Hi, Everybody. Okay, perhaps this last update didn't come sooner than I anticipated. But here it is, the two last chapters and the epilogue. Thank you for your patience and enjoy the rest of the story.
Chapter 9
The Chronicler
The Dragons walk inside the room with Sparx following. Boltor is able to walk on his injured leg but he is still limping. Inside the humongous room, the group cannot believe their eyes. Blue torches blaze in the brackets on the walls. They see a lot of books and scrolls on the bookshelves. Candles give out light on the shelves. There are books that have colors and markings of their own. There are red ones with a fire mark, yellow ones with a bolt of electricity mark, light-green ones with a tree mark, green ones with a rock mark, light-blue ones with air current marks and icicle marks, blue ones with a water drop mark, and purple ones with a star mark. There are brown books with golden details on the raised bands, edges, and corners. A blue giant-sized hour glass rests in the center of the room.
"Ooooh." Sparx says fascinated with the hour glass. He flies to it and asks out loud. "What's this?"
"That's an hour glass." Zephyrav tells him.
"Oh, I don't think so, Zeph." Sparx says waving his hand at the Wind Dragoness while staring at it. "I think it's a giant magic wishing lamp." He whispers to the 'giant magic wishing lamp' rubbing the glass. "Hello? Genie? You in there?"
Zephyrav chuckles amusingly while rolling her eyes. She then looks at all the books and scrolls on the shelves. Spyro gazes everywhere around the humongous room in awe.
"Guys, this is incredible," he says. "The entire history of the Dragon race…it looks like it's all here!"
"It is," a male's voice speaks in the room. "Well, most of it."
The Dragons glance around to find out who spoke.
"Did you guys hear that?" Sparx gasps in surprise with hands on his cheeks. "The lamp spoke to me!"
"Who's there?" Aquadus calls almost demanding.
A very old Dragon walks into view coming to meet Spyro and his friends. He has black horns, white scales, a white fur patch on his head, a long white beard, wears a blue cloak with a brown collar with gold details, a blue crystal necklace around his neck, a utility with a book and scrolls attached, and two gold rings on his tail.
"The records in this hall date back in the beginning of time…nearly." I say to them.
The Dragons gaze upon him in amazement.
"The Chronicler," Spyro utters.
"Yes, Spyro," I say, smiling at him "It is I, the Chronicler of the Fifth Age of Dragon Realm."
"It's true." Aquadus says softly. "All those stories about you are all true."
"Indeed, they are, my boy." I say.
"Chronicler," Boltor says limping to me, "may I say it's an honor to see you with my own eyes?"
"The honor is mine, young Electric Dragon." I reply smiling.
"Oh, and thank you very much for the treatment for my leg," Boltor also says holding out his bandaged leg.
"You are very welcome," I dip my head to him. To Spyro, I say, "It is also my honor to meet you, young Dragon. I have been waiting for you."
"Oh, well," Sparx sarcastically says. "I hope we didn't keep you waiting too long. We got a little held up back there…with the…uhh…you know…" He continues with a frustrating tone. "RIDDLES OF DOOM!"
"Well, those were tests, right?" Spyro asks after pushing his brother aside.
"It was a necessary evil, yes," I confess. "I had to be sure, Spyro." I continue as I walk past the Dragons and Sparx "I haven't had any visitors…in my solitude…for over a thousand years."
"Shocker!" Sparx replies hovering in front of me. "Try getting rid of the psychedelic Dragon outside."
Spyro scowls at Sparx and I chuckle warmly. I find this Glowing Dragonfly, amusing so I have heard.
"For a thousand years, you've been alone?" Aquadus asks.
"Oh yes, Aquadus." I answer the Water Dragon. "But I have my books."
"What the?" Aquadus exclaims in bewilderment. "You know my name?"
I chuckle warmly again, "I know more than just your name. I watch and wait…and listen for things to come…and add them to the Books of Time. You are all written in one of the books on the shelves that you see. Though, many pages are still left incomplete."
The Dragons and Sparx look at me in wonder.
"Chronicler," Zephyrav speaks fascinated, "are you saying you listen from things about the world and about each Dragon and write all of them down in books and scrolls?"
