FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Chapter 57

They really did lead them to the castle.

Sparx huffed quietly, honesty wasn't the most popular advisor in this damn city so it was still better to keep your eyes open for any funny business. Surprisingly though he didn't notice anything unusual in the behavior of their escorting force, all the dragons acted with the discipline of a true law enforcer.

He wasn't entirely sure if it was because of loyalty to the Queen, Athron had all the means to wrap one's head up in the clouds with a mere wink if she so wished, he doubted though that this solution was a successful long term strategy. Skyward is a place where the border between pleasure and business is a very thin one, pushing the first too hard would only deprive you of advantage.

There was something else holding them in place and he had a feeling they had a role in this. Their arrival trigged a spiral of events that Athron definitely had not foreseen, how could she if they fought so hard to keep a purple dragon from hatching if stories are true.

But they are here now, still alive and breathing despite that, he wasn't naïve to believe that the Moonborne lied, their fate was more a consequence of a culmination of random unpredictable events that definitely held Athron's jaws back than specific planning.

They were an adaption factor.

And adaption is all about accepting the new reality for what it was, and right now they proved they are more worthy tools in Athron's blue paws, even if unwanted, than a total hindrance.

The Peacekeepers were aware of that.

Athron made it clear, without speaking a single sentence, that now they are a part of her destiny and that only meant that leaving Skyward will be much, much harder than entering it.

He only dreaded what could be more worse than being beaten and dragged into the bowels of a psychopath's dungeon.

"Do you guys see anything red anywhere?" Spyro's whisper brought the train of thoughts he was riding into a halt

"You are really thinking about it" Cynder noted, speaking in the most blatant code she could think of, green eyes running over the guards to make sure that they didn't pick up on any hints

"I don't know yet, I don't even know if it makes sense, but a promise is a promise" amethyst eyes turned towards the black, female frame, gold scales stretched out with rhythmical pumps of the heart trapped behind "You are here thanks to all that"

She nodded, a small smile stretching the lips was enough to assure him of her full support. She wouldn't do it personally, but she was also aware that she isn't the ideal role model when it comes to dealing with people and sense of any integrity.

She wouldn't do it for the Realms folks and she for certain wouldn't lift a claw for souls that are no more than ghosts. Spyro wasn't foolish enough to break his neck for creatures that in reality are long gone, he would too most likely give up on the idea of helping them if circumstances turned dire.

The difference between them was that he still values the promise, no matter who he gave it to, the fact alone that he remembers and searches for the opportunity to fulfill it was enough for her heart to have a meltdown.

Whether it was silly, naïve, or any other ugly crap didn't matter to her in the slightest, to see that golden heart race with the determination to get to work was everything that mattered. There is absolutely no way she would hinder it, the world needs something a force of Good to be consistent, there is too much darkness around.

She looked over the looming city and it's tall as mountains walls which even the tiniest ray of sun couldn't penetrate.

Too much indeed.

They landed on a balcony, they didn't even manage to fold their wings properly and were immediately shoved inside the by the bulky armored bodies of their escort that instantly began to push forwards.

"Slow down there dudes!" Sparx yelled through the mob but his voice was muffled into nothingness by the massive armors

A snap of cold whipped across their faces.

And then with one final push they were forced through a massive blue door embroidered with gems so big that they could be mistaken for a mole's head. The Peacekeepers retreated, shutting the door behind with a clang so loud that it made them all jump, reminding them of the noise of a shutting tightly grate of a certain dungeon they were the unlucky guests of.

A bright in blue room greeted them, all the walls were covered with biting layers of ice that were so perfectly polished that they looked like one, huge sapphire. Among them were glimmering veins of bright green, pulsing with the beat of a heart of a creature embraced by the peaceful arms of sleep.

