A/N
I am very sorry for having this update come out this late! This week I just had more stuff going on than last week.
I forgot this in the previous chapter (again), so here it is: I do NOT own The Legend of Spyro, any characters therein, the plot, the world and so forth.
I won't keep you held up any longer, enjoy the chapter!
xXxXxXxXxXx
It was early in the evening by the time 2 dragons and 2 cheetahs finally saw Warfang. Hunter was anxious to get to the Dragon City to show the Guardians a replica of the strange obelisk they found 2 days ago but failed to find again the following day.
What bothered Hunter even more was the fact that he was unable to stop thinking of the dream he had after the day he touched the obelisk. He remembered it vividly, every detail as clear as day. The intensity of the strange glows, the color of the glows, the way the glows absorbed the attacks of the dragons and the bright flash that shook him from his dream.
'It must have something to do with that obelisk, I'm sure of it.' Hunter now had 2 things he had to discuss with the Guardians. He needed answers.
Of course he never lost focus while searching for his purple friend, but to his dismay he was unable to find him. Even though he hoped to find him on his first search he knew it was very unlikely, after all; he had spent 3 years searching for him last time.
As they arrived at the gate they were met by a mole awaiting their return "Master Terrador is expecting you" the mole said as he gestured the group to follow him.
As they traveled through the streets of Warfang, Hunter was wondering how to word his concerns. He also knew he would have to repeat them as Prowlus was most likely back in the village as he was needed there more than in Warfang.
Eventually they reached the usual meeting place, a grand building adorned with the banners of numerous elements with golden trims.
As they entered the building they found Terrador and Volteer within the room.
"Welcome back Hunter, I presume you were unable to locate Spyro?" Terrador asked the cheetah warrior.
"No, we could not find him." answered Hunter with dismay.
"Well that is to be expected considering the young ones have returned a day ago and have already embarked on yet another quest of urgent, vital importance." Volteer said.
"Unfortunately Ignitus did not make it." Terrador added sadly.
Needless to say, Hunter was quite shocked and relieved at the same time by the news "I am relieved to hear they made it back safely and I am sorry to hear about the loss of Ignitus." Hunter said as he felt conflicting emotions of happiness and sadness colliding within him "If I may ask, what was so urgent that they were forced to leave so soon after returning to Warfang?"
"They were required to travel to the eastern settlement to convince the dragons there that the war is over and get them to move here." Terrador answered.
"Why? Did Megan and Krieg fail to do so?" Hunter asked as he recalled the 2 fire dragons being sent there.
"Yes, but with good reason." Terrador explained "They have been in hiding for several years, fearing that one day Malefor will find them. So it would seem sudden if two dragons claiming to be from Warfang said the war was over without solid proof, there were bound to be suspicions."
"If you look at it like that I suppose you have a point, I hope Spyro is successful then." Hunter said as he rummaged through his pouch.
He finally found what he was looking for, it was the small-scale replica of the vanishing obelisk they found a few days ago "I have a question, do you know what this is?" Hunter asked as he held the object up to the Guardians "It also had a small glowing crystal within it and the real one was slightly larger than me."
Terrador took the tiny object from Hunter. He examined it closely for several minutes "I do not know what this is." Terrador stated "Volteer, do you recognize this object?"
Volteer took the strange stone from Terrador as he too examined it for several minutes "I am afraid I am unfamiliar with this particular object, perhaps Cyril might contribute some answers to our inquiry?" Volteer said as he looked toward the mole that led Hunter's group to them "Please go find Cyril, we require his presence."
"Right away sir." The mole said as he saluted the Electricity Guardian.
"So tell us Hunter, where did you find this object?" Terrador asked as the mole scurried away to fetch Cyril.
"We found it during an evening hunt, near the Silver River." Hunter paused before continuing "However you won't find it there anymore. The next morning I went back there with Tremble. The obelisk was gone along with any traces of it ever being there or signs that anyone other than us were there."
"That is strange…" Terrador thought out loud "Tremble."
"Yes sir?" Tremble said as he prepared to answer Terrador's question.
"Did you find any underground tunnels, dents or even something small like the fading tell tale signs of prints etched into the ground?"
"No sir, only the prints we left on the ground from the previous day remained in the area" Tremble answered as he recalled what he saw that morning.
"Ah Hunter! Welcome back!" Came a new voice "I am happy to inform you that Spyro has already returned, no need for another three year search." Cyril said as he stepped into the room.
"We already informed him of recent developments before you graced us with your presence." Volteer sarcastically told the Ice Guardian "However we require your assistance in identifying a strange object Hunter and his group found."
He held out his paw, offering the replica to Cyril "It looks more or less like that, but it was slightly larger than me and it had a glowing crystal in the middle of that hole." Hunter informed the new arrival.
Unlike the previous Guardians; Cyril got a concerned frown on his face moments after he saw the object "Where did you find this?"
Hunter retold him of where they found it and how it was gone the next morning along with all signs that it ever was there.
"This... If what you told me is the truth, we are far from an era of peace" Cyril said deathly serious.
