Author's note:
I really like dragonoficeandfire's illustrations and explanations for the lore and information of The Legend of Spyro series. While the map isn't crucial to my story, I do think theirs is the most accurate and I use that as a sort of reference. Of course, I'm not drawing directly from their work and headcanon, but some things are similar. Please go check them out on dA and see their work, it has been a lifesaver for me, especially the species lore and map. I also want to note that this will probably be a very short introduction to the story premise. I'll try to update as often as possible.
Backstory
Since the fall of Malefor, the city of Warfang has blossomed. Terrador, upon discovering the truth of Ignitus's demise, has taken over as the head of the council of elders. A new master of fire has yet to be found.
Several small villages of dragons have been found in hiding. The population of the city has grown and become more diverse, with dragons of every element and age moving in and helping the moles and manweersmalls to rebuild after the war. The remaining shadow, fear, and poison dragons have either been imprisoned or freed from Malefor's spell. Despite their newfound freedom, the corrupted dragons find themselves persecuted and forced to live in the slums of Warfang.
The corrupt dragons have elected a representative for the council, and as the search for a new master of fire continues, the council has selected three wind dragons to compete in an election to add a master of wind to the council as well. The wind dragons were previously a secluded race, but after near extinction, they realized assimilation was their only choice.
The search for Spyro and Cynder continues. Sparx helps as much as he can with mapping routes for search crews and sending out diplomats to speak to other species and clans, but it seems to be of no avail. Here is where our story begins.
Prologue
The young earth dragon sighed and flopped his hindquarters to the ground, weary from hauling the packs full of crystals through the forest. He and several other earth dragons had been recruited for crystal gathering as they had an innate sense of where the crystals were. Of course, knowing where they were and hauling them back were two different things. The hefty packs were built for a dragon much larger than he, a full grown adult, not just an adolescent. But he had sworn to do his duty to the city, so carry them he would.
He grunted with effort as rose from his seated position, shaking himself and the bags. The crystals settled and, sensing another mana crystal nearby, he figured he could pack one more in without being too heavily laden.
As he grew closer to the crystal, he slowed, confused by the strange pulse he felt from it. The crystal came into view, seemingly normal. He shook his head and battered the crystal to pieces with his hefty horns, not noticing the creeping, deep red vines that had splintered and entered the center of the crystal itself.
Packing the small shards in his pack, he shook his head once more as a faint dizziness overtook him.
I'll see the medic when I get home, he thought. I've probably just been in the sun too long.
He felt for the vibrations in the earth that indicated the direction of the city, and took off towards his towering home.
Terrador paced the outer wall of the city, his eyes constantly scanning the horizon. His tail twitched as he heard the light flutter of dragonfly wings.
"Well, Sparx? Any luck?" he asked gruffly, sniffing deeply as he turned to face the small, golden insect.
Sparx shook his head, eyes seeming weary and old. The journey alone had aged him. Despite still being an adolescent, he seemed almost as ancient as the elder dragons.
"No, the diplomats sent to the swamps and the floating islands reported nothing. It seems like they just vanished from the face of the world," he sighed. "I hope they're happy, wherever they are."
Terrador cocked a brow ridge and gave a mischievous smile. "Even Cynder?"
Sparx huffed and crossed his arms, rolling his eyes. "If she's with Spyro, I mean… I have to hope for the best for him."
Terrador laughed a dry, heaving laugh. He sighed, his mirth leaving him as soon as it arrived. His eyes grew more sorrowful as he looked out to the now-dormant volcano in the distance. The surrounding plains were coated in ash, just as the island of Munition's Forge had for four years. Both volcanoes seemed to be inactive. For Spyro's sake, Terrador hoped they were.
Sparx rested on one of Terrador's massive horns, shaking his head sadly. "I should've been there with Ignitus."
Terrador shook his head, nearly dislodging the small dragonfly. "No, Sparx, we need you. Ignitus wouldn't have wished for your sacrifice as well."
Sparx wiped away a small tear. "He was there with them, Ter. He was there when I wasn't."
Terrador peered up at him, offering what semblance of sympathy he could from that angle, and replied, "You weren't with them, which means there's one more creature who can search for them now. You didn't do anything wrong."
Sparx sniffed and nodded. "I guess you're right. Thanks."
Terrador nodded again, softer this time, and sat with him in silence.
"We can find them, Sparx. We have to."