They immediately felt the cold stabbing their paws, the whole ground followed the construction of the room, lacking in embroidery or carpets, being the same, breathtaking crystal like the rest of the room. They immediately started tapping their draconic feet to warm their limbs a little, the rhythmic bumps against the floor triggered veins upon veins of the familiar draining magic to appear across the whole floor.

Almost the same pattern like in the dungeon.

The only difference was that this particular Binding magic wasn't intrusive, it was merely licking their scales with the gentle touch of a feather, tugging, but not pulling, constantly reminding them of its presence.

Even Sparx felt the hostile and arrogant touch of this place, the biting cold was touching even the air, each beat of his wings felt as if they were scratching against the sharp tips of formidable icicles.

A distance away from them, at the end of the visible path surrounded by pillars of ice, spikes of which were glowing deathly green, on a pedestal laid Athron with Iris sitting by her side. The Queen was awe inspiring even from here, wearing no armor this time her godlike figure was on display for everyone to admire and with her daughter so close it would be very hard to not draw a comparison between the females. Their combined presence only intensified the feeling of intimidating pain stabbing the heart of every visitor.

The beauty was terrifying, all three of them felt meager in front of it, the presence of it alone was painful, waking up desires that in their unfairness hurt like any blade cutting your body. A desire that tormented you with the idea that whatever is on the end of this cold path is beyond your reach.

And if you decided to try to get it, the path leading to the godlike figure at the end was no less perilous. It already was uncomfortable to simply touch this freezing ice, they couldn't imagine walking it without hissing through their teeth.

This throne room wasn't here for show.

It was as much of a trap as it was a mocking area. Athron sacrificed looks for the depressing feeling of being defenseless and unworthy in her presence, and if she herself wasn't intimidating enough to shrink everyone that gazed on her, her specific throne room completed that equation effectively.

With the Binding magic just creaking in the walls, ready to unleash its hungry tentacles to sap every bit of magical energy.

In this place they were at her mercy and she made sure that they knew that.

They waited for her to speak, but no matter how long they waited Athron remained silent, something that caught them by surprise since she was the one that asked for them.

And yet they need to show the initiative to speak with her. And to do that you just need to walk the path of painful shame.

While the Binding magic will lick your essence away step after step.

It became quite obvious why the Peacekeepers left so quickly, all three of them were quite certain that they watched the door, ready to act if they decide to break through, confident that they will be stronger than anyone who entered the throne room.

And they were right.

As much as the group found it ironic, they had to admit that in this particular moment, Time wasn't working in their favor.

"Of course, we bleed and help only to end up groveling so we could be seen, why I'm not surprised" Cynder snorted, narrowing her eyes on the sitting, feathery girl "I can see her grinning from here, I can tell she's enjoying it"

"I don't think Iris had any say in this matter" Spyro explained calmly

"Sure. She's obsessed with her mom and didn't know from who she took the arrogant attitude from. Totally believable. I just can't wait for the moment when we're going to put our necks on the line for her again, maybe then she'll let us touch her, what do you think, isn't that an awesome perspective?"

Pearl white grin flashed at him.

A sad sigh stretched out the purple chest. The obvious mockery didn't bother him as much as the fact that Cynder's sarcasm had a logical ring to it. They were really doing their best here, in fact they all came here only to help Iris out.

They came here because of him and everything they got in return is more despicable approach.

He personally wasn't bothered by folks not showing him any respect, in fact he was rather content with them treating him like a normal dragon, forcing him to work for their approval despite the stories and legends.

Everything however has its limit.

Even though he knew a side of Iris that neither Cynder or Sparx were truly aware of, it still didn't justify his lack of action against her. This wouldn't be possible if not for his companions and whether she likes it or not it's about time she started to treat the rest with the same amount of respect, if it can be called like that in her case, like she treats him.

"Point taken" purple head fell down in shame

"Good" the grin vanished, replaced by a frown that could only rival the wince of someone smelling something bad "Let's get this walk of shame over with. My paws are getting numb"

Black legs stretched out, silver claws touched the cold floor a breath farther a pulse of green energy flashed across the entire room. A second leg followed soon after, the process repeating itself, green dash flowing across the entire room, skipping only the pedestal the Queen occupied.

