The Legend of Spyro: Scales of the Eclipse

Chapter 4: A Celebration to Remember

Warfang was alive with the energetic hustle and bustle of dragons, moles, and the cheetahs of Avalar preparing for the arrival of the esteemed hero who saved them from oblivion. Extravagant banners and streamers of gold, purple, green, and blue were expertly draped from stone pillars and buildings. Enormous plates of roasted sheep, chicken, beef, grilled vegetables, and baked bread were delivered all over the dragon city, even to the Dragon Temple. Musicians of all sorts strolled up and down the pathways, playing wondrous tunes that pleased and helped calm some of the stressed civilians who worked hard to make the celebration perfect and memorable. However, some folks thought they were going overboard with the decorations and entertainment, but they didn't let them know since the party would commence at the Dragon Temple.

Meanwhile, back at the temple, Volteer and Hunter stood outside in the patio area of the Dragon Temple scanning for the afternoon sky for the search party to return. Fervor mingled within the Electric Guardian's inner being as he shifted from paw to paw, asking if the cheetah a question every five minutes. Hunter was excited as well but didn't let it show as he calmly looked up into the sky.

"Do you think they will return? Should we send another search party? They have been lost for some time now. What do you think, Hunter?"

"I think you should be quiet and patient, my friend. They will come. You must have faith in them."

"I do have faith in them," Volteer shot back. "I'm just worried for their safety."

The cloaked cheetah said nothing. Volteer was right for one thing, the search party had been gone for an unusually long period of time. But he didn't believe that anything had befallen them because the evil that was now eradicated from all parts of the world. Still, he had some doubts of what could be taking them so long.

Suddenly, seven figures appeared in distance and headed towards Hunter and Volteer with great speed and grace. At first the both of them thought their eyes were fooling them, but upon closer scrutiny of the blue physique of Cyril, the duo breathed sighs of relief after waiting for a prolonged amount of time. Volteer, overwhelmed with such enthusiasm, danced around a couple times and shot random arcs of electricity into the air. One of them almost struck the smiling cheetah that ducked and shot the electric dragon an angry glare that turned into grin. "Next time, try to show some restraint. I don't want paralyzed."

"Sorry." Volteer smiled sheepishly and nodded apologetically since he had an intellectual yet erratic demeanor about him. As Hunter and Volteer glanced back up into the sky, they noticed that someone else was accompanying Cyril, Terrador, Spyro, and Cynder, a dark blue dragoness with a silver underbelly and wings. Both of them exchanged looks of interest and confusion at who the stranger was and how she encountered the search party as they reached the temple patio area.

They hovered over the area as Volteer and Hunter moved back to let them land. Once the group had landed the cheetah and electric dragon rushed over to greet them with a collection of smiles.

"Thank the Ancestors; you guys are still in one piece." Volteer's voice was filled with a note of diminishing worry and growing excitement. He looked from Cyril to Terrador who only grinned at how comical and weird he sounded.

"It's all right Volteer; we managed to find Spyro and Cynder safely." Cyril boasted. Then with a hinting smile he gestured to Spyro and Cynder and asked, "Is the surprise ready for our guests of honor? They've been so anxious to know what it is."

"It's simply excellent, heart-warming, and good to see you to live and healthy again." Volteer turned to the two young dragons that smiled warmly. "Keen to find out what the surprise, eh? Well, don't worry. You'll learn in a brief moment." Abruptly, his golden eyes glinted with inquisitiveness as they caught sight of Eclipse. "Ah, and what pray tell, is your name young dragoness? You're a curious sight."

The young dark blue dragoness felt herself blush underneath her scales at someone taking interest in her. Not many dragons desired to converse with her when she lived in Lunar Meadows because of her secret and ridiculed her for being different from them in every way. But now as she stood here at the Dragon Temple, she felt like she was home, even though this was not her actually abode.

"My name is Eclipse," she said with a sweet smile and slight bow of her head.

Volteer bowed his head and response and introduced himself with such courtesy and warmth that Eclipse felt it was rude not to be polite to the dragon. "You may have the pleasure of addressing me as Volteer. And I am the Electric Guardian here at the Dragon Temple. It's a pleasure to meet you on such short notice."

