Chapter 4 The Trek Goes On
As Spyro, Sparx and I began to walk in the direction that I had been traveling before I had met the two of them; I started to go over the recent chain of events I had been involved in. What was I in for with these two? With my luck I can never tell this early. The only thing I can guarantee; my bad luck would still make things harder for me. So, as I normally do, I would manage the best I could.
This whole situation with Spyro and Sparx is weird enough from what I have observed thus far. That's without taking in to account that I was also somehow, in a completely different world all together than the one I know. Then, I'm also with an actual dragon; a creature that's thought to be something of fantasy and fiction. I have enough of a knowledge basis on dragons or at least what fictional authors have written about them; all due to a 'friend' of mine from the dojo who is obsessed with dragons. So, I know a fair bit of what humans have come up with on the idea of dragons. Then… well there was IC… I think that's all I need to say on that subject… I could say more, but I would be calling him names mixed in with profanity. How do I get in to these types of things?! Never do I go search for such situation; I avoid them as best I can, they're like a plague! No, THESE situations find me instead without the curtesy of knocking on the door before bursting into my life! I felt my mouth fall into a frown as I kept going with the thinking I was doing. This leaves me to wonder; am I some type of crazy magnet to weird stuff and trouble?! Or is this the guy above and the punk down below method to show they have a sense of humor that makes me the entertainment?!
Coming out of my thoughts, I glanced over at Spyro and Sparx; who were at this moment talking and I assumed catching up with each other. Couldn't help my eyes rolling at the sight, mostly directed at IC. Then I'm force to admit, there are times like this when trouble AND weird come together in such a way that I could have never predicted. And somehow you end out with this as the result! Why me I ask… but I've yet to receive an answer!
I was so deep in my thoughts that I hadn't been watching where I was going like I should have. The consequence of that… I jammed my right foot into a rock and lost my balance falling forward to end out flat on my face. … Curse you bad luck… curse you to hell I say. The things I go through because of my unending streak of bad luck… there are too many to talk about. Spyro and Sparx stopped, I could tell by hearing the sound of them moving stop; it is likely in response to my face planting in to the dirt. I twitched a bit as my face was buried in the dirt. The question left to me now, would be what will my two traveling companions do when they find out this is fairly normal… the random injury due to my bad luck doing what it does. I heard Spyro come over to where I was; I could only imagine what kind of face he had right now as my face was shoved into dirt.
"Hey Saber are you okay?"
Taking the time to pull my face out of the dirt and gasping a deep, fresh breath of air to steady myself. After resorting my bearings, I faced Spyro after I shaking my head to get some of the dirt off that had come up with me when I pulled up from the ground.
"Yeah I am good, have gotten use to this type of event. Unfortunately, since these kinds of things are normal for me, it has been a necessity, so don't worry about me."
I said this as I got to my feet and brushed myself off; there was no point in dwelling on the incident that I had just 'fallen into'. It is a lesson for me to watch where I was going, that's all. After about an hour of walking, the bug sighed to get Spyro and myself to pay attention. Not wanting to give him the attention he craved, I continued to ignore him. Spyro, being nice I think, glanced over at IC while I rolled my eyes and held in the grumble of frustration. Then Sparx made things for himself worse in my view, by saying something stupid… don't know why I would've expected otherwise.
"Hey can we stop for the night my feet are killing me?"
At hearing that line, I glared at Sparx with a look that an adult would give an elementary school child after giving an answer that is obviously wrong and should know better. Question though, is he always this stupid, or is he making a special effort today? Maybe that is not a safe question to ask. I am afraid of what the answer would be!
"You know IC, the last time I unfortunately had to look in your direction; you do not have legs, you yellow idiot!"
Spyro looked at me for a moment with a chiding expression, before he looked to his brother and adding his comment.
"Yeah, you have wings instead Sparx, though it does seem like a good time to stop for the night."
Well… the three or rather two of us; I state this since Sparx was just hovering around, got to work. I cleared the area that we would camp for the night and Spyro gathered wood for a fire. Just as I finished my part of the work, I glanced over to see how Spyro was doing on his job of building a fire. Now yes, I know the fact that in mythology and fiction, dragons usually can breathe fire. Haven't a problem with the idea… although, actually seeing the action in real time… that's something else! I happened to see him let loose fire from his mouth and stopped what I was doing to take it in; my eyebrows raised at the spectacle. Well I guess the idea of dragons being able to breathe fire is a definite yes. But then I wonder, why he didn't just barbeque the monkeys and be done with the lot? Perhaps there is more involved with breathing fire than I understand? Noting that the wood Spyro had piled up was now burning brightly, I won't say anything about the means by which it was obtained. I came over and sat near the fire staring in to the fire lost in my own thoughts. It wasn't until I heard Spyro plopped down next to me that I came out of my musings and glanced over at Spyro. Taking the time to study his face, I saw there was growing problems. There was an expression I knew from observing other people I was around. He was worrying about something and by the depth of the lines on his face it was something serious. I may be no councilor, but I can try to help.
"Hey Spyro, you feeling okay?"
