided.
Volteer puffed up as if he were going to respond by Cyril shook his head. They continued forth, the light of the planet illuminating their passage. The more Cyril glanced to it, the more he wondered how massive this place was. If this was just an inkling of what was to come, what hope did they have now? Ugh. It was best not to think of that.
Strangely, whenever they would get attacked, they also went after Malefor. There was some hesitation in the Gnorcs, but otherwise they opened fire or charged with flaming blades. Of course, they were quickly swatted down by the guardians and Malefor, who seemed more bored than confused. Did he anticipate this?
Of course, all sense of curiosity vanished the moment Malefor began to necrotize the corpses. Soon, they had an army of bleeding, shambling horrors that ran at more enemies. Sometimes exploding into gore. Cyril found very little reason to fight at this point for two reasons. One, what was the point if Malefor handled it? Two, he did not want to get that on his scales.
Once they weren't under attack, Malefor kept the Necrolites close, as if expecting the others to ambush him. Neither did, but did they ever think to do so.
"What exactly is your goal here, then?" Terrador asked.
"You require stabilizers for the failure, correct?" Malefor didn't bother looking at them, instead shifting his attention to cabinets. "Let us just say I require something...similar."
"For your own benefit?" Volteer piped up. "Yes, I know you were artificially created."
Malefor's face fell before turning all focus onto him. "Oh, so you know? If you know that, then why do you continue to ask why I turned on your kind?"
"Motive does not matter. Genocide is Genocide."
"Keep telling yourself that if it helps you sleep at night." Malefor spat. "Just remember that if you had left well alone, that would never have happened."
Cyril's brow furrowed. Why was Malefor suddenly being so open about his past? Why was he trying to help them? He certainly hadn't changed his ways, but there was something...off about him now. Taking a closer look at him, Cyril was able note that he looked younger than before. Even seeing his face in the crystals before he was defeated by Cynder and Spyro, he was not that young. Maybe that was why they could understand him better.
"Then enlighten me, why did they decide to attack you?" Volteer kept pressing. He was disgusted, but the eyes held an insatiable curiosity.
"Some legend about a purple being a destroyer. Decided that I was the one they were talking about." Malefor shrugged. "So I made it true. They got what they wanted, and oh did they regret it. They took away everything, so I figured I'd return the favor."
"So, by that logic, you are a victim of circumstance."
"I suppose so, yes." He narrowed his golden eyes. "What are you getting at?"
"I just want to know. Consider it a hobby to delve into the past."
Malefor did not answer, and instead continued to rummage around. Terrador and Cyril shot looks at each other. If Malefor's word as true then could that mean he is not as bad as previously thought? No, Volteer was right; genocide was genocide even if the motivation was unfortunate. Still, what was he to do in that situation? Someone young, with that trauma no less, what else was expected?
Pushing it back, they came across something that resembled the key Azulia had mentioned. Grabbing it, they followed Malefor into the next room. There, vials of strange, purple liquid littered the floor, shattered and with contents spilled. Just looking at it made the ice dragon ill.
"Find one that is full. That will be needed for stabilization." Malefor directed, going deeper. In the back, there were different colored vials, and despite h is better judgment, Cyril followed him.
"You do realize that you are alone. With me." Malefor looked down at Cyril. "Do not tell me that backstory made you feel pity."
"No. But I am curious as to why you would suddenly betray. Your answer before was flimsy at best."
"Ah, but that leaves more to mystery, no? You would do best to mind your business, Cyril. That ruby is so easily removed."
"And yet you do not. Why do you need us?"
Malefor grinned slowly. "Why do you think I need you?"
"You don't. You're just here, to put ever so eloquently, to 'fuck' with us." Cyril replied bluntly.
"You're close. But I'm starting to not need you now, so if you don't wish to serve me, I would back off."
Cyril did so, not out of fear, but realizing he would never get a straight answer. Instead, he returned to the others, seeing that Volteer had found a vial. He leered at it, ready to smash it into bits, but through sheer will he did not. It churned against his touched, trying to reach through the glass and into his scales.
"What exactly does this do?" Volteer inquired. Strangely, there was no answer. Cyril glanced back to see Malefor had simply disappeared. No warning. Had he already grabbed what he was after? Troubled, they made their way back to Azulia. Maybe she could explain what he grabbed.
Viberian stepped back to the central room, troubled. They had found their key with little problems, but he could tell that Cynder and Spyro were a bit concerned about him. He barely lifted his head, and when he saw Yeras, he couldn't even look at her. Not because of the blood or her in general, but after what he did, he just couldn't do it.
