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Here is the 6th Installment of the Malefor Chronicles. Hope you enjoy and sorry for it being so late.

Chapter 6: The Grand Quest

Dragon Realms, Uncharted System

October 23, 2204

Walkway between Shianna and Hianna Courtyards, Dragon City of Dale

1123 Hours

"Are you sure you haven't seen her?" A dragon with a hood asked as he talked to another dragon standing in front of a fruit stand. The dragon's cloak and hood kept him dry as rain fell from the sky as well as keeping him warm as a brisk cold wind flowed through the streets. With winter approaching fast, the weather had been taking a turn for the worst.

"No, I'm afraid not." The dragon responded before purchasing fruit. Disappointed, the dragon retreated into the walkway more. The two courtyards above him teemed with dragons, and the walkway in between them was no different. The dragon sighed; made sure his cloak and hood were fastened properly, and continued down the path. The cold rain fell onto the already wet cloak and the dragon scanned the passage for any others he should inquire.

He spotted another group talking to a dragon sitting behind a stand and approached them.

"What can I do ya for?" The dragon behind the stand asked.

"I'm looking for a dragoness, think you could help me?" He replied.

The dragon looked him over, obviously noting his young demeanor. However, he probably passed it off.

"Sure, what does she look like?"

"She's black with a green underbelly with horns that come horizontal from the back of her head and turn vertical. She also has earth patterns all on her and she has green eyes. She's an Earth Dragoness." The dragon behind the stand looked like he was thinking hard. The others in front were also thinking about the dragoness in question.

"I'm sorry lad, but I have seen several dragonesses that look sort of like that. Does she go by a name?"

"Eatherine." He said rather quickly.

"I'm sorry, never heard of her." The others nodded with the same results. The dragon sighed.

"It's alright. Thanks anyway..." He turned to leave and the others returned to their business. The dragon walked leapt into the air and flew out of the walkway as the rain fell. His hood came undone and the dragon quickly replaced it. He couldn't let anybody see his face. As the former Dark Master, he had to keep in hiding as long as possible. He may have escaped the Dragon Temple, but he was in no position to face the other dragons. If it hadn't of been for Spyro, he'd be dead right now.

The dragon, Malefor, flew until he sat atop a building overlooking the Hianna Courtyard. He was in the Dragon City of Dale. It was the largest city in the Realms. It was also the sight of a battle between Spyro and his own forces a year or two ago. The city had recovered since then, but eerie reminders of past events still lingered. Malefor's hood came undone once more but he let it flap in the wind. He was so far up that nobody could really see his purple face.

He saw two figures approaching via air and flew down into the courtyard. He walked into a small alleyway nearby and sat down. The two figures swooped in and landed nearby. They too were wearing hoods and promptly removed them.

The two figures revealed themselves as Spyro and Cynder.

"Any luck?" Malefor asked them.

"No... nobody has seen her." Spyro responded.

"I overheard somebody talking of a dragoness asking for the quickest way to Gale, but he couldn't remember what she looked like." Cynder said.

"Well that's our only lead..." Malefor said in disappointment. Spyro walked over and set his paw on his shoulder.

"Don't worry Malefor, we'll find her." Spyro reassured him.

"I guess..." Malefor said sadly.

Malefor was really starting to loose hope. It had been months since he had last seen Eatherine and now it was nearing winter.

They had been searching almost every corner of the Realms for her and had turned up nothing. One lead pointed to a distressed dragoness heading to Dale, but they had gotten that tip months ago so she would have likely left by now. Though that tip about her going to Gale might turn up something. Though she probably had headed over to Gale months ago and would have moved on from there as well.

"Well to Gale it is." Malefor finally said after debating it in his mind. The others nodded and they took flight into the rainy skies. To the north sat the city of Gale. It was several miles out... a days flight. The city was at the base of Mt. Colossus, an enormous mountain bordering the central region of the Realms.

They all fastened their hoods and cloaks, for they didn't want to draw unnecessary attention to themselves. They soared out of the city and to the north. Gale sat beyond.

