Disclaimer: I do not own any Spyro franchise characters. They are owned by Activision. I only own my own OCs.

If you don't like my story, then just don't read it.

Enjoy

~Chapter 12~

"I think I may have a way back home!" Alec exclaimed as he came to a realization, "Where's the bag I had with me?"

"It would be in your room," Volteer pointed out, "Why?"

"Because if my theory is correct, it has my key home!" Alec exclaimed excitedly as he ran off towards his room.

"Hey, wait for us!" Mal called to Alec as he ran after him, followed by the guardians and Sparx.

X~ ~ ~ ~ ~X

"Are you doing okay, Cynder?" Spyro asked.

"I'm fine, Spyro," Cynder said with a grin, "I'm fully healed now. You don't have to keep babying me like I'm still a hatchling."

"I'm sorry Cynder," Spyro apologized sheepishly, "I guess I just want to be sure that you're safe. I know he didn't mean to. But Alec could've really hurt you when he was corrupted."

"Well what would've happened if he didn't have Mal helping him to keep himself under control?" Cynder asked rhetorically, "Alec lost control for a moment. And most of my injuries were from the scratches when I crashed into one of those crystals. And the blood lose was mostly from all those scratches. But what if Alec wasn't in control? I could still be in the infirmary now...or worse."

"I guess that's part of the reason I'm worried," Spyro said, "Most of that time, I didn't know you two were just acting."

"Well, he did have to make it appear realistic," Cynder said, "I guess it worked."

As Spyro and Cynder continued to chat, they passed by a little shop that had just recently arrived. It was a shop of novelty items that resembled mythical creatures. Cynder took notice of a figurine that resembled a human...or at least one representation of a human. Really it just looked like a more sophisticated version of an ape. Cynder then went over to the young mole who was running the shop.

"Excuse me sir. But is that supposed to be a human?" Cynder asked, motioning to the figurine.

"Uh...Cynder..." Spyro said.

"Why yes it is. Would you like to buy it?" the mole asked.

"Not really. This doesn't look anything like a human," Cynder explained.

"Cynder...I don't think..." Spyro said, still unheard by Cynder.

"First of all, humans are allot less furry," Cynder continued, "Humans are mostly bald."

"But humans are mammals. At least that's the theory, since they supposedly evolved from apes," the mole said, "And mammals are covered with fur."

"Well, not humans," Cynder continued.

"Cynder, I think we..." Spyro tried again...unsuccessfully.

"Humans are nearly completely bald, except for a patch of fur on top of their heads," Cynder continued, "Also, humans walk more upright."

"But if they walk completely upright, how can they even keep their balance?" the mole asked.

"Hmm...I don't know," Cynder admitted, "But they do manage somehow."

"What makes you think you know more about humans than I do?" the mole asked, "They are just mythical creatures after all. It's not like you've actually met a human."

"But that's the think. We do..."

"Cynder!" Spyro shouted, "I'm sorry, sir. I think Cynder here just got a little excited. I think we will buy it." Spyro handed the mole a few gems and took the figurine. Then they began to head back toward the temple.

"What was that about?" Cynder asked.

"As far as most of the citizens know, humans are only mythical creatures," Spyro explained, "And trying to convince others that you know a real life human might make you seem like you might be crazy or something."

"Oh...I guess I understand," Cynder said sheepishly, "It's just that that figurine doesn't look like a human should look."

"Well, keep in mind that there are many interpretations of what humans look like," Spyro pointed out.

"And you decided to buy the figurine why?" Cynder asked.

"Well...uh...I guess I just didn't feel awkward...or at least not any more awkward," Spyro said, "Besides, I'd like Alec to see what our world's idea of humans are, and how ridiculous they are."

"Do you think Alec will be able to get home?" Cynder asked.

"I honestly don't know," Spyro said, "But I do hope so. He's a good friend and all. But this isn't his home."

"Yeah..." Cynder was torn. She did want Alec to find a way back home. But she didn't want him to leave. He's really helped her when she was lonely.