The intent of this, was for me to give Spyro the opportunity to talk about what's troubling him, should he want to. Plus, the silence was getting much too thick for my liking or peace of mind.
"… Hmm, what did you just say?"
Spyro looked at me… such deep thinking that he didn't hear me? Why do I get the sudden urge to say the line, 'spoiler alert! Future problems ahead for you to solve!'? My intuition is rarely wrong in stuff like this… perfect.
"You look like you quite lost in thought over something; perhaps you would like to talk about what it is that is worrying you so?"
"What… no… well maybe a little."
Spyro's reply came with a down casted look set on his face. Well, I would help him as I could by listening and giving him some advice, if needed.
"The one who taught me many of the lessons of life I know, often told me if you are worried about something it is better to talk about it, then to just to let that worry grow in the mind. So if you want to, I am here and I will just listen. Feel free to speak your mind."
"Oh no; you do not know what you are getting in to by offering that."
I could say the same to him about interrupting me! Oh IC, can you not put in your two cents in something that it isn't needed! Snapping my head around to face the bug who annoyed me so and gave him an annoyed look.
"IC, would you keep your mouth shut… actually can you keep your mouth shut for a while! I was not talking to you! If I do, I will make sure you know it; so do not interrupt me!"
What was the bug's reaction to my blunt request to him? He stuck out his tongue at me as a sign of defiance. That was a mistake!
"I will talk all I want."
I felt a searing feeling of anger building in me. My head tilted downward slightly and a vain began popping on my forehead. My eyes tight shut and I feel my body start to tremble in the losing battle of control, which was my steel discipline verse the annoyance that Sparx causes in me. IC had made a mistake; it had been only a matter of time! Not only had he prodded me; he was TAUNTING me! NO ONE TAUNTS ME! Well, not if they value their current existence as it is. You would be very surprised what you can live through without dying. A lesson I have learned that from personal experience. I was sorely tempted to fully test just how much Sparx could survive before he is in danger of dying.
Why you stupid yellow…! Fine, if you have idiotic inkling to declare war of wits on me and think you have a chance of winning against me, then I will show you how dumb you are! You have had this coming you punk! Let the war of wits between us begin and I completely intending to not only win this war, but drive you deep into the ground before this ends! Bringing my head up with a look on my face that even the devil himself would flinch in fear, I prepared to deliver my response. That response is as follows; I hereby declare war on you Sparx! WELCOME TO A BURNING HELL IC!
The sight of the bug freezing the second as he caught the expression on my face… was encouraging for me. He was most likely feeling an ice cold chill from my glare. IC looked over at Spyro for a few seconds and then back to me. I then, said my one warning I would give to him nicely… before I really get down to business!
"What… did… I just say… Incessant Chatterbox?"
My voice was cold and carried a tone to make sure I got the point across along with enunciating each syllable. With the first gauntlet thrown down, all that I saw left to do was to ask, how freaking now ya dumb brown COW?! Sparx was trembling as he looked back at me, unable to break my gaze on him. Oh I am enjoying this reaction, mwha ha ha ha!
"Shush."
He whispered his answer. A slight smile crept over my face; let the fun begin!
"Good, you got my point IC. Wonderful, I would recommend that you see that you don't forget it!"
Chalk it on the board, Sparx zero, me one; and that is how it is done baby! With that done, I looked back at Spyro my face changing completely to a smile and a caring look.
"Now Spyro, I am listening if you want to talk about it."
Spyro breathed in and let out heavy sigh and just kept looking at the fire. I didn't move a muscle, just sat there and waited. This is going to take some time obviously, yet I think Spyro needs this. I'm not as uncaring as some believe me to be; just don't open up to others often. … which begs the question, why am I being so open with Spyro?! Hmm… a point to think about later. Continuing to sit quietly knowing that when Spyro was ready he would talk. I was patient and did nothing; looking at the fire waiting for Spyro to speak.
"Well you see the reason that Sparx and me are out here is... we are looking for someone."
Spyro spoke this quietly still looking at the fire with a blank stare. Staring at Spyro, with a single eyebrow rising this time at what Spyro had just said. Someone is it? By the way he says it, this someone is very important to him; a friend maybe or perhaps something more? Simply gazing at Spyro waiting; it was better for me to listen then to comment at this point. I need the whole picture to understand the best. Spyro looked away from the fire and up at the night sky that was filled with stars.
"I am worried they were sent out here and then I hear nothing from her, so I am out here to find her."
The other eyebrow now rose and the other went higher going above my hair line. My my, now there is an interesting tidbit of information! … Her; so this friend is a female, perhaps more than a friend who is a girl? Maybe a girlfriend or perchance more than girlfriend? Still not enough information to determine at this time.
As Spyro started talking he went in to great detail about this friend of his. The female dragon or I guess the correct term would be dragoness, as is the case. The dragoness he described had ebony almost black scales, with red underbelly and wing membranes. Along with the emerald eyes she had, then to top it off she had white spikes coming out of the back of her head. Actually, I was kind of interested in seeing this female… just to see her appearance. Spyro kept going in his description of her, and I spotted a smile forming that was of … was is it happiness? … Yes, and yet no as well, it was happiness certainly, but… I would say there was more that clearly by his expression. As I kept studying Spyro's face, while he was talking I was able to break down further what exactly, Spyro's expression meant.
