A/N: Here once more. I have only a few words this time. This chapter will say what went on in the last three years, I just don't really fancy making a ton of chapters describing what happens in the said three years. Please enjoy and R&R.
"Come on, is that all you got?!" Spyro taunted. He was on the ground looking up at Cynder as she flew above him. The spar had been going on for an hour already but neither was willing to give ground.
"Nope, I'm just getting started." Cynder replied, her eyes narrowing. A smirk formed on her face as an idea came.
"Yeah ri-OH SHIT!" Spyro started to say while rolling his eyes, that is until a shadow fireball flew right by his head and smashed into the ground next him. When it exploded it sent dust and debre flying through the air, pulling Spyro along with it.
Spyro landed hard on his side. He gave a grown as he started to get back on his paws but was knocked back down by an unseen force. A yelp was all Spyro gave before a blade was pressed against his throat. Spyro could feel it's cold edge barely scrape against his scales. Spyro looked up to the blade's owner. Cynder sat on top of him as he laid on his back, her tail blade swung around her so she could easily look at Spyro in the face.
"Well, it seems that I won, again." Spyro could feel the smugness flowing from Cynder as she said that. In the end Spyro just scowled, causing Cynder to chuckle, before he quickly slapped Cynder's tail away with a paw and rolled over so he was on top. Spyro quickly placed his claws to Cynder's neck, causing her to freeze. Now Spyro was the one smirking, though it was more like a shit eating grin.
"Now who won again?" Spyro asked though it was more of a statement. Cynder just raised a brow, almost looking amused.
"I believe I did." Spyro's grin faultered at that before a slight poke to his stomach caught his attention. Glancing down Spyro expected to see Cynder's tail blade but her tail trailed out behind him. Instead there were two smaller blades pressed up against his scales. Spyro just deadpanned before looking Cynder back in the face, an innocent look on her face, though her eyes betrayed her.
"Right, forgot about those." Spyro grumbled. Cynder barely heard it but it still made her chuckle. Spyro got off of Cynder and she filled back onto her belly. Spyro just sat down where he was, wrapping his tail around him, an annoyed look on his face. Cynder started to inspect her claws.
"Let's see, that makes twenty-five for me. And ten for you." Cynder glanced at Spyro, a smile etched on her face while Spyro just looked even more annoyed.
"You know. I would have thought that the purple dragon would have put up a more of a fight." Spyro glanced at her.
"You know just as much as I do that I could easily defeat you." Spyro deadpanned. Cynder looked thoughtful for a moment, her right foreleg propped up on her left, her claws tapping again the side of her face. Cynder pointed at Spyro with her right claw.
"But you love me to much to hurt me, right?" Spyro didn't reply. Truthfully he has been a bit pissed at Cynder. But who could blame him. Who could blame Cynder too though. They had been stuck in the Mind-scape for close to tree years. They had already mastered all of their current techniques and even learned a few new ones.
Spyro fully mastered his fire ability that Cynder named 'Enflamed'. Spyro also found out that he could use the shadow element. They just guessed that since the parasite could use it that when Spyro absorbed the dark particles left over from it he gained the same ability. Together both Spyro and Cynder found out different ways to use the shadow element. Individually Spyro and Cynder mastered their other elements, even finding ways to mix them together. Though Cynder already knew most of what she could do she didn't mind helping Spyro learn what he could do, not to add the point they now have a combat style that made it so they could fight next to each other.
Now they were just bored. Cynder coped with this by playing jokes, more like pranks in Spyro's opinion, though after a while it got on Spyro's nerves.
Spyro sighed and dropped his head, shaking it side to side slightly. He couldn't stay mad at Cynder for long, he did love her too much to hate her. Something rubbed against Spyro causing him to look at the source. Cynder was there, a sad look in her eyes, but understanding was there as well. They were both tired of the Mind-scape. They had been sparring for the last three weeks, with nothing much else to do. Sure they loved the company of each other, but they needed action. True action. Not just a friendly spar.
"How long have we been here?" Cynder asked randomly, bringing Spyro out of his thoughts.
"What?" Cynder looked at him before laying down, bring him with her with her wing.
"How long have we been here?" Spyro raised a brow.
"Not entirely sure but my count is three years." Spyro said honestly. Cynder looked at him.
