Chapter 41
"I am very grateful for all of your aid Seth."
Those were the words Ignitus told me as I walked beside him, heading towards a small tent on the opposite side of the camp.
I glanced over at him. "Well, take it as a thanks for helping me out I guess…"
Ignitus gave me a small smile. "Even then, you are risking a lot to help us in this dire time. That takes a lot of courage, and I am glad we have someone such as you fighting on our side."
I shrugged in return, looking down. I didn't really feel like I was all the courageous, just that I was kind of pushed into doing this. Sure I could have tried to run multiple times, but I felt like there would have been a very low chance to just get back to my world through the means they offered. Ignitus and I soon reached the small camp and walked inside. I paused as I saw Spyro, Cynder, Sparx, and the other guardians in the tent. Cynder perked up when she saw me, tilting her head to the side in slight confusion. Though Spyro gave me a frown, and Sparx shot me a glare as well. Volteer also seemed to be surprised to see me, having wide eyes.
Ignitus looked to both Spyro and Cynder. "Spyro, Cynder, are you two ready for our journey? We will need to leave very soon."
Spyro and Cynder nodded, Spyro being the first to talk. "Yes Ignitus, we are ready whenever you are."
Ignitus nodded back, before turning his head to me. "Seth will be joining us, he has agreed to aid you both in stopping Malefor."
Cynder and Spyro's eyes widened, but Volteer was the first to reply.
"What?" The electric dragon shouted, looking at me in shock.
"Seth you can't!" Cynder said next in distress.
I sighed, knowing this would happen. "I am okay? I'm not gonna sit around and hide."
"This isn't your fight," Spyro said.
I sensed a tad bit of hostility from the dragon, making me frown. He seemed a bit more tense.
'Probably because the dragon he's been interested in for so long has declared she has interest for you right in front of him.'
I blinked at Sane's comment, before sighing.
"I know this isn't my fight, but I don't care." I took a step forward. "None of this is my fight, but its something I want to fight for. I want to fight for the beings in this world, I want to try and save them from their world being destroyed! That is something I feel is worth fighting for."
"Oh how noble…" Psy remarked.
Volteer stepped forward next, giving me a look of concern. "Do not risk your life for us Seth, this is something none of us could as of you."
I shook my head. "What else would I do? Go and hide and do nothing while Spyro and Cynder are risking their lives? No, I'm not gonna do that. Ever since I got here, I never felt like I could use my power, that I've been wasting it. But now I have a chance to actually use it to save a lot of people." I gave him a small smile. "And you're not asking this of me, right now this is just something that I want to do."
The room was silent, everyone seemed to be shocked by my little rant, until surprisingly, Cyril stepped forward. He stood in front of me, giving me a somewhat blank look.
"I admit I have not trusted you, young human, and I still don't fully trust you…" he said. "But I simply want to bring up this point, this could be what Malefor wants. We could be playing right into his claws, he could be waiting for you to come right to him so he can influence or control your power."
I gave him a glare. "Are you saying I'd just join him and help him kill everyone?"
The ice dragon shook his head. "No, I am saying he has many ways of manipulating and controlling people through either means of magic or words, or both." He looked to all the other dragons in the room. "We have all seen first hand what you can do when you allow your anger or darker side take control." His gaze turned back to me. "I am sorry to say, but it might be best if you stay as far away from him as possible."
I opened my mouth to speak, before closing it. Looking down as I felt a small pit of sorrow and dread in my stomach. I remembered the times when I had lost control, when I had killed so many beings, good or not. Malefor did have ways to turn me to his side, or make me lose control, could I really afford to take that risk? I looked to the dragons around me, could they take this risk?
"I myself believe that Seth will not be twisted by Malefor's influence," Ignitus spoke up, making me flinch as he stood beside me. "Yes, he has fallen to the dark master before, but I see his heart, and it is a good heart," he gave me a small smile. "I believe this is his chance to finally prove to himself, and everyone, that he will not fall to the darkness."
I was a bit surprised by Ignitus's faith in me, not really expecting it from him.
'Maybe you leave a better impression on people than yah think…' Sane spoke up.
'Or maybe he just wants you to go get rid of Malefor so they don't have to,' Psy said.
