Act II : Lost Lineage
Chapter 10
A Spectacle of Selflessness
Eighteen years ago...
The Festival of the Saviors
Following the defeat of the Dark Master, the thriving city of Warfang held a week-long festival to honor the lives that were lost in service to the protection of the realms. The countless lives, both young and old, cut down by sword and claw, were remembered once more, allowing the families of the fallen not to grieve alone. Everyone that had been laid to their eternal rest got to live again in the form of remembrance.
In the past twelve years did the misfortunate families get to feel the presence of the souls of their deceased loved ones amongst them, they are bound to nature spirits empowering the individuals with an invigorating sense of much-needed resolve. And these heroes were to thank for the utter destruction of the dark armies crumbling to complete nothingness. Without their sheer will power and courage, the city would've surely fallen within a matter of hours and the Dark Master's evil delusion would have been the end for the realms.
While partaking in the Festival of the Saviors, the atmosphere was bittersweet for everyone, joy, and grief intermingled in a potent brew of emotions.
The daylight hours of the festival, dragons, moles, cheetahs and other species alike set aside their differences to honor their fallen and living in the warm embrace of their friends and families. The entire city was engulfed in a festive mood, sparking numerous sporting events like team sparring and racing for the older dragons, and little games and crafts for the younglings. Multiple feasts provided by the Guardians and the Temple staff left everyone's stomachs filled to the brim with content. People would mingle and break bread together, as well as share stories from the war-torn battlefields. The surviving warriors of the valiant struggles from the Dark Master's armies engaged their table mates with tales of their brave exploits and acts of gallantry during these dark times.
But the moment the last few rays of the setting sun, glimmering like golden threads, disappeared a shroud of solemn descended upon the streets, hushing the commotion and seizing all activities.
While some began to turn in for the night, the others took part in special ceremonies, they gathered in the festal decorated forums of the city, thanking the Ancestors and their heroes alike for bringing forth their salvation. Most would bring flowers of a varied color palette and small portraits of their dead kin. In these cherished moments, they'd share stories with citizens to their left and right, learning of their histories and the unfortunate but glorious fates of their deceased family members. Many new friendships were formed in this one festive occasion, allowing people to grieve with someone new, giving them that extra shoulder in the event waterworks occurs. This bonding experience provided the society of Warfang with the necessary consistency to grow stronger, as a unified people, to preserve the peace for generations to come.
The festival would see its end with one last event, where everyone that lost someone close to them launched a single glowing lantern into the night sky, each dedicated to a victim or fallen warrior of this war. Hundreds upon thousands of these differently shaped lanterns lit up the skies above for hours before eventually disintegrating. Citizens would send their final prayers to the Ancestors, asking that they guide and protect their lost family members until they would meet again.
The two heroes that brought Malefor down to his knees indefinitely ending the tyranny of the ancient purple tyrant were, to say the least, a commemorative attraction to this festival. The ones who saw through the end of his evil plague of hate and destruction swiftly at their paws, Spyro and Cynder. They roamed the streets, greeting the families and offering their condolences. Cynder sadly found these events to be especially uncomfortable, learning that some of the deceased had died on her own orders or by her own claws was a tough break for her guilt-ridden soul. Some offensive words were shot towards her but were met with equal or greater amounts of support for Cynder that suppressed them. But it wasn't always like that for the first couple of years.
The once-disgraced black scaled dragoness would live most of her days within the confines of the Temple walls, rarely walking amongst the people, branded with the label of a tainted outsider. Her fear of enduring a physical altercation with an angry citizen always pestered her mind. It broke Spyro's heart to see her be berated for her crimes as the former Terror of the Skies, doing his hardest to make people see Cynder for who she was now rather than what she was forced to be back then. Very few knew of the cruel torment she endured while her mind, body, and soul were under the atrocious corruption that Malefor used to carry out his destructive vision.
When Spyro and Cynder began courting each other, the hate started to subside, as the people trusted Spyro blindly and respected his decision. It didn't take long for others to follow suit, respecting the wishes of their purple scaled savior. Soon enough, Cynder was beginning to see the world and its people in a whole new light. But even then, there was some forgiveness she knew she would never receive no matter how hard she committed to getting it. But at least she could walk the streets with her spirits lifted and her muzzle held high. Redemption was her most cherished feeling next to her undying love for Spyro.
Now twelve years down the line, they are the most essential power couple in the city. The hardest challenges had long faltered, little did they knew though, they were getting their paws deep in unfamiliar territory: parenthood.
Word spread of Cynder laying her egg like a wildfire, each whisper of the hot topic moving from household to household until the entirety of Warfang was made aware of the phenomenal news. The two young dragons were met with overwhelming praise and support, many prayers of good fortune sent in forms of letters and verbal conversation. The happiest day came when the little ice blue egg started to rumble and crack, exposing the sweet, adorable girl inside.
When Cynder carried the newly hatched hatchling out to see the world for the first time, they were met with surprising amounts of generosity in the form of whistles and cheer. Many in the city had gathered on the hatch day to support the newly appointed parents on what was primarily the most significant achievement in their entire lives. It was at that moment when her name was revealed, Avala, named after Spyro's recently deceased father, Avalon. Spyro held an emotional moment of silence to remember his father, who had been killed in a landslide in his mother's birth village; he never got to meet his mother, an Earth dragoness named Nyrinne.
They had brought Avala home from the nursery that same day, against the firm requests of the nursery caretakers, and immediately had no idea what they were doing. Waking each night to a crying hatchling and panicking when they couldn't figure out what course of action to take. Being a war hero with many years of training and combat experience never prepared them for this new type of battle; the kind of campaign they were destined to lose. The first few weeks were a living nightmare, having to resort to many books documenting on how to properly care for hatchlings and constantly seeking much-needed guidance from the discreetly amused Guardians; they weren't much help.
As young as Avala was, she proved to be a large pawful for her parents, finding ways to make parenting all the more of a challenge. It was always an uphill battle with the little ice queen. But after a year of consistent dedication and many hours lost to sleep deprivation, the pair of thirty-one-year-olds had made steady progress with their little ice dragoness. Yet, this new life still managed to bring out some good in them, filling their bodies and minds with a sense of everlasting peace; nothing in the world could take that away from them.
But the world has crafty ways of imposing new struggles on those with their feet firmly planted on the ground. Some were in the form of pain and misery, or even happiness and content. Though on occasion, it may not also be an internal affair, it could be external, hidden under the cloak of a foreign delight.