6 Months ago...

Dragon Realms, Uncharted System

April 4, 2204

Balcony of the Dragon Temple

1943 Hours

"Eatherine no! NO! Please, I love you! I... want you... NO!" Malefor started to stumble through sentences as he begged her to return. As she continued to fly off, Malefor let out a loud roar of pain. As if by cue, a lightning bolt split the sky at the same time as his cry of sorrow. Eatherine heard it and felt her heart get torn in half. She wanted to go back to him, but her anger dictated her actions and she continued off into the sky.

Malefor sat on the balcony, pounding the floor with his fists in pain. Thunder boomed through the Realms and rain splattered onto Malefor's scales.

Warriors and Dragons dashed over and jumped onto the stricken beast. They pinned him to the ground and pounded him with their fists and weapons. Malefor didn't even flinch. He felt too much pain internally to feel anything else. His heart had been tossed out and left in the rain... so were his hopes of ever finding true happiness.

Cynder stood and watched the scene. Part of her was happy, but another was sad. She felt a pang of pity and sorrow for Malefor. True, he deserved punishment, but Cynder had been through what Malefor had been through. It hurt... it hurt a lot. She didn't think anyone, even Malefor, deserved that punishment. As she sat she saw a Warrior lift an M6 pistol to Malefor's head. They were going to execute him! She dashed over, hoping to at least delay his death when a bolt of electricity blasted the pistol out of the Cheetah's hands. They all craned their heads to see the source of the attack.

In mid-flight sat Spyro, smoke flowing from his muzzle from the recent discharge of energy.

"Release him, now!" Spyro shouted. The creatures quickly obliged, and the purple dragon underneath was revealed. Spyro swooped down and helped Malefor get up. Cynder was confused by the sight and rushed over.

"Spyro?! What are you doing?" She asked as she approached. Spyro glanced at her.

"Helping Malefor, where's Eatherine."

"She's gone..." Malefor said after a cough. Tears strolled down his face. Spyro sighed and tried to help him to his feet. Cynder walked over and felt really bad. Though... he was still the Dark Master and answers still were needed.

"Spyro what are you doing? Why are you helping him?" Cynder asked.

"Because he isn't evil anymore."

"What?"

"Listen, everybody, Malefor isn't bad anymore! I went to see the Chronicler and I learned a few things from it. One of them is that Malefor went evil because he was corrupted with power that he was trying to use to help the Realms. However he went evil and now his power is gone and he just wants to get a new leash on life."

Everybody remained silent around him. A few of the dragons still glared at Malefor as he sat up and looked around. Rain still fell on them, coming down in a light mist. A low rumble was still audible and the clouds retained their angry grayish look.

"So... he's good now?" One of the dragons asked.

"Yes... he is. He doesn't want to do any more evil. I have traveled to learn the truth and I have learned it."

"Well I suppose an apology is in order..." A gruff voice said from behind the crowd. Ignitus walked up, limping a bit after Malefor's attack. Cynder looked awestruck that they were so quick to forgive him. The others were all mixed opinions. Some laid down there weapons while others questioned it... having fought the Dark Master for years it was hard to just give up.

"Apology accepted. I'm sorry for whatever I did as the Dark Master, I really am! I know sorry won't cut it... I have done way too much bad things to just say sorry. I can't say how sad I am for all of your losses because of me."

There were murmurs throughout the crowd.

"Why should we forgive you?! All you did is brought us pain and suffering! He may be good but he deserves death!" A voice called out.

"You should forgive him because he has already suffered enough." Another voice called. They all looked up to see a blue dragon flying in air. His eyes were a solid shade of gold and a small trail of blue light was given off by his body. Spyro recognized him, it was Spiritus... Malefor's father.

"It's Spiritus..." Ignitus said in a low whisper.

"My son has done horrible things but he is willing to seek amends for his wrong doings. I will not forgive those who cannot forgive..." He said as he glared at them. They lowered all of their weapons and backed off.

Spiritus nodded at Malefor and he looked at the ground sadly.

"Malefor, what's wrong, they forgive you!" Spyro said as he saw Malefor drooping his head low.

"I don't want to live... Eatherine left me and I have no reason to go on with all that I have done..."

"Malefor, we'll help you find her! We will find her and together we can reunite you two." Spyro said reassuringly.

"Really?" Malefor said as he looked up at Spyro. Spyro nodded and Spiritus nodded as well. Cynder hesitantly nodded. She didn't want to admit it, but part of her would always hate Malefor.