"And you as well," Eclipse said politely. She thought the electric dragon was very loquacious in his speech but kept the thought to herself. She then noticed the cloaked cheetah take his hood and revealed his handsome face.

"I'm Hunter of Avalar," the cheetah greeted with a toothy smile.

After the cheetah introduced himself, he and Volteer turned to the rest of the group with big grins on their face at the surprise Spyro and Cynder would behold in a minute.

"Now that were united once again," Volteer continued, beckoning the group towards the door of the temple. "Let us show you what the surprise is. I'm sure you're dying to know."

"Of course," Spyro and Cynder chuckled in unison.

Consequently, Volteer and Hunter nodded and headed towards the entrance of the temple. Spyro and the others followed with quick footsteps, obviously wanting to understand what was happening. I wonder what they've got planned going on in the Temple, Spyro thought with an eager smile as they neared the front door of the Temple, which lead to the Training Room. Whatever it is it has to do with our triumph over Malefor. And yet…I feel that even though I'm the hero, the purple dragon of legend, and the savior of the world, I still can't live a normal life like other dragons. My whole life has just been a path of fighting and protecting, never resting or relishing the comforts of being a normal dragon. But over the years, I'd come to enjoy the thrill of fighting, and the long journey I took with Cynder. It's even unfair how everyone will treat Cynder with ill will because of her irreversible past. No matter what they say about her, I still love her and want to be with her till the end of time.

Lost in his thoughts for a moment, Spyro turned to look at Cynder and saw a glint of worry and fear in her eyes and a frown scrawled on her face. Something told him that she was not going to like what was going to happen next. She feared that civilians would frown upon her presence and debase her with maledictions and taunts. Spyro understood her anxiety at meeting the civilians she had attacked and hurt in the past, knowing that they would not forgive her so easily. Thoughtfully, the purple dragon draped his right wing over her back and caressed the sleek scales lovingly.

Cynder snapped her head towards Spyro and noticed the mien of endearment that was glowing in his rich violet eyes. She didn't know what to make of the chivalrous gesture. Her heart fluttered like a nightingale as he moved the wing across her back again. Okay, I can sense that Spyro's trying to ease my frazzled nerves and make me forget my past, but it's hard to keep a straight face and get on people's good side after I had inflicted on them misfortune and misery. But as long as I got Spyro by my side, I will be able to get through this day. I'm so glad someone cares about me.

Once the group reached the door to the Training Room, the doors creaked open revealing a pitch black interior which made Spyro and Cynder exchange confused looks. Volteer and Hunter continued to walk through the complete darkness with the group trailing close behind. Eclipse could hear the heavy breathing of the Dragon Elders that mingled with the faint ones of hers and the young dragons . Eclipse felt and wondered why she was so alone and afraid in the absolute darkness with her heart beating at a break-neck pace. She wished she could have some intimate handsome dragon caress her with such tenderness, compliment her on her unmistakable beauty she exhibited, and confess how much he loved and cared about her with every scale on his body. Will I ever be happy? Will I ever fall in love? Spyro and Cynder are so deep in love as well as Flame and Ember and I've yet find my soul mate. I hate being so lonely.

After five minutes of walking in complete darkness, Eclipse heard the sound of Volteer's and Hunter's footfalls ebb away as they came to a stop. Everyone behind the two guides stopped and froze in place wondering why they had to sit in the darkness. Suddenly, the Training Room flared to life with the flicker of its ceilings lights.

"SURPRISE!"

Spyro and Cynder gasped to see every civilian of Warfang and Avalar here in the Dragon Temple. A throng of dragons, moles, and cheetahs with cheerful smiles and appreciative waves greeted the group. Streamers of purple and gold embellished each corner of the Training Room, balloons pushed at the surface of the ceiling trying to escape their captors, dozens of tables with round plush chairs were cluttered around the large room, and a makeshift stage sat in the center of the Training Room where the dragon statue was discretely hidden underneath. An ornate white and gold banner hung from one corner of the room to the other. It read: Welcome Home Spyro!