"That is correct, Zephyrav, daughter of Whisperav." I say nodding and making the Wind Dragoness smile. "This entire library has each of a Dragon's past life and the events that happened in each age of Dragon Realm."
"Can we see our books?" Spyro asks.
"Of course you can." I reply.
I use my power of telekinesis to shift the bookshelves on the wall to move the ones I wanted close to me. I take out one purple book belonging to the Purple Dragon section.
"This one is yours," I tell him.
The purple book opens by itself and Spyro reads the pages. I then shift the bookshelves again and take out a yellow book from the Electric Dragon section.
"Boltor," I say as I hand it to him.
I take out one light-blue book from the Wind Dragon section and a blue book from the Water Dragon section.
"Zephyrav and Aquadus," I say as I hand the books to them.
The books open for the Dragons and they read away.
"This is amazing!" Boltor says excitingly. "Everything is in here." He points at one page with an illustration. "Here I am with Volteer on my first day of training!"
Aquadus flips through a few pages and stops to read about a part in his youth. "'Aquadus swims in the water using his feet and wings to find fish and their coral reefs and make friends with them. That is if they can give him a chance'." He chuckles and says. "That was long ago and I only vaguely remember."
"What do you see in your book, beautiful?" Sparx asks Zephyrav.
Zephyrav is quiet staring at an illustration. Tears begin to roll down from her sapphire eyes. The young Wind Dragoness is looking at the pictures of her with Whisperav, her mentor and mother. Zephyrav is the spitting image of her.
"Mother," she whispers.
Whisperav is teaching her how to use the power of Wind while smiling. Zephyrav turns the page and looks at the picture on the left page with writing on the right page. The picture shows her and Whisperav nuzzling each other. Zephyrav sniffles and sighs. She places her claws on the picture and traces it where her mother's head is. She has missed her so much. Sparx knows what she is seeing and remains quiet. Zephyrav wipes the tears away and looks at me with a smile. She appreciates me reminding her of the good times.
"Thank you," she says.
I smile back and dip my head in response, "Your mother was proud to have you as a student and daughter."
Sparx hovers over Spyro who looks confused on something on his book.
"Hey, Spyro," Sparx says, "what's going on?"
The Dragons take their eyes off their books and go see what trouble Spyro is having. I come up from behind the group and look at what the Purple Dragon is looking at. Spyro is looking at a big Ape with a purple horned crown leading the Apes to somewhere.
"You know who that is, don't you, Spyro?" I say.
"Yes," Spyro replies. "It's Gaul, King of the Apes. Why is he in my book?"
I turn the page over to let Spyro see Apes raiding the Dragon Temple on the left page and Ignitus flying away from the Temple holding an egg in his claws. I explain, "It was he who led the raid on the Dragon Temple the night of your birth…when Ignitus rescued your egg."
"And when the Apes took Cynder's." Spyro adds somberly.
"Yes…that was most unfortunate."
I turn to the next page to see Flash and Nina with a baby Glowing Dragonfly growing up with baby Spyro.
"Oh!" I laugh. "And look… There's you and little Sparx."
Sparx immediately flies in front of the book to hide the picture from his friends.
"Hey!" he exclaims. "Nobody needs to see that…ever!"
"Aw, come on, Sparx." Zephyrav pleads him, looking at him adorably. "Let us see. You look so cute in there."
"Don't look at me like that," Sparx tells her. "You're making me uncomfortable."
I chuckle hysterically.
"Wait." Spyro interrupts the argument and asks me, "Can these books tell the future?"
"Well, the future is a mystery." I reply. "But in parts of them, yes. Though, just glimpses of the future really."
"Then I want to know what will happen to Cynder."
His request surprises me. "Spyro, you don't und-" I begin to say.
"Please!" Spyro shouts. "I must know!"
I would like to help him save Cynder from the clutches of Gaul but he doesn't know how difficult it is. Though, I am convinced he deserves to know.
"Very well." I sigh.
I put the purple, yellow, blue, and light blue books back in their places with my telekinesis and shift the shelves away from me until I come to a small square size shelf with a violet book, Cynder's book, flat against it. I take it off the shelf and bring it to the group.
"Her book has a darker tale." I say, opening the book. "Spyro, you must understand. When Cynder was taken by Gaul and when she was born, she was poisoned and corrupted, made to do the Dark Master's bidding."