"Really? Mine was a little longer than that, by about a month." Spyro just shrugged, he was never good with time anyway. As the silence settled again Spyro took the time to finally look over the area they were in.
It was on top of a tall hill that over looked the rolling trees, grassy plains, and small valleys. They weren't far from where they stayed at. The hill was mostly cleared of and trees, brush, or anything for that matter. Just scarred from their spar.
"Do you think they forgot about us?" Spyro asked. Cynder looked to him.
"It depends. If Malefor won then there might not be anyone to find us. But, you must also remember. The only one who knew where we were going was the Chronicler. Everyone else might think that we are dead. Some might even prefer it that way." Cynder said, though the last part was mumbled. Spyro knew who she meant. The elders, or at least the leader in particular, didn't like Cynder.
'They might have even came up with some ridiculous theory that Cynder is against them again.' Spyro thought angrily. He always would hate that elder.
"Well, there are worse ways to die." Cynder said. Spyro looked at her shocked, his mouth open.
"Cynder! Why are you talking like that?!" Spyro almost screamed. Cynder winced and shied away.
"I just mean if there is no one to release us then we might just die here." Cynder's words seem to hit Spyro like a bull. She was right. They might just die in the Mind-scape.
"I wonder though, we haven't changed physically while here in those three years so does that mean that we haven't changed in the the real world neither." Cynder said. Spyro could only nod. Cynder let out a yawn and laid her head down on her paws.
"Let's go to sleep. That fight was fun but tiring. Let's just sleep right here." Cynder said sleepily. Spyro smiled slightly before laying his head next to Cynder's and wrapped a wing over her back. As Spyro's eyes fell he saw the sky turn dark before closing.
Spyro could have sworn though that he heard words before he drifted off to sleep.
"Don't worry, you'll be free soon enough."
The day was coming to a close. Another day that the city stood. As it did more and more refugees came with in its walls, meaning the guards had more and more to defend. While some took shelter, others that came joined the guards on the walls. All had a family to defend and would do so to their last breath. Originally they had been moving the city's occupants out to a hidden location but that had became impossible when the bulbin army cut them off, so now all of the refugees resided withij the city's walls.
Ignitus sighed as he came to rest on a balcony in one of the many towers within the city of Warfang. He had just finished his last perimeter run of the day. The guards, be them moles, dragons, or even the occasional panther, were at their station, watching the horizon for their enemy. Originally the panthers didn't fight for anyone but themselves but thanks to Haven that all changed. Many clans of panthers, all different colors, came when he went and asked. Apparently they too feared Malefor and believed that they would have a better chance within the dragon city, and so they agreed to a treaty that would allow them sanctuary as long as they helped the Guard defend the city. They hurriedly agreed. Though Haven only reached a few of the panther clans. For some unknown reason all other clan had gone missing. Just empty buildings in their place and no trace as to where they might have gone.
Ignitus looked over the city once more. If a change didn't happen soon the war would never be in their favor.
The sound of beating wings met Ignitus ears. Turning to it's source Ignitus found Terrador retuning from his reconnaissance that Ignitus sent him on. Raising a brow at his early return, he should have been gone a few more days, Ignitus waited for his friend to regain his breath.
"You're back early?" Ignitus asked when Terrador was breathing regularly. Though it sounded more like a statement Terrador understood it's true meaning.
"Yes, I know it's strange but I have grave news. Half of the villages and towns that hadn't heeded our words had been destroyed. Two of the fourteen left had decided to finally come here but the rest had made a choice to gather up together in the largest town. They believed the city would soon be to full to hold us all. Though I truly doubt this now with so much of our kind gone I understand their worries." Terrador said as he joined Ignitus by his side looking out on the city. Ignitus nodded. It did seem logical. Besides, if the city did fall it would be best if not all of the dragons were here in one place. There were so little of their once flourishing race.
"Any news on your side?" Terrador asked after a moment of silence.
"No, not yet. I fear if we don't have a change soon we will lose this war." Ignitus replied. Before either of them could say another word a third voice joined theirs.
"We will with that attitude." The voice caused both to look to it's source. Haven stood at the doorway to the balcony. His paw rested on the hilt of his sward. His armor, which consisted of steel shoulder pads, steel chest plate with a grey cloak connecting to it, steel greaves, steel thigh guards, and steel boots that travelled up his shins. His armor was also customized so he could move silently but still have full mobility.