To say I was shocked, would be a bit of an understatement. I was flabbergasted, it couldn't be what I think it is; he is too… well Spyro looks young I think, akin to a teenager if I guess. While I have no clue if dragons go through something like puberty like we humans do… if that should be true, I feel sorry for them! Out of curiosity I would ask when it occurs normally and how it tends to run. Hypothetically, should Spyro be passed the age at which 'puberty' occurs, then these feelings were pretty clear as to what they implied! The way the purple dragon was describing this dragoness friend of his, she is definitely more than a friend or even just a girlfriend! Well, if I am seeing the signs right, then this girl is equivalent to a lover, meaning he's… in love!
Can't believe I could have missed the signs. They were blatantly obvious now that I looked at Spyro. I mean, I'm guessing that Spyro is in his latter adolescent or teenage years right now like I am. Makes me wonder how far Spyro has gotten with this dragoness. Has he made it to first base? Or… Good golly, has he gotten to second base already?! Oh boy if that is the case… wow, wouldn't have expected that from Spyro. Granted, I met him just earlier today, so I don't know him well yet, but still. It's always the quiet ones you have to watch; they are the ones that are harder to predict! It was at this point that Sparx, the idiot that he is showing himself to be, decided to put in his two cents, which was once again unneeded.
"You are talking about her again."
Ooo my… do I detect a hint of dislike in that statement?! Hmm, curios… now why would IC feel that way about Spyro's female friend? The expression on Spyro's face didn't change as he replied to IC.
"Yes Sparx I am talking about Cynder."
OH HO, the plot thickens in this! First, I now know a name of this dragoness, which is Cynder. Then, Spyro is defensive of her even when it comes to Sparx. This is fascinating! I can't wait to see what comes next! Continuing to watch the two, my gaze switching between Spyro and the bug trying to put together more of this puzzle that was their disagreement. This 'Cynder' was the center of said disagreement obviously, though I can't precisely comprehend why. Point one, Spyro as I had seen loves her; IC didn't. I guess that is the overall subject of the argument simple put. The question I wanted answered, but had yet to get any, was why? As I kept staring it was like I was struck by lightning as the reason hit me; IC was jealous of Cynder! When I realized that it was hard not to fall backwards on the ground rolling around laughing. For the first time in a long while I was watching something funny that I didn't have a part in. It was different, but I shook my head to clear my mind and faced Sparx. I was able to muffle my laughter by wheezing instead.
"You don't like Cynder eh? She seems like a nice dragoness to me."
Sparx looked at me like a cow looks at an oncoming train. … Ooo there's a thought IC in front of an oncoming train, what a wonderful possibility… I should really steer away from such mean and evil thoughts… before I start planning them out! Still, the expression currently on his face was a very good look for him if you ask me.
"You say that now, until a dragoness tries to kill you, and by one I mean her, that she-devil is bad news."
… And I'm not to you? My stare didn't waver, but did change to a look of annoyance along with the amusement. Okay, bad news for me would be along the lines of death attempts. And those are rare, though not unheard of with me; I say that because my luck has been getting close for years to killing me, but never has… yet. If my luck can't do it, then I seriously doubt this Cynder can do better. As for her being a devil; that's in serious doubt as well. Why… because, the Devil and I are all too well acquainted and we hate one another to a fair extreme. Trust me, few could be like him! If there is someone like him or worse than him, then I'm already probably dead or about to be!
Plus, when it comes to wanting to knock off IC; I can completely understand why she might want to kill you annoying bug! I'll admit openly that I have seriously considered ways and means to do the same myself, more than once after having to listen to your ranting! So, it's unwise to tempt me as to actually coming up with a way to do such things to you IC! I can fully deliver on the wise… don't give me reason to prove that! Sighing, I shook my head in response.
"As I recall… you did not like me much when we first met either. You mistake me for an ape right?"
Sparx looked a tad embarrassed as I continued my stating fact. Oh yes, got to keep this going, for another point to me in our war!
"Then I look at how often your descriptions are off the mark, I believe I will be going with Spyro on this one."
Spyro just stared at me then smiled.
"Thanks Saber, I appreciate that. It is nice to have someone not call Cynder something bad."
Current score, IC zero, two points for me; GO ME!
"Hey do not mention it, I do not like to be mean to those undeserving, however, I would rather be honest, then lie to be nice. You have a tendency to be more honest and believable then your brother."
I said that coolly with a smug smile that was meant for Sparx. Take that you yellow idiot!
"So back on topic then; what was Cynder out here and why if I may inquire?"
