Ok, again thanks to eveyone for reading.

Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Spyro characters. Matt is my human OC.

Malchoir stood high on his pedestal atop the Mountain of Malefor, overlooking the scene in the distance. He could sense the purple dragon and the Keyblader in retreat. An unfortunate move on his part. They both would be at full strength now. It was too bad it didn't matter. He then heard the footsteps behind him.

"Well done," he said. "They retreat to the safety of the Temple."

"You expect nothing less," Zendrix strutted up to the large dragon.

"You had a chance to destroy the Keyblader, yet didn't take it," Malchoir said.

"Oh, how tempting it was," Zendrix replied. "but I figured it would go against what you wish to do, so consider it a favor."

"Your work will not be in vain. I have waited for this moment for too long, and I will finish it." Malchoir paused. "What did you do with the Keyblader's friends?"

Zendrix giggled. "Let's just say they won't be a problem for you or me anymore."

"Good."

"He will come you know? That kid is too much of a goody-two shoes. He has a strong bond with those tow. It sickens me."

"I look forward to it…"

Hunter had been hurt badly, but now he was resting peacefully in his room. He would recover eventually.

Meanwhile, Matt sat silently to the side while the Guardians had their conversation with Spyro and Cynder on what had happened while they were gone.

"You're saying Malchoir came out of nowhere?" Spyro asked.

"Yes," Terrador replied. "After we called off our search for you, he appeared with these Heartless and declared war just days ago. We had no idea what they were until Matt and his friends arrived."

"Where did he come from?" Cynder asked. "How did you not see him coming?"

"We don't know," Volteer replied. "It's as if we were blinded by his darkness. He is indeed quite powerful."

"How could this have happened?" Spyro asked. "I thought everything would be alright once Malefor was defeated, but now it's like we're right back where we started." He slammed his paw against the ground in frustration.

"Spyro…" Cynder said.

"Beating Malefor made all of the difference," Terrador told Spyro. "We're it not for your bravery, our world as we know it would cease to exist." He paused. "Ignitus would be proud of you both."

Spyro and Cynder hesitated. "You know?" Cynder asked.

"We assumed the worst when you all didn't return. "

Cyril was the one who asked about Ignitus's fate. Cynder spoke up and explained as Spyro couldn't find the words to do it.

"I always knew that was how he wanted to die," Terrador said. "I could see it in his eyes."

Matt had stayed silent the entirety of the discussion about Ignitus. He hadn't revealed the former Guardian's true fate, and he had been asked not to by Ignitus himself.

"If Ignitus were here," Volteer spoke up. "He would want to stand up to this Malchoir."

"Yeah…" Spyro said. He looked over at Matt. "We have to help Matt's friends as well after all they've done."

"It's the least we can do," Cynder added.

"Agreed," Terrador said. "It was odd Malchoir didn't go through with his attack as planned though…"

"Why?" Spyro asked. "If you didn't give yourselves up, then why didn't he go through with it?"

Matt had also found it strange that the evil force hadn't attacked as well. Nothing made sense to him…nothing except the thought that he had to get Stitch and Pikachu back.

It had already fallen dark over the city, so the Guardians advised that everyone rest before they made any move tomorrow. Matt reluctantly knew he needed it. When it was time, the dragons went to their separate chambers while Matt went into the main chamber. He didn't want to intrude, so he went back to the corner where he had slept the night before.

He tried, but Matt found it impossible to sleep. Stitch and Pikachu were the only things on his mind. How could he have been so stupid? Leaving them behind made them vulnerable to an attack by an Organization member. They were both strong, but they hadn't beaten one without Matt there before.

Matt looked at his wristband, the one given to him by Yen Sid himself. Stitch and Pikachu had identical ones as well. They were to locate each other in case any of the trio were separated.

Matt got up from his position and walked to the balcony. He held out his wrist. The band was pointing directly to the Mountain of Malefor, just as it had been hours before. Matt was sure that Stitch and Pikachu were there. Unfortunately, there was no doubt that Malchoir was there as well. Zendrix probably was there too.

Matt closed his eyes. He had already done what Ignitus had asked him to do, and that was to bring Spyro and Cynder back. Now that they were safe, Matt thought about what the original plan had been just days before. He, Stitch, and Pikachu had come to this world to rid it of Heartless and the Organization, like they always did. Neo had warned them to make haste because the world was already fragile enough, thanks to Malefor's doing.