"You guys threw us a party?" Spyro said, still skeptical to behold the sight of all the people he had met over the past few years. Kane of Atlawa waved at Spyro, Chief Prowlus nodded in Spyro's direction with the biggest of smiles, and even Mole-Yair seemed to be there, leaning on his wooden cane.

"Of course, Spyro," replied the Electric Guardian. "After the extensive journey you've had battling golems and other enemies, fighting Malefor, and risking your life to save and restore the world. You deserve something for you all you've given. And this party was a big way of saying thank you."

"I don't have anything else to say but thank you." Spyro's voice poured out with nervousness and excitement that had been held for him and Cynder. However, he felt bad for taking all the credit in saving the world with him when Cynder had risked her life countless times and helped him defeat Malefor. "This is all very great and I'm grateful for all the appreciation, but I can't take all the credit for saving the world. After all Cynder was there to help me every step of the way. I couldn't have done this without her."

Cynder jerked her head to look at Spyro in shock. What the heck is he doing? Why is he trying to get everyone to notice me and give me thanks? They won't give me some pat on the back or thank you. They'll just give me crazy looks. Sure, I stuck by him since the journey began and helped him out in some tough spots, but that doesn't mean everybody's going to let that memory of me being vicious and evil long ago slip away. Not now, not ever, they'll always despise and loathe having me stand around now.

"Well, we say you're welcome bro," a familiar voice said. Spyro and Cynder saw the golden glow of a dragonfly they knew all too well: Sparx. "Now let's quit yapping and get our party on, eh? What do you say big guy?"

"What do I say?" Volteer echoed. "I say, let the party begin without a further ado."

Consequently, the party sparked to life like an electric current and music began to play, wafting into the spacious room, and swimming from one ear to the next in a teasing display that awakened the inner party animal within everyone. Volteer walked further into the Training Room and started to dance with a group of dragons, utter rapture and delight electrified his body as he grooved to the beat. Hunter made his way over to one of the tables and took a seat next a female cheetah that was dining on a hot plate of food.

Cyril made his way over to Chief Prowlus and Mole-Yair, making light conversation about their experiences during the war with Malefor with laughs, giggles, and exclamations.

Terrador, being the silent, warrior-type, made his way over to the concessions table and started to fill his own plate full of delicious food of various varieties.

As the party continued its delightful festivities, Spyro and Cynder made their way over to table, weaving in and out of the dense throng of singing and dancing dragons, moles, and cheetahs. Eclipse, lost in all the mirthful revelry, worked her way through the crowd and settled down at a round, blue-clothed table with a deep sigh. She glanced over at Spyro and Cynder gazing romantically at each other at nearby table; clearly they were nuzzling each other and exchanging heart-felt words to each other. She felt a bit envious, yet overwhelming happy for the two falling in love with each other. The two seemed to make the most beautiful couple despite their differences in lifestyles, past, and elements. Eclipse wished she could experience such infatuation as the two dragons as hot tears began to cascade down her cheeks. What…what chance do I have of finding a mate and love as heart-warming and divine as that. I'm just a-a-a miserable lunar dragon with a dark secret and misfortune hanging around me like a curtain. What hope do I have now that I've got no family, mate, or hope?

"Are you okay?" a soft voice asked, jolting the dark blue dragoness from her thoughts.

Eclipse swiveled her head around to see a handsome young dragon standing in front of her table. Wiping at away her tears, the young dragoness nodded and blinked, taking in the mysterious dragon's appearance. He had golden scales that seemed to mimic the sun's bright luminosity and crimson eyes that were as kind and sweet like sumptuous cherries. Orange streaks crawled up his sides like hungry snakes adorning his body in a tribal fashion. Even his orange underbelly and wings intrigued and piqued her interest. His chest was embellished with an occult yellow birthmark in the shape of the sun. Moreover, the birthmark shared more than one spot and had another spot on his forehead. Not only that, but his wings seemed to brighten in color and contrast under light making her wince and shut her eyes.

