Chapter 12: Return to Warfang

A/N: Another chapter is here. Also, I'd like to take a moment to explain why the Element of Light is not present as one of the original nine elements.

In the beginning, Spectra was represented as "Light" itself. She used the element as the element to create the world and timeline itself. The other elements descended from her and the element of light. There are technically Light dragons...however, they are referred to as "The First Dragons" whom are the Children of the Goddess herself. The First Dragon's descendents are able to use light as well. Spyro, being a child of a First Dragon and being one of Spectra's grandchildren has the potential to use the element as well. Malefor attempted to create the Light Element as well but was unable to make a perfect artificial version of the element like how he created Fear and Poison...but he succeeded partly. The end result of his experiment would later be known as the element of "Convexity".

...

The journey back to Warfang took at least two days, due to Hunter and Luna not being able to fly and that it would take too much energy to carry them all of the way to the capitol city of The Empire, so the group resorted to walking. There was no trouble encountered on the journey back to the city, much to everyone's relief since they'd done a lot in Tall Plains.

Spyro felt glad that the group was seemingly at peace, things seemed less tense now that Mentem and Blaze had stopped feeling anger towards one another.

When the group finally arrived in Warfang, they headed straight for The Temple. While they made their way to the Temple, Spyro noticed several civilians look at the hooded Soturi. Spyro felt sorry for the Gargoyle, since in order to prevent anyone from causing verbal harm, he had to wear the hooded robe…Spyro couldn't imagine dealing with a strong amount of prejudice the Gargoyles must put up with.

Upon the group's arrival at the Temple, a meeting was called so the group could deliver their report to The Guardians and Cecil.

The meeting was at late at night, the moon's light peered through the windows of the Council room, and the silver rays of light touched the different banners that represented the nine dragon elemental breeds.

Cecil sat at his place at the council table, currently he was looking over the scroll The Paladin Corps had written and translated for him. He ran his talon over the brail and nodded briefly. The Guardians, Spyro, Cynder and the others waited patiently for the blind prophet to finish 'reading' the scroll.

"It makes sense…" Cecil spoke to the others. He looked up at the Guardians. "Paladin Commander-Umi says the findings they acquired have confirmed that The Forsworn were causing political and social strains among The Atlawa and Ape colonies…by burning select few homes and pinning the blame on the other. After the meeting, Terrador, contact our soldiers in the region, and tell them to attack the designated Forsworn hideouts in the region."

Terrador nodded. He then asked. "What did The Forsworn want on those lands?"

Cecil said. "The Forsworn are looking for an artifact, connected to The Goddess…however…which artifact it is, it doesn't say."

"But why attack the Gargoyles?" Caius asked. The Sand Guardian's voice held a hint of concern. "Like Spyro said, The Forsworn had the courage to actually attack The Eraser's village…that alone is suicidal."

Cecil looked in the sand guardian's direction. "Who else to attack…than the true natives of the forests…The Gargoyles' knowledge of Tall Plains are greater than any race in the world…not even the Chroniclers knew the full vast mystery of the forests."

Mori stepped forward towards the Council table.

"Excuse me, I don't mean to interrupt…but what about the issue of Mendax? And the plague?" The young Earth Dragoness asked.

"The plague has been annihilated." Skyress said. "I have a sister in law in the city…she was infected with the plague…" Skyress then sighed in relief before saying. "Luckily she wrote back to me, telling me that she's well along with the rest of her friends and family."

"The issue on Mendax…" Typhoon continued emotionlessly. "The Paladin Corps tracked him when he escaped house arrest. They stormed a Forsworn hideout used as a meeting house. Immediately, the agents surrendered…and found Mendax's body…the Paladins confirmed he died of natural causes…of a heart attack."

Cecil's eyes seemed to confirm he doubted the analysis.