The other Guardians had not returned yet, so while Cynder and Spyro checked on Yeras, Viberian pulled Azulia aside.
"You've got that look in your eye." Azulia commented before he could speak. "What did you see?"
"I...saw why you can't also look at Yeras." Viberian struggled for words. "I took care of it but you didn't tell her, right?"
"About what I did? No. I wanted to, but," Azulia glanced at Yeras. Despite the pain, she was smiling and trying to chip in to the conversation with Cynder. "There is limitless kindness and optimism in that one. I do not wish to kill it."
"You say that like you are afraid of her lashing out."
"Beware the nice ones, Viberian." Azulia turned back. "With such a kind soul, I do not wish to think of what would happen if she were pushed into anger."
"I don't know if I could tell her."
"We will do so together then, after The Sorcerer is stopped."
"Do what?" Cyril and the others had returned. Azulia shifted her eyes toward Yeras, and the cerulean dragon nodded with recognition. He knew too.
"Right, so, we have the keycards and what in the devil are you doing with that Volteer?" Azulia indicated to the vial. "Where did you get that?"
All three Guardians glanced at each other, and with hesitation, Terrador spoke. "Malefor...found it. He appeared to us."
"HE DID WHAT?!" Azulia let out a banshee-like screech. "Oh, I knew that bastard wanted something in here. What did he grab?"
"I'm not sure, Cyril said that he was looking at some crimson vials." Volteer answered.
"OH FOR THE LOVE OF-we don't have time. We need to do this now." Azulia swiped both cards and placed them into the door in the center of the room. The doors slid open, revealing a lift just big enough for Viberian, Yeras, and Azulia to get in. Why they were the ones to escort her in, they didn't know. Fate enjoyed screwing with them today, maybe.
Thankfully, the situation never came up, and soon everyone was down in...this. One could barely call this a chamber, as everyone could barely fit in. Toward the end was a table, cleaned off, barely used. Yeras stared at it without breathing. Azulia had a saddened look in her eye, and she was slowly escorted over.
"You do not have to do this." Azulia said. "I understand if you would just like to stop the pain. None of us will judge you."
"Absolutely not," Yeras said firmly. "I am terrified, but I will not stop and leave you to face him alone."
"Very well."
Azulia strapped her in, and helped Yeras drink the vial. For a moment, nothing happened. Azulia stepped back, watching the scene unfold. Violet lights flickered on and a barrier of sorts surrounded the dragon. They could not see what was occurring and yet none of them protested.
And then, a crash from upstairs. Azulia was already flying up the lift seconds after and the rest followed suit. Viberian half expected Malefor to show up again, but instead found that it was someone completely new. Multiple vibrations echoed and boomed across the facility and the ceiling seemed ready to collapse in one them.
"Oh, you're still here." The newcomer said in a robotized voice. It looked like a bipedal insect in an armored exoskeleton, with wings made of magic. He folded his arms as if disappointed.
"And you are?" Azulia spat.
"Right, we haven't been introduced." The armored figure said. "Well, since you guys decided to knock Faulnox out of the picture and Malefor's gone to...do whatever he does, I'm here now to more or less blow this place up."
"Why do you seem familiar?" Cynder questioned.
"Maybe cuz I am. Maybe you're confused. You're just gonna have to wait-" He paused. "Oop, nope, can't wait. Place is going up in three minutes. I'd run if I were you..."
Clapping his claws, he vanished into a beam of energy. The facility began to explode around them. Viberian almost made a mad-dash to the exit but remembered that Yeras was still stuck being healed. He doubted that moving her would work as well.
"Oh, of course." Azulia said, holding out a globe of blood. "Good news for us; there is only one place he could have placed it to ensure maximum damage. There is an explosive in the far wing, but it is crawling with his soldiers. If we hurry we will make it in two."
"What about if we are attacked here?" Spyro inquired. "Surely whoever that was would try and stop us."
"True. Cynder, Viberian, and Spyro, you are swiftest. If you can clear the path I can defuse it." She said. "As powerful as I am, I will not-"
The door to their left exploded and enemies poured through. Terrador swept his tail, creating an arc of earthen energy that knocked them back. Azulia barked at the trio to take off in the opposite direction and giving them the location. They wasted little time, and if Viberian was correct, they would have thirty seconds to spare.
That didn't make it any easier, for just as Azulia predicted, the Sorcerer's forces continued to attack them. They didn't seem like they could escape and so threw everything at them. If they were going to die, they tried to take the trio down with them. Cynder spun and twisted through the air while spraying poison and whipping wind. Spyro turned into a cataclysm himself, weaving between the elements like some sort of god.