I show the Dragons and Sparx the picture of little Cynder tied in chain with Gaul raising his hands in the air screeching evilly. The powers of Malefor course through Cynder's body and slowly she changes into her corrupted adult form breaking the chains tied to her leaving the big shackles on her neck, front ankles, and tail. I turn the page to two illustrations with writing below. The left page shows the corrupted Cynder standing next to Gaul sitting in his throne and the right page shows the loyal servant and the Ape King kneeling to the eyes of the Dark Master that are shining yellow in the darkness.
"Her entire life has been spent in shadow." I continue. "She knows no other way. And when Malefor returns…she will concede. No one can resist the temptation…not even the strongest among us."
Spyro is breathing heavily feeling very scared. He drops his head speaking with a shaky voice. "No, I don't believe that."
Boltor places his foot on his shoulder to comfort him then realizes something. "Hang on," he says. "'When Malefor returns'? What do you mean by that?"
"My friends," I say as I put Cynder's book back, "I want to tell you another story. This is one of the reasons why I've brought Spyro here."
Sparx hovers in front of me. "Ooh, ooh, ooh!" he says excitingly with his hand up. "Can I pick the story this time?"
"Sparx," I speak in a serious manner, "this is important. There is no time for further amusement."
Sparx flies back to the group with hands up appeasing. I look at the book on my utility to use my telekinesis to lift the straps holding it and bring it out. It is a very thick purple book. The book hovers in front of the young Dragons and Sparx.
"This book, Spyro, belongs to the very first Purple Dragon who appeared in Dragon Realm a long, long, time ago." I tell him lying down on the floor.
The Purple Dragon and his friends wonder what is so important about the first Purple Dragon. The Dragons lie down next to me while Sparx rests on Spyro's horn to listen to the story.
"Remember," I address to the group of heroes, "this part of our history in this had been forgotten since the end of the Fourth Age. Your friends and the Dragon Guardians have not known this before. Be prepared of what you will see."
The Dragons and Sparx nod telling me their prepared. I open the book and begin narrating. The first page shows the first Purple Dragon breaking out of an egg in the Dragon Temple in front of elder Dragon Guardians from the past. The writing is at the bottom.
"Long ago," I narrate the tale after clearing my throat, "the first Purple Dragon appeared in the world as a hatchling whose raw power was far greater than anyone had ever seen or…could imagine."
I turn the page to let the Dragons see pictures of the first Purple Dragon mastering elements.
"At first, as he was getting older, he mastered Fire…which was odd to the elder Dragon Guardians because he was not a Fire Dragon. Then, came Ice and Wind…and other abilities none thought possible. The Guardians see him as a powerful protector of the world."
I flip the page to the next two. The page on the left shows the Purple Dragon with the elders channeling his Aether power in his front foot. The page on the right shows the Purple Dragon flying away from the Dragon Temple.
"In the beginning, he was encouraged…and secrets of elemental mastery were passed unto him willingly by the Guardians. But his power…was limitless…it knew no boundary. He consumed everything. When he would not stop, he was cast into exile."
The next page is turned and the Dragons and Sparx sees the Purple Dragon in the book in a fortress leading an army of Apes, Death Hounds, and Dreadwings. Gaul is standing at his side. His eyes glow bright yellow.
"And from his new fortress within a mountain, he built an army not of Dragons…but of Apes."
The next page is turned and another illustration shows the Purple Dragon looking down at the Apes who are touching the Spirit Gems sticking out of the earth.
"He taught them how to artificially harness the power of the Spirit Gems, our life force, so they will be even stronger. While he was on progress, he plans on destroying the world."
I stop and look at Spyro and his friends.
"Is this sounding familiar?"
Spyro's group is quiet thinking if the story is familiar to them.
"Well, let's see." Spyro speaks, his claws scratching his chin. "The first Purple Dragon mastered the elements he was born to use, he would not stop consuming everything with his limitless power…"
"He was kicked out like he was an ugly duckling and formed an army of Apes with Gaul at his side in this book…" Sparx tells Spyro with a finger up.
"He taught them how to collect energy from the Spirit Gems and plans on destroying Dragon Realm." Zephyrav adds. "Yeah, this does sound very familiar."
One by one, the group has figured out why it was familiar. Their eyes grow wide and gasp.
