A/N: Hi! So basically, this is a sequel to my other story, "The Legend of Spyro: World of the Fallen." Except this story is about his son, Aptifor, (who came into the end of the first story) and how he goes on a quest to find his parents. It's also about a Dark Dragon named Brius, who has a history with Cynder, Aptifor's mother, but that's giving away too much, so I shall shut up now. Enjoy!
__
A Thousand Years Ago:
"What is this?" Malefor asked, looking down at the glistening golden baby dragon in distaste. He rarely came down to the foot of the Mountain, the place where his slaves were kept. But tonight, there was a special reason, and the reason was this baby.
He glared accusingly at the child's mother, the slave Celsius, who was looking decidedly nervous about showing her offspring.
"H-His name is Brius, Master." Her voice ripped through an octave in fear. "He was born in the night. Please...he has nothing to do with your plans for the Purple Dragon. Master, let me keep him?" Her voice was full of unashamed pleading.
Malefor opened his mouth to speak, but Brius interrupted him. The little dragon opened his mouth and sighed.
A haze of glittering, golden mist seeped from the dragon's open mouth, surrounding everyone present until it was all anyone could see. It cut off the senses. Sound, smell, sight, touch, taste.
"What is this sorcery?" Malefor screamed, completely blind.
Celsius was the only dragon untouched by the mist. She leaned down and spoke tenderly in her baby's ear.
"Stop, my dear one." Her voice was a soft caress. The mist evaporated into thin air. Malefor, already over his brief panic, gazed at the little dragon with new respect, bordering on fear.
"He shows great power at a young age." He intoned, frowning. "A valuable ally to my enemies, and a formidable foe to me."
Celsius looked horrified. "No, Master! He will learn. Let me teach him or ways. Let me raise him!"
But Malefor shook his head, his green eyes glinting. "No. I refuse to let you care for this creature of magic...However. I will make you an offer, Celsius."
"I will take the mist-bringer to the peaks of the Mountain of Malefor. There he shall appreciate the Dark Ways, and serve me."
Celsius started to sob, falling to her knees on the ground. "No, no, no, no. Please, no, Master, NO!"
"Yes!" Malefor insisted, glaring down at the slave. "Do not attempt to defy me, Celsius. I do not want to kill you."
Celsius got to her feet shakily, but her ruby eyes were steady and sure.
"I did not bring my son into this world to serve you, Malefor!" She hissed. "And I will serve you no longer, either. I am aware of the sacrifice, but my son will NOT go to the Well of Souls."
Malefor sighed. "The choice is, unfortunately, made."
Without warning, Malefor struck. Swiping his powerful claws across Celsius' throat, Malefor drew first blood.
The dragoness never had a chance. She collapsed to the ground, choking, the blood streaming from her neck almost invisible against her vivid crimson scales. Celsius closed her eyes, ad was still.
Malefor sighed again, as though he truly regretted taking her life, and stroked a talon gently over Celsius' peaceful face.
"Such a shame," he murmured. "She was beautiful."
Malefor turned to address the other slaves in the clearing at the foot of the Mountain of Malefor.
"Fellow dragons, this night you have witnessed both a great loss and a great gain. Brius, son of Celsius, shall help us win the war we shall wage against the Guardians, and the pathetic forces of good that stand beside them. His strange powers will lead us to conquer the world, and eventually...vanquish it. The war has already begun."
And without another word, Malefor picked Brius gently up in one paw, spread his huge scarlet wings and took off into the black sky, disappearing into the dark...
__
Please review! xxx =)
