Author's notes:
I would like to share some art that my co-editor has made for the story, alongside mine. Unfortunately, FanFiction and such does not allow for easily linking. I invite you to search for the user "Thal-Verscholen" on DeviantArt. My gallery will contain a folder relating to everything Obscurust. Thank you for reading. If you would like to see improvements, please leave a review. They shall allow me to improve.
"Spyro, wake up. We've got a witness account from someone."
The purple dragon raised his head from the desk that he fell asleep on. "Hmm…?"
Cynder sighed, as their son was next to her. "Spyro, you should sleep next to me and Ares instead on the case. But I've got news of it, either way. Some dragon named Anthe has tried to get in contact with us, as he saw something last night."
"Oh, huh… Wait, a witness? Finally!" he exclaimed, a bit of happiness coming back to the purple dragon. A lead! "Where are they at?"
"He's been at the door. He said he does not know who to tell. Guardians would have been much better at first, but… What do you know?" Cynder turned to the reddish dragon. "Ares, go to your room. This is… Grown up stuff."
"Okay, mom…" he sighed, going back upstairs.
"Let's see him now…" Spyro said. Cynder nodded, going to the door and opening it. There stood a yellow lightning dragon, his dull orange wings awkwardly folded on his sides. The dragon emanated an aura of… tension, if Spyro could describe it. He looked indeed worn and anxious.
What really caught their eyes though, was the sheer number of scars and wounds which crisscrossed over his body and limbs like a gruesome abstract pattern. It was as if he had been lashed and slashed a thousand times. Some were fresh, and oozing.
"H-h-h-h-h-hello, Sir Spyro, I-I am Anthe… I saw them! The apes!" he spluttered, almost on the verge of tears.
"Calm down. Tell us what happened-" Spyro attempted to say before he got cut off.
"They stabbed him in the throat! He couldn't- I heard him! He was dragged!" Anthe started to pummel the ground with his paws.
"Jeez, calm down!" Spyro demanded.
"S-so-so sorry! I just… It was… Like back then…" he drifted off, his gaze staring beyond the two heroes. They looked at each other, a bit disturbed.
"… Right."
"He must be a war veteran. Look at those old scars…" Spyro whispered to Cynder.
"He seems unstable… And a bit phony too. We need to send him to the Guardians; I feel like they'll do a better job with… Him." They turned back to face Anthe.
"Right. Do you know how to get to the guardians?" Cynder stated.
"Y-yes… The temple…" he said meekly. "I'll get going!" he said, already disappearing from the couple's view. He left them with a confused look on their face.
"The Apes, huh… This poor dragon needs to see our healer. Wounds look recent too."
"Oh, speaking of her. I was planning to take Ares to her today, for a check-up," Cynder recalled. "I suppose you'll be boring your brain out with the case again, with new evidence?"
"Depends…"
"I assume that's a yes," the dragoness sighed. "At least you've got a new lead. Just… Make sure it doesn't consume you."
"I'll try," Spyro said.
As soon as Hallimede was out of range, he couldn't help but struggle to hide his smile. He just had tricked two of the most powerful dragons in existence. He bit on his lower lip to avoid blowing any sort of cover. Can't believe they bought it! He hummed a childish tune gleefully.
He shook his head, grinning. He couldn't help his twitchy nerves and movements, but he was excited. He did well, and if the idiots believed his false testimony, the Crescents and Followers would be clear of trouble for a good while from them.
He bounced in his walk, totally different from the demeanor he was faking. He still made sure nobody was looking at him funny, as he danced excitedly in his step. He was being very expressive, and that is where he felt the most alive. Finally, he stuck it to the purple dragon. Finally, Jericho and the others will see him for what he truly is a master of trickery.
And it felt good, oh so good. Finally, some respect from the leader!
Of course, he wasn't going to see the Guardians. There was no way he would give them any advantage whatsoever. He just walked through Warfang, ignoring the few looks of pity he got. He wore his scars proudly; they were a reminder of who he was, one of the greatest Followers. He and he alone will take his rightful place once this world is rebuilt.
As per their duty, the active Guardians regrouped every day in the temple that the Dragon City, Warfang, held. Almost everyone was present, save for the Poison and Darkness guardian. Today, the topic was one they went through every week. The missing dragons.
"And so, if the rumors are true? What if there is indeed a cult doing those murders?" Flare, the fire guardian asked. Her red scales complimented her slim and agile body.
"We don't have a clear answer for that. Another went missing last night and the family wants answers. But we've turned every stone over in Warfang, for nothing. They vanish," replied Cyril.
"And why is that? Do they come willingly to their doom? There must be something to it," replied Flare. "More surveillance hasn't yielded anything either."