It was almost impossible to keep up with them. He had to admit; he was a bit envious that they were able to destroy so much with such little effort. Kalmorag had to aid him in his fight, the snarky elemental silent to keep Viberian going. He felt a bit snubbed if he were honest; a feeling quite foreign too him to the point where he didn't know where it came from.
Dashing forward, he unleashed a torrent of spiraling fire. It was an ability he had been practicing - and while he lacked control - the results spoke for themselves. It surged through gnorcs and Necrolites alike, the area engulfed in conflagration. Cynder had to jump back to avoid the flames and for a moment she looked impressed.
And then Azulia ruined it by charging out of one of the crystals, ice trailing around her, and zipping out of other ones to slash at the others. She was beautiful and deadly at the same time. Yet Viberian couldn't help but feel sidelined.
Something isn't right, He thought to himself as they went along. Why am I feeling this way? I didn't feel like this an hour ago. What changed?
Then it hit him. OH FOR THE LOVE OF - Spyro's conversation must have...no, no, I can't focus on that.
"Viberian, you're lagging behind." Cynder said sharply, amusement twinkling in her eye.
God damn it Spyro...
The battling only got worse. There were a dozen – no two dozen at least – in their way. Spyro took a jab to the neck and it took both time and supplies to patch it up. Azulia's efforts helped turn the tide but it seemed futile for a moment.
And then they found it. The bomb was going to go off any second from what it seemed like. Azulia ported in, and the trio formed a barrier to defend her. Fighting alongside both Spyro and Cynder was a feat he never thought possible!
"Right, bomb's defused..." Azulia said. Her brow furrowed. "This is so very strange. The bomb was never armed. Why would...?"
"That is odd." Spyro tilted his head. "Perhaps it was a test of sorts?"
"Okay, but why?" Cynder countered. "We've already proven we're a threat. What more could they possibly gain?"
"Maybe they're trying to see us at our most desperate?" Viberian muttered. All heads turned. "Well, think about it. The Sorcerer is crafty, so by putting a bomb threat and a horde, we are so very pressed for time. Our abilities and skills may be heightened as a result of adrenaline."
"So if the bomb threat is real next time, we're not going to have that grace period." Azulia caught on.
"More or less."
"Regardless, we must return to Yeras." Spyro said. "No doubt she is going to need us after a traumatizing experience."
The wait was unbearable for Cynder. No sounds came from below, and only Azulia was permitted down there for maintenance. She all but snapped at Cyril when he tried and that was enough for the rest of them to get the point. The hours tolled by slowly – or were they minutes? - and Cynder had enough of this. No amount of hunting for stragglers could alleviate her frustration and boredom.
"We never got an answer, by the way." Volteer said to Azulia. "About that red vial."
"Oh, that's...something Malefor made me create." The queen sighed. "It will either make him stronger, or when mixed with something else, can cause destabilization. I don't know what his purpose is, but it is our best interest to remain on guard."
"How will it make him stronger?"
"When used in conjunction with another chemical, it will create a reaction that will bolster him temporarily. When he is encountered next, expect his abilities to be doubled at the minimum."
"How long is temporary?" Cynder questioned.
"Not sure. Last time I clocked him at five minutes, but his power had quadrupled." Azulia said. "Before you ask, because I see the questioning look on Spyro's face, it is for purples only and I am not having you be under the influence so soon after breaking free."
"That's - actually that makes sense." Spyro stopped his protest.
"Well, I am going to go for a walk." Cynder stood up. "Someone shout for me if Yeras wakes up."
She didn't make it long before she was aware Spyro was following her. He looked like he wanted to say something and lofted behind her as if unsure. Cynder had a dim feeling as to what it was and was not in the mood but for some reason she allowed him the time to speak his mind.
"So uh...you like...grapes now?" Spyro completely blundered his way into a conversation. It was adorable in a lost puppy kind of manner. One she still wanted to punt off a cliff – with no real reason now she realized.
"Apparently." Cynder answered.
"Look," Spyro suddenly grew serious, "I know you're not the one I fell in love with now. You have her body, her face, but you're not...her anymore. It's hard to accept. But if you truly want to be with Viberian...well...I can't stand in your way."
Something sparked inside of her. A distant memory. She had been in this situation before, but the context was lost. They were much younger and in Warfang. In fact it was similar to the one she had when Viberian was crippled. Once again there was no visible dialogue and yet she knew what they were saying. They were talking about themselves - what they had.