"Which way did she go?" Spyro asked and Malefor pointed out to the horizon. Spyro and Cynder took flight in that direction and Malefor quickly followed. Spiritus flew off into the distance, disappearing from sight.

"Spiritus?" Hunter asked as he approached where the scene had taken place.

"He is a legendary dragon that is said to only appear to the purest of us or when he is need to solve a situation. He is said to have defeated the ultimate evil and paved the way for all of existence to flourish. Without him, none of this would be here..." Ignitus explained.

"Well it's good that he is aiding young Spyro and Cynder then."

"Yes... it is." The clouds parted and the storm had started to let up, the final rays of the day casting themselves on the trio of dragons as they headed out into the Realms in search of Eatherine.

Present Day

Dragon Realms, Uncharted System

October 23, 2204

Fields north of Dale

1146 Hours

As they left Dale, the winds began to pick up. Their cloaks started to slip but they kept them fastened. A few dragons passed by them, but they didn't pay any attention to the trio of dragons that left Dale. The mountains separating Gale from Dale were treacherous and the winds were too strong for flying. They would have to proceed on foot.

They could still fly over the Enchanted Forest, for the winds were fairly still suitable for flying. A small mist of rain fell and Malefor felt it hit his face. It felt so refreshing but he had to press on with the rest of the group. They had to get to Gale. Even if Eatherine had left, there might still be clues to here whereabouts.

As they approached the mountains, they landed in the fringes of the Enchanted Forest. The air was thick with fireflies and the grass felt great against Malefor's claws. For the past few days, all he had been walking on was hard concrete.

The autumn wind came through the forest and it felt refreshing. They all removed their hoods and exposed their faces to the cloudy sky. Since there was nobody in sight, they didn't have to keep out of sight.

A few fireflies flew by them and a small mist fell down upon them from above. It would take a day to traverse the forest and the mountain range to Gale which sat beyond.

"Well, let's get going." Spyro said and they all nodded. They passed through the trees, walking through the soft grass and the occasional mushrooms that lie in the forest. A few sounds were audible as the forest creatures let out their cries. A few monkey sounds were mixed with bird chirps. At least they could take comfort in the fact that the Ape armies were disbanded after the Dark Master's defeat at the Final Solution. The Human military had completely wiped them all out or put them in custody. The few numbers that remained sought no real goal nowadays other then survival.

As they walked, the breeze started to pick up and Malefor felt more and more water droplets hitting his face. The forest all around them was calm, which was a blessing for them. Usually along their journeys they'd run into something that would hamper their progress. Spyro actually had been pretty reluctant in traversing the forest due to the fact that a lot of hostile creatures frequented the forest.

After a few minutes of walking the path became more rocky and bumpy. A rocky, mountainous path laid ahead, which lead up the side of the first mountain in the pass. The Enchanted Forest continued on up ahead, its trees lining the side of the mountains.

As they continued on the path, a pond with several berry bushes surrounding it came into view. Having already walked for a good half hour, a rest would be somewhat useful. They stopped and picked the berries and drank the water. Cynder walked over and sat down next to the pond, her tail swishing the water and she watched the ripples that were created from it.

Spyro sat next to her, enjoying the breeze that came through. The area they were in was on the mountain path that was opened up and exposed. From the side of the mountain to the cliff edge was a good 40 feet. There were no trees in the immediate area, except for along the rest of the path and along the mountain face.

Malefor sat down near the pond edge as well, looking into the waters. Spyro and Cynder sat in silence, the soft sounds of the breeze the only sounds they could here.

As Malefor stared into the waters, he noted how he had changed. His face and body had some minute changes, mainly in the scale texture and a small horn was starting to form on the underside of his muzzle. He also noticed the dull eyes. Several years ago, before any of this happened; they had once been full of spunk. He had once been energetic and was always happy. Nowadays happiness from him was rare... most of the time he only felt pity or pain.

As he looked into the water he remembered Combinia's face. Even in death she seemed beautiful. Her face faded and was replaced with Eatherine's sad face. He had lied to her and now he was paying the price. She didn't deserve him... she deserved somebody better. After all, it was his fault that her family was dead. If he hadn't of made that damn Ape army, none of this would have ever happened.