"Why? What object is that?" Terrador asked. He knew Cyril only got this serious when something is terribly wrong.
"How could you not recognize this? Have you forgotten the paintings and stories told to us by our mentors? I did not expect this from either of you." Cyril said as he eyed the other 2 Guardians "That is the Obelisk Of Earth, it contains the essence of the Earth Elementals."
Both Terrador and Volteers eyes widened upon the revelation "How is this possible?" Terrador asked in his state of shock "The Elementals were sealed away along with the Corrupted Guardians!"
"The only way the Obelisk Of Earth could appear is if…Oh no…" Volteer trailed off.
"What are these Elementals?" Hunter asked as he knew he was missing something.
Cyril looked at the cheetah warrior as he spoke "Get comfortable Hunter, and listen closely as what we are about to tell you must be relayed to Prowlus as soon as possible."
Hunter then gave his full undivided attention to the 3 Guardians.
xXxXxXxXxXx
Somewhere in an underground cave Spyro was slowly regaining consciousness. He felt sore all over his body. As he started realizing what was going on he remembered Cynder being impaled by a pillar of earth 'Cynder!'
He frantically tried to get up, but found his legs giving him the same result as they did after he awoke from his fight with Malefor "Hey! He's awake!" said a voice from somewhere within the room he was resting in "Don't try to stand up yet, you were badly hurt." The voice said again.
As he looked up he saw a pink dragoness followed by 3 dragons he recognized quickly. Behind her walking towards him were a red scaled dragon, one he remembered very nearly ending his life, a dark blue scaled one with jet black line over his body 'I think he was the one who somehow pulled me away from that inferno' Spyro thought as he remembered that dragon standing over him before he lost consciousness. Lastly he saw a light green scaled dragon. He remembered him as the one who fought Cynder.
As he regained more and more awareness he started looking around the room. To his relief he found Cynder sleeping on another pile of cushions not far from him. As he looked around further he found the green scaled dragon with the blue horns still fast asleep.
"How are you feeling?" The pink dragoness asked him as they got close to him.
"I've been better." Spyro grumbled "How's Cynder doing?"
"Better than you I'm sure." Cynder said as she opened her eyelids, her sleep disturbed by the chatting dragons. As Spyro saw her waking up he felt hugely relieved.
"We're sorry for attacking you like that." The green dragon said with a guilty look on his face "When we heard you call the black dragoness Cynder we assumed she was the Terror of the Skies."
"And when we saw you were purple we assumed you were Malefor as we heard the Dark Master was a purple dragon." The red dragon explained "We jumped to conclusions. We are very sorry for what we did."
Spyro looked at them for a short while before an understanding smile spread across his muzzle "We are both still alive, so no harm done." Spyro said, more relieved that Cynder was still alive than himself "My name is Spyro, and as you probably gathered she is Cynder"
"Hi." Cynder said, trusting Spyro's judgment.
"I'm Ember." The pink dragoness said with a smile "This is Darman." she gestured to the dark blue dragon.
"H-Hi." The dragon named Darman greeted shyly.
"My name is Flame." The red scaled dragon introduced himself.
"I'm Sion, and the one lying in the bed is Michael." The light green scaled dragon said.
"Nice to meet you all." Spyro said with his smile still present "And no need to worry about attacking us, I probably would have done the same in your position. You only defended your home right?"
"Y-Yes, we thought you were going to attack us." Ember told them.
"What are you doing in here?" Said a yellow scaled dragoness "The patients have not recovered yet! Out out out!" She said as she shoo'd them out.
"We'll talk to you later!" Shouted Spyro to the departing dragons.
"You two! Back to sleep, you have not recovered enough yet!" The yellow dragoness scolded.
Soon after Spyro and Cynder feigned sleep the nurse left. When she was gone Cynder went to the door to make sure nobody could hear them talk.
When she was sure nobody would hear them she walked to where Spyro is "Spyro, what should we do about those five?" Cynder asked with a deeply saddened voice "That green one, Sion, told me that Cynder killed his mother, how am I supposed to tell him that was me?"
Spyro looked at Cynder with concern "You don't have to tell him that. If you want I could tell him and explain everything to him."
"I wish it were that easy Spyro, but he has to hear it from me." Cynder said while tears were building up in her eyes "Would you…Would you please just be there with me when I tell him? I really need you to support me…please."
"I told you already Cynder, I'm there for you" Spyro told Cynder sincerely "You aren't alone anymore, of course I'll go with you."
"Thank you Spyro, I'm really glad I met you…" Cynder said with tears now flowing down her face "Could I lay with you? Just for a bit."
Spyro was not expecting this question, but he knew that she needed somebody to comfort her right now "Sure, Cynder"
For the remainder of that hour Cynder stayed with Spyro, taking comfort in his presence. She didn't know why but he made her feel safe, comfortable and happy merely by being close to him.
"Hmmmhh…" both Spyro and Cynder looked up to find the source of the sound. They found it to be Michael waking up from his sleep.
Cynder got up from her resting spot and slowly walked towards the injured green scaled dragon.
