A/n: Whoah, i didn't expect this many people to like my story.

TheLightningFlash: thanks for the warning me about Spyro. i completely forgot about it at the time. And perhaps she is a Mary-Sue, but i don't believe in labels, and Sahsa is just as unique as a real person is. Also, thanks for the tips with keeping it in the time. I am new to this, but i till take your advice into account and try to improve.

Elissa: I'm glad you like the plot. i like it too. and thanks for the spelling correction. i was unsure if prophecy was spelt with a C or an S.

JatDRox4eva: i would say i've given heaps of critisism, but if you want to give me some, i can't stop you. And if it's helpful, i welcome it. Glad you like things so far, and don't worry, i'm working in some JaneXJester soon. maybe even a bit in this very chapter.

MineandMineAlone: Ok, i'll try and make Jane more in character. Thanks for picking that up. also happy you like the story, and my talking animals.

discombobulated.shoe.: I bet you still havn't been to the official site, like i told you to, yet have you? and don't talk to me about homework. we both know you're too busy procrastinating. At least the holidays are only a week away, so you can go then. and i'm telling you Jane and the Dragon is so NOT for five-year-olds. not completely anyways.

SunRise19: wow, your gonna read even if you don't know who Spyro is, AND if you think Sasha is a bit of a Mary-Sue? thats awesome, and i thank you. And Gunther will later make it clear why he acted the way he did.

insanity-rocks147: sorry if the characters are a bit confusing. yep, optimists are the best, although sometimes i fear i may be a bit to enthusiastic in my optemism. thanks for the encouragement.

And to everyone, thanks so much for all your reviews. they are much appreciated. really.

and now to the disclaimer...

Disclaimer: Jane and the Dragon characters belong to the people who created them, as does Spyro, (but not all to the same people). I own Sasha, the talking animals and perhaps others...

Chapter 2 – Ancient Secrets

The next day, Spyro and Dragon were busy flying around, doing aerial acrobatics. Spyro was happily filling Dragon in on everything he knew about dragons, the different kinds, the lores, the cultures, everything. And Dragon was soaking it all in like a sponge.

Meanwhile, below them, Sasha was talking with the young people.

Pepper and Rake were sitting next to each other, shamelessly flirting using only looks, while Jane and Jester were sitting on either of Sasha's sides. Smithy suddenly approached the group and sat down.

"Oh, Smithy, I don't believe that you've met Sasha yet. Sasha, this is Smithy, our blacksmith," Jane introduced.

"Nice to make your acquaintance," said Smithy

"Wonderful to meet you too. I trust my dear horse is being taken care of?"

"Yes, I am making it my first priority to make sure your mare is well looked after,."

"Great. I'd love to check in on her every once in a while. I've known Angel for many, many years and she has shown nothing but love, loyalty and persistence. Never have I met another horse yet who can run for days on end with little supplies and without complaining. She means a lot to me," Sasha batted her eyelids flirtatiously.

"You can come any time you wish," replied Smithy, blushing ever so slightly.

"Wonderful."

"So, Sasha, what brings you to our kingdom?" asked Jane

"Well, I heard about a sudden population drop in dragons, and so I've been sent to do what I can in helping the remaining Dragon in discovering what happened to the rest and to try and well…stop his kind from dying out."

"And how do you prepose to do that?" asked Jester

"Find him a mate. I've worked with many dragons before, many different types and sizes and if its one thing I know about, it's dragons. And Spyro wanted to come because he's always willing to help out a fellow Fire-breather."

"How will you find him a…mate?"

"Well, discovering out where all the other dragons disappeared to is a start. And then there is the prophesy. If it turns out to be true now, then I don't think it shall be long until Dragon's loneliness is gone. The poor lizard. I can't imagine what it would be like to go all your life thinking you're the last of your kind."

The group nodded in agreement, and Rake put his hand on Peppers'. She looked at him at blushed. Jane raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

"So, what's this prophesy?" asked Jester

"Well, its actually in Elfish, so I can't recite it exactly to you guys because you wouldn't understand a single word, but basically, it talks about three spellcasters coming to the Kingdom of the last Fire-breather, and helping to save them from a coming evil. Some other stuff is mentioned, but that's the gist of it."

"Oh, well, when are these spellcasters going to arrive? And what part has come true?" asked Jane

"Actually, one of them already has," Sasha replied

"Really? Who is it?" asked Jane

"Is it that new washing maid? Because I hear she's pretty enchanting. Haha!" said Jester

Jane scowled.

"Ahh…me, actually," Sasha replied.

"You? You're one of the spellcasters who's supposed to save us?" Jane was dumbstruck.

