Chapter 33: Reputation
Malefor trekked through the streets of northern Warfang, he had arranged a friendly meeting with Mole-Yair to discuss a few things. As he walked towards his house, he saw many homeless Moles and a few young Dragons on the streets, many didn't seem to care for his identity. "I'm ain't a fan of second-class. In fact, no one seems to really care about these people on the streets." Malefor despised the lack of attention the homeless citizens got, he saw one of them begging for money. In response, he dropped some of his gems in the bucket.
"Thank you, kind sir." The Mole shook his paw.
"It's no issue. Use it well." Malefor replied and kept going, he eventually Mole-Yair waiting by their meeting place, a backwater Cafe.
"Ah, Malefor! Over here!" He called out to the Purple Drake, who raised his front paw in the air and waved.
"Hello Mole-Yair." He greeted the elderly Mole upon walking up to him.
"Please, allow us to talk inside where it is more comfortable." Mole-Yair led them inside up to a Wind Dragon waiter. "Table for two, kind gentleman." He said kindly as the Wind Dragon nodded and saw them to their table. The Cafe wasn't high-class, there was no windows or anything, the only thing covering the Cafe were bales of hay covering a wooden ceiling made out of individual planks in a row. The floor seemed comprised of black bricks and most of the structure itself was painted black as well, along with the tables and chairs.
"Here are your menus, sirs, I'll be back to take your orders." The Wind Dragon had them seated and left.
"I'm surprised, no one here recognizes me." Malefor pointed out.
"News doesn't always reach every part of Warfang, and these folk don't care that much. That's why no one here cowers in your presence like in the main part of the Dragon City." Mole-Yair explained and then turned to face the Dragon. "But enough of that, let us talk. I was told this was a friendly business meeting, what business is there to discuss?" He inquired to Malefor, who took out a small blueprint.
"Well, as far as this city is concerned, I'm still the Dark Master, but I want the citizens to invest in something that helps others, I also see this as an opportunity to try and make up for the damage I've caused. From what I can see, many Moles and Dragons in this part of town are without shelter. I was thinking about renting out a building to start some sort of fund to help those in need." Malefor gave his plan to Mole-Yair, who took interest.
"Are you considering a Homeless Shelter?" The Mole asked as Malefor nodded. "Most interesting..."
"And maybe we could have some kind of charity to go with it, to donate money to help those in need of homes."
"This is awfully risky for a Dragon of your reputation." Mole-Yair responded as the Wind Dragon walked up to them.
"Are we ready for orders?" He asked as the two nodded.
"I'll have a coffee, kind sir." Mole-Yair requested.
"I'll get a coffee as well and a Raised Vanilla Donut...maybe throw in some milk as a separate beverage, thanks." Malefor ordered as the Wind Dragon wrote down the orders.
"Alright, I'll get your dishes, gentlemen." He informed them and walked away, and the two resumed their conversation.
"So, a Homeless shelter and a Charity, as I said, awfully risky. How do you know people will even invest?" Mole-Yair wondered while Malefor explained.
"I don't know that. But I need strong advertisement and support from both the High Council and the Congress."
"Don't forget Alida, you'll definitely need her support for something like this. She oversees all business ventures in Warfang." The Mole replied.
"Lovely...I can get Blaze to try and win over the High Council's support. I'll need to set a date to meet with the Congress, as for Alida, I don't know how to reach her." Malefor explained his situation.
"Why come to me with this idea?" Mole-Yair asked as the Wind Dragon set their orders on the table.
"Because I trust you, you helped me and my son when Terrain tried to hurt us, along with Moonwalker..." Malefor shuddered when he thought of the name. "I don't trust that Dragon, he strikes me as fanatical...but I can't help but find him familiar somehow. I'm probably just being paranoid."
"Moonwalker is a slimy bastard, Malefor. He's a very powerful figure in the political world, but he's also a scumbag who'd sell you out in a heartbeat. I'd recommend you avoid his supervision when approaching the Congress about your ventures." Mole-Yair gave Malefor the scoop about Moonwalker.
"Ah, good to know. The one Dragon hellbent on making my life miserable is an incredibly powerful member of the political system. Such refreshing air." Malefor responded sarcastically as he started eating his Donut.
"As far as renting out a space for this shelter, I'll get that covered, I've got some good connections with a businessman who lives in these parts, as for the Charity, I'll do my best to bring it to Alida's attention. But the rest is up to you." Mole-Yair explained and Malefor nodded in acknowledgement, the Dragon turned to look out at the city, and sighed.
"It is gorgeous today!" He blurted as Mole-Yair agreed.
"Indeed, days like these should be cherished, my good friend." The Elderly Mole replied as they finished up their food and drink. "So, Malefor. I've heard you have quite the history, care to share any with me?" Malefor turned to face Mole-Yair.
"I suppose, let's see...where do I begin?"