"What?" Spyro tilted his head.
"I...have we had this conversation before?"
Spyro hesitated. "Yes. Yes we did."
"Why?"
"We had been growing distant before the outbreak, and so we sat down to have this talk." Spyro let out a heavy, defeated sigh. "I asked you if you loved me because I freed you or if you loved me for...well, me. I didn't know if you were still trying to latch onto something that wasn't there anymore. I was asking myself the same question."
"So, this is me um...letting you go. If you want." His voice was slowed. Pained. "You're a different person with different likes and interests now. I do want to get to know you but it's wrong of me to see you as my mate when you're not anymore. I don't mean that to be hurtful, but it's true."
"There are feelings for you, Spyro." Cynder admitted. "Deep down. But you're right, that's not me anymore. I can't look at you one way and act another."
"Then what do we do now?"
Cynder shrugged. "Start over."
"Wait, what?" He perked up.
"You heard me. You obviously want to be around me and while I am still having residual confusion, affection, and the urge to kill you for letting me die - no don't give me that face that's how I feel but I know it isn't fact. It's too messy. We need to restart."
"Right uh...how far back?"
"To the start if we need to. I don't know if I can be with you again, but that doesn't mean that it will never happen. This has to end for it to begin again."
Cynder let out a small smirk. "So, now that that's out of the way, let's start by asking what in the world you like to do because I have no idea anymore."
They talked for what seemed like hours. It was like meeting an old friend again. The more she learned about him the more she realized why her previous self loved him. His fascination for art, dopey mannerisms, and that unbeatable optimism. Cynder wondered if it was a trait of a purple for he and Yeras were quite similar in that regard.
When it came to her turn to be asked Spyro couldn't stop comparing the past and present. It should have annoyed her but his curiosity and genuine interest offset it. Her interests had shifted to be more warrior-like instead of the royal commander personality she had in the past in his words. She had no idea what it meant but it sounded quite pleasant.
Eventually, the well of conversation went dry. There was still sadness in his eyes but they were brimmed with hope now. Making their way back to the others, they found that no one wanted to wait anymore. So when Azulia came up the lift again, all looked at her with expectation. She announced that they could all go down now for the process was almost complete. Cynder almost quite literally beat everyone out of the way to get in first. Her talk with Spyro had lifted her spirits a bit and now she couldn't wait to see Yeras.
The entire area was encased in purple ice. Raw Convexity lurched forward and shimmered in the air. A white glow emanated from under the ice where her friend lay.
Then, like an egg, the ice began to crack.
Light filtered through and blinded them for a brief moment. A shadow slowly rose up covered in a goo-like substance. It was undoubtedly Yeras but for a brief moment, Cynder's jaw nearly struck the floor. She was...well, beautiful. Her amethyst scales glittered in the light, her underbelly scales had turned a purple-black, and she looked at her best.
She glanced around and clicked her tongue a few times. The glowing of her eyes turned on like a lantern and she fixated on Cynder. It was there that something felt off. Yeras got off the table, but when Viberian approached to check on her, multiple walls of ice formed and blocked off everything. The cries of confusion were all but silent. The only ones left standing were Cynder and Yeras – a narrow path between them no less.
"What are you doing?" Cynder questioned.
"There is someone here who wishes to harm us." Yeras spoke softly. "I am keeping you safe."
"What do you mean 'harm' us?" Cynder narrowed her brow.
"Can't you feel it?" She stepped closer. "One of them wants to kill us. I-I...I can't..." She held her head. "My head is..."
"Calm down, Yeras." Cynder slowly met her. "No one here is going to hurt us. You're confused. Let them out."
"No." Came the answer. It was pained and dazed. "They have to...it's coming I can feel it."
"Feel wh-"
Suddenly a wall of ice formed between the two. Through the ice, Cynder watched helplessly as the new purple reared onto her hind legs and tugged her horns. Then she saw what was going on; electricity surged up and down her quills. As deep and violet as her scales, it rebounded off the ice and shattered the 'prisons'. Cynder was knocked back by the sheer force of the attack and Yeras fell to the ground.
"What just happened?!" Came Volteer's shriek of confusion.
"She used electricity." Terrador observed. "It must have worked then!"
"She's not dying anymore." Viberian reported. "Whatever happened there must have-"
Everyone went silent again. To make matters worse, they were all looking directly at Cynder. She had no idea why. Did Yeras harm her? Was there a-oh. The moment she looked down at herself she immediately saw the problem.
Her body was shrouded in what appeared to be a dark cloud as if she had reached Convexity. Yet she felt none of the influence. Raising a claw, dark energy surged through it. She recognized it; Shadow.