I frowned. 'I – don't know.'
"Can we really take that chance though?" Terrador spoke up, interrupting my thoughts. The dragon gave me a frown as he looked me over. "I don't believe he'd want to hurt us willingly… with all he has attempted to do for us through this terrible time. But we all know that Malefor can make others do his bidding without them being willing."
"This is true," Ignitus said. "But we can not tell this young human what to do, we have no right to after all." He looked to me with a gentle smile. "We can only ask of him, though in the end, it is his decision on what he believes is right."
All of the dragons looked at me expectantly, making me frown, feeling like I was kinda put on the spot. I looked down in thought.
'I say we go to gain power…' Psy stated.
'No, we go to stop this war,' Sane said.
'We go to face and defeat... this big bad bastard Malefor…' Con said somewhat weakly.
Images then flashed in my head of all the beings here, everyone who had helped me in my time of need. Spyro, Cynder, the three cheetah sisters, the guardians, Baron, Segregoth and Emerald, Ember and her mother, hell even the llama butler Reginald. All of them… could be gone… if I did nothing.
I sighed softly. 'No… we go to save the beings of this world.'
I looked up. "I'm going, I need to try and help, help fight that bastard. Yes, he could try to turn me, he could succeed… but I'm going to do everything in my power to not let that happen. I want to help, I want to try and help save the people of this world, I don't want to sit back and watch as you all fight for this world on your own. I need to try, and something tells me that you'll need all the help you can get."
The tent was silent, many of the dragons giving me looks of surprise, while Ignitus had a smile on his face. Volteer stepped forward, a small frown on his face, and I could have sworn I saw a glimmer in his eye.
"Young human - though I myself may be against this idea, I believe there is no changing your mind on this," he said, before blinking, as he gained a very small smile. "You have grown in your short time in the Dragon Realms, you have grown, both in your spirit and your mind." He looked to Spyro and Cynder, before turning back to me. "I believe you three have the power to end the Dark Master's terrible rule over this land, and I trust you all to do so."
Ignitus stepped forward, sharing warm looks with the two dragons and I. "As do I."
Terrador sighed a bit, before he too spoke. "I guess this is the only chance we've got."
Cyril lowered his gaze, before looking up at the three of us. "May you all be safe in your journey, and I suspect you may just save us all."
'No pressure or anything…' Sane remarked.
"We won't let you down," Spyro spoke up, bowing his head.
Cynder nodded as well, bowing her head, though she looked a little on edge.
"I believe we may have company…" Cyril said, looking to the exit of the tent.
I turned to see a couple beings peering into the tent, and among them were the three cheetah sisters along with Ember.
Chief Prowlus stepped forward from the crowd, bowing his head before Ignitus. "We are sorry to eavesdrop Ignitus, we are simply here to ask what our next course of action is."
Ignitus frowned slightly, before he nodded, stepping out of the tent and standing in front of those who were left in the encampment.
"Those of you who were brave enough to stay for this long, I offer you a choice in your next actions." The dragon gestured to the woods. "You may either seek shelter, or aid those seeking shelter and attempt to wait out the terrible calamity about to occur." He turned to the ring of fire. "Or you may stay here and await any form of retaliation Malefor may send against us or those seeking refuge, and you may even face the dark lord himself." The guardian stood tall. "Do not be ashamed to seek shelter, and do not be afraid to face Malefor's forces. This is the final battle, and very well may be the final day of this realm. I will be taking Spyro, Cynder, and the young human Seth into the ring of fire to try and thwart Malefor's plan! Believe them like I do! There is still hope left! Do not give up now!"
I saw some beings give looks of shock and fear at the mention of me, though most of them faded. The three Cheetah sisters gave me weary looks, while Ember actually gave me a look of sparkly affection and awe. When Ignitus's speech was over, the crowd erupted in cheers and cries of Valor, some beings raising their weapons as some dragons even let out their elemental breaths into the sky.
"Be strong warriors!" Ignitus proclaimed. "And we shall win this day!"
More cheers sounded from the crowd, some Dragons taking flight while other beings went into the forest. Though a large chunk of them stayed behind, seeming to be preparing for battle.
Ignitus turned to the rest of the guardians. "I give you this same choice my friends… you may either stay, or seek shelter with the others."
