Legend of Spyro - Four Pillars of Aether Book I

by Blazcowitz43

Twelve years after the Temple raid, the four survivors of that dreadful night live a happy, carefree existence. They are Spyro, Cynder, Flame and Ember; the four who lived. Spyro is a rare purple dragon who has been taught his whole life that great things await him, but as darkness approaches can he and his friends truly stand up to the evil that threatens the world? Book II soon.

13. Chapter 12 The Heroes Return

Chapter 12: The Heroes Return

With a glum expression and fearful heart, the purple dragon began stepping closer to the edge of the platform, nervously awaiting whatever lay down below, if anything. He stepped until his claws were reaching the edge of the platform, Spyro peeking down and his eyes bulging. He could see nothing but an everlasting sky, not any hint of land. It seemed that the platform and its temple look alike were floating in the sky, suspended by some levitating magic. There was an eeriness to wherever he was, not a hint of life and dead silent. As he lifted his head, a lump formed in his throat as an oppressive loneliness overcame him. He felt a quiver ripple through his body, then a simmering anger began to surface as he strained to see if he had missed something, something that would show him he was not alone.

"Hello?" he called loudly, "Is anyone there?" He didn't know if he expected a response, but if he was indeed dead, what harm could it do? He couldn't be killed more than once. Hopefully.

"Anybody?!" he called out again at the top of his voice, wondering if he should fly away from the platform and explore whatever there might be. He decided that he should and opened his wings to prepare to take flight.

'You are not alone, young dragon,' said a voice that wasn't his own. Spyro froze just before he had leapt into the air, turning his head erratically to find the source of the voice. It sounded like it was coming from right by him. He gazed over the mysterious building behind him, looking towards the doorway as he saw nowhere else the voice could have come from.

"Who's there? Where am I?" he challenged.

'Do not be frightened. You are in no danger here,' the voice answered calmly. It was a male voice and sounded heavily aged. It sounded like it was coming from all around his head, Spyro frantically searching for its source. He looked up towards the two dragon statues, watching them suspiciously. Raising an eyebrow, he asked himself mentally, "

Did it come from one of them?"

'No, they are but statues,' the voice suddenly replied, Spyro's mouth falling open as the realisation struck him; the voice wasn't coming from around him, it was coming from inside his head!

"I… didn't say that…" he said quietly, recognising that the voice had just responded to a thought, not a spoken sentence.

'Speaking through your mind or through your mouth makes no difference here, Spyro,' the voice answered plainly. It knew his name as well! The purple dragon stood still, his eyes pointing up as if trying to look at his own forehead that seemed to be the source of the mysterious voice. He felt a terrible vulnerability at the notion that there was some other presence inside his body, one that could read his thoughts and seemed to see everything he was doing.

"How do you know my name?" he asked through his mind, his mouth dangling open in part awe and part terror at this new ability he had been given.

'I have had more than a millennium to prepare for your life, Spyro. I knew your name long before the Guardians gave it to you.'

"Who are you? Where am I? Where are we?" Spyro asked verbally in a flustered tone.

'Calm yourself, young dragon. I am a friend. Let me explain;' the voice began formally, 'We are deep inside your subconscious mind. A dreamscape inside your head. It may all look and feel real to you, but it is only an illusion. You could fall off that ledge right in front of you and all that would happen is you would tumble through the air in a loop, going past where you fell over and over until you flew yourself out of it. You may try it if you want.'

"Ah, not thanks. I'll take your word on that," Spyro replied apprehensively.

'Good,' the voice said brightly, 'Then let me answer your other questions.'

"But I haven't asked any yet," Spyro said pointedly.

'The ones on your mind that you are thinking right now,'the voice said with a hint of amusement. Spyro blushed as he remembered that his thoughts were no longer shielded from view.

'You are still very much alive, young dragon. You and your friends are safe, for the moment. The Guardians have lifted you from the Mountain of Malefor and are tending to you at the temple as we speak. So fear not, your body is safe while your mind is here.'

"But how did I get here?"

'I summoned you here, so that I might allow you to be familiarised with me and so I may pass on a warning.'

"A warning about what?"

'Dark days lay ahead of you, Spyro. Great events are fast approaching and you will play a pivotal role in what is to come. Choices will have to be made, choices which you may not want to make, but must be in order to set the timeline on the correct path.'

Spyro frowned, "Timeline? What do you mean?"

"I cannot tell you right now, but you will find out soon enough.'

"But who are you? How do I know I can trust you?" asked Spyro harshly, "How do I know this isn't some evil trick?"

'You don't,' the voice answered bluntly, 'The only way you will find out is to trust in what I have told you.'

Spyro paused, tilting his head thoughtfully as his eyes narrowed warily, projecting into the empty space in the absence of a source of the mysterious voice. He considered every possibility that came to mind, fully aware that they were being read in his mind the same time as he was. To his surprise, the voice remained silent as he mentally scanned every reason he came up with for why he should not trust the voice and why he should. He looked towards the building, eyeing its open entrance, seeing a faint white glow now coming from the centre of the structure. He looked over the familiar design of it, so similar to the temple, almost as if it had once been a part of it. With a faint sigh, Spyro's eyes looked up at his forehead as he said mentally,

"What is it you want me to do?"

'Go inside, Spyro. You will find the way back home within.'

Cautiously, eyeing the statues mistrustingly one last time, Spyro started to walk slowly towards the building, his heart jittery and prepared to react at anything. Still, boldly he marched on, breathing calmly as he decided to follow the mysterious voice in his head. He passed through the stone archway, entering into the dojo like structure with an open ceiling. He saw at once it was just a single, circular room, the floor covered in greyish white dirt and overgrown grass circling the perimeter of the room. One again it was just like the temple, with four sets of elemental flags hanging evenly space from the walls. Taking up much of the centre of the floor was a large stone ring covered in the same blue runes as he saw elsewhere. The ground within dropped down a few feet with what looked like the pool of visions in the middle, the source of the white glow. Spyro walked on slowly towards it, the runes of the stone ring lighting briefly as he passed over them, hopping down into centre ring. Holding his breath, he approached the lookalike pool of visions, the murky water showing a faint white light below the surface. It reminded him of the way the moonlight shone through water when viewed while submerged. It gave him the eerie feeling that he was staring into a mirror into another world as he leaned over it anxiously.

'You and your companions have shown great bravery and skill tonight, young dragon. You should be proud of that. But now it is time for you to return. Are you ready?'

"Wait!" Spyro exclaimed aloud, "You still haven't told me who you are! What do I call you?"

'You will know me as The Chronicler. This will not be the last time we will speak, Spyro. But you must not tell anyone about me speaking to you or anything you have seen and heard here. Secrecy is paramount, for both of our sakes.'

"Why not?" he asked dubiously, "And what exactly have you told me? You keep talking in riddles!"

'I have told you only what I believe it is safe to. You will know what I mean at a later time. Heed my words, Spyro; keep your heart strong and your mind clear. You will need these more than elements very soon. It is imperative for the sake of the future. Do I have your word?'

"Well, it not like I can lie to you, can I?" he asked cynically.