As Michael opened his eyes he was met with the face of a black dragoness, causing him to nearly jump in surprise.
"You're awake?" Cynder asked the waking dragon.
"Y-Yes, but don't worry about me!" He stammered "I am so sorry for hurting you! I didn-"
"No need to worry about it, your friends already explained everything and we forgave you." Cynder explained.
"We would have done the same if we were in your position." Spyro added.
"Regardless, I'm sorry for acting so rash." Michael apologized "Would you mind if I did something to make it up to you?"
Cynder looked quizzically at him "What would that be?"
"I'll show you, just go lie down near…umm…" He trailed off.
"Spyro, and that's Cynder as you already know." Spyro informed him.
"Thanks Spyro" He said with a smile "Please go lie down next to Spyro." Michael told Cynder.
Cynder slowly walked over towards Spyro, doing as the strangely colored dragon instructed her to do. When she was next to Spyro, Michael walked towards them with a slight limp, making Spyro a bit guilty.
"Just don't move." He told them soothingly.
He put both of his paws over Cynder's wound caused by his earth pillar. A small drop of water appeared between his paws. Very slowly the drop got bigger and bigger until it was large enough to cover the wound. Michael then pressed the small blob of water onto the wound, making Cynder wince at the stinging pain it caused.
The pain lasted for next minute before it was replaced with a cool, soothing feeling "There, now your turn Spyro." He told the purple dragon.
"What did you just do?" Cynder asked as she studied the now painless wound.
"It's an ability I was born with." Michael started to explain "I am able to heal small wounds and accelerate the regeneration of both internal and external wounds. I am also able to numb the pain by cooling down the water I use."
"That's…an incredible ability…" Spyro said in awe.
"It's not able to fully heal larger wounds without the help of Red Spirit Gems." Michael explained further.
"It's still an amazing ability to have." Cynder assured him "And thanks for using it to heal me."
"It's the least I could do after I caused the injury." Michael told her sheepishly "Now let's get started with you Spyro."
After healing many of the small scratches, numbing the burnt areas from Flame's attack and treating the larger lacerations on his back he stepped back with a smile "All done!" He happily exclaimed.
"That feels much better, thanks!" Spyro told him with a grateful grin "But why did you let Cynder lie down here instead of on her own cushions?" 'Not that I'm complaining' he mentally added.
"Well mainly because you two look cute together." Michael mentally complimented himself when he saw a blush adorning both his victims faces "That and when I woke up I saw you two lying next to each other."
"Uhh, yeah…" Spyro said while trying to hide his blush "Let's get back to sleep before that nurse gets back!" He hastily added.
"Whatever you say Spyro." Michael told him sarcastically.
At that all 3 dragons present went to their cushions to sleep, allowing their recently treated wounds to heal.
xXxXxXxXxXx
In the waiting room of the infirmary 4 dragons were waiting to be allowed to enter the room where 3 other dragons were recovering. Since the attack they have been scolded harshly by Axen. Even if he hadn't force them to apologize to Spyro and Cynder they would have done it anyway.
They were waiting impatiently, waiting for the nurse to allow them to enter the room. They were all ashamed at themselves because of their actions. Even Ember and Darman felt ashamed for being a part of it, even if they hadn't fought the two dragons.
Spyro and Cynder forgave them, that much they knew, but they have yet to forgive themselves. Flame felt the worst of the lot. If Darman did not arrive when he did then Spyro would most likely not be alive right now.
After they were chased from the room they sat in silence for a long time, until Sion decided to break the silence "How do you think they are doing?" He asked Flame, guilt still clinging stubbornly to his voice.
"I don't know…they seemed fine when we were there." He told his normally energetic friend.
"Maybe Michael could help heal them?" Darman suggested "It may not be much, but every bit helps right?"
"Even if he did offer to do it I doubt they would accept it, he did try to kill them both only hours ago after all." Flame said dismayed.
"You four." The same dragoness that chased them out called them "You are allowed to go see them, but don't take too long. They still have to recover."
They eagerly got up and went to the three recovering dragons. Upon entering the room they were met with a sight that nearly caused them to laugh.
"Say that again water boy?" A black dragoness said from on top of a green scaled dragon.
"Owowowww!" The green dragon moaned as the dragoness pressed down with all her weight onto him "What did I say? I just pointed out a fact!"
Cynder was currently pinning Michael beneath her, a furious blush on both her and Spyro's faces. Flame, Ember, Sion and Darman knew from that what their friend did to cause the attack on him.
Cynder turned her head towards the door before she continued speaking to the dragon she had at her mercy "I swear I will choke you to death if you say something like that again." She said only half-joking.
"Good to see you recovered enough to be able to fight already." Flame said as they entered the room.
"Michael what did you say this time?" Ember asked her blue horned friend.
"I didn't say anything bad!" He protested "I just pointed out that they-"
He was cut short as a small gust of wind knocked him over, yet he felt triumphant when he saw the blush on both the other dragons' faces.
"Just shut up before she kills you." Sion said with his normally happy demeanor returning slightly.