Walking out to join the dragons, Haven continued.
"Though I wish there was a change. I did what I could with the panther clans and I fear what has happened to the rest them." Haven looked sad at that.
"You did what you could, friend. Besides, they might have just gone into hiding." Terrador said. During the last three years he had became friends with Haven. Close friends. Haven looked to Terrador and nodded in thanks. Ignitus looked at Haven for a moment before he heard something.
"There is going to be change, and you will be there to help it move along." It could almost be considered a whisper. It was just to silent to tell. Like it was carried in the winds. Ignitus looked to his friends beside him. Both were looking out to the city, oblivious to his predicament. Maybe he was the only one to hear it. Seeing as he might be seen as crazy Ignitus just kept what he heard to himself and looked to the sun. Ignitus watched as it slowly sank down until it passed the horizon.
"Well, friends, I bid you good night, if we have one." Ignitus said, nodding to both. Terrador did in kind to him then Haven before jumping off of the balcony to another level to his room. Haven did the same but instead left thought the way he came, through Ignitus' room. Ignitus turned in after Haven left, being sure to lock his door before he laid down.
Maybe the war would change in their favor. Maybe it was time. Time for Spyro and Cynder to return.
Ignitus dropped his thoughts and drifted of to sleep. He would have time tomorrow to think about it.
Haven never did dream that much. But when he did, it would surely be on the crazy side. This was no exception.
The plain he was it was dark but everything had a tint of blue mixed in. The water was blue, the rainless thunderclouds that had lighting flash by every once in a while were black with blue being revealed at the flashes. Even the ground he stood on was a dark shade of blue.
Haven looked around once more from the cliff he stood on before he started chuckling and put his paws on his hips.
"I really need to have my head checked." Haven said to himself.
"Oh I don't think you do." A voice called out causing Haven to jump. He could swear he never jumped so high before. Looking behind him Haven found Ignitus walking up to him, stopping right before him.
"Great, now you are in my dreams. This is just perfect." Haven mumbled. Ignitus raised a brow.
"Trust me. This isn't a dream." Haven looked skeptical.
"I doubt that." Haven said before turning around to look out at the water once more.
"If this was a dream then why don't you just follow me. The other one did. He too thinks this is his dream." Ignitus said as he walked off into a cave. Haven looked bored before shrugging and turned to follow Ignitus. Nothing was said between the two. Ignitus because he had nothing to say, Haven because he still believed that this was some crazy dream.
Soon, after transversing numerous paths, a cave entrance came into view but that too soon past as the pair continued on. The cave was surprisingly bright though Haven was sure that was because it was a dream. Ignitus gave Haven a glance before stopping and turned to look at him. Haven too stopped.
"Go on. They are waiting inside." Ignitus said as he gestured further into the cave. Haven didn't really know where he was going, a curtain blocked his view. Sighing Haven walked forward and moved the the cloth out of his way and walked into a large circler room with book shelves serving as walls. That is aside from the other two doorways. The only other occupant aside from Haven and Ignitus, who followed Haven after he entered, was a cloaked cheetah that stood in the center of the room with its back to Haven. The cheetah turned to Haven and Ignitus after they entered, a bored look on his face and arms crossed.
"Oh, great. Another strange being for my dream. First Ignitus, now you." He said. He truly sounded annoyed. Haven didn't really care. As far as he was concerned, this was just a dream. Haven looked to Ignitus.
"I thought you said there were more here?"
Before Ignitus could reply another voice spoke.
"And he was right. I just had some business to attend to so I summoned Ignitus here to fetch you and bring you both here."
All eyes turned to one of the other doorways. A grey dragon with black horns and claws, shoulder guards, blue cloak and wings, and two quivers with scrolls in them stood on the other side of the room, looking between the two newcomers. Ignitus soon joined his side.
"Hunter, Haven, this is the Chronicler. He is the one that records all that happens to dragons. And sometimes he interferes with our lives, just not directly. This is one of those times." Ignitus said. Haven and Hunter shared a look. They may have thought this was their dream, neither really believing what was happening, but that didn't stop their curiosity.
"And both of you should be proud. This is the first time anyone aside from dragons have ever entered these halls, even if it is only a dream." The Chronicler said. His words got the two bipedals talking again.
"Are you saying this isn't a dream?" Hunter said first.
"At least not one of our mind's making." Haven quickly finished. The Chronicler nodded.
