Chapter 11: The Breaking Point

...

A few hours have passed since Fort Shinigami was destroyed by Oculos. The group had set up a camp in the jungles outside of Tasangot and Spyro was using his fire breath to start a fire. The group sat down around the crackling fire and started talking to pass the time.

"Well, that went better than I expected." Cynder commented as she helped Hera gently lay Luna on a pile of soft leaves that Soturi placed for them.

"Can you heal her, doc?" Mentem asked with a concerned expression as he looked at his fallen companion.

"Yeah, I can heal her. I just need to go vampire and suck the poison out of her." The poison dragoness answered cheerfully, trying to make light out of the situation.

No one laughed at her joke and she rolled her eyes at them. She bent over the unconscious wolf.

"Can someone hold her steady in case she wakes up?" Hera requested as she quickly glanced at the group.

Mori stepped forward and held Luna's arms down while Cynder pinned her feet. Once they believed that the wolf was secured, Hera carefully bit into her neck and commenced to suck the poison out of her system. Because she was a poison dragoness, the poison wouldn't hurt Hera and she was able to successfully extract the deadly chemicals without waking Luna. She peacefully woke up a few moments and she groggily looked up at the dragoness above her.

"All done!" the poison said cheerfully once she pulled away and she adjusted her glasses over her eyes. "I healed you." She told the wolf once she saw her confused expression.

Almost everyone in the group sighed in relief and visibly relaxed. They were happy that their friend was okay and the healer began explaining what happened earlier at Fort Shinigami. As the two girls talked, everyone else looked over at the hat wearing fear dragon.

"You shouldn't have gone out by yourself, Mentem. You could've gotten yourself killed." Spyro scolded with a disapproving frown. "But I'm happy that you were able to save Luna with Hunter's help." he quickly added with a smile.

"At least he didn't push Luna into the fire… like he did to Tula." Blaze commented spitefully as he glared at the robed fear dragon, gaining everyone's attention.

"Huh… what is Blaze talking about?" Luna asked as she looked over at the two tense males.

"Well, Mentem, Spes and I were protesting in Warfang while you were gone and Mentem accidently hurt Tula. She's okay though, don't worry. It was all just an accident." Electra explained to the very confused wolf.

"Accident or not, it shouldn't have happened. Mentem was being a reckless fool." Blaze spat with anger in his voice, earning a hateful glare from the fear dragon.

"It was a damn accident, you thick skulled pest. I admit that it was my fault and I shouldn't have pushed her, but I've said I was sorry. I don't need everyone scolding me every chance they get, especially from a punk like you." Mentem replied, trying his best to remain calm.

"Shut up!" the fire dragon yelled angrily as he bolted up. "Even Typhoon hates you! Everyone hates you! We could've rescued Luna without you! You have no place here! I refuse to allow you to hurt Tula again and MY friends!" he screamed as he trembled with rage.

"You think Tula loves you?" Mentem asked all of a sudden as he slowly stood up. "I've known her longer than you have; she's practically my little sister… I've seen the way you look at her. Let me tell you this; she doesn't love you," the hat wearing dragon told the Blaze with hate in his voice.

Everyone was shocked by these words because they all knew that Blaze had a crush on Tula. They all looked over at the fire dragon to see him trembling even more and the veins behind his scales could easily be seen.

"Typhoon would never allow a dragon like you near his last daughter. He probably trusts me around her more than he trusts you and your stupid temper. You either need to get some mental help or stay the fuck away from my family." the fear dragon continued with a death glare.

Blaze roared loudly all of a sudden before he tackled Mentem to the ground. The hat wearing dragon easily kicked him away however and they both glared at one another as they stood up. They were about to charge at each other again, but Soturi quickly stood in between them.

"Stop." The gargoyle ordered calmly. "Save your rage for the enemy." he told them both.

"NO!" Blaze boomed as he leapt forward, but the gargoyle grabbed him from the air and pinned him to the ground, greatly surprising everyone.

"I said stop." Soturi hissed with his fangs barred.

The Fire dragon exhaled some black smoke and tried to struggle out of the stronger gargoyle's grip, but he was knocked out by a single punch from Soturi. Once Blaze was out cold, the gargoyle placed him on another pile of leaves and walked over to Mentem.

"Don't fight your allies. It doesn't matter if you don't like them or not. I… understand that you were defending yourself and you were angry, but please try to be more careful." Soturi requested calmly.