Terrador grinned as he stepped forward. "These troops will need a leader!"
"And we shall all gladly lead them until your return." Cyril said as he too came forward.
"The is true, correct, and very precise!" Volteer spoke up with a large grin.
Ignitus's smile grew, before he bowed his head before them. "Thank you, my friends." He turned to Spyro, Cynder and I with a serious look. "Are you ready young ones?"
Spyro, Cynder, and I all nodded in response. Spyro was about to speak, but he was interrupted.
"Ignitus?" Shelia suddenly spoke up, making me flinch a bit. "May we speak with Seth before you go?"
I turned to see Shelia standing next to her sister Relia, Shelia looking concerned as Relia had a somewhat blank look on her face.
Ignitus gave them a small nod. "Of course."
I frowned a bit, before I walked over to the cheetahs, giving them a somewhat awkward smile.
"Um, what did you wanna talk about?"
'I think you all ready know what they wanna talk about…' Sane said in my head.
Shelia frowned as well, but Relia spoke up first. "Let's go somewhere a bit more private to discuss this," she said, looking to the large crowd around us.
'They're going to get all sappy on us…' Psy groaned.
'Oh shut up…' I thought.
I gave her nod, not really liking being in this large crowd anyways. They began leading me through the crowd, and I watched as many beings rushed around while others split off from the group. The cheetah sisters took me to a smaller tent on the other side of the camp, the two turning to me soon after we entered.
I sighed, speaking before the other two could get a chance. "Look, I'm gonna do this no matter what you say okay? I've made up my mind."
"We know," Shelia replied, my eyes widening in surprise. "We know that you're going to do this - we overheard your speech in that tent…"
Her eyes seemed to show hurt, the cheetah looking down with a somber gaze. Relia sighed, placing a hand on her sister's back, and rubbing it.
"We simply want to say goodbye - and good luck."
I was at a loss for words, thinking they'd try to talk me out of it, but they both seemed to realize I had made this decision all ready.
Shelia swallowed, before looking up at me with a somber gaze. "You are very brave for doing this Seth," she rubbed her arm, "and I thank you for putting your life at risk to save our world."
I blinked, before giving her a small smile. "I think I'm kind of returning the favor to you and a couple others for that."
"Still," Relia spoke up, taking a step forward. "It takes a lot of courage to face the Dark Master."
I sighed. "Well with the help of Ignitus, Spyro, and Cynder, I'd say we have a fair shot at taking him down."
I smiled, trying to brighten the mood. Though the other two still had somber looks. It was silent for a bit after that, just the sound of bustling bodies outside and the occasional breeze. Shelia slowly walked up to me, and I could see her eyes watering. She slowly wrapped her arms around me, making me flinch, before she pulled me in for a soft hug, putting her chin on my shoulder.
"Be safe…" she whispered, "please be safe."
I heard her sniffle, and I felt a bit choked up all of a sudden. I hugged her back, biting back a couple tears of my own.
"I will be…" I said softly.
We held the hug for a moment, Relia walking up beside us with a blank gaze, though she did seem to have a small frown. Shelia brought her head back and gently let me go, the both of us staring into each other's eyes. She looked down, before turning away, wiping a tear from her eye.
Relia suddenly grabbed me and brought me into a hug as well, her's being a bit tighter, but it felt just as warm as Shelia's. She was a bit taller than me, and I felt her pat my back.
"You have strength Seth, and you are stronger than the darkness, you always will be," she said in a firm voice. "Never forget who you are, and don't let him twist you, like he did to me."
I felt her shaking just a bit, and I quickly wrapped my arms around her in return, sniffling a bit. "Thank you…"
We too held the hug for a moment, and I caught a glimpse of Shelia wiping more tears from her eyes. Relia and I let go of each other, and she patted me on the shoulder, giving me a very small smile.
I didn't realize how much these two actually cared for me until now. And – I didn't realize just how much I cared for them too.
'We're gonna be able to do this…' Sane spoke up, and I heard his voice shaking a bit. 'For them, and for everyone else on this world.'
'We – should not get attached,' Psy said next.
'Its only human,' Sane replied, 'and we are still human you know?'
Psy only grunted in response, but he said nothing.