"Oh sorry," the gold dragon said furling his outstretched wings. "I didn't mean to blind you like that. My body is like a big mirror whenever I'm near light. My name's Sunspot. What's yours?"

"E-E-Eclipse," she replied nervously, a smile slowly spread across her face.

"Eclipse," Sunspot echoed her name with a grin. "An alluring name full of beauty and mystery, I like it. Why aren't you enjoying the party? You're friends over there seem to?" Eclipse said nothing, as she cut a sideways glance back at Spyro and Cynder who seemed to be dining on food and looking at the party-goers. Turning back to the gold dragon, she answered with a laugh, "I don't know anyone else here except Spyro, Cynder, Flame, Ember, and the Dragon Elders. Besides, Spyro and Cynder are more interested in each other than the party."

"That's okay," the gold dragon smiled. "I hardly know anyone here. We can mingle with everyone and get acquainted and still enjoy the party." Then, boldly, Sunspot took a step towards the hesitant dragoness that smiled at his audacious gesture to invade her personal space. Consequently, he bowed to her in a chivalrous manner with a sly grin plastered across his muzzle. "Would you care to dance with me my lovely dark duchess?"

Still shy after meeting the handsome, Eclipse began to stumble over her words as she tried to answer his request. Her heart fluttered about like a caged bird and the blood rushed to her cheeks. C'mon, Eclipse, don't be such a dolt, go for it. Dance with the hunk of a dragon. What've you got to lose, the voice inside her head asked. How about my dignity, my lunch, and my sanity? Eclipsed shot back at the voice, disliking its willingness to be within close proximity of the dragon. He's so suave and charismatic, but I can't be sure if this was meant to be. If he could be the soul mate I've been wishing for. But how do I know if it's meant be. Well there's only one way to find out for sure, her inner voice murmured. Fine, you win. I'll play along for now…

With a nonchalant grin spread across her face like fresh linens draped across a bed, Eclipse nodded and hopped of her plush chair in front of Sunspot. When she landed right next to him, the young dragoness followed him to the center of the dance floor. Her heart thumped in her scaled breast fairly quick as if it would explode.

Eclipse felt jittery at being the new creature on the block as she glanced at the hyperactive movements of her fellow party-goers. She felt like she didn't belong here, especially with people she was unfamiliar. If they discovered my secret, they wouldn't hesitate to exile me from their city, Eclipse thought, ready to turn away and head for her seat.

She considered returning to her seat not wanting to make a complete fool of herself as she pivoted on her hind feet and turned to pad back to her table. But before the dragoness could take the first step, she sensed a small tug on her tail and saw Sunspot grasping her tail.

"What's wrong, Eclipse?" His voice laced with deep concern. "We haven't even began to dance or talk to people. You're not scared are you?" the gold dragon teased, giving her tail a playful tug.

"I'm not scared." Her own words betrayed her because Sunspot noticed how her legs tremble as if they were about to give way to her weight. Eclipse noticed how the young dragon looked at her with a shade of understanding and kindness coloring his face.

"It's no big deal if you're scared, Eclipse. And you don't have to deny it. If it makes you feel any better I'm frankly quite frightened being around so many people. I'll be here to help you out. C'mon, let's get our slow-jam on."

Before Eclipse could reply, Sunspot embraced her in a tight hug and lifted her and him on their hind legs and started to waltz in each other's arms. Surprised by the sudden action the young dragon chose to take, Eclipse gave him a dark look, but he only grinned toothily at her. As the two of them continued to dance, Spyro and Cynder exchanged a few kisses and hugs of their own. The romantic fire burned invisibly between them as Spyro gazed into Cynder's sapphire eyes and Cynder looked back into his amethyst orbs.

How could anyone force as evil as Malefor silence this love? How could someone as annoying as Ember? How would Eclipse adjust to the new home she would settle in as she conversed with Sunspot?