"Dudes. Being locked in a lantern felt better than this" Sparx felt tiny and useless in his life before, in all of them though there was this crack of hope that there is a chance he can turn the tide in his favor by himself

This was far worse, nothing was his responsibility here and it really felt that even though they are moving forward their progress is not their own will. It was like being held under a boot that only lifts its toes whenever it wants to mock you with the idea of freedom, seeing you crawl until it pins you back again.

As if hearing his thoughts the room began to gloat, sending pulse after pulse to the rhythm of the clicking, draconic claws. They could swear that if they listened closely, they would hear the Binding magic's laughter.

"I must say dear visitors that you have truly broadened my horizons" in a room full of ice, the sensual voice of the Queen was like a gust of hot air from bursting from an opened oven

And no matter their subjective preferences, they all shook under that invasive touch.

"I already like the first step you made, I can only wonder where it might take us further" blue eyes ran over each member of the trio and despite their nearly stubborn will they all were unable to hold the intimidating weight of Athron's attention

Blue mouth stretched into a smile, claws drummed a ghastly melody against the pedestal.

"You helped me get rid of one particular pestilence that gnawed at my side for quite some time. You might be glad that I also took that problem off your shoulders, the sisters and their lackeys won't bother you anymore"

The group looked over each other, thinking whether to comment on the fact that whatever foes they made here didn't matter since their visit is only temporary.

An alluring chuckle left the blue throat, power of which drew the attention of the ones below whether they liked it or not.

"This is how I praised my subjects? Did I do good daughter?"

"Yes Mother"

Spyro's head propped itself up at the sound of the accented, nearly devoid of all life voice, he turned his attention at his feathered companion who still had her head aimed at the floor. She wasn't the image of joy he expected her to be after reuniting with her mother and that's putting it mildly.

"I'm deeply indebted to you for bringing my daughter to me" a thumb of the blue wing caressed gently the stripped flank the feathery girl shook under the touch, feathers of her wings grazed over the thumb

Claws of the drumming toes sunk into the ice, creating small cracks in the pedestal, the sharp ding popping a single fang from underneath the blue lips.

"We found a connection immediately, didn't we Iris my dear?"

"Y-Yes Mother" her body pressed into the wing, wing that immediately pushed away soon after

"But we aren't here for theatrics of affection" as Athron turned her head one could see a pair of freezing flames dying in her eyes together with the softening nose as it conquered a wrinkle

Folded behind the back yellow hands began a fiddling match between their fingers, fighting back the uneasy feeling of a mask being pressed against his face.

"I wonder why are YOU here my visitors"

"We helped Iris to find you and now that's done we'll be leaving" Cynder spoke up

Beautiful silhouette rose to a sitting position, the boys couldn't help themselves but to skim their eyes over the entirety of the alluring frame before they finally managed to peel their eyes off. Burns of embarrassment painted their cheeks, deep down they knew that Athron saw that, even though her attention was drilling holes in Cynder.

"Are you the leader of this group?"

"No, but-"

"Then be silent girl" a breath of ice flowed from the blue nostrils, making the entire room turn green for a second "I extended my paw to all of you as a symbol of gratitude, but do not offend me by believing you are of my stature. I don't mingle with lackeys"

What a bitch.

Thought forced the black tail to make a flick, the touch flexing every muscle, with a barely audible creak Cynder's mouth began to part open, words ringing with honesty and impatience started to rush towards her tongue.

Words that were suddenly stopped by her mouth clamping shut when Sparx gave her swinging tail a pinch.

A smirk stretched the blue lips that made steam come out from the black earholes. Blue eyes immediately turned to the purple dragon, not even bothering to look at the glowing dragonfly.