Spyro nodded and began telling me the story of his adventure; how he was born thinking he was a dragonfly and Sparx's and Spyro's parent dragonflies. He spoke of when he had been told by their parents that he wasn't a dragonfly… what kind of mentality you would have to have to believe you're a dragonfly when you look like Spyro, I don't know. And following that, he had gone off with Sparx to find out the Truth and met another dragon who promised to help him. I began to be amazed at the determination that Spyro had shown throughout his journey. The time that Spyro and Sparx had met the dragon Ignitus and were told that he wasn't only a dragon, but a special purple dragon with amazing powers and endless possibilities of things he could do. Sitting where I was and listened to his story; it was outlandish, it was beyond unbelievable to me. I mean, being told that you are special… that alone was something… only Master Kai had ever said that to me… not a single other person ever had. As to Spyro's story, as amazing and unbelievable as it was; I couldn't help but believe him. I could tell he wasn't lying, or at least he believed what he was saying.
I did take note of his tone of voice when he said the name Ignitus. Must be someone close and special to him probably best not to ask how at the moment. Spyro continued his story telling of saving the other guardians. Of fighting Cynder when she had been corrupted into something else and not only beating her; who at the time had apparently been adult and wasn't now entirely. By Spyro's explanation she had been corrupted by an evil force of some kind that he called the 'Dark Master'. After defeating Cynder and returning her to how she should be, they returned to the dragon temple. Spyro's tale went long into the night and I just kept listening, saying nothing.
(A/n I am not going to summarize it all and assume that most of you have played the Legend of Spyro games. If you don't, then look up a summarized version of the 'Legend of Spyro' games.)
It was well past midnight when Spyro finished his tale. When he had, I gazed at him calmly to find him staring back at me. Apparently, Spyro was waiting to hear what I thought about his story. Well, I'll answer him the best I can; I cleared my throat to try and dispel the tension. I wanted to confirm some facts first, before I give my view though.
"Okay let me see if I heard everything and understand correctly. So you saved all of these dragon guardians who in turn, taught you how to harness the elements you can use."
Spyro nodded, I went on.
"Then saved Cynder who had been changed from being an adult and was corrupted by this 'Dark Master' character, back into the age she was supposed to be after defeating her."
Spyro just nodded in agreement, but I caught a flash of pain on his face at the mention of what happened to Cynder. Remaining guilt of what was done perhaps?
"Then later fought this ape King Gaul who had like Cynder while she was corrupted, worked for the 'dark master'. In the end you beat him by using the power you call convexity."
Spyro just continued to nod.
"This power however, comes at the price of you falling to the darkness from within."
Spyro looked ashamed at my last statement.
"I did not want it to happen. I did not want to become like Malefor."
Yes, this Malefor, he was a mystery of his own. I felt odd emotions at the things that Spyro had said about Malefor… somehow like there was more to it than met the eye. … don't know why.
"Spyro with power of any kind or magnitude comes with an equal price to match. It is how nature works."
I was trying to comfort Spyro, though I don't know if I was successful.
"However, back to the story; for three years you were frozen in a crystal. You were released by Malefor's minions and after escaping them, you joined the battle against the Malefor the Dark Master. You were able in the end to defeat him."
Spyro nodded once more. So far I had the story correct and now was getting the picture put together. But again, I felt there was still something in it that was missing.
"After things calmed down a little bit; the guardians sent you and Cynder out in different directions. This in the hope of you finding other dragons that were sent away before your story began."
I continued to see Spyro give a confirming nod. Okay, so I had all the information correct. I didn't exactly like the picture I was seeing even if it wasn't complete. Yet, best to have the facts rather than sugar code it in my opinion.
"That is one interesting story I give you."
"It is all true!"
Spyro said this in the attempt to convince me. It wasn't that I didn't believe Spyro; I did. However, the last part of it, didn't sit right with me at all. The implications from what came after the fall of Malefor were very disturbing!
"Actually, I believe you Spyro, it is just a lot to take in at once, though I do have one question."
Delivering this with a smile; in the hope that this didn't get taken the wrong way. I don't think Spyro saw the implications that I did. He was naïve I was coming to discover.
"What?"
"You trust these guardians, right?"
He nodded. I continued with my line of questioning.
"Well then, what were those guardians think sending both of you out alone?"
Asking this question in the hope that I could get across the reason that I saw a problem with; hoping that Spyro saw the problem as well. It was clear to me that these 'Guardians' were taking a risk that were more than just stupid. This could be considered being down right cunning and murderous or at least outright dangerous! Spyro looked confused at my question and kept his gaze on me; apparently he didn't know what I meant.
"What are you talking about?"
I prevented myself from doing a pratfall, before speaking to Spyro once again.
"Okay, let me say it differently then Spyro. Are the guardians insane or do they have something against one of you? Because by what I can see from the situation as it is; it is one of those options that would explain how things are currently."
Spyro just kept giving me a blank look. Perhaps dragons may not understand human language or more specifically reference and inference. The point of this is; yes, indeed he doesn't see the problem in this. I shook my head and fixed my eyes on Spyro.
"You really don't see a problem with this current situation?"
Spyro's expression didn't change.
"Obviously he doesn't."
My rage spiked at the sound of IC talking. I took a second to get my emotions under firm control. I turned to look at Sparx managing a look of minor annoyance combined with a look of smug pleasure. It was better than rage and killing intent that I was feeling internally.
"What is it, is there something on my face?"
Oh no IC, but I can do something to your face! Just give me an excuse… I mean, a reason and I would be happy to oblige!
"Oh no, it just slipped my mind that you were there you endless windbag that's all."
