Chapter 4- Introductions and Explosive Impressions

The huge elemental dragons entered the outdoor patio area and sat on their haunches, their wise eyes scanned the eighteen dragons with immeasurable curiosity and judgement.

The ice dragon of the Dragon Elders smiled proudly at the young dragons and spoke first. "Welcome, young dragons to Temple Academy. It is indeed a pleasure to meet all of you as you begin your freshman year here. My name is Cyril and I will be one of your instructors and principal. I also hold the title of Ice Guardian."

Then the next dragon, an earth elemental with green scales, spoke up in a baritone, warrior voice that Digit found similar to his father's but intimidating at the same time. "Good morning, young dragons. I wish you the warmest of nature's welcome and hope to meet all of you. I'm also an instructor and the Earth Guardian. My name is Terrador."

Eagerly, the third Dragon Elder, an electric elemental, introduced himself in a formal, hyperactive manner that made the young dragons' heads spin. To them, his words and lips were moving faster than the speed of light. "Salutations, future scholars. I'd like to personally congradulate you for choosing to atten this magnificent institution. I am Volteer, Electric Guardian and instructor extraordinare, and I welcome you to Temple Academy. Meeting all of you is just so…exciting, exhilirating, enchanting, enthralling, and …."

"Thank you, Volteer," Cyril said, cutting him off in mid-sentence. The young dragons laughed only to receive a cold look that silenced them at once. "Now…There are rules every student must follow and it would be wise to not laugh right now. Good, these five rules that I will explain to you must be taken to heart because I don't tolerate rule-breaking or any other deliquent activities." He paused, glaring at the young dragons icily. "Is that clear?"

No one responded which didn't satisfy the Ice Guardian. "IS THAT CLEAR?!" Cyril repeated sternly. Every dragon nodded swiftly and Cyril's cordial expression returned as he cleared his throat. "Rule one, which is significant…treat every dragon with respect and dignity no matter what. Rule two, be prepared and on time, tardiness is unacceptable here at this school. Rule three, no fighting on campus unless we arrange at tournament or sparring match. Rule four, which is more urgent then the last three. Mating season arrives every year in the middle of the semester and young dragons and dragonesses fall victim to the persuasion of their hormones and that's understandable. But there is absolutely no fighting over mates. If you have an issue, come talk to one of us and we will resolve it. Moreover, no dragon should be mating until he or she has completed the Sealing of Mates ceremony and has chosen their mate. Mating is only permitted during mating season, not any other time of the year so don't get any bright ideas. Rule five, no one is to leave while on campus for any reason unless it is a medical appointment, mission, holiday, or death in the family. Anyone foolish enough to break this rule will be given a warning the first time but will be punished severly if it happens again. Now that you know what's expected of you, are there any questions you have?"

An orange dragoness raised her paw instantly; the ice dragon acknowledged her with a warm smile despite his algid appearance and nodded. "Where's the Fire Guardian?" she asked, trying to hide the disappointment in her voice.

Cyril fathomed her disappointment and said nothing for a moment with his eyes closed, searching for the right words to say. His heart was concealed in a ice block of sadness, fragile and cold, because he had lost his childhood friend. Wishing Ignitus was wih him, Cyril regained his arrogant dispositionand answered sadly, " He is no longer with us, young dragoness, only in spirit. But don't look so downhearted, I'm certain he is in a better place and has been blessed with a new gift and task. Spyro, the purple dragon of legend will help train you and the other fire dragons in the mastery of fire untiil we can find a suitable successor for the position." Smiling again with the brazen happiness in his eyes, Cyril addressed all of the young dragons. "He will also be one of your classmates who will hel you settle in as well as Cynder. Ah, and here they are, right on schedule."

The young dragons started to cheer and lavish Spyro with praise as he walked to the patio area and sat next to Cyril with a goofy grin. After he sat on his hauncheds, Spyro waved at the young dragons with a small tooth smile, glad to meet dragons his own age.

Digit was awestruck and curious since he heard heroic tales of how the purple dragon saved the Dragon Realm countless times. He had always dreamed of the day he would meet one of them but never got the chance. Nevertheless, the opportunity presented itself to him now for he would have classes with the purple dragon that had saved them from oblivion. He didn't even mind meeting the terror of the skies herself, either. Deeply engrossed in his fanciful thoughts for a couple of minutes, he devised many questions to ask about Spyro and Cynder, but was perturbed by a chorus of insults, snarls, and taunts that seem to invade the calm air. Wondering who they were hurling maledictions at, Digit glanced up to see Cynder shuffle into the patio area and sit down next to Spyro.