"With his death," Cecil said. "The Forsworn won't have influence in the city…and you…"

Cecil said, looking Soturi's direction. The group looked at Cecil, knowing that he somehow sensed Soturi's presence. The Guardians looked at the cloaked Gargoyle in curiosity, not aware that Soturi was a Gargoyle.

Cynder and Hera noticed Soturi seem to shift uneasily…until Cecil smiled lightly with sincere politeness.

"You don't have to be concerned...It may have been centuries since I last saw one of your people...but I still hold respect for them, please...take off your hood." Cecil said, confirming he knew that Soturi was a Gargoyle.

Soturi seemed to hesitate briefly…not sure whether he should take the hood off…he noticed the sentinels that guarded The Guardians…but Cecil, the famous Prophet, the same dragon who The Eraser taught, showed sincere kindness. Soturi slowly pushed his hood back, revealing his wolf like head and batlike wings.

The Guardians gasped, minus Volteer, which the Electric guardian looked at the young Gargoyle in amazement, never having seen one before. The Guardian's sentinels tensed, ready for action. But they eased when Cecil spoke.

"Stop!" Cecil ordered, his expression hardened. "The gargoyle is our guest, not an enemy…he will be treated like a normal person, not being treated like a monster like the lies the colonist Atlawa of Tall Plains have spread about them."

The sentinels nodded. The Guardians seemed to ease, but still eyed The Gargoyle with slight worry. Typhoon looked at The Gargoyle with a look of mistrust, but not enough to cause an issue. When things calmed, Cecil looked at Spyro and the others and smiled at them and then looked to Soturi and then spoke in another language that no one in the room had ever heard, no one, except Soturi, understood the language.

"Greetings, young one." Cecil spoke in the Gargoyle's language.

Soturi looked shocked at hearing the blind dragon speak in his people's language. He wasn't expecting to hear the dragon speak it so…fluently.

"Greetings…Mist Eyes." Soturi replied respectively, using the name his tribe gave to Cecil.

Cecil chuckled lightly. He looked to the others.

"The meeting is adjourned," Cecil said. "Good work Spyro…you and your friends not only helped in curing the plague, but eliminated a major Forsworn fort, and saved Luna…I will speak with her in the infirmary afterwards…you may leave and rest."

Spyro, Cynder and the others bowed their heads, and left along with the Guardians. Two Sentinels volunteered to stay with Cecil, but he declined and the sentinels left hesitantly, eventually leaving Soturi and Cecil alone in the room.

Soturi bowed his head lightly.

"It's an honor…" Soturi said. "My father speaks highly of you."

Cecil smiled lightly and chuckled.

"Your father, he is Irvikuva…The Eraser?" Cecil asked.

"Yes." Soturi answered.

Cecil smiled. "How is your father?"

"Well, and still strong." Soturi replied smiling lightly.

"I'm glad to hear that…" Cecil said. "I thank you, for assisting Spyro, Cynder, Electra, Mentem, Blaze, Hera and Mori…but I have a feeling your father wants something in return?"

"Yes…" Soturi said amazed that Cecil remembered that much about his father.

"Then, if it's in my power, I will do what I can to fulfill his wish…what does he want?" Cecil asked curiously.

Soturi took a deep breath and began to speak. "My father wanted me to ask if you could allow our people a voice within The Empire…for years, as you know even before the war against Malefor…our people have always been looked down upon…sometimes we are attacked by Atlawa colonists. We don't want a place on your council…but we just ask if we could have a voice and to openly voice our opinions so we can be heard."

Cecil was silent for a moment, and nodded.

"Your people," Cecil began. "Are brave, strong and loyal to one another…you have suffered through much, but have maintained a strong will. I owe your father and your tribe my life…the least I can do is accept your father's request."

"You mean…" Soturi began.

Cecil nodded. "As the prophet, I have power on the council; The Guardians cannot over rule some of my authority. Yes; your people may have representatives to voice your opinions and we will help deal with the issues of the Atlawa attacking your villages."

