DRAGON HEROES

Here's another adventure for Cynder and her friends, and this time, we have somewhat of a two-parter here! More intense action which will build up progressively to get things set for the season finale!

Mind Switch Trouble

Chapter 1 – Ash's Diabolical Plan

Princess Ash pondered deeply over her next scheme to defeat Cynder and her friends. She was getting tired having being bested by them the last couple of times, despite having beaten Cynder during their first encounter in Hawaii, and now she felt that the time has come to finish them off for good.

"They're getting stronger every day," she said to herself. "Soon enough, they would be able to defeat me, and I cannot let that happen!"

As she paced thoughtfully around the beach, she looked back at her battle with Cynder at the Mauna Loa Tournament, remembering how she spared her life from Torden when she could have let him put her out of her miseries. She still could not understand her rival's motives, yet she could not help but feel a slight sense of gratitude for the deed. Even so, Ash knew she had to continue on her mother's legacy and subjugate the world once she has finished off the only obstacles standing in her way.

I was so close to eliminating them the other day when I had that pink brat Lily under my control, she thought. Had it not been for Percival calling for his friends, I could have defeated them. Well, I now know better next time not to let anyone go, and I'm going to have to find a more subtle way to get back at those do-gooders, like – wait a moment, I think I got it! I only have one more ace up my sleeve, and this should be foolproof! Ash, you really are an evil genius! Those dragons will never know what hit them! All I need is someone for me to use the spell on, and I think I know who!

Grinning evilly, Ash prepares to pet her plan into action. She laughed maniacally, feeling very sure that she would finally exact her revenge on Cynder, especially when she knew what she was going to do to her when she manages to capture her.

"This will be it for Cynder and her pitiful band," she chuckled. "Soon, I shall taste the sweet nectar of victory and vengeance!"

Cynder sighed in relief as she saw the village ahead. Yesterday had been yet another eventful day for her and her friends, and after thwarting the Pyre Squad's plans for the umpteenth time followed by doing some sightseeing around Osaka, she was hoping to relax and unwind without having to worry about tangling with evildoers for a long time.

The others felt just as relieved to be at their village as well. Draco was looking forward to playing video games with Darky, Bowser, Charonus, and Percival, while Torden and Jakkin wanted to resume their sparring. Lily was excited to add more decorations to her hut after buying more during the stay at Osaka, and Cynder was thinking about taking a solitary stroll around the Ago Bay. Ignatius and Shu, who accompanied the dragons at Emperor Tomohiro's suggestion, were excited about having a tour around the village. As soon as the group got closer, they could see Tails' Tornado parked nearby.

"Well, I could see that Tails is here," said Blaze. "He must be worried sick about us."

Sure enough, there was Tails waiting anxiously for Blaze and the dragons. When he saw them, he was very happy.

"Hey, guys!" he called. "It's about time that you would return!"

"Tails, it's good to see you again!" smiled Draco.

Ignatius and Shu were confused. They had never seen this two-tailed fox before, but they could tell that they were close to him from the way they greeted him.

"Excuse me," said Ignatius. "Who is this fox?"

"This is Tails, a friend of ours," said Blaze. "He also happens to be my husband as we've been married to each other for years. He's also a scientist who helps me a lot on researching the mystery of dragons aside from working on his inventions and experiments."

Tails smiled modestly. "Pleased to meet you two," he said. "I don't think I've ever seen you before."

"We're from the Beast Convention of Osaka," the duo replied. "My name's Ignatius, an Incineroar, and my little friend right here is Shu, a Pikachu."

"Hello!" said Shu cheerfully.

"Wait a minute, I think I have heard that name before!" exclaimed Tails. "You're Ignatius, the one who fought Bowser at the Mauna Loa Tournament in Hawaii?"

"That's right," said Ignatius. "It is a great honour to make your acquaintance, especially since I was very impressed with how well you the dragons competed, and I take it you already knew who I am."

"Yes, of course," said Tails. "I was there to support my wife Blaze and all my dragon buddies when they were participating in the tournament. You see, Blaze and I took a two week vacation in Hawaii, and we invited the dragons to come so they could take on the Island Challenge to sharpen their skills."

"Ah, that figures," said Ignatius. "I could tell that they're getting stronger, which is why I suggested that they take part of the Beast Convention, so they could improve even more by learning about the ways of the anthro."

"It's good to know that you've taken an interest in Cynder's group," said Blaze. "That really made me felt as if my teachings to her were very effective."

"And indeed they were," said Ignatius. "You should be very proud, Blaze."

Blaze smiled and nodded.

"Okay, I think it's about time I go for my walk," said Cynder. "I won't take long, everyone."

"Can I come with you, Cynder?" asked Draco.

"I want to come too," said Darky.

"That's alright, I'll be fine by myself," replied Cynder. "Besides, I want to gather my thoughts about something, and it would work better for me while I'm in my solitude."

"Alright, but please be careful," warned Draco. "I wouldn't want to see you get hurt."

"You worry too much, Draco," said Cynder. "Really, I will be alright, and I can fend for myself."

And with that, Cynder left the village and into the forest. Blaze looked on with concern. While she respected Cynder's wishes to be by herself for the time being, she was worried as she could sense that there was an evil presence lurking around not far from the village. She was not sure, but something inside of her could tell that they would be facing a dangerous enemy sooner or later.

Author's Note: Some foreboding of what is to come as the story progresses! What could the sinister Ash be planning? Find out soon!