"So worth it." Michael muttered softly as he got up.
"Are you feeling better yet?" Ember asked the two blushing dragons.
"Yeah, we feel much better after Michael used his water ability on us" Spyro admitted.
"You actually trusted Michael to heal you?" Flame said, not completely understanding their trust of the one who fought them not so long ago.
"Well…yeah. Like we said you only attacked us to defend your home right?" Spyro clarified.
"Still..never mind." Flame paused before continuing "What were you sent here for? We thought one of the Guardians would be sent here."
"That was the plan." Cynder said while carefully avoiding Sion's gaze "But Warfang needs them, it's badly damaged from the fight that took place there about a week ago."
"That actually has to do what we came here for, we came here to tell you that the war is over, Malefor is dead and his army has scattered." Spyro said as he looked at the faces of the five young dragons.
"Heh, he must have hit his head harder than we thought." Sion noted out loud "Get back to sleep Spyro, we'll talk when you regained some of your brain cells."
"He's not delusional; in fact he's the one who killed Malefor." Cynder defended Spyro.
"Sorry if we have a hard time believing you…" Flame said "But if he was strong enough to kill the Dark Master, then why couldn't he even beat two young dragons like us?"
"Well I sorta lost my powers…" Spyro admitted sheepishly.
"And he was unable to stand from exhaustion a few days ago." Cynder added.
"But..but then…" Michael trailed off "The Grublings? The Orcs? Even the Terror of the Skies? All gone? Just like that?"
"They must have ran in fear of whatever killed Malefor" Cynder explained. She got sad very quickly as she prepared to tell them something she had no right of keeping from them "But…The Terror of the Skies is not completely gone…"
Spyro knew what was coming next, so he quickly walked towards Cynder, preparing for the worst "The Terror of the Skies is gone actually."
"But that dragoness is me." She admitted as she bowed her head in shame.
"She was controlled by Malefor's influence, her actions were not her own." Spyro added as he kept a close eye on the other dragons.
The returning happiness of Sion instantly got replaced with the same murderous stare he had during the fight "You…You're that Cynder?" He said while baring his teeth.
"Yes." Cynder replied while still staring at the floor.
Sion took a few steps forward, prepared to finish what he started. However Flame and Ember both stepped in front of him to stop him.
"Sion calm down." Flame sternly told the angering dragon "I think we should atleast hear what they have to say."
"Flame's right." Darman supported "Remember how much we regretted attacking them the first time?"
"Fine!" Sion said while snarling at Cynder "One chance!"
Cynder smiled happily. These were the first dragons her age to give her a chance to explain herself, one of them even lost his mother because of her.
She and Spyro then told their story again, this time they weren't annoyed to tell it over again. They told them of how Spyro released Cynder from the grasp of Maelfor and how she helped defeat him afterwards.
"…then we were ordered to come here." Spyro finished "You know the rest of the story from there."
A dead-silence was upon the room. After hearing their story nobody said anything. Flame was especially surprised to hear that the dragon in front of him not only had control over four different elements, but also mastered them to such a degree that he could use the Fury of every one of them.
The silence was finally broken by Sion "I will never forgive you for what you have done." He got up and started walking away "But I can see you changed enough to hopefully not kill innocents again."
Cynder was happy with that. She actually expected him to be as mad at her as he had been when she fought him "I won't, not again." She told him without a trace of a lie in her words.
Sion snorted and left the room.
"I suppose he can't help it, he was affected the worst out of us all." Ember said as she looked at Cynder with concern "We won't blame you for it, if you really have changed as much as you said you have then you deserve a second chance." The rest of the dragons in the room nodded in agreement to the statement.
"Thank you, that's all I ask for" Cynder told the pink dragoness.
"Well now that that's out of the way…" Michael said cheerfully, trying to lift the mood of everyone in the room "I have to ask, how did you two manage to learn so many elements?" He asked Spyro and Cynder.
"Well, I was born with the ability to use them." 'And a few more' he added mentally, not wanting to reveal that he could use Convexity.
"I was born a wind dragoness, but I retained the ones that Malefor gave me when Spyro saved me." Cynder explained "Now your turn, I can see Sion is an earth dragon and you two are fire dragons…" she gestured to Flame and Ember "…but I have no idea what you two are." Cynder finished as she looked between Michael and Darman.
"Yeah, I'm also quite curious." Spyro added as he looked at Darman "Just before Flame burned me up you pulled me away. I would guess that is the Wind element but that doesn't explain those black lines on your body."
"W-Well…" Darman stammered, not enjoying the attention he was getting "I have no idea what element it is. Axen just calls it the Void Element as I am able to create a type of vacuum that sucks other elements in and I can also pull things towards me with a different type of vacuum." Darman explained.
"That is..unique." Spyro said while looking at the Void Dragon with a strange expression.
"Your turn Michael." Ember said cheerfully.
"Fine." He huffed "I have control over the Earth Element and some variation of the Ice Element." Michael started to explain "I don't know exactly how it works, but I can use water far below freezing temperatures, but it somehow doesn't freeze when I use it."