Sparx glared at me. Well I think that is another point to me!
"What is it with you and these weird names?"
I haven't begun to call you appropriate names yet bug boy! Smiling, I had closed my eyes to hide the malicious intent I was feeling towards him.
"I seem to have gotten a new hobby of thinking of just the right name for you. If you got a problem with that, then shut up about it and keep it to yourself!"
Flyboy fumed at me, which to me was a victory in the ongoing war between IC and me. That puts the score at three for me, Sparx still at zero hee hee hee. I turned back to Spyro before I continued.
"The problem is that, as I see it is this. You Spyro and Cynder too, just saved the world recently for the majority of the population! After doing this; you two are being sent out alone to look in places that others can hide."
With me being as nice as I attempt to be around others, I was trying to put this as delicately as I could so that it wouldn't sound like I was accusing the Guardians of sending the both of them off to very likely die. Unfortunately, Spyro just shrugged in response.
"Yes, what is the problem with that?"
I nearly face planted again with that reply. I managed a sigh heavily instead. I'd hoped not to have to spell this out bluntly. To his credit, Spyro has such a kind heart, yet that tends to cause him to miss many dangers that are around him and come his way. That can get you killed if you're not careful. Taking a deep breath before continuing, I would have to say this bluntly for him to understand and I didn't like to do it that way. Yet, it may be the only way for Spyro to understand.
"Spyro you are a nice and all… for a dragon I mean. I… well still, you saving the world… do not take this the wrong way, but I highly doubt was what everyone wanted. The apes for example are, just by guessing, not happy about the results that you and Cynder brought about. That being said, you two going out alone and on your own is just asking to be attacked by those who did not like what you and Cynder did. You have already have experience in that idea have you not?"
Spyro's expression shifted to worry and looked at me hard. I think he is starting to get what I am saying.
"What do you mean? So I was attacked; that doesn't mean she was."
Spyro is getting closer to seeing the same picture I was; give just a little more of a push and I believe he will see it completely.
"Granted, that is possible… though I am sorry to say this Spyro, yet I would bet that she has been attacked. Think about it, the apes would know what she looks like since they worked for her, right?"
Attempting to soften the blow I was about to give; however, this needed to be said to Spyro.
"Those apes have lived in fear of dragons; because dragons have been killing them for one reason or another for a long time. Cynder is one of those dragons that the apes know more than the average. Even if it was not her fault that she has been killing them if they did not do what she told them. Add that to the fact that you took away the one they saw as a leader. I very much doubt the apes would forget those facts. Follow that event up with you two going and kill the one dragon that had been doing worse things to them."
"But…"
Spyro started to protest to my logic. I knew this would hurt, still I continued as I know it would help in the long run. I could tell he was begun to see the picture I did.
"The apes want revenge for the things that dragons have done to them; it is as simple as that. They have been waiting for a long while and unfortunately with Malefor gone; Cynder happens to be the next in line that their revenge fixation would go to. Forgive me for saying it Spyro but, you and her and the top targets for those apes to get rid of."
I finished painting the grim truth for Spyro and so, I really didn't blame him for looking at me with fury in his eyes. What I didn't prepare myself for was when Spyro opened his mouth or I guess for a dragon it would be called their maw. From his maw appeared what looked like arcing electricity… Uh oh, this can't be good for me! The electricity shot out of Spyro's maw, with less than a second to react, I was too surprised to do anything. Only registering the bolt hit me square to the chest just below where my heart is. The pain from the voltage as the shocking and electrocution began held all my mind's attention. This was worse than the time I had picked a fight with a different dojo; only to end up get electrocuted. It didn't take long at all for my mind to begin blacking out from being overloaded. Falling sideways, my senses were only partially receiving input, even if my brain was unable to process the information in its current condition. The sound of what I guessed was either Spyro or Sparx calling something I couldn't understand what the sound was. My head went completely blank, so I never even felt the ground as I hit it unconscious.
…
The day was sunny and perfect. Why shouldn't the day be good? For it is the first day of summer vacation! What kid would be having an unpleasant day with school out? Finally, school was out, no homework to hang over my head and no stupid guys trying to bully me and getting beaten up instead. I couldn't stop the smile that came to me; life was looking up for me at last! The only thing that was occupying my mind now, was the next three months that I had extra time to fill. The way I would be filling it would be getting to spend more time at the dojo unhindered. Getting to be with people who share my interest and peace and… well, I doubt there will be much quiet at the dojo. With the fighting and training that's done there, quiet is something that has little place, but that is totally fine with me. That kind of noise is good as it shows good work having results. Lastly of course, Master Kai would be teaching me on a more frequent basis. I reminded myself that though Master Kai's really odd sense of humor, which I had learned to tolerate; it was still worth that to get to be taught by Master Kai. I would soon be getting that was even truer since he would be starting to learn kendo at long last. There was little that would be able to ruin my mood. More thoughts kept coming along those lines, when I was brought out of my own cloud nine so to speak by a yell of a familiar voice.