Spyro with great difficulty found enough courage to lift his head up, doing his best not to eye the silhouette too much, afraid of being deprived completely of his already weak confidence.

"We really came here only to help Iris out" the sound of his voice shocked him, it was so surprisingly sure of itself that for a second he believed that there was someone else giving the answer

And without even realizing when it happened, his eyes were already locked with Athron's, sensing deep down that there was nothing to be ashamed of, there was nothing wrong with being proud of what you have done.

And they had done a lot.

He was sure that if his heart had arms it would be flexing its biceps now.

Athron eyed her daughter quickly, letting out a soft breath that quickly shrunk the puffing out chest, replacing every feeling with practiced boredom.

"And what did she offer you in return?"

Spyro swallowed, even though he never asked for anything, thinking about the times when Iris advanced on him still felt awkward sitting in front of her mother.

He just hoped that the burn he felt on his cheeks didn't turn his scales red.

"Nothing. Iris is part of our team and we simply help each other out"

Athron chuckled.

"Friends? How unbelievably sweet" the amusement was extinguished by a deathly flash of cold puff wafting from the nose "Do not take me for a fool boy"

"But-"

"He speaks the truth Mother" the feathery wings on the blue back flopped down, smacking against the cold ice with the sound of a rock dropped into an empty well

Big claws on the adult, blue legs drilled small holes in the ice, sending a wave of green tears across the room. For a moment there all three of them expected the dragoness to leap at them, but only a short second after the tension was gone from the muscles, a pleasant, flirtatious smile stretched the mouth.

"Selflessness is such a rare trait these days. Now that you fulfilled your end of the deal what do you plan to do with your freedom?"

A thought about asking Athron about the crystal the Moonborne spoke about flashed across his mind, but he quickly cast the option away, feeling his brother's eyes poking his scales was enough of a hint to tell that it was a very bad idea.

"Now that Iris is happy" he stole a gaze at her lowered head, he couldn't really tell how it is to reunite with a long dead parent, but he supposed that a smile wouldn't be too much to ask for

Iris however remained still.

A really painful gulp stretched his throat.

"Now that's she's happy...we'll just leave"

"Go home I presume? Back to your own timeline through the portal? I can always organize an escort"

Each wing of the trio made an uncomfortable flick, while they weren't surprised that Iris told her mother about the Veil, it wasn't that problematic as long as she doesn't know the way.

And it goes without saying that it is rather necessary that it stays that well.

"It's okay, we wouldn't want to put the lives of your soldiers in danger, Skyward needs them more than we do. We can take care of ourselves, don't worry"

The predatory grin that Athron flashed at him reflected his image with the effect of a mirror and if he paid close attention he could swear that he could see tiny stars flickering all around his frame.

"I can't let you leave"

Toes and fingers clenched tightly and while the latter didn't have any magic flowing through them they also seemed to be able to provoke a thick pulse of green flash across the room.

And then Athron started laughing, stretching their necks more effectively than a rope tied around the neck.

"My daughter didn't lie when she said that you don't trust me. Clever boy, very clever" with a giggle she dismissed their aggression with a wave of the paw "You can relax. When I said you can't leave what I meant is that I can't let you go in this state. You're filthy, I won't hinder my reputation by letting you leave looking like thrash. Iris dear, you know that to do, show our guests the pool"

Iris jumped down, the graceful leap ruined when her paws touched the ice below, knees bending under the weight of her thick, still flopped down wings, making her look like a bat as she stumbled for balance.

"It is very unbecoming of a Queen to manifest such uncertainty dear daughter"

"Yes, Mother" Iris mumbled, dragging wings and tail behind she pushed forward without any cue, walking so slowly as if she would be suffering from malnutrition

All three exchanged meaningful glanced between each other as they turned to follow the blue dragoness. All understanding that this is not how a daughter should behave after reuniting with her long dead mother.