"Yes. If you still don't believe me then go to Ignitus at sun up. He'll confirm it. Now, silence." The last was add only because Hunter and Haven opened their mouths to speak again, only to shut them once more. "We don't have much time. And I have much to tell you." The Chronicler took a breath before beginning once more.
"Three years ago I sent Spyro and Cynder to stop Gual from using the power of the Eternal Night to create a body for Malefor. They succeed. But, as I predicted, Malefor could still make his own. But that was the plan. But the events leading to Gual's demise ended with the young dragons being frozen. Until now only Ignitus knew of this. This was in fact to protect them, and give them the keys to defeat Malefor. But it did have its own set backs." The Chronicler looked grim as he said the last. "Their encasement that protected them from the collapse of Malefor's Mountain, where they battled Gaul, can only be broken from the outside. Which is where you come in." Haven and Hunter shared another look. "Both of you must travel to the ruin of Malefor's Mountain and release the dragons before Malefor's army does. They are already on their way. Malefor wishes to kill Spyro before the prophecy can be carried out. The one he heard of was that Spyro can kill him. He wishes to stop this. You must try to get there first, if not, try to save the young dragons before they are killed. I wish that I knew of what Malefor had planned of earlier and I would have summoned you both before but no one is perfect. It is time. I know you both have questions but you must return. Go to Ignitus in the morning." The Chronicler finally finished.
"One more thing, Guardians of all." Was all Ignitus could say before a bright light blocked his, Hunter's, and Haven's sight.
Haven quickly jumped from his bed, sword in hand. Sweat streaming down his fur. He scanned the room before confirming that there wasn't any threat and sat back down on his bed, breathing heavily as he laid his broadsword across his lap.
'Thet dream felt so real.' Haven thought to himself. A bright light suddenly flashed into his eyes as Haven started to lay back down. The sun had risen. Deciding quickly Haven got up again and donned his armor. After he sheathed his sword Haven made his way to the door. Even if it was fake, Ignitus should still know.
At a quick pace Haven made his way to Ignitus' room. He didn't need to knock because the door opened on it's on accord.
"I was expecting you." Ignitus said from with in. Haven made his way inside, only to stop in surprise, his mouth hung open. Before him was a cheetah. One that looked like an exact replica of the one from his dream, aside from the bow and quiver of arrows that is. His clothing, which consisted of a brown tunic, belt, red fingerless gloves and toeless stocking, and the same red cloak, was all the same. Like Haven, the cheetah stood there utterly surprised.
Both looked to Ignitus for answers.
"The dream. It was real." Haven said. Ignitus just smiled.
"Guardians of all." Was his simple reply and it suddenly made sense.
"So let me get this right. You want us to do as the Chronicler asked, and that is to go and release two dragons from some golden cyrstal, one that will save us, the other wishes to kill us mind you, not adding the fact that the cyrstal is in Malefor's controlled territory and probably buried under tons of stone."
Ignitus looked thoughtful for a moment before nodding. Hunter looked to Haven for help. Haven actually was up for it. It has been dull recently and this might be fun.
"Don't give me that look. I'm willing. I'm just not sure how the city will take their return." Haven said. Hunter couldn't believe it. He was outnumbered. Giving a heavy sigh of annoyance hunter threw his arms up in the air.
"Fine. When do we leave?" He asked.
"Right now." Ignitus replied before producing two bags stuffed with a couple weeks worth of food. Hunter and Haven just raised a brow. They were beginning to get the feeling that they never had a choice to begin with.
"You will need to find your own way out of the city but here's a map with a path that will take you straight to Malefor's Mountain. You'll have to go past Avalar to get there so you, Hunter, should be able to get by easily." Ignitus explained as he produced a map next.
Hunter and Haven just grumbled about no help while putting their packs on. Hunter grabbed the map.
"Fine. Guess we'll be seeing you friend." Hunter said. Haven nodded in agreement.
"And you as well. Oh, and keep this from others, best not get their hopes up."
"Gee, lots of encouragement." Haven said as he walked out the door behind Hunter. Ignitus simply shook his head. They would be back, just as long as they flowed the map that is.
A/N: Firstly, sorry for taking so long, secondly, not as long as I hoped. Ran out of things to say. BUT, the real adventure starts next so don't worry. The next chapter should be longer. Thank you for reading, please review.