I swallowed, giving the two of them smiles. "I really am glad to have had the help of two wonderful cheetahs while I've been in this world."
Shelia chuckled a bit, sniffling as she turned to me with a smile. "I think we've both grown quite fond of you Seth, even though we've known each other for such a short time."
I nodded in response, about to speak, but Relia beat me to it.
"Doesn't matter how long you've known someone, it only matters what bond you share," she said in a somewhat soft tone.
I looked down for a moment, sighing. "Thanks – for everything, really."
"No, thank you," Shelia replied. "You've helped us and our kind more than we could ever ask of you."
We all smiled, leaving the tent in silence for a long while, until both of them brought me into a small group hug. I flinched once again, a bit surprised that they both went for another embrace, but I still returned the favor, hugging them both tightly.
"We will see you soon…" Relia whispered.
"And again – be safe," Shelia added.
We all held the hug for a bit longer, till I let go, taking a step back. I felt a tear roll down my cheek, but quickly wiped it away.
"Seth?" A new voice spoke, making me jump a bit.
I looked behind me to see Ember peaking into the tent, a somber look on her face as she tilted her head.
"Can I please speak with you?"
Relia grunted at this, having a somewhat irritated look. Though Shelia put her paw on her sister's shoulder, giving her a somewhat stern look.
I blinked at Ember's request. "Um, sure," I turned to the two cheetahs. "Mind if I still use this tent? Sorry."
Shelia smiled and shook her head. "Its fine, go ahead, my sister and I need to go speak with our father anyhow."
The two cheetah sisters walked out of the tent, Shelia turning to me one last time to mouth the words "good luck" before leaving. Ember gave me a smile before she walked into the tent, looking up at me with sparkling eyes. I frowned at this, rubbing the back of my neck.
"So um, what did you want to talk about?" I asked.
Ember looked down. "Well, I overheard your conversation with the guardians – and, I just wanted to wish you good luck!"
She lifted her head to give me another smile, though I saw sadness in her eyes.
I raised an eyebrow. "Is there something else?"
Ember's gaze turned away as she shuffled her feet. "Well um – can I – hug you?"
My eyes widened in surprise, figuring the dragon would just hug me on her own accord like she had done so many times before.
Ember sighed. "I-I know you don't like it when I hug you out of the blue, so I thought I'd ask you this time, you don't have to though."
I frowned as I saw the dragoness's head lower, her wings drooping a bit as she kept her gaze away from my own.
'Don't do it…' Psy groaned.
'Oh for god's sake, is it really that big of a deal to give her a hug? We hugged the other two didn't we?' Sane said.
'Well she's being all pouty about it, trying to bait you into it.'
'So?'
I sighed, breaking the silence. Before I kneeled down and gently wrapped my arms around the dragon. She flinched at this, before she gave out a sound that I could only describe as a "squee", before I felt her wrap her claws around my back. She hugged me tightly, nuzzling the side of my face as her tail swayed side to side behind her.
I heard Psy groan in my head, but I ignored it.
"Th-thank you Seth," Ember whispered into my ear, and I heard her sniffle.
I smiled a bit as I patted her back, before I let her go, though she kept her hug. I didn't pull back, allowing her to hug me for a little while longer, until she eventually let go. I saw her wipe a tear from her eye as she gave me a sad smile.
"R-really – thank you for all you did for me. You saved my mother, and – you've made me feel so warm and fuzzy when you're around!" she said happily, her wings fluttering.
I kept my smile, still kneeling in front of her. "Well – thanks for helping me out a bit too."
She grinned. "Of course!"
We were both silent for a while after that, Ember's grin fading as her gaze slowly reached the floor.
"Just – promise me one thing, please…" She said in a low tone.
I blinked and tilted my head in response.
She looked up at me with teary eyes. "Promise me you'll come back."
My eyes widened for a moment, until my soft smile returned.
I nodded. "Of course I'll come back."
She sniffled. "I-I know you will! You're gonna beat Malefor and save us all!" She suddenly leaned forward and nuzzled my neck. "Y-you're so strong and brave! He won't be any m-match for you!"
I felt heat on my cheeks as she nuzzled me. "W-well – you be safe here okay? Go find your mother and take shelter with her."