Her head was downcast towards the ground, hiding the tears of shame and humiliation in her eyes. Comfortingly, Spyro grabbed one of her paws and gave it a tight squeeze, whispering to her. Then, he nuzzled her with his cheek. However, she continued to keep her head lowered wishing she didn't exist.

Digit knew that she used to work for the Dark Master and she inflicted pain and suffering on millions. But he didn't really care what she did in the past. He felt a deep pang of sympathy for Cynder because she bore a stunning resemble to the black and green dragoness. Why don't they just leave her alone, Digit thought angrily. Sure, she's done some malicious things in the past, but that doesn't mean they're entitled to hate her now that she's changed. It's just not right to be this way.

Anger bubbled up within him as he opened his mouth to yell at them when he noticed that the black and green dragoness was gazing at Cynder empathetically. Quiet rage contorted her face, but it was not for Cynder, it was for something else. After Digit observed the strange dragoness, he opened his mouth to speak, but his backside beat him to the punch and said something with a cacophonous toot.

Everyone immediately fell silent and the temple became eerily quiet as every dragon turned to one another asking whodunit. Their snouts wrinkled in revulsion to the repungant smell. They almost quit and continue their business like usual when all eyes rested on Digit—The Dragon Elders' eyes, Spyro's, Cynder's, evn the black dragoness stared at him. His heart pumped twice as fast. This isn't the kind of attention I want, Digit thought with regret. I gotta learn to say it and not spray it.

Cyril stared at him with an expression fo confusion, amusement, and disgus. "Was that you who made the sound, young dragon?"

Sweet ancestors, I hate moments like these. I'm always the one in the freakin' comedy lime light. Digit smiled bashfully, knowing that there was no point lying, especially with everyone staring at him. Digit nodded. "Yes."

Everyone roared with laughter. Digit, embarrassed beyond belief found their laughter soothing instead of hurtful since he discovered how amusing his toots sounded let alone smelled. Maybe these uncontrollable poots are not so stupid after all, Digit thought cutting a sideways glance at Cynder. She smiled at him throught stifled giggles with friendliness and humor shining in her eyes. Her genuine smile seemed to comfort his coyness as she winked at him. Digit smiled and winked back at her, then he turned to Spyro who was also smiling at him with immense gratitude for ending the pointless verbal assault. Digit gave Spyro a thumbs-up sign and waved. Spyro waved back with a laugh. Cool, even Spyro thinks I'm funny. Maybe this farts aren't as bad as I thought, Digit mused.

Digit aslo noticed the black and green dragoness looking at him with less amusement but more curiosity than the others. Her neon green eyes glimmered to life like a newly changed fluorescent bulb. I wonder what her name is, Digit thought. She's so gorgeous, built better than an modern machine, and still a beauty of nature at the same time. But why is she showing such interest in a dork like me. Hmmm… I wonder?

When the sound of laughter ebbed away, Cyril wiped awy his tears of mirth and humor and regained his proud professional voice. "Well, that was simply hilarious. Let's get back to business. Let's begin introducing ourselves, starting with you my farting friend. What's your name?"

Great, the farts make me likable and first for introduction. What else is next? Adjusting his small black goggles forehead, Digit stammered his introduction with a cheesy smile. "I'm D-D-Digit."

"Digit, an interesting name indeed. Tell me, by any chance, is there any explanation for your irregular pattern of flatulence."

"There is indeed, sir!" Cedric pipped in placing a paw around his brother's shoulder. "I'm his older bro, Cedric, the Entertaining Dragon. Anway, my little twerp of a brother here inherited this little condition from our father and ancestors. It's called the Curse of Zepyhr. It only happens whenever Gassy here and my dad are embarrassed, nervous, or enraged. And I'm so super glad I didn't get this trait. It'd be a real doozy, if ya know what I mean."

Digit frowned at his brother's intrusion and pushed him away. "Well, that's just about the gist of it. But it's not much of a nuisance if I control it."

"Please do," Cyril urged with agreement. "We wouldn't want any one fainting from the stench of it. Anyway, what are your names, you two?" He asked, turning to two black dragons. The black and orange dragon was the first to reply, flexing his bulging muscles. "Yo, wassup Big Cy," he said in a colloquial tone. "It's cool to finally get away from da fam and continue my education. You guys can call me D-Jay. A yo, shout out to the green wonder over there." He pointed at Digit, throwing up a thumbs-up sign. "Nice act, homie, you should do stand up."