'Indeed not,' the Chronicler replied with a mild chuckle. Spyro gritted his teeth as he shook his head resignedly, knowing there was no other choice he could make.

"I give you my word," he said firmly yet reluctantly. He waited for a reply, assuming the Chronicler was reading his mind to ensure his authenticity.

'Good', said the Chronicler's voice, 'And now… take a closer look,'

Spyro leaned further over the shimmering pool, bringing the tip of his snout just above the water. He watched the light beneath the surface as it began to expand and swirl, the water beginning to churn with snow white particles, like the light was dissolving into it. He stared in fascination as the water swirled into a solid, bright white, no longer able to see the ripples of the water. From inside this white circle, he saw something beginning to come into shape. Spyro gasped as the whiteness swirled into a haze of brown and red, morphing into an image as if he was staring through another beings eyes. The face of a large red dragon stared back at him, as if it could see through the water to him.

"Ignitus?" Spyro said mysteriously as he beheld the Fire Guardian, the image seeming to rise from the pool towards him, the young dragon's vision suddenly becoming blinded in a haze of pure white as the image seemed to absorb into him.

"Spyro?" he heard his mentor say as Spyro opened his eyes, suddenly finding himself in another place once again. He gasped in shock as he saw Ignitus and the familiar walls of the temple, realising he was laying on his cushion in the temple dormitory. The purple dragon stared wild-eyed and wordless as he saw a mixed gathering shuffle around the Fire Guardian.

"He's awake!" said a female mole wearing a white gown, behind her a were six others as they all walked quickly over to him. Spyro looked at them deliriously,

"Who? How? Where….?" he stammered.

"It's alright, Spyro," Ignitus told him reassuringly, moving his large paw over closer to him, "You are safe now. We are taking good care of you."

"Care of me…" he repeated drowsily as the mole nurses surrounded him, one of them wiping his forehead with a wet towel as he suddenly became aware of the pain in his body, the pain he had lost only a few minutes ago.

"How do you feel?" Ignitus asked cautiously as he saw the young dragon wincing in discomfort.

"Like I've been chewed up and spat out…" he replied exhaustedly, a jingling sound above his head made him look up. He saw what looked like a metal chandelier of red healing gems dangling low over him, their narrow cylinder-shaped gems gently rattling like a windchime.

"Those will help your body's natural healing process," one of the mole nurses explained, "Lucky for you nothing appears broken, dragon bones are hard as rock. But your muscles are strained and you have some nasty external grazing." Spyro looked down and over himself, seeing the cuts and grazes he had sustained from the escapade to the Mountain of Malefor. The red sores and scratches had been covered in a green herbal balm which stung like ants were biting into his wounds. They certainly looked less serious now they weren't bleeding and all things considered, Spyro knew he could have expected far worse during their mission to rescue Meadow. Meadow! His eyes nearly popped as the name went through his mind again, followed by those of Cynder, Flame and Ember.

"Where are the others?" he demanded hotly, "Where's Meadow? And Cynder and Flame and Ember…"

"Fine," Ignitus told him calmly, "They are all alive and well, Spyro. Meadow is being treated back in Avalar and your friends are just outside, waiting to see you."

"They are? Oh, thank heavens!" Spyro sighed heavily, flopping down onto the cushion heavily, ignoring the pain his movements had stirred in his body. The young dragon sighed again as he smiled widely, closing his eyes in contentment. He lay for a few moments, enjoying the relief that swept over his body and mind. He the felt the moles dabbing his head and checking him over, their tiny hands making him feel relaxed and safe. Absentmindedly, he remarked,

"That was some weird dream…"

"Dream, young dragon?" asked Ignitus curiously, Spyro suddenly realizing his tongue had slipped, his eyes bolting open fearfully. With his head still laying down, Spyro tilted his head slightly and turned his eyes up to the Fire Guardians who gazed down at him with fatherly attentiveness. His heart began beating with remorse as he looked into the warm eyes of his mentor, remembering what the voice, the Chronicler, had told him. The doubts he'd had during those conversations began to take hold again.

'How do I know I can trust what he said', Spyro thought, 'How do I know it wasn't just a wacky dream? Maybe what happened at the mountain just messed up my head, somehow. I can't lie to Ignitus…"

The sound of a door opening down the hall interrupted his thoughts, followed by a flurry of excited voices and clambering feet. Ignitus pulled his head back and looked towards it as Spyro weakly lifted his head as Cynder, Flame and Ember came running through to him.

"Spyro!" the black dragoness cried elatedly, running ahead of the others as she rushed past Ignitus and nearly crashed into him. Spyro's eyes bulged as she wrapped her forelegs around his neck, pulling her head around the left side of his face. Over her shoulder, he saw Ember's disapproving scowl and Flame's wide eyed, puppy like excitement.

"Hi guys," Spyro said sheepishly as he endured Cynder's embrace, "Hope you weren't worrying too much about me." Flame laughed heartily,

"We saw what you did, buddy. You set the whole mountain on fire! Those apes must have been shivering in their boots!" he said as Cynder finally released the purple dragon from her hold.

"I was afraid we wouldn't see you again," the black dragoness uttered softly and earnestly, her emerald eyes glistening with relief, her two companions striding up beside her.

"How did you guys get away?" Spyro asked curiously.

"We just did what you said, flew for the moons," shrugged Flame, "The Guardians saw us and they swopped down to us. There were others dragons with them, they took Meadow and flew us back to Avalar. You should have seen it, Spyro! They had the Doxantha and about a hundred dragons in the valley ready to assault the mountain if they needed to!"

"Really?" asked Spyro, feeling almost embarrassed that such a force had been gathered just for the four of them, "I only saw the four of them and Hunter…"

"It was just a precaution," Ignitus explained with a casual sweep of his paw, "I did not want any unnecessary casualties." Spyro nodded slowly, believing he heard a judgmental tone in the Fire Guardians voice. His attention was suddenly broken by the gleaming face of a certain pink dragoness.

"Just a shame Meadow wasn't awake to see how brave you were," Ember said in a cutesy voice as she lunged forward like a cat pouncing at a mouse, pushing Spyro away from Cynder in what seemed an attempt to out-hug him. As her hold choked the air out of him, Cynder gave Ember a vain glare as suddenly more faces appeared behind them. It was the other temple Guardians, accompanied by Hunter who all gathered around the purple dragon.

"The conquering hero returns!" Terrador boomed brightly as he stepped up beside Ignitus, followed by Cyril and Volteer.

"Well, young chap, not everyone returns from their first scrap but nor do they put on quite a show as you did!" Cyril congratulated firmly.

"Indeed!" Volteer remarked feverishly, "It borders on the miraculous, incredible, stupendous!"

"We are all very glad to see you return, all of you," said Hunter with his hand over his heart. When Ember finally released him, Spyro shuffled to sit up more, grimacing as his body opposed him. He looked at all the eyes that were staring widely at him, finding the praise to be unexpected. Spyro had expected to get some sort of reprimand for such a dangerous and prohibited act such as what he and the others had undertaken, but lacking the energy to think any harder on it, assumed that it would come all in good time. He looked across to Ignitus, expecting to hear something like what the others had said. But instead, the Fire Guardian seemed to avoid his gaze, looking at his fellow Guardians with an odd expression, almost like he had not expected to hear what they had uttered. A strange feeling arose in his gut, suggesting that he may have even disproved of the words of praise they had given him. Spyro at once felt his heart sink, but he masked it behind his drowsiness.