She nodded as she pulled her head back. "I-I will, I just wanted to say goodbye before I left."
"I'll see you soon, okay?" I said in a sincere tone, making the small dragon smile.
I stood up afterwards, taking a deep breath as I looked out of the tent. I found myself freezing up, unable to move as many thoughts of doubt plagued my mind all in one moment. Though I was soon snapped out of it by the soft sound of Ember's voice.
"You'll be okay," she spoke. "I know you will."
I rubbed my arm, letting out another sigh. "Thanks…"
'Wuss…' Psy remarked.
I frowned. 'Would you just shut it for once?'
I ended up walking outside of the tent with Ember, wincing at the sharp sunlight in my eyes. I blinked as I saw the whole camp bustling, people seeming to be packing up while others gathered in groups. My eyes widened as I soon spotted Baron within the crowd, limping along side what appeared to be healers and other wounded. He also had Emerald standing next to him, Segregoth also in the group with a couple bandages on him. I quickly made my way over to them, seeing Emerald giving Baron a look of frustration.
"Would you just lay down and let others carry you! You're going to hurt yourself!" she said in an irritated tone.
Baron shook his head as he continued to limp forward. "Nah, no one could carry me anyhow, I'll be fine little dragon!"
The Minotaur had a small smirk on his face, talking in a joking manor. But I could see him show signs of pain, his limp, and the small winces as he walked. He soon glanced over at me, before he gained a grin.
"There you are shorty! Thought you ran away after all the ladies fought over yah!"
I felt myself blush as he said that, glancing at the floor. "Nope, I just had to go to the Guardians for a bit."
Baron gave a slight cough as he limped forward. "So I heard, gonna go fight the good fight and steal all of my glory are yah?"
I shook my head, giving him a concerned look. "No, just gonna go try and help you guys get save your realm. And should you really be walking? You got really beat up in that last fight."
Baron shook his head, waving me off. "Nah shorty, like I said before, I'm fine!"
I looked him over, seeing all of his bandages and wounds, somewhat amazed he was even able to stand. But I guess the phrase "stubborn as a bull" was made for a reason.
"Well don't go hurting yourself now, we still want you to be able to fight again, now don't we?" I said jokingly, cracking a smile.
Baron chuckled at that. "Of course, shorty! I've come back from worse than this."
I saw him wince in pain, making me frown.
"You should still get some rest though," Segregoth spoke up, walking up next to Baron.
Baron rolled his eyes. "All of you sound like my ma! I'll be fine all right! I'll rest when we all get to the underground city eh?"
My gaze drifted over to Segregoth, seeing his wounds and bandages. "Looks like you're a little banged up too."
The dragon sighed. "If Baron can manage to help out in his condition, I think I can do the same."
I frowned, worried about the two injured beings.
'They'll be fine, we need not worry for them,' Psy spoke in an annoyed tone.
'We could at least say goodbye and wish em luck for god's sake,' Sane replied.
'This is why we shouldn't get attached to creatures here. So we don't have silly interactions such as this.'
I ignored him or course, getting annoyed of his constant interjections.
"Well, I guess since you're all here I can say goodbye to all of you at once," I said in a somewhat somber tone.
They all turned to me, the two dragons having somber looks in their eyes, but Baron merely smirked.
"Only goodbye for a bit there shorty, we'll see yah soon enough," he said in a chipper tone.
I blinked in surprise, still a bit shocked by the overall enthusiasm of this guy.
"Still," Emerald spoke up, looking at me with a smile. "It's always good to say goodbye, since you never know when you'll see others again."
I smiled in return, my gaze reaching the ground. "And I also kinda – wanted to thank you all for helping me."
"No thanks are needed," Segregoth spoke up, a smile stretched across his face as well. "After all you've helped us, and now you're risking your life to save this entire realm."
"We were happy to help anyways shorty," Baron spoke up with a grin, "and you'd better get going here, you've got a world to save after all!"
I nodded in return, figuring he was probably right, though I soon turned to Ember. I noticed she was oddly quiet during all of this, before I spotted her sniffling and wiping away tears.
"You all right Ember?" I asked in a soft tone.
Ember sniffled once more, before looking up at me. "Yes, I'm fine – and I had better go with these guys to see if I can help with the wounded."
