Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

In the beautiful valleys of Avalar, as the rays of a golden sun graced the pristine landscape.  One would think that this seeming paradise is kept tranquil and quiet, but amongst the tall grass that danced elegantly in the wind, one would if lucky enough catch a glimpse of a purple blur followed by an even swifter black blur.

"Come on, Cynder!  Are you even trying?"  The male purple dragon, Spyro, yelled gleefully.

"Don't get too cocky mister!"  Said the female black dragoness, Cynder.

Both Spyro and Cynder had been enjoying playing the game of tag for the past few hours, and while it seemed Spyro has the advantage of being ahead, Cynder had keeping count of the times they won and she definitely has more wins under her wings.  They both then entered a forested area where both dragons weaved past the trunks and low hanging branches.  Spyro tried kept trying to find some way to throw her off but Cynder is gaining fast on him.

He then spotted an old hollowed out trunk that looked big enough to fit through, so he flew directly in with Cynder following after him and once out he immediately flew upwards and out through the tree canopy  out of Cynders' sight and then back down, though this time he stayed hidden in the leaves.  He can hear Cynder burst out from the canopy and through the leaves he can see her visage looking around this way and that, she looked quite confused.

"Okay, where ever you are Spyro, come on out!  You know hiding isn't one of your strong suits!"  Spyro internally giggled as he watched her disappear back under the canopy and he listened as she started flying away where he is.  Once the noise is gone he then flew back down and hid behind an old stump.  He then laid there as he proudly grinned that he actually gave Cynder the slip.

Spyro never thought of this before, but this is practically the first time he is having fun with Cynder.  Even though they are considered teenagers at this point he couldn't help but feel happy about playing tag with her, even though it's considered childs play.  And given what they have both had been through, who really cared.

It had only been a week since, but it felt like yesterday when they were in both in a conflict that decided the fate of all the world.  For within this worlds' very core they fought against the most powerful dragon in this worlds' history, The Darkmaster Malefor.  Who despite being blessed and imbued with the almighty powers of the Aether, and had been given so much praise and admiration from his peers and mentors, he yet craved more.  His ambitions and lust for more drove him away from a life that would have been perfect, but instead he wallowed in dark desires for power.

Spyro wonder why though, even though Spyro being a purple dragon himself means he to is blessed with the Aether, Malefor had it all though.  Family, friends, a future where he was loved and wanted, why throw it all away, and for what?

He was so distracted however he didn't see the pair of piercing green eyes looking at him.  Spyro couldn't register in time as a black mass flew directly at him and tackled him, sending them tumbling through the forest and out of the tree line.  The pair came to an abrupt stop with Spyro on his back and Cynder leaning over him wearing a smug grin.

"Told you hiding isn't your best skill."  She said with a smirk.

"Yeah yeah, you win."  Spyro groaned as he then turned over and laid on his stomach.

He then looked out from where he is laying and perceives that they had reached an edge of a cliff.  "Woah."  He whispered as he stood back up with Cynder following him to the very edge where they looked and saw the rest of Avalar valley and out in the distance, silhouetted in front of the setting sun, they can see the tallest buildings of the dragon city Warfang, a city dedicated and built for the dragon race by their allies as a sign of goodwill.  And there they knew that their friends and their fellow dragon kind are there waiting for them, especially Spyros' annoying yet humorous adoptive brother Sparx.

Spyro and Cynder were amazed by this sight, and to think it all was nearly destroyed by a mad dragon, yet saved by them.

Spyro then looked at Cynder sitting at his side.  "It sure is beautiful from up here."  Spyro remarked, while secretly also referring to Cynder.

"Yeah."  Cynder replied, though a slight grief in her tone as she looked on at the dragon city.  "Hey Spyro, I know that you want to see everyone as soon as you can but...can we just, spend one more night out here?"

Spyro looked at her a bit surprised.  "Okay, but why?"

"Well uh, you know that the others will be very happy to see us and everything but once we get there they are going to be all over us.  So I think we could just stay out here for just one more night, enjoy the peace and quiet while we still can?"Spyro looked at her skeptical at first as she looked back with pleading eyes.  It didn't take two moments to realize what she's thinking.  "Cynder, I know you, and I know what you are thinking."

"Huh?"

"People may think differently, but I know you better than anyone that what happened wasn't your fault."

"But yet I still did those things!  All the innocent lives I've destroyed.  Sure I was corrupted but..."

"So I guess it was my fault that the Darkmaster was released from the Well of Souls?"

"No it wasn't!  It was something out of your control."

"Exactly!  I was indecisive ever since then, but I had to except that.  It is just as you told me, there are some things that even I can't control.  You helped me through that."  Spyro then placed his paw gently onto hers.  "You've been there for me, so let be there for you."

Cynder had to look away to keep Spyro from seeing her face flushed red, but she still feels unsure.  "But people will still hate me."

"Maybe, but you still have me and the Guardians and we will protect you.  And hey given time, they all will love you eventually."

Cynder can only hope so, it will be hard, but not impossible.  But wether she, Spyro, or the Guardians can help it or not, she still has killed so many, and it is impossible for everyone to forgive her, even in a lifetime.  But she suppose can at least take comfort knowing she is no longer alone in this world, and that she now has someone to lean on in times of hardship.

Before she can answer for Spyros' kindness however, she spots something of in the distance from when she looked away from Spyro.  On the cliffside nearby there seems to be a large archway etched into the cliff face with much debris fallen around it.  She thought it was another one of Warfangs' ruins they traveled through recently, but this was different.  "Hey, what is that?"

Spyro then looked to where Cynder was seeing and perceives the open archway.  "Hmm, maybe another one of Warfangs' ruins, but I suppose a little exploring won't hurt."

They both then flew down to where the opening is.  However most of the entrance is still blocked by boulders and a lot of stoney debris, thankfully there is a small rock platform for them to land on so they don't have to cling to the cliff wall.  While there is still an opening large enough for them to crawl through, Spyro figured he can just use his elemental powers to move the rest of the earth out of the way.  Since he being a purple dragon means has has control over all of the four elements and everything in between.

He channeled his inner mana to manifest his control over earth, but the boulders wouldn't budge.  "Huh, that's weird."  He tried again, but again nothing happened.  Not even a pebble moved.

It was then that he made a sudden realization, and he loudly groaned in frustration that it happened again.  "Oh come on!  I lost my powers again!  Why does it keep happening!?"

"You simply overexerted yourself when you pulled the planet back together."  Cynder acknowledged before assuringly saying.  "But don't worry, you already went through this twice now, just like before it will come back."

Well, she is right, but he guesses he has to make do with the what he has now.  And at least they still have the opening to crawl through, to which Cynder is already making her way through easily thanks to her lean body.  Spyro follows after her and squeezes himself through till he popped out the other side, he ends up losing his footing and then tumbles down the rocks till he lands on the floor flat on his belly.  He looks up annoyingly flustered at Cynder who is keeping a paw on her mouth to keep from laughing too hard.

"Don't worry, I won't tell Sparx about that."  She remarked.

"Good, please don't."  He said back at her.  He knew his brother would take any little mistake and turn it into a joke.

Now inside however he can begin exploring, and what a marvelous discovery it is inside.  It is a dome like structure similar to a dragon temple however it is much smaller than one in the swamp, it also it doesn't seem as well made to be a temple to begin with, considering there is now a giant gaping crack letting the setting suns' rays in.  The stone walls, though smooth to the touch, look unpolished and seemed chiseled directly out from the earth.  In fact it seems that this whole room was hastily made out from the very earth itself.  There weren't even any decorative stonework to add life to the room.

One would mistaken this as a cave if it weren't for the obvious dome shape and masonry handiwork of chipped stone.

"Woah."  Spyro gasped.  "We must be the first ones to ever enter here in ancestors knows how long!"

"Yeah, definitely the first."  Cynder said as she looked down and sees that her paw pads are covered in dust, she then notices that the entire floor is completely coated in it, showcasing by the trail of footprints left by her and Spyro.  "This place must have been left here for eons!  The cataclysm must have revealed this place."

"Then what is this built for?  It is definitely not once part of Warfang."  Spyro inquired as he tries to pat what's left of the dust off him.  "Maybe an old place of worship?  Or maybe someone buried something here."

Cynder then sees something on the walls and her eyes immediately lit up.  "No, but you really need to see this."

Spyro then looked and gasps, for lo and behold on the very other side of the room is a painted mural with a single ray of sunlight casting its light upon it.  Spyro felt drawn to the mural to get a closer look, and depicted on is a great battle between a dragon and a bunch of bipedal creatures wielding weapons.

"Apes."  Spyro muttered as he peers at the bipedals in the painting with a lick of disgust.

"I guess bad blood between dragons and apes runs even deeper."  Cynder remarked.

But the closer Spyro studied the ape-look-alikes, they didn't look too much like apes.  They aren't wearing the same kind of armor that he sees in all apes, theirs seemed more sturdy and made from both metal and animal parts.  Their weapons don't look so fiendish either, each one brandishing a different weapon, one with  a lance, one with two small blades, another a large hammer, and one was even wielding an enormous great sword.  Depicted in the mural they are fighting a large dragon as they are being bathed in it's fiery breath.

Strangely the ape-look-alikes appear to look valiant as they fought the dragon.

There was also another detail that Spyro noticed, these...whatever these ape-like creatures are, are either comically smaller than apes, or the dragon was much, much, MUCH larger than the average dragon.  And while the mural was painted with exquisite detail and in many colors, the dragon itself was...black.  Not like Cynder who has a red colored underbelly and wing membranes and is the only known dragoness with such a color.

No.  This dragon is a deep, charcoal black.

The dragons' chest glowed like smoldering embers and its mouth was lit aflame like a furnace unmatched as it released a torrent of fire that whisked around the apes in a flood-like inferno.  But what creeped Spyro and Cynder out the most was the dragons' eyes, eyes that burned with a strange hatred at the ape-look-alikes below it.  The black fire dragon just looked so wicked, hateful...malevolent.

"Geez, won't Volteer have a field day with this."  Spyro remarked, but with a hint admonish as her continued looking at the black dragon.

But Cynder was a bit more hesitant.  "...Maybe it's best we don't."

And as he continued looking at the mural, Spyro could actually agree.  There was something about this picture that gave him a sense of unease.  But before he can say any further he catches a glimpse of an inscription cut into the stone wall directly below the mural.

"Hey Cynder, what does that say?"  Spyro asked.

Cynder took a few steps closer and inspected the sentence etched in stone, and she noticed that there's something wrong with it.  "Huh...it looks like an old poem.  And I think it's about the dragon in the picture!  But look at this, it looks like this dragons' name has been scratched out."

Spyro took a closer look and can see that not only was this true but he knows what did it.  "Wait...These are dragon scratch marks!  Look at the pattern."

Cynder gasps.  "You're right!  But why?"

"I don't know.  I guess there is something about this particular dragon they don't like."  He then asks again.  "So what does it say?"

Cynder then, despite having the name crossed out, tries to tell the poem aloud.  "When the world is full of wyverns...the legend is revived...meat is eaten, bone is crushed...and blood is sucked up dry...he burns the earth and melts through iron...he boils the rivers...and mows down trees...he awakens the winds...and lights an inferno...he is called F̶̜̋̈ͅa̸̗͂ṭ̷̢̪̮̻́á̷̞̯͚̠̝̍̀̇͊l̷̹̰͇̪͙͗i̵͖̟̪̜͗s̸͔̦̥̊...the wyvern of destiny...he is called F̵̟̓̍a̴͓̞̞͊͒͂ţ̴̭̈́à̸̝l̵͓͓͆í̷̤̦͆s̵͚̉ͅ...the wyvern of destruction...Ḟ̷͚̻̫á̴͉͖̺͝ț̷̣̊ȁ̵̪̯̋͝l̸͇̬̼͋i̴̻̭̋͠͝s̸̪̖̜͗ ̶̜̒̀̈́F̸̯͍̓a̶̪̟͗t̶̢̢̜̾͛͠a̴̩̒͒̔ľ̶͈͉̠̈ï̸̢s̸̼̩̾̏, Heaven and Earth are yours...Ḟ̷͚̻̫á̴͉͖̺͝ț̷̣̊ȁ̵̪̯̋͝l̸͇̬̼͋i̴̻̭̋͠͝s̸̪̖̜͗ ̶̜̒̀̈́F̸̯͍̓a̶̪̟͗t̶̢̢̜̾͛͠a̴̩̒͒̔ľ̶͈͉̠̈ï̸̢s̸̼̩̾̏, Heaven and Earth are yours."

After Cynder finished the inscription, all they could do is simply sit in silence.  "Hmm, it sounds a little like Malefor."  Spyro said.  "Only he is capable of some of those things in that poem."

"Maybe the apes wrote this poem and made this painting in reverence to him."  Cynder suggested.  "They did follow him at one point."

"Yeah.  But in the mural, it shows the apes fighting what is supposed to be Malefor, so how is this in reverence to him."  Spyro pointed out.  "And besides, this dragon in this painting is black, not purple, he doesn't even remotely look like Malefor.  None of this makes sense."

Cynder stared at the mural for awhile longer, all this really doesn't make any sense.  "Oh well, wether this is or isn't about Malefor it doesn't matter.  He's gone.  Maybe some old ape went nuts and made this."

Spyro then shrugged his shoulders.  "Maybe or maybe not.  Oh well, guess we'll never know."

He then perceives from the crack that leads outside that the sun has finally set, and replacing the suns' warm golden rays are the pale silver rays of the twin moons.  While he did wish to go to Warfang and be with his friends as soon as possible, he does like the idea of spending one more quiet night with Cynder.

"Hey, since it's night already, maybe we should stay in here for the night."

Cynder looked at him surprised.  "You're sure."

"Yeah, figured it will be nice to have some peace before inevitably getting Sparx again."  He replied jokingly.

"Haha!  You can say that again!"  Cynder laughed as she then laid on the floor near the wall.  Spyro followed suit and found a place next to her and laid there, letting their body heat share the warmth with each other.

"Oh Spyro, look!"  

Spyro then looked and through the crack in the ceiling they can see the twinkling stars in full view as well as the shining glow of the twin moons, it was the night sky in all it's dazzling glory.  But while the night sky was beautiful to look at, it was almost nothing compared to what he sees in Cynder.  The way the moonlight casts its light on her jet-black scales makes refract and create a stunning iridescent glow that just adds to her slender figure.  To Spyro, everything about her is beautiful, her silver horns, the contrast of black and red scales, and her emerald green eyes.

Spyro was so enraptured by her though he didn't noticed that Cynder is looking back at him.  Then their eyes met and Spyro knew he had been caught, but Cynder was just smiling at him.  "What are you staring at purple boy?"  Cynder said softly.

Spyro immediately turned away blushing hard.  "Im sorry! I'm very very very sorry!"

Cynder however kept smiling and tenderly placed a paw on his.  Spyro felt shocked that Cynder is being so touching, he always knew her to not be the mushy type.  But to Cynder, she could care less.  For it had not been long ago, within the the very center if the world, that she said that she loved him.  However though, it was in a moment of great peril, so it sort of just slipped out.  But despite this, she still holds those strong feeling for the purple dragon, so much so, she may even believe she meant it.  She only hoped that Spyro might reciprocate those feelings.