"You don't want to see him go, do you?" Spyro asked, noticing the conflict in Cynder's eyes.

"No, I don't," Cynder admitted, "I mean...I want him to find a way back home and manage to go. I just don't want him to leave. He's protective of me, and even said he thinks of me like a little sister. I've never had any family before. So I can only assume that the feeling of safety I feel when he's around is what family feels like."

"You don't have to assume. That's exactly how it feels to have a family," Spyro confirmed, "And I understand how you feel. He's been a good friend. I'd even consider him like a brother to me."

"Wait...if he's like a big brother to me, and you consider him a brother, doesn't that make us like brother and sister?" Cynder asked, "And if you're my brother...oh no! If you're my brother, and Sparx is your brother, that makes Sparx my brother too! Oh the horror!"

The two of them laughed at that little joke, "You think you have it rough? I'm the one who grew up with him," Spyro added, "But to be serious, it's true that unlike you, I did grow up with a family. But they weren't my blood relatives. I may have been adopted. But one thing we both have in common is that we were both originally orphaned."

"I may not like the life I had," Cynder added, "But at the time, I didn't realize I even had a bad life. I was raised to think bad was normal...and that good was bad. It wasn't until you shown kindness to me that I realized good was...well...good. How could it be bad to feel that good? But it's being raised to think in such a negative way that I often go to negativity."

"I understand. And I know I've told you this a thousand times before. But it's not your fault," Spyro said reassuringly, "And you are learning to think positively too. So don't think there hasn't been progress."

"I guess old habits die hard," Cynder said with a smile, "How did we get from talking about Alec to talking about my life?"

"Honestly, I'm not exactly sure," Spyro admitted, "In any case, lets get back to the temple."

X~ ~ ~ ~ ~X

"Receiver...processor...modem..." Mal looked up Volteer, hoping he had answers.

"You do not have to worry Mal. You're misunderstanding of what Alec is talking about is not because of sciences that were revealed while you were away," Volteer said, "I too...have no idea what he is talking about."

Considering that I'm pretty sure the others didn't know what I was talking about, I wasn't exactly sure why they were watching. But I guess I would too. I'm sure they trusted that I knew what I was doing. I just hope I did.

Alec continued fiddling with the electronics for several minutes. He had already confirmed that there was a signal connecting his wrist monitor with his RC Camera.

What I had to do probably sounds allot less complicated than it really is. I had to modify the signal to my main computer so that I could reverse the polarity of the portal without having to mess with the hardware of the portal itself. Sounds simple enough...or maybe that's just me.

By the time I finished the modifications. I was unaware of how much time had passed.

"...and if I cross these two wires...That's it!" Alec said, finishing up his tinkering. He then turned to the others to see two others who weren't there when he started, "When did Spyro and Cynder get here?"

"It was about fifteen minutes ago," Spyro said.

"Cyril told us to be quiet to allow you to concentrate," Cynder explained, "What were you working on?"

"The key to my way back home," Alec said simply.

"Oh...that's good to hear..." Cynder said in an unsure tone.

It was obvious that Cynder didn't want me to go. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to hear the unsure tone in her voice.

"You do know that this isn't my home," Alec said to Cynder, "And now that I can get back, I have to take the chance."

"I understand," Cynder sighed, "It's just that you've been a real help here...and a good friend."

"Well if it makes you feel any better, I'm not sure if it will work," Alec said.

"I hope it does work," Cynder said, "I'd like it if you could stay here with us. But I don't want you to be trapped here."

"I appreciate that," Alec said, "I'll always remember the time I spent here. And when I leave, I'll have to leave the camera here to keep the portal on this end open while I go through. So you can keep it as a reminder of me."

"Actually, that reminds me of something we got you," Spyro said as he pulled out the figurine, "This is one of the ways dragons think of humans. I figured you might like how ridiculous it is."

What I liked about this "human" figurine was that it looked more like a figurine of Bigfoot. How's that for irony? The dragon realm's image of a mythical creature resembles the human world's representation of a mythical creature.