I nodded to her, before looking between all of them, sighing. "I'll see you all soon."
"That you will," Baron reassured. "Now get outta here and go and wail on some grublins for all of us eh?"
I smiled, before I turned and began walking away, waving to all of them as I left. "Goodbye guys."
They all waved in return, Ember and Emerald wishing me good luck, and I could still see tears in Ember's eyes. I gave them a final warm look before, I turned away.
'I think there's one more person we need to say goodbye too…' Sane spoke up.
An image of Volteer flashed in my mind, making me frown.
'We don't need anymore of this silly sappiness…' Psy groaned.
I shook my head. 'No, we're gonna say goodbye to him, I don't give a shit what you think Psy.'
I heard him sigh in return, but he said nothing. I soon walked over to the tent where I had last seen the guardians, hoping they were all still there. I reached it, before I paused as I heard some commotion within the tent, leaning forward a bit to try and listen in.
"Are you sure you want to go through with this Ignitus?" I heard Cyril say. "It's a very dangerous risk…"
"Its one of the only options we have left, and the only risk I am willing to take," Ignitus replied.
"But sending you and three young beings into the heart of Malefor's clutches is a terrible risk! Not when you could send more!" Cyril replied.
"No, I cannot risk the lives of so many others, not when I know these three will be able to fight this battle on their own."
"Just because the Chronicler told you about this doesn't mean it is true! You shouldn't do this Ignitus! Please! I am begging you to take me and some more troops along!"
Suddenly, I felt a tap on my shoulder, making me jump a bit as I turned around with wide eyes. Volteer was behind me with a solemn look.
"You shouldn't eavesdrop young human," he said. "Come."
He turned around, using his wing to gesture for me to follow. I obliged, following the yellow dragon across the camp. I noted all sorts of tents being taken down, with even more beings dispersing. I soon turned back to Volteer as he led me along.
"I was actually looking for you anyways," I spoke up, "thought you'd be in there."
Volteer glanced back at me. "I had gone help with getting others out of here, and Terrador went with most of the troops to escort many of the beings to the underground city."
I nodded, before taking a look back at the tent where Ignitus and Cyril were. "What about Cyril?"
I heard Volteer sigh. "He is attempting to convince Ignitus that he needs more aid against Malefor with you, Spyro, and Cynder."
"Well he might be right," I pointed out, my gaze hitting the floor.
"I suspect he may have different motives," the guardian said, making me look up at him curiously. "I believe Cyril wishes to see Malefor once more."
My eyes widened, remembering the bond the Malefor and Cyril had shared.
"Is that such a good idea?"
Volteer gave out another long sigh, shaking his head. "I do not know, I am unsure what Cyril expects to find within Malefor, but whatever it is I feel like it is long gone."
Volteer led me to the side of the camp, before turning to me. I rubbed the back of my neck as I frowned.
"Well either way I'm gonna be going up there, and – well…" My gaze hit the ground once again. "I'm sorry if I disappointed you by agreeing to that…"
Volter gave out a soft chuckle. "Why would I be disappointed of such a brave act?" the dragon looked down. "I admit, I'm not particularly happy that you are risking your life and even your way home in order to save us, but if anything, I feel a sense of pride."
I blinked at his response, somewhat surprised. I didn't expect him to say that, nor did I really expect anyone to be that proud of me. And most of all, I didn't expect to feel so good that Volteer was proud of me.
'Can we stop being. So. Sappy.' Psy growled.
'Oh no! Good emotions! So terrible!' Sane mocked.
Volteer smiled. "You are doing something that takes a lot of courage young human, as I am sure many have told you all ready. This is something not many beings could choose to do, or go through with."
My gaze hit the ground. "Well not everyone has powers like me."
"Still," Volteer continued, "Even with those powers, some may choose to use them differently. But you have proven, time and time again, that you wish to use your powers for good." The guardian gave me a genuine smile, that kind of warmed my hear. "And that is why I feel pride in seeing you do this, you are pushing aside your anger, the darkness in your heart, and choosing to use your power how you see fit. You are not allowing your power to control you."