The problem for Spyro however, is that he doesn't know how to.  For in what felt like the last moment of his life, he heard her, and it spurred him to push himself just enough to the world and her.  Then afterwards for the past week his mind was in turmoil on how he could handle this.  For he too holds strong affection for the black dragoness, but the problem was that he doesn't know how to approach her with this.  He worries he might mess up, or offend her in some way.

But here, now, and alone with nothing but the celestial bodies above as witnesses, he feels now is the only perfect time to ask her out.

Spyro gulps nervously and begins.  "H-Hey Cynder?"

"Yeah?"  She whispered, looking deeply into his eyes.

"Uh um, well, I know that after everything that has happened, and with the Darkmaster gone, I know that you will want to go your seprate way and find yourself like last time."

"Yeah."

"Well, I-if, if you are planning on staying around for longer, and have some time, I was thinking maybe, uh, we um, could.  Oh Ancestors how do I say this?"

Cynder however leaned in closer, she has been waiting for this and she isn't letting him stop.  "Just say it."

He then sighed, there is no point in holding back.  "Cynder, I know we don't know each other for long.  I mean seriously, we only knew each other for about two months.  So I know this may be sudden, and you have every right to say no.  But, I would like to know more about you, and, I want to spend more time with you."

"Are you asking me out on a date?"

"I uh um, well uh, I mean...yes."

That is all she needed to hear, she then gave Spyro a soft kiss on his cheek.  For Spyro, it felt like his mind has gone blank, she actually accepted?!

Cynder then replied while smiling.  "I will love to spend more time with you too, you big purple dork."  She then laid herself back down and scooted ever so closer to Spyro, looking at him lovingly.  "Goodnight, Spyro."

Spyro then smiled, and laid back down next to her, putting a wing over her.  "Goodnight, Cynder."

And as he rests there he then thought of how Sparx would react to this and how to handle it.  And as he drifts off to dreamland with Cynder under his wing, the mural of the black dragon loomed over them.

Things are about to change...

Chapter Text

Spyro sat on his hunches at the very edge of a tall tower overlooking the city of Warfang, relaxing before his routine patrols in the morning was one of his favorite moments in the day, the many hues of sunlight peaking over the Avalarian mountain range along with the fresh scent of morning dew always brings a refreshing respite before performing the responsibilities of a Dragon Knight.

Yes, a knight, Spyro never envisioned himself becoming a knight, but here he is, a top knight of Warfang clad in his sterling steel armor bearing the Warfang insignia.  He figured this occupation would suit him best because now that Malefor is gone he has to put his skills he has learned over they years into good use.  He wasn't planning on staying idle, there is still a full life ahead of him.

But these mornings also give Spyro some time to reminisce on the many moments in his life after he and Cynder crawled out of the worlds' core.

Four years, to think, four wonderful years had passed now, and Spyro couldn't be happier.  Now that his true destiny is completed he and Cynder are free to live out their lives as they wanted.  After returning to the Guardians and reuniting with his brother again there followed a ver veeeeery long celebration that lasted for nearly a whole week.  He remembered just how right Cynder was when she said there would be no rest for them for awhile.

Spyro also remembered how ecstatic the Warfang Guard, as well as the rest of the city was when he decided to join and become a knight.  For simply making that decision they offered the title of captain then and there, though greatly honored, Spyro felt it wasn't appropriate to just simply take such honor immediately, so he chose to start at the bottom and worked his way up.  Though it was hard and humbling work, it merely took a year till he was granted the title as Warfangs' number one knight.  But even then, he still hasn't regained his full set of powers yet, thankfully the only element that has returned to him is his favorite, the fire element.

And as for Cynder, to say she had a rock start was an understatement.  In the first few months arriving in Warfang she had been ridiculed, mistreated, and even spat on by the dragon citizens, even the moles and cheetahs aren't fond of her.  In an effort to rectify for her transgressions, though very much not of her own willful doing, decided to take up an occupation as a bounty hunter for Malefors' remaining troops.

Though despite this, and receiving pardon as well as the hero's honor from the Warfang council, the hateful glares and spiteful words never ended.  And then to Spyro's horror he found a death threat was sent to her.  From then on he made absolutely sure to be with her, they both were practically living together at that time.

For as Spyros' and Cynders' relationship was concerned, from what started as simple infatuation for each other has now blossomed into a true relationship that is just a margin below marriage.  They truly love each other, and while admonished by his peers Spyro really didn't care, there blatant insults and remarks didn't even stick to his mind, not when he was much more concerned if he should bring Cynder on a lunch date or a walk in the park.

All these this really helped Cynder to move on and put her grim history in her past.  In fact a lot of people have moved on.

Sparx, to Spyros' extreme shock and surprise, has taken a job!  As a messenger bug in fact, being fast has its perks when bringing messages about the city.  Spyros' adoptive parents Flash and Nina have settled back down in their Dragonfly village, to which Spyro and Sparx visits time to time.  Terrador, Cryil, and Volteer have resumed duties as the Dragon Guardians and had even put up a memorial for their fellow guardian and Spyro's beloved mentor, Ignitus.  Warfang has reestablished its political system, making Warfang an official dragon kingdom.  And finally the restoration of Warfang will be completed today!

Spyro breathed in the cool morning air and made a long exhale as he finished these recollections of his memories.  It feels like nothing in the world could go wrong.

Just then a rapid buzzing sound was heard faintly in the distance behind him, Spyro didn't need to look back to know is approaching him.  Suddenly a glowing orb of golden light blitz right in front of Spyro's face, when Spyros' vision focused through the light his adoptive brother Sparx.

"Yo!  Morning big bro!"  Sparx zestfully said while turning to watch the sun rise.  "Nice to see you up here, brooding as usual."

"I'm not brooding!"  Spyro playfully rebutted.  "And morning to you too.  But aren't you forgetting something?"

Sparx turns to Spyro quizzically.  "Oh I don't know, what?"

"Your job?"  Spyro plainly said raising his brow.

"I am doing my job!"  Sparx said appearing obvious.  "Because I'm here with a message for ya."

Spyro actually didn't notice but on Sparxs' back was actually a scroll.  Sparx then pulled the scroll off and tossed it at Spyro, who then caught it in his mouth and placed in on the ground.  On it Spyro can see that it is a royal message because of the wax seal bearing the mark of the Pendragon.

Spyro could only roll his eyes.  "Oh boy, just what is it that he wants?"

"Well you'll never know unless you open it."  Sparx replied.

So Spyro then broke the seal with his paw and let the scroll unfurl revealing the contents of the message inside.  He then read it aloud.  "By the authority of Pendragon Redington, you are to be invited for a public appearance in the ceremonial conclusion of the restoration of Warfang this afternoon.  Hence your regular duties are to be postponed until further notice."

"What!?  You're basically getting a day off!"  Sparx exclaims.  "That sounds like paradise!"

Spyro simply looked down sighed.  "Maybe, if it didn't have anything to do with Red."  He said as he then took the scroll and put it in the satchel on his armor.  "But I guess this means that I can spend more time with Cynder and friends."

He then took off from the building and flew off, with Sparx flying after him.  The sun having finally risen over the horizon and shedding its light down on the city below.  Flying over Warfang is also one of his favorite pastimes, the town just felt so lively.  He can see dragons in the market plaza opening their stalls for various foods and items.  He passed over a street where dragon children are playing tag.  Then While over the park he even witnessed a young couple in love leaning against each other with on a bench by the fountain.

Spyro couldn't help but smile at it all, but something confuses Sparx.

"So what's up with Red and everything?"  Sparx said flying closer to Spyros' head.  "I mean I know he's a politician and whatnot, but what's the big deal with him?"

"It's not that I don't hate him, Sparx."  Spyro said a matter of factly.  "I just, don't agree with some of his...methods."

"Ok, like what?"

Spyro then noticed that they are leaving the higher levels of Warfang and are entering the outer edges.  "Here Sparx, take a look.  Notice something off?"

Sparx looks down at the town below him, but still remains confused.  He can see moles, cheetahs, bunnies, and even some elk folk from the mountains, all of them busying themselves with their daily tasks.  And sure the buildings look lackluster compared to where they are before there wasn't really any difference that was too meaningful.

Sparx shook his head.  "Not that I can see."

Spyro understood why, so he then explains.  "I know it's hard to see, but can't you notice, every other race of the dragon realms is only allowed to live in the lowest part of Warfang."  They then flew over a series of houses that looked in rather poor shape, but through the windows they can see people living in them regardless.  "And while all the dragons get to live the high life on the higher levels, Redington has completely ignored everyone else."

"But doesn't your girlfriend live down here?"  Sparx inquired.

This actually struck a nerve in Spyro for being reminded of that fact.  "Yeah, funny you should say that!"  He said visibly indignant.  "After everything she has done, after everything she still doing to make up for her past, which she had no control over, she is not even allowed to visit where I live!"

"Ohhhh so that's why you don't like Red."  He said chuckling.  "He's harsh on your soon-to-be wife and that's why you're not voting for him."

"Knock it off."  Spyro then flicked his brother with a wing tip which nearly knocked Sparx off balance.  "I'm being serious.  Besides, no one likes him just as much as I do, not even other dragons.  People are definitely going to be happy once the next Pendragon is named."

They both then landed in the street where Cynders' home is.  Many of pedestrians there looked surprised and in awe that the legendary purple dragon himself has graced these old streets with his presence and bowed to him, the few others that live there just simply smiled and waved at him since they know he comes here often.  Spyro very much prefers being treated with the later.

But before they reached Cynders' residence, Sparx had one last thing to say.  "Hey bro, I know you have the day off, but unfortunately I don't.  So I gotta get back to work.  But by the way, I'm going to visit our parents for the weekend.  So anything you'd like to say?  I am a messenger after all."

Spyro simply smiled warmly.  "Just send them my love for me."

"...Wow, couldn't get any cheesier could ya?"

"Oh shut up before I let Cynder eat you!"

"Ooouuch!  I thought we were brothers Spyro!"

They both laughed together and Sparx knowing he can't keep Spyro up for much longer, then says his goodbyes and flies off, leaving Spyro to enjoy his day.

<<<<<<<<<<~>>>>>>>>>>

Cynder took her time grooming herself, there wasn't really anything that she has to do today other than meet Spyro.  She checked herself in the mirror which is a bit old and has a crack in the very corner.  It may not be perfect, but the mirror was good enough to allow Cynder to make sure she looks presentable.

In fact her home isn't as pleasant, not like the charming houses the dragons live in high Warfang, hers looked more bland in comparison.  Just asimple single room home with a roof and sits directly beside Warfangs' outer wall.  Though she tries to make it more homey by adding plants and other decorations, in her opinion it definitely feels better than her former gothic lair in Concurrent Skies.

Just then she hears knocking coming from the door, she was surprised, she wasn't expecting visitors.

She then opened the door and much to her surprise she finds Spyro there.  "Oh morning Spyro!"  She then quickly closed the gap and gave Spyro a loving nuzzle.  "Aren't you supposed to be at work?"

"I was given the day off."  He said returning her affections with a lick to the cheek.

"Well that sounds nice."

"To appear publicly with Red."

"Oh."

Cynder was not a big fan of Pendragon Redington either, not like it was anything strange to begin with.  Even awhile ago while talking with some neighbors they have a genuine distaste for Red.  Even the Guardians are not in favor of him.

"Well, shouldn't be that bad."  Cynder replied while walking out with him.  "At least it's something different.  Nothing has really happened since Malefor is gone."

Spyro actually sighed at that fact.  There wasn't really much excitement at all besides dealing with misdemeanors and handling other knightly affairs.  In truth, Spyro missed the days when he was a young dragon, a life full of thrill and adventure.  Of course he doesn't wish for another cataclysmic war or an end of the world crisis, but it was hard to imagine that four years ago his life was full of adventure.  But he is still the purple dragon, and a knight as well, he has responsibilities to uphold.

"Well, if you want to, mind if you join me up there?"  Spyro asked reluctantly.  "You don't have to if you are busy."

"Oh no, I actually don't have plans today.  I would love to go with you."  She said reassuringly.  "But I don't think I'm still allowed up there."

"Not that I can't help it."  Spyro insisted as he took off to the air.  "Don't worry, I'll take care of it!"

Cynder nodded as she took off with him, though still not as optimistic as he is.  She really does wish she has that kind of attitude.

<<<<<<<<<<~>>>>>>>>>>

One Hour Later...

"What do you mean she's not allowed in!?"  Spyro yelled at the guards who are blocking the way in front of the palace gates with their spears.  The Palace of the Pendragon being in the highest building along with in the highest point in Warfang it is quite a lovely place.

"We're sorry sir.  But we have been given specific orders personally to never allow her in."  One guard said, standing still and attentive as if unfazed.

"Personal?"  Spyro angrily said as he got closer to the guards.  "And who says?"

"Pendragon Redington."  The guard said.  "Duh."

"So what you mean to tell me is that Red walked up to each and every one of you and says to not let one specific dragoness in?"

"Yes."

Spyro may have a lot of things to say about this, but all he then did is hang his head down.  Abashed at the sheer nonsense that Red, who with all the responsibilities as leader of all dragons, literally took his time to make Cynders' life harder.  In moments like this, it made Spyro wonder how Red became the Pendragon in the first place, or how Warfang is still standing.

But when Spyro was opening his mouth and was just about to give these stuck up guards a piece of his mind Cynder stopped him, putting a wing on his back.  "Hey, it's alright.  I'll just catch up with you later."

"But Cynder-"  Spyro tried to protest but she then beat him to it and put a paw on his snout.  "Look, the last thing we need is trouble.  Lets meet later."

Sometimes, Spyro just can't argue with Cynders' reasoning.  Like the time when she talked him out of a dare the other knights were doing, the dare ended with all of them stuck in solid stone which took days for the moles to safely chip them out.  Plus it won't be long till the ceremony will begin and he'll have to meet up with the Guardians very soon.

Spyro sighed.  "Alright, I'll see you afterwards then.  Sorry about this."

"Don't be."  She said nuzzling him.  "Not like I want to be anywhere near these snobs."  She said looking at them.

The guards annoyingly scoffed Cynders' remark, it's not like they even like their job in the first place.  So Spyro nuzzled Cynder one last time, before he marched through the gates and into the Pendragons' palace.  Though Cynder could still feel a twinge of disappointment in the way she saw him.  While she was still very happy that she has someone like Spyro in her life to defend her, she felt at ease knowing he isn't stupid enough to cause trouble for her sake.

She then realized as she watched Spyro head off that the guards are still staring at her with rather distasteful glares.  Cynder knew what they are thinking of her.  "Hmph!  Didn't anyone tell you boys it's wrong to stare at girls?"

"A girl?"  One guard mocked.  "What I'm looking at is the face of a murderer."

Now she is used to insults and angry accusations, but to be reminded of her corrupted past in the most bitter way made her want to rip these guards windpipes out.  But she knew of a better method in dealing with these kinds of people.  She instead grinned and said.  "Well, at least Spyro has the stuff to get this bad girl.  Though for you two, I doubt any other lady would see the appeal."

Cynder then simply turned around and strutted off with her head held high and eyes closed all haughtily.  But when she opened her eyes again she sees the guards have left there post and are standing in front of her with spears in paw.

"You think you can just walk away like that?"  One guard said stepping in front, while the other did the same stretching his spear out.

Cynder can now see they are blocking the way towards the path back down to Warfang.  She glared at them intensely wondering what their intentions are now.  "If I were you I would move."

"No, you're not."  They both then lowered their spears and pointed them at her.  "You are coming with us."