"My name is Jinx," the black and green dragoness replied quickly. "Don't ask why. My parents just thought it suit me well."

"Good, Good," Cyril said nodding his head giving both of them a bright smile. He then turned to Terrador and Volteer. "I'm goint to like that nickname, Big Cy. Has a nice ring to it, don't you think?"

"Sure," Terrador replied curtly.

"Whatever you say, Cyril." Volteer said dryly. "It's your appellation."
"Okay," Cyril said turning to a group of ice dragons. "And your names are?"

"I'm the sultan of snow, the icon of ice, and the conqueror of cold, Duke." A blue dragon boasted arrogantly. "It's nice to meet you. It's nice to meet me. My name is Miss Ivory." A white dragoness said in a poetic voice. "Amar's the name," a dark blue dragon muttered gruffly. "Hey, hey, Syren is my name." chirped a silver dragoness.

Volteer then spoke up and asked the group of electric dragons their names. "Chalice is my name, " a gold dragoness replied bowing her head to the Dragon Elders, then she gestured to a reticent, twitching bronze-colored dragon. "And this is my cousin Flash. He's not much of a talker, but when he is talking, he moves at the speed of light." "Amazing, spectacular, beautiful," a yellow dragon commented scanning the scenery and the other dragons. "This is such a great place with smiling peers and teachers. It's so exciting, fantastic, exhilirating, amazing, wonderful…oh dear, I guess I'm rambling again. My name is Galvin and it's a pleasantry to meet you all. I…"

"They understand, my friend. Don't strain you vocal cords, you only have one set." Warned a yellow dragoness patting Galvin's shoulder. "By the way, you may address or call me Lumina or Luminara which ever is comfortable for you.

Then, Terrador asked the rest of the dragons their names. "Ivy," a green dragoness replied sharply. "Not Bud, Vine, or Flora, but Ivy!" "It's such a blessing to meet all of you," a forest green dragoness said sweetly. "The Ancestors bestowed upon me the name, Juniper." "Buenos dias, amigos!" squealed a dark red dragon. "Mi familia gave me the name Francisco Pizaro Diamonte, but I'd prefre you just call me Diamonte." "Bam!" said the orange dragoness, pretending to throw some spice into an imaginary pot. "I'll cut to the chase and giva the facts, boo-boo. I love spicy food and cooking, I hate drowning, and my name if your so keen and fond of is Pepper. Not like salt and pepper, but more like chili peppers. Bam!" "Hello, everybody," Flame said in a fervent voice. "It's awesome to meet all of you and come to this gnarly school. My name is Flame."

"Hey everybody!" Ember cooed excitedly, noticing Spyro. "Hey, Spyro. It's lovely to meet each and everyone, including Cynder. I'm sure this is going to be a fabulous year. Anyway, Ember is my divine and special name because I'm precious and priceless.
You can say that again, Cynder and Digit thought sarcastically at the same time.

"Great, now that introductions are out of the way. Let us get you settled in your rooms." Cyril, content with learning every dragon's name, turned to Volteer and Terrador and talked with them briefly. Digit wondered if they were talking about him since they were murmuring quietly to themselves. After Cyril's short conversation, the ice dragon gestured towards Spyro and Cynder. "These tow will be your tour guides and classmates who will show you around the temple. Treat them with respect and hold your tongues next time. Name-calling and bullying is unacceptable and tarnishes a dragon's reputation. If you have any questions while on tour, ask them. They will answer to their best of their knowledge. The rest of the day is your, but class starts tomorrow at seven o'clock sharp. Farewell, young dragons!"

Consequently, the three large dragons adjuourned from the scene to their private quarters inside the Temple. Once they were gone the young dragons gathered around Spyro and Cynder, obviously ready to start the tour. Digit and Jinx seemed to bubble with as much fervor as the others in the presence of the purple dragon that had risked his life to save them and the rest of the world. However, Jinx eyed Cynder more as though she were a long lost sister she had been waiting to mee. Everyone, except her and Digit, held a friendly expression towards the composed dragoness.

To BE CONTINUED.

Author's Note: That was chapter 3 of Temple Academy Series. Tell me what think and review. Who is your favorite character so far? Why do you think Jinx is interested in Cynder? If you have any ideas for anything else. Let me know.