Hey guys, sorry for the long wait, I've been taking a break from writing to do some soul searching in a way, and part of that soul-searching involved me finding a lovely girl to share my love with...which is something I never expected to happen. Anyways: let's get onto the Chapter, we've got a lot to cover, so let's go. Also, we're going to call the alternate Spyro and Cynder (Z) as in Zirra, (Z) Spyro and (Z) Cynder, now let's start.

Chapter 36: New Dangers

1 Month Later

"Come on, Spyro, easy does it..." Cynder helped the Purple Drake out of his bed while their alternate counterparts watched, (Z) Spyro was the most unnerved by his counterpart's injuries, seeing something brutally beat down his own self wasn't a pretty site, as Spyro got out of his bed, he stumbled and fell.

"Ow ow ow! Sorry Cyn..." He looked up at his Cynder, who merely smiled and helped him up.

"It's okay, we'll get it soon enough, it's just day 1. Now come on, let's get you out of this room, Spy." She replied as lead him out of the Medical Bay.

"You okay, Spyro? You seemed...a little unsettled." (Z) Cynder turned to face him.

"I'm fine, it's just...well, did you see him? He's still covered in bandages, I've been a witness to myself on the brink of death." He pointed out as (Z) Cynder agreed silently while Spyro tripped over again.

"Ow..." He grumbled as Cynder helped him up.

"You're doing great." She smiled and lead him towards the exit, once the fresh air hit Spyro, he took in a deep breath and sighed while he slowly made his way down the stairs and stepped out onto the corridor. "You feeling better?" Cynder asked her lover as he nodded.

"Yeah, the Sun...it feels refreshing, only wish I could fly and enjoy the breeze." Spyro looked down in slight disappointment as Cynder tried to keep him optimistic.

"Well, this is nice and all, but we still need to find a way home." (Z) Spyro interrupted the moment, which earned him a scowl from Cynder. "What? My point still stands."

"As rude as his intrusion was, the duplicate of Spyro is correct. You need to return to your dimension." They turned to see Malefor striding out of the Temple.

"Can't you conjure a portal to send us back?" (Z) Cynder asked him as he shook his head.

"The only ones with access to such magic are Dark Sorcerers, and using a spell of such magnitude require strong Willpower and pureness of heart to withstand the Dark Magic required."

"Not to mention that Dark Magic is an illegal practice, it's been banned for centuries." Volteer's voice surprised them.

"Ah! Where did you come from?" Malefor asked the Lightning Dragon, who was behind him.

"A Guardian doesn't reveal his secrets...unless he takes on a pupil." He replied. "But as I was saying, Dark Magic has been outlawed for centuries, since the dawn of the Golden Age, those who continued such practices were exiled to the Land of Relics." Volteer's explanation only caused more confusion.

"What's the Land of Relics?" Spyro asked.

"The Land of Relics was part of the Old Realms, it along with the rest of the Realms were abandoned by our Ancestors in search of new land to conquer, starting the Golden Age of the Dragon Race. Many Dark Sorcerers were banished there because the land was fertile enough for them to sustain themselves, our leaders were not above killing, but they preferred less violent solutions for issues." Malefor explained as Spyro hobbled forward.

"Well, what're we waiting for?" He asked as Malefor turned to face him.

"Son, I'm sorry, but you're not in a good condition to fight or even travel, your flight capabilities are inhibited due to your wounds." Malefor knelt down

"But-"

"You're to remain in Warfang until your injuries are fully healed, and your muscles are strong enough, you can barely walk as it is." The older Purple Dragon sternly told his son, as he stared at the ground in disappointment, Malefor looked at Volteer. "Inform Ignitus that I plan to take Cynder and the duplicates to the Land of Relics, and have him assign Shard to look after Spyro while he recovers, it'll probably be a lengthy trip." He instructed Volteer.

"But Malefor, surely it would be best if I accompanied you, I'm familiar with the location you plan to go to, as powerful as you are, two Dragons of our caliber would be better than one." The Lightning Dragon replied as Malefor considered this.

"Very well, but go and tell Ignitus." The Purple Dragon allowed Volteer's request and sent him off, then he turned to face Spyro. "Spyro, I don't mean to be harsh, but I just want you to be safe." Malefor reassured his son, and sent him inside the Temple.

"He'll be mad at me for awhile, I can sense it..." He sighed and turned back to the others. "I suggest you two get ready for the journey ahead, gather any supplies you might need." He sent them on their way, leaving only him and Cynder.

"Sometimes I wonder if I'm being the best parent to Spyro...I've been absent from his life for 15 years, attempting to destroy the world. Now that I'm back, I just want to make up for lost time." Malefor opened up to Cynder.

"Malefor, you may have been the Dark Master, but Spyro's the type of Dragon that sees past the flaws, he may be upset he can't go with us, but I know he's glad to have you as his father, even if that has stained his reputation in any way." She responded while Malefor smiled.

"Thank you, Cynder, you're very well spoken." He complimented her as he stared into the sky.

Many Years Ago...