The black dragoness was surprised that they are actually this stupid.  She then took a step back and readied herself for a fight.  "You are not going to arrest me."  She growled.  "Now move or be moved."

"I don't think so."  One of them cockily retorted.  "Or maybe you should, I wonder what will happen when Redington finds out that the fabled Terror of the Skies has attacked his gate keepers?"

"Blackmail.  Are they seriously going to blackmail me?"  The dragoness thought to herself.  "What a bunch of losers."  She then prepared and positioned herself into an attack stance.  There is no way she will let this slide, if they want a fight then their getting a beating.

The guards then stepped ever closer to her, both wearing the smuggest grins.  "Now come with us and we'll find a nice comfy cell for ya."

But before they could get an inch closer to her, something flew through the air between them and splated on the road.  It was brown, mushy, and held a horrible stench.  Just then a voice shouted.  "Oi, f#$kers!"

They all turned to see who said such vulgar language and see a female electric dragoness, perched up in one of the trees holding the same brown stuff.

This dragoness has vibrant yellow scales and blue colored horns that are jagged like lightning bolts along with belly scales of the same color.  Her wing were also yellow with light blue membrane and the fins on her head stood straight up, giving the impression of a Mohawk followed by smaller fins that trailed down the neck and back all the way to the base of the tail.  She also wore black bracelets with punk spikes on both the front legs and the base of her tail.  Her tail ends in a blade similar to Cinder's except that it's also shaped like a blue lightning bolt.  As if her lighting status wasn't enough she even wore tattoos that look like neon green lightning.

The strange electric dragoness then raised her paw ready to throw.  "Eat s#%t!"  She yelled as she sent her putrid arsenal flying.

One of them hitting one guard in the chest and retched at the stench.  The other one cried.  "What the-!?"  As the brown stuff landed right inside his open mouth!

The guards retched and gaged in a frenzy all the while Cynder just watched this all happen far more confused than shocked.  But before she can do anything further the electric dragoness flew down and landed in front of her, it was immediately then that she realized who she was.

But again before she can do anything else the dragoness shouted at Cynder as she then ran off past her and down the street.  "Come on princess!  Run for it!"

The guards, finally recovered from their filthy barrage, took up their spears and glared daggers at the both of them.  "GET THEM!"

With no reason not to Cynder ran after the yellow dragoness down the street with the guards in hot pursuit.  The street that leads up to the Pendragons' Palace is a scenic route with trees and gardens lining on each side of the winding stone pathway.  Cynder nearly lost track of the dragoness as she ran behind the corner hidden behind some trees.  She ran after only to find her standing next to a particularly large bush grinning wildly.

"What are you doing?!"  Cynder yelled in a hushed way.  She can hear the guards almost around the corner.

But the yellow dragoness simply hushed her and gestured her towards the bush.  Then much to her amazement, the bush then opened up and the branches miraculously grabbed them wrists and yanked them both inside.  The bush closed in just in time before the guards ran in front of it and came to an abrupt stop, erratically panting as they looked around trying to find the ones responsible for their misfortune.

"Where the hell did they go?!"  One yelled at the top of his lungs.

"They couldn't have gotten far!  Let's search the air!"  They both then took off in the air and flew away, unsuspecting of the duo that was hiding just mere inches from them.

Once Cynder finally caught her breath she then turned to her rescuer.  "Thanks Electora."  Cynder said.  "I owe you one.  Again!"

Electora then stood up proudly.  "What can I say.  Anything for a fellow reject!"

"And I can see they haven't treated you well then?"  Said a rather smooth and calm voice from the side of them.  And there amidst a sunlit spot in the foliage is a male earth dragon, reaching his paw out into a bush.  The branches and vines weaving around it till they ended in buds that blossomed into roses.

Typical for an earth dragon he is highly muscular in nature and has deep green scales that can perfectly blend in with the forest as well as a deep earthen-brown naval.  His wing membranes are rose colored and his tail ends in a club that splits into twins.  His horns are actually pretty unique for an earth dragon.  Instead of ram shaped or typically thick and curved, his appears more akin to ebony colored elk horns that branch and fork off.

"Nice to see you too Oakley."  Cynder greeted.  "Finally some friendly faces here.  But what are you both doing here?"

Oakenson then replied.  "I work here.  I'm a gardener remember?"

Electora also answered.  "And me, just happened to be around this neck in the woods to see just how much ya need my help."

However Oakenson wasn't convinced.  "You threw manure at the palace guards again, didn't you?"

"What the hell made you think that?"

"I can smell fresh manure on you."  Oakenson with his powers then made a long vine reach down from the trees and whip Electora on her front leg, his domineer still laid back as ever.  "What did I tell you about using my manure on the guards?  You could have put us both in trouble."

"Awwwww but it was so fuuuuun!"  Electora whined.

Cynder giggled at the duos' shenanigans, if she hadn't met them before she would have mistaken them as siblings.  And as of how she met them was actually in a setting, just like what happened earlier.  About four years she was harassed by a group dragons who weren't satisfied that she is working to take down the rest of Malafors' followers and wanted retribution their own way.  Cynder was just about to engage them in a fight when large globules of sticky sap fell from above.

With a bucketful of sap in one paw and a bag full of sprinkles on the other, Electora rained them both down onto the assailants and helped lead Cynder out of there so they wouldn't get arrested by the authorities.  When Cynder asked why she helped, turns out Electora has a liking to the black dragoness, saying that she admires her as a quote-unquote "badass ass-kicker".

Later on Electora introduced her to Oakenson, who prefers to be called Oakley by friends and is anything but like Electora.  While Electora was wild, mischievous, and rambunctious, Oakenson is cool, played back, and premeditated in his actions.  And while Electora has used her electric powers to prank on people most of the time, Oakenson being an earth dragon has power over earth, but also possesses rare talent of manipulating plant life to which he takes up occupation as a palace gardener.  And so after being introduced to Oakenson, she then introduced them to Spyro, and they all eventually became good friends.  And to this day Cynder has no idea how these two got along for so long.

Speaking of which it was probably time to split hem apart before Electora accidentally creates an electric discharge.  "Alright you two, I think we both agree that in the end you both are right.  So come on, shake paws."

"Oh come on!  But he started it!"  Electora whined again as she pointed at him.  "Besides I don't think he cares about it."

"Shhh!"  Oakenson then shushed her, his countenance serious and looking away.

"He just shushed me!"  Electora complained.

"Come on Electora."  Cynder consoled.  "You know Oakley he is only just-"

"Shh."  Oakenson shushed again.

"Don't you shush me!"  Cynder said angrily at him.

He then raised a paw up.  "Please be quiet.  Listen..."

Both of the dragoness wondered what he meant, but Oakenson didn't move.  He kept all paws placed firmly on the ground, the dirt passing through his digits.  But before either dragoness could ask any further, they noticed it, a faint vibration coming from the ground.  In a mere second later the earth started to shake, the pebbles visibly rattling on the rocks and a faint yet unmistakable rumbling noise is heard.  It is an earthquake.

Suddenly the trees begin to shake, the branches swaying in erratic directions as leaves fell gently to the ground.  And while the dragonesses tried to retain their footing Oakenson remained stiff as a statue, as if he's sensing for something else to happen

Just then, a large and heavy branch suddenly snaps and gives way, plummeting down towards the unsuspecting dragonesses.  Oakenson immediately felt this, and with instinct alone he stomped the ground with both paws and a large stoney pillars burst from the ground below and arch over the dragonesses.  The huge branch then hits the arch and making sure it doesn't fall further he forced thorn vines to sprout from the arch itself and wrap around the branch, keeping it from moving.

Once the earthquake died down, both Cynder and Electora looked up and see Oakensons' handywork and made a long reliving exhale.  "Whew!  Oakley, you never lose your touch!"  Electora complimented.

"This is the tenth time this week, and the twenty-second time since last month."  Oakenson commented, a slight grimness in his tone.

"I heard it was some tectonic activity from the burned lands."  Cynder said as she dusted herself off.

"No.  I don't believe it so."  Oakenson replied looking around to see if any other branch might fall.  "These quakes are sporadic and yet frequent for the past month, there can't be coincidence.  There is something underneath the surface."

"Ugh!  Not this conspiracy theory s%$t again!"  Electora sighed.  "For the last time, there is no rock golem tunneling underground!"

"And how can you not prove it?"  Oakenson retorted.

Electora opened her mouth but failed to speak anything that could counter that.  She looked down and pondered this for a moment till an idea popped in her head.  "Well, uh, they were controlled by Malefor right?  And he's like six feet under so it can't be?"

"No."  Cynder said, reminiscing the time while the war raged and how Malefor summoned the Destroyer.  "Those earth golems are ancient and came from the deep itself.  Malefor simply summoned them, not controlled them"

Electora felt frustrated that not only are they back at this same conversation she and Oakenson had dozens of times, but now he has brought Cynder into this.  She personally never cared about the earthquakes, sure they caused quite a few accidents, cracked a few buildings and roads, and that one time when the roof in her house caved in, but hey her home was pretty out of shape anyway.  So what is the point?

Electora then said.  "Ah f&%k it.  It's not like there is anything that can be done now."  She then unfurled her wings and took off out of the brush and into the open air.  "Now I'm hungry.  Let's nab some mutton and find some stuff to do."

Cynder then felt her stomach grumble as soon as the thought of food entered her mind.  She hasn't eaten yet all day.  "Sounds good to me.  You coming Oakley?"

Oakenson felt the same hunger burn in him as well.  "Sure."  They all then took flight and flew their way down the street.  Some roasted mutton on a stick sounds really good to them.

"Can we tell Spyro what happened today?"  Electora asked Cynder.

"Never."

<<<<<<<<<<~>>>>>>>>>>

Spyro couldn't believe that he, despite having such reputation, couldn't convince two lowly guards to let someone who is in every single way his equal, in with him to the celebration.  And to think Redington put that much effort just to make it so.  He can only hope the guards outside didn't give her any trouble, if they valued their bones intact.

He was so disgruntled in his thoughts that he almost didn't care to take in the splendor that is the Pendragons' Palace.  Even just walking down the halls the stained glass windows shedding a cascade of colorful sunlight offer a splendor not seen in many places.

The palace itself feels pretty vacant today, except for the occasional guard standing at his post.  Must be for the celebration that must be happening in the palace garden.  Many, if not all of the nobles and scholars will be there, especially Spyros' old friends the Guardians.

Spyro sighed when the Guardians came to mind.  While they may not have the same level of power as the Pendragon or the council, they are however centrifugal in dragon culture.  Being renowned warriors and elemental masters they bear the responsibility of keeping the peace in the land where many others couldn't or won't.  And to Spyro, no other dragon could perfectly embody the role of guardian than the fire guardian Ignitus, his mentor and practically a second father to him, to this day he feels he owes him so much.

But ever since his sacrifice, it has been so long since a new fire guardian has taken his place.  He wonders, when will that change?

Spyro can hear the crowd outside, he must be getting close.  He quickened his pace into a light run, he can't be late.  He sees the entrance to the garden up ahead, and just as he was about to head through something hit him straight on the head, sending him falling backwards and on the floor.  He dizzyingly looked up, his vision spinning, till it came in focus on a red dragon wearing the same looking armor as him.

Spyro immediately recognized this fire dragon.  "Infernus!"  Spyro exclaims as he dusted himself off.  "You're here too?"

"Heck yeah!"  Infernus said cheerfully, still lying on the ground.  "I actually got invited by the Guardians themselves, they requested my presence for some reason."

Infernus is a fellow knight like Spyro and a close friend of his.  His scales colored in a pure and bold red and fiery orange markings trailing down his back.  His horns are actually both three pronged, the tips pointed upwards and lined in such a way it gives the impression of flames.   Infernus is just the same age as he is and yet like Spyro he excels in his job due to his great proficiency over fire, he literally sits in same rank as Spyro does.  Spyro knew that he has a surefire shot at taking the role as Captain of the Guard.

"Well I'm really glad you're here."  Spyro said helping Infernus up.  "This celebration would feel really boring without a few friends around.  Let's go."

They both then passed the doorway and were both pretty surprised just how many dragons are here.  The gardens' central plaza-like area is just big enough for the occasion.  They both walked their way through the crowd which consists entirely of dragons, all of them nobles and officials in Warfang.  They all wore robes and garments of many diverse colors, now while dragons don't need clothes like many other denizens of the realms, Spyro and Infernus could both agree that dragons look good in robes.

There are banners bearing the Warfang insignia hanged on tall metal light polls, waving gently in the wind.  The polls connected together by decorative ropes carrying vines that draped downward, the pink flowers budding adding to a whimsical beauty.  There are also some dragons that acted as waiters carrying food and drinks on trays their backs, to be honest, Infernus though it looked comically funny on them.

Things are looking real lively, all the guests conversing with one other.  And there on the other side of the crowd on a stone built platform where the podium is, are three noticeably large and old dragons, they both recognized them immediately.  The Guardians Cyril, Terrador, and Volteer.  All three of them seemed to be in deep conversation with one another, talking to each other in hushed whispers.  Must be talking about something important.

Spyro and Infernus went closer, but when they did all three of them immediately noticed, from the two young dragons to tell the looked a little anxious, and after saying a few more quick words to each other they turned towards them like nothing happened.  How odd.

"Spyro, Infernus!  Welcome!"  Terrador addressed them happily.

Spyro and Infernus bowed their heads low respectfully.  "And it it's great to see you all too."  Spyro said.  "Sorry I was late, I... had a problem with the guards."

Cyril sighed putting a paw on top his head.  "It seems that Redington has been rubbing off on them, wouldn't you say?"

"Agreed."  Volteer concurred.  "What makes this occasion even more irksome is that he has not invited his fellow candidates in the run for Pendragon.  An unwise and rather arrogant move I should say."

Cyril then added.  "Though if it makes anyone feel better, at least once we made the announcement we can continue on with our lives."

Infernus was curious, he knew Red will be speaking, but he never heard of anything about the Guardians announcing something.  "And this announcement is about what?"  Infernus asked.

Terrador gave a warm smile and said.  "You both will see."

With that topic out of the way they all decided to enjoy some of the festivities.  Terrador called a waiter over and it just so happens that the waiter is carrying samples of mutton.  Spyro, and frankly all dragons in general, love mutton.  Although not a full meal, he can enjoy a full diner with Cynder later.  After each of them happily took a piece and chowed down it was then that Infernus has something else to talk about.  

"By the way Spyro, I don't know if you have heard yet, but recently there has been some stories being carried around by the rest of the knights."

"Really?  What stories?"  Spyro asked.

After looking around a bit seeing if anyone else is hearing.  Infernus then pulled Spyro closer with his wing.  "Now take his with a grain of salt because this originally came from the scouts, but rumor has it that there have been sightings of strange creatures about.  The likes of which unseen yet by anyone."

"Were they hostile?"  Spyro inquired.

"Yeah, most of the time.  But here's the funny thing though, while the stories are all the same and end the same, the creatures in each story are different each and every time.  One said they saw a giant crab with claws the size of a whole dragon.  And another one I heard from the desert scouts said they were attacked by a massive devil that burst from the sands, and had horns so big they can gore a whole troll."

Spyro found all of this hard to believe.  "Hm, sounds too far fetched."

"That's what I thought too.  I thought it was another elaborate prank to get some attention."  Then Infernus' face darkened.  "But now I'm not so sure."