I felt a tear roll down my cheek, before I wiped it away, unable to look him in the eye. "Thanks-s Volteer, really," I swallowed. "You've helped me so much, and, I just want to try to repay you and everyone else here. I don't want this world to be destroyed, not when it has dragons like you in it."
Volteer's smile grew. "And we all thank you, each and every one of us." His head tilted upwards for a moment. "Though I believe it might be time now…"
I looked up at him curiously, before turning around. I spotted Ignitus speaking to Spyro and Cynder, all three of them glancing over at me from time to time.
"Go," Volteer said, "I will follow."
I walked over to the group as he said that, trembling just a bit, before I gripped my arm tightly to stop myself.
'We will be fine,' Psy said sternly. 'Do not be a coward.'
I frowned, but ignored him, soon coming to a stop in front of Ignitus, Spyro, and Cynder.
Ignitus turned to me as I arrived. "Are you ready young human?"
I nodded, still feeling a bit nervous. I flinched a bit as I heard the tent next to us open, seeing Cyril walk out.
"I will notify the troops," the ice dragon stated. "We will stay posted on this ridge and await your return."
"I will stay as well," Volteer spoke up behind me.
Ignitus looked between his two friends for a moment, before he gave them both a smile.
"Thank you, the both of you. I wish you both safe travels and pray you can be sheltered for long enough that these three and I can put an end to this destruction."
Volteer nodded with a smile. "We will be fine."
"Be careful Ignitus," Cyril said, a look of worry on his face.
Ignitus nodded to him with a small smile. "I shall be, my friend." He turned to us afterwards, giving us a somewhat serious look. "Let us go now."
I swallowed, feeling the same pit in my stomach from before, knowing that this was the point of no return, and it could very well be my doom.
"One second please…" I said softly.
Ignitus blinked, before he gave me a short nod.
I turned to Volteer feeling a rush of sadness washing over me. The guardian was giving me a somber look, before he leaned down and wrapped one arm around me, giving me a small hug. I flinched, but once again I returned the gesture, hugging him back.
"Stay strong young human…" he said softly. "And always remember who you truly are deep down: a good being."
"Thank you," I whispered back, sniffling a bit. We broke the embrace, and I looked up at him with a sad smile. "Goodbye Volteer."
He smiled in return. "Goodbye, dear Seth."
I turned away, wiping away another tear as I looked to Ignitus, Spyro, and Cynder. "I'm ready now, unless any of you need to say goodbye."
Spyro shook his head. "No, we said ours before this."
I saw a twinge of sadness in his voice, though he seemed to hold it together. Ignitus soon took lead, the three of us following out of the tent. Cynder and I shared and glance, though we both soon broke it, and I felt somewhat awkward next to her.
I paused as we made it outside. "Um, how am I gonna be traveling with you guys flying?"
Ignitus turned to me. "You may ride on my back," he flashed a smile, "I doubt you are too heavy."
I chuckled a bit in response. "I don't think so, no."
Ignitus soon stood with his side facing me, his wings down as he gestured for me to hop on. I nodded, before I gently hopped up on his back, nearly falling off, before steadying myself.
I frowned. "Hope I don't fall off."
Ignitus smiled. "Just hold on tight," he looked to Spyro and Cynder. "Are you both ready?"
The two dragons nodded in response. Ignitus leaned down a bit, before taking to the air, making me gasp as I clutched onto him tightly, pressing myself against his back. Through the howling wind I heard the two other dragons taking flight behind us, following Ignitus. And thus… we took flight towards the ring of fire.
Praying we still had time to save this world.
A/N: Here we are, surprisingly it took me less than a year to get this chap out eh? I've been trying to grind out writing this thing cuz, well, I want to finish this fic, and perhaps move onto bigger things eh?
I really hope you guys are still enjoying this, and I am hoping I'll be able to get the full thing out one day soon.
We're almost there, and I hope you guys enjoy what I have left in store for you all. Of course, there's going to be plot holes and all of that, since my original plans for all of this had to be put to a halt cuz of life and all sorts of other things, but I hope it's good enough.
Thank you all for reading this, and I hope to get out another chap sometime soon.
See you all in the next chap, and have a good one.
Poll:
Seth x Cynder: 34
Seth x Shelia: 21
Seth x Relia: 3
Seth x Ember: 7