The hat wearing dragon was too stunned by what just happened to argue and he nodded. The tall gargoyle nodded back before he sat down. Mentem thought for a moment before he sat down next to Soturi. The others were shocked by what just happened too, but they decided not to say anything about it for the time being and they all looked at the crackling fire.

About half an hour passed by before the group decided to go to sleep. It didn't take long for them all to doze off, but Mentem stayed awake. He had too much on his mind to sleep and he simply didn't feel like resting.

The hat wearing fear dragon heard the sound of movement however and he saw Blaze stand up, apparently recovered from the hit he endured earlier. He watched the fire dragon leave the camp and he contemplated what he should do. He could either let Blaze leave or follow him.

After much thought and self debating, he decided to follow the fire dragon. Mentem sighed quietly as he stood up and followed Blaze into the dark jungle.

...

"Stupid, hat-wearing fear dragon…" Blaze muttered under his breath. Dark smoke rolling out of his mouth as he stepped through the dark forest with each step he took, his paws burned the grass underneath him.

"Fuck him…fuck him!" Blaze said angrily as he approached a cliff side…suddenly, fire began to radiate off of his scales. "FUCK HIM!"

Suddenly, the flames began to intensify, hot tears streamed out of his eyes, suddenly the flames flew out in every direction, creating a quiet explosion, but a bright flash in the night. When the flames died down, and the fury cloak dissipated, Blaze collapsed to the ground. Blaze then let out a roar mixed with anger and sadness…anger; that the fear dragon yelled at him and said those things that Tula didn't care about him…Sadness; because he believed Mentem's words…what if the water dragoness he'd always cared about, the same dragoness who was always kind to him, didn't have the same feelings he felt towards her?

Blaze dug his claws into the ground and continued to sob.

Ever since the day he first met Tula…he had always held feelings for the kind water dragoness; after all she was the first one to show him kindness. Blaze; when he first came to the Temple of Warfang, he was always an outsider to the other students there. He was occasionally picked on and called names. "No-Breath" "Smokey" "Fury-Boy"…all kind of hurtful names was thrown at him, all because he couldn't breathe his natural element. Also, due to his reputation and his temper and his uncontrolled furies, none of the dragons seemed to accept him.

But it was Tula who changed that. She was the first to approach him, to smile at him with genuine and sincere kindness. After meeting her, he strived to control his temper, that way he could protect her. Eventually, Blaze's circle of inner circle of friends grew. Eventually Electra gained the courage to speak with Blaze…and sure enough during that first conversation and acceptance of her as a friend, she wouldn't stop talking, which was typical of her, then there was the war veteran Spes, though he proble wouldn't openly admit it, became Blaze's friend. Even Mentem, though he wasn't sure of Blaze, well aware of the young fire dragon's abilities, even he accepted Blaze.

Blaze realized his feelings for Tula as his first year at Warfang passed. When he spoke with her at times, he would blush, which he was thankful his red scales helped cover the blush, and he noticed how she was nervous around him…he assumed that nervousness was that she felt the same way towards him…but now he wasn't so sure. What that nervousness was actually out of fear…

By now, all of the rage had been vented from Blaze's system…but it was now replaced with hurt and sorrow…

"Oh Tula…" Blaze murmured. "Why?"

Blaze closed his eyes lightly.

While Blaze was drowning in his self pity, he failed to notice a figure approach in the woods.

The figure was of The Forsworn. He was a black furred wolf, and wore similar robes that most Forsworn assassins wore, black in color with emerald green markings and a silver dragon insignia on the back.

The assassin had a reputation among The Forsworn and within the Dragon Realms…and that reputation was that he followed his orders, right to the letter, no questions asked. He did not care about the religion of The Forsworn, only that he was paid. When it came to assassination…being quiet as the dead was his most famous attribute.

The wolf had been paid handsomely by Persephone to track down the Purple dragon's group. From what he knew, the group had escaped the destruction of the Fort. All he needed to do now was assassinate each and every one in the group…starting with the fire dragon that had just left…the assassin considered what he was about to do as a favor to the sad fire dragon.

After all, the Fire dragon had a broken heart. There is no need to let him keep suffering.

Slowly, the assassin drew his sword and walked up to the seemingly asleep fire dragon…or so he thought.

Blaze immediately heard the sound of footsteps approach him…they weren't dragon's footsteps…but it was bipedal…and then there was the sound of the faint unsheathing of a blade. Blaze kept his eyes closed, and was prepared to attack. When he felt the person was close enough, he lunged forward.

Blaze quickly tackled the assassin and pinned him to the ground and placed his taons around the assassin's throat.