These questions lingered in the celebratory atmosphere as the four young dragons enjoyed the party as it continued for hours on end. No occupant was aware of the muscular lupine silhouette that began to descend towards the Dragon Temple with appalling faint foot falls to come and ruin the party. Eclipse and Sunspot were still holding each other close after ten minutes of dancing and chatting with each other about their past lives. Eclipse was curious when she found out that he was a sun dragon and that he was the last of his kind and possessed a strange element that he refused to tell her. However, she didn't want to put him at unease with such a personal question, even though he asked her what her element was as she in turn never revealed to him the secret.

Eventually, the party concluded and the guests shuffled outside the temple doors to return home. The Dragon Elders, grateful for the effort in designing the party, thanked the guests for their help and bid them farewell. Once the training room had been cleared, the only occupants who remained were Spyro, Cynder, Flame, Ember, Eclipse, Sunspot, and the Elders.

Curious about whom Sunspot was the Dragon Elders, Ember, and Flame questioned him and wondered why he had still stayed behind when all the other guests had left. Truthfully, he admitted that he desired to stay at the Dragon Temple and that he had no home or family. When they asked why he had no abode to go to or family, Sunspot said nothing keeping his head toward the ground, holding back the tears which contained the painful memories he locked away deep within his soul. Deciding that it was best not to upset the dragon with a million questions, the Dragon Elders told Sunspot that he could stay, cleaned up the mess left behind in the training room, and returned to their sleeping quarters with tired nods to the group of young dragons.

The young dragons left the training room reflecting on the moments at the party with audible laughs, giggles, and sighs.

"So Spyro," Ember began. "How is the relationship with Cynder? Is she treating you alright?"
"Yes, Ember," Spyro replied gritting his teeth, "and she is treating my just fine, maybe even better. Why do you ask?"

"No reason at all just curious," the pink dragoness replied as she snuggled next to Flame's side. The mere brush of her pink scales against his red ones made the young dragon blush furiously despite the appearance being unnoticeable.

Cynder only snorted. Liar, that pink nuisance is just trying to steal him away from me. Or she's just jealous because she is not Spyro's mate, too bad for her. Well, she still has Flame to keep her company so her life will have some meaning to it.

Ignoring the sound the black dragoness made, Ember nuzzled her crimson lover and friend and lead him down the long winding corridor with her tail intertwined in his. Returning her signs of affection as they disappeared around the corner, Flame nuzzled Ember and licked at her neck making the pink dragoness giggle with glee and childlike innocence.

"Thank the Ancestors she's gone." Spyro breathed.

"Why are so happy about that?" Sunspot asked with a questioning expression.

Spyro was about to tell him when Cynder suddenly shoved him to the side as a volley of daggers whizzed through the air, past their heads, and planted themselves firmly into the wall. Stunned by the whole spectacle, Eclipse and Sunspot exchanged wary looks and took a quick glance at the thrown projectiles. Then they scanned the corridor for any signs of movement and scent, but no one else seemed to be wandering the halls.

"That was a close call," Spyro said rising to his feet in a daze. And after a moment of seeing the knives jutting from the wall, he looked at Cynder with a deep grin of gratitude. "Thanks, Cynder. I owe you big time."

"I'll keep that I mind." Cynder grinned slyly as they turned to examine the strange weapons that had been hurled at them from out of the blue.

Each knife varied in different sizes, some were crafted with elegant metal, gem-encrusted hilts, while others were simple wooden hilts. All them were inch submerged an inch deep in the wall. Their steel blades glinted under the dim lights with an ominous aura that seem to awaken the fear and suspicion with Eclipse as she began to yank the daggers from the wall. She scrutinized each one with keen silver eyes trying to piece together what message the assailant was sending. Some of them she recognized instantly as the same weapons that were you used to kill her parents while others were foreign to her eyes. A starting realization surged down her spine like a cold chill and she instantly knew who the intended target was.

"Why would some want to kill Spyro?" Sunspot asked rubbing a paw across his chin cognitively. "He's the legend and saved everybody's butt from certain destruction and someone already tries to kill after the world becomes peaceful."

"I don't think Spyro was the intentional target," Eclipse muttered placing the ten daggers on the ground. She turned back to see looks of confusion her friends' faces. The dark blue dragoness sighed deeply and explained what she meant, deciding on whether to confess her secret, "Whoever the person was he or she wanted to kill me. Spyro was just caught in the cross-hairs the assailants."