Like, meeting someone new…
The morning brought clear skies and a gentle breeze that filled the cobblestone streets with warm, glowing light and crisp, refreshing air that tickled at the noses of the people as they vacated their homes, teeming some life into the recently empty roads of Warfang. Today was already manifesting into a great day.
Spyro and Cynder padded through the streets that slowly became enveloped with activity, small shops and stalls of a variety of different products coming alive with the early risers pocket change, and the sound of singing birds were replaced by the loud commotion of well-rested citizens. Every awoken soul was ready to conquer the challenges and endeavors set for the day. They quickened their pace trying to move away from the prying eyes and listening ears.
"Still happy we woke up early?" Cynder asked, a light agitation backing her words.
"Well…," Spyro answered slowly. "I figured if we got out early enough it wouldn't be this bad of a crowd."
"And you didn't assume that everyone else had the exact same thought?" Cynder scoffed as they squeezed through a group of civilians. "Everyone and their second cousin are out today."
"Come now, it isn't that bad," Spyro tried to reassure, bowing his head kindly to a pair of moles staring at him in awe.
Cynder raised an eye ridge, her mouth gaped in disbelief. "I can still see our house from here…," she said, turning in the direction they came. "It's literally right there."
Spyro halted and followed her gaze, sure enough, there was their large manor resting at the end of the long boulevard. His violet gaze faltered, understanding the idiocy of trying to beat the morning hustle and bustle. But Cynder only rubbed more salt in the wound with the victorious smirk that taunted him.
"Don't you start with me!" Spyro warned, earning a scowl in return. "But… you may have proven your point, as much as I hate to admit it."
"Not too late to turn back now," Cynder hinted intentionally, her desire to walk home as clear as glass. "We can come back out later when some of the crowd has died down. What do you say?"
But Spyro grinned at her. "But where is the fun in that?"
"I don't know… maybe it comes in the form of an ice dragoness we created," Cynder deadpanned. "You didn't forget about that already, did you?"
"Are you jesting? No, I would love nothing more, but seeing as we haven't had a moment to ourselves in some time, let's enjoy this little break while it lasts," Spyro suggested, tilting his head the opposite direction of home.
There was some truth in his statement. Since Avala's birth, the couple hadn't spent any sort of alone time together. A little over a year ago, it would have been easily achievable, but now with a precious bundle to love and care for, it proved challenging to get some well-needed adult time. All because it was hard for either of them to be separated from the child for extended periods; a widespread occurrence among first-time parents. So, they were hesitant to neglect their parental duties for even a moment. But Spyro could see that the detachment was eating at her the most.
"Cyn," Spyro spoke softly. "You don't need to stress yourself over this. Believe me, I'm feeling the same way. It feels unnatural to be so far away from her. But, Avala has someone trustworthy watching over her, someone that wouldn't let anyone lay so much as a claw on her body."
Cynder once more stared back in the direction of home, a dejected sigh escaped her muzzle. "I know. I just can't get over the feeling of leaving her for so long."
"You've been away from her for weeks at a time in the past. She knows you'll always come home to her," Spyro affirmed, consoling his mate with a nuzzle under her chin. "Besides, we'll be home in a little while, and it will be like we never left, okay?"
Cynder nuzzled back before finally nodding, but as she opened her mouth, a loud voice interrupted her response. Her train of thought stopped dead in its tracks.
"Captain Nimbus!"
The pair turned to see a fire drake dragging his exhausted body down the street. He was clad in chain mail armor branded with the symbol of the Warfang Guard. He looked young, inexperienced, and plagued with uncertainty, his most notable feature being the frantic look in his golden eyes. The guard panted, his strained muscles struggled to support his heaving chest from collapsing to the ground. Upon noticing the presence of the world's savior's, he quickly adjusted his posture and collected himself, mentally cursing himself for committing an embarrassing act. As a last-ditch effort to assert his professionalism, the drake threw a salute to his superior.
Captain Nimbus was a large wind drake with pale blue eyes, his size and maturity complimenting the title in which he held. His light, satin grey scales adding contrast to the silver plate armor that covered the majority of his body. He carried himself with an authoritative stance, carefully examining the distressed guard before him with a slightly judgemental gaze before returning the salute.
"Oh thank… the ancestors… I found you, sir" The fire drake rasped between deep, almost painful, breaths.
"Tanzim! Why aren't you handling your post?"
"T-there is… a-a s-sit…," his muzzle seized as he stumbled forward, only to be caught in Nimbus's paws.
The older drake couldn't help but let out a small chuckle, helping the hyperventilating dragon to his feet, but forcing his haunches back down to the ground. "Easy, son. Just sit and regain your breath," he ordered stoically, allowing the fire dragon a moment to collect himself.
"Now, what seems to be of the utmost importance, young dragon? Something happening at the main gate?"
Tanzim nodded his head. "Yes, sir. There's trouble at the main gate. A small caravan with a mated pair of dragons approached the gate requesting passage into the city…"
"Doesn't seem like an issue I should be concerned with, Tanzim," Nimbus said dispassionately. "Trade caravans come and go from the city daily. What makes this one exclusive to the rest?"
"Because they aren't here to trade, sir," Tanzim continued, ignoring the interruption. "They're here to settle. And they're dead set on living here. That ice drake was determined to get through."
"Again, why does this concern me, young dragon?"
"They don't understand the concept of needing proper credentials to enter the city. I tried to explain it to them, but the male continued to get more aggressive. I had no other choice but to take some initiative and have someone relieve me so I could find you, sir," Tanzim explained quickly.
"Did a city official or anyone with the logistics brigade show up before you left?"
The fire drake responded with a nod, yet he still remained uncertain. "Well, that's not entirely true. They sent for one, but whether or not one arrived is still unknown."
"Well, when they arrive they will take care of any confusion. My involvement is unnecessary. Besides, with the festival going on, it's the reason why security is heightened. It's only a safety precaution, Tanzim. You need not worry yourself over it. Now see to it that the situation is handled."
"But, sir!" Tanzim exclaimed, the wind captain taken back by the sudden change of tone. "They have an egg. It's what they used to try and gain entry into the city."
At the sound of the explanation, Spyro's interest sparked, wondering if there was something that could be done to assist the guards and alleviate the situation brought to the Captain's attention. He approached them in long, swift strides, nodding to both the officer and his subordinate.