"Uh, thanks. I'm glad too," he replied with a glum voice. "I'm sure Meadow will want to thank you all when wakes up," remarked Hunter. The mention of the Herbalist perked Spyro up.

"How is he?" he asked, "Is he still unconscious?"

"He was when we left him. But he may have woken up since I've been here," the Cheetah answered, raising a point that had slipped Spyro's mind up until that moment.

"Wait, what time is it? How long was I out?"

"Its close to midday now. You have been asleep for close to twelve hours," Terrador answered.

"Yeah," added Flame with a yawn, "None of us have slept because we didn't know if you were okay." Spyro looked more closely at his friends, seeing the red strain in their eyes from having stayed awake for so long. He let out short, mirthless chuckle,

"Sorry I kept you guys up."

"Well, now that you are awake, I guess we can leave you and go to sleep now," replied Cynder sarcastically. As Spyro chuckled mildly, Ignitus suddenly snapped his head to her, watching her thoughtfully for a moment before he abruptly cleared his throat.

"Yes, well, I think that might be a good idea. Spyro needs his rest and we have all been awake for so long," he remarked dryly.

"But I only just woke up," the purple dragon said contrarily, only then noticing that the other cushions in the room were missing, prompting him to ask, "Wait, where are you guys sleeping?"

"In the sparring area," answered Cynder, "They decided it was best if you had this place to yourself while you recover."

"You have been through quite an ordeal, young dragon. You need to rest up and recover," the Fire Guardian instructed shortly, stirring a trio of groans from the three young dragons.

"He is right," Hunter concurred with a shrug, "And it's about time I was going. Prowlus made me promise I would leave as soon as Spyro was awake. He said he did not want me to fawn over a dragon while one of our own was lying unconscious in the village."

"Well," said Volteer, "One can understand his preoccupation with the wellness of his own population but I really wish he would not be so uh, er…. discordant about it!"

"Give my regards to Meadow, Hunter, and to Prowlus," Spyro told him sombrely, "Tell him I'm sorry for causing him trouble." Hunter smiled warmly, stepping up to him and kneeling. He reached out and patted the young dragon on the head,

"I'll be sure to tell them, my friend."

"And that I'm at Prowlus's disposal for however he wants me to make it up to him the next time we come to Avalar," Spyro added seriously. The Cheetah took a sharp breath suddenly, patting him on the head again but more firmly as there was an odd glint in Hunter's eyes.

"I'll be sure to tell him that as well," he said with a low voice, causing Spyro to look at him questioningly. Hunter stood up and turned his back swiftly, sharing a glance with the Guardian dragons as he stepped between Cynder and Ember and began walking back towards the temple interior. Spyro looked up at the Guardians hoping for an explanation to Hunter's sudden low mode, but they all seemed to avoid his gaze. He then looked over to Cynder, who he hoped would be more open with him, but she only shrugged her shoulders accompanied with a soft shake of her head. Something in her eyes made him focus on them, something that told him that there was more that she had wanted to say, but the presence of the others kept it secret. His growing doubts about everything that was happening started to make him wonder if he was still dreaming. Hunter suddenly paused just before he went out of sight, turning around and looking across the gathering soberly.

"These four young dragons did something quite amazing yesterday. I hope we all remember that well," he said before he gave a parting wave, nod, and pulled his hood over his head before strolling off towards the dormitory exit.

'Why is everyone acting so strange?' Spyro wondered in his head as they all watched Hunter leave, Ignitus turning his head back and saying,

"Well, let's all run along now and let Spyro rest and have a rest ourselves." There was a murmur of agreement from among the group, the other Guardians each stepping forward and individually wishing him well. Terrador was the first, leaning over the purple dragon as he stared with a seemingly lost expression to the Earth Guardian.

"Congratulations on your first battle, young warrior. Wear your scars with pride," he said proudly, Spyro mustering only a weak smile in thanks, though he secretly hoped he would not end up with any scars as Terrador lumbered away, Cyril filing in next.

"The others said you used Ice as a barrier to slow your enemies. Very intuitive, young chap! I knew that when the chips were down for you that you would realise Ice is the superior element!" Spyro again said nothing, only giving a sheepish shrug of his shoulders and nod as if he agreed, too tired and confused to contend Cyril's pomposity.

"Yes!" exclaimed Volteer before Cyril had even stepped away, "They told us a terrific and tremendous tale! Using Lighting as a light to find your way is most suitably fitting! Er, anyway sleep well, young hero!"

'Hero,' Spyro repeated in his mind. He felt something flutter inside him like a cluster of moths gathering around his heart like it were a light, realizing that he was feeling bashful at Volteer's words. The Electric Guardian and a slightly annoyed Cyril stepped back and walked as a pair back down the hall, the three others younger dragons all quickly rushing forward and encircling the purple dragon as they shared in a group hug. Cynder hung her head low and brushed it against his chest, Flame reached over his back and Ember took his right side and spread her wings and forelegs over him. Blushing, and although his wings were stinging, he lifted them and curled them around in an effort to return the embrace of his friends. The mole nurses all sighed in adoration of the sight while Ignitus failed to suppress a smirk. After just a few moments though, he cleared his throat again and tipped his head towards the hall.

"Come along, now," he said gently, the four survivors ending their embrace slowly and stepping back, Spyro feeling that three large pieces of his body had suddenly vanished, including two thirds of his heart.

"You'll be good as new real soon, buddy!" Flame said cheerfully as he parted from him, Ember squeezing him a last time before she slowly left. Cynder was the last to leave, looking up at his eyes, showing that same troubled shine that he could not put a name to. As if sensing that he was about to, she sharply turned her head away before he could ask and followed the others, not looking back as she headed down the hall. Ignitus watched her go before turning to the six mole nurses down at his side.

"Please be sure to keep a close eye on him, and let me know if his conditions changes at all."

"Of course, Master Ignitus," said the head of the group. Spyro looked forlornly to the Fire Guardian as he lifted his head and turned his attention upon the young dragon. He seem to have some difficulty in speaking for a moment, even just looking at the purple dragon. He took a breath and leaned in closer to Spyro, mustering a smile as his crimson orbs reflected some sort of regret in the amethyst eyes of the young dragon.

"Its good to have you back, Spyro," he stated softly, "Now rest up. You'll need it."

"Yes, Ignitus," Spyro nodded slowly, obediently but not happily. There was a gentle nod back from Ignitus before he backed himself up and raised his head, turning slowly to head up the hall. The nurses began to waddle over to check him over again, but Spyro impulsively pulled himself up and exclaimed,

"Ignitus!"

The mole nurses paused after his exclaim, to which Ignitus stopped and turned back around.

"Yes, Spyro?"

"There's something I need to tell you…" he began hesitantly. In that moment he froze, suddenly unsure what or if he was going to tell the Guardian. He could not lie to Ignitus, could he? What about the dream he'd had? What about the voice calling itself the Chronicler that he had given his word he would say nothing of? Ignitus surely had to know something about it, perhaps if it was someone he could trust or not. But what if he didn't? What consequences would there be when, as the voice had said they would, speak again and he had gone back on his word?