"But how do you know?" Cynder asked.

"Because these were the same daggers used to kill my parents," Eclipse replied bluntly hearing them gasp in shock. She closed her eyes for a moment as an image of her parents lying in motionless in a pool of blood flashes through her mind like a camera taking a photograph. Shaking her head repeatedly to remove the perturbing thought, the dragoness continued. "Whoever this assailant is definitely the one who killed my parents no doubt about it and he's close by, ready to finish the job and erase me from existence."

"Why does this murderer want to kill you so badly?" Spyro asked with concern. "There's nothing of worth that he'll achieve from murdering you."

"Actually, there is…" Eclipse countered lowering her head a bit. Guilt at not having told the secret welled up within her.

"What do you mean?"

"The murderer wants to kill me for my scaly pelt because I'm a lunar dragon and I possess a rare, powerful, and dangerous element that no one else possesses: Moon-fire."

Spyro and Cynder's jaws dropped at that moment in surprise. Never before had they met a dragon as special as her. The two had heard of fire, earth, ice, and earth dragons, but never a lunar dragon. They stared at Eclipse in admiration and unfathomable interest. At that moment, Sunspot spoke up breaking the silence after hearing the revelation with one of his own.

"Interesting, I kinda recognize these daggers too. Yeah, now I remember them perfectly. Those daggers were that used to kill my parents and sister, Sunflower. I didn't see the bastard who killed them, but I took a gander at the daggers he carried with him. By the way, I'm a sun dragon and I possess an element called Sun-fire."

"Wow!" Spyro and Cynder exclaimed in unison.

"You two possess special elements and abilities. That's fantastic!" Spyro said with an excited squeal.

"It's more than fantastic, it's unbelievable." Cynder remarked impishly punching Spyro on the arm.

"Uh, yeah, but I think Eclipse is even more fantastic than me with her element and her beauty." Sunspot said rubbing his side against the dark blue dragoness's side romantically.
Eclipse purred in rapture of the brush of his golden scales against her midnight blue ones, but snapped out of the moment of pleasure and slapped her crescent-shaped tail blade against in Sunspot's flanks making him yelp.

"You're just saying that to make me feel divine," she teased as she rubbed against his side and returned to her normal behavior.

"Is the flattery working its charm?" Sunspot grinned with a flicker of renewed affection for his newfound lover.

"Somewhat, but it'll take a lot more than that to please me." The dark blue dragoness said. She and Sunspot turned back to Spyro and Cynder who had been watching the scene with heightened curiosity. Eclipse and Sunspot blushed in unison at sharing a moment of fancy for each other since they just met. After minutes of silence, the group decided to go to sleep and talk about the incident without another word. Thoughtfully, Spyro and Cynder showed the two new dragons to their rooms and talked alone as they headed for their own rooms as Eclipse and Sunspot settled in.

"They're going to make wonderful mates." Cynder said with a big smile.

"And how would you know that, my love?" Spyro asked, chuckling.

"Dragoness's intuition," Cynder said, shrugging her shoulders. "Besides, they were made for each other. He's a sun dragon, last of his kind. She's a lunar dragon, last of her kind. They match up perfectly."

"Like you and me," Spyro said, nuzzling her cheek in endearment.

Cynder kissed him on the snout and nuzzled his cheek. "They're definitely like you and me." She said in agreement as the two exchanged one last kiss and embraced each other and finally departed to their own rooms. Pale blue effulgence of the full moon bathed the Dragon Temple in a coat of light as a shadowy muscular lupine shape crept over the roof tops, undetected by the sleeping dragons.

"You're scaly blue pelt will be mine, young dragon!" Ludon growled. He glanced up at the moon and let out a loud howl as if he were paying homage to the goddess that blessed him with his skills, his disposition, and his furry appearance.

To Be Continued….

Author's Note: Let me know if you have any ideas for the next chapter. I would really appreciate it if you suggested anything to make the next chapter interesting. This story is a work in progress. By the way, who's your favorite OC in this story?

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