"You've caught me at a very bad mood!" Blaze whispered, angrily.

The assassin said nothing, but suddenly drew a hidden dagger and stabbed it into Blaze's right shoulder. Blaze roared in anger and felt the wolf kick him off and slash Blaze across the chest. Blaze felt the cold steel almost pierce his heart. Blaze quickly tried to let the fury mana build up inside him, but it was growing at a slow pace.

The assassin rammed Blaze to the ground, grabbed him by the throat and threw Blaze into a tree. Blaze smashed into the tree and clutched his wounded chest. Blaze saw the assassin walk up slowly to Blaze, and he saw the assassin reach out, grab Blaze by his throat, and began to slam his fist into Blaze's face. The young fire dragon struggled against the attacker's grip, but the combined pain in his shoulder and chest made resisting difficult.

Blaze continued to absorb more mana…but began to realize he wasn't absorbing ANY…he realized why…the blade of the knife, it was made out of dark gems…right now…the effects of that blade was still active…meaning he had no mana left!

Blaze sighed in defeat when the assassin briefly stopped.

"Just…" Blaze began, tears rolling out of his eyes, not because of the pain he felt, but hurt from thinking Tula didn't care about him. "End it…"

The assassin merely smirked and nodded.

"Good night." The assassin said sadistically. He held his blade up, ready to put the fire dragon out of his misery…Blaze anticipated the blade…seconds later he heard something pierce flesh…but it wasn't the knife stabbing him.

Blaze opened his eyes…and saw the shock in the assassin's eyes as he looked down at his chest, and saw a spear like dragon tail blade impaled through the back of his chest.

Blaze looked behind the assassin, and saw no one other than Mentem.

Mentem pulled his tail blade out of the assassin's chest, and the assassin crumpled to the ground dead, Blaze looked up at the older dragon and leaned up against the tree and stared at the ground blankly, emotion was not present in his eyes.

Metnem looked down at the fire dragon with pity and walked up to Blaze's side, and used his wing to help support Blaze up and Mentem helped Blaze walk. As the two dragons walked through the forest back to the camp, the two were silent, until Blaze said.

"I'm sorry…" Blaze muttered under his breath.

Mentem said nothing at first but then answered. "You're not the only one who's at fault…I'm partially to blame to…after all…I did lie."

Blaze looked up at Mentem, whose eyes were still focused on the camp's direction.

"Tula…" Mentem said quietly. "Thinks the world of you…"

Blaze suddenly felt the sadness wash away…

"You mean…" Blaze said.

"Yeah," Mentem said smiling lightly. "She loves you…just doesn't have the courage to say anything."

"Why?" Blaze asked. "Why lie?"

"Because," Mentem said, looking at Blaze. "Typhoon and I do have concern for her. We are both aware of your feelings for her…and your reputation…what I said a few hours ago, was more out of concern for Tula. I know it was out of line…but combined with how angry and my concern for her…Typhoon and I, even if our relationship is fragile right now, we both hold the same amount of love for Tula…"

Blaze nodded.

"You think Typhoon sent me here because he was afraid I'd…hurt her…" Blaze said.

"Possibly…but he knows that you would never willingly hurt her…" Mentem answered truthfully.

Blaze nodded and sighed.

"I'm sorry for holding it against you for this long…" Blaze apologized. "It's just…when I saw Tula run into the temple, crying, her tail and leg burnt…I just couldn't stand it…seeing her hurt both emotionally and physically…and when I found out it was you…my anger…"

Mentem nodded. "I forgive you…" Mentem said. Blaze smiled lightly and nodded.

As the two continued to walk, Blaze, for the first time since leaving Warfang, no longer felt his anger rise, now that the two had 'buried the hatchet' how Spyro put it…but Blaze noticed how Mentem seemed worried.

"You're worried about Tula?" Blaze asked.

Mentem nodded briefly. "I haven't spoken with her since the protest…this was the first time I've ever hurt her…in any form…what if she doesn't forgive me?"

"Mentem," Blaze said. "Tula loves you as her older brother…you saved her, remember…Tula would never stay angry at you."

Mentem was silent for a few seconds, but responded. "I hope you're right…"

…..

When Mentem and Blaze arrived at the camp, the group had already woken up, and was about to go searching for the two but were relieved when they found out that the two were safe and, much to everyone's relief, that the two had put their anger aside.

Hera gave Blaze some red gems, helping heal his wounds and remove the effects of the dark gem. When everyone was ready, the group began their travel to Tasangot. Hera explained to everyone that before they'd left, she had developed an antidote for the Plague, and that it was ready to be distributed when they left…meaning that by the time they got back, people would be recovering.