"I have to tell you… well, tell all of you; thanks. You guys showed up at the right moment. If it hadn't been for you, I don't think I would have made it out of there," he said, seeming to rush the words out of his mouth. The moles and Spyro all looked to see the Fire Guardian's response to his seemingly jittery response. The crimson elder smiled humbly,

"You are most welcome, young dragon," he replied gently, nodding to him thankfully before finally turning and walking out of view. As his tail disappeared up the hall, Spyro flopped down on the cushion, sighing moodily as the mole nurses finished walking up to him.

"That's very noble of you, young hero," one of them said, "Now try and get some rest. We will be right here for you if you need anything."

"Thanks," Spyro replied dully, his eyes fixed on the spot where Ignitus had been, paying no attention to the nurses as they dabbed his head and looked over his wounds, laying as still as a lizard bathing in the sun. He lay thinking about everything we wanted to say, everything he might have said but didn't. He slowly rocked his head side to side like a pendulum, rolling his thoughts back and forth across his mind until boredom more so than anything else finally made him close his eyes and try to sleep.

For the next several hours he remained half asleep, tossing and rolling as much as the pain allowed him to. His wounds stung not just from the pain and the layer of healing balm, but also the minute healing magic he knew the red gems were slowly sewing into his skin. The news that his injuries were mainly superficial had given some relief, but the uncanny behaviours he had witnessed kept his mind wide awake while his body tried to find rest. The more he thought about it, the more it seemed like the Guardians were acting; that their praise of him was insincere. He couldn't understand why they would do that. He had fully expected to receive some king of lecture or reprimand for endangering himself and his friends, but they had instead offered him congratulations as if he had past a test or trial, singling out actions he had taken that Cynder, Flame and Ember must have told them about, or else how would they know? He considered the way Ignitus had acted, having given him the most reserved praise compared to the others and acting the most uncomfortable. What was he hiding; that he felt guilty about not being honest with him? And what about Cynder and the look she had given him? What had she been trying to say? What was she hiding?

The mole nurses stayed with him the entire time, continually checking his temperature every hour or so and doing their best to keep him comfortable, though he remained feeling restless the entire time, more so due to his mind than body. In-between his brief naps they offered him small amounts of food and water, the latter being the only thing Spyro would consume as he didn't feel like eating even though his stomach rumbled. Eventually he simply closed his eyes and tried to force himself to sleep, half expecting that he would open his eyes and find himself elsewhere, discovering that the dream in which he had heard the voice hadn't ended after all but simply changed. But as he sensed time crawling by he felt more sure that this was the real world and became all the more perplexed why those closest to him suddenly seemed untrustworthy.

'I've got to talk to Ignitus. I've got to find out what is going on. Or am I just going crazy?' Spyro groaned as he opened his eyes irritably, still unable to enter a lasting now he knew it must be night time, though he had no idea how late it was. He rubbed face and his eyes and looked around him, seeing one of the mole nurses slumped against the wall near Igntius's quarters, fast asleep. She sat with her head down and her arms crossed, snoring quietly. He waited a few moments and listened for any sound of the others, but he heard nothing. He noted how dark the hall was, guessing that it was indeed late in the evening. Taking the chance, he slowly lifted himself from the cushion, flexing his claws and gingerly stretching his limbs. Taking a deep breath, he cautiously placed his right paw on the ground, putting his weight on it slowly as he followed it up with the left. He flinched slightly as his wounds reacted to his movement, but he was determined to seek out the Fire Guardian, assuming the medically conscious nurses would not let him see him alone.

And in any case, he had not the patience to wait. Turning his head to the left, he saw the door to the garden was wide open, assuming the other nurses had gone out for a break of fresh air, leaving just one of the nurses nearby, who they probably assumed he would wake up if he needed anything. The only thing Spyro needed was to was ensure he did nothing to wake her. He crept slowly by her, tiptoeing down the hall towards the dojo, fearful the other nurses would come back inside and catch him. If nothing else he had to find Ignitus and hopefully convince him to have an audience with him before the nurses found he was gone.

He made it around the turn in the hall and saw the door to the dojo ahead of him, putting on a weak smile of satisfaction as he crept towards it, sure he would find Ignitus before they discovered he was out of bed. As he approached the circular door, his ears perked up as he heard the muffled sound of voices behind it, immediately recognising them being those of the Guardians. He smiled at his luck, ready to walk on through and ask to see the Fire Guardian, but a single sentence spoken behind the door stopped him in his tracks;

"What Spyro did was not only dangerous, it was outright scandalous!" The voice belonged to Cyril. At that moment Spyro felt his heart stop for a moment, turning his head and putting his left ear apprehensively against the door. He breathed slowly as he listened in.

"He is still young and learning," he heard Terrador say, "But speaking from a tactical point of view, it was borderline insane to set off with only a force of four to a place like Gaul's mountain fortress."

"I rather believe that is far beyond the point," he heard Volteer chime in, "But even the four of us would be sensibly cautious about venturing to that place and especially for what reason!"

"I think we can all agree that his heart is in the right place," Cyril conceded, "But when one considers the bigger picture, that he risked his life and his young companions to save but a lowly herbalist and risk starting up another war, why… its simply outrageous!"

Spyro let out a silent gasp of horror, his mouth falling open in disbelief. He felt his heart beginning crack to hear the Guardians speak of him, especially to hear Cyril refer to Meadow as a mere 'lowly' herbalist. Pushing aside the urge to tear his ear away, he continued listening despondently. From the sounds of the voices, he believed he could guess where each of the Guardians was standing around the pool of visions. Volteer sounded closest to the left hand side of the door with Cyril probably somewhere beside him. Terrador's voice suggested he was standing in the middle beside the pool, leaving it more or less certain that Ignitus, who had not yet spoken, was somewhere to Spyro's right.

"I disagree with that adjective," he finally heard Ignitus say in contrast, his defensive tone offering some relief to the young dragon, "But it is undeniable that the actions undertaken by Spyro were, in the larger sense, illogical."

'Illogical?' Spyro repeated mentally, aghast to hear his mentor speak of him so negatively, 'We saved Meadow's life!'

"But can we really blame him?" asked Terrador warily, "After all, have we not instilled in him the spirit of self-sacrifice and a higher calling all his life? The lives of all four of them? Perhaps we romanticized the struggles of the past too greatly to them. But what would any of us do if a comrade was in need?"

"But at what cost?" Cyril demanded, "Which do you think is the higher calling? Saving the life of but one Cheetah, or living long enough to save the future? What good would it do to lose him in a frivolous act of short-term heroics? Especially with how Chief Prowlus responded to what happened to Meadow?"

"He is well entitled to the anger he feels for what happened to one of his tribe members," Terrador admitted sombrely, "But to bar dragons from returning to the valley? It borders on treachery!"

"Barred from the valley?" Spyro repeated slowly, his guilt intensifying, "That's why Hunter seemed so depressed! We can't see him anymore? Because of me?" he asked grievously.