"Surveillance is our best bet for now. We do not want to start a panic," said the Fear guardian, Citralo. Deep ruby scales covered every aspect of his body, as his confident voice reassured the others.
"It won't do much if those kidnappings keep happening. We need some proof. Something. Else said panic will spread like wildfire," Terrador, the Earth Guardian said.
"We shall then issue a warning. For people to be careful while going out at night," Citralo proposed.
"Hm… I hope we'll get a real lead soon," Tyaphyn, the Wind guardian, said. Her scales were of a dark silver, almost resembling cold metal. She looked outside the temple, through a window. The sun was bright and shining, but it didn't reflect her mood.
"May this curse end soon…"
"And that should be everything they need," Odyss said. The pale red dragon looked over Tarvos' pack, making sure every necessary item was taken.
"Alright, final check. A message for everyone, a new translation book for Elara, new dark and soul gems for Hallimede, and Jericho's medication… Isn't it a bit too much?" the light grey dragon asked.
"Both Elara and Jericho need it to clear their mind. Their tasks are of great importance, after all."
"True, but I don't want them to, you know…"
"Overdose is unlikely, Tarvos. I understand your worry, but it is unnecessary. Focus your energy on navigation." The wind dragon nodded.
"Got it. And for the rest… A gift for Jericho and Elara, for their performance. You already got yours," Odyss smiled, which Tarvos answered with his own.
"And that should be everything you need."
The wind dragon slung the bag on his back, making sure it wasn't bothering his wings before he extended them halfway through, inspecting for any damage before flight.
"Fair flight, Tarvos."
"Fair life, Odyss," he said, as he headed for the exit.
Thankfully, the cavern was well-hidden. Apart from a few holes for light, there was no trace of activity there. Pawprints were wiped out by the regular sandstorms the Iridescent Plains experienced. As soon as was outside and well-clear of the cavern, he sighed. Time to fly.
The grey dragon looked around, making sure nobody was looking at him before he stretched his limbs like a cat would. Tarvos extended his silver wings. They were longer and smoother than the average. He had them vibrate as he projected cold air into them, clearing them of any dust, before he jumped and hovered in the air, wind pushing him upwards, before it pushed him forwards, as he locked his wings in place. Perks of being a Wind dragon.
He gently let himself gain speed before the projected air became stronger, pushing him forwards. He didn't even need to flap his wings like any other dragon. His mastery of Wind let him fly without much strain or effort.
And soon enough he would be at high enough altitude to cruise comfortably. He relaxed, letting the wind carry him.
As he flew over the Iridescent Plains, he thought about what it would had looked like before Malefor's attempt at world reconstruction. It always was a desert, but many things changed in the years following Malefor's rise.
Giant glass shards seemed implanted in the sand, like glass panes exploded all over the desert. Those giant spires towered over the desert, giving it the name of the Glass Desert. They took on random patterns, like sawtooth ones or broken glass.
The light they refracted burnt even more areas of the desert, making it devoid of life. However, their sight hurt Tarvos more. He took a quick look at his paws, which became almost red from the number of wounds and scars there were on it. Therefore, he preferred being in the air, to reduce the pain.
As the intense heat glassed part of the desert, the region known as the Lonely Plains became known as the Iridescent Plains. Many locations were renamed in the wake of Malefor's plans, due to the change of climate or terrain.
It was indeed lonely even after the change. Not a single sprout of life anywhere but the Followers' home, hidden in the glass and dunes.
However, the heat was striking during the day
That was no matter to Tarvos, as he constantly projected cool air in front of him, cooling his scales down and keeping dust away from his eyes. While he had flight goggles, he preferred to keep them off, as they hurt his eyes during long use.
And so, he would be headed to the camp Jericho had set up in the forest, hidden from view. They had to change camp every two weeks, so it wouldn't be an issue for him to find the other Crescents back.
He always liked to fly high, away from the ground. The view was amazing from up there. Huge islands became nothing more than small dots. Clouds showered him in refreshing cold water as he flew through them.
It was only after a while that the sky darkened a little bit, as he flew over the sea. Now it was time for another of his tricks. He gently closed his eyes, as his senses became dull. To him, it was just like being on the ground, resting.
It wasn't long before he fell asleep mid-flight, his element carrying him without his focus.
"Right, Tarvos should be arriving today," Jericho told Elara.
"Good. Ever since Tethys left three days ago, I've been bored to death. No altars, no nothing. Not even any news from Halli'. And not a single altar either!" she groaned.
The sun was nearing it's fall, as dusk overtook the lands. Jericho got himself closer to the fire, warming both his scales and his heart, to simulate emotional warmth, something he never really had the chance to have. No matter, the fire was a good replacement.