Running the short distance to the source of the yell to see a crowd gathered in the fashion and intent of watching a spectacle. I pushed through the people; making my way towards the front to see a short girl arguing with three boys. The boys were at least a head and a half taller than the girl. The girl was around seven almost eight. Her dark brown hair flowed down to the bottom of her neck in straight locks. She also had blue eyes that were now staring at the boys staring down at her. The girl's name was Terra she had started going to and training at the dojo almost a year ago. I had been around her on occasion. I myself did not know her very well, yet the boys I did recognize. They were from another dojo on the other side of town and one whose students tended to cause trouble for others including the dojo that I went to. As a matter of fact I had a fight with the boy in the center who was no doubt the leader of the trio. I was aware that he was a windbag who intimated his opponents. I learned that when I had… well honestly I had whipped him with the greatest of ease. The fight had turned into a public humiliation for the guy.
After watching the argument for about a minute and I had seen enough of it. I stepped out of the crowd in to the view of the three boys. The leader caught sight of me and recognized me and got an even more irritated, which showed on his face. The leader gazed at me and pointed a finger.
"You again!"
Cracking a smile and snorting in amusement; I couldn't help but stare back at him. It was comical since it referred to our previous meeting and following fight that I had won.
"Yeah me; is there a problem with me being here or something? Or is it that you didn't get enough of a whipping the last time you saw me?"
I was totally relaxed and confident in the fact I could beat him easily, as I had proven. The other two boys wouldn't change the chances that they had against me. Looking over to the girl seeing if she was okay for the moment.
"Hey Terra you okay, need a hand with these three stupid guys? It would appear that they can take a hint in the slightest."
Terra turned to me.
"No I got th…"
However, Terra didn't finish as she was kicked by the boy on the right and then hit by the boy on the left. She crumpled to the ground, having not expected the attack so she had no time to prepare. That incensed me; I may not know Terra well, but she is still a member of the dojo. That makes her like family in a fashion and I wouldn't let anyone get away with attacking members of the dojo family and get away with it. Time to do some old fashion teaching, with pummeling!
I rushed forward with a burst of speed; decking the guy on the left. Launched myself in the direction of the other guy, planning to leave the leader for last. The guy on the right dodged my strike. I hadn't been able to stop myself, so I kept going with my momentum and fell over a garden wall behind them. Landing in the pond behind the wall that was full of cool water. I hadn't taken notice that, I had smacked my right hand against a pole next to the pond and knocked some wires loose. My mind was taking a double take as I was recovering from what had just happened. Doing a mental rewind of the previous ten seconds to get the information that I wanted; when suddenly I was interrupted as the water went from cool to boiling hot in seconds.
My body had begun to jerk spasmodically. I swear that my nerves were on fire and smoldering somewhere around me. Unable to think clearly at all; my mind was buzzing and drowned out all else. My heart felt as if it was in a race with a car engine and was having great difficulty doing so. My sight had gone white and wasn't working like it should. This seemed to last for a long time; as my mind was unable to process what was happening. Then, just as suddenly as all of this had started, it stopped. Yet, so did pretty much everything else; my chest hurt and felt wrong somehow! I tried to gasp for air, but my lungs refused to expand and take in air. My mind was telling my body what needed to be done. Nonetheless, even as my brain screamed orders to do what was required to keep me alive, my body wasn't listening to commands. It was then something began to smash into my chest that the situation changed. After whatever was hitting my chest kept going blow after blow, my lungs listened to my brain shouting orders. They finally took breath in to them; the first breath hurt badly and yet it felt wonderful! My chest felt cold and hurt more than any other part of my body. There were adults asking me questions, I didn't understand what they were asking really.
…
The first deep breath was hard and painful; though it was also great due to the fact it cleared my head which was muddle. My breathing that followed was ragged, but still I was getting air and that was what was important. Opening my eyes to find they weren't focusing as they should; I blinked a few times until my eyes started to focus and things became clearer. I found the sight of the dimly brightening sky was spread above me, which should be familiar to me, but I didn't recognize most of the stars or their positions. It meant I had been likely out for a while as it had been getting close to dawn. I forced myself up into a sitting position with difficulty; that was because my body wasn't responding correctly. I slowly looking around getting my bearings as well as waiting for the pain to disburse. As I did so, my vision caught a gold sparkle moving around in its field and a purple form sitting by a fire. Okay, I guess that Spyro and Sparx aren't figments of my imagination created by my subconscious mind to play tricks on me. I was attempting to calm as the previous experience came back to me.
"Hey you're okay?"
Odd… I didn't think IC cared about me, oh well; strange things do happen around me. Trying to stand up on my feet preparing to answer; unfortunately, my body had other ideas. It gave a convulsive jerk all over and I crumpled to the ground. My legs were twitching and obviously not going to support my weight right now. All righty then, legs can't hold me in a standing position, then I'll sit. Coughing and a bit of smoke came out of my mouth as I got myself situated. Oh dear, that tasted foul, but it does show I am still alive. Being alive is the important fact out of this! And that in itself is something, taking into account what I had just experienced. I started crawling back to the rock by the fire as I spoke.
"That depends, if this is your idea o-o-o-o-o-f…"
Electricity arced over me for a second and I gave another convulsing jerk. After a moment I started crawling and able to continue speaking.