"Frankly," Volteer added sorely, "I'm surprised he even allowed Hunter to accompany us to see the condition of our young friend. Prowlus certainly seemed glad when we and the troops left Avalar."

There was then a short pause in which Spyro heard no one speak, feeling his voice beginning to choke as he absorbed all the spirit crushing words of the Guardians before he heard an exasperated groan coming from Ignitus somewhere to the right.

"The young dragon was driven by what he felt was right at the time. We all have made decisions based on that in our lives at some point. All four of our young dragons have gone through a painful trauma the last day, especially Spyro. That's why I asked you to not dampen his spirits further with the issues his actions have created. For tonight at least, all he need do is try and rest and be thankful he is alive…"

Spyro stood still, his front paws pressed despondently against the door as his glassy eyes stared blankly at the wall of the corridor. He was right. They had been deceiving him! Their smiles had been forced and their congratulations had been hollow. That was why their praise hadn't sat right with him. That was why Ignitus looked like he couldn't stare him in the face. They had all worn the faces of liars.

"Spyro? What are you doing there?" a voice from behind him exclaimed, the young dragon too overcome with emotion to take much notice. The group of mole nurses waddled quickly over to him, one of them quickly tucking away the pipe she had been smoking with her colleagues outside the temple.

"What are you doing out of bed? You should be resting!" said another as they all approached him, taking careful hold of him to take him back to bed.

"Let go of me!" Spyro snapped moodily.

"Come along, now," another of the nurses said kindly, "Our young hero needs to rest…"

"Don't call me that!" he growled, pulling himself out from their grasp and eyeing them coldly. The nurses all stared at him in shock as he glared at them harshly just before he heard the sound of the door creaking open behind him and a long shadow draped across the floor over him.

"Spyro?" he heard Ignitus ask curiously, "What are you doing up at this hour?" Spyro looked over his shoulder, looking up the chest of the crimson Fire dragon until he found his eyes. The sight of him for the first time filled Spyro with something other than feelings of admiration and safety. All thoughts of what he had wanted to say to him evaporated as he felt the tears in his heart bleeding with the trust he had once had for the Fire Guardian. He had lied to him, so Spyro lied back,

"I was just going to stretch my legs get some fresh air. I've been cooped up in here for so long I feel numb," he replied barefaced and bluntly.

"He really shouldn't be walking around for another day or so," one of the nurses said with a raised finger.

"Well, I didn't think it would be such a fuss," Spyro replied lowly as he started to go back to bed irritably. Ignitus gave him an odd look as he watched him take a few steps before suddenly announcing,

"I see no harm in that, my dear ladies. If Spyro needs some fresh air and feels he can walk, why it just shows he's on the road to recovery!"

The young dragon stopped, rolling his eyes as he now felt compelled to carry through with his lie even of it was just to not let them know that he had been eavesdropping on them. Turning back, he saw Ignitus backing up from the doorway to allow him passage through.

"Well, okay, if you insist," he shrugged uncaringly, walking back with a mild limp towards the doorway to the grotto. Out of the corner of his eyes he saw Ignitus smile at him, but he pretended not to notice as he shuffled past him and the others Guardians standing around the pool of visions just as he had imagined them being. He walked stony faced through the door to the dojo, staring straight ahead and not even gazing up at the enormous dragon statue like he always did. He grinded his teeth together as he walked around it and headed for the door to the balcony, the circle splitting in two as he approached.

"Just stand outside for a minute and then go back," he muttered to himself crossly, passing through the doorway into the open, the fresh air of the outside brushing irritably against his wounds. The sounds of night greeted him immediately, the chirping of crickets and frogs around the temple as the two Celestial moons shone high in the sky way out past the temple was in too much of a foul mood to be taken in by any of it, his hard expression keeping hold of him as he walked slowly to the end of the balcony. He sat down hard on his haunches and sighed despondently. He pulled his head back and stared blankly up at the stars.

"So this is what it feels like to be a hero is it?" he asked the night, clenching his left paw into a fist as he flexed his left foreleg back and forth carefully, trying to rub out the numbing pain that was afflicting it. He did so for only a minute or so, putting his paw back down as he drew in deep breaths of the gently night time breeze, half hoping it would carry him away like a leaf to somewhere he wouldn't feel so angry. But in not too long, his anger withered into sadness, Spyro's large eyes growing as soft as a bag of rose petals as his thoughts went back to the words he had heard of his once trusted Guardians. He wasn't sure if it was the words they had spoken that hurt him most, or the fact that they had not being direct with him about them. He sat staring uncaringly at the sky, his eyes moving from one useless star to another. Anyone else would have been in awe at the way the dark blue sky glittered with millions of tiny diamonds and the twin moons cast their hues of green and red light across the top of the mushroom forest and across the sea, but never in his life had Spyro felt so indifferent at something he had always admired.

The purple dragon sighed for what seemed the dozenth time as he considered simply curling up right there on the balcony and try to go back to sleep, too emotionally and physically lethargic to go back inside the temple, which no longer seemed like the place it once was. Just then he heard the sound of four large feet stepping down the ramp behind him, causing him to sit up and slowly turn his head over his left shoulder. His eyes widened in surprise as he saw Ignitus walking softly down towards him, his expression one of curiousness.

"Ignitus…" Spyro said with dampened surprise. The Fire Guardian stopped a short distance from him.

"May I join you?" he asked formally, his eyes pointing at the space beside the young dragon. Spyro looked ahead and answered with a mild,

"Of course you can." Ignitus nodded earnestly, taking the last few steps until he was parallel with Spyro, tucking his feet in and slowly seating himself down, his large tail curving around in front of him. The crimson dragon let out relaxed exhale, turning his attention to the sky that Spyro was not feeling appreciative off. The young dragon shuffled an inch or so away to the right of him, acting that he was trying to make himself more comfortable. Ignitus turned his head slightly until both eyes could see him, Spyro looking up to the right and away from him. The Guardian eyed the grazes and scratches across the purple dragon's body, the sight stirring memories of injuries to himself and to others he would rather forget, but there was one particular dragon came to mind; a dragon who had been Spyro's size and age when he had first met him fifteen years ago, a young dragon that he could recall sitting with just the same as here.

"How are you faring, young dragon?" Ignitus asked softly, cautiously reaching out to him with his voice alone. Spyro stared blankly ahead at the horizon and murmured,

"Fine, I guess…" with flat emotion. Ignitus's bottom teeth peeked out and clutched his upper lip, slowing receding as his instinct detected a tenseness hidden in Spyro's voice. He filtered a cool breath through his nose as he said,

"You have certainly been put through your paces, Spyro, you and your friends. Certainly more than anyone should expect from dragons your age." Spyro gave a light shrug of his shoulders,

"Yeah, well, we should be careful of what we expect. Some things aren't what we always thought," he replied with a hint of antagonism that did not go unnoticed by the Fire Guardian. He raised his eyebrows curiously, Spyro still not making eye contact with him. But there was a sympathy to the young dragon's spite that smoothed over the breach of respect in his tone and body language.

"Indeed," Ignitus said as he looked out towards the sea as Spyro did, watching the water shimmer in the light of the twin moons. The young dragon turned his head a fraction towards him, surprised by his response as Ignitus slowly turned to meet his gaze, but Spyro snapped his head forward again.