Soturi bowed his head, and smiled lightly. "Thank you…Prophet of Nigawes."

Cecil nodded and closed his eyes. "I know your people feel resentment towards The Goddess…I am aware of how much pain you have suffered in the war…but I promise, your opinions will not affect my respect for your people."

Soturi nodded…amazed with Cecil's kind, calm and understanding personality.

Cecil slowly stood up out of his chair carefully, and felt for the table. Soturi walked over to the blind dragon and helped the prophet. Cecil looked up at Soturi.

"I will help you…Mist Eyes." Soturi said respectively. Cecil smiled lightly.

"Thank you…Soturi…I appreciate your help." Cecil said kindly.

...

Mentem was walking down one of the hallways within the temple. He was alone right now and he only had one thing in mind. To see how Tula was holding up. He still felt awful about the accident that happened prior to his mission and he was hoping that she was awake so he could apologize to her.

'I really hope Tula will forgive me for what I've done. Everyone else seems to have forgiven me, but I'm not sure… Typhoon is more than likely still pissed at me. I try my hardest to make him proud of me, but I always end up disappointing him somehow. I know that he absolutely hated it when I sailed with those pirates back in the day and he never shuts up about my hat, but I did it to protect everyone at sea. Those pirates wanted to help, yet I still get shit for it.' Mentem thought to himself with a depressed sigh. 'And don't even get me started with how he feels about me being an Atheist.' he added to himself with a heavy frown.

It didn't take long for the hat wearing dragon to reach the healers' quarters and he soon found Tula's room. He was about to go inside, but he froze when Typhoon, the Water Guardian, walked out.

"Oh, hi Typhoon." the fear dragon greeted, not sure what else to say.

The Water Guardian didn't reply. He simply looked at his adopted son with an emotionless stare. They both stared at one another until he walked past the fear dragon without a word. Mentem looked down in sadness, thinking that he was still mad at him. He jumped however when he heard a voice.

"Well done." Typhoon said over his shoulder before he turned the corner.

The hat wearing dragon smiled happily at this and looked up again. He sighed quietly in relief because he now knew that he had been somewhat forgiven. He stood there for another moment before he walked into Tula's room.

Mentem frowned however when he saw the water dragoness still asleep in the bed. He sighed quietly as he shut the door behind him and walked right up to her bed. He sat down in the seat next to the bed and looked down at her sleeping form.

"Hey Tula. I know you can't hear me right now… but I just wanted to say again that I'm sorry for what I did. I never meant to hurt you. Just… sorry." The fear dragon apologized with regret in his voice.

Like he predicted, Tula didn't reply because she was asleep. He stayed by her side for a few minutes before he decided to leave. Mentem slowly stood up from his seat with a sigh and began walking towards the door. He opened it, but before he walked out, he looked over his shoulder at the sleeping water dragoness.

"Get well soon… we all care about you." the hat wearing dragon told her with a frown before he walked out and shut the door behind him.

Mentem sighed once more as he looked down at the ground. He really wanted her to be awake when he came to visit her, but he was happy that Typhoon was at least tolerating him now. A small smile came to the fear dragon's lips before he walked down the hallway, wanting to find his allies.

...

"Been a while since you and I could just relax like this…" Cynder said softly as she and Spyro sat out on the balcony of their room in the Temple of Warfang.

It had been thirty minutes since the meeting, and the couple wanted to have some alone time before they went to bed. So the two simply cuddled up with one another, and looked up at the starry sky and the two moons in the night sky. The two lay on the ground of their balcony, enjoying the scenery.

"Yep…" Spyro said smiling lightly as Cynder rested her head on his neck. "I think the last time we could actually be together peacefully was three years ago, back during the first night you stayed at the Temple."

Cynder nodded, remembering the time when she joined Spyro out on the balcony of the Temple.