Her abilities had come back.
The problem with having the shadow energy now was how to turn it off. It had the same problem as her convexity in that it would not be 'willed' off. The only good thing about it was that she wasn't trying to throw Viberian or Spyro against a wall and give in.
The problem persisted as she was escorted up by Viberian and Volteer. She may cause damage to Yeras, they said – an idea that she already thought of. According to them, the shadow acted like a barrier between her body and being attacked. To prove this point, Volteer picked up an object and threw it at her without warning.
Her body did something strange. Instead of deflecting the attack or absorbing it, she burst into tiny pieces. The object passed through her harmlessly and she reformed not a second later. She felt drained by the attack – if one could call it that – and after a few more tests she was ready to slam her face into the floor.
Good news was that it made the shadow disappear for now.
"Now we know you can do this." Volteer said happily. "You have all four powers again!"
"I wonder why it came back now..." Viberian seemed to read Cynder's mind.
"Well, I have a theory about that!" Volteer beamed. "You see, this place is in Convexity. The energies here are chaotic at best and even if this place does protect us from most of it, like radiation it will seep in anyway. The entire time we were here Cynder must have been slowly absorbing the energy and when Yeras struck her with Dark Lightning it must have kick-started it!"
"Makes about as much sense as anything." Cynder mumbled. "Now I can't get up. I hope you're happy."
"Oh I am, but not because of that." Volteer said.
It didn't take them long to exit the laboratory. Once they did, Azulia looked back at the portal as if to destroy it. It was Cyril who stopped her by placing a claw on her shoulder and shaking his head. Cynder couldn't hear what he said, but the two stalked off together.
A familiar presence touched her mind; The Chronicler. They had to return to him. Maybe he could help her with this power. On that note Cynder glanced over to Yeras. The now-purple glimmered in the icy light and had an air of confidence previously unseen. She seemed to realize that Cynder was staring for a backward grin was thrown her way. They didn't talk, but she knew that they would once they got inside.
"Before we go back," Viberian said, "I need to see my daughter."
"Go." Cynder replied. "The three of us will go ahead."
"I'll be there soon."
Cynder watched him take off after asking Terrador where she was. It was a sweet and welcome sight to see his face lift the closer he drew to where she was. In a way she felt a pang and wondered if she would do that if she had a hatchling of her own. Perhaps after the war. She shook off the thoughts – There were no places for them here. Not on the eve of battle.
She just hoped she would survive long enough to still consider the future.
Just as Terrador said, they were inside the base and-
Viberian had to stop and take in the scene. They were in the sleeping quarters and Gravia was front and center. Two he did not recognize – albinos – were with her. They seemed to be doing some sort of magic show to a group of vampires. It was clear that they could see through the act, as Gravia was out of practice and kept stumbling on her tricks, but they were giving her full attention. Some of the Necrolite thralls were also watching.
Had this been three months ago he would have been absolutely terrified. Now? He hid in the back and watched the show. From the looks of things, it was wrapping up. They were trying to hide a coin and actually managed to pull it off by rapidly switching the cups around. To try and distract, the female Albino made ridiculous movements and tried to pull the younger male into it. He looked too grumpy at first, but joined her just the same.
Viberian noticed something strange as the act began to close. The way Gravia switched the cups was almost too professional for someone her age. In fact, the next trick involved her grabbing one from a nearby Necrolite. It was not in her claw. He recognized he she walked whenever she held something and there was no possible way it could be there.
The show ended and Gravia's jaw just about hit the ground when she saw him. One moment she was standing with her friends. The next; his chest was being constricted by the massive hug she gave. It was like she had surgically attached herself to him. He returned the gesture warmly.
"Missed you too." Viberian said. "Glad to see you're making the best out of it."
"Yeah, I made friends and vampires are friends too once you get to know them." Gravia detached herself to walk over to the albinos. Malicina being the female, Lyrith the male. They leered at him warily and if he were honest, he couldn't blame them.
He never had a problem with Albinos but other dragons certainly had a problem with them. Lesser beings. Flying geckos. Something akin to that. He was pleased to see that Gravia had not let such prejudices cloud her judgment.
"So you two have been keeping my daughter company, huh?" Viberian said to them kindly. "Thank you."
"Not a problem." Malicina said with a smug grin. "Someone's gotta do it. Plus squirt here gets lonely." The male glared at her. "Don't mind him. He's almost always grumpy and very rarely speaks."
Viberian laughed. "Sounds familiar." He turned to Gravia. "By the way, how did you do that last trick?"