"Not that I don't enjoy telling you two all about our elements…but didn't you come here to talk with Axen or something?" Flame asked.
"Uhmm, yeah. That reminds me, where is Krieg anyway? I haven't seen him since we woke up." Cynder thought out loud.
"And Megan for that matter." Spyro continued "She is being imprisoned if I remember correctly."
"We should get you two to Axen, can you walk yet?" Ember asked.
"I can, however I think purple boy might need some help." Cynder said with a smug grin.
"Oh very funny Cynder." Spyro said with a glare as he got up.
"Do not worry about that" Krieg said as he stepped into the room "Axen sent me to inform you that he will hear what you have to say tomorrow morning, for now you all must rest."
Before they even had a chance to say anything back a familiar yellow dragoness stepped into the room "Visiting time is over, everyone leave." She told them with some trace of a threat in her words "Now."
Not arguing any further they all left Spyro, Cynder and Michael to recover for the night.
xXxXxXxXxXx
Hunter couldn't believe what he just heard. It was sure he was in some sort of nightmare, ready to be woken up at any time and continue his daily routine.
The Guardians have finished their explanation to him about what the stone was and why it was so dangerous.
"The Obelisk of Earth only appears when the Ice Elementals have been awoken." Cyril told him "It contains the essence of the Earth Elementals. However a powerful magic was cast upon it by the Guardians centuries ago, making that obelisk teleport itself at random at random times."
"These Elementals are no small problem…" Cyril continued "They are as big a threat, if not a bigger one, that Malefor."
"How could these things be worse than the Dark Master?" Hunter asked, fear present in his voice.
"One of the main reasons is that these Elementals are controlled by four Corrupted Guardians." Terrador explained "They have been corrupted with dark powers, causing their lifespan to increase incredibly; they could live for thousands of years. Each of them possesses a very strong ability. Unfortunately we have no idea as to what they are."
"Go tell Prowlus that Ice Elementals are roaming the lands, searching for the obelisk." Volteer ordered the cheetah warrior.
"There are multiple types of these Ice Elementals. The ones you must be on the lookout for are the ones with five icicles on their heads." Cyril warned "They have the ability to use Furies better than the strongest ice dragon."
"The fastest way to kill them would be by using fire or by targeting the glowing light within their chests." Terrador told him.
Hunter wasted no time. The same evening he heard the news he started a dash towards his village, hoping he would not be too late in warning them.
"If the Ice Elementals succeed in awakening the Earth Elementals, things will only get harder…" Terrador told him grimly "Once they are awake they will set out for the Electric Elementals and then the Fire Elementals. Should that happen I don't know what we would do."
Hunter ran through the Hidden Tunnel, he had to convince Prowlus to aid the dragons once again to stop this rising threat.
In his panicked rush he even forgot to tell the Guardians about his dream; however that seemed unimportant at the time.
For the next few hours Hunter ran even with his muscles screaming for rest. When he finally made it to the village he was met by Tro.
"Hunter!" He called out in concern for his fellow tribesman "What happened to you?"
Hunter tried to speak, but his voice was silent.
"Do not speak, rest first." Tro told him as he led Hunter inside "Go to the infirmary, I shall get Prowlus."
Hunter hurried towards the infirmary, receiving medicinal brews to help aid his recovering throat. He kept drinking them until he calmed down enough to lie down and wait for Prowlus to arrive.
After numerous minutes Hunter regained his voice and soon afterwards Prowlus entered the room to speak with him.
"Why have you come back here so suddenly?" The cheetah chief inquired.
"Talk…in…private..." Hunter managed to get out, his throat still sore from his Olympic-like marathon run.
Prowlus trusted Hunter to have a reason to want to speak to him alone, knowing it is important "Very well," Prowlus spoke "Come to my hut once you have recovered sufficiently to speak."
Nodding in understanding, Hunter continued to take the medicinal brews and recovered in the room for a few minutes before hastily heading to where Prowlus was.
He finally arrived at the hut and upon entering found Prowlus sitting alone in the centre of the hut.
"I trust you have urgent news if you ran from Warfang to here?" Prowlus asked, prompting Hunter to speak.
"Yes, the Guardians have discovered a new threat; perhaps even as bad as Malefor…" Hunter told his leader.
Prowlus could not believe what he was hearing. What could be as bad as the Dark Master? "What type of threat is this?"
"The Guardians called them Elementals. There are four types of them, each wielding the power of the four basic elements. They are basically living elements" Hunter informed "As of now only the Ice Elementals are awake, but they are searching for an obelisk which will awaken the Earth Elementals."
"Living elements? How is that even possible?" Prowlus asked skeptically.
"Cyril said they are bound together by an ancient magic. They do not need to eat, sleep or even breathe."
"Do the Guardians know where this obelisk is?"
"No." Hunter said flatly "In fact, nobody does. The Obelisk of Earth is protected by a magic that transports it around the land at certain times, making it near impossible to find."
"Is there any way to kill these apparitions?" Prowlus asked with growing concern.