Spyro was a bit taken aback by his friends' sudden shift of attitude.  "What do you mean?"

Infernus paused for a moment and then continued.  "A few days ago a team of scouts returned home, they were all pretty banged up and bruised.  They even a few scorch marks here and there.  They told us they were attacked by what they can only describe as giant wolf, but the description they gave us was pretty detailed.  It looked like a wolf, howled like a wolf, but it was bigger, much bigger.  And though it should be a mammal  it had cyan scales, white fur, and golden spikes that lined its back and forearms.  But the craziest thing about this creature, is that it controlled lightning.  So well that they said that its' whole body was wreathed in it!"

"That just sounds too hard to believe."  Spyro said still skeptical.  "But what made you think otherwise?"

"The team actually had a fire dragon with them, so we all thought the scorch marks came from him.  We all though this was proof they were pranking us.  It was then I gave one of the scouts a pat on his shoulder."

Spyro leaned in.  "And then what happened?"

"....the armor shocked me."

Just then a series of trumpets sounded and overpowered the clamor of the crowd, where everyone then turned to the resounding fanfare, and there at the same archway that Spyro and Infernus went through is a quartet of trumpeter dragons sounding there horns while carrying spears.  They are richly decorated in gilded armor, signifying their role as the Pendragons' personal guards.  And in the middle of these trumpeters is a small elderly dragon in white and black robes, standing out front and proudly said.

"Presenting his royal sovereignty, and chosen monarch of all dragons for past thirty years.  I present to you, Pendragon Redington!"

Then out of the entryway is a carriage made and carved from fine wood, being carried by four other royal guards by the nape.  And lying lazily on this carriage is none other than Pendragon Redington, a red dragon with a rather grim complexion while yet draped in a vermillion cape and carrying a golden staff with a purple gem on top. The announcer and the gilded guards stepped to the their respective sides and stood stiff in salute as their lord is being carried through.

Everyone else following suit, as they cleared a path for the Pendragon to be carried through.  As he was being carried past everyone bowed themselves fully, bending down the front half of their bodies as well as their heads low to the earth.  Then behind Reds' carriage is another carrage, albeit smaller.  This carriage is roofed and has silk drapes pillows of many hues and colors of blue.  Inside it, silhouetted behind the drapes one could see a female ice dragoness.  

Spyro and Infernus knew who this dragoness was, she is Redingtons' daughter and the Pendragon princess, Tundra.  Considered to be the most beautiful dragoness in the realms, her body is slender and curved, the light blue scales on her body contrasted well with the lighter sky blue color of her naval and wings, and her sleek silver horns are kept perfectly polished.  She even wore silver bracelets on neck, ankles, and tail, similar to Cynders' except these are more elegant in design.

The crowd also bowed to the princess as well, but when she was being carried past Spyro he thought he noticed the emotion in her expression to be rather...dull, uninterested.

When the Pendragon and princess made it to the elevated platform they both got off, using the guards very bodies as steps.  Red then approached the Guardians, his face softened and his tone far more friendly than what was assumed before.  "Spyro, Guardians.  How are the festivities faring?"

"Quite well, my liege."  Terrador replied while bowing before him.  "I hope that business with you is well?"

"Oh quite well I can assure you."  Red said casually, however there was something that seemed a bit unnerved.  "But for now, let us begin the speech!"

He then turned and approached the podium then he raised himself up so that his front paws are secured on it.  The crowd then cheered, his grin turned smug and wide, he lives for these moments of such praise.  He lets the cheering drag on for but a moment, letting the praises fill his ears.

Red then raised a paw, then everyone fell silent.   It was then he let his speech begin.  "Dragons of Warfang!  I welcome you all to our personal celebration in the completion of Warfangs' restoration!  Ever since our time in the war, I have lead our people in the fore front of Malodors' evil ambitions of-"

"From hiding in a hole no less."  Whispered Volteer.

"Shush Volteer. He might hear."  Terrador harshly whispered back.  But knowing too well that his accusation was true.  During the war Redington really was in hiding, in the deepest part of a gorge as it turns out.  He contributed very little in the war effort, much less in the Dark Masters' defeat.

"Oh don't be so worried."  Cyril then whispered.  "The windbag wouldn't resist the the sound of his own voice, much less hear over it."

Spyro chuckled at that statement.  He then turned and sees Tundra simply sitting off to the side, looking downwards, and rather a bit downcast.  Spyro wonder what could be wrong with her, so he tried to subtly scoot closer to Tundra.  When he got close enough to her he then stretched out his wing and tapped her shoulder.  Tundra immediately noticed, and turned her head to him, her eyes wide with surprise.

Spyro then said in a hushed whisper.  "Hey, I'm Spyro.  I was wondering if you-"

But before he could finish his sentence, Tundra swiftly turned away and hastily scooted away from him.  Spyro was surprised and confused as to why she would so abruptly turn away.  Was it something he said, or was it something he didn't do?  Infernus noticed this and how uncomfortable Spyro looked, so he leaned in and explained.  "I wouldn't look too much into it.  I tried to talk to her before but she seems too shy."

Spyro couldn't really understand why Tundra would be so shy, but then again who is he to judge?

Just then as he was in the middle of these thoughts Redington was already wrapping up his speech.  "-and allow me to finish saying, that all this progress, all of these accomplishments, would never become possible without the strong dragons that wish and live to serve me...I-uh, you!" 

The crowd cheered yet again, much more enthusiastically this time.  "And without further a due!"  Redington shouted, raising both paws in the air.  "Let the festivities begin!"

But before Red could even leave the podium, Terrador made said an audible "Ahem!", Redington then remembered what the Guardians has asked for from him earlier, an announcement for something that even he has no clue about.  To which he was reluctant but agreed since they are the Guardians.  Though he would wish to know what though, he was never the type to allow secrets to be kept from him in his nation.

"Oh right."  Redington sighed as he then stood back up on the podium and nonchalantly said.  "And to further add to the speech, the Guardians would like to have a few words with you all."

The crowds shouted as the Guardians then stepped forward, Terrador being the one to deliver the message stood behind the podium and bowed to the crowd.  "Afternoon everyone!"  Terradors' low octave voice resounding through the air that issued an authority that many dragons couldn't match, not even Red.  "Fellow members of Warfang, for many years, we the Guardians have served the dragon race as well as all the free peoples of the Dragon realms in steadfast diligence, to bring peace, wisdom, and prosperity to all that wish harmony in this wonderful world.  As you all know, throughout our history, even before Warfang and the leadership of the Pendragon has been established, it was the Guardians that have protected and maintained the peace.  A legacy of strong, humble dragons that put aside their own pride and rose to become the heroes we have renowned and aspired for so long."

Terrador then lowered his head.  "And though some of us who never made it, their sacrifices paved the way to a brighter future.  Such is the wish of fellow Guardian, and dear friend Ignitus."

Spyro felt that line and lowered his head in silence.  The crowd also feeling the sadness as well emanating from those words fell silent also as a voiceless salute to the great fire guardian.

Terrador then continued.  "But now is not the time to dwell in the past, as this is the day we restore that which is lost and look towards the future that is in store for us.  And now, we the Guardians must do the same"

Terrador then took a deep breath.  "That is why after much deliberation and council, I, Volteer, and Cyril, have decided...that now is the time to train a new generation of Guardians."

The crowd gasped, but Spyro was stunned silent.  This, this was something he did not expect at all.  Even Infernus, Tundra, and Redington were all surprised by this development.

Terrador once again continued.  "As much as we ourselves hate to accept, we have grown old and past our prime.  We are not immortal, and our time on this world is finite.  This decision has been put through much consideration ever since the war ended, but we feel that now, while we still have yet many years of life ahead of us, that we must do this.  By this time tomorrow we will reveal the candidates, whom we've seen worthy enough for these past four years and begin their training."

As the crowd cheered and cried frantically Spyro was deep in thought, he knew this day would come.  But he did not expect it for now.  Perhaps it was time for something new to come to this world.  Terrador then finally finished.

"And soon, a new generation of guardians will rise."

<<<<<<<<<<~>>>>>>>>>>

Later that evening...

The park has always been one of a dragons favorite places to visit.  The open air allowed hindered-less flight, and the soft grass under trees offers great places to rest and nap.  But for Spyro, while he enjoys all these things, always comes here alone often for one purpose.  To visit the memorial statue of Ignitus.

The statue that was erected but a year after the war and has been personally overseen by Spyro and the Guardians themselves so that there could be no flaws.  And rightfully so since they are the ones that knew Ignitus the most.  And ever since then every night Spyro as well as others who greatly admire him come to light candles around the statues base, a sign that the flame guardians' fire will never die, wether in brightest day or in darkest of nights.

Spyro sat there, taking in the sight of of the statues figure.  Carefully lighting a new set of wax candles for the night with a soft flame breath.  It had been a long day, the celebration dragging on longer than he had anticipated.  If he was honest with himself, he wished that he just left and head back to his knightly duties as soon as the speech was finished.  But then again Red would have kept him there anyway.

In fact the whole celebration felt more stressful than an average day on the job.  If the aspect of there are unknown monstrous creatures roaming about is frightening enough, now the Guardians are looking for replacements to fill in their positions.  He doesn't know how they'll do it, but he trust them more than enough to handle it.  Despite it being unnerving, he is in fact excited to see what new things are in store the future.

"Ignitus, if only you are here to see this day.  Spyro whispered somberly, watching as the last rays of sunlight fade into the distance.  "If only you're still here to give me guidance."

But before he decides to leave however the sound of many footsteps was heard behind him.  Spyro thought it was just another group of dragons coming through or to pay their respects.  That is until he heard her say.  "You know, I think Ignitus would be proud to see how you've turned out anyway."

Spyro turns and sure enough Cynder is there, along with Electora and Oakenson behind her.  "Hey guys."  Spyro said.  "I'm sorry that I couldn't come to you all sooner.  The whole thing was such a drag!"

Cynder wasn't disappointed, she simply shrugged about it.  "Actually I pitied you, I'm just happy that you survived that much boredom."  She joked as she sat beside him and nuzzled into his neck.

Electora and Oakenson took their places beside them as well, admiring the statue as well as the starry night sky.  The moons weren't out, so the stars shone brightly unhindered in their full glory.  Electora then noticed something is off.

"Say, where's that flying, little glow stick Sparx?"  She said.  "Isn't annoying everybody like his whole purpose in life?"

Spyro chuckled at this remark.  "Nah, he's actually away and visiting mom and dad tonight.  He'll be staying with them over the weekend."

Electoras' eyes then widened.  "Which means we're freeeeeee!  Hahaha!"

Everyone laughed with her.  But Spyro believed now is the time to ask.  "So uh, did any of you hear the news?"

"The Guardians are looking for apprentices to fill the role of Guardian."  Oakenson said in his usual monotone voice, to which Spyro looked at him surprised.  "Do not be surprised at this, the moment Terrador said it with his own lips it instantly became the talk of the town."

"Then I guess it's no secret then that someone is finally going to become the next fire guardian then huh?"  Spyro then looked up at the Ignitus' memorial once more with a heavy expression.  "I just, can't believe someone is finally going to fill in his role.  I can't lie to you all, I know it's wrong but I'm uncomfortable with this."

Cynder knew and understands Spyros' predicament.  "I can get how it might feel.  But you do know that this is what Ignitus would have wanted.  I mean there hasn't been a proper fire guardian in four years."

"I know."  He replied.  "But I just know that who ever is going to be chosen, they have a lot to aspire towards."

They all then sat there, continuing to stargaze in silence.  But then out of the corner of their eyes they looked and saw a bright light in the sky.  They thought it was a star at first, but then they can immediately tell that it is actually moving.  "Hey look!  A shooting star!"  Cynder exclaims.

The star is red in color, in fact a very brilliant color of crimson.  But the strangest thing about it, that Spyro has noticed, is the thick trails of black smoke as well as sparkles of red streaming behind it.

"Must be a meteor."  Spyro thought.

"Oh oo oo oo!  I get to call the wish!"  Electora shouts. Waving her paws around like a child.  "I saw it!  I saw it fiii-irst!! It's mine mine mine mine mine mine MINE!!!"

"Ok, then what do you wish for?"  Spyro asked.

"Nuh ah!  You know the rules!"  She said crossing her front legs.  "You can't say anything about the wish, otherwise it doesn't come true!"

Oakenson then replied.  "But since you just told us that you made your wish, does that mean by your logic your wish is now invalid?"

".......F&%k!"

Everyone bursted out laughing.  Tonight is indeed going to be a good night after all.  All the while the crimson star streaked across the sky.

<<<<<<<<<<~>>>>>>>>>>

High in the heavens, where thinnest air borders the stars.  A draconian beast flies on, on silver wings.

All life below gaze up in the sky in fear.  For the crimson comet draws near.

It cared not wince it came, or wince will go, but only wherein to call home.

It's home rent away from it, it seeks a new one.

Angry, it sears the night sky in it's scarlet wake.

It tires, it grows hungry.  It's piercing blue eyes survey the land.

The sky it's domain, and mountains it's pedestal.

It's eyes locked on, it spotted a meal.

The deer below had not noticed the death approaching.

The red star dove, with a meteors' strength.

The last light the deer saw is the heavens rend in twain, in a final flash.

Trees are but sticks to it, and stone but dust.

And as the smoke cleared, a crater remained.

But only a silver beast endured, with it's food in claw.

Its sights set back to the stars.  It takes to the air, with the ground split asunder.

It will find a new home, no matter the cost.

For it is the Blistering Argent Comet.  Valtrax.

Chapter Text

The swamp is not exactly the most welcoming place for most creatures.  If the hot climate, humid air, insanely giant mushrooms the size of trees, and soggy wet ground make living here inhospitable enough.  Frog Weeds, Growths, and Bulb Spiders make the environment that much more dangerous, especially for creatures of Sparx size.

However even amidst all this Sparx knew better, as he flew to and fro through and by the massive mushroom stalks there is still some quaint peacefulness, even in the night.  For deep in the farthest reaches of the of this mushroom filled bayou, lies a small cove, nestled and hidden within.  And as Sparx parts the curtain of tall grass out of the way there is revealed the small village of dragonflies whimsically called Wispin.

Once through the grass Sparx breathed in the fresh scent of familiar air.  "*Sigh*  It's good to be back!"  He said as he darted towards the colony.

Sparx decided to take things a bit slower as to enjoy the sights and sounds of his own people.  Wispin is actually a relatively new home for the dragonflies.  Seven years ago ever since the apes came and attacked, the peaceful dragonflies had been on edge, realizing that there is more going on in the outside world than what they hoped to think.  And ever since the war ended the dragonflies collectively agreed that they should stay together in a much more safer part of the swamp.

And so they built Wispin, a town for dragonflies to live in peace and quiet.

As he passes by, Sparx can see that their community is still holding strong, as because the huts they made are still intact.  Having a hut wasn't really something the dragonflies had back then, but then some smart dragonfly came along and introduced his kind to a brand new way of living.  And the dragonflies loved it!

The huts hanged from the largest of mushrooms by the gills or spines underneath the cap by strings made of vines, and the huts themselves are made by weaving pieces of long grass and twigs together till it looks like an enclosed basket.  Then with some caterpillar silk they then stringed and glued leaves, clay, and other materials till the structure is fully encased, leaving a hole large enough so that they can enter in and out.  They even decorated the huts with many colorful items that can be found in the wild such as flowers, acorns, and feathers.