Many Years Ago... (Time Skip: Several Years)
Malefor shot out of bed and collapsed on the floor, today was their last day at the Temple, and he needed to prepare for Hazan's "Final Exam". "If I'm late, I'm never gonna hear the end of it from Synthia." He sighed as he freshened up and rushed out of his quarters, being sure to take flight. Nowadays, Malefor had many admirers, particularly Females, no doubt because of his growth. For one thing, his shoulders had Broadened and his Purple and Gold Scales had become more vibrant, small fins were starting to grow out of the sides of his upper arms. This Sudden change in Physical Appearance meant that he had gone from no Dragonesses being interested in him, to being flooded with females all the time. But despite this, his heart remained pure to Synthia.
"Malefor! Get down here you Purple Loaf! You're gonna be late!" He heard the familiar voice of Synthia and landed. Synthia herself had become much sleeker in form, she retained many of her physical aspects, but now she was merely larger (At this age, they're probably just a few inches bigger than Spyro and Cynder in Dawn of the Dragon, and they're in their early 20's in Human years). As for Ignitus...(he just looks like his appearance in TLOS: A new Beginning but smaller).
"Hey Synthia, sorry I'm late." He blushed in slight embarrassment as Synthia smirked.
"Once again, the mighty Malefor lucked out. Hazan hasn't arrived yet, but in his old age, that should be expected nowadays." She informed the Purple Drake as they walked over to Ignitus and Terrador.
"Hello Malefor, Synthia." Terrador greeted.
"Hey Terrador, Ignitus, where's Incendia?" Malefor asked the Fire Dragon.
"She's resting, since she technically isn't a student, she's excused from academic events or lessons." Ignitus responded as they all stood single-file alongside the other Dragons. Soon enough, they saw Hazan descending onto the ground.
"Good morning students, apologies for my long voyage, my right hip bone is bothering me again." Hazan had aged in the time that he taught the younger Dragons, his body moved slower, his reflexes were leaving him. But he still retained his sharp witted tongue. "Anyways, I hope you're all prepared for your Final Exam. Then it will be off to fight the Apes." In the time of Malefor's training, the small Ape revolts had become a large scale conflict and escalated into all-out warfare. Now the Dragons that Hazan had taught were going to join the ranks of the Dragon Army.
"I'm getting nervous..." Malefor whispered to Ignitus, who chuckled.
"You'll be fine, Malefor." He replied as they stood in a row.
"Now, students, let us begin with physical preparation, you know the drill." Hazan instructed as all the Dragons stretched and warmed themselves up for their exam. Malefor had been nervous for the entire week leading up to the event, and it didn't help that he was going last. The exam was basically a full test of all the skills they had learned throughout the years, and then they'd be sent off to the Dragon Capital, Tachyon.
"We're finished, master." Ignitus blurted as the Dragons had stopped, allowing for the Elderly Dragon to turn and face them.
"Excellent, now it's time to begin our exams, We'll start with Breeze." Hazan called up the Wind Dragon and had him begin his exam.
(Time Skip: 15 minutes)
"Alright, Synthia, you're up." Hazan called the Dragoness to the stand and she begun in a matter of seconds, performing her acrobatic skills and use of Shadow, she blew away the competition as far as Malefor was concerned. After 2 minutes of pure spectacle, Malefor was called up. "Now for the grand finale: Malefor, show us what you can do, my boy." Hazan activated the training dummies and Malefor breathed calmly, he closed his eyes and charged at each of the dummies. he left a small trail of fire that burned up the first two dummies, as two more leapt at him, he raised his hands as his Magic flowed from his hands, he sent the two dummies crashing into one another, then flung them off to the side.
"I can do this..." He took a deep breath and stomped on the ground, creating a mini shockwave that sent back a large cluster of dummies, he turned to see another group of dummies closing in towards him. He closed his eyes and stood on his hind legs, a dummy tried to punch him, but Malefor grabbed the arm and smashed it inwards with his elbow. He then used the dummy as a weapon and struck each of the other dummies with it. All with his eyes closed, once he opened them, he tossed aside the dummy he used as a weapon and slapped a single dummy behind him.
"Woah...that was impressive." Terrador whispered to Ignitus, who nodded in agreement.
"Very good Malefor. Well, I must say, from what I've seen, you all did exceptionally well. I think as far as teaching...I can provide nothing more for you." Hazan declared. "This is where our paths divert. I expect you to all pack your things by this afternoon, a Convoy will be waiting for you outside the Temple. From there, you go to the Capital, Tachyon." He sent the Dragons away to get their things packed, Malefor breathed a sigh of relief as he entered his quarters. His unmade bed still present with all his things scattered around.
"It won't be the same not residing here." He said to himself and started to pack his things, placing all his personal items and valuables in his bags.
"Malefor?" He looked to see Synthia in the entrance.
"Ah, to what do I owe the pleasure of your company, my Sapphire?" He asked the Dragoness as she giggled and entered the room.
"Well, since I had gotten up earlier and packed my things prior to the exam, I figured I'd visit my Knight in Shining Armor." She replied as she kissed his cheek.
"Let's clear things up, any visit I get from you is heaven, my Sapphire." Malefor's comment made Synthia blush.
"And you say you're not the romantic type. You've got multiple Dragonesses falling head over heels for you." She pointed out as Malefor coiled his tail around hers.