"Does the dragon realms have a version of Bigfoot?" Alec asked, "Because this looks more like it's supposed to be Bigfoot than a human."

"What's a Bigfoot?" Cyril asked.

"Well technically, the technical term for the species is a Sasquatch," Alec corrected, "There's also another version that lives in snowy areas known as a Yeti, or the abominable snow man. But a Sasquatch is a legendary creature that is known from a video someone shot a while back. But the point I'm trying to make is that this figurine looks like a Sasquatch, not a human."

"There are many different versions of how dragons see humans," Cyril said, "This is one of the more obscure versions. But who would've guessed that this obscure version of a human still resembles a creature from your world."

"There's no actual proof of his existence. Just a theory and stories," Alec said.

"When do you plan on returning to your world?" Cyril asked.

"I assume that I should return where I arrived," Alec said, "And since the travel there would be a bit long, I'd suggest to get an early start. So tomorrow I'll leave to go home...hopefully."

"You probably could get there allot faster if one of us carries you," Volteer suggested, "I'm willing to be the one to take you."

Dude! I'm gonna get to ride a dragon?!

"I think we all should go to see you off," Mal said.

"I agree," Cyril said, "It's only fitting that we give him a proper send off."

"Then it's agreed," Terrador said, "We'll all go to see you off."

I feel like I'm getting a hero's send off. It's not like I did that much...did I?

"Okay. Tomorrow, we go," Alec said, "But Spyro and Cynder will have to lead for part of the way, since they're the only ones who know exactly where they found me."

"Why don't you know?" Mal asked.

"Spyro and Cynder found me laying unconscious," Alec pointed out, "When I woke up, it was the middle of the night at the cheetah village. I might be able to recognize the area I arrived in. But I don't know my way there."

"So, you admit to not knowing everything about this world?" Cyril asked slyly.

First of all, I never claimed to know everything about the Dragon Realms. Secondly, I've already admitted that from what I've seen, there is much that I don't know. So shut up, Cyril.

"Well, since I never actually claimed to know everything about this world, yes," Alec said, "I may know allot about this world. But my knowledge is limited to the games I got the information from. And my games obviously don't have all the information there is. So if the games don't know everything, then I don't know everything."

X~ ~ ~ ~ ~X

I'll bet you thought riding on a dragon would be awesome, right? Well...IT IS! But it's not as comfortable, or as easy as you may think. If you've ever ridden a horse before, you'd know that it's not that comfortable. Or is that just me? Anyways, dragons are much bigger than horses. So in order to ride one, you'll have to be up at the neck. And because of your close proximity to the wings, you're at a spot where there's constant motion. So if you're a woman and you want to ride a dragon, make sure to wear something that will...cover you. That is unless you actually do want to use that dragon as a vibrator...

Also, you have nothing to hold onto. Unless you're riding further up the neck. Then you can hold onto the dragon's horns. But that will just make flying more difficult for the dragon you're riding. So your best option is to just basically hug your dragon's neck.

"May I ask that you...loosen your grip?" Volteer, who was carrying Alec, said in a struggling tone, "You are...choking...me!"

Oh, and one more thing. Be careful about your grip.

I love heights. But I don't want to fall from them. Especially at the speed we were going at.

Alec loosened his grip from Volteer's neck enough so he could breath, "Sorry about that. But I just want to make sure that I don't fall," Alec said sheepishly.

"Don't forget. Humans from his world evolved in a way that makes them more vulnerable," Cyril joked.

I'd criticize Cyril for that remark...if it weren't for the fact that I technically agree with him.

"Well, we make up for that with our smarts," Alec countered, "In my world, humans are the smartest species. Humans may be physically week...at least compared to many other wild animals. But we are a technologically advanced species."

"Are you sure you should be that cocky?" Cyril asked, "Until you reach other worlds, I will not be impressed."

Did he really just say that?

"Technically, I have reached another world," Alec countered flatly, "And has anyone on this world ever imagined walking on the moon?"