"But before," Cynder said while leaning close to her mate's cheek. "We weren't a couple…"

Spyro chuckled lightly and nodded. Cynder slowly kissed him on the cheek, which Spyro returned by kissing Cynder on her lips. The two stopped briefly, catching their breath. The two continued to look up at the sky. Cynder slowly raised her right forepaw, and pointed up at a constellation in the skies.

"See that star?" Cynder asked.

Spyro nodded seeing a star that was colored crimson.

"They say," Cynder began. "That long ago, in another world, that there was a bipedal race, we call them humans, worshipped the Star. The reason why, was because they believed the star to be a servant of The Goddess and that the star housed the essence of a powerful dragon."

Spyro looked at Cynder, interested in the story.

"Was it true? Was there actually a dragon housed in the star?" Spyro asked. Cynder looked at her mate, giggled lightly and nodded.

"Yes, the dragon had saved the humans several times in the past. Once to fight a demon of raw power, the second to fight immortal beasts that threatened the humans' very souls." Cynder said. "Alongside the dragon's six servants and the servants bonded humans, the dragon killed the demon and sealed the immortal beasts into the depths of the planet, never to return."

Spyro looked up at the star and nodded.

"To bad not many people believe it I bet…" Spyro said softly.

Cynder slowly rested her head on Spyro's shoulder.

"You don't have to worry about your Grandmother…she's strong in spirit; her love for mortals is strong enough for her to ignore the hurtful words some may say." Cynder said softly.

Spyro nodded briefly. He looked up at the crimson star…and closed his eyes briefly. He heard Cynder yawn briefly. Cynder slowly kissed Spyro on the cheek.

"I'm going to bed." Cynder said. Spyro nodded.

"See you in the morning." Spyro said smiling. Cynder nodded and slowly walked into their room and lay on her bed.

Spyro stayed outside for a few more minutes, before deciding to retire to his own bed.

…..

Mentem stood on top of the highest roof of the Temple, which was the highest point in the city, looking out at the vast city of Warfang.

The moon was starting to vanish on the horizon, with the sun beginning to rise over the horizon. Mentem felt the cool morning air brush passed his crimson scales. As he looked out at the city, he heard someone approach him from behind. Slowly, the fear dragon turned around, and saw Tula walk up to him. Mentem felt his heart race lightly when he saw his little sister.

Tula stopped in front of him, her eyes looking at the floor of the roof. Mentem sighed lightly, looking at the ground as well.

Mentem had known this wasn't going to be easy…the two hadn't spoken since the protest…

"Tula…I…" Mentem began, but was cut off when Tula walked forward, and hugged Mentem tightly.

"It's alright…" Tula said calmly. "I'm not mad…"

"But…I hurt you…" Mentem said.

"I know you didn't mean it." Tula responded while looking at her older brother figure. "You're my brother…I would never stay angry at you."

Mentem looked at the ground, but felt Tula place her paw over his cheek. The two adopted siblings were silent, until they heard a girl say.

"The soul is the gift of the goddess."

Mentem and Tula turned around, and saw four dragons standing out near the roof top entrance. One was a Shadow dragon named Artrium, who was seventeen years old he had black scales, a grey underbelly, dark red wings, two ram horns and a sickle tail blade.. The other was a wind dragoness named Ven, who was fifteen years old; she had silver-grey scales, white wings two horns and silver eyes. Then there were the two siblings. One was a rock dragon named Terra who was somewhat muscular, he was sixteen, had brown scales and a light brown underbelly, at the end of his tail was a hammer like tailblade. His fifteen year old sister was Rene, who had golden brown scales had no tail blade; she was a sand dragoness (1) and was the one who was reading a book out loud. These four are a part of the same class as Tula, Mentem, Blaze and Electra and are a part of their circle of friends.

Rene continued "When our body falls, our souls take to the skies…embracing the freedom not given by mortal shells."

Mentem looked at Tula, who was giggling lightly, Mentem smiled and looked at the four dragons.

"The Wings of Heaven Act 1 scene 1." Mentem said while laughing lightly.