And to add yet more life to this place the dragonflies breed fireflies which they allow to buzz and fly around, adding light to the dimness of night.  All of this adds together in a wonderful sight for the eyes.

Sparx can see as he travels further into the village that everyone is enjoying the evening in happiness and satisfaction.  Through the entrance holes he can see an elder resting his tired eyes fast asleep on a bed of hey, another hut with a young couple resting their heads against each other while sitting on the huts' entrance, he even heard the sound of soft hymns and when he looked he saw a mother cradling two of her larva while singing a lullaby.

Sparx loved it here, and nothing can change that.

He then approached one of the last huts at the other end of Wispin.  Looked just like any other hut in the village except for some flowering vines dangling from it, but he knows this place too well and is excited to have returned.  

He flies closer to the opening, a smug grin plastered on him.  "Ma!  Pop!  Guess who's home?"  Sparx shouted.

Just then two dragonflies looked out through the entrance and the moment their eyes laid view on Sparx, his parents Flash and Nina hastily flew out and nearly tackled their son in a tight embrace.  "Sparx!  Welcome home!"  The dragonfly pair cried while hugging him.

Sparx grunted as he felt his parents arms getting even tighter around him.  "Ack!  Thanks...guys...need...air!"  He gasped between breaths.

"Oh sorry!"  Flash said apologetically as he let his son go.

"Oh Sparx it's so good to see you again!"  Nina said happily, still holding her son tight.

Sparx chuckled at that statement.  "Ma, I've been gone since last week.  It's not like I've been gone a year."

"It is to me!"  She said back.  However as Nina kept her arms around her son a little longer she noticed something.  "Have you lost weight?"  She exclaimed.  "Have you been eating at all lately?"

"Well, not as much as I used to."  He replied rubbing the back of his head.  "But I did eat a fly on the way over."

"Just a fly?!"  Nina said worryingly.  "Now that simply won't do!  I'll go and fetch us some grub."

Sparx tried to stop her as she started to fly off.  "But mom, I just ate!  It's not like I'm..."

"Nah uh!"  Nina said waving a finger.  "No son of mine is going hungry under my roof!  Now come inside and I'll get you some nice, juicy grasshopper for you!"

Flash could only laugh as his wife flew off into the mushroomed forestry leaving a sparkling trial of light in her wake.  He then noticed Sparx looking rather glum in part because he didn't want his mother to fret over him.  "I won't worry too much, son."  He said putting his small hand on his sons' shoulder.  "Ever since you boys left our old home she has always been thinking about both of you.  She just misses you, heck I missed you too!"

"Heh, well you know me, always a family man!"  Sparx said in his usually cocky manner while hugging his father.

"By the way, where's Spyro?"  Flash asked.

"Oh right."  Sparx said sighing.  "You see there was this ''very important event'' taking place that needs him around, so he couldn't come on over."  He said while quoting with his fingers about the celebration that happened just earlier today.

And from what Flash can tell, it wasn't something that either of his sons were fond of.  "Hmm, and I take it that even Spyro wasn't so happy with the idea?"

"It was an event hosted by Red, of coarse he didn't like it!  You know how is about how he treats his girlfriend!"

Flash chuckled about the last part.  He knew that Spyro would someday find a girl, but given Cynders' history it was marvelous to him his son has helped someone who has been through so much and make a new life for herself.  And out of all dragons both Spyro and Cynder chose each other, and in his opinion he couldn't find a better mate for his son.  She will make a fine daughter in law someday.

"Heh,  well you can tall me and your mother all about it once we have dinner.  Now let's get you comfortable."

"Thanks pop!"  Sparx said as they both went inside thier hanging hut, ready to enjoy a fine evening and a big dinner.

Unbeknownst to them, off in the distance in the thick of the towering mushrooms, a large shadow stalks through the forestry, devouring anything that can be lapped up in it's enormously long sticky tongue.

<<<<<<<<<<~>>>>>>>>>>

Near on the other side of Wispin, an elderly dragonfly named Bogs is enjoying some peace and quiet in his hut.  Preferring a simple and peaceful life after making a living for so long, having a hut he built from the ground up, procured a personal garden he has reared up himself, and even finding loving wife.  And now he only wishes to spend the rest of his days with his dearest wife in blissful amity.

However nowadays, his normal nightly routine is usually ruined by a group of young dragonflies who want nothing more but to tease and antagonize him from afar.  Bogs thought this was just the case when he heard some rustling of bushes coming from outside.  He looks out one of the small windows and sees nothing out there.

In a fit of anger he rushes outside into the garden carrying a stick in hand.  Maybe by some chance he might even get to give a whack at one of them.  "Darn teenagers!"  Bogs shouted while looking around.  "You better not be planing on pelting my home with worms.  Not in front of my wife you don't!  Now scram!"

But he hears and sees nothing.  Bogs wonders if his hearing is playing tricks on him.  No, he thought to himself, he definitely heard something out here.  He then eyes one of his most prized possession in his garden, his large Veiled Lady mushroom.  Maybe they are hiding behind there?

Bogs then softly flew towards his prized mushroom, slowly and quietly so that he won't alert those annoying teenage trespassers.  He then grabbed the hem of the mushrooms' "veil" and can only grin at the thought of giving those kids a taste of their medicine.

"Got you!"  He shouted as he immediately lifted the veil and swung his stick, but all that he managed to hit was the mushrooms' stalk.  By now Bogs really is confused, he could've sworn that he actually heard something out here.  Maybe his hearing really is playing tricks on him.

Before Bogs decided to head back home however he felt something drip on his head.  He instinctively reached up and wiped whatever it was off his head and takes a look at his hand, he retches in disgust when he realizes that his hand is now covered in a clear, warm, sticky substance.

Bogs knew it must be those damned kids.  "THAT DOES IT!"  He roared as he turned and looks up.  "You kids are all going to..t-to...!"  He was cut short however as he looked and froze in sheer terror at what is before him.

It is unlike any creature he had ever seen or heard in the swamp before.  It is enormous compared to him, maybe the size of an adult dragon.  The creature is reptilian with leafy green scales and stood on two legs, it possessed green wing arms with circular yellow bulbs at each wing fingers' end.  Its tail is lined with colorful concentric rings from green, yellow, red, purple, and at the very tip is a stubby looking nub which purpose is unknown.  It also has vibrant feathers of many colors that covers its long neck and wings.  Its most striking feature however is the face, a near perfectly rounded geckos' face with piercing golden reptilian eyes, and a wide mouth brimming with drool.

Bogs could only hover there staring in shock, mouth agape at the strange creature.  However looking into the creatures' eyes he sees its' gaze wasn't set on him, rather it was the mushroom behind him.  Bogs realizes this and gently hovers to the side, letting the monster continue gazing at his prized possession.  And then to his horror, the monster opened its' mouth wide and an enormous tongue lashed out, wrapped around his mushroom, pulled in and swallowed it whole.

"No!"  Bogs shouted in a fit of fury.  "My Veiled Lady!  It took me years to grow it you bastard!"

Bogs realized his terrible mistake when the monster immediately turned to him upon hearing him.  Bogs went wide eyed as the gecko-like monster crept closer and closer to him, forcing him to back into a dirt wall.  His breath trying to keep pace with his ever faster beating heart.  The monster tilted its head and croaked curiously and the glowing bug, it never seen a bug like this before.

"Get back."  Bogs tried to yell but his breath stifled in his throat.  "I said get back!"  He begs swinging his stick at the creature but it proved utterly ineffective to even deter it.

The monster kept observing Bogs till its face is but inches from the terrified dragonfly.  It sniffed him, but the bug doesn't smell that appealing to it.  It then opened it's mouth and the creatures' massive tongue reached out and began to taste him, it writhed and twirled around the poor dragonfly till every part of him is simply lathered in the monsters' warm saliva.  Bogs had to cough some of the spit out just to even breathe.

The tongue then retracted back into the beasts' mouth, letting the tastebuds do their work.

The creatures' pupils dilated, it found Bogs...appetizing.

Meanwhile inside Bogs' hut, under the light of a pet firefly, Bogs' wife was just finishing up knitting a scarf made out of worm silk.  She is going to give it to one of her grandchildren on their birthday which is tomorrow.  So she put some more time into weaving it.

But before she could put the finishing touches on her gift, she heard her husband, Bogs, scream outside.  She was startled, for while she knows that Bogs usually yells at the annoying teens this was different.  She heard him scream in terror at the top of his lungs for one second and then the next there was complete silence.  "Bogs dear?"  She says concerned.

Wondering what could have gone wrong she then took the pet firefly in hand and peaked out the huts' entrance, raising the firefly so it can light the way like a torch, but all she sees nothing but the night.  She was hesitant, but she decides to slowly leave the confines of her home and venture out into the night air.  By now she is very nervous, hopefully those teens haven't done something terrible to him.  "Boggy?"  She cries in his pet name as she looks this way and that.  "Boggy dear are you alright?  Bogs?"

She then sensed something from behind her.  The sound and sensation of hot, rhythmic breathing.  She stood stiff as a board, too afraid to even turn around.  But she has too, her curiosity demands her.  She slowly turns, and standing face to face is a monster staring her down with hungry predatory eyes.  And sticking haphazardly out of its' mouth is her husbands' wing, before it then swallow that as well.

"AAAAHHHHHH!!!"

<<<<<<<<<<~>>>>>>>>>>

A horrible scream racketed throughout the village till it was so loud that it awakened every dragonfly in Wispin.  Suddenly everyone got up from their little beds and flew outside wondering what the commotion is about, some yawning and rubbing their eyes as tiredness still retained its' grip on their senses.

Sparx especially as while his parents immediately flew out he on the other hand can barely stick his own head out the entrance feeling like he could fall back asleep on the very rim hoping that dream of eating a royal buffet may come back.  But when he finally rubbed the tiredness from his eyes, he wished that he was instead living in a nightmare, as he bore witness to a winged, gecko like monster rear its ugly head up and over the dragonfly colony, and swallow what's left of Bogs' wife down.

The creature raised its' head surveyed the new area it has discovered by accident.  It took so much of its' energy to cross the sea and reach this new land, leaving it dreadfully hungry.  Food in this mushroom filled biome was scarce, so coming across this bounty of strange glowing insects made it drool a near waterfall.  It will not pass up on this chance.

And so with a loud croak it charged forward, tongue out, and ready to feast.

Everyone screamed in dread and one group of dragonflies tried to fly away, but was too late.  In one fell swoop the monster lashed its sticky tongue forward and scooped up ten whole dragonflies and reeled them all back into its mouth.  Sparx could hear muffled screams and see their glow seeping through the creatures scaly mouth for one second before the monster then swallowed them all, their light fading down through the monsters' throat.

Next it went for one of the dragonflies huts, to the monster it these huts looked like hives, and the monster learned from experience that more bugs live in hives.  So it leaned down and peered through the hut's entrance to find a terrified mother dragonfly holding two crying larvae in her arms.  The mother could do nothing but scream as the monster then tore the hut down from its' ropes and then bashed it's head into it, creating an opening for its' tongue to slip in and drag both the mother and larvae into its' waiting maw.

Sparx, now undeniably wide awake, flew in between his parents who were watching all this unfold.  The look of sheer horror in their eyes.  "Ma, Pa, what is that thing?!"  Sparx yelled pointing at the monster with wide eyes.

Flash then yelled.  "I don't know and I don't care to know!  Let's get out of here!"  He then took his wife and started to push them away.  "Go!"

Without any more convincing the family made a frantic dash away from the monster.  And everyone else seemed to have had the same idea as they all flew away in terror along with the Sparx family.  The monster then noticed its prey fleeing and gave chase, letting nothing stand in its way.  Huts were smashed and gardens are crushed under the beasts' feet as it made a mad dash for every dragonfly it sees.  And with its long tongue it continued its gruesome, hungry crusade.  Lapping and snatching up anyone unfortunate to be caught in the slimy appendage.

Some of the villagers mustered up some courage and took some sticks and pebbles then threw them at the monster.  But their horror all it did was catch the beasts' attention, to which with one rapid flick of its' tongue it pulled those brave souls into its' mouth and swallowed them whole.  And it was still not enough to satiate its' hunger.

Sparx witnessed this happen peering over his shoulder, there is no way to fight this creature.  He then remembers how dense the mushrooms are at the edge of one part of the village, and judging by the size of this monster it will have trouble following after them once they make it through.  "I have an idea!"  Sparx yelled.  "If we make it to the tree-line we could escape to the swamp!"

"Are you nuts?!"  One dragonfly yelled as he flew past him.  "The rest of the swamp is dangerous!!"

"Well it's either the swamp, or that stomach!"  Sparxed yelled back pointing at the creature, who already has a dozen more dragonflies in its' mouth.  "And frankly I don't want to go out digested!  Follow me everyone!"

And so they all continued flying onward with Sparx leading the way, the monster continuing its chase.  But its larger size made it hard for the monster to keep up with the smaller, more faster prey, so it lashed out its' gecko-like tongue towards anyone that it can stick and drag back.  Everyone panicked as the monster already snatched up five more unfortunate dragonflies, even Sparx feared for his life as he and his parents continuously dodge the monsters' lashing tongue.

And those that did not dodge in time were instantly pulled back and devoured alive.

To make matters worse it seemed nothing can obstruct the beast in its' relentless pursuit, not even the huts can withstand to this creatures' savagery.  This pained Sparx to his very core as he can only imagine the destruction that followed in the monsters' wake, and all the lives that must have been lost thus far, this is truly a terrible day for all dragonflies.  But luckily it seemed that the only thing that seemed to be in the creatures' mind is food, so if they escaped they could prevent any more tragedy to befall on Wispin and its' inhabitants.

And not a moment to sooner, for he can see the edge of Wispin up ahead, and a thick tree-line of giant mushrooms that will allow them to slip through and bar the way to the glutinous beast.  Sparx can already see some inhabitants fly to safety one by one, soon they and everyone else alive will join them.  "We can make it.  We can make it!"  Sparx yelled encouraging everyone around him to fly harder than ever.

The gecko monster then noticed the tree-line and how its' prey is slipping through, soon its' feast will be over.  But not without one last snack.  In a desperate attempt to secure but one last morsel it launched its' tongue one last time.  Just as it did Sparx, Flash, and Nina all made it through the tiny spaces that made up the mushroom tree-line.  All three of them shouted for joy once they've made it through, there was no way the monster could ever reach them now.  They are safe!

But before they can go any further, Nina was stopped dead in her tracks.  Dread washed over her as she felt something wet and sticky on her back.  She turned and sure enough, the monsters' tongue managed to slip through the narrow hole they escaped through and is latched onto her wings.  "Oh no, NO!"  She screamed as she tried to break free.

Both Sparx and Flash heard her and turned, their eyes wide with terror.  "Mom!  No!"  Sparx cried as he and Flash rushed back to her and began pulling on her.  The monster knew it had caught one of those bugs but struggled to pull back for its' tongue is stuck in the hole.  Both dragonflies pulled with all their might, but no matter what they did they could not even barely budge Nina out from the monsters' sticky grasp, what's worse is that the tongue is almost free.

And just when things could get any worse, Flash pulled just hard enough that when he recoiled he managed to get himself stuck in the sticky saliva.  Flash cursed himself for now he is caught in the monsters' grasp.  Leaving only Sparx left to pull both of them out.  Sparx took a glance behind him and can see a few dragonflies so cried for help.  "Someone!  Help me!"  But no one came, everyone was either too fearful of petrified to do anything to help.