Matt opened his eyes; he knew what he had to do. It was late in the night, but it didn't matter. His friends were waiting. He turned to leave, but was stopped by someone who wasn't there a minute ago.

"Spyro!" Matt winced. "Don't scare me like that."

"Sorry about that," Spyro replied. "What are you doing up this late? You should be resting."

Matt sighed. "I can't. Not while my friends are still out there."

"You really care about them don't you?"

"Yeah…we've been through a lot together. We've helped a lot of people and been to a lot of places." Matt hesitated. "It's all my fault too."

"No, it's not. You didn't know that woman would attack them…"

"But I should have!" Matt yelled. "They're my responsibility…and I let them down." He started to tear.

Spyro walked up slowly. He knew exactly how Matt felt. "Matt…I know this doesn't change anything, but I want to thank you."

Matt looked up. "For what?"

"If it wasn't for you, Cynder and I wouldn't be here. We'd be stuck in that prison for eternity. I…I don't know if we could ever repay you."

Matt formed a small grin, then chuckled. "You don't owe me anything. It was my honor to get you out of there. Besides, I guess deep down I always wanted to meet you and Cynder."

"Uh…what do you mean by that?" Spyro looked confused.

"It's a long story…"

"Matt, I was wondering. How did you know where to look for us?"

Matt hesitated. "Well…the Keyblade kind of helped out." He paused a moment. " Spyro…I was sent by the Chronicler to come and find you. He asked me himself."

Spyro gasped. "Really?"

"Yeah, he knew you and Cynder were still ok. He just didn't know where you were to being with."

"I had no idea…" Spyro sighed. "We owe him a lot."

"Right," Matt said, suddenly remembering his plan. He then walked past Spyro towards the door.

"Where are you going?" Spyro asked.

"Where do you think…?" Matt kept walking.

"Matt, you're not thinking…"

"I'm going to save them, Spyro. I've had enough rest."

"It's the middle of the night."

"I don't care, Malchoir won't expect me."

"But, Matt you…"

"Spyro…" Matt turned back. "I've already made up my mind, and nothing you or anyone else says will change it."

Spyro just stared wide-eyed back, his jaw down. He could see it in Matt's eyes. The dragon knew it instantly.

"It's funny," Spyro said. "You remind me of myself, Matt. I'd risk my life for those I care about, and I can tell you feel the same. I may not be able to stop you, but maybe I can help you."

"What?" Matt asked.

"That's right. I'm going with you. You can't honestly expect to beat this Malchoir all by yourself do you?"

"I've fought some pretty tough enemies before…" Matt then remembered what Ignitus had said. The Keyblade alone wouldn't be enough…

"Are you sure you're up for this?" Matt asked.

Spyro nodded. "If defeating Malchoir means peace…then I'm willing to do whatever it takes."

"Well…," Matt then thought of something. "Maybe we should ask Cynder to…" Spyro shook his head no. "Why not? We could use her help." Matt didn't understand.

"Matt…Cynder's been through so much. I…I don't want to risk losing her."

"Are you sure?" Matt asked. "You two do make a good team."

Spyro sighed. "Yeah…but I saw you fight those creatures. I think the two of us are strong enough to beat Malchoir and save your friends. Please, Matt. I know Cynder will be mad…but I just can't risk it. She's already been through too much because of me. This time…I can do something for her."

Matt reluctantly agreed. "Alright…I understand. Spyro…thank you. This…this means a lot."

Spyro smiled. "Don't mention it. What are friends for?"

They walked back out to the balcony. Spyro offered to carry Matt while he flew them to the Mountain.

"You sure you can hold me?" Matt was embarrassed. He could barely lift both Spyro and Cynder.

"I'm stronger than I look," Spyro said. He lifted himself off the ground, hovering above Matt. "Just grab on and hold on tight." The dragon lowered his paws down.

Matt gulped. "Ok…" He grabbed on to his friend.

"Here we go!" Spyro beat his wings hard at the ground, making them soar through the cold air.

"Whaaaahhh!" Matt yelled. He clung to Spyro's paws for dear life. He could also see his feet get farther and farther away from the ground. Flying in the gummi ship was one thing, but this was completely different.

Spyro could only laugh. "Hang on Matt! Don't look down!"

Matt followed Spyro's advice and kept looking forward, staring straight at the mountain.

The sun was slowly coming up at their backs. It wouldn't be long now.

Hang on guys…we're coming for you…

The big confrontation (and twists!) are coming up next chapter. Stay tuned!

Peace out,

Biz