Malefor sat in a trench, staring into the star-filled sky, he sighed and stared ahead.

"Daydreaming?" He was caught by surprise and turned to see Synthia walking out of the bunker.

"The sky is rather beautiful this time of night, isn't it?" Malefor replied as the Dragoness sat next to him.

"Yes, it is...Are you ready for the mission tonight?" Synthia asked him as he nodded.

"Yeah." He said plainly and continued to stare at the stars.

"Are you even paying attention?" She inquired, but Malefor didn't hear what she had said, she snapped her fingers to get his attention.

"Ah! Sorry...I just, I'm fascinated with the Cosmos." He stated, causing Synthia to giggle in amusement.

"You're very cute when you're like that." The Dragoness responded as their tails coiled. "Anyways, I figured we could use some help, so I got a third Dragon on the job." A Lightning Dragon walked out to join them.

"Malefor, this is Volteer, he's new here." Malefor stood up and walked over to the Dragon.

"At ease." He noticed the Dragon's tense posture. "It's a shame that war has managed to drag another young soul into the fold. But welcome aboard, Volteer." Malefor shook paws with the Lightning Dragon.

"It's an honor to be working with a Purple Dragon." He said dutifully. "So what's our plan?" He asked Malefor.

"Well, we'll discuss that once we reach the camp, so I'd get ready for a trip for starters if I were you." Malefor replied as the Young Dragon rushed off.

"He reminds me of you." Synthia smirked, causing Malefor to look at her with a raised brow.

"What's that supposed to mean?" He asked as they walked through the dirt trench.

"Volteer's a good Dragon, his heart's in the right place, even if he is a little clueless at times." Synthia stated.

"And that reminds you of me? I didn't realize you thought I was clueless."

"A lot of things go over your head, dear." The Dragoness remarked, causing Malefor to raise his brow again.

"Like what?" He responded.

"Five words: My huge crush on you. It took years for you to realize how I felt."

"Yeah, but at the time, I thought the feeling wasn't mutual so I didn't try to interact." The Purple Dragon defended himself as the Dragoness giggled.

"Is that right? From what Ignitus told me, you didn't have a clue I felt that way." Synthia pointed out.

"Well, I...maybe...at the time, I wasn't the most concerned with relationships, my parents had just died, and I wasn't exactly the most impressive student under Hazan's teaching." Malefor replied as Synthia kissed his cheek.

"But you were impressive, you were the only Dragon to have studied Magic as opposed to your natural elements, and Magic takes more practice than learning your elements, I admired the dedication and how much you cared to help with someone's personal issue." The Dragoness walked towards the entrance of the bunker. "I think you're one of the most pure-hearted Dragons I've ever known, Malefor." Her last comment made Malefor blush.

"Well, my Sapphire, I could say the same about you." The Purple Dragon walked into the bunker with Synthia. "Now I suggest we gather any supplies and bags so we can bring back the rations to our camp." He suggested as the two lovers reluctantly parted ways.

Present Day...

Spyro was sitting in the courtyard, pondering to himself. He still felt upset that he couldn't join the others on their trip.

"What troubles you, Young Dragon?" He turned to see Ignitus walking up to him.

"Ignitus? What're you doing here?" Spyro asked the Fire Guardian.

"I figured a nice stroll outside would be nice, I heard Malefor is venturing to the Land of Relics with your duplicates and Cynder." Ignitus answered his question honestly. "I can sense your disappointment, Spyro. Do not be mad at your father, he only wants to protect you from danger."

"Did he forget that I managed to break one of his ribs when he was possessed? I can handle myself." Spyro replied.

"Until you're in better shape, you're going to have to remain here to stay safe, it's not against your benefit, we only want what's best." The Fire Guardian tried to lift his spirits, but Spyro remained solemn. "Come along, Young Dragon, you might as well wish your companions luck." The Purple Dragon slowly walked with Ignitus so as not to loose his balance over to Cynder and the others.

"Well, I guess this is goodbye for now." Spyro said to his lover, who hugged him lightly.

"Let's hope that I'll see you soon." Cynder smiled as Malefor walked up to them.

"Be well soon, Spyro." The older Purple Dragon knelt down and nuzzled Spyro in a fatherly manner.

"I guess it's time to depart then, farewell for now, old friend." Ignitus bid Malefor and the rest of the group adieu, and just like that, once they had left. Ignitus beckoned for Spyro to follow him inside. "Come along, Young Dragon, I suggest we begin with your physical therapy as soon as possible so you may return to full strength as soon as possible." The Guardian lead him inside the Dragon Temple. but as much as Spyro wanted to recover, he couldn't help but feel just as he did back at their Old Temple...alone.

Hello friends, I realize it's been awhile, but I'm just glad to get this out, I've got some things to catch up on, and I also want to keep working on Dawn of Amnesty, anyways, I hope you enjoyed this short but sweet chapter, and don't worry: Zirra's Return Spyro and Cynder will receive some of the spotlight in the next Chapter, I'm hoping...now, Adios.