The monsters' tongue is almost free, causing Sparx to panic further.  Frantically he pulled and pulled and pulled but he can't free them.  Flash and Nina then realized this, he is not strong enough to help his parents.  They both looked at each other, certain despair evident in their eyes, they then nodded at each other before they each clenched Sparx hands.

Flash then shouted.  "Son, tell Spyro we love him!  Alright!?  Tell him we love him!"

Sparxs' eyes widened, he is not letting it end like this.  "No no!  Don't say that!"  He said pulling harder than ever before as they are pulled further and further away.  "I'm getting you outta here!  You all are seeing big bro again!  And we live happily ever after!  So no, no, no!"

And before they all knew it, Flash and Nina were pulled back out of the tree line and into the open.  Sparx himself was nearly pulled through too, but was stopped when he lost his grip on his parents and fell on the holes' rim.  Just in time to see the monster stagger back and its' tongue fall and then flop onto the ground limp, with both parents still stuck on them.

It took a lot of the monsters' strength to pull its' tongue back out, though a bit tired, it will finally have its' last meal.  It then started to pull its tongue back, and Flash and Nina both knew that this was their final moment.  Both parents looked at each other one last time and embraced each other as they were drawn into the monsters' maw.

Sparx could only look on and cry out.  "No, no, NOOOO!!"

And just when the monsters' maw was about to close on its' last victims... something latched onto it.

The monster stagers for a second, not expecting what hit it.  Sparx looked and can see what looked like a claw of sorts has been onto the monsters' feathered nape, and behind said claw is a cable that runs out from it.  He was confused, what was this thing that stopped it?  And that sound, it sounds like a,... a winding rotor?

Then as quick as lighting a shadowy figure bursts into the scene, riding in by pulling himself in by the cable, and with his shoulder he smashes into the beasts face.  The force of the hit was so hard that not only did it send the monster flying, but it also managed to free Flash and Nina from its' sticky grasp.  "GUYS!"  Sparx shouted as he dove out of hiding.  And before both his parents could hit the ground he grabbed both of them mid air and carried them back in through the tree-line.

And after setting them down, he quickly took a look back out to see who or what had saved them.  A when he looked he sees that the stranger is actually on the monsters' face, repeatedly hitting it over and over again using his claw-like mechanism, forcing the monster to stager and turn.  And when the monster was facing a large mushroom stalk, the claw-like tool then by some miraculous feat of engineering transformed into an arm mounted crossbow.

The stranger then punched the monsters' face with this crossbow and fired its' ammunition into it.  The sheer force of the firing mechanism launched the stranger flying back and the monster straight forward, and then crashed its' face into the giant mushrooms' stalk and fall down.  Sparx could actually feel the force of the monster hitting that stalk, he guessed that if a dragon were in its' place they would have no doubt be knocked into a coma till next week.

The stranger rolled on the ground and then came to a stop crouched on one knee with one hand clenched on the dirt and the other gripped firmly on the hilt of his weapon.  Sparx couldn't really make out what the stranger looked like due to the darkness, but when the fireflies began to rise back up and whirl around him did he see the strangers' visage entirely.

The stranger is bipedal like a cheetah or an elk, but to which species he belongs to Sparx couldn't figure out due to its' helmet.  And in speaking of armor he looked well armored, but it didn't look anything like what a cheetah or elk would wear.  Nearly covered in steel plating and chain mail in certain joints.  But also armored with what looked like green dragon scales and barbs on his forearms, shins, the sides of his waist, and parts of the chest plate.

And on his right shoulder is a pauldron that also has green scales but has long, curved, black spines that sticked out and pointed to the right, threatening anything that dared to hit him there.  But draped on his left shoulder and back is a leathery five pointed garb with the same green scales etched on that not only looked comfortable to wear but also adds a rugged flare.  His helmet is also a mismatch of metal and green scales, its shape and appearance looking rugged yet knightly, with a pair of the same black barbs from its' pauldron but placed on the back of the helm giving the appearance of dragon horns, and a long white feather decorated the helms' very back.

But his most striking feature is the strangers' weapon on his back.  While the claw-slash-wrist mounted crossbow was marvelous enough, nothing compared to his main weapon.  It is simply a great sword, a giant great sword.  It was almost as big as the stranger is tall!  Made of hardened steel and sharpened in such a way it glistened brightly in the fireflies lights.  It looked so strong and formidable, that Sparx thought that if it could it will cut down anything that meets its' edge.

The monster then stood back up, looking at its' attacker with agitated disdain.  Rearing on its' hind legs sizing him up.  The stranger merely lifted himself back on two feet and faced down the monster.

And then the stranger spoke.  "Finally found you."  His voiced sounded that of a young male.  "It's been a fun hunt, Pukei-Pukei.  But I'm gonna need your poison sac."

He then unhinged his great sword and prepared to charge.  "Now do me a favor and let this be a fun one!"

Chapter Text

The hunter and Pukei-Pukei both stared each other down, examining one another.  One held an animosity towards the bipedal creature that dared to disturb it in it feeding, while the other, though hidden under the helmet, held an excited gaze just itching for a good fight.  If the helmet were off, one would see the bipedal creature grinning like a madman.

All the while Sparx and the rest of the dragonflies all huddled together on the very edge of the tree line, not daring to move a mere inch into the open lest this gecko monster would lash out and grab them in its prehensile tongue.  But while the safety of the swamp laid behind them, the dragonflies were enraptured by the sudden display of valor by this new creature, even Sparx was too curious to leave and let the events play out unknown.  Just who, or what, is this creature anyway?

The Pukei-Pukei growled, digging its toes on the dirt, while the hunter kept his hand on the hilt of his great sword, both preparing to charge.  The air saturated with anticipation, just ready to burst at the slightest motion.

Until finally with a shout.

"GO!"  The hunter shouted as he charged forward.  The Pukei-Pukei charged as well, raising itself up and running forward.  It then lunged forward and lashed its tongue out, throwing it about like a meaty flail.  But the hunter upon reflex used the momentum of his dash to slide down and across the ground under the Pukeis' tongue.  He then retaliated by launching himself up up and hit it with the flat side of his great sword.

The wyvern stumbled along, dazed, but then regained balance and turned around.  Stomping on a few dragonfly huts in the process.

Many of the dragonflies silently mourned for the destruction of their beloved village. Its throat then began to swell up, like a sack full of water Sparx presumed.  And then once it reached its maximum capacity it spat out a large globule of purple fluid.  The globe flew through the air towards the hunter, but he merely blocked it, splattering it to dozens of gooey droplets.  Great swords function great as both a sword and a shield.

Some of the droplets fell in the stems of the great mushrooms near Sparx and family are hiding.  From behind said stem Sparx was curious what the stuff was and carefully peaked around to touch it.  But suddenly a noxious smell hit his senses, and judging from the clearly harmful looking purple fumes emanating from it, he can take one good guess what it is.

Poison.

Boy would Cynder be fond of this element.

Back in the fight, the hunter readied himself for another incoming attack.  With a flap of its wing arms the Pukei-Pukei then launched itself into the air and hovered for a bit, its throat sack starting to swell and fill up with poison yet again.  Trowing its head back the monster spat out a large volley of poison globs up the air and down onto the hunter.

Then as quick as his legs could carry he ran, dodging and rolling about as the poison fell to the earth in dozens of clumps.  Splattering all around him in a shower of purple toxins.  He was mostly successful, but one of the projectiles fell true and was about to hit him, but the hunter swung his great sword around and over his head, splatting it before it hit him, careful to avoid breathing in the toxic mist as he ran through what was left of that poisonous volley.

With that attack avoided, the hunter hurried and closed the gap between himself and his prey.  He wasn't going to give his quarry a second to think.  He singed his blade upwards attempting to gut its navel section.  But the Pukei-Pukei was quick and flapped up, high enough away but the blades' tip cut into monsters' midsection, slicing up to the neck.  A sizable gash with considerable amounts blood gushing out.

The monster shrieked in pain and retaliates.  Flailing its clawed feet at the hunter below attempting to gash him.  The hunter reacted quickly however and brought his sword up and held off the assault with both hands.  The monster having enough of his defenses, and grabbed hold of the great sword and took off into the air with it.

But the hunter isn't so willing as to let his favorite weapon take off so easily.  His great sword is his best offense and defense, he may be strong enough to wield such a big weapon but he isn't stupid enough to start fighting a monster bare fisted.  So held fast to the hilt as hard and tight as his hands can grip, never caring that his palms may end up horribly blistered.  Because of this, the monster then lifted him up by his own weapon and started to swing and hurl him around in midair.  The hunter hanging on for dear life.

Until finally, the Pukei-Pukei let go of the weapon and flung the hunter far ahead, landing hard against the stem of an enormous mushroom.  The crash heavily knocking the wind out of him, now that hit he did felt.  While he did add leather padding to his metal suit, the armor can only take so much blunt force, especially since it's a low-tier armor set made with bits of other monster parts.  Adding that to being thrown around like a chew toy it will take a minute for him to regain his bearings.

Then as the hunter did his best to get back up the monster landed on the earth, its back side and tail pointing at him.  The Pukei-Pukei looked behind itself and sees its position optimal, and then to the dragonflies confusion, the monsters tail just like its throat before starts to swell and balloon out, far larger that what its throat patch can expand.  Until finally when the tail reached its max size, the monster sprayed a torrential cloud of thick poison from the tip of its tail.

Sparx looked on watching with disgust.  "Ew!  Never mind, Cynder wouldn't want anything to do with this!"

The hunter, seeing the poisonous attack rapidly heading straight for him, tried to block it but was too late.  The sheer force of the poison fog alone sent him reeling backwards onto his rear.  He tried to keep his mouth shut but he involuntarily breathed in the mist, ingesting the poison into his lungs.  He can already feel the effects take hold, but he kept his cool, nothing a quick antidote could fix.

But his problems kept on coming, for now the Pukei-Pukei reared itself up, its face and feathered plume suddenly darkening into a blood red color, and with a flare of its wings it lets loose a croaking roar so loud that he, Sparx, and all the dragonflies had to cover their ears.  The monster is now enraged, meaning it will now fight harder and more desperately than ever to see its attacker killed.

The monster locked eyes with the hunters own, the pupils in its gecko eyes narrowed into slits and its mouth drooling with dripping poison.  The hunter knows he has to cure his poison and keep the monster at bay but he can't do both at the same time, he has to do something and fast if he ever wants to do them both in time before he faints.  He has to end this hunt.

But the Pukei-Pukei wastes no time, it rears itself up and furiously runs forward towards the hunter and lashes out it tongue.  Hitting the hunter in the face, his helmet protected him but he sure as hell felt that.  But he will not be so easily deterred, quickly regaining his bearings he retaliates, he swing himself around on his heel and brings his great sword crashing to its face.  The blade cutting across the monsters scalp, and even cutting a piece of its face clean off.

Furious, the monster swung around and slammed its tail against the hunter's side.  Knocking the weapon out of his hands while sending him flying.  He felt a few ribs may have cracked.  But he ignored the pain and skidded to a halt on his hands and knees with his sword landing along side him.  The Pukei's tail begins to swell and fill up with poison again so the hunter, grabbing his weapon, sprints forward.  The monster lets loose its poison and sprays it all out in such a way that the spray narrows into a beam of poison death.

The hunter was surprised but reacted quickly.  Putting his great sword in front of him he shields himself while still running at his quarry.  The tail by now has really started to annoy him, so with a swift charge, whilst yet avoiding the poison beam, he gives a mighty swing of his sword.  The blade connects with the tail, and with a seamless cut the sword sheers off the Pukei-Pukeis' tail.  The monster shrieks in agony as the tail was sent flying, twirling in the air till it hit the ground.  Blood splatters around, leaving stains to litter the ground.

But the hunter isn't done yet, turning back to where he came from, he then runs to the very giant mushroom that he landed hard on and then sprints up the stem till he is high enough and leaps off.  With the force of his fall he then brings his sword crashing down onto the Pukei-Pukeis' back, the blade embedding itself deep into the monsters flesh.  The monster screamed in pain as blood begins gushing out.  It then starts to jump and leap about all over the place.  Smashing what is left of Wispin village into pieces.

But the hunter held on though, clinging to his weapon which is stuck in the monsters back.  He knows he's close to his goal and he ain't stopping now.

He then grabbed ahold of the monsters' plume of feathers and hangs on with one hand, and with the other, he then takes out his carving knife and then begins to stab at the creature's back over and over and over again.  The monster did everything to try and shake him off, jumping, shaking, running, but it all proved to be of no avail.  The hunter kept on stabbing more and more.  He knows he is close to victory, he can feel it through the monsters' fatigue.

Then finally, the monster can't take it anymore.  It's grown too tired, exhausted, and weak, it has lost too much blood.  Its' legs being to shake and quiver, then finally, collapsed to the ground.  The hunter knows he has already won, but also knows that the monster is in such pain.  He mind as well quickly put it out of its misery.

And so while still yet on the monster's back, he takes his great sword out of the creature's back and raises it high in the air.  Taking careful aim so he won't miss.  And with one final blow...

"KRACK!!"

He sends his sword crashing down into the Pukei-Pukeis' back, right into its' spinal column inside the neck.  As the body plummeted to the earth the hunter leapt off, letting his quarry hit the ground with a hard thud.  He turned to look at it, the creature is still alive, but barely.  This is the part he never particularly enjoys seeing, nor for any hunter, or for any normal person for that matter.  He watched with a somber heart as the monsters' eyes look on and take one final look on the world in front of it, and sees the very last of the creature's remaining soul fade from them.

The Pukei-Pukei has been slain.

Now with that depressing part of the hunt out of the way, he can finally address his quarry and complete his quest.  All he needs is...wait.  He then suddenly lurches forward, a guttural nausea seizing his navel area.  The poison!  Of coarse, how can he forget.  He would have taken a flask of antidote but it is too late.  He starts to convulse and heave in wet coughs, he can already feel the last stages of poisonous inhalant.  His body, so readily rejecting the assailing toxin start pushing the substance up his wind pipe and up his throat, he just lets it happen as he vomits the poison mixed with mucus.  The excrements splattering to the ground.

While it was his body's was of rejecting the poison and leaving his body cured of it, the effects of it greatly drained his health.  If he had taken an antidote earlier he wouldn't have felt this pain.  But he was grateful that he didn't faint while poisoned or else he would really be dead.

Carefully he steadied his breathing to slow yet rhythmic deep breaths, making sure not to hyperventilate.  He then got back up, and took a max potion from his pouch and drunk down the viscous, green medicine.  Feeling much better from his injuries, he even felt the ribs in his chest starting to heal.  Who knew such miraculous healing properties can be made with just mashed herbs and honey.

Now fully restored he examined the monsters' corpse.  "You put up a nice fight."  He said reverently.  "Hope you do better in the next life."

He then made his way over to the corpse.  "Now for what I came for."  He said reaching for his carving knife and bending down to his quarry.  Searching across its chest for the right spot to begin carving.  While he is known for leaning more into the brawn side of hunting he knew little about monster biology, but he still took some time to learn from the encyclopedias about attack strategies and where his target part should be.  He always made sure otherwise it would take hours of wasted time to carve out what is needed, or worse hunt unprepared.

Skimming his hand across the Pukei-Pukei feathered plumage, he found the spot, and with the carving knife started cutting away at the monsters' flesh.