"...Okay, I'm impressed," Cyril admitted.

After a while of flying, the group began to descend.

"It was in this area where we found Alec," Spyro said.

Yes, this was definitely the area. I could even see the rock that I hit my head on. I could tell it was the rock because it was still stained with my blood...wait, did I really hit my head that badly?

"This is definitely the area!" Alec exclaimed, "I remember bringing a rope with me through the portal to use so I wouldn't get lost."

"Allot of help that did," Sparx commented.

"Well...it would've," Alec replied, "And this rope is technically keeping the portal open. So this rope just may be the final key to my way home."

I set the camera down and pointed it to where the rope was coming out of...nowhere. I then activated the modified camera.

After Alec activated the camera...nothing was happening.

"Uh...did it work?" Sparx asked.

Alec tried to modify the programming even more. But still, nothing was happening, "I don't know what could've went wrong," Alec said disappointed, "But considering that I wasn't sure if this would work or not, I guess I'm not surprised."

Sparx flew over to the camera, "Hey kid, what does this button do?" Sparx asked as he pushed a button. The camera then shot out an energy beam. The beam turned into what appeared to be the portal he had made back home...without the archway that is.

"Huh. I guess I had to turn the night vision on," Alec said, noticing the button Sparx pushed.

"So...this is it?" Cynder asked.

"I'll keep working on my portal," Alec said, "I'll perfect it so that it'll be a fully two way portal. And once I finish it, you can be sure to see me again."

I felt a little guilty since I was partly lying. I was honest when I said I would keep working on perfecting the portal. However, whether I would succeed or not I couldn't be as sure about. I sounded allot more confident in my success than I really was.

"I do hope you come back," Mal said, breaking his silence, "It'd be a shame if I lost a friend so soon after gaining him."

"Well, just because I'm not here, it doesn't mean we're not friends," Alec said, "We'll still be friends. We'll just be...further away."

"You were brave to face Malefor," Terrador said, "Especially since humans are much more fragile than dragons."

"Yes. You have proven you have the heart of a dragon," Volteer said.

"I'll assume that's a complement," Alec said, "But us humans are a race of survivors for a reason."

"I have to admit. You are an interesting species," Cyril said, "And you specifically having the courage to stand up to a guardian. I personally don't approve of an act like that. But you've shown that you are worthy of my respect."

"You too," Alec replied, "I do respect you, Cyril. But like I said. Respect has to be earned, not just given. When you just expected me to respect you, I just...didn't. I've never really been that great with authority figures. I just don't like being told what to do."

"When you leave, what is Cynder gonna do?" Sparx asked, "I mean, you two are a thing..."

"You still haven't realized that we've been messing with you this whole time?" Alec said, cutting off Sparx, "Technically what we've been telling you weren't lies. We were just wording the truths so that they sounded allot more sensual than the truth really was. So Sparx, will you promise me to take care of your brother for me?"

"I always do, kid," Sparx agreed.

"You do know I'm older than you, right?" Alec said before going over to Spyro, "You'll take care of Sparx, right?" Alec asked quietly so Sparx couldn't hear.

"I always do," Spyro said just as quietly.

"So...Alec...do you promise you'll come back?" Cynder asked reluctantly.

"I can't promise anything," Alec admitted, "But I'll do everything in my power to perfect that portal. And when and if I do, I promise I will come back." Alec then gave Cynder a hug.

"Thanks, Alec. For everything," Cynder said.

"As much as you need Spyro's company, he'll need your company just as much," Alec said, "I know he may not show it. But he does have special feelings for you."

Alec then turned towards the portal, "Well, here goes nothing."

I then began to walk toward the portal, making sure to keep a grip on the rope...just to be sure. Like before, as I entered the vortex of energy, I felt like I was pulled inside out and sucked through a straw...

...Did it work? Was I sent back home? And did anyone of you keep track of how long I was in the Dragon Realms? The answer will be in the next chapter.

Please R&R.

~The Angel of Darkness, Alec~