Cynder followed close behind him, her innate curiosity shared between them, but hidden beneath the surface of her pupils, a slight irritation rumbled. But, she knew that it was second nature of her mate to find means of assisting wherever he could. So it was better just to play along and allow her building interest to assume control.
"Ah, Master Spyro," Nimbus greeted with a slight bow. "To what do we owe the pleasure?"
"Greetings, Captain," Spyro replied, tilting his head back to stare into the Captain's gaze. "But I'm afraid my intrusion is not pleasurable. Is everything going alright? I couldn't help but eavesdrop on your conversation," Spyro replied, feeling a pang of hint guilt for poking his nose where it doesn't belong.
"Yes, you probably heard my subordinate acting out of line," Nimbus suggested, casting a dark glare at the smaller fire drake who cowered fearfully. "Raising his voice at me, trying to change my stance on a matter I've no interest in assessing personally."
"No offense, Captain, but this young guard, no matter what he said or how he said it, sought you out to receive guidance because of an issue at the main city gate," Cynder rebuked. "I believe that his issue should be taken a bit more seriously, especially if an egg is involved."
"Cynder!" Spyro hissed. "Show some tact."
The black dragoness snapped her attention to her mate, immediately noticing the pleading gaze that filled his purple eyes. Gritting her teeth behind closed lips, Cynder growled as she restrained the offensive words building in her throat, threatening to erupt. Her outburst subsided when Spyro nodded his head thankfully; she grinned half-heartedly.
The purple dragon shifted his concentration back towards Nimbus. "I sincerely apologize on her behalf, but she brings up a fair point. Now I'm not insinuating that you don't know how to do your job, but I find your lack of interest disturbing."
"The situation itself is indeed peculiar," Nimbus defended pridefully. "There is no lack of any interest, just not allowing myself to invest time and effort into the matter. Something the logistics brigade and Gate Commander have more business in that than I do."
"It shouldn't matter if someone has more business in the affair. Why not try to figure the problem out for yourself?" Spyro asked. "Instead of ruining a young family's chance at starting a new life. I understand the whole need for credentials and other important documentation, and obviously, the amounts of gold one must possess. But allowing a city official to break that news to them…? I will not allow it as long as there is a heart beating in my chest."
"Your words speak true," Nimbus sighed, sharing a glance with Cynder. "I understand I may come off as careless and harsh, but I only am because my job conflicts me with tough decisions daily. If it were up to me, I would have ordered the family through the gate instead of allowing them to be scrutinized by some admin that only cares about numbers on parchment. But my paws are tied."
"Yet no action was taken to ensure the best outcome for both the couple and the city itself," Cynder stated boldly. "It seems you failed to stand for what's right, Captain. It may be too late for you, but that doesn't mean the same for those unlucky dragons. Not if we have anything to say about it."
"I'll assist…"
"You'll assist by kindly handing over command of Tanzim so that he can relay a message for us. Call it a… professional courtesy, if you will."
Nimbus faltered, hanging his head dejectedly. His position of power undermined by one of the world's saviors, only because he didn't go against the rules to do what was right. Now because of his selfishness, a young family would have to turn back and search for a home elsewhere. If the negative came, he'd hold that guilt for the rest of his life. A simple nod was all Spyro needed to see, his mate's forceful personality and ominous charm had a way of swaying males to do her bidding. He admitted guilt to have submitted to her whims a few times in the past out of sheer intimidation. So, with a defeated sigh, he rested his eyes on the young guard.
"Until your services are deemed unnecessary, you are to assist Spyro and Cynder with any task they have in line." Tanzim nodded his understanding, his tail wagging with excitement at the prospect of handling the matters of the saviors personally. "Should anyone other than these two try to give you orders, you send them my way, and I'll deal with them personally."
"Yes, sir, I understand the task."
"But…," Nimbus continued. "You will still abide by the rules and regulations set in stone. No going rogue or acting out of line because the last thing I need is for a hopeful young dragon's career be ruined because he did the wrong thing for the right reason. Don't let me down, Tanzim."
"I wouldn't dream of it, sir," Tanzim agreed obediently. "Thank you."
"Tanzim!" Spyro blurted, attracting the fire guards attention. "How fast can you get to the main gate?"
"As fast as you need me to and then some, Master Spyro," Tanzim answered immediately, his earlier fatigue no longer visible in his body.
"Wonderful," Spyro praised. "By the time I finish speaking, you'll only have moments to spare. I need you to stall any officials bothering that family until we arrive. No matter what, they will not leave regardless of whatever decision the officials come to. Also, reassure the family that help is on the way. Bestow some sort of hope upon them. Understood?"
"Yes, Master Spyro! I understand loud and clear, but I'm not worried about any arriving officials. The Gate Commander is the one I need to stall; he's very stubborn, to say the least."
"Then priority number one is keeping him occupied until Cynder, and I arrive," Spyro nodded. "Unless there is more for you to add, I'd suggest you get going."
The fire guard quickly shot his superior a glance before turning tail and taking off in the direction of his objective. Nimbus looked up to see him leave but made no motion to try and stop him. But the moment the drake disappeared, he looked up to see Cynder flashing a victorious smirk; Spyro was relaxed, almost peaceful. The repenting drake, finally aware of the error of his ways, mentally braced himself for another batch of hurtful insults for not expressing enough humility in front of the Saviours.
Instead, his stare met a smug grin and a pair of rolling eyes. There was no hostile intent in Cynder's expression, yet he cowered slightly when she playfully intoned next to his ear.
"I'm happy to see we're finally cooperating, I hate repeating myself. Good day, Captain."
Without waiting for a response, the black dragoness took off after Tanzim, leaving Spyro and the stunned officer with quick haste. After a few moments, the purple dragon stepped forward, providing a reassuring paw on the Captain's shoulder, his entire body was shuddering, and he dripped with fear scent. The mere touch of Spyro's hand made his whole body jolt, taken back by the displaced kindness.
"You're okay now, Captain," Spyro mumbled, gently patting the drake's shoulder. "She's doesn't bite, you know."
"Are you sure about that?" Nimbus asked desperately. "Because it didn't seem like she was going to stop with just words."
Spyro shook his head as he smiled and let out a laugh. "You don't understand her as I do. She says things to those that irritate her but immediately regrets it later on. Trust me. I've had my fair share of encounters."
"Is that why you were so calm?"
The purple dragon laughed again. "Believe me, I was on edge in case Cynder decided to snap on you. But she didn't, so that's a bonus."