"Yes, but their beauty pales in comparison to you, and your heart. I do hope you don't mind helping me pack." He requested her help, and she nodded.
"Sure, I'll help you. By the way, you did really well today." Synthia complimented his performance.
"Well, all because you helped me to master my skills. But you were much better than me, Synthia." Malefor responded and made the Dragoness blush again.
"Malefor! Your chivalry knows no bounds." She looked away while Malefor chuckled in response.
"Only because I'm in love with the most beautiful Dragoness on this planet." He said whilst packing his things. "I will say, though, I'm not thrilled with being sent off just to fight in a war. It's the last thing I want to take part in."
"War is not something I'm fond of either, Malefor. But we do what we must to ensure that one day the fighting will end. Besides, if I can fight beside you, it'll make the bleakness more durable." Synthia smiled and looked at Malefor as he finished packing.
"Let's just get to Tachyon first...shall we?" He gestured towards the door as the Dragoness nodded.
"We shall." She replied while Malefor had her place his bags on his back. "Are you sure you don't want me to share the load, honey? My bags are already at the Convoy." Synthia asked as Malefor smiled weakly.
"Well...I could use some help." His comment made Synthia giggle as she placed one of his two bags on her own back, and the two walked to the Convoy. As they walked up, they saw that Ignitus and Incendia were already there.
"Incendia, my dear. I do not feel right about bringing you into a war." Ignitus kissed the topside of her paw.
"Ignitus, you worry too much. I'm as willing to fight as you are." She responded and glanced over to see Malefor and Synthia.
"Ah, hello Malefor, Synthia." Incendia greeted as Ignitus turned to face them.
"I'll take your luggage." He grabbed the bags off their backs and placed them into the large carriage that was part of the Convoy.
"Thanks..." Malefor said in relief as Synthia rolled her eyes at his apparent exhaustion.
"Mellow dramatic..." She whispered in his ear as gave him a kiss on the cheek before walking over to Incendia to talk about other subjects.
"You certainly make an impression." Ignitus chuckled and walked over to Malefor, who slowly stood up.
"Well, I had to pack a lot of stuff, you try it sometime and see how it goes." Malefor retorted and punched his shoulder.
"The others should be here soon." The Fire Dragon told Malefor as he nodded.
"I've never been to Tachyon before..." Malefor trailed off.
"You've never been anywhere outside this Temple." Ignitus reminded him as he glared at him slightly.
"I guess we wait, then..." Malefor sighed and began speaking with Ignitus of other matters as the rest of their group slowly arrived, and finally: Hazan himself walked up to them.
"Well then, my esteemed pupils. This is where we part ways, I wish I could say this is easy for me to do, but it's not, you have all felt like my own hatchlings, I raised you, took care of you, and now...like any Dragon's Hatchlings, it is time for you to make your mark on this world...I will miss you all." After Hazan made his speech, the Dragons all started entering the large carriage to prepare for the voyage.
"Hazan..." Malefor walked up to his teacher.
"Yes, Malefor?" He was surprised when Malefor hugged him tightly.
"Thank you...for everything, you're the closest thing I'll ever have to a father, and for that..." Malefor cried a little. "I love you like a father." Hazan returned the hug.
"Thank you, Malefor. You have been a wonderful student, if you were my son: I'd be proud. Now go, and be with Synthia and all your friends, make me proud." He replied as Malefor nodded and joined the others in the Carriage, Hazan then walked up to the Mole that controlled the horses and gave him the all-clear, and with that, they departed from the Temple.
"It's never going to be the same." Malefor said to Synthia, who leaned against him.
"Maybe not, but we're going to get through this, together." This time, she kissed Malefor on the lips, but it was still very brief as they ventured forth, to where they did not know.
"You've lived quite the life, I see." Mole-Yair pointed out to Malefor, who nodded and took a sip from his coffee.
"Yes, but not all of it has been pleasant..." He trailed off.
"Indeed, my deepest sympathies for your Wife." The Elderly Mole gave his regards while Malefor nodded.
"Thank you, it means a lot."
"I would've loved to meet her, she sounds like she was quite the individual." Mole-Yair pointed out while Malefor chuckled.
"Synthia was special...I don't think I'll find another Dragoness quite like her." Malefor replied as he rolled up the piece of paper he had brought with. "Well, I best be on my way if I'm to get this Shelter and Charity off the ground. I'll contact Blaze and have him discuss the idea with the High Council, and I'll set a date for a meeting with the Congress, see you then, Mole-Yair." Malefor stood up and bid him adieu, then left the Cafe.
Yes, hello, it is me, the Author, anyways. I wanted this Chapter to be more focused on Malefor's attempts to redeem himself in the eyes of society, while also shedding some more light on his backstory again. From this point forward, a lot of the Memory Spinets will focus on the First Ape War, and to give you a timeline, the beginning of this story took place in the final Months of the Second Ape War, which was started by the Dark Master, so there's your timeline of events, anyways...I'm gonna go and start JoJo's Bizarre Adventures. Bye.