He wished he could just erase entire sections of his life. Just... get rid of all the pain and misery that he had brought upon everybody. However that wasn't the case. Everyday he wondered just why he was here and not dead or being killed by those who hated him. Often Spyro had reassured him that he wasn't to blame, that he was here to make amends. However, as the days slowly passed them by, he felt no amends being made. Only pain and suffering filled his heart.

He looked over to Spyro and Cynder. They were so happy together. Spyro looked at Cynder and she smiled. He laughed as she spayed him with water and he did the same to her. They were so happy... so full of life. He had searched his entire life, even as the Dark Master, for true happiness. It had eluded him for so long. Could it really be love? Could love really be that hole in his life that he had been searching for years for? If it was, he had just ruined all chances of getting that.

He continued to look at them. They were so full of life and happiness. They were so content with each other and were happy in each other's presence. He sighed as he explored his own feelings and felt only sadness and the feeling of being alone.

He looked down into the water once more to find his face staring back at him. His reflection reminded him of the horrors many had to face when they saw his face... He gritted his teeth as the thoughts of his former self came to his head. His eyes shut as the memories flooded into his mind. Pained screams... horrified faces... deathly moans... the air around him filled with the horrifying sounds and soon in became a droning sound that was gnawing away at every fiber of his being. It felt like everything was getting at him and he clutched his head as the droning sound became louder and louder.

"Malefor! What's wrong?!" Spyro asked. Malefor opened his eyes and looked around. The droning sound had stopped and the peaceful sounds of the forest returned. Spyro and Cynder sat in front of him, looks of worry and confusion on their faces.

"I'm... alright..." He said reluctantly. They gave him a look of worry and they glanced at each other.

"Remembering... old times?" Spyro asked. Malefor nodded. Cynder sighed and turned back to the pond. Spyro set his paw on Malefor's shoulder.

"Don't worry about it. The past is behind you." Spyro said reassuringly.

"Thanks..." He said in reply and Spyro removed his paw and turned away. Malefor looked out over the cliff and saw the Enchanted Forest as it lay out in front of them. The city of Dale also sat beyond, its tall structures dominating the skyline. The city was surrounded by the forest and a barren landscape which controlled the Eastern and Western approach to the city. The cloudy sky also gave an effect to the landscape which was hard to describe but it made Malefor feel at peace.

A flashback attacked Malefor, bringing back a horrid memory. As he looked out over the landscape in front of him, a number of ghostly dragons appeared in the barren landscapes bordering Dale. Ghastly Apes and other creatures charged them, swords and armor clattering. They engaged each other in a ferocious battle. As he watched, several were slaughtered... the ground being littered with the bodies of dragons and Apes. It was a horrible sight. He turned away in disgust and returned his attention to the pond without haste.

He didn't even notice that he had been panting at the time and had attracted the curious stares of Spyro and Cynder. He smiled sheepishly and bit a few berries.

"I think we should go now..." Spyro said as he stood up. Malefor nodded and as he rushed to the front of the group, they both looked at him and shared worried stares and glances.

They marched up the path, the wind steadily picking up. It was more of a breeze however and they could all hear the sounds of birds chirping and forest animals making their callings.

The path that they were on ran alongside the southern most mountain in the pass. Once it reached the apex, it headed downward and turned into a rocky and treacherous path through the range. The path headed through caves, small forests and even over large abysses.

As they neared the apex of their climb, a dark cloud loomed over the mountains. It was a storm that was passing through more then likely. It was a drastic contrast between the light grey clouds that already dominated the sky however.

At the top of the mountain path, they all halted and looked out over the mountains. Every dragon looking for the fastest route to Gale from Dale had to take this path. If you were looking for a safe passage however, flying over the low lying portion of the mountains served as your path. However, this would mean you had to fight winds and a flight like that would mean an extra day would be added. There was also the fact that you had to rest your wings after a while so more time was added there...

Spyro sighed, drawing the attention of the others.

"Well, let's hope we can get to the other side quickly. The winter is coming fast and we don't want to be out here for that."

"It should only be a day." Cynder said.

"Yeah, I know, but that doesn't mean we won't encounter something." Spyro said in return. Malefor sighed to himself. It was true that hostile creatures inhabited the mountains. Many were mindless animals looking for a quick meal. Others however were 'hunters' or other creatures that sought solitude on the mountain and would attack any intruders.