"Oh no," Aquadus utters.
"WHAT!?" Boltor exclaims.
"You're kidding, right?" Sparx asks, his mouth open.
"It can't be," Zephyrav whispers.
Spyro looks at the page with the Purple Dragon again. He cannot believe what the Purple Dragon actually is. He looks at me while his body trembles.
"This…" Spyro begins. "… This is Malefor's book, isn't it?"
"Yes," I reply, nodding slowly. "I'm afraid so."
I turn to the next page that has a picture of the Dark Master doing remodeling to the mountain fortress with his powers.
"In Malefor's dark seclusion," I narrate, "the sheer weight of his malice cracked the very foundation of the mountain splitting the earth, creating a pit of despair where the lost souls of this world could reside."
"The Well of Souls," Spyro utters.
"Indeed." I say before turning to the next page that shows the full appearance of the Dark Master flying in the air and holding his front foot channeling energy on it. It is frightening to behold.
He has three big horns and four little ones on his head that are curved upwards, bright yellow eyes, little horns below them, a pointed chin, dark purple scales, a dark yellow underbelly, long dreaded claws, and sharp cartilage blades on his shoulders, wings, spine, legs and tail.
I conclude, "The Well of Souls has been created by the very beast who now seeks to escape it."
I close the book and put it back with the other purple books in the Purple Dragon section. I turn my attention to Spyro.
"I am seriously freaking out right now!" Sparx exclaims.
"Malefor is the first Purple Dragon!?" Spyro asks out loud.
"No, that can't be!" Aquadus says, shaking his head in fear.
"Unbelievable," Boltor utters haltingly.
"You said this information for everyone had been forgotten for a lot of years, right?" Zephyrav asks frantic.
I nod, "Now all of you know the true appearance of the Dark Master."
"So," Boltor says, "the Dark Master is coming back to Dragon Realm from the Well of Souls when the Celestial Moons form the eclipse?"
"Exactly so," I reply. "He is one of black hearted phantoms within it."
"By the Ancestors," Boltor exclaims softly.
"How much longer until that happens?" Sparx asks.
I look at the giant-sized hour glass and give the Glowing Dragonfly his answer. "In four hours."
"B-But you said that the eclipse would only allow the spirits to escape for a short while." Spyro reminds me.
"Yes," I agree with him, "but if there was ever a spirit powerful enough."
Spyro and his friends exchange glances.
"There's got to be a way of stopping it." Spyro says to me.
"There is no way of stopping it." I say shaking my head. "It has been written."
"Then, why else have you told me to come here? I don't understand."
"To ride out this storm…where you'll be safe…and live to fight another day."
"Well, that sounds pretty good for me." Sparx says happily.
"What about my friends?" Spyro asks me in concern. "What about THEIR safety?"
"I fear the worst for your friends." I answer, seconding his emotion, before turning my attention to Zephyrav, Boltor, and Aquadus. "Speaking of which, it's best you three must go back to the Temple and tell Ignitus and the others everything you have heard while Spyro stays with me."
"I agree," Aquadus says with a curt nod and glances at Boltor and Zephyrav. "We don't want anything happen to Spyro when the Night of the Eternal Darkness begins. It's best he stays here."
The Electric and Wind Dragon nod agreeing with the Water Dragon.
"Wait," Spyro speaks in disbelief, gaining everyone's attention. "Am I supposed to sit here and do nothing while Cynder rejoins the Dark Master and the Ape King!?"
Sparx hovers next to his brother side and says. "Let me field this one…" Pauses and shouts obviously, "YES!"
"No!" Spyro shouts back at Sparx. Spyro glances at me and asks. "You keep talking about choosing a path but what about Cynder? She was never given a choice."
I say nothing as I gaze at him.
"Spyro," Boltor speaks with doubt in his tone. "There is nothing we can do for her. It's already too late."
"No, Boltor!" Spyro shouts in anger. "It's not too late. Not if I get to the mountain in time to save her."
Spyro's friends stare at him in fear.
"What are you crazy?" Sparx exclaims.
"Don't do it," Boltor pleads.
"That's suicide," Zephyrav tells him.
"Spyro," Aquadus says. "Gaul and an army of Apes might be expecting you."