"OW… frying me then it needs time and work because I'd say I'm (cough) rare to medium rare and I like well-done. I-i-i-i-if…"
Electricity once again arced over me, though it was weaker than the previous one. It still hurt like the dickens!
"OW-WE… on the other hand this is shock treatment, then not really right now. I am alive, I will give you that but, no promises on anything else for the moment, thanks for asking!"
I have a high tolerance for pain, yet electric shock still hurt like hell. Making it to the rock finally, I noticed that Spyro glancing over at me every now and then. Sitting on the rock with my back up; ignoring the pain that was still present in me. Spyro looked away with a look of shame on his face. I got with the brief glimpse at his face with the shamed expression there. After that, I heard Spyro voice.
"I'm sorry I did mean to… I just…"
My legs still defied my wishes and I ended up on my back off the rock. Okay maybe the third time will be the charm on this debacle. I sat up once more and came to a sitting position again. I turned to Spyro and waited for him to look at me. When he did I looked him straight in the eye and sighed.
"I am not mad at you Spyro."
I said so that Spyro wouldn't get the impression that I hated him or anything. In no way did I hold what happened to me against him; I had asked for a smack for what I had said. Electricity isn't the same as a smack, but again with my luck I should have known I could get more than I bargained for. Seeing Spyro shaking with I assumed fear but couldn't tell, I sighed. Apparently he does think I am mad or hate him, which I'm not.
"Okay look, if anything I was asking for what I received; for several different reasons. I am or rather I will be okay so, do not worry yourself about this."
Spyro just stared at me in surprise at my answer.
"I shot you with electricity! You should not have lived through that! Yet you still forgive me?"
Couldn't help but smile back the purple dragon; he was a worrier no question about it. Be that as it may, along with that habit of worrying he has a good heart. In fact, Spyro has such a good heart to a fault half the time with loyalty to match it. He was completely selfless and innocent… what a guy! I couldn't seem to help myself but come to like Spyro. He was the type that just grew on you and above all… is a friend… I don't see that much. You see, I have friends per say; but it had been years after I had found the dojo and Master Kai that I had been able to open up enough to have real friends. However, here I was becoming close to someone in a matter of days, it felt somewhat weird for me.
Spyro was just different from any I have met in the longest time. This was proven by how Spyro wasn't mad at what I said about Cynder. Instead he was worried at his action that had hurt me and it was not only what he had done to me, but what he could have done. Most people didn't give me the time of day, they just ignored me. Hell most didn't give me a look, just looked over me as if I wasn't there. Granted, I pretty much set myself up for that with the way I act now and have for years, still didn't mean that was… well anyway. Nodding my head at him without hesitation, more so that he would know I didn't blame him.
"Spyro, you did not mean to shot me. Yes I forgive you for what happened; it is what friends do. Lastly like I said before, I was asking for it for several different reasons so do not worry about it."
After hearing my reply, Spyro looked happy when I called him my friend and he relaxed a little bit. I took stock of my current predicament. Finding my legs were still twitching, though less than they were before; I forced my legs in to a cross legged position and began to clear my mind. Within a minute, I began to slip into one of my meditative states I had for calming myself physically and mental. Was doing wonderfully, and with all the time I practiced meditation, it was almost second nature to me. However, that changed when IC put in his unneeded two cents!
"What are you doing? Trying to hurt yourself?"
I don't like being interrupted while I'm meditating! Snapped out of the state I went into by the sound of Sparx; I felt rage boil up in me. I swear, every time he opens his mouth it just is so outright irritating! Trying to focus on keeping the calm demeanor I just had but hadn't lost completely. Still, I didn't miss the feeling of the vein in my forehead start to pop as it always seems to do when I got irritated. My control began to slip and the meditating state left me utterly. I knew Sparx would be trouble for me, I just hadn't expected that he would be THIS bad, THIS quick! *Sigh* Sparx one and me three. Dang it! He got a point on me!
"No, I am not trying to hurt myself, insignificant pest! I am moving to a better position for meditation. Yet, I do not know why I am even telling you this; it is not like you would understand anyways."
Spyro looked at me curiously.
"What is meditation?"
Glancing at Spyro, I have to wonder what differences between humans and dragons I will find out about in future. Okay, dragons don't call things by the same terms humans do; or they just don't have some of the same ideas we humans have. Why do I get the feeling this idea of explaining terms and things is going to happen… and kind of frequently?
"Meditation; is the skill or process in which one gains a type of control of mind over body. So in this instance, I am using it to get my body to listen to me and stop shaking."
When about half an hour had gone by I glanced over at Spyro. He looked like he was thinking about something. The signs of this came in the form of his eyes were unfocused and he was staring off in to space not looking at anything in particular. That said he wasn't paying attention to what was around him at all.
"Spyro what is on your mind; you seem to be lost in thought?"
Spyro's eyes refocused and he jerked back slightly as if I had suddenly just appeared there; rather than having been there the whole time.
"Well, I wanted to ask you something."
Spyro's gaze fixed on me with a serious look set on his face. I motioned him to keep going.