"While you were asleep, we all talked at great length to the others about what happened. What they had to tell us about you was most extraordinary," Ignitus complimented sharply.

"Thanks," Spyro replied dully, followed by an irk filled sigh. Any glee he had felt from being complimented by the Fire Guardian had morphed into cynicism which he felt he was about overfill within him. Brooding, Spyro stood up and made to turn back to the temple, "I should get to bed…" he began, but Ignitus fanned his wing out in front of him swiftly but not aggressively, halting him in his stride as the crimson dragon turned to face him. Spyro looked up in confusion, Ignitus setting a pinpoint gaze upon him as he slowly withdrew his wing. He paused for a moment to see if Spyro still wished to leave, but the purple dragon stood firm as if to say he had given his permission to the Guardian to keep him there.

"You are not a good liar, Spyro. It seems you think the same of me," he said heavily, the young dragon's ridge like eyebrows rising sharply as his eyes softened. Ignitus sighed, "And you are right," he confessed, gently beckoning him to sit down again. He once again waited as Spyro slowly sat down before he did the same as they both faced towards each other.

"I know that the worse scars are not always ones inflicted upon the body, but on the mind. The Ancestors know I have a quite a few," Ignitus said dolefully, his eyes turning away regretfully. Spyro sat and watched him and in silence, yet Ignitus could sense that he was madly chatting and debating in his mind every thought and emotion his words had summoned. When he looked back, Spyro's upward stare at him was like that of a pet dog watching anxiously yet hesitantly at the door that its master was soon to return through. A sad smile lifted the edges of his mouth as he said,

"I see you saw through our façade long before you overheard our discussion this evening."

Spyro blinked hastily as if he had just awoken, "What do you mean? I was just going to…"

"Generously giving me another example of your poor skills at dishonesty, I see," Ignitus cut in sharply but with a touch of humour in his voice that slightly eased Spyro's anxiousness.

"Sure, of course," he replied in equal fashion. Ignitus smirked at his reply, but it soon faded as he bought the conversation back to its origins.

"I'm sure that it was all very confusing for you," he said plainly.

Spyro banked his head to the right as he shrugged, "It all just seemed off to me. Like everyone was reading off a script somewhere behind me."

Ignitus nodded, "Well, you can place the blame on me for that," he replied tersely, "It was rather a last-minute decision."

"But why?" asked Spyro hurtfully, "Why couldn't you just tell me the truth? If what I did was wrong, if what I did had serious consequences, why couldn't you just say so? Why lie to me and call me a hero?"

The Fire Guardian grimaced, turning his eyes away guiltily as he turned his head slightly to the front balcony. "I take it that you heard what I said, about not wanting to dampen your spirits? Well, that's true. I know we could not keep it from you forever, I just hoped I could deliver the truth slowly to you."

"Did Prowlus really do what I heard?" Spyro asked fearfully, "Has he really banned dragons from Avalar?"

Ignitus looked back and lowered his gaze with a regretful sigh, "I'm afraid so," he replied sadly, "You did not get to see how irate he was when we returned with Meadow. He said that he no longer wanted dragons to 'invade' his territory. He was also not impressed by the sizeable force we arrived in the valley with, including an airship. He believed it would only invite retaliation from the Apes and that we put his village in danger."

"But he sent for help from Warfang!" the purple dragon protested. Ignitus merely shrugged,

"It is outside my power, Spyro. He is legally entitled to decide who may enter his territory, and we are no longer." Spyro gulped as he sat in disbelief in what he had heard, a near paralysing shame collapsed over him like a net. He had always known Prowlus had his reservations about dragons, but he never imagined he would become so furious that he would ban dragons from Avalar. It was within his power, true, but doing so would be a terrible blow to trade and diplomacy between the Cheetah's and Warfang. But he had done it, all because of him.

"He didn't have to do that. He shouldn't have," he said firmly. Ignitus looked back and looked at him with a sense of irony that wasn't lost on Spyro as he blushed and looked away from him, "I know, I'm the last dragon who should be telling him or anyone what they shouldn't be doing," he admitted shyly. He shook his head as his wings dropped down dismally. Looking back at him he told Ignitus, "Just tell me the truth about what I did. How badly I messed up."

The Fire Guardian lifted his eyebrows as he looked into the purple dragon's sincere gaze, raising his head level but keeping his eyes down at him.

"Very well then," he said formally, closing his eyes while taking a breath in preparation. Spyro mentally braced himself for the truth. Ignitus opened his eyes slowly and flicked his tongue out with Tut, before he shuffled his body around to face the end of the balcony and began;

"It is true that you disobeyed the wishes of your caretaker and ventured off alone without him. It is true, according to what the others said, you returned to find Meadow was missing, an event which may not have occurred had you been present."

Spyro remained silent, only nodding in agreement as his sad eyes looked up towards the moons, imagining them being a pair of eyes judging him for his actions as Ignitus went on,

"Upon reporting what you had discovered to Prowlus, rather than wait for assistance to arrive from Warfang, you made the foolhardy decision to take your three friends on a ill conceived rescue mission with no idea of what danger you might face and even if Meadow was still alive for you to find."

'This is what you wanted,' Spyro reminded himself as he silently absorbed the criticism.

"And it is true that despite what you did accomplish in rescuing Meadow and escaping with your lives, your incursion into the very heart of Ape territory may very well be the catalyst that they will use to justify reigniting open warfare against the realms. With the great responsibilities of the future resting on your shoulders, it was an extremely reckless and dangerous choice you made for the sake of saving but one life."

'Well, there you have it,' Spyro thought miserably.

He waited to hear Ignitus say more or to ask if he had anything to say in his defence, but a few moments went by in silence, prompting the young dragon to say in a meek voice, "I didn't force the others to go with me. I asked them to stay, but they chose to come with me because they are my friends. But it was my idea to go, Ignitus. The blame lies with me, not them. So whatever you have to say and whatever you have to do, just put it on me and not them."

The Fire Guardian's eyes narrowed as he studied what he had heard and what he could see in the youthful face before him, a face again so reminiscent of the young squire he had once taken under his wing. When he blinked next, Ignitus swore for just a moment, before he flashed his eyes again, he saw someone else in place of Spyro sitting before him. A young dragon with orange scales like the sunset as if a memory had projected from his mind and fogged over his eyes like a cold window in the winter. But when did blink, the purple dragon was all he saw.

"What I have to say, Spyro," he announced slowly, the young dragon lowering his head and closing his eyes as he prepared for verbal lashing he knew he was owed. The damning condemnation for his actions from the dragon he had looked up to the most all his life. "In light of all considerations, I have to tell you…. Well done, young dragon!"

Spyro opened his eyes faster than lightning, his heart stopping for a dangerous moment as he asked himself if he had heard that right. When his heart began beating again, he lifted his head to see Ignitus staring down with a warm smile on his face, winking his right eye to him almost playfully.

"What?!" Spyro exclaimed in disbelief, sure that wishful thinking had taken over his senses.