"Indeed it is," Nimbus swallowed. "But between the two of us, can I ask something of you, Master Spyro?"
"Sure."
"Please watch out for Tanzim," the Captain pleaded. "I knew his father during the war and know for a fact that he can get in over his head rather easily. The lad is looking like his old man with every passing day. It would ruin me to see him dig a hole he can't get out of. Promise me that you will guide him. He needs someone like you because I haven't been able to provide that guidance for him."
"Cynder and I will keep a keen eye on him, you don't have to worry," Spyro reassured. "Mind if I give you a bit of advice too before I leave?"
Nimbus nodded energetically, glancing over his shoulder, hoping he wasn't being snuck up on. The ominous female could set her watchful gaze on him any moment and this day had enough excitement to call it quits.
"If you ever find yourself in another conflicting situation like this again, don't hesitate to do the righteous thing, even if it goes against your rules and regulations. You'll find that you can sleep better at night if your conscious is clean rather than tainted. If you can abide by that, then you will have my support as well as Cynder's. Remember that being able to choose is the only true freedom anyone really has, use that freedom. Take advantage of this freedom, Captain, because you never know how long it's going to last."
And with that the purple drake trailed off to address the situation at paw, leaving a speechless Nimbus standing still as a statue and plunged in embarrassment.
"Spyro!"
Spyro hadn't even cleared the final corner when he heard his mate calling to him, understanding the seriousness of her tone forced his legs to pick up the pace as he galloped the distance, finally setting his sights upon the intriguing commotion that disturbed the peace.
Cynder's agitated, yet determined expression took the spotlight of his attention immediately. Her active form, ready to pounce at the first sign of an impending unjust behavior had him staring in awe at the magnificent attraction that he was proud to call his mate. No matter how dire the situation was, he always found a spare moment to appreciate the divine dragoness. Maybe it was just male instinct or the fact that her lively personality inspired him to always look forward to the next day. Either way, he just couldn't help himself not to stare captivated.
Cynder turned towards him as he approached. She waited until he stopped next to her to begin speaking.
"Took you long enough!" she said irritably.
Then again there were times, when his captivation worked against him, in the form of an indignant Cynder that just couldn't believe he still found time for childish antics. Experience taught him that keeping a female waiting for petty reasons was a novice move.
The drake was caught off guard as if he were ambushed by a band of apes. For a moment he struggled to unravel the knot binding his tongue.
"Sorry," Spyro panted apologetically. "Had a few words to share with Nimbus after you flew off."
"Teach him a lesson?"
Spyro shook his head. "Didn't need to, you got the message embedded in his thick skull. Just had a little dragon-to-dragon chat, male talk, you know."
"Shame," Cynder said sourly.
"Not meaning to interrupt your victory bragging, but there's a more pressing matter to attend to," Spyro casually inquired, tilting his head towards the main gate. He earned pout from Cynder, yet she decided not to engage him in an argument and kneel him with that menacing fear-inducing glare of hers.
The duo directed their attention at the gate, immediately spotting the Gate Commander. He was a gangly looking Earth drake, his long slender body gave his form a feminine hint, despite his asserted dominance, through a cruel pair of authoritative eyes he carried. Said pair stared intensively at Tanzim, who had planted himself between the official and the couple: an ice drake and a lightning dragoness. A simple wagon lay just beyond them.
A group of six guards surrounded them menacingly, being an intimidating factor towards the young family they intended on forcing away from the city. They glared daggers, even slightly taunting the family with subtle expressions and body language, silently praying that either one would lash out; the guards of the city gate disgustingly longed for action. But Tanzim barred his fangs at them, willing to challenge anyone that dared to lay a claw on the pair.
The ice drake also returned their glowers with an icy, piercing stare of his own, equal in amounts of hostility. His wing draping protectively over his smaller mate, keeping her close to him, his focus directed towards her safety as well as the egg she carried against her chest.
Spyro couldn't decide, whether to feel impressed at Tanzim for taking their orders to heart and risking his physical integrity possibly or disgusted that his own brethren he so valiantly fought to protect was turned against each other.
"Are we just going to stand here and allow this to happen?" Spyro asked. "This is a wrong and malicious treatment of an individual let alone a family with an egg."
"No, we're not going just to stand here and observe," Cynder responded, not taking her emerald gaze off the family. "Let's get over there before it gets out of paw."
Spyro needn't hear this a second time, his actions speaking louder than words as he treaded quickly towards the surrounded family, hoping to relieve them from the tightening belt of guards suffocating them. Cynder was by his side the entire way, her eyes poised to seek salvation for the family being harassed. Their heads perked up as they could distinguish frustrated voices the closer they got.
"…move out of the way!"
"Never!"
That was Tanzim! The fire drake was taking a defensive stance, his feet wide and head reared back. His menacing teeth outlined his strained maw in full display, daring anyone to make a move.
"Those two have no business in this city," The Commander spoke, pointing a claw at the mentioned dragons, unaware of the approaching saviors behind him. "Now, either you will stand down and move out of our way, or I'll have you arrested and thrown in jail! So I say again, move out of the way; that is a direct order, Tanzim!"
"I'm sorry, Commander Landau, but I'm not moving an inch, and you are definitely not arresting me," Tanzim snapped. "I'm under strict orders to keep this family here."
The skinny earth drake looked to the encroaching guards and nodded a silent, predesignated order to them. And with no need for a response, the surrounding force shifted simultaneously towards Tanzim and the family. The fire guards previously toughened appearance turned fearful, desperately looking for his own salvation.
"Still want us to try, Tanzim?" Landau sneered. "Or does your insubordination need to be dealt with first?"
"Break me down, and I'll only keep rising up," Tanzim replied coldly, eyeing each guard with equally cold eyes. "The ill-treatment of these two dragons is wrong, and all of you know it. You disgrace your positions as members of the Warfang Guard."
"Be careful with your words, dragon," Landau warned.
The guards shared a momentary glance with one another, trying to make out what the other was thinking, wondering if maybe the smaller fire guard made a clear point. But they didn't need to consider a second longer as a loud roar erupted nearby, drawing their muzzles away to investigate the source.
"Enough!" Spyro shouted, stepping into the ring of dragons, staring them all down and forcing their bodies to back off. "Cease all hostilities this instant! The whole lot of you should be ashamed of yourselves!"
The surrounding guards immediately dropped their aggressive stances, taking more modest sitting postures and opening the circle they formed, giving everyone more breathing room. Each of their faces not only genuinely regretful over their actions, but ashamed that they disappointed the saviors in the process.