A door locked itself behind them as they stepped into one of the many massive hallways. The gust of air slapped Sparx' in the back, giving his wings the necessary. He immediately dashed in front of Iris, who, unlike her, kept her nose aimed at the ground

"Listen princess, blink twice quickly if your mom is mistreating you"

"Sparx!" Spyro hissed through clenched teeth

Iris snapped her head up, wings and tail climbing right behind it, murderous cold flashed in her blue eyes. Sparx dashed back with a yelp, rising his hands defensively.

"That's not it guys, you don't need to thank me for crossing the nasty from the list"

And then the strings holding everything snapped, hollow thuds that echoed in the castle sounding so much like the moans of the living dead.

Cynder felt a stab at her heart, so similar to the tug of a magical chain she once wore around the neck. Green eyes went into a roll when she turned to the obvious culprit, Spyro with his attention seemed to tug at the skirt of her very soul.

As much as she tried to be indifferent about it, she too felt a slight ting of responsibility, whether they liked it or not they were a team and the whole idea behind this stupid mission was to make the feathered nuisance happy.

It goes without saying who among them wouldn't accept failure if he has anything to say about it.

She gave him a supporting nod.

Spyro bowed so deeply that only his bones were stopping him from dropping right at her paws. He carefully approached Iris, walking right next to her in silence allowing her to adapt to his presence.

And maybe give her enough of a hint that he is ready to listen.

If she understood it, she made no sign of it.

He wasn't concerned, it was still worth a try.

"We didn't go anywhere yet, we can still play as a team if you are willing"

"The ice is whispering to me"

His eyes widened, tongue running over the inside of the teeth in search of remnants of letters he suddenly forgot. Of all the things he expected Iris to do, being scarily cryptic was nowhere on this list.

"Why it is not silent? I untied with my mother, why is there no warmth?"

"I...think" he gulped "I think you just need to give her time, your mom will come around eventually. There is a lot on her head"

"It's not because of mother"

He was taken aback, completely lost for a second, unable to comprehend her train of thought he looked for assistance in his companions. Truth be told, and he hated to admit it, he didn't need to look further than his brother to determine what exactly might be the reason.

Sparx was making turns with a finger pressed against his temple.

"I don't understand what you mean, I'm sorry, you must-"

"The pool" Iris suddenly pushed the nearby door open, the wave of warmth that washed from the room made him jump back at the unexpected touch of heat

It was really a pool, even bigger than the one Ignus had in his own house. Delicate bubbles were popping all around the small ocean, which they found pretty ironic considering that ice dragons are fans of cold. At least he never expected Athron admit that other elements have certain advantages over cold.

Cynder shoved her way forward, taking a deep breath, intoxicating herself of the scent of some kind of incense hanging in the air. She quaked under the sudden pressure of dirt on her scales, the filth seemed to come alive, slithering all around her whole body like disgusting worms.

And all that topped with the nagging feeling of eyes peeking under every scale.

She shuddered.

"I'm going in and nobody is going to stop me!" she sprinted forward, diving right into the water, wanting nothing else but to hide beneath it

The splash of water nearly reached the doorstep and while both brothers weren't as sensitive when it came to being dirty, the touch of this clean liquid triggered some small, full of abhorrence shudders even in them.

"Wait for me!" Sparx dashed ahead, sinking into the water with the wound of a rock being skipped

Spyro observed as Iris stared blankly at his resurfaced friends, their laughter filling the room like a song.

"You know, they say that laughter is infectious, maybe you'll join and-"

"It's all your fault"

Purple mouth closed with a audible clamp, nearly slicing the tongue in half. If one could see with the of his imagination there would be a horde of questions marks jumping all around his head right now.

"The ice is telling me to stop, it didn't tell me to stop for many years. I slid on it towards mother, my goal where everything will become as before" a hard gulp stretched out of the blue throat "It didn't and you're responsible"

"If there is anything I've done that hurt you in any way, believe me I didn't mean it. I'm sorry for whatever I'm responsible, just tell me what I did wrong and maybe I'll help you out while I'm still here"

White paw rubbed against the now healed neck.