"Well, technically I'm a Guardian, but Spellcaster is just another word for Mage, or witch, which are all categories that I do fall under. I'm positive it's me. The prophesy goes into detail about the specific spellcasters," Sasha tried to explain.

"What does it say?" asked Jester

"Well, it says the spellcaster the first is mightily powerful, and the leader of them all, but her stay is brief, and she will one day return to the place from whence she came.

Tall, brave and beautiful. She is untouchable and virtuous. And she will be the catalyst which decides the course of war and the fate of the Fire-Breathers. That's what it roughly translates to. I don't mean to seem arrogant, but it does sound like me, and my boss confirmed it was."

"What does it say about the other spellcasters? It would be useful to know what to look for when they get here," said Jane

"Ok, it gets a little tricky to translate here, but it roughly says The Spellcaster the second is kind and true. Her talents lie in the roots of mankind and she bears a hatchling who will bring salvation to the fire-breathers. Her craft is bested by no other and she will make her home in the Kingdom.

The Spellcaster the third has a nature opposing her femininity. She is strong and valiant and will prove her place among men. Skilled in the devious arts, she will prove hard to determine at first, but will become a powerful ally in time.

The three spellcasters will work together and when the sky glows red, the battle will turn and peace will remain while the Fire-breathers flourish.

So, basically, when we find the other two mages and win the battle, all will be well."

"It's not very rhyming. Don't prophesy's usually rhyme?" asked Pepper

"Well, it does in Elfish, but I'm afraid the beauty and delicateness is lost in the translation."

"Who are we fighting? What's this about an evil? Does the king know?" asked Rake.

"Well, to answer your questions, I'm not sure yet, the evil is as its name suggests, evil and yes, I've already explained all this to the king."

"So what do we do now?" asked Smithy

"Well, for now we wait. The 'evil' won't attack until we've found the other spellcasters, so, all we have to do now is find them."

"How about we try not finding them? Does that mean the 'evil' won't attack?" asked Jester.

"I've lived though a lot of prophesies in my time and I doubt it would work. If we go out of our way to not find them, the 'evil' will attack us eventually anyway."

"Oh, so how do we find them?"

"We don't. They'll find us." replied Sasha.

Later, in the kitchens, Pepper was sitting at her table, talking to Jester, who had volunteered to cut up vegetables to help with the night's dinner.

"You know, all this talk about evil is quite distressing. I'm starting to really worry," said Pepper.

"Worrying about Rake eh?" Jester said cheekily. Pepper blushed.

"What makes you think something like that, Jester?"

"Oh don't give me that. It's incredibly obvious that you both have feelings for each other. So there is no point trying to deny it."

Pepper blushed even more. "Maybe not that obvious…" she said quietly.

Jester paused. "Have you even told him? Does he even know?"

"Well, you'd think he would, but, I don't think he does. And no, I haven't told him."

"What? He must be the most simpleton person in the kingdom! It's so obvious. It's not like either of you are very subtle, and why haven't you told him?"

"I guess I'm…afraid."

Jester was so frustrated, he was speechless. "Of what? It's been three years, you've seen the way he hangs on to your every word, and he follows you around like a sheep. If you do not tell him soon, I may scream."

"You really think I should?"

"I'll bet on my hat that he'll be too thrilled for words, but he will bestow his affections for you double-fold. Mark my words, go and tell him."

Pepper stood there.

"Now!" Jester shouted. 'This game has gone on long enough' he thought.

Filled with confidence, Pepper took off her apron and ran outside. She hurried off to the garden. As she got closer, she became nervous. Turning the corner, she saw him, standing among the tomatoes, his brown hair dirty from his chores, glowing in the setting sun. He was incredibly handsome. Pepper froze, all her confidence gone.

'Come now Pepper, he's just over there. Remember that Jester said.'

Having regained some of her lost courage, Pepper took a deep breath and was about to step forward and approach Rake, when someone appeared.

Sasha walked up to Rake and started talking to him about something Pepper couldn't make out.

Pepper didn't like her body language. Everything about Sasha's expression and gestures told Pepper that she was flirting. Her eyes welling up in tears, Pepper ran back to the kitchens.

Incase you think that last scene adds towards Sasha's convicion as a Mary-Sue, please hold you judgements until after the next chapter. there is a good explanation.

ok, perhaps the characters aren't exaclty incharacter, but i hav't seen an ep of JatD in ages. if you're an Aussie, and know when it's on, please tell me. it would be much appreciated.

thanks again to my wonderful reviewers (yes, thanks is my new fav word), and i hope you will also review once you're done here. all feedback, comments, corrections etc are greatly appreciated, so feel free to give your opinion.

if you want me to read your JatD fic, just say so in your review, and i'll get right on to it.

until next time,

see ya

Tiger-Cub684