"Jeeves! Switch to manual flight control! No that switch! Now help me pull up! Pull up!"
Ezio yanked back on the control stick, fighting the forces holding it in place, they had lost pneumatics recently after they were attacked by French Rafael fighters. Now they had three state of the art jets on their tail that they couldn't shake. Jeeves was shouting at the top of his lungs, calling off the list of problems.
"Engine one is down, and engine two is leaking oil, soon to be down! We have several hull breaches, and the aileron and elevator hydraulics are down, rudder is fiiiiiiIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!"
The aircraft suddenly pitched upwards, and Blaze went flying past the cockpit as the ground fell out beneath him, Quake soon following him. Somewhere deep within the belly of the plane he heard Frost yell.
"Dammit Ezio! Hold it steady so I can get a decent shot in! It's hard enough to not kill them when you're flying level!"
Nova had been out cold for an hour, not even being able to lift her head anymore, because of pure exhaustion. They had been flying for three days now, hopping from airport to airport, grabbing fuel when they could and taking off just after they topped off the tank. The old war bomber was made too be long range, but with the addition of the turbo-prop engines, it guzzled fuel at an accelerated rate. Now they were running on fumes.
"Everyone hold on!" Ezio shouted as he punch the booster button for their last set of rockets and the aircraft streamed skywards, climbing to 50 thousand feet. Below them somewhere lay their destination, a series of caves in a narrow gorge too small for anything but foot traffic to get through. Ezio could just see the cracks in the landscape, spider webbing all over the place. Jeeves was perspiring a great amount, and Ezio could hear the charge and release of magical energy behind them as well as the pitch of jet turbines swell and fall as they maneuvered to avoid the fire coming from their plane. A warning lamp in the middle of the HUD lit up, indicating a radar lock.
"Two enemy locks on us, one acquiring. Warning, missile fired, short range, heat seeking."
Blaze fired two full vollies of twelve small flames out of the side too try and shake the missile off of them as a decoy. The missile went for it part way, but it exploded so close, Ezio saw fragments of steel fly past the canopy, and one even lodged quivering next to Jeeves's head. The explosion threw them all forward several feet, propelling them even higher. In his left ear, he could hear the second engine sputter and die, and the craft tilted to the left violently, Ezio fighting it by keeping his foot planted on the right rudder. The craft shook and hung in midair, the pure force of the thrust from the engines keeping it aloft.
"Jeeves, it's not going to make it! We gotta get out while we still can!"
In front of them, two jets whizzed by, both afterburners trailing on each craft, with a third flying by with sickly smoke trailing from its right exhaust.
"Hold the right rudder!" Turning around Ezio cupped his mouth and shouted as much as he could, "All passengers! Abandon ship!"
Blaze darted past, climbing and jumping his way up, shouting, "Eject! Eject! Eject!" and hurled himself out the side door, which had been ripped off. The rest of the squadron following, Eclipse slung across thunders back, with Nova across Cynders. She was just starting to wake up.
"Huh? Wuzzat?"
Ezio yanked Jeeves out of his seat, "Comeon Jeeves! On your feet! We are LEAVING! MEET ME HALFWAY DOWN!"
With that, Ezio threw a parachute to Jeeves, and hurled himself out the door without one, speeding up the bailout process. Shortly after he bailed, one of the fighter jets flew around and hit the canopy right in the center, where the pilot would have been. Ezio was far too busy to meet with Jeeves in midair too worry about it though. The wind howled in his ear, and even though Ezio had never sky dived before, instinct told him to spread his arms out and slow his decent. The ground was rushing up rapidly too meet him, and Jeeves, out of pure desperation, folded his arms flat and shot straight towards him. He overestimated his speed though, and shot past Ezio, clipping him on the way down, and sending him into a spin.
During his wild free-fall, Ezio thought he saw a bright golden flash, but didn't think anything of it until he felt a slight pressure, and his spinning stopped. It was then he saw Nova falling with him, slowly moving towards him, wings spread wide. Ezio gently positioned himself on her back, and she pulled out of the fall into a steep glide, locking her wings.
"Now we're even." She yelled back with a week smile. She angled towards the gorge, aiming for a small clearing of trees at the bottom of the tiny valley. Upon touch down, her feet collapsed from beneath her, and she rolled along the ground, Ezio bouncing along as well. When they stopped, Ezio rolled to his feet, dagger in hand. Nova just lay where she was, breathing hard. Ezio heard some crunching off too his right and he spun around. Cynder emerged from the trees.