But the major issue was this, how to deal with revealing Mendax's affiliations with The Forsworn to the public?

The question rolled through everyone's mind as they eventually came close to the city…when they saw the city in the distance, about a mile away, the group were suddenly stopped when two dragons, both wearing silver armor, landed in front of them. One dragon was a fire dragoness, and the other was an electric dragon.

Mori's eyes widened in surprise and excitement, she nudged Spyro in the shoulder.

"They're from the Paladin Corps!" She whispered excitedly.

Spyro looked in amazement at the dragon…they looked majestic, yet had a frightening appearance should they be engaged in combat. The Dragoness approached Spyro.

"Spyro?" She asked in an emotionless voice.

"Yeah…" Spyro asked, respectfully.

The dragoness and the electric dragon bowed their heads.

"An honor…" They both said.

The fire dragoness slowly held up a scroll and handed it to Spyro.

"While you were gone, Lord Cecil instructed us to perform a special assignment…it is our duty to The Empire, and to Spectra, her children and her prophet to help protect The Goddess' legacy…" The dragoness said. "We revealed Mendax's affiliation to The Forsworn to the public of Tasangot…the citizens threatened to up rise against him and make him pay for the crimes he committed. He has also been discharged from his position on Tasangot's government, plus several other politicians as well…while going through his office, we found that scroll. It's important information that The Guardians and The Prophet must see…"

Cynder walked forward. "What kind of information?"

The dragoness looked at Cynder.

"Information that could help settles the conflicts among the Atlawa and the apes…and why The Forsworn are so interested with The Gargoyle's lands." The Paladin dragoness said.

Spyro and Cynder nodded.

"I'll give this to the council." Spyro said. "Do you need our help in the city?"

The dragoness shook her head. "No…Mendax is under house arrest and will be taken to Warfang for trial in three days, since the politicians in Tasangot who weren't involved with Mendax's plans don't trust some of the guards of the city and believe that Mendax's information would benefit The Empire in our mission to prevent further Forsworn attacks."

Spyro nodded.

"Thanks." Spyro said.

The two paladins bowed their heads.

"May the ancestors watch over you all, and protect you in future battles." The Electric Dragon said, suddenly, the two Paladins flew into the sky…and seemingly vanished.

Spyro looked at the scroll and looked at Cynder.

"Why do I get the feeling it's not going to be this simple?" Cynder asked.

"It never is…" Spyro responded as the group made their way to Tasangot.

...

Tasangot: unknown building within the city's higher class, Safe-house for Forsworn agents and allies

Persephone had returned to Tall Plains a day after she'd left…upon hearing about what happened at Fort Shinigami, she knew she had to speak with Oculos and also meet with her contact, Mendax, after the events that unfolded after he was taken out of power.

As Persephone walked through the halls of the building that she was meant to meet Mendax at, she saw Oculos standing in the entrance hall…looking at the floor aimlessly. He looked up at Persephone as soon as she entered. He bowed his head lightly…

"Persephone…" Oculos said quietly. "I…was unable to finish Spyro…he and his group escaped."

Persephone, for a few seconds, said nothing. Oculos was almost afraid to look up at his leader…he had never failed her before…he didn't know how she would take this. But, felt her place her paw underneath his chin and slowly he looked up at Persephone…and saw her look at him with sincere concern.

"He and his mate wore the armors forged from Spectral ore." Persephone said softly. "I should've known he would be given the armor, you didn't know it would protect him from your abilities. What happened was my fault. You didn't fail me Oculos."

Oculos wasn't convinced, but he nodded lightly.

Persephone straightened up, and Oculos knew that it was time for them to meet with the fat dragon himself. As the two began to walk through the halls, Persephone went straight to business.

"Have you assembled Orm and the others?" (1) She asked. Oculos nodded.

"They arrived a day ago…they wait for you to meet them." Oculos said, but he briefly motioned her to stop and he whispered to her. "But are you sure we can trust them…none of them seem to care about our cause…they each seem to care about what their desires are."

"I understand your concern, Oculos…but when The Empire and The Goddess fall…they will help maintain the new world." Persephone said, assuring her second in command that she was in control. The two began to walk and Persephone said. "And besides, that makes them easier to manipulate."

As the two approached the meeting hall…Persephone and Oculos stopped when they saw a ice dragoness walk out from the kitchens, in one paw was a tray with a pitcher of wine and three wine glasses…most likely for Persephone, Oculos and Mendax when they have their meeting.