"I'M AWARE O THAT!" Spyro shouts again interrupting them all. He continues lowering his voice, "And I don't care. Cynder was never meant to be with Malefor. She deserves better. I have to try."
The older Dragons and Sparx are silent looking at their best friend with sadness and concern in their eyes. There is no way to talk him out of it. That thought makes them lower their heads and stare at the floor. Feeling for them, Spyro walks to them and says. "I know you're worried. I am, too. I promise you that I will leave that place in time and come back here with Cynder. I will keep my guard up. I've been through worse, after all."
For a few minutes, the older Dragons and Sparx think about his little speech. Deep down, they know he is right and speaks the truth. They look at each other checking if they agree with one another. With a nod, they look back at him.
"You promise?" Boltor asks.
"I promise," Spyro replies sincerely with a nod. He is confident that he will keep his promise whatever it takes.
Boltor inhales through his nose and sighs, "Alright. We believe you."
"Count me in," Sparx says with a hand up.
"You're a brave Dragon, Spyro," Zephyrav speaks nodding in agreement. "I have faith you will come back."
"Thanks," Spyro acknowledges.
"You love Cynder," Aquadus says with a little smile. "Don't ya?"
Spyro blushes at what the Water Dragon said but this time, he did not deny the fact. He feels ready to open himself up. "Yeah, I do," he says with a smile.
Sparx palms his face hearing that confession.
"You got a lot heart, pal," Aquadus states.
Spyro glances at me and asks, "You won't try and stop me from doing this, will you?"
"No, I won't." I simply reply. "Young Dragon, I've waited far too long to watch you leave here stricken with grief and doubt. You'll need a clear mind and a pure heart if you are to withstand the evil that consumes that place."
"I know this is not the path you would choose for me," Spyro says, "but I have to walk my own path…and do what I know is right."
"So be it, Spyro," I say with a nod.
Taking a deep breath, Spyro asks me, "Now, how do I get to the Well of Souls?"
"One moment," I reply, standing up.
I walk to a secret lever disguised as a torch to pull it. The hour glass in the center of the room rises from the ground structured supports at the bottom revealing a hole.
"This tunnel will point you the way." I say to him. "You must hurry. The dark hour of the eclipse is near and haste will be your only ally."
"Alright then…" Sparx speaks to Spyro. "…well…uh, just so I know why I died. The plan is to wander into the land of darkness to face an army of creatures to be feared that will want to kill us…" He raises his voice continuing, "so we can try to rescue another creature to be feared that has already tried to KILL US!?" He pauses and then punches the air with his fists. "I'm pumped! Let's… Let's do this!"
"Wow." Spyro thinks in his head with a raised eyebrow.
Spyro walks to his friends to say goodbye before he and Sparx leave. Spyro places his foot on Boltor's shoulder and Boltor does the same.
"I wish you luck, pal," the Electric Dragon says with a smile.
"You, too," Spyro replies.
Boltor and Spyro press their heads together. Aquadus is next to say good luck to Spyro while Sparx hugs Boltor tightly on the snout promising him he will keep his brother safe. Aquadus presses his head against Spyro's and the Purple Dragon pats him on the back. Zephyrav walks to Spyro while Aquadus says his good luck to Sparx.
"Good luck, Spyro," the Wind Dragoness says.
"Same thing goes to you," Spyro reply.
Zephyrav licks Spyro on the face and Spyro presses his head against hers. Then, Spyro prepares to leap through the hole. But not before he glances at his friends and give them a nod and they nod back.
"May the Ancestors look after you, young Purple Dragon." I say my farewell. "And be careful."
"I will." Spyro promises.
Then, he jumps down the hole diving through the air. Sparx glides down the hole after him.
"Geronimo!" Sparx shouts, his voice echoing in the hole.
Aquadus glances at Zephyrav and asks with a raised eyebrow, "'Geronimo'?"
Zephyrav murmurs 'I don't know'.
"Young Dragons," I say getting their attention. "Before you leave, there is something else you and the others must know."
Spyro and Sparx fly all the way to the end of the tunnel showing them the way to the Well of Souls. Spyro looks back at the island where he left his best friends. He has to believe he will return to the White Isle with both Sparx and Cynder. He and Sparx now make haste before the Night of the Eternal Darkness arrives and…before Malefor returns.