"Good, I followed the right one then. Blaze is currently disposing of Jeeves parachute, and the rest are on their way." Ezio walked over to Nova, and with a great effort, hauled her onto his shoulders, her head lolling onto his back, and her wings dragging along the ground. After about half a minute of pent breath, Spyro emerged silently from the trees, with the rest of the dragons in tow, and Jeeves dragging his drogue chute with some supplies in it.
"Well now we're in trouble." Spyro said, rubbing his head. He started when he heard a large snapping sound. With the surrounding darkness, Eclipse and Cynder crept into the shadows, and Blaze blew fire from his maw, sending shadows dancing across the clearing. Ezio almost lunged forward when the dragon stepped forward into the light, if it hadn't been for his decorations and colors. The massive dragon was a pale grey, with a lantern hung around his neck, and pouches full of scrolls on his side. Ezio nearly did attack, even after the initial surprise of the dragon, but it was the reaction of everyone else that stopped him. Every dragon bowed, deep and low, even Eclipse forsook her cover, throwing herself into a low crouch. The only two who didn't bow were Spyro, and Cynder, whom stepped out of the light completely pale, which was saying something. What Spyro did was completely unexpected though. There was a half a second hesitation on his part, but then he ran forward, and hugged the dragon close, crying.
"Ignitus!" Spyro exclaimed, tears streaming from his eyes. What Cynder did almost made Ezio laugh.
"Ignitus? How the shit did you survive?!"
The dragon, Ignitus, laughed, although his voice sounded somewhat weary with age, "Young dragons will your wonders never stop? Cynder, I was appointed the chronicler, guardian of our age's secrets and stories, and I have waited many millennia for your arrival. Young guardians, you need not pay homage to me, rise. If anyone is too show respect, it should be I." He surprised them all by bowing low, crossing his arm over his chest as he did so, "Anyone whom places themselves in danger for the safety of others is always worthy of honor."
Quake was the first to speak, "Mighty Chronicler, why have you graced us with audience today? Your assistance has been nee-"
Quake was interrupted by a muffled squeak as Jeeves dropped his bags on the ground with a large thump. There was several seconds of silence, then –
"OI! LET MOI OUT! OI KNOW YOU HEARD THAT! WERES THE ZIPPOIR ON THIS THOING?"
Jeeves bent over and silently began unzipping and re-zipping pouches until he opened one and the tiny figure of Needlefoot fell out, and sprawled on the ground.
"You would not beloive how stuffy it was in thoir."
Ezio almost lost it hen, "It talks?"
"Oi should be soiin' the same too you bucko. Noice floiin' boiy the woiy."
Spyro was more than ticked off, "You stowed away?"
"Well you soid I should come and visit! Woi not now?!"
"Dang it Needlefoot, all you had to do was ask."
"Oi beg yoir forgivness lords and loidies. I'm not used to doin' soich things. Tis not hoiw I was raised. It's not like it hoid any disadvantages anywois. Except that I oit all that excellent food in thoir."
Jeeves rechecked the pouch, "Damnit, he's not joking. No more instant meals."
"Needlefoot! I'm slightly disappointed in you. Slightly." Cynder said, almost smiling, but suppressing it.
"Come now Cynder, were not far from ho - " Ignitus started, but stopped short, as he heard some shouting in the distance. The words were indecipherable.
"They've already started the search for us." Blaze said, looking over his shoulder. He quickly extinguished his flame, bathing them in darkness. Ezio felt Nova shudder on his shoulder.
"Ignitus, we can't do much more, we must retreat before they find us. They'll also be using infra-red goggles too search for us."
"I've got that covered." Ezio heard Frost say to his left, and the temperature suddenly dropped. Ezio felt the warm grass beneath his feet, but he also knew if they didn't get moving soon, they would freeze to death. He heard a quiet whistle, and suddenly, a dim red glow was seen, but it was so small, Ezio thought it was someone approaching from the trees. Not until a panthers face appeared through the low light did he relize who was holding it, and just how close they were.
The panther growled in a low voice, "You humans always are so queere."
"Then you've met one before."
"You're all different."
Ezio heard Spyro too his right in a whisper, "Meadow?!"
"A relative. A very distant relative. To the rest: follow us."
And the lantern in front of Ezio swiveled around the panthers hovering face, turning as he did. It began to move forward, and as Ezio walked, he listened for followers. He heard several more distant voices, and finally, a long shrill whistle in the distant, but besides that, saw nothing but the lantern in front of him. Finally, Ezio saw more yellow lights in the distance. He thought they were more allies until he realized it actually was in the distance. The lights soon formed into actual shapes, and the light cast from windows showed across a gap so small, only a few trees could fit in the area. The trees were so dense that unless he was following the felines exact orders on what ly ahead, he would have never made it through, even in the daylight. Caves were recessed into the cliff walls, and in the caves were small houses, built in to provide protection from the daytime heat and prying eyes. The glow was very faint, and at times Ezio failed to see any light at all, because of the density of the foliage.