Although Commander Landau continued to stand defiantly, fangs revealed and muscles tensed; he was ready for a fight.
"What is this outrage?!" He demanded. "You dare meddle in the business in which you have no voice?"
Spyro squared up with the skinny green drake, returning the gesture coldly as he spoke slowly. "Mistreating this poor family and scaring them is not how we do things, regardless if they are missing credentials. To think you used fear and threats make me sick. So yeah, I'd say I have a voice in the matter."
"They also have an egg," Cynder added, taking her place beside Spyro. "Not that any of you seemed to care anyway."
As if on cue, the small lightning dragoness revealed to them the little yellow egg in her grasp, before quickly hiding it away from prying eyes. Her ruby red eyes filled with fear as the scales on her body shook violently. She was pulled in tightly by her more massive mate, who nodded gratefully to Cynder, yet he still held some malice in his eyes towards Spyro, but the purple drake didn't seem to notice.
"It was him that got our attention because he alone saw the unfairness of your actions," Spyro gestured to Tanzim, who raised his head proudly, though his body practically screamed his fear. "We ordered him to do the right thing and stall you before something bad occurred."
"And had we not shown up, he might have been hurt badly in the process," Cynder said softly, looking each guard carefully in the eye. "You don't want to live with that kind of memory on your conscious, trust me, I know."
Tanzim drooped his head sadly at the sight of his colleagues slumped shoulders, their actions betraying their thoughts; they were assuming responsibility and taking all of the credit for their efforts. The realization that their claws may have been moments from tearing into his scales finally hitting them.
"You see what you've done, Commander?" Spyro spoke seriously. "You were ready to allow your own subordinates turn on their own colleague. Now because of it, they may never be the same. Turning brother against brother is the one thing you never want to achieve."
"We tried a peaceful approach, but he was being as stubborn as they come," Landau explained through closed teeth, pointing at Tanzim. "He gave us no choice, but to become hostile. Any injury that he might have received would have been on his own accord. He was hindering our duties and his own duties by standing in our way. Also, the city and the safety of its citizens come first and foremost. I wasn't prepared to allow them entry." He shifted his claw towards the family.
The ice drake opened to his muzzle to counter, but Cynder eyed him carefully, silently asking him to hold his tongue before he made the situation worse than it needed to be. He huffed with annoyance but kept his words to himself. The black dragoness nodded her appreciation.
"Regardless of Tanzim's actions, that doesn't justify turning fellow guards on their own brethren," Cynder said finally.
"Speaking of which, their presence here is no longer required," Spyro added. "They should return to their duties. We can handle this situation amongst ourselves, wouldn't you agree, Commander?"
Landau grunted but ultimately nodded his agreement. Clearing his throat, he spoke quick instructions to the guards. The group nodded solemnly and gave immediate obedience as they followed the orders of their Commander.
Tanzim pulled himself to all fours and turned to follow his companions, assuming his duties with Spyro and Cynder had ceased.
"You stay, young dragon!"
Tanzim nodded immediately and instead of returning to his place behind Spyro and Cynder, he took a seat in front of the green dragon. The weight of self-loathe heaving his shoulders to the point he felt like he was going to sink into the ground. But he lifted himself up to look his commanding officer in the eye.
"Commander Landau," Tanzim whispered, bowing submissively. "I'm sorry for abandoning my post as I did, but I couldn't just stand by idly and allow this family to be scrutinized. I surrender myself for whatever punishment you see fit. I promise that when this is over… I'll come quietly."
Spyro inhaled sharply at the young guard's words, remembering that the fire drake had mentioned getting properly relieved before seeking out guidance from Captain Nimbus. But now he realized that the dragon had pleaded guilty to lying to an officer and abandoning his appointed place of duty; both were severe offenses that could plant him firmly in prison for a long time. Yet, he admired the self-accountability of the young dragon for understanding his wrongdoings and fully accepting whatever disciplinary action the commander had in mind.
Landau approached the smaller fire drake, a blank expression across his features. The once-hostile drake then proceeded to sigh loudly, an internal conflict battling in his head. But what he did next was astonishing. He gingerly lifted Tanzim's chin, allowing a feeling of regret to wash over him, seeing the surrendered and distressed look in the fire guard's face.
"I can't punish someone that is willing to risk everything for the well-being of the populace, even those that aren't officially settled within the city," Landau spoke kindly, giving an apologetic smirk towards the family. "Your actions and willingness to help others go above and beyond the call of duty. This family should be grateful to you."
Tanzim smiled, his tears building up with moisture. He felt the comforting touch of Spyro and Cynder's paws as they rejoiced with the youthful guard, seeing the potential that ran through his veins and heart of gold.
Spyro was relieved that this dire situation had taken a turn for the better and they had to thank Tanzim for that. Even if he were a pure guard, the kid had spunk and a bright future to look forward too. He of all dragons comprehended the meaning of starting small but surely to its fullest extent. The Commander's speech shined a ray of hope in him too, restoring his belief in dragonkind, which had momentarily waned off.
"Thank you, young dragon," The lightning dragoness whispered. "Is there anything we can do to pay you back?"
Tanzim approached the young family, smiling his appreciation towards their resilience and perseverance from the guard's wrongful persecution.
"No need to do that, it's my pleasure, umm...," Tanzim paused, hoping to drag a name out of the dragoness.
"Oh, where are my manners?" the dragoness exclaimed. "My name is Aileen, and this is my mate, Cyrus."
"Aileen, that's a very nice name," Tanzim bowed respectfully. "I'm… genuinely sorry for how my colleagues treated you two. If there's anything that I can do for you, please just ask."
"We will bear that in mind," Cyrus answered, his words grateful, but his tone agitated as he stared spitefully towards Landau. "But I still feel our presence is still uninvited."
Commander Landau swallowed shamefully but held Cyrus's glare with a conscious-stricken look of his own. He knew that his actions towards the family weren't justified and that they might never forgive him, but the earth drake still wanted to try.
"He is sorry for the things he did to you and your mate, as well as your unborn child," Tanzim mumbled gently, hoping Cyrus would see some form of reason or understanding. "But demanding a right to settle within the city is not how we do things around here."
"Then what's the point of you stepping in to defend us if you're only going to spew the same garbage he did?"
Tanzim shook his head. "The rules and regulations are shared, and while I don't condone their actions, I support what they're trying to defend. But unlike them, I am willing to help speed up the process of getting you all settled."