"Yes, Terrador said the Ice Elementals could be killed by fire or by targeting the glowing energy in their chests." Hunter pointed at his own chest "There are also multiple types of each Elemental, some stronger than the rest…"
Hunter explained everything to Prowlus. He explained their abilities, their appearance, their strengths their weaknesses and about the Corrupted Guardians. At the end Prowlus was pale beneath his fur.
"What do these Corrupted Guardians look like?" Prowlus asked with fear now growing.
"They do not know, they were imprisoned hundreds of years ago."
"That is troubling…" Prowlus trailed off.
"The Guardians also sent me to ask you for help." Hunter told Prowlus after his explanation "These Elementals are only a growing threat as they are now. They must be weeded out before they can reawaken the other Elementals and the Corrupted Guardians."
"How will we do that? Scour the land for the Obelisk of Earth?" Prowlus asked the warrior sitting with him.
"You will have to go to Warfang again to discuss that with the Guardians, but I think that finding the Obelisk of Earth would be our main priority for now." Hunter told his chief "And Prowlus, we will have to increase the security in our village, the Ice Elementals might come here to search for the Obelisk of Earth."
Prowlus nodded "I understand, go get Tro then get some sleep."
"Yes sir." Hunter saluted his chief and left in search of Tro.
xXxXxXxXxXx
The next morning Spyro was awoken by a constant nudging to his side, he immediately knew who was causing the disturbance "Cynder stop that…let me sleep."
"Not a chance purple brain!" Cynder proclaimed cheerfully "It's time for breakfast and I don't feel like going with only Michael for company."
"Hey! I can hear you!" He yelped indignantly.
"If you say so." Cynder said, adding to his frustrations "But Spyro is still coming with us!" She started poking him harder and harder.
"Wow he can really sleep if he wants to." Michael observed "Stand back, let me try something…"
"What are you going to…Ohhhh…" Cynder backed away with her famous evil grin spread across her muzzle as she saw Michael forming a sphere of water forming in his maw.
Michael approached the stirring purple dragon with an evil grin rivaling that of Cynders'. With no warning at all he sprayed the sleeping dragon with a cold stream of water.
"AAAAH!" Spyro yelled as he jumped several feet in the air.
When he calmed down he found two dragons unable to contain their laughter "Great, a male version of Cynder…" he mumbled "Did you have to make it that cold?"
"But then it would be no fun dousing you! Hahaha!" Michael said from his position on the floor.
"Come on purple boy, let's go get something to eat, the walk will dry you." Cynder said as she got her laughter under control.
He reluctantly obeyed as he kept muttering things like 'another Cynder' and 'end of the world' under his breath.
Michael led them through the streets of the settlement in the direction of the cafeteria. The trip didn't last long as it was located only a few minutes away from the infirmary.
As they entered they found it mostly empty as it was still very early. Thanks to that they had no problem finding an open table and there was no line keeping them from their breakfast.
They each got a small slice of meat along with numerous berries and something Spyro couldn't identify.
"Is this edible?" Cynder asked the green dragon "It looks like something you scraped from the walls…"
"That's because it was scraped from the walls." Michael responded "And yes, it is edible. We don't have the luxury of getting our fill from meat alone."
Spyro had no trouble eating the green substance as for most of his life he had eaten much worse things.
Cynder on the other hand did not seem happy to eat something which somewhat resembled thick poison. But she did not want to seem ungrateful, so she ate it anyway, albeit a bit slowly.
"So what's there to do in this place?" Spyro asked in between mouthfuls of food.
"Well…" Michael thought for a moment "There's the arena where we are allowed to train in close combat, no elements allowed though and the academy."
"What about going outside?" Cynder offered "There is much more to do out there, besides attacking visitors of course."
"W-We aren't allowed to go outside…" Michael admitted "Since we always believed the war was still on Axen feared for our safety. Only hunting parties of strong dragons are allowed to venture outside."
"I'm sure that will change once we speak to Axen, which reminds me, when will we speak to him?" Spyro inquired.
"He should be coming here for breakfast soon." As if one queue, a large fire dragon entered the cafeteria, heading straight towards them "Here he comes now." Michael pointed at the approaching dragon.
"Good morning Axen" All three dragons said simultaneously.
As if not hearing their greeting he looked straight at Michael, anger looming within his stare "What are you doing here? Your punishment is still in effect, go clean the gathering tools. Now." He barked out at the water-earth hybrid.
"R-Right away sir!" Michael stammered as he sped out of the building.
He turned his icy stare towards Spyro and Cynder "Follow me, you can eat later."
Both dragons obeyed the order and they followed the larger fire dragon towards the building in the center of the settlement. Inside Zaak, Laciter, Krieg and Megan were already awaiting them.
As they stepped inside Axen turned to speak to them "Listen to me well. I only want to hear this story from the purple dragon. I do not want to hear anything from the Terror of the Skies" he spat out the last few words.
Spyro was about to say something to defend the black dragoness but he was kept silent when she placed a paw on his shoulder.