"I've stepped into a different world." Ezio said too himself.
"And it's never going to be normal again." Jeeves commented behind him.
"Well, I wanted an adventure this summer, but I think I got more than I bargained for." Ezio laughed back. Soon, he heard many low voices, and saw varying species on the fringes of the lights. Some where panthers or other various designs of large cat. Many were moles or hedgehogs like Needlefoot, and they greeted him enthusiastically. Others had a faun like shape, and even more had very small bodies, not much bigger than your average rodent. Ezio saw a few humans as well, as he walked through the village, and they seemed almost jubilous to see him. Of dragons, he saw only three or four, but then they only had seen a quarter of the large village, which criss-crossed over their heads with connecting planks and bridges as well as having some buildings stretching over the gap.
"Spyro, Cynder, welcome to New Warfang, the largest establishment we have." A river ran along beside Ezio, and he saw many various species in the stream.
"Why are so many fish here?" Ezio enquired. The panther in front of him replied.
"This river connects directly too the ocean, but fish travel many leagues to get here because of the excellent food they can find along the bank. The dusky conditions are perfect for feeding and breeding grounds, so we never run out of food, since many carnivorous animals find this place a prime hunting ground as well, and many herbivore animals come here for a fresh source of water."
"Ezio, I'm sure you have many questions, but they must wait until later. Ah, there is Decibel now." Ignitus approached a young turquoise dragon in front of a massive tent which led to a large cavern. The dragon approached Ignitus eagerly, the quills on his neck and hips standing up. He had a cone like system running around his neck at the base of his skull made of the same quills, and on his tail there was a large double cone as a spade. When he spoke, his voice seemed louder than usual.
"Ignitus! What was that hunch you had? Did you find another group of wandering dragons again? Or was it som – " He stopped at the sight of Spyro and Cynder. And then his speaking redoubled in strength, "A purple dragon! Impossible! One has not been seen for over fifty thousand years! Ignitus, what does this mean? Is the prophecy at hand, or is this another farce? Whats going on, do you have any trajectories or hypothesi on the mat – "
"Decibel, enough."
Cynder leaned over to Spyro with a smirk on her face, and Ezio was just barely able too hear what she said, "Do you think he's related too Volteer?"
Spyro just chuckled, but Ignitus continued on, "Decibel, come with us, and in ancestors name, keep your voice down."
They continued on inside the tent, and found that there was still a tent inside of that one. Both entrances were draped open, and Ezio saw as he passed by each that they had double folds of fabric, with chain mail inside the fabric, too keep intruders from slicing through the tents. The command tent was guarded by two golden dragons, shining brightly in the light of the lanterns. Ignitus nodded to them both as he passed, "Photon, Beam." They simply nodded and slid aside, and the company entered the central tent. Rock walls flanked them on both sides covered by tent fabric. There was a large bookcase on each wall as well; containing what must have been ten thousand scrolls. Ignitus removed his bags, but kept the lantern around his neck. He nodded to Decibel, then spoke too Spyro and Cynder directly.
"Spyro, Cynder, I know you must have many questions on your mind, but now is not the time. You have done an excellent job of getting yourselves this far, but in doing so, you have worn yourself out, and you all must be very tired."
"You could say that." Ezio grunted underneath Nova's weight. Her two hundred plus pounds were really starting to weigh on him. Ignitus smiled,
"Ezio, I must thank you. I owe you my life for bringing Spyro and his companions this far without harming them, and you are eternally in my debt. Now then, you may have your choice of sleeping quarters, so long as it is open."
"Whatever is highest and closest to the center." Spyro said. Ignitus nodded to Decibel, and the dragon rushed forwards.
"Give them the grand viewing chambers. Ezio, and um, your name, sir?" Ignitus said, turning towards the man. Jeeves shuffled a bit, and without meeting the dragons eyes, spoke quietly, "Jeeves, oh great Chronicler."
Ignitus considered him for one long minute, until Ezio grunted again, and shifted Nova across his back some more,
"I'm sorry, forgive me, I was lost in thought. Where would you two like to stay?"
"With Spyro and the rest of Alpha Squadron." Ignitus considered him for a long moment, then sighed.