He had a green magic crystal in his left paw, which he rolled between his digits lazily. He couldn't get anything from them yet, sadly. It'll come soon, right? It must be ice, considering my color…
He couldn't get that question out of his mind ever since Tethys and Elara talked about it. A dragon without element was twice as defenseless. He tried a few things written in books, but nothing. Not a single thing came out of his mouth but spit and air. Maybe Tarvos knows something…
As on cue, something appeared in the horizon, quickly approaching, until it landed in front of the two dragons.
"Tarvos!" Jericho squealed, running up to the silver dragon before almost tackling him in a hug, which the Wind dragon gleefully returned. "Nice to see you, friend," he said, making Jericho smile. He was rewarded with a small peck on the cheek, which made Jericho blush.
Poor Elara wished she had never seen that.
He broke the hug before showing renewed interest. "How are you doing? Did you fly well?" he asked, as Elara herself groaned in the background.
"Never better. Happy to see you too. Got you what you need. Rations, medication, and gift."
"Gift?" Jericho inched his muzzle forward.
"Yes. For you two." Now Elara also had interest.
"Anyways, I'll be washing up for a bit. Flew for three days straight…"
"And you're not tired?"
"I can sleep in mid-air," he answered. "Eitherway, I'll be going, so go check what I brought back. See you in a bit," said Tarvos as he headed into the forest. He knew that there was a small pond there.
Elara herself, which had her back turned, just sighed.
"I swear you two are going to go at it like rabbits behind my back," she said with an air of boredom.
"Hey!" Jericho whined. "It's only platonic, Elara. He's my best friend out of everyone I know."
"Aw, it isn't me?"
"Not in a thousand years, demon," he said jokingly, which Elara took with a small laugh. "Anyways. What did he bring us?" Jericho looked over the pack that the silver one left, opening it. He first pulled out a book. He couldn't read the title or contents, yet alone write.
"A translation book! Finally!" she smiled, snatching it from Jericho's hands, which didn't even flinch. "Only took them five years to get a new one!" Elara grinned, as Jericho kept looking through the pack. What he found next made him smile, as he quickly hid the bag in his own pouch, away from Elara which was browsing through the book. Enough for a few weeks… Sorry, Elara.
He kept reaching until finding a few crystals. He pulled them out on the ground, seeing their color. A few were deep white-blue, refracting the sunlight around them. Soul gems… The others were of a dark purple, giving off an uncomfortable era. His paws felt heavier as he handled them. And dark gems… That's for Tethys then. He set them aside.
Then he finally reached the bottom of the pack, pulling out two strange objects.
They were rectangular in nature, but the color differed. One of them matched his own scale color, being reflective dark blue like the night sky. The other was pale colored green, much like Elara's. It didn't take long to recognize what they did, as he flipped the blue one open, revealing a blue flame. Lighters! He smiled.
"Hey Elara, that's probably for you," the male said, throwing the green lighter at her, which she managed to catch with her paw. "Those are lighters," he said as he closed his own.
"We're going to smoke pipes now?"
"No, they're the gift that Tarvos gave us. Be glad for once!"
"…Right. Could had been something more useful, but I'll do." She flicked the lighter open, as it revealed a potent flame, which didn't waver in the wind. Good to start fires.
As Tarvos came back, the males began to discuss heavily about every subject. From how was Odyss, the Glass Desert, new flight techniques…
All those things that Elara promptly ignored. She was going to spend the rest of the day reading her new translation book.
Cynder entered the temple's infirmary, which itself wasn't very big. There was already a general hospital in Warfang, and this infirmary was more for injuries during training in the Dojo and such. Cynder wanted to go there so she would at least have a more familiar environment.
An ice dragoness was helping another patient, which seemingly broke one of their limbs. The dragoness herself sported deep navy-blue scales, as her horns, which pointed straight, were of a lighter blue, looking like icicles. She also wore a soft membrane on her back, which looked aquatic in nature. She had a stethoscope on her neck.
"Here, don't worry. The crystal will do the work for you," she said in a soft and comforting voice, as she pressed a red health crystal to his arm, which seemed to sink into the dragon as it reduced size. "There we go, you'll do fine now. Rest for a bit, I have another to attend to."
When she was done, she turned back, about to greet the dragoness and her son, before she realized who was in front of her.
"Cynder!" she said gleefully. The black dragoness herself smiled, flattered. Latis approached to greet them.
"Nice to meet the heroes. My name is Latis," the ice dragoness said, happily. She was gleeful to see Cynder, the one that saved the world alongside Spyro. "And who are you, little one?" Latis asked, crouching to Ares' level.
"M-My name is Ares," the dragon replied, shyly.
"Well, Ares, what brings you here?"
"Mom wants me t-to be checked up." Cynder nodded to Latis.
"Alright then, all good. Would you like to watch, Cynder?"
"Sure," she smiled. "I'm certain he's in good paws."