The dragonflies, including Sparx, watched on with fearful curiosity.  Though now the monster has been slain, they couldn't find the courage within themselves to come out and thank the stranger that had just saved their lives.  They still couldn't figure out who or what he is with all that armor on.  For all they know it could actually be one of those cursed apes and simply killed the monster out of the pleasure of it.

Then after a few more minutes.  "Ah, found it."  The hunter said as he carved just a little bit further until he sees the object of of his objective.  With his free arm he then reached inside, and after a few more cuts later, pulled out the monster part he needed.  Sparx took a closer look from behind the tree line to see what exactly it is and apparently, it's an organ.  Sparx nearly hurled at the sight of the organ hanging in the strangers' grip, but to the hunter it is exactly what he, or more specifically, what the doctors back in base need.

Since Pukei-Pukeis consume so much and so many different types herbs and mushrooms, the copious amounts of processed venom within this organ it will provide next month's supply of antidotes.  And thankfully it will be used no sooner since their last cache has completely run out.

Putting the organ away in a sack for safe keeping, he sighed in glad reprieve.  With his initial quest completed he is free to carve and take what is left, the contract details that all that all the doctors are in need for is the poison sac, anything else is free game to take for himself.  And with all these materials he can have the smithy fashion a new great sword but with the poison instilled in it, a good aliment to use for later hunts.

Sparx watched as the stranger continued to carve away at the fallen monster that wreaked their home village.  He still doesn't know what to make of all this, these two creatures are unlike anything he's ever seen, and he's been almost everywhere in his travels both with and without Spyro by his side.  Does this mean that these two are not native to Avalar, or even the Dragon Realms?  He must know!

Slowly at first Sparx begins to peep around the large mushroom stem, intending to make himself a little known to the stranger.  He just hoped that he isn't a murderous barbarian like the apes.  But before he could even so much as allow his glow to be shown through the contrasting darkness of the swamps' forest, his parents graced ahold and pulled him hard back into hiding.

"What are you doing?!"  Flash anxiously whispered, keeping both hands on him making sure not to let him go.  "We don't know what the heck this guy even is!"

"I know, but..."  Sparx replied, whispering just like he is.  "Pa, if you think about it he just saved our lives.  We can at least thank him."

"But that's the thing, dear."  Nina answered.  "How do we know that he won't attack us too?  Who knows what this thing will do to us once he sees us?"

As they were arguing the hunter's senses perked up as he thought he heard something.  He could have sworn that he heard someone talking.  Raising his head up from carving the beast he took a quick look around but sees no one, nothing but glowing light from behind those massive mushroom trees.  How strange, being a hunter he knows he has keen senses, and his ears don't usually lie.  He then bent back down and continued carving.

Sparx then continued.  "I know but, look, I know he has a big sword and everything but I doubt he can even hit one of us since how fast we are."

"I know where you're getting at but it's still too dangerous."  Flash pleaded.  "This is beyond any of us, we should leave and get Spyro and his friends."

Now that voice the hunter definitely heard.  He immediately shot upwards and grabbed the hilt of his weapon, if they are whispering from the shadows then they must up to something, and he is not about to take chances.  

"Who's there!?"  He shouted.

This startled all of the dragonflies, including Sparx.  There was no denying that their cover is blown, with adrenaline still fresh in their system their instincts ruled over reason and all the dragonflies panicked, flying in almost every direction except towards the hunter, fleeing deeper into the swamp and away from their once beloved village.  However Sparx and his parents remained, seeing that the stranger's stance is merely defensive.  It seems that he isn't looking to attack anyone.

If that is the case then, is really just here for the monster?

The stranger then asked again, his grip on the hilt still tight.  "Okay whoever you are, I know you're there!"  His tone was strong, but not too overbearing so to scare whoever is hiding.  "I mean no harm, come on out!"

Sparx's demeanor perked up relived.  "See?  I told ya'll he's not so bad."

Both parents looked to each other still uncertain.  "I still don't know."  Nina said.  "He might be lying."

Sparx didn't know how to convince his parents otherwise.  But all the while the hunter looked on through the forest of mushrooms, waiting for any response.  But none came.  Just what is going on here?  Maybe his senses really are playing tricks him and it's just his adrenaline high subsiding.  But still, he can't know for sure, again he reminds himself that his senses aren't that easily deceived.

He decides to venture closer to the mushroom tree line to maybe catch a glimpse of who or whatever they are, upon mere yards away he spots lights behind one of the stalks, the same lights he saw moments ago that fled.  Earlier he thought they were fireflies that flew away as soon as he spoke up.  But looking more carefully at these lights, even though despite emanating from behind a mushroom as big as a tree, he can tell that this glow is very different from that of a regular firefly.  These are more brighter, and even glowed in different colors, and the voices came directly from there.

He reached an arm out, but when he took a step forward something crunched under his feet.  Lifting up his foot he looks down and sees what he can only describe as a naturally made bird house.  He picked it up and examined it closely, now he's seen bird houses made of sticks and leaves, he'd even made one with the same raw materials when he was but a little child, but since when do people make them with dirt and silk?

His attention was then taken back to the ground, turns out the whole area is littered with these strange makeshift bird houses.  Most of them torn apart, crushed, or strewn all over the place in tatters.  There are even little gardens that are fit for miniature figures.  Just what kind of place did he just found himself in?

His trial of thought was cut short however when a shadow, casted by the light of the full moon above him, moved swiftly across the earth.  He immediately turned and looked up, his hand back to gripping the swords hilt.  Now his senses are definitely not playing tricks on him, for up above, silhouetted by the moon's serine pale light, is a large flying creature circling up above.  And judging from a few recognizable key features, he already knew exactly what this creature is.

And it is swooping in with its maw a blaze.

"Oh s**t!  He exclaimed as he ran and dove out of the way of an incoming fire ball.  The heat alone nearly singed some part of his leather garb.

As for Sparx and his parents they were caught completely off guard.  The blast was so close, too close, just a few feet away from where they're hiding.  They clinging to each other tightly, practically screaming as streams of fire whisked about the stalk.  To think if they had just decided to leave the protection of the mushroom stalk they would have been completely incinerated.

This time Flash was the first to take a peak behind cover, he is done with letting his wife and son risking themselves for merely a look.  He saw the hunter hastily get back to his feet, his weapon already unsheathed and standing strong against his new adversary.  The enemy in question landed with a tremendous thud, prompting Sparx and Nina to look as well, and if they thought that gecko-like creature was monstrous enough then this is beyond they're idea of the word.

It is an enormous flying monster with rough, leafy green plate scales, sporting a fuzzy ruff that appears stiff and prickly like that of a cactus.  Its wings looked like that of a dragon's, except appearing much larger and stronger, the membranes pale yellow with intricate patters on them, and on each wings forefinger is a row of thorn-like spikes like that of a roses stem.  Its tail is strong and thick, ending with a large bulbous tail end, and at the very tip is a whole patch of barbs and thorns that looked long enough to impale someone.  Its head is large and triangular in shape, green scale plating adorning its head like a draconian helmet, staring down on the hunter with piercing yellow eyes with its maw still flickering with traces of fire.

Sparx couldn't help a chill ran down his spine the more he looked at this beast.  It has scales like a dragon, can even breath fire like a dragon, but it is bigger, no, enormous compared to any dragon.  This monster would make Terrador look like a midget compared to it!  He doesn't even know what the heck this creature is anyway.  The hunter however knows, and if it weren't for the helmet and visor one could see the mad grin and glint in his eyes as his gaze met the monsters own.

"A Rathian!  Now this will be a fight!"  He said as he readied for a charge.  Now he may not be a high rank hunter yet, still on the low rank, but he has been itching to hunt a stronger monster since his arrival to this new continent.  Sure he doesn't have a contract to hunt and slay this Rathian, it is illegal to hunt without verification from the Guild or an official, but he is fine with driving it off.  Any harder fight is a good fight.

The Rathian was the first to act and shot out yet another fire ball, but the hunter quickly dodged and gave chase.  The monster shot out more fire attacks but the hunter isn't so fazed, his adrenaline is at an all-time high right now.  He weaved past each and every attack with efficient fervor.

He spots a large boulder that is just big enough for him to perform a charged jump attack.  He ran towards it, but the Rathian saw where he is going and prepared to shoot at him.  However the hunter was faster and ran up that rock just as the Rathian fired, leaping up he let the fiery projectile fly under him and explode behind him, using the force of the blast to launch him up further up in the air and raise his great sword up high for a strike.

But the Rathian saw the attack coming and twisted its body around and slammed its tail against the hunter whilst midair.  The hunter was sent flying and tumbled to the ground, rolling until he came to a hard stop at a giant mushrooms trunk.  The monster took this opportunity and charged forward.  The hunter hissed in pain, but he wasted no time to get back up on his feet, he isn't going to give this monster a second of advantage.  He charged forward as well, both combatants kicking up a trail of dust behind them as they surged at each other.

And just when they were both about to collide, the hunter raised his great sword up like a shield as the Rathian rammed her head against the face of the blade.  Both monster and hunter clashed, feet and talons dig deep into the dirt as they pushed against each other with violent fervor.  Both aren't willing to give, but soon the hunter's feet began to slide backwards.  The Rathian took advantage and pushed with all her might and thrusted her head forward, throwing the hunter far back.

As the hunter did his best to get back up, the Rathian took the opening and readied itself.  It took a few steps back, raising its tail up into a curve, sprinted forwards, and suddenly to Sparx amazement, the Rathian with a beat of her wings flipped backwards in midair.  As such the tail's end hit the hunter with such force that barbs on the tail tip cut through the hunter's helmet, leaving a heavy gash on his cranium.  The impact sent the hunter reeling back, and fell to the earth in a limp mess.

Sparx and parents were stunned, did their seemingly savior just die right in front of them?  They watched on as the hunter laid there, weakened and vulnerable, until at last the hunter began to shift and move.  Sparx and co. sighed relived, while they never knew who or even what this stranger is, deep down, they are actually glad that the hunter is still alive.

The hunter however, while he is indeed alive and moving, felt as if his skull had been cracked open.  He can already feel blood trickling down past his eyes and taste it on his lips, a faint hint of poison is there as well.  As if being hit with a tail-full of barbs is bad enough, Rathians have poison glands in their tails.  And now he can feel the familiar effects of poison kicking in yet again.  This time he won't forget to take his antidote again.  As soon as he gets back to his feet that is.

But his mind is spinning, the force of that attack nearly knocked him unconscious.  His vision blurred and ears were ringing, he knows he's stunned and he cursed himself for his recklessness.  Many hunters, including himself, dread this status.  It leaves him unresponsive, vulnerable.  If the Rathian wants to it can kill him, here and now.

The Rathian knew this too, but she isn't here looking for a fight.  In fact, the only reason she fought was because he's in the way, her eyes were set on another prize.  Sniffing the air she sensed the remains of the slain Pukei-Pukei past the smells of fire and smoke.  Just like the Pukei it had been a long while since she had her last meal, and the flight over the seas made her just a weary.  This carcass will make a good meal despite the hunter making the matter harder.

She immediately went to the Pukei's corpse and grabbed it in both talons.  All the while, just as the hunter was getting his bearings back, all he can do is watch as his quarry is taken and flown away.  Shaking his head and groaning, he got back on his feet and ran at the Rathian, shacking his fist frustratingly at the monster as it disappears over the mushroom canopy with what would have been his newest great sword into the moonlit sky.

"That was mine you jacka**!"  He yelled as he stumbled around, nearly falling on his knees.

He knows he needs to treat his injuries and the poison.  So he quickly takes an antidote out of his pouch and quickly chugs it down, he is not keen on vomiting up poison again.  He then did the same with a max potion, sighing at ease as the potion took its healing effect.

He then contemplates on the events that happened, he was reckless, too reckless that time.  If it weren't for the power of hunger that Rathian would have most certainly killed him.  He wasn't prepared or equipped for this sort of hunt, he'll need better gear if he is ever to compete against a monster like it.  He may even have to bring some...no, he doesn't need to bring anyone.  He knows he is perfectly fine on his own.  He got himself this far, and he'll go even farther if he wants to.  He is better off this way.

Besides, the quest wasn't a bust anyway, he got what he came for.  And in speaking of which he checked his satchel if the poison sac is still in there.  He sees that it is and undamaged, good, that means the poison is unspoiled in there.  It's going to be quite a trek to make it back to home base, he mind as well start now.

Now with nothing else more to do, and with his quest now completed, he sheathes his sword back in its place, and proceeds to take his leave.  Not once realizing the damage that he and the other monsters had caused.

Sparx and parents watched as the hunter disappear into the rest of the swamp, his orange silhouette lit by the fires light fading to black.  Sparx sighed feeling disappointed, he actually wanted to meet this new guy.  But now a far more pressing matter is at hand.

With no other threat around they leave the confines of hiding place and gaze out into the destruction laid before them.  They all gazed past the dancing flames and puddles of viscous poison, their huts, all their homes have been crushed and burned, obliterated by the monsters that tore through without thought or care.

A truly tragic end indeed, for all that is left of Wispon now is ash and ruin.

Sparx, for the very few times in his life, was left without words.  He can hear his mother Nina weeping behind him with Flash pulling her close to his chest comforting her.  What kind of fate or chance brought this upon them?

He then turned to his parents, their tears glistening in the fires light.  "What now?"  He asked.

Flash, though troubled and shocked by the recent events, mustered enough resolve to speak to his family.  "We find the others and tell them what happened.  From there we can head straight for Avalar, to the cheetah village.  Chief Prowess will certainly let us take refuge."

Sparx nodded in agreement, also regaining his courage despite these horrible events.  It will take awhile but they'll find a way to everyone back together and to safety.  But there is one thought that crosses his mind as they all then made their way to the depths of the swamp.  How will Spyro react to this?  Because deep down he knows he believes.

Hell is going to pay when Spyro finds out.

Chapter Text

Two days, two whole days of nonstop traveling till the hunter finally made it to his destination.  But he has to push forward though, otherwise the poison sac that he has been carrying will rot soon, rendering the poison inside contaminated and worthless.  Making the entire ordeal of the quest all for nothing.

But thankfully he knows of a shortcut, through the woods to the east of that swamp of enormous mushrooms.

Now logically on paper the shortcut he has chosen didn't look at all like a short cut, in fact, one would call him an idiot who chose to get himself late on purpose.  His home base is in the north east of the swamp, but instead of hiking straight there he decided to go directly east.

But he isn't that stupid though, he is just taking a detour that will definitely be worthwhile.  Figuratively and literally.

For when he past through the final row of oak trees, he enters a small clearing on the edge of a tall cliff overlooking the sea.  The setting is picturesque, the lush green grass below his feet, bright blue skies dotted by pure white clouds, the sea below shaded in a deeper blue with its frothing waves crashing against the grey granite cliffside, which is home to numerous sea-foul.  Truly a prime setting for an artists canvas.

But he is not here for sightseeing, he has a home base to get to.  It is directly north from here, along the shore line.  About a good thirty to forty miles from here.  Another two days of journeying if he started walking here and now.  In fact he would have made it back there in four days if he went straight there from the swamp.

So why waste two days of his time when it is of essence then?

Well there is one flying creature here that he knows of and will help him with that problem.  He then puckers his lips and with two fingers in his mouth he whistles, a loud yet distinct tone that resonates through the air and the surrounding landscape.  It was a call.