"Very well. It seems your friendship has grown strong." Blaze laughed,
"How can it not?" Frost gave him a sharp look, but Ignitus smiled, "Very true, Blaze. Decibel, show them too their rooms. Spyro, Decibel is a sound dragon, and is one of the more powerful members of our force. He shall be your guide for the extent of your stay. On your way out, send the Nighthawks in, including their leader, Luna."
"It shall be done, sir."
"Spyro, you may rest as long as you like, but I want to see you when you are ready. We have much to discuss."
"Ignitus, I am so happy to see you alive, I – "
"Spyro, I assure you, I am very happy to see you to, but do not hesitate and share sentiments now. Rest, all will be said later." Spyro seemed to hesitate, then smiled,
"OK, later then. I will be back though."
"I'm counting on it."
As soon as they were outside, Cynder squeeled surprising everyone, except Spyro.
"I can't believe it! He's alive Spyro!" she leened on his shoulder, and Spyro turned slightly red, but began walking. Eclipse smiled softly after them, but none of the dragons said anything.
"I know Cynder, I happy too, but right now, I'm more tired than happy. I need sleep." Cynder seemed slightly put out by Spyro's lack of enthusiasm, but continued on her way behind Spyro. Decibal spoke up, leading them to an elevator made out of many layers of wood and a pully system, with a counter weight near the tops of the cliffs.
"The highest rooms are made up of armories and war systems, so you won't be sleeping there. We do however have several luxurias rooms on the other side of the canyon that are built into the thinnest section of the wall. They have two doors, one leading to a wide balcony that overlooks a bay leading to the ocean, and one overlooking the village. All entrances are concealed by trees and foliage. You need not worry about any human presence for one hundred miles in any direction, as the gorges are impassable unless you know what you're doing or are decent at trail forging. The bay is not used, as the gorge leads right into the bay, and the beaches are covered by forest and massive boulders, and the bay has a very shallow draft, making it impassible by any accept the lightest boats. No one comes here, but still, watch yourself."
"We will do just that Decibel, thank you. How long have you been here?"
Decibel smiled, "All my life."
"Which is how long?"
Decibel smiled even wider, "I'm twenty three, though my power is much stronger than you might think. You've got too tell me, are you Spyro? The Spyro? Ignitus said your name, but I just wanted to be sure."
Blaze laughed, "Your talking to a legend dude, watch it."
Decibel sniffled, "Indeed."
Once the elevator had reached its second too highest level, Decibel walked off onto a large stout bridge spanning the chasm. He led them to a cave with a decent sized open tent, which acted as a porch. The area was recessed into a small alcove, and very private. He led them inside. There was a recreation area inside the cave, and also a small dining area with a low table. Behind those two rooms was a sleeping area. Decibel revealed that the floor had several bowls that the dragons could rest in when they needed them, but they covered up without any seems with flat pieces of stone. There were also fold out beds from the walls. In the back of the room, there was a wide entry way, with a balcony and another low table in the floor. The area was covered by trees growing from the sides of the cliff, but the trees also formed a ring which had a spectacular view of the ocean beyond. Spyro thanked Decibel, and he left promptly. Shortly after wards, many of the dragons plopped down in the cushioned bowls. Quake and Eclipse fell asleep instantly. Thunder went out too enjoy the view of the horizon, and Cynder and Spyro settled into their bowls, Spyro facing away from everyone. Jeeves folded a bed out from the wall, and while he set it up, muttering something about him not doing all the work for once, Ezio placed Nova down in a bowl next too Quakes, plopping down next to her on the floor when he was finished. He was exhausted and his back ached. He had a fairly huge headache as well. Nova had fallen asleep on his shoulder, but she had awaken now, only just barely.
"Ezio?"
"Yeah?"
"Thanks."
"No than – "
"Just shut up and take it for what it is."
"It was my pleasure, Nova." Ezio said, smiling. Nova rolled over, and Ezio pushed himself into her bowl, rolling so his back was against hers.
Blaze murmured something akin to "Drama." But besides that, they were all quiet. Thunder returned and lay down next to Eclipse, laying his head on top of her exposed wing, and draping his own over her. Blaze extinguished the lamps in the room, throwing darkness over them, like a thick blanket.
All was silent except for the wind, the trees swaying in the wind, and in the distance, the ocean swelling with the waves and tides. Ezio heard some shuffling, and from the bowl, he saw Spyro get up, and low to the ground, silently moved over to Cynders sleeping spot, laying down next to her and draping a wing over her as well, and just before sleep engulfed him, Ezio could have sworn he saw Spyro lean over and kiss Cynder on the neck.