"What you accomplished with your companions is far beyond what anyone would expect from dragons your age," Ignitus lauded, "To mount such a daring expedition to save a friend from certain death and to return alive to tell the tale is truly remarkable. You certainly know how to impress."

"Ignitus, are you feeling okay?" Spyro asked with genuine concern, "I heard you say what I did was 'illogical'. I'm not sure if you know what it is you are saying."

"My mind is a clear as the night, Spyro," he replied proudly, "Of course, I appreciate that your actions did have some negative consequences, but all great endeavours usually have some kind of shortfall. And as for your actions being illogical, well, they were in the same sense that it is illogical to rush into a burning building to save a life when it may claim your own as well."

Spyro shook his head like a dog shaking water from its fur, more confused than ever, "But what about what you said? What about Chief Prowlus kicking us out of Avalar and what we did maybe starting another war?!"

"Shush," Ignitus said delicately as he raised his right paw to calm him, "If any war is to come, it started the moment the Apes invaded the territory of our allies and seized one of their citizens illegally. To my mind, the war did not end twelve years ago, it merely took a pause while Gaul made plans for the future. Your little rescue mission to save Meadow was a justified extradition of an ally of the dragons."

'Has Ignitus gone crazy? Have I gone crazy?' Spyro asked with his mind as wondered if he could trust his own ears.

"But then what about what the other Guardians said? They seemed furious!" he raved. Ignitus nodded slowly,

"They have their points, but make no mistake; when they congratulated you, it was not that they were lying, only omitting certain facts."

"So when I was better then they were going to throw the book at me?" asked Spyro cynically. Ignitus gave him an odd expression,

"We have rules and you did surely break them, even if you had a good reason."

The purple dragon raised an eyebrow in a manner that spelled out; 'You serious?' but then he broke out in a smile as he shook his head and uttered a short chuckle.

"That's not something I ever thought I'd hear you say, Ignitus," said Spyro humorously. The Fire Guardian inhaled and sighed thoughtfully, looking back towards the end of the balcony. Straightening up as if he had seen something, he stood up and walked a few paces until his chin was above the edge of the balcony. Spyro stood up as if to join him, but he changed his mind at the final moment and stayed put as he watched the large red dragon stare out into the sky.

"When you have lived as long as I have, Spyro," Ignitus proclaimed whimsically, "You learn that there is a time for following the rules, which is indeed most of the time. But then there are times when we must take the leap to do what we believe is right, no matter what the rules might say. That is a lesson that cannot be taught by anyone but ourselves."

Spyro's face twisted as he thought over the Guardian dragon's words, asking meekly, "Was what we did one of those times?"

Ignitus turned his head to the right slightly, his eyes panning the rest of the way as he looked back to the young dragon. He looked at him contemplatively for a moment before looking back and saying,

"Rarely is it up to others to tell us if it is one of those times. It is a choice that we must make in a moment of crisis and face whatever the consequences may be. I have made that choice, as did someone I knew very closely, someone whom I see very much a lot of in you." Spyro's expression became unsettled from the brief cheer it had worn, finally coaxing him to walk up slowly beside the Fire Guardian, looking up at him as he kept his eyes out to sea. Hesitantly, the young dragon asked barely above a whisper,

"And who was that, Ignitus?" He felt a pang of guilt as the old dragon lowered his head and eyes mournfully, hearing the tips of his large claws scrape the stone floor as he flexed them.

"On the night of the raid, it had always been our plan that if the worse were to happen, myself or Volteer was to take your egg and leave the others behind, ensuring that the purple dragon would survive above all else. It was grim plan, but one that I was committed to. Or so I believed," he said grievously, sitting back down on his haunches as the weight of that decision seemed to force him to, "But when I realized that it had come to that, I could not do it. I knew what was at stake, knew that I could reason that it had been a sacrifice made for the greater good, but just to think that made me loath myself. I knew I could not save just one when I knew it was possible to save more, even if it carried greater risks. So I made the choice that we would take three others, three randomly selected among dozens. I took on the weight of that choice, to do what I thought was right, just as Pyra made his."

"Pyra?" asked Spyro gravely. Ignitus lifted his head and nodded, slowly and almost robotically as his eyelids gradually lifted, turning his head to look at the purple dragon.

"I see so much of who he was in you, Spyro, in all four of you. Steadfast and headstrong, a little cocky. Sharp witted and sharped tongued when antagonised, but loyal to a fault and infinitely compassionate. I like to believe he passed on these qualities to the four of you when he died."

Spyro felt a lump form in his throat as he was unsure whether to feel flattered or remorse at such a notion. But his curiosity was up with the moons as he asked in the same quite voice as before,

"What was his choice, Ignitus?"

Ignitus sighed, "He had been badly wounded as you know. But his wings were still airworthy. There was only a slim chance that he might have escaped with us, but rather than do so he chose to stay behind with the others to the bitter end, believing he would have only slowed us down. This story you have heard many times before. But every time I think back to that night, I think of how I wanted Pyra to leave with us simply because he could have; the others could not have come with us even if they tried. Their fate was sealed the moment we were forced into the grotto. That would have been my right choice; to save him. But it was not his right choice to leave that room that night. In my heart I knew that, even before he told me he was going to stay. Pyra had made his choice; what he knew was the right thing to do."

Spyro simply found no words, found no thoughts that he could articulate into speech that seemed appropriate enough. To say that he felt sorry was earnest but so predictable it seemed uninspired. He watched the way Ignitus quivered as if he was ill, struggling to contain the emotions that were coursing through him. He wished that Cynder and Flame and Ember were with him right now so that one of them might speak before him, but he was alone and had no one to take that step but himself.

"He sounds braver than I will ever be," he finally remarked glumly, not wanting to compare his deeds with Pyra's. Ignitus turned his head to him, and to his surprise smiled humbly at the young dragon.

"Pyra said the same thing to me when I told him about my experiences in battle. He assured me that I would become a legend spoken of throughout the ages while he would fade to obscurity," he said as his demeanour became overcast again inspite of his smile, "But whose statue do we have in our garden? Who is it we gather every year to commemorate?"

"I'm not sure he would see it in a such a great light, Ignitus. I think he and the others would have preferred not to be the ones being honoured," Spyro replied with sombre, black humour.

Ignitus nodded and remarked cynically, "They greatest of us are usually not remembered until after we have died."

The Fire Guardian then realised how depressing the atmosphere had become around him and the young purple dragon, particularly noting how it seemed to have affected him. To try and lift his spirits as well as his own, Ignitus turned his body to face Spyro, who only moved his head as he watched him closely. Ignitus waited until they locked eyes and he smiled proudly.

"You and your friends showed a determination equal to Pyra's, Spyro. Others might view your actions as acts of disobedience, but I view them as proof that we have every right to have so much faith in you and what you will become. You are well on the way to becoming a legend all your own, Spyro. I only hope I live to see the day you become the dragon you were born to be."

It came as something of a shock to Ignitus that his words did not seem to lift the spirits of the young dragon at all. Instead, he found himself staring back into a pair of glossy amethyst eyes brimming with uncertainty. Spyro averted his gaze and looked out towards the sea, the Fire Guardian tilting his head oddly as he leaned in closer to his pupil. He looked like he was on the brink of bursting into tears.