Rene smiled calmly. "Oh, you remembered."

Mentem slowly tapped his head lightly.

"You smashed it into my skull remember?" Mentem asked.

Ven laughed lightly while Artrium just smiled lightly along with Terra. Slowly, Mentem adopted a combat stance, followed by the four dragons.

Terra looked over at Ven. "Remember, Mentem's no push over, even if this is a spar."

Ven chuckled lightly and the dragoness said. "Noted."

The four dragon rushed forward at the hat wearing dragon, and the spar commenced.

...

Oculos and Persephone were walking down a well lit hallway within a Forsworn fort in an unknown location. They were both silent as they walked because there were no words to be said. They knew that they had to speak to some new recruits who were to be leaders to a degree.

They two dragons reached a wooden door at the end of the hall and Oculos was the one to open it. Inside the room was a large circular table that had eight dragons sitting around it. Each of them was of a different element and their scale color matched their element.

"State your names and profession." Oculos ordered as he closed the door behind him.

"Stöt. I'm the group leader." the electric dragon spoke immediately with confidence in his voice. He possessed golden yellow scales with a yellow-orange underbelly and wing membranes. His horns and wing membranes also resembled lightning bolts.

"Orm. Alchemist." the dark green poison dragoness stated professionally. Her underbelly was black while her wing membranes were lime green and her tailblade looked like a hospital needle.

"Um, Jord. I'm a politician." The overweight earth dragon said as if he was just starting to pay attention. Both his underbelly and wing membranes were both dark green while his scales were light brown. He had two ram horns and his tailblade resembled a club.

"Brand. I was nominated to be the next Fire Guardian." the muscular fire dragon informed with a gruff sounding voice. His scales were bright red, yet his underbelly was yellow and his wing membranes were orange. Four horns were on his head and they curved back. Also, he had two blades at the end of his tail instead of just one.

"I'm Mörker… I was a teacher." the black scaled shadow dragon with yellow eyes greeted with a nod. He possessed a gray underbelly and blood red wing membranes. His four horns were spiraled spikes and his tailblade was shaped as a gruesome looking hook.

"Vind. I'm a giver of pleasure." the attractive wind dragoness introduced with a purr. Her light gray body was smooth and curvy, something that most men found attractive in dragonesses. Her wing membranes and underbelly were both white and she had three curved horns. Lastly, her tailblade resembled a spike.

"My name is Snö. I hand economics and business deals." the ice dragoness introduced with an emotionless expression. Her curvy body was dark blue in color, but her underbelly was light blue and her wing membranes were snowy white. She had two spiked horns on her head that were sticking straight up and her tailblade looked like an icicle.

"Rädsla. I was once a psychologist." (2) the skinny fear dragon stated with just as emotion as Snö. His scales were dark red, almost dragon, and his underbelly and wing membranes were black. He possessed four curved horns and a cross shaped tailblade. He also had a black sling gong across his chest with a black bag strapped to his side.

Persephone stepped forward and circled around the table within the meeting room, looking at each of the recruits with a cold stare. Some of them became nervous from her stone cold stare, but others simply stared back.

"I am aware you all could care less about the religious aspects of the Forsworn and that each of you have a different motive for offering your support. I completely understand. In fact, when the Empire falls, we will need Guardians like you controlling the political aspects of the new world… follow me, do as I command, and you will be rewarded." Persephone told them all as she slowly walked around the table. "All of your desires will be achieved in full… maybe more, depending on your loyalty to me. However… this goes both ways. If I ever sense that any of you are plotting to betray me… I will personally see to it that you are killed on the spot in the most horrifying way I see fit, Even if you escape my wrath, I will track you down till the end of time if I have to… I have all of the time in the world, and my memory is VERY, VERY GOOD. There won't be a single place in this world, even the timeline, that you will be safe. If and when I find you… I will kill you." she said in the most dark and menacing voice she could.