They started down the path downward, gliding occasionally to save time. The path halted its downward progression and finally tilted into a gully where a forest lay. The gully separated two mountains and it wouldn't take long to reach the other end. They would have to pass at least 4-6 mountains before they reached the other end and the city of Gale beyond.

The trees were tall and were pine trees. Pine cones littered the ground and the mountain path sported several bushes and boulders that added the scenery. They passed through, Spyro and Cynder occasionally eying the nearby flowers. Malefor kept his focus ahead, and weary for anything that might be amiss. He didn't suspect that they were going to be attacked; he just didn't like the prospect of being 'off guard'. The path here was dangerous enough without the hostiles.

During the trek, they spotted a small trail of smoke coming from an area just up ahead.

"What do you think that is?" Cynder asked.

"I don't know, but let's go check it out." Spyro suggested. They were off at once towards the smoke, finding its source to be from a small lit fire in the center of a ring. Next to the ring sat a small wooden cabin. They started to detour around the cabin, not wanting to disturb its resident. However, a smell drew their attention.

They looked at the fire and spotted several cooked birds sitting next to the fire. Since they had not had meat in several days, this was intoxicating to them. They approached the meal, but Spyro halted their advance.

"Hold on, this isn't our food, let's go get some food from somewhere else." They nodded and continued forward. In the bushes nearby, a hooded bipedal creature arose, his eyes fixed on the trio of dragons. The fire emblem on his belt shone in the semi lit area. The figure glared at them. He would have to try harder to get them.

They continued on ahead, their stomachs now starting to request more food. Even with those berries they had eaten earlier, they were still hungry. They trotted through and soon found the forest to be getting darker and darker. They heard bushes rustling behind them and something above them. Upon their investigative glances, they saw nothing.

They passed it off as a random forest creature and continued forward. They soon came to a clearing surrounded by brush. In the clearing, several feral creatures sat. They were simple Bores, nothing more. Their horns gleamed in the sunlight that managed to break through the clouds above.

As they approached Spyro and Cynder became a bit nervous. Bores were simple creatures but were powerful in packs. They had obviously never fought them before.

"Don't worry, if we don't bother them they won't bother us." Malefor said reassuringly. They took curiously at the Bores before they passed through the group. As they exited the opening, the looming mountain on the opposite side grew nearer. They would reach it soon. A chill ran down their spines as the breeze picked up and the temperature decreased slightly.

They heard some sounds behind them and before they knew it, an explosion ripped the silence of the forest. They turned sharply around to find the Bores darting out from the clearing, the trio of dragons set directly in their sights.

They quickly leapt into the air and Spyro and Cynder both came to action, pelting the ground below with fire. The Bores backed off a bit but soon the airborne dragons were snared in a new threat.

Vines reached out from the sides of the trees and fastened themselves onto the dragons' limbs. They couldn't move. Malefor managed to dodge the vines but only by flying onto the ground. As he landed, the Bores charged and hit him headlong before he could recover. He was sent into a tree and slumped onto the ground. As he picked himself up, he was hit yet again by another Bore and flew several feet down from where he was.

Spyro and Cynder struggled to release themselves from the vines and as Spyro freed his left hind-leg, he was taken into the trees.

"Spyro!" Cynder yelled and tore her legs free and blew fire onto the vines which released her. Malefor picked himself off of the ground and managed to repel a Bore which assaulted him. He knocked it off into the trees and blew ice at the ground nearby to cause the others to slip and fall. More came and he retreated backwards to avoid their pounces.

Cynder leapt into the forest to aid Spyro and shouts and grunts were audible as Malefor dashed to her aid. The vines had once again ensnared her and the Bores leapt up at her and assaulted her. As she sat helpless in mid-air, the Bores leapt upwards and smacked her in her stomach. She grunted as they kept coming and a small trickle of blood oozed from her mouth. Malefor leapt up to save her but was hit headlong by a Bore. The wind was knocked out of him and he sailed into a nearby tree. The impact caused him to loose his focus and his vision became blurred. He passed out.

End of Chapter 6

Again, sorry for it being late and once again short. I can only find inspiration during my computer class to type so not much is getting done. I am focusing on my artwork now so that's why stories are a little slow. Next chapter is already being worked on.