"But it is a question that could be rude; since it is about you directly."
I stared in surprise at Spyro. He wanted to ask a personal question? Wondering what Spyro wanted to ask… in fact, I was incredibly curious what information Spyro was interested in.
"Go ahead and ask Spyro. I don't mind we're friends after all."
"Well I noticed you seem to have bad things happen to you. Like how you fell down when we were dealing with those apes and then shortly after that."
Bad things… Ohhhh I get what he's referring to. Spyro is talking about my bad luck, which is a subject in and of itself. Although, how exactly can I explain it so that Spyro could understand… if that's even possible. The question is, do dragons have an understanding of the idea of 'luck'? If not, that might make things a lot more difficult. Sighing heavily, before I gave my answer and explanation, beginning a complicated lecture.
"That idea; it is complicated. First, do you understand what luck is?"
Spyro nodded. Thank goodness dragons know about luck!
"Yes, why do you ask?"
And so the explanation began, though since dragons know about luck it makes things a little easier for me. I started by talking about how as long as I can remember I have always had… for lack of better words an unending streak of bad luck. Most days, things went wrong for me, it was a pattern that had shown itself. For example, whether it is me being in the wrong place at the wrong time, or something as simple as tripping and doing as you have seen a face plant in to the ground. My luck could take on many different forms; still it is what it is and does what it does. I really couldn't explain exactly how my bad luck works, even after all the years it has haunted me. As point of fact, my bad luck has the knack of coming in to play and rearing its ugly head, not only at most inconvenient times, but also the worst of times that get close to doing me in. A case of this would be when we took care of the apes, which would fall under the 'inconvenient times'. However, I had l earned to keep a sharp eye out so that I can avoid the small things fairly often that tend to occurred. It also helped me to know things can always be worse than they are… a comforting thought. When I finished explaining in a simple form of my bad luck, Spyro face held a look of bafflement.
"Unending… bad luck?"
I nodded in response.
"That is the best way to define the idea."
It was then that IC came in and I doubt it is to be nice and helpful… he has yet to be so.
"Whoa Spyro, I do not think this is a good idea that we should travel with this guy. His… luck thing sounds like trouble to me. If you were to add it to that ability of drawing trouble to yourself, which you have; it just says trouble!"
Finally, he says something funny and not particularly insulting! I let out a bark of laughter at his comment. As I had predicted, he was no help to this, but he did bring comic relief.
"Magnet for trouble eh? I have that problem as well. So, I am use to things like that. Yet no offense to you Spyro; your draw for trouble is medium strength by what you said in you story. Compare it to mine, and I will win that, though it is not like I want to. Sparx if you think Spyro's ability to bring trouble is bad; mine is far, far worse. But, looking on the bright side; we're good company!"
The bug just shook his head at my reply.
"I still don't like this it sounds and feels of trouble and I do not like that feeling."
I looked at Sparx and tried not to laugh, but did anyway.
"Afraid of the unknown Sparx are you?"
"No I would just like a peaceful day for once, no one trying to kill me."
Couldn't help but snort that came out from me. If you had just Spyro, it may have been conceivable to have such a wish. I wouldn't know, having not been around Spyro long enough to have accurate information. Now carrying that wish while being in my presence; it isn't going to happen. It's just a fact that you have to accept! My bad luck just loves, and I mean LOVES to laugh at you for thinking such things before crushing said wish and driving it so far into the ground; that it would never see the light of day again.
"Then, may I say to you IC; you have the wrong traveling companions."
IC glared back at me as if daring me to prove him wrong.
"Why do you say that, Spyro is not bad?"
When I think IC can't be any more idiotic… he keeps exceeding my expectations! I shook my head again.
"That is not what I meant bug boy. Spyro and I have an ability, or talent if you will; for drawing trouble in whatever shape or form it takes. When you combine both of our abilities in that; it is far worse would you not say?"
The annoying bug nodded at me in answer.
"I would say that would be a big yes."
My gaze flicked over to Spyro who, I saw had the same smile as I did and I knew we were thinking the same thing. We would definitely get along very well, Spyro and I.
""Hey look at the good side of this; with us life is never dull!""
Spyro and I said the phrase together and then both broke out laughing. I was really growing to like Spyro! IC looked at us and continued to shake his head.
"The more time those two spend together; the more alike they become and it is scary."
I stopped laughing and looked at them still smiling.
"Well as fun as that was I thinking it is time to get some sleep for tomorrow. If I am not wrong we will be going to find your dragoness friend. Am I mistaken?"
Spyro shook his head in the negative strongly. He then, went to sit by the fire and went to sleep. The fly went to where ever he goes to sleep; not that I want to know where he goes! … Although, it wouldn't be exactly bad information when I take the time to think of it. I could prank him… No no no no, I have vowed to myself many years ago that I wouldn't intentionally prank someone in that particular manner. I won't descend back down to that level, even for IC! I found that my legs had stopped shaking by that time. So I decided to get some sleep myself, since tomorrow sounded like it was going to be a full day for us all. After searching for a softer spot of ground, I found a place and flopped down and dropped off to sleep.
Chapter end!
A/n
Here is chapter 4.