The dark dragoness then looked over at Jord and stared right at him. She moved closer to him so that their faces were mere inches apart.

"Very, very slow… and leave your bodies out for the scavengers to eat away at." She spoke very quietly, almost at a whisper.

The earth dragon gulped from the promise and slowly nodded in understanding. The dark dragoness smirked at him before she moved away from him and looked at everyone else.

"Is that understood?" she spoke loudly so that all of them could hear her.

All the other recruits simply nodded to her and she walked out of the room without another word. Oculos turned around to leave as well, but he stopped when he heard one of them speak.

"She has issues. I didn't expect to be bullied by a control freak." Jord mumbled as he and the other new recruits stood up.

Oculos immediately whipped around and shoved the overweight earth dragon back into his seat. Everyone was a little surprised by this, but they all stayed silent and watched.

"You can think whatever you want and say whatever you wish about me… but NEVER speak ill of Persephone." the death dragon spat with a snarl. "If I every catch you or any of you talking like that again, I will personally stop your heart from beating." he warned as his eyes began to glow slightly.

"Okay, okay, I'm sorry… sir." Jord apologized with wide, fearful eyes.

Oculos just scoffed at the fat dragon before he turned around and walked out of the meeting room. No one spoke a word after he left and the all walked out as well. Some were frightened by what just happened, but others weren't affected in the slightest. Rädsla smirked as he left however. He figured that he would like it there if it meant that he could see Jord upset.

...

It was midnight at Warfang, the city's inhabitants were asleep, and only the city guard were awake, patrolling the skies, the streets or the walls.

About a mile out from the city, a trading caravan could be seen in the distance with lanterns making their presence known. The caravan supposedly came from the desert, due to the trader's clothing being of that general theme.

In the center carriage of the caravan was where the leader stayed. The leader of the caravan was an emerald green dragon with goldish brown markings. At the end of his tail was an emerald like jewel with silver spikes surrounding it. His eyes were emerald green like his scales. He rested on a seating pillow in the carriage. In his hands he held a clear gem, which reflected the different colors of the spectrum.

Cuddled up next to him were two young dragonlings, both the same age of three and were twin brother and sister, which were two of his many nieces and nephews. They both had red scales with blue markings spotted across their bodies. The leader looked to the sleeping dragons, smiled and put the jewel away into his bag. Slowly the horses pulling carriage came to a stop. The mole who held the reigns called to the leader.

"Lord Janus, we've arrived." The mole said respectfully.

Janus smiled and stood up, not wanting to awaken his niece and nephew.

"Great!" Janus said quietly in a happy tone.

Janus stepped out of the carriage and saw the mighty gates of Warfang ahead of his caravan. He smiled.

'Ah…Emera…I will never get over how the moles willingly build such a big city in our mother's honor.' Janus spoke quietly as he slowly stepped forward to the front of the caravan. 'Now then, how to introduce myself to my long lost nephew and his friends…how to approach this…OH!'

Janus smiled mischievously. 'Yes! That will do just fine!' Janus thought. "Now then! It's time for the Dragon-God of Mischief and Pranks himself to make his entrance!" (3)

"Uhh…my lord…" said a passing merchant of the caravan, who was a desert cheetah, spoke, weirded out. "You're thinking out loud again."

Janus looked at one of his merchants, and smiled lightly.

"Yes, that I am Saber…that I am!" Janus said, not before laughing out loud loudly.

Little did the city of Warfang know, that the day was going to be an interesting one…since the Dragon-God of Mischief himself had arrived.

A/N: (1) The group is now complete.

(2) Yep, readers beware, the "Psychologist" himself has arrived...hope Persephone has fail safes regarding the sadistic bastard himself.

(3) Those of you who have read my other fic Naruto: Sage of Dawn…yes…this is the EXACT same Janus you saw in the story. Those of you who are not familiar with the Dragon-god…well…lets put it this way, he's the master of WTF moments.