"Definitely. I've been an apprentice from the best," said Latis as she invited Ares to sit on a small bed.
"By who?"
"I think her name was Alyssa. I've been alive for 17 years and I got to thank her for all she did in my lifetime. A second mother, you could say."
"Uh-huh," Cynder said, as Latis gently moved Ares' limbs, checking if everything was in order. She took a small reflex hammer, the kind used for testing limbs and gently tapped on Ares' articulations, seeing if there was a reaction, much to Cynder's worry. Seeing someone with a hammer next to her child kicked in her natural motherly instincts, but she shook her head. It was silly.
Latis then took the stethoscope and equipped it. "Deep breaths, Ares," she said, as the younger child did just as he was told. She placed the stethoscope on multiple spots on his chest and back. After that, Latis smiled.
"He's definitely healthy so far. Alright, little one, on the weight," she said, as she pointed to a scale, which Ares stepped on.
"Mhm… 55 kilograms. A healthy dragon for your age."
It didn't take long for the examination to be finished. Latis took Ares' measurements, made him pace a bit and listened to his heart again amongst other minor medical things. She took off the stethoscope back on her neck and smiled.
"He's perfectly healthy. Nothing special to declare, but I'd recommend some vitamins to keep his immune system up."
"Why not. I trust your judgement as the Temple Healer." Latis reached into a cabinet, getting a pill bottle, handing it to Cynder. Thankfully the dragoness was carrying a pouch resting on her flank.
"Here you go, one a day. They're chewy, and for free since, well, you're a hero," Latis smiled. Cynder took the pill bottle, still a bit ashamed.
"Uh… You're sure you don't need paym-"
"Of course not! No worries. Take good care of Ares, that'll be all."
The black dragon responded with a small smile, and a nod. "Well, I won't disturb you any longer."
"Oh, by all means, you can stay!" Latis exclaimed. "It's not everyday I get to see someone like you. I guess I'm a fan. Plus, I was just about done with another patient."
"Alright… Sure, as Spyro is busy as always. What's up?" Cynder asked.
"Nothing much thankfully. I'm just here to heal the few that train in the Dojo and overextend themselves." Latis then approached Cynder so that Ares wouldn't hear what she said next. "I'm also, sadly, the on-call coroner. It's my duty to collect dead bodies, perform autopsies and managing the morgue." The black dragoness got a bit disgusted at the mental image, but she shook it off. Latis however came back to happier subjects.
They talked about how she used her element and medical knowledge to the best, but that she was still a bit new in the field, and that she was glad for the opportunity to work at the temple. It seemed like Latis could go on and talk endlessly about her profession. In her eyes was a real passion for the medical field. But it was clear she would not stop talking at all.
"I'd even do it for free," she concluded.
"Hm… Yeah. Uh… I have to go now, though," Cynder said, trying to get the gluepot that was Latis off her.
"Right, sorry! There just isn't anything much exciting happening, so…"
"I understand, but I have to go. Spyro won't eat if I don't remind him…" The ice dragoness nodded. "See you down the line."
"See you!" Latis waved goodbye as Cynder and Ares exited the infirmary.
While the boys were trying to sleep, the Scribe was focused on another task.
"Huh…" Elara said to herself. She could now fully understand what runes were written on the sword they had collected earlier due to the new book. She observed the sword to candlelight and carefully translated them.
In moonlight He shall rise, for the Realms are his rightful belonging. She thought, as she read the rest. To whom shall wield this blade Mir… Mir will grant his blessings. Mir? Never heard that name. Malefor?
"Hey, Jericho. Ever heard of the name Mir?" she asked, curious. The two other males have been trying to sleep, but Elara wouldn't let them for now. Jericho himself was wrapped within a comforter, as the night was a bit cold. He was shaking a little bit.
"No. Might be another name for Malefor? I mean, we call him the Dark Master, the Destroyer of Worlds or even Arhama… No idea on Mir."
"Right," she said, as she inspected at the injector Jericho himself had acquired. Stimulant injector. As the user partakes in combat, this object shall turn the tides, transforming the lowest of beasts into fierce warriors. Mir smiles upon their fighting spirit.
"Another reference of that name… Ah, it's nothing," she sighed, dropping the injector on the ground next to the sword.
"Let's just sleep," Tarvos sighed, as he closed his eyes again.
She sighed, putting out the small candle before curling into a ball, closing her eyes. But she couldn't. Her brain wanted to understand what those mysterious sayings on the sword and injector meant, especially the foreign name. Probably nothing…
Closing notes :
If you've read Legacy of Legends (which you definitely should do), you may recognise a few character(s). There is a reason that they are here, and we'll explore that later. I hope you enjoyed.
Many thanks to Blaudr for the help and beta reading.