"You did nothing wrong" tip of the tail began unexpectedly making big, unhindered swings

Spyro tried really hard not so scratch his head, the itch caused by his confused, unrestful, wriggling brain was making it very difficult ordeal as minutes flew by.

"Spyro!" Cynder yelled from the pool "You coming or what?" waves of impatience rippled the water

The shout came crashing like a whip, yet the mark it left, even if burning, felt like salvation pulling him from a pit he felt totally lost in.

"Come on Iris. Water will do you good" he sprinted forward, leaping into the pool among his laughing companions

The blue dragoness dragged her wings to the edge, resting her butt there she observed the swimming trio.

Or so they thought, but since the pupils were aimed only at one spot, unmoved even by some tongues of water reaching her, all they needed to see now was a rope of drool stretching from the mouth to officially say that Iris lost her mind.

And no matter how bad it might sound, all of them were certain that it will happen.

"Guys, I don't know" the only visible black head whispered to the group "Should we pull her in? I would rather have her stay there, but watching her is almost heartbreaking. If a splash doesn't wake her up then she'll drown, it doesn't look like it would make any difference to her anyway, while we would spare ourselves the depressing sight one way or the other"

"Careful there Cyn, your black dragon is showing" Sparx commented with an applauding grin

Spyro was the only one not making jokes, of all the things he expected to see after the reunion, overwhelming sadness was nowhere close to the list. Not only he felt bad for her, but his own heart bled as well, dripping droplets that tasted like failure. Standing up to her was one thing, he never signed up for causing pain.

As if sensing his plight, the static white eyes lifted themselves up, even though the mask covering them was unmoving, he still could hear what she tried to say. Everything was visible in those white orbs.

You did nothing wrong.

Iris turned around in total silence, walking towards the door with an uneven step, her hips, which she so perfectly provoked with, lost their alluring touch, each twist making her stumble, pulling the entire frame from one side to the other as if she would be limping.

For the very first time since they met he sensed that she hoped he won't follow her.

She reached the doorstep, turning behind the corner slowly, legs shaking so bad that they looked like they wanted to go back and forward at the same time.

And then the tail that laid almost still the entire time flicked up, the tip charged with magical energy.

And the only thing Sparx about before it fell was his surprise about the fact that he was right when it came to her. He really didn't saw it coming.

Tail struck the icy floor, a bolt of cold energy flashed up the chilly eyes brightly, making the frozen icicles crack loudly at the top of the doorstep. Newly created holes there spat out lines of thick grates that went smoothly into the floor, barely making any sound when they connected with the ice, as if the union was more natural than that of birthright.

Same manner of bars fell down all around the room and extended across the ceiling, metal immediately getting covered by ice and flaring up with deathly green hue. The could feel the draining leeches of Binding magic crawling across their bodies as the energy surrounded them.

Contrary to the throne room, the pool and the floor didn't seem to be affected, at least for now.

Tongues of fire danced from the purple nose.

You fucking idiot.

"IRIS!" Spyro roared, his blare scarring away even the water, touch of the sound stopping the blue dragoness in her tracks, even from here he noticed shivers running along her scales

His yell was not that of surprise, not that of plea and neither that of blame. It was a roar that of command, one that is heard on the battlefield where loyalties are clearly painted, where the line between them and betrayal grants access only in one direction.

"I agree with Mother" she turned around, pressing her head against the glowing grate, tendrils of magic enveloped her hungrily

Yet despite the growing weakness she stood firmly, accepting the discomfort as a religious person his penance.

The girl that Spyro saw behind the veil of the white eyes presented itself before all of them.

She was crying, hugging her tail closely, dancing above the sea of freezing ice that were normally Iris' pupils.

The island on which she sat was a reflection of their silhouettes floating in the pool.

"You can't leave"