Oculos noticed a smirk appear on Persephone's lips. Oculos looked at the Dragoness…and noticed a hint of fear in the dragoness' eyes as she was walking towards the meeting hall…he also noticed bruises on her skin. Oculos realized that the dragoness was one of Mendax's 'personal' maids…Oculos was aware of the fat dragon's sex craved mind.

"What are you thinking?" Oculos asked quietly.

Persephone looked at Oculos and reached into her robe pocket, showing a vial of clear liquid.

"Tell me Oculos, have you ever heard of the play 'The death of King Pegasus'? Which was written four centuries ago." (2) Persephone said quietly.

Oculos nodded. "Yes…"

Persephone grinned. "Mendax has served his purpose…and his use is already finished…now it is time to dispose of him…and I plan on making his death…sort of ironic."

"How so?" OCulos asked, rather intrigued.

Persephone laughed lightly and said, darkly. "All he cares in life is wine and beautiful women…I say…it's time he regretted those desires."

...

Mendax was sitting in his seat within the meeting hall. The other politicians were doing their various businesses elsewhere and he was expecting company. He looked up to see one other than Persephone and Oculos walk in with his maid leading them in.

"There you are… the two leaders of the Forsworn. Welcome to my city. Let me take the moment to say that I am the one in charge here and as long as you behave yourselves, you'll do just fine here in Tasangot." the overweight fire dragon told them with a casual tone of voice.

'Is this guy suicidal!?' Oculos asked in his head as his left eye twitched a little.

Deciding not to comment on his words, the two Forsworn leaders sat down across from Mendax and the maid gently placed the drinks on the table. The fat dragon smirked as he used his tail to slap her rear, making her yelp.

"Thanks. Now go to my bedroom and wait for me there." he ordered with a smile as he grabbed one of the glasses with his right forepaw.

The two Forsworn leaders frowned heavily when they saw the maid nod with a heavy blush and sad frown before walking out of the room. Once she was gone, Oculos and Persephone grabbed their drinks as well.

"So, I'm guessing that you two are hear because of what happened recently." the fire dragon started his guests took sips of their drinks.

"Yes. You allowed yourself to be exposed and have been ignoring your other duties for the Forsworn; and those you did follow were poorly executed." Oculos replied with a disapproving frown.

"So I am to blame? Bullshit. You two weren't specific enough with your orders and you should've done more to help me out here in Tasangot. It's your fault that things have gotten this bad." the city mayor stated before he took a swig of his drink, almost downing the whole thing in one gulp.

"You are lucky, with the way you are accusing me of your failures, that I don't kill you myself… it's sad really… that you only have seconds to live. " Persephone spoke with a dark tone of voice.

"Wha…?" Mendax started but he started convulsing at that moment and he coughed up some blood onto the table and glass.

The dark dragoness merely smirked at the overweight dragon and watched as he started wheezing between loud coughs.

"How ironic, isn't it? A lazy dragon like you has been killed by the two things he is obsessed over…the wine… and one of your own waitresses, whom was so happy and willing to put the poison in the wine." Persephone explained with a big grin as the male dragon fell to the floor. "Goodnight Mendax." she said with a toothy grin.

Mendax let out a loud gurgling noise before he layed still, never to move again. The dark dragoness merely chuckled as she and Oculos stood up. They heard the door open and looked to the entrance to see the maid walk in with wide eyes.

"I don't get it… you told me to poison all the glasses, how are you two okay?" the ice dragoness asked with honest curiosity.

"Quite simple, my dear. I cannot be killed by normal means and I gave Oculos here the cure to the poison." Persephone explained casually.

"Wow… thank you for freeing me from that pig… I don't even want to talk about what he did to me every night…" the former maid expressed her gratitude and Oculos rested a paw on her shoulder. "If I could do anything to repay you… please let me know." she added, causing the dark dragoness to smile.

"Don't worry, my dear. I think you'll be very useful to the Forsworn." Persephone told her with a smirk.

A/N: Persephone maybe manipulating and ruthless, but she has a noble side to her. However, due to her origins and the one she serves, her Noble side can be lost within her desire to please the one she serves.

(1): Those of you who have been reading Native Avenger's Lightning series...yes...those "Others" are who you are thinking of.

(2): The Tragedy of King Pegasus is a play written back before The Empire was formed by Empress Emera. It tells the story of a young, violent and prideful king who is killed by the same poison he used to kill his older brother so he could ascend to the throne. Persephone thinks this would be a perfect way for Mendax to die.