"I can't, Ignitus," he told him softy with a defeated shake of his head, "I only just survived my first taste of real combat. If it wasn't for my friends being there to motivate me, I don't think I would have acted the same way." Ignitus's eyes widened as he leaned in and gently nudged Spyro with his snout, the light touch prompting him to look directly into his red eyes. The purple dragon's sullen face did not change as the Guardian's face lit up in a commending smile.

"You can, Spyro. You can," he told him delicately but firmly, "You are a purple dragon; a very special creature! But more than that, without realising it, you just exemplified what makes you who you are."

"What do you mean?"

"What gave you the strength to carry on was not fear for yourself, but fear for others. Your love of your friends motivated you to put yourself at risk for them, knowing it might be fatal for you."

"I-I was…" Spyro stammered, looking away, "I didn't think about it like that. I just kind of… did it."

"Just like how you used the power of Flame to melt your bonds and free the others? Oh yes, Cynder was most anxious to tell us about that," Ignitus chuckled light heartedly.

"She told you?"

"They all did. They told us that you became engulfed in flames and slashed through their chains like a hot iron through paper."

Spyro cocked his head as he tried to think back to that moment, but to his embarrassment he found himself unable to recall how he had done it. It all swept through his mind in a fiery flash.

"I barely even remember that. I just felt so mad, watching Gaul hurt Cynder and I just wished I could do something to stop it. Next thing I know, I was charging across the room like a meteor across the sky."

"Hmmm," Ignitus mused as he lifted his head, tapping his claws on the floor thoughtfully, "Most intriguing. I can recall instances of Fire Dragons summoning such an ability, but they were all adults with years of training and prowess. You summoned this ability by pure chance and at a moment's notice. That's very impressive and uncommon. But somehow I doubt you could do so again if you were asked to demonstrate it for us."

"I wouldn't even know how to begin," Spyro said flatly, "It just came to me right when I needed it."

"Perhaps that's the only time you ever will," Ignitus suggested brightly, "And who knows what you'll discover next; what other powers lie dormant within you." Spyro looked up and saw the excitement in the Fire Guardian's face, feeling some of it rub off on him, until a daunting thought came to mind about how these new abilities might be unlocked.

"But does that mean my friends will always have to be in peril for me to find out?" he asked gravely. Ignitus paused before he crouched down and patted him reassuringly on his wings.

"I don't think so, young dragon. I've seen you cross that threshold without such perils to motivate you," he told him wisely.

Spyro frowned, "When have you seen me do that?"

Ignitus's throat rumbled as he chuckled inwardly, a playful light shimmering in his eyes. "I remember a time, when you were quite younger, that you and I were standing together in this very spot, having a very similar discussion. You were only five years of age and half the size you are now. Do you remember what we talked about?"

"Five years old…?" asked Spyro quizzically, wondering if he could remember anything from that age even if it was just seven years ago. He stood puzzling, his pupils zipping back and forth across his eyes as he thought back to what Ignitus might have meant. When it finally came to him, his eyes bulged and he derided himself for having forgotten so easily. "When you told me I could fly…." he gasped, remembering.

"Yes," Ignitus nodded warmly, "Do you remember what I told you?" "I remember…" Spyro said slowly, his eyes closing as the memories of that day flooded his mind. For a moment he felt as though he had left his body as the memory took over him.

"Now, close your eyes. Take a deep breath and empty your mind."

He recalled these words as he saw the orange sun of one cloudy summer day, basking over the temple as his small, five year old self sat in the middle of the circular balcony, his tiny wings half the size they were now. Beside him like a great red mountain was Ignitus, standing beside him just like now, watching him stoutly but instructively. The little purple dragon was seated with his eyes fastened shut, while far behind him were three tiny heads watching excitedly from the temple door. It was Cynder, Flame and Ember, staring like puppy dogs out to their friend who was about to do something amazing. Spyro was suddenly flushed with emotions, recalling the fear and doubt that had plagued him all right to that moment. He remembered how he had cried, begged Ignitus to not try and make him do it. The idea that he could fly was outrageous and scary. At the ripe age of five he knew he would never measure up, that he would never soar through the skies like all the big dragons he had seen. He had never flown in his life and was never going to! But then he recalled how calm he had become as he sat there with the summer wind brushing over him, listening to the Fire Guardian's calm, patient voice as he kept telling him breath in and then out, in and out, entering a trance like state which he recalled felt like he was living in a dream.

"Yes, yes that's it!" Ignitus had said excitedly as he remained in that state, feeling a surge of something running through him, but he didn't blink or flinch in the slightest as he just sat and listened to his mentor's words, the words Ignitus had asked him to recall; "Now feel the power of your ancestors coursing through your body. In times of crisis they will come to you and teach you, unlocking powers you never knew you had!"

Spyro's heart started to beat at a slow but heavy rate, just like it had in his tiny body seven years ago. He had unconsciously then stood up, bowing his head slightly as if manipulated by an invisible pair of hands. The something he felt coursing through him crashed and churned in his veins like the sea slamming against a rockwall. But oddly, each crash soothed him, lulling him into a more sleep like state.

"Just look at everything you ever thought you knew; your fears, your doubts. Let them drift away, forget yourself," Ignitus told him, the anticipation in his voice enough to intoxicate anyone in earshot. Spyro then felt something happening to himself; he felt the faintest touch of air brushing down his back as his wings, again unconsciously, moved in synch with each other, flapping once, flapping twice, slowly but surely picking up speed as they did.

"Only through forgetting… will you remember what your ancient blood already knows…" said Ignitus softly, almost whispering as he recalled not being able to feel the ground beneath his feet and a sense of weightlessness overcoming him that should have been terrifying but felt as natural as the sunlight.

"…You can fly!"

When he had opened his eyes, he saw that his feet were no longer touching the ground! He remembered squirming like a worm with excitement when he realised that he was hovering above the ground. Only a few feet above the ground, true, but hovering nonetheless. He was flying! Spyro then recalled looking up at Ignitus, seeing him wearing the brightest smile he had ever seen the crimson dragon wear. Seeing that smile and proving to himself that he could fly after all was the happiest moment that he could ever recall in his young life.

Spyro opened his eyes, returning to the present. Flush with nostalgia, he looked up to Ignitus and broke out a beaming grin as he looked upon the same smile the Fire Guardian had shown him seven years ago.

"I remember that!" Spyro exclaimed happily, "I'd never felt so proud in my life!"

"It is surely one of my fondest memories," Ignitus said with fatherly pride, "And its why I know that great things still await you. I know that as long as you stay true to yourself, Spyro, there is no limits to what you will achieve."

"You really think that?" "Always," Ignitus said with a playful nudge of his right fist to Spyro's shoulder, prompting a quick laugh from the purple dragon who promptly returned the favour with a quick jab into the Fire Guardian's muscular leg. Ignitus chuckled as Spyro, now bursting with cheer, suddenly jumped up, flapping his wings and hovering up to his mentor's head height despite the stinging in his injuries. Ignitus opened his mouth as if to remind of this, but Spyro zipped up like a fly and flew rings around the crimson dragon, laughing heartily. Ignitus could not help but catch his infectious laugh and share in the