"So that means we can settle within the city?"
"No, I'm afraid not," A new female voice interrupted, ruining the glorious moment the four dragons shared.
They all turned to see an orange scaled dragoness with a cream colored chest and amber eyes approaching them with young, lively steps. She wore a large satchel around her neck filled to the brim with papers and other documents. But the mere sight of the dragoness produced only an annoyed growl from one dragon: Tanzim.
"Unless of course they can provide legal documentation identifying who they are and where they come from, a written letter of recommendation from a current resident of the city, as well as a one-time service fee of five-hundred gold," The dragoness explained quickly, her eyes widened at the sight of Tanzim before scrunching up to thin slits.
"Well isn't this day just full of surprises," the orange dragoness grumbled through gritted teeth. "To think I was getting tasked out to assist a potential new resident, but here I am getting blessed by your presence."
"It's good to see you too, Lyla," Tanzim spoke sarcastically, rolling his eyes at the young dragoness. "To think they were actually going to send a real official from the logistics brigade, but they must be dealing with other matters, so they sent you instead."
Spyro gently cleared his throat, grasping the attention of the obviously annoyed fire dragon. "Tanzim, who is this?"
"Oh, sorry!" Tanzim expressed loudly. "Everyone! This is Lyla, a recruit…"
"Official," Lyla interjected aggressively.
"Whatever…," Tanzim continued. "She is an official recruit with the logistics brigade and… my former lover of three years until she decided that she wanted someone more, oh what's the word…, exotic."
"Don't flatter yourself, hothead," Lyla mumbled. "You know exactly why we separated!"
"The word commitment comes to mind. Something that you failed to grasp. Tell me, sweetheart, how's that been going for you?"
"Haven't had any issues so far," The orange dragoness said proudly. "Also, don't call me sweetheart. You lost that privilege a long time ago. Should've buried you in the ground when I had the chance."
"Aww, I didn't realize the single life made you this happy and willing to commit such a serious crime," Tanzim mocked. "If I had of known that, I wouldn't have wasted three years of my life."
Puzzled snouts shifted between the two bickering dragons, Cynder and Spyro looked at each other with hopes of making any sense of this and basked together in their own amusement. Landau, however, was having none of it, this day had already taken a toll on his nerves.
"Tanzim!" Commander Landau happily interrupted. "Stop antagonizing the girl so that we can help move this family along. You're wasting my ears away with your petty arguing."
"You should listen to your boss, Tanzy," Lyla pressed. "Wouldn't want to disappoint him, would you?"
"You wouldn't know disappointment if it came and bit you right on the…!"
"TANZIM! Shut. Your. Mouth. Please."
"The same goes for you too, missy!" Spyro disrupted. "Whatever quarrel you have with him can be held off for another time."
"By the Ancestors, I hope when Avala gets older, she never acts like these two," Cynder silently prayed, only receiving an unsure chuckle out of Spyro. "Makes you wonder how she'd be if she had a sibling."
Spyro snapped his muzzle shut, hoping his mate wasn't hinting at the possibility of another child. "After the last year of late nights, I think our paws are already full with only one kid to worry about."
"Fine," Cynder grumbled. "We'll stick with one child… for now."
Spyro felt a cold drop of sweat drip down his neck, he stifled a chilling shiver.
"Lyla was it?!" Spyro asked loudly, earning a glare from Cynder and a nod from the logistics dragoness. "What exactly do these two need to provide?"
"Right, of course," Lyla quickly apologized, taking her eyes away from an irritated. She swiftly approached the young family, eyeing them delicately. "I require certain documents before we can consider housing anybody. Firstly, I need identification papers showing who you are and wherever it is you came from."
"Do you have that?" Cynder asked nicely.
Cyrus eyed his mate carefully, who nodded to him with similar amounts of caution, as he withdrew to his wagon and retrieved a pair of small parchments before depositing them into the outstretched paw of the young dragoness. The procedure lasted but a few moments.
She quickly scanned both pieces of paper, reading the information immediately to herself, occasionally glancing up at both dragons. "Where are you both from?"
"Koniya," Aileen answered. "A small village only a few days from here."
Lyla shrugged, finding the lightning dragoness's response acceptable. She asked a few more confirmation questions as per standard protocol before kindly returning the papers to Cyrus, who slid the important documents back into his satchel.
"If everything else goes as smoothly, I will just ask that you, please provide those documents once more so that I can make copies," Lyla explained. "It helps the administrators keep track of who is living in the confines of these walls. They like to stay organized."
Spyro noticed the quick, fearful look that Cyrus and Aileen shared, but didn't overthink about it. Yet, the old feeling that something wasn't right lingered like a pest in his mind, but he chose to ignore it. There would be time to sate his curiosity later.
"We understand," Cyrus responded. "Wouldn't want to disappoint, right?"
"No, definitely not," Lyla smiled. "Now! The next two items are the real game changers: a letter of approval from a sponsoring individual or individuals and a five-hundred gold service fee. One can't exist without the other."
The couple exchanged uncertain glances, both dragons heads and tails slumped as if life had been sucked out of them. Apparently, they did not expect to enter Warfang would be such a goliath of a task.
"Well, that's unfortunate because…," Cyrus began with a sigh. "We cannot provide either of those things. It never occurred to us until now that you had to possess those big-ticket items. Aileen and I gave up nearly everything we owned to move out here."
Aileen nodded in support of her mate's words. "Everything in our name is in that wagon," she said, tilting her head towards the wheeled object. "We had hoped to settle so that we can raise our little one somewhere where we can better provide."
"But now, it seems we can't because we don't have the money nor a sponsor," Cyrus added, gently stroking the surface of the egg. "I don't want my son or daughter to be born into a world where I can't put food on the table and provide to their basic needs. Surely, you must understand this, right?"
Spyro could feel his own heart crumble in sympathy for the two parents, willing to risk everything they owned on something they couldn't possess, all so that they could give their unhatched child a chance at a blessed life in a big city. It stung to make him realize that there were other families like this one that couldn't fill their children's bellies or give them a warm place to rest their heads. All while his mate, his daughter, and himself lived in luxury without a care in the world about when their next meal was or where they'd rest their bodies at night. A knot formed in his stomach as he realized how far off he'd treaded from his morals, feeling selfish for not recognizing his kind needed more than a last-minute savior.