"Magiksions never tell their secrets." Gravia had trouble pronouncing the first word. She shifted whilst saying it however, and Viberian understood what was going on now.
"She is using Sorcery." Kalmorag came to the same conclusion. When questioned, all three of them stiffened. They were all in on this.
"I was gonna surprise you..." Gravia said disappointingly. "Is it that obvious?"
"What type is it?" Viberian beamed down at her to show that he was not upset. It made her feel better from the looks of it.
"I dunno. Sometimes I just…want an object and it appears." Gravia shrugged. "I did it with a shell. This time with a coin. I told them because Lyrith wanted something and when I did too it just appeared. I can put it where I want if I can see where the location is."
"Are you three the only ones who know about this?" Viberian inquired. "Because this is amazing. Can you two use it too?"
"Albinos can't use magic." Malicina said it as if it were obvious. "Don't need it anyway. Tooth and claw work just fine for me."
"Oh. Well, you definitely got that." He eyed the sharpness of her talons. "How did you two end up with this, by the way? No one is harassing you, right?"
"Terrador and Volteer ensured that wouldn't happen. Plus your daughter uh...she helped us." she tilted her head. "I don't think I got your name."
"Viberian."
"That's a mouthful. I'll stick with Vib." She said almost immediately. "Anyway yeah we kept this a secret but if you're her dad then I guess you can know."
"I'd go to Volteer about this." Viberian said to Gravia. "He may be able to help you refine it. This is a talent that will prove useful to defend yourself."
"I will." She looked shy. "But um...I wanna...spend time with you first..."
"Well, of course. That's why I am here." Viberian grinned. "So uh...is there anything you wanted to do?"
"Can we read more of the story?" Gravia beamed. "You two can listen in if you want. We can fill you in."
"I'm good. Never really liked reading." Malicina said. Lyrith, however, looked conflicted. "You can stay if you want. I'm not gonna go far."
"Okay..." Lyrith muttered almost inaudibly.
"Right, so, where were we again?" Viberian pulled out the book from before, The Vision. He always kept it on him, and in spare time, read ahead to learn how to pronounce some words. Books were a luxury he never had growing up and so it was still difficult for him to read – especially aloud. Gravia loved it, and after a bit, Lyrith seemed invested.
As he read along, his mind kept going back to what he had seen Gravia do. Sorcery. At such a young age. When in the world did she get such a talent? It didn't look destructive or restorative. Summoning? That was more for necromancy and elementalists.
Eventually, Lyrith had fallen asleep and Malicina had come to collect him afterward. Gravia and Viberian were left alone for the first time in what felt like forever. They sat in silence for a moment, and then the tiny dragon spoke.
"I'm sorry for keeping this hidden." She said. "I didn't know what it was."
"Don't apologize. I'm not mad." Viberian muzzled her gently. "We should tell Volteer when you are ready, though. He'll know what to do."
"I wanna go now but at the same time I don't wanna."
"I know the feeling."
"Can it be used against the evil Necrolites?"
Evil Necrolites. Such a term was almost alien to him. "I don't think so. Not yet. But it could." He chuckled. "Actually, I have something I want to show you too. It's going to save future confusion."
Stepping away from Gravia, Viberian spread his wings and called an image of Kalmorag to spawn. He was different than what memory served. There was more armor, churning lava for a lower body, and bright tendril-like wings. He looked back at Viberian and then stared down at Gravia, who's jaw all but hit the floor.
"This is not wise." Kalmorag spoke aloud. "We are straining the connection."
"She deserves to know why her father is talking to himself a lot." Viberian replied before turning attention to Gravia. "This is Kalmorag. He's helping me use my element better so we can defeat the evil necrolites. He's not really here, but rather inside me."
"I will never understand your reproduction. How can something like you produce something so tiny?" Kalmorag tilted his head at his daughter. "Surely it makes him more vulnerable?"
"Her."
"Your genders are also confusing."
"Regardless, we can merge again. I just wanted her to see you."
The image shattered and sucked itself inside Viberian. His eyes turned fiery for a brief moment and when he looked down at Gravia, he noted she was strangely silent. To make up for it she was vibrating to the point where she was kicking up snow. She was ready to burst with energy.
"THAT IS SO COOL!" She eventually exploded. "AN ELEMEMENTAL!? YOU WANTED TO DO THAT FOREVERANDNOWYOUDIDLOOKATITGOITWASSOCOOLANDFIERYAND-"
She stopped. "Wait maybe cool isn't the word. Hot?"