Spyro did not like Axen at all. He judged Cynder harshly before he even knew who she really was. He forced his growing rage back as he retold his story over once again.
Spyro purposefully retold how Cynder had saved him with great detail. How she faked both their fights, how much she changed and how she helped him defeat Malefor.
To his dismay he had to retell the events at the Ring of Fire and how Ignitus sacrificed himself to save them. Once again he left out the parts where he was overtaken by darkness.
He ended his story with when they returned to Warfang "That's when we were ordered to come here." Spyro finished.
"So the war is no over, the Dark Master is dead and you want us to abandon the safety of the caverns to move there?" Axen asked harshly "I'm afraid it doesn't work like that. I requested a Guardian to confirm this, not some purple hatchling!"
"However I am no fool, I know the legends," Axen continued slightly calmer "I will allow a few families to travel back with you, to confirm your claims. If they live there peacefully for atleast three months I will reconsider relocating to Warfang."
Spyro was at a loss for words. Two of his dragons traveled with him to meet the Guardians, which they no doubt told him about, yet he still doubts him.
"This is my final offer, I shall send ten families with you." Axen sternly told him "The only reason I am even sending them is because both Zaak and Laciter claimed to have seen the three remaining Guardians. I expect them to have an Academy up for the young dragons that will be accompanying you."
"Come on Spyro, Cynder…" Megan spoke "Let's get some breakfast while Axen gets the families ready."
Spyro decided he could do no more here. He followed Megan and Krieg back to the cafeteria.
xXxXxXxXxXx
Terrador was starting to worry now. The final search party has yet to return and he was beginning to suspect why.
It was still early in the morning; he was waiting alone in the usual meeting place of the Guardians. They had much to discuss.
As his worry was starting to turn into impatience he was greeted by a very familiar voice "Hello Terrador, I do hope I am within the designated time of arrival?"
"You are late Volteer, but only by a few minutes…" Terrador tried to look behind the Electricity Guardian to find the final member of the meeting "Where is Cyril?"
"He shall arrive shortly; he was partaking in the daily ritual of breakfast when I located him." Volteer informed the Earth Guardian.
As if on cue the subject of their discussion entered from behind Volteer "There is no need to wait for me. What is this about Terrador?"
"Many things old friend," He released a sigh before continuing "First off I am starting fear for the safety of the group we sent north."
"Indeed. I had the same thoughts…" Cyril offered "We do not know how long the Elementals have been walking among us, so the possibility that they were attacked his very real indeed."
"I would have to say that it may be more than a mere possibility." Volteer added grimly "The Ice Elementals were sealed somewhere within Dante's Freezer. If they were to travel to this continent then their most likely area of entrance would be the coasts."
"If that is true then what should we do about it?" Terrador asked with a frown "We don't have many dragons in the city as it is; even less of them capable of fighting."
"I think our wisest path of action to take would be to send larger search parties to find the Obelisk of Earth and bring it here." Cyril suggested "They are not within their element; they will be at a severe disadvantage fighting without ice. While they search for it we will work to repair the fallen wall in case of an attack."
"I agree with Cyril, however I would strongly advise to re-open the academy." Seeing the shocked expressions on both Terrador and Cyrils' faces Volteer paused before continuing "We must train the new generation of dragons and we must not let the general public catch wind of this, otherwise…"
"…there will be widespread panic…" Terrador finished for Volteer "Are we in agreement to do as such then?"
Both Cyril and Volteer nodded in agreement.
"Good, our next subject is regarding the memorial service of Ignitus." Terrador said as his expression went slightly sadder "Are all the preparations completed?"
Ever since Spyro and Cynder brought the news of their dear friend and great Fire Guardian, they had made plans to honor the sacrifice Ignitus made.
"Most of them are, we are just awaiting the news from Bron." Cyril informed the Guardian of Earth.
"Good, then on to the final subject of this meeting, Spyro's advanced training." As Terrador said those words both Cyril and Volteers' expressions changed.
"Terrador I am still uncomfortable with this." Cyril interjected "I know young Spyro is strong, but he has been fighting for so long, I doubt he has the energy to start so soon. Should we not let him rest first?"
"I have considered it Cyril, believe me," Terrador admitted "However with the threat of these Elementals we have little choice. Spyro has to be ready to fight to a new degree."
Unlike Cyril, Volteer was ecstatic "I for one am most eager to pass this knowledge on to the one most capable of using it!" Volteer exclaimed happily "Why, I would even gander that young Spyro will easily be able to master it to a vastly higher degree than any of us would ev-"
"We get it Volteer!" Cyril silenced the Guardian "I would just like to add that we should also enroll Spyro in the academy. He has been robbed of enough of his youth."
"I cannot argue there…" Terrador admitted sadly "It truly is a shame that Spyro had to endure so much at such a young age, and now a new threat approaches."
"I do believe he has deserved the right to atleast be left in the dark about this threat until his intervention is required." Volteer suggested.
"Yes, I do believe both he and Cynder have deserved to live as normal dragons for a time." Terrador agreed.