"Without those two items, I can't promise placement in the city," Lyla kindly sympathized. "In fact, I wouldn't stake everything trying to do as such. I'm so sorry for the trouble, but I can't do anything else for you. I truly do hope that you will find a home to raise your child."
Spyro watched the young family's world begin to shatter before his purple gaze. Seeing Aileen press her muzzle into her mate's shoulder broke him personally, understanding their hardships. To them, they had reached the end of the line, their true destination nowhere in sight. He'd be their pathfinder to a new goal if all it took were a small chunk of his wealth, he had grown up in a swamp for Ancestor's sake! He never wished for all that fancy stuff anyway.
He saw that it hurt young Lyla too, probably never have done this to anyone before, her excitement to help a family broken by having to be a bearer of bad news. But it brought him comfort to see Tanzim approach her and whisper reassurances into her ear. It amazed him to watch the guard set aside their petty rivalry to make her feel better, offering his shoulder to bury her face in, which she obliged without hesitation.
But at least there was something he could do about it all, the tears being shed would not be in vain. Something that he knew was right and with a glance towards Cynder, Spyro saw that she was thinking the same thing. So, the purple drake cleared his throat, gathering everyone's attention.
"They don't have to search any longer," Spyro said proudly. "Because Cynder and I will provide whatever is necessary to get them fully settled. We'll also take care of the one-time fee and sponsor them."
The thick and heavy sighs of relief that emanated from Cyrus and Aileen filled the surrounding air with an overwhelming feeling of joy and peace. Their saving grace they had prayed for didn't come from high above in the home of the Ancestors, but from level ground in the form of a purple dragon and black dragoness, whose combined hearts were about as golden and merciful as they came.
Cyrus and Aileen both let their tears run rampant down their cheeks, happily kissing each other and lovingly nuzzling the egg that the lightning dragoness still carried.
"You don't know what this means to us, Master Spyro," Aileen croaked happily, wiping the excess moisture around her eyes. "You've given us an unpayable debt, and we're eternally grateful to you and your family."
"Why do this for us?" Cyrus gently demanded.
Cynder melted at the display of a genuine family moment, she never had the chance to do much good in her life until Spyro popped into her life, every small step at redemption always meant the world to her.
"It wasn't just because we found the mistreatment towards you earlier inappropriate," Spyro answered. "But seeing your egg and the possibility of you not having a home to stay in, it… it made me think of my own daughter, the one thing I cherish most in this world. I just couldn't allow myself to return to her without making your lives equally as great as my own."
"I can't begin to express how grateful I am to you, Master Spyro," The ice drake said.
"Please, just call me Spyro. I think if we're going to be seeing each other for a while we may as well be on a first name basis."
The purple dragon shifted his vision over towards Lyla who was in quiet conversation with Tanzim. He smiled contentedly to see that both of them exchanged happy grins, impressed that the pair had temporarily, maybe permanently, tossed their former disposition of each other aside. He stared intently at the orange dragoness until she noticed his piercing gaze.
She slowly walked away from the fire guard, running her tail under his chin, which forced a stifled laugh from Spyro as he watched the shocked expression turn Tanzim's scales a deeper shade of red stiffening the poor drake in place. Lyla grinned as she took a seat in front of Spyro, looking at him with patience.
"What else needs to be done?" Spyro asked. "The faster these two are taken care of the better."
"I can handle the rest from here," Lyla informed. "All I ask is that either you or your mate stay behind to be a witness to document signing and to sign some papers of your own."
The purple drake nodded. "And the one-time service fee? When is the deadline set to expire?"
"Whenever you get the chance," Lyla shrugged without the slightest hint of concern. "It's preferable not to leave any loose ends, but as long as it does get paid there really is no deadline."
"I'll arrange it as soon as time allows it," Spyro promised before looking at Cynder. Lyla dipped her head and dismissed herself, walking towards the happy family, her place quickly taken by Commander Landau.
"You're the only dragons in Warfang I'd expect to bless this family with such a deed," The green dragon praised. "In all my years of being the Gate Commander, I've never seen someone perform a more noble act than what you and your mate just did. This city and the world should be proud to have you, and if there is anything that you need to be done, you'll always find me here at the main gate. But other than that, I bid you and your family good fortune."
Before Spyro could give a thankful response, the green drake walked by him and disappeared through an open door of a structure attached to the city wall, likely the command post of the gate watch. In that time, Cynder had leaned into him and began to nuzzle his neck, rubbing her soft, black scales against his vivid, violet scales.
"Do you want to stay behind to help Cyrus and Aileen, or shall I?"
The black dragoness sounded a chuckle deep within her throat, gently nudging her mate with her wing. She knew that signing documents was never his forte. "I can take care of it, hearts and minds is my specialty, besides my senses, are telling me that you have someone you need to talk to."
"Who?"
Cynder dipped her head in the direction of Tanzim, who sat with his side to the group, eyes focused on the main gate. His body language alone showed he was ready to return to his duties, but his eyes betrayed the torment raging within his head.
Spyro understood her intentions, silently acknowledging that the young drake was having a difficult time despite all the rightful deeds he'd performed for one day. If he was going to make the best of the situation he needed everyone's spirits lifted.
"I'll meet you at the house after I've gotten Cyrus and Aileen settled," Cynder pressed. "Go talk to him, find out what's wrong and provide some guidance with that golden heart of yours. He'll listen to you."
"I know," Spyro breathed. "I have an idea about the struggle that rages inside of him because I've seen that look before and know that it doesn't bode well."
"Where?"
Spyro shrugged, adopting an unsure posture. "Can't remember off the top of my head sadly, but Nimbus made me promise to look after him, so I intend to honor that agreement. Also, since when is hearts and minds your specialty? Because you were prepared to tear Nimbus a new one if I hadn't stepped in."
"Different interpretation, same result," Cynder winked. "Besides, if I really wanted to hurt the Captain what would you have done to try and stop me? Answer very carefully."
Seeing the intimidating shine in her emerald eyes made the purple drake gulp fearfully. She was again toying with his mind, playing that dominant position in their relationship she ruled with an iron fist. She might have been slightly smaller than him, but she exceeded him in everything else, especially when it came to fear. It wasn't hard to tell that she made his scales crawl.
"Why do you do this to me?"
"Because you wouldn't have me any other way," She said simply. "Now go take care of Tanzim."