A few moments pass with nothing new happening.  Till the hunter hears something calling out in the distance.  The hunter smiled knowing full well that his ride is coming.  Just then a flying creature, its wingspan three times bigger than that of a human, flew above the tree line.  It's physiology that of an avian reptile, with dark cyan scales and yellow accents, and on its navel section is a light-weight leather harness with a hook attached to a strap across its chest.

This creature is a Mernos.  A small monster native to his homeland that was tamed and brought here.  A homeland that is a whole continent away from here.

The Mernos then changed its flight trajectory and started to fly along the cliff face.  The hunter grinned, this is the part he enjoys the most during some hunts.  He then turns around and takes a few steps back to the forest whence he came, he takes a moment as the Mernos flies closer.  He takes a deep breath, he can feel his heart thumping within his chest as the anticipation rises, and then with a burst he sprints back around running straight for the cliff.

And once his feet at last reached the very edge, he leaped, and began his decent down towards the sea.

He can feel the sea air blow past him beyond his armor with the force of a whirlwind.  It is an exhilarating moment, though he isn't planning on crashing to the sea.  But it would seem that one way or another his eventual impact on the ocean surface seemed inevitable.  But luckily he came planned, he did this for the thrill of it, not to kill himself.

He looks down and sees his Mernos off to his left side and is flying yet closer and closer, it is about to fly right by him.  He then aims the clutch claw on his arm, careful with his aim as it took much muscle strength to extend his arm straight out against the wind.  He then waits through his further decent, he has to time this right.  But he isn't worried, he already did this three times before.  This stunt will be his fourth time.

The hunter was in the moment, time felt slow as he savored these few moments.  And all it took was a few seconds.

One second passes.  The Mernos was just about to cross his path.

Two seconds pass.  The hunters clutch claw unfolds into a grapple.

Three seconds pass.  The grapple launches.

Four seconds pass.  And the grapple connects with the hook on the Mernos's saddle.

Then at once the hunter was yanked out of the air and now rides by rope on the Mernos's wings.  His Mernos reeled and sank a little, feeling the sudden attachment with the hunter's weight, but it's used to this already, so it simply flaps harder.  Gaining more altitude till its wing beats reach a steady rhythm and begin to soar.

And with a slight shift in his weight, the hunter steered the Mernos around in the direction he wishes to go.  He ends up gliding very near to the side of the cliff he has just jumped from, a mere foot away from him.  Appreciating the thrill it brings he stretches his arm out and lets his gloved hand skid lightly across the smooth granite wall.  Feeling nearly every bump and groove as the sensations shot past with the same speed as the wind against him.

Till then at last he brings the his Mernos to face northward, to his home base.  He can feel the wind behind him, and with the speed that riding a Mernos brings, what would have been a four day journey on foot would be two-and-a-half days in total.  Cutting much vital travel time in half.  Sure he knows that he is a bit heavy, being a full grown human with armor on, but he doesn't doubt his Mernos's endurance.  Mernos are known for their incredibly long flights.

In fact, back in the Old World they are know to travel whole ecosystems away when they are simply started by potential predators.  As such, whenever they're used right in the wild, they become really useful to travel around in the hunting grounds.  And if one is tamed and properly trained, they become invaluable modes of transportation for any hunter.

And considering the home base, or more particularly what kind of home base it is, Meronos are not only necessary, but mandatory.

Though despite it being only one month since he has been sent and stationed here, the hunter has grown greatly fond of this new continent they discovered.

His thoughts then trail back to the events that happened but a couple days ago, that night when he hunted that Pukei-Pukei, what were those strange bird house-like structures?  They aren't large at all, each being only about a foot wide.  Maybe perhaps they were built by a new undocumented species of bird, and the organic structures he found were their bird nests.  But then again, since when do birds use silk and clay to construct their nests?  A very smart bird if they use silk worms just right.

Perhaps it isn't a bird.  Then maybe they were bee hives?  No, that can't be it either, there would have been angry swarms all over him if that was the case.  Besides, there was no trace of pollen or honey inside.  So if it isn't a bird or a bee that made those, then what did?  If it weren't for that Rathian swooping in he would have investigated a bit further.  Then again, thinking back on it he should have brought at least one nest with him as a sort of sample for the good ol' R&D.  He is part of an extensive research commission after all.

But alas there is no point in turning back now.  But at least he can enjoy the next few hours soaring through the air, feeling the wind on his face through the slits and openings of his helmet.

<<<<<<<<<<~>>>>>>>>>>

8 Hours Later...

The sun is already starting to set, the last of its burning orange rays streak upwards into the darkening sky as its source continues its decent behind the glittering and ever rippling veil that is the ocean.  It won't be long until night falls, and judging the suns length it is above the horizon, it will turn dark in but a hour.  But still, he isn't going to let some time constraints hinder him from enjoying this near rare natural spectacle that is this brilliant sunset.

He is still flying north, but the granite cliff face he left behind earlier has now gave way and turned into rocky mountainous shores, colored brown and sandy yellow, with lush greenery growing in the nooks and crevices of the various mountain faces.  And separating these stoney monuments from the deep blue sea is the long, narrow beach of fine white sands that stretched as far as the eye can see, like a boundary line separating the land from the sea.

The colors of the sky were brilliant, no cloud or fleeting mist in sight to obstruct the vibrant hues.  Colors of red, orange, yellow, and hints of deep purple blanketed across the sun setting horizon like a painters canvass set ablaze.  And at its center the sun itself radiates like a molten ball of iron, fresh from the fires of the forge.  He even felt the hot humid air through the cracks and seams of his helmet, like he was standing face ahead at a smelter's furnace.  The only distinction between the forge and the ocean before him is the strong smell of salt permeating in the air and the sounds of flocking seagulls nearby.

The sights, scents, noises, to even the hindered sensations on his skin.  He drank it all in.  Letting the motions of the world ebb and flow through his very soul and give peace and solace in his lonesome.  Not that he finds no peace in being alone to begin with, for most of his life he prefers to be alone anyway.

However the moment of solace wasn't meant to last.  For he heard a familiar sound of a flock of creatures to his right.  He looks and right in his assumptions, there is a flock of Mernos, just like the one he is hanging on from.  Flying just above the ridges of the cliffs in the direction he is already heading.  This must mean he is getting close to home already.  He figured it would be best if he followed the flock behind, just in case so there isn't an off chance he'll get off track and miss the base.

But as soon as he was about to veer and turn his own Mernos into the flock, another noise was heard, a familiar hum coming directly from his left.  This was more louder than the Mernos flock nearby, and closer.  He looks and just a hundred feet away, exactly as he suspected, an airship rises up near him, nearly blocking out the sun behind it.

The hunter couldn't help but smile delightfully while observing the flying machine.  He remembered how back in the Old World that while most airships were preplanned and built to suit their initial purpose, this airship, including many others just like it back in port, looked as if they took a regular old caravel-styled ship and then simply tied and strapped down a blimp's balloon on top.  But these ships weren't made to be mere balloons drifting aimlessly through then skies, for this is a steam-powered airship, with propellers and sail-wings to give it power and direction.

And the hunter couldn't lie, these steam-powered airships looked aesthetically pleasing as well.  From the sun saturated white canvass of the balloons and sails, to the weathered blue curtains that drop between the ropes.  Pipes of brass that shoot up from within the ship's hull, where the engine room should be, and snaking their way across the deck to the bow where the main propeller spins gracefully round and around.  And any excess steam that may have been built up is then sent up through a tall metal smoke stack located near the bow, its metallic sheen exterior clustered with patches of rust, and from its top opening an ever streaming trail of hot white steam whisk behind in wistful currents.

The hunter can see one of the ship's crewmates take notice of him, and wave his arms up, signaling him to come on board.  He couldn't object, he can feel through the dilations in his Mernos's wings flapping and accompanied by the heavier breathing that it is getting rather tired.  He does want to exhaust it any more than it should.  He then veers away from the mountains and comes closer to the ship.  Just as he was over the ship's deck he lets go of the rope and lands on his knees to wooden deck with a resounding thud.

As he regains his bearings he is taken by the arms and pulled up with the help of the shipmaster.  The shipmaster must be the only human working on this airship, as the only other crewmen around that seem to be working on maintaining course are the Palicos.  A race of small, feline, cat-like bipeds that have been working and hunting with mankind for as long as anyone can remember.  They aren't as strong or as inventive as mankind, but they are excellent in various other tasks that require their dexterity.  However they can be clumsy sometimes, just like the one the hunter watched as they was pulling some ropes down only to then be pulled upwards by the weight, it took the effort of other Palicos in the vacantly to pull him back down.

A confident slap on his shoulder snapped out of his stare and diverts his attention back to his host.  The shipmaster looked a bit brawny in appearance, but however still carrying quite a few pounds on him.  Wearing a typical sailor's outfit made of leather with leaf green and pale dark yellow accents dyed to the seems, and a navy blue cap adorned haphazardly on his scalp.  He definitely looked like one of those sailors that would make a jolly good time both on boat and at a bar with friends.

"Hah!  Can see yer Mernos can't take anymore hangin' around yah?"  The shipmaster said in a loud yet jolly manner with his arms crossed.

"You could say that."  The hunter replied, dusting himself off whilst taking not of great sword still attached and his innovatory accounted for.  "Is this ship heading back to Port Aeroza?"

"Uh huh!"  The captain confirmed while making his way over to the airships railing.  "Took a little trip down south to see of any waters prime for fishing.  This baby may fly but she's still a ship that floats, and I definitely ain't twiddling my thumbs while there's still fish to net up."

"Ah!  So you came all the way to Aeroza to be a fisherman?"  The hunter asked.

"Sure did kid!"  The captain replied.  "Once a fisherman always a fisherman!  And the idea of fishing on untapped waters is a great honor to all fishermen!  Or at least to me anyways."

Both Captain and hunter laughed at that last remark as they both relaxed on the railing and stared out at the beachside.  Such a short while ago was the discovery of the new land announced and even less so when authorization was sent by the Guild to begin pioneering on this new uncharted world.  And indeed if that swamp filled with massive mushrooms is anything to go by, it genuinely does feel like they have landed on a new world, familiar yet so different in some ways.

All adding to the intrigue to the latest conundrum the Guild has sent this fleet to answer.  Namely why are so many species of monsters suddenly migrating all the way to here?

The shipmaster then turns to the hunter.  "And what 'bout you huh?  You're one of them hunters, right?  Are you one of them A-Listers?"

"Yeah."  The hunter casually says.  "Arrived here around a week ago.  I'm still low rank, so I'm fresh."

"Really?  Hmnn."  The captain grumbled in response, his countenance changing to one of annoyance.

"Got something against A-Listers?"  The hunter asked.

"Bah!  Just some you punks from awhile 'go.  Nothin against you tho.  But there are a quite a few in port that get up on their high horse about being the best there ever was and yet still low rank wanna bes."

"I know what you mean."  The hunter said, putting his back against the rails and leaning back, gazing up at the darkening vermillion sky, seeing the first glimpses of the stars shining through.  He then adamantly declared.  "I still have a long way to go before I reach High-rank.  But I'll get there, someday.  Even if it means beating the hell out of a Teostra to do it!"

The shipmaster burst out laughing.  "Oh ho!  I wouldn't get yu'r self carried away in wishful thinkin.  Not many ever make it to High-rank, let alone Master-Rank!  But still, I like a healthy ambition."

The hunter agreed, but he is not here for the sake of glory or wealth, nor is he doing this out of some righteous sense of duty or for the sake of anyone else.  Those reasons he believed are reserved for the Guild Knights or for those vain glory nobodies who are just there to swing their polished weapons around thinking they're in some sort of game.  No, he is here to hunt.  To hunt monsters.  To hunt creatures that challenge the limits of imagination.  To hunt beasts that shaped mountains, leveled the forests, and ruled the seas.  He is here because he's a hunter.  Nothing less, nothing more.

The shipmaster then asked.  "By the way, never told ya my name, name's Durban.  What's your name son?"

Oh right, the hunter never got to introduce himself did he?  How rude.

"My name is Orion, sir."

"Orion?  Huh."  Durban contemplated as he looked up into the dimming sky speckled with stars.  "Named after that one constellation, the God of Hunting I assume?"

"You know the stars?"  Orion asked.

Durban looked at him as if he offended his entire bloodline.  "Of course I know the stars!"  He yelled indignantly.  "I'm a sailor of both air and sea.  Knowing the stars, knowing how their light gives guidance to us, is the most necessary and sacred tradition passed down every generation of seafarers."

Orion looked at Durban, the shipmasters chest puffed up with a fist over his heart.  This man takes great pride in being a sailor.  Orion was glad for him.  Not many people find the work they enjoy the most and make themselves proud for it.  A trait which, he wishes he would have learned earlier.

Durban, now knowing the hunter is still staring at him and has said enough already, coughs to douse the self-dignified rant he just had earlier.  "Well, erm, that is a nice talk now, but gotta get back to work."  He then passes by Orion while giving him a pat on the shoulder.  "Now go get urself comfortable, we'll be landing in port soon.  And speaking of which..."  Durban then points out towards the ships stern before then taking his leave.

Curious if what Durban is implying is true, Orion runs to the very forepeak, even walking on the ships' jib boom while grabbing ahold of a rope to keep himself from losing balance and slipping off.  He looks on, and true to what Durban said, their home base is in sight.

Nestled in the concave of a mountainous cliff face, and hanging above an open cove overlooking the vast sea.  It is enormous, about the size of a whole village even!  But this was no ordinary base, this port was designed to not only accommodate airships, but to be part of the fleet of airships.  Yes, for the entirety of Port Aeroza is in fact one massive airship, built for airships as an airship.

At looking into further detail, the port is designed to have four levels concentratively built in a horseshoe-like shape, each level hanging below the one above by heavy-duty chains and ropes.  And each level gets steadily smaller  as they move down, giving the impression of a floating diamond.  And supporting the whole structure is a series of colossal balloons of various shapes and sizes, chained together and fitted with steel rings.

Each level also has their specific function.  The first level houses the trading port, giving Aeroza its namesake, using dozens of docks that line around this level to make room for the many airships that come and go for commerce of goods and other provisions.  It also houses the residence and rooms for most of the personal living there.  Whereas sailors and captains prefer to take their residence in the very ships they work in.

The second level is the Gathering Hub, the place where every qualified hunter comes to take quests, collect their payment, and to just simply have a good time.  It is also where the mess hall is housed, where the cooks and chefs dish out some of the most amazing cuisine.  And because of massive amounts of meat the monsters give thanks to the hunters, along with the bounties of fruits, vegetables, and spices the gatherers have collected.  Their food supply seemed to never run dry.

The third level below that is the Smithy.  And as the name implies, it is the place where weapons, armor, tools, and all of the machines that keep the port humming on are crafted and forged.  It is also considered to be Port Aeroza's "Engine Room", thanks to the copious amounts of heat the forge produces, it also functions as a source of heat that keeps the massive balloons above inflated.  The hot air passing upwards by large copper pipes that continuously keep adding air directly into the balloons.

And the final level, the fourth level, is the Research and Development.  Where all of the scientists and scholars work near tirelessly to uncover the secrets of this new world they have landed on, and as well as find out the hidden truth of why so many monsters are making their crossing here.

"There she is."  Orion happily said leaning further ahead on the jib boom, gazing reverently at the sheer marvel of engineering.  "Port Aeroza!"