"No, you're right." Viberian snickered to himself.
"Okies." She began to vibrate again. "But like it can talk and it seems intelligent and I wanna do that now maybe I can conjure one and make it a friend or something."
"Maybe you can."
"No." Kalmorag said. "Different spells."
"Don't ruin her dreams." He muttered. "Anyway, is there anything else you want to do?"
"Go see Volteer cuz I wanna get an elemental or maybe some sort of partner. Do you think I can ride a wolf?"
Viberian didn't really have a reply other than 'maybe'. The walk to find Volteer was slow but at the same time he didn't want to hurry. It was so rare he got to spend time with her. For the first time, he noted, he could look at her and not be reminded of the painful death of her mother.
They found him below working on some sort of crystal. He was babbling to someone as if in conversation but when they arrived...no one was there. The electric dragon was talking to air. After about a moment he snapped his head around and looked at the two of them with both confusion and excitement.
"What brings you two down here?" He inquired. "Shouldn't you be off saving the world or something?"
"Well, I wanted to spend time with Gravia only to find out she is using sorcery."
The crystal in Volteer's claw dropped with a small tink. "Come again?"
"She can summon objects and project them to various locations. Found out when she was doing a magic trick." Viberian nudged her gently. She glanced up at him nervously and a moment later a shell appeared; which was then placed on her head. Judging from Volteer's face at that action this was not the first time his had happened.
"I suspected as much. There were no shells from where we were at before." Volteer craned his neck down to peer closer. "I think it is fairly obvious as to what type she has; Conjuration. She can summon items at will and project them elsewhere. Of course doing so with anything larger than a shell is likely out of her skill range at the moment. Still, to have it at such a young age! Most don't develop an affinity - if at all - until their drake period."
"So what can she do to practice it?" Viberian inquired. "I mean I am not exactly the best teacher of this."
"I am not too familiar with this art either, but I can no doubt find someone who can help or at least a book to get her started." Volteer began pulsing with energy as he resumed his work. "By the way, since you no doubt are going to be facing Malefor as well, you would likely do well with this information."
Viberian motioned for him to continue. The older Dragon still liked his dramatic pauses it seemed. Then, he explained what Malefor had said to them. "It's true. Something did happen to him that made him turn. We found the bones of one close to him; Aure she was called. I did some digging and found she was executed for association. The symbols on the dragons encased in ice below represent the cult that went after Malefor."
"So what now?"
"Well...if we can awaken Dante, who was a mentor figure to him, it may give us an advantage. Ask the Chronicler about it when you go."
"Will do."
"Are you leaving now?" Gravia asked quietly.
Viberian bent down. "I have to now. But I'm going to come back. We're going to win this, alright? I don't wanna miss what you can do with this ability later. When this is over I may take you to the isle as well."
"Promise?"
"Promise. I know you'll love the floating fish."
Gravia responded by vibrating again.
He gave her an embrace, folding his wings around her as well. After a short nuzzle he left her with her friends and set back to where the portal would be. Sure enough, it opened, and he stepped through.
"You look...happier." Cyril commented after a moment of walking. They had just separated from the others and there was more stride to her step. She turned around and flashed him a many-fanged grin. In a strange way it reminded him of the way she used to look at him.
"It's because I am." Azulia stated.
"Well good. I'm glad you're smiling for once. You always looked like you were going to bite my face off." He nudged her gently to show his lack of malice.
"Keep it up and I just may." Azulia returned the gesture. "But I am happy because I am finally free. This has been a tumor in the back of my mind and the fact that it has been brought to light has...lifted me. I was terrified of what the others – especially you – would say about it. There is still the loose end of Yeras but that can come later."
"Speaking of," She turned around. "Why didn't you let me destroy that lab?"
Cyril sighed and shifted uncomfortably. "Think about it. If The Sorcerer has been doing this all around, who's to say that any more purples won't show up? They may not be 'evil', per say, and they may require our aid."
She went silent for a moment to mull it over. "I suppose you have a point."
"I am allowed one per day."
"Mmm, we'll discuss that more later." She grinned widely. Still a visual he was no used to. "Speaking of, I have decided that I am not going to worry about the future anymore in regards to us." Azulia stepped closer and nuzzled him. "I have you here and now and that's all I need. Anything else can wait."
"What's the change?" He asked. Then he realized he forgot to follow up on it. "Erm not that I am complaining but-"
"Oh shut up you ruined the moment." She growled. It wasn't menacingly at least. "At least you didn't do it as much as before."
"Oh gods please do not bring up my past."