The dark scaled dragoness gave him a quick peck on the cheek before she followed Lyla and the new residents. As she walked, Cynder put a little extra sway in her hips, knowing that her mate was ogling her backside with an arousing temptation. Getting him to stare was easy, taking advantage of him was easier because all drakes no matter the age carried the same teenager mentality that could quickly get them in trouble.
As she rounded a corner and disappeared, Spyro shook his head, getting his delinquent thoughts back to stable ground. He felt hot under his scales, hoping nobody caught him eyeballing his mate's seductive curves. Luckily for him, the only drake in the vicinity was Tanzim, who had been looking the opposite way the entire time. Now it was time to chat with the young, troubled dragon.
"Hey, Tanzim," Spyro called, inviting the drake to sit next to him.
Tanzim dipped his head but didn't say a word as he padded slowly towards the savior. His entire body sagged, and he held himself dangerously low to the ground. It was disheartening to see the motivated and bright fire guard at such a low level of pitifulness. Sitting next to the purple dragon, avoiding the lilac iris that peered at him curiously with an averted gaze.
"What's wrong?"
"I don't know."
"You don't know? Or you don't want me to know?"
"I don't know!"
"Tanzim, I know something is bothering you. It's plain as day," Spyro asserted firmly. "How can I tell? Because literally moments ago, you were enjoying Lyla's company with a smile on your face, which was a huge step up from the insults and jabs you two shared earlier."
Spyro noticed the flicker of hope he had been wanting to see in the form of Tanzim finally looking up at him. Something about saying the name of the orange and cream colored dragoness ignited the spark that would get the answers he sought after.
"Does it have something to do with her?"
Now there was genuine hurt in the young drake's eyes.
"Did you say something you wish you could take back?" Tanzim shook his head. " Then what's going on? I don't get visions about every little thing, you know!"
"It's not about what I said," Tanzim mumbled. "It's what I didn't say to her."
"Talk to me," the purple demanded gently and smoothly. "What exactly didn't you say?"
"I didn't tell her sorry for ruining things between us. For being a self-centered jerk and putting my duty towards this city above my love for her. For shutting her out during my tough days and isolating myself. For everything! I blame her for everything, but really I am blaming myself."
"So it's love that's bothering you," Spyro understood immediately, giving the drake a reassuring chuckle. "Tanzim, let me ask you something. What are your thoughts on my relationship with Cynder?"
"With all due respect, I wouldn't have any idea about your relationship because I don't allow myself to peddle gossip about you two," Tanzim answered respectfully. "But since you asked for my opinion, I would imagine that you two were meant for each other after everything that you two went through. That's my best guess, just based off history books."
"You're not wrong, but Cynder and I are far from perfect," Spyro admitted. "And after all these years, we are still nowhere close to being perfect even though we have a child to care for. You see that's the thing about perfection; it's an unachievable goal that young couples fail to grasp. You can't force a relationship to work in your favor, you have to surrender to it and allow it to flow freely. If you try and force it, it's going to find ways to bite you in the end."
"Had I not screwed up, I'd be with her right now, but when it came down to picking between my love for Lyla and my love for my job, I chose poorly, losing my best friend and better self in the process. I live this job every day with that heavy weight of regret hanging by a string over my head. She was my world when we were together, and I tossed her aside to take this job."
"You know, it always comes down to fulfilling your duty or giving in to desire. By the time you've made a decision you'll be a changed dragon, and when you reflect on your past choices, you'll always be mad at yourself for not picking the other side, despite your best efforts to juggle duty and relationship."
The purple dragon paused momentarily, reflecting on one such occasion.
"I'm not one to lead by example here, disregarding my elders' words to forget about Cynder. Immaturity and naivety got the better of me and yet it somehow worked out in the end, despite the uneven odds. I saw something in Cynder, and you see something in Lyla too. However, neglecting your commitment to the greater good until the very last moment is bound to cost you something you hold dear eventually. It cost me for sure."
Tanzim stared confusedly at the purple dragon, trying to interpret his last few words, but he came up empty. And despite his growing interest, he could tell that it wasn't a price that Spyro had wanted to pay, and instead of pushing for an answer, he left it well enough alone.
"Does that make sense?" Spyro asked.
"It does," Tanzim replied. "I never realized that I could get so wrapped up with my desire to defend and protect that I was neglecting someone who I still love with all my heart. I just don't know where to start rebuilding."
Spyro nodded. "It's going to be an uphill battle for sure. Though I observed how well you conducted yourself today and I have faith in your ability to do and say the right thing. You set a solid foundation by giving her a shoulder to cry on. Build up from there, keep reminding yourself that you can always find the answer both in the mind and in the spirit."
Spyro exclaimed these last few words as he pointed a talon at his head and then lowered it to his chest, tapping it a few times. Tanzim was astonished at the dragon's way with words. The history books described him as a being who defeated an army on his own, so naturally, he expected him to be a bit more brutish and stoic.
Instead, he found a relatable gentle guide, who reignited the meek flame smoldering in his heart that represented his will and courage. He was reminded that even the greatest among his kin tasted bitter downfall at some point in their lives, deducing it'd be idiotic of him to surrender both his duty and love only to resort to self-pity.
He pondered how to respond, but was stopped by Spyro.
"I know this is a lot to take in, but you can pick up the pieces, life would have no point without ups and downs. If you are ever in need of any assistance or just need someone to talk to, feel free to knock on my door, you're always welcome in my home. Now go get your girl, you already have her warmed up."
Tanzim chuckled at the joke and nodded appreciatively.
"You've probably heard this a million times before, but I can't thank you enough, Master. Both my mind and spirit say that I should go settle this now."
With that, the encouraged dragon disappeared hastily, ready to turn a new leaf in life. Spyro watched him proudly until he escaped his field of view. With a relaxed sigh and after making sure no one was around he commemorated himself.
"Oh, Spyro, you really outdid yourself this time. I'm so gonna boast about this in Cynder's face."
A/N: For those of you that are confused, this chapter is indeed a flashback. If I lost you at any point, I do sincerely apologize. I hope you like what I have written, the fun stuff is only just beginning.
Also, I have added a new cover art for this story. It is an accurate representation of my character, Tango. He was drawn by my beta-reader, TheDragonPhylakas. He drew my character out of pure kindness and is planning on drawing my other OC, Tango's adopted sister, Avala. Make sure you guys check out his one and only story, he'd really appreciate some positive feedback.
Make sure to check out my author page for up to date news on this story. Cheers to all you ladies and gents for 7,000 views.
God Bless and Take Care!
Atlas FF Out