"Good! Now, let us return to the awaiting venison steaks awaiting us!" Volteer stated as he quickly went to devour the awaiting meat.
xXxXxXxXxXx
"Hurry Flame! We'll be late!" Darman called back to his hot headed friend.
"Geez Darman, no need to rush this much!" Flame retorted as he tried to catch up to his speeding friend "What are they going to do? Punish us?"
"I rather don't want more cleaning duty!" Darman snapped "Meet me at the cafeteria in a few minutes. Go get Ember, I'll go get Sion."
"Calm down Darman! We still have like…half an hour left!"
"I'll calm down when we get there!" Darman shouted back as he sprinted to the centre of the village.
Flame just grunted as he went to the northern area of the city at a much slower pace in search of Ember.
About 20 minutes later the four dragons met each other at the entrance of the cafeteria, ready to undertake the long day of cleaning and serving food ahead of them.
"Hey, isn't that Michael?" Ember pointed out as they entered.
Flame looked in the direction Ember was pointing and saw that Ember was right.
"Hey! Michael!" Sion shouted in greeting.
The shout easily caught Michaels' attention, along with every other dragon in the building.
"Shut it!" Flame shouted nearly as loud "We aren't the only dragons here!"
"Both of you be quiet!" Ember said in a loud whisper, blushing in embarrassment from the stares they were getting.
By now Michael was very close to them "Heya!" He greeted. He noticed the blush on Ember's face and a sly grin appeared on his face "Why so red Ember? Is there something you and Flame want to tell us?"
Ember got an even deeper shade of red on her face as Flame nearly tackled the blue-green dragon.
"Hahaha! It never gets old to see you guys like this!" Sion shouted as he laughed, once again earning them the attention of the room.
Darman had long since wandered away to avoid most of the unpleasant stares sent their way. He was standing in line to get his food when he saw a purple color on the edge of his eye. He turned in the direction of the sight and saw Spyro entering the cafeteria followed by Cynder.
He abandoned his position in the growing line and walked towards them.
"Hey Spyro, hey Cynder." He greeted his two newest friends "Good to see you're well enough to be walking again."
"Hi Darman." Cynder greeted the shy Void Dragon.
"Yup, Michael really helped with that," Spyro put a paw near the previously painful wounds "I barely feel a thing now!"
"Glad to know I could help!" Michael said as he and the rest of the group approached them.
"Well what'd you expect? Your weird water always helps!" Sion chimed in.
Spyro was felt very relieved that Sion seemed in such a good mood. He didn't seem to hold anything against Cynder.
Cynder had similar thoughts as Spyro "Should we get breakfast together before the line gets too long?" Cynder asked the group.
"Yeah! I'm getting hungry." Flame said as he surveyed his choice of food.
"I'm afraid you four will have to skip breakfast." Said a familiar voice.
"H-Hi Axen, why are you here?" Darman asked nervously.
"I came here to tell you that you and your families are to come to the Meeting Hall as soon as possible." Axen explained "Do not make me wait."
With that Axen left as quickly as he came, leaving numerous confused dragons behind.
"Uhmm, any idea what your dad wants Sion?" Flame asked the only unconfused dragon present.
"Yeah…" Sion admitted "It has something to do with going to Warfang, other than that I am not sure."
"He did mention something about ten families going back with us," Cynder thought aloud "Maybe he means some of you?"
Both Flame and Michael got excited expressions "We get to go outside? For real!?" Flame exclaimed in disbelief.
"And to the great Dragon City!" Michael added enthusiastically.
"Don't get your hopes up yet." Ember added with a sigh "There are hundreds of families, maybe we won't even get the chance to go."
"If you really want to go we can try convincing him?" Spyro offered.
"Yes!" Both Flame and Michael replied instantly.
Spyro turned his attention to Darman who had yet to say anything "What about you Darman? Do you want to go?"
"I would like to see the outside world, but I don't think Axen would allow it…" He said with a defeated expression.
"We'll see what we can do!" Spyro said in an attempt to lift his mood "Go get your families, we'll meet each other there."
He got no argument from any of the dragons present as they all left to get their families, leaving only Cynder, Spyro and Sion behind.
"So…" Sion spoke up, breaking the momentary silence "Should we try to get some food before we also go there?"
"Good idea!" Cynder replied with a friendly smile.
The three dragons were able to easily get their breakfast. They ate swiftly, not wanting to make Axen wait longer than he has to.
xXxXxXxXxXx
A/N
And there's Chapter 4!
I know, not much going on here, but it is necessary I assure you.
A reviewer asked a question that I think I should just answer here as I got a few messages asking me the same thing:
Zizima: "Do the ice elementals have breath attacks like the dragons or do they have their own types? Hopefully you'll answer this in the next chapters."
Answer: The Ice Elementals posses' different abilities as they are made of ice, giving them much more control and power over their element. As you have seen in previous chapters some of them are even made differently. To see specific abilities you'll just have to keep reading ;)
Constructive criticism is welcomed but please refrain from flaming. At this point flames would convince Axen the outside world is not safe at all.