"I will bring it up because in a way it is a happy memory." She gestured for him to walk alongside her. "Of all the bars in the city, you happened to stumble into mine that day. And I almost had to pick you off the ground."
"No, stop." Cyril said in monotone. In truth he was enjoying the conversation. It was nice to reminisce and remind himself why he chose to stay with her. "I'm not entirely sure why I kept coming back."
"Deep down you loved it when I flirted with you." She chuckled. "But anyway, the reason I bring up the past is that we need to use it to move forward. I have been reborn in more than one way. You stopped being a dick and got a ruby shoved into you. We need to take life by the tail and use it to beat back any of our doubts."
"I'm with you on that but what do you mean?"
"What I mean is that we need to plan for the future. We are not going to be fighting this war forever. Whether we live or die is still in the air, but I know I want to spend it with you. I'm not going to want to be on this fortress afterward, so what I want is for you to think of locations that we can go to be alone for a while."
"It has been a while since we were truly alone, hasn't it?"
"Over four years, dear."
"Well, since we have downtime, why don't we go and do that now?"
The walk was filled with their chatter as they talked about...well, anything. At first it started off about their favorite types of locations – Azulia's being somewhere dark and reclusive now – followed by new hobbies they discovered. Azulia loved to sculpt and showed him by creating a beautiful statue of a vicious serpent.
It like meeting her for the first time. All of their interactions in the past were filled with fear and sorrow. Today? None of that. The feelings he felt were akin to their first date minus the awkwardness. And the occasional business Azulia had to deal with as Vampire sand Necrolites. They were trying to build massive Necropoli transports. Other than that it was very nice.
"Oh, by the way, Terrador went off to find the cheetahs." Azulia alerted him. "Just in case if you were wondering why you didn't see him later."
"He never takes a break, does he?"
"No." Azulia frowned. "I sent a small force after him to ensure his safety. He's likely noticed them by now."
"You mean he went off alone?"
"He insisted. I also insisted that he did not."
Cyril chuckled quietly. He wondered if he was followed too, now that she pointed that out. Not that it really mattered. The Vampires were harmless - or at least seemed to be. Despite everything, a nagging doubt swarmed his mind like angry insects.
Just what was Malefor trying to do?
Malefor stalked the halls of the fortress. His mirth and carefree attitude all but gone – replaced by quiet yet ferocious determination. His armor clinked on the ebony floors and echoed loudly. Gnorcs, Necrolites, and all other forces scattered at his presence. Just yesterday he would have enjoyed this. Now? It was gone.
Once he reached his quarters, he felt a pang. Riches, occult symbols and runes, and all sorts of twisted mockeries of life that he created hung from the walls. Everything he ever wanted. Yet it was tasteless and empty. What had happened? He should have decimated Cyril when he had the chance but instead he fled here.
Why?!
"You mean to tell me you haven't figured it out?" A low chuckle came from behind him. When he glanced back no one remained. Only when he saw his reflection did he see.
Her scales were as white as sheets; eyes bloodshot and bleeding. Her icy horns were hollow and leaking a black ink; her mouth doing the same. She floated next to him with thousands of blob-like souls behind her.
"What do you want, Glacia?" Malefor scowled.
"Oh, nothing in particular. Just checking on you. Can't let my mate go through this alone, now can I?" There was no warmth to her voice now - only the icy chill of the grave.
"Are you going to make this a habit again?"
"Oh please I haven't been let out since your first reign. I want to have fun." She placed her cold talons on the back of his neck as if comforting him. "You are the lord of the dead, aren't you? Then why don't you just come with us and enjoy yourself for once..."
"Not now."
"Then when?" She crooked her head. "Oooh. Oooh! Don't tell me you are feeling remorse for your actions, are you? My oh my isn't this going to be a first! What happened? Did your little process restore a bit too much, dear?"
He stiffened before whirling around. He could see her without the reflection now. Her beautiful face had distorted into a mocking grin. This was impossible! How could he have been so foolish as to not realize this was happening?
She floated down before him, her blue eyes locking into his. "Just remember that you made this little joke, Malefor. No king rules forever. Even the 'Dark Master'."
Malefor swiped at her and scattered her spirit. He could feel her inside of him. Laughing. He was losing control. That bitch made him unstable, but he didn't have time to fix it! Oh, but she knew it too! He could feel her mocking 'tuts'. With a snarl he bolted out of the room toward his laboratory. If anything could synthesize this material from Azulia's, it was what he had there.
He needed to get stronger if he was going to keep this under wraps and strike down the Sorcerer.
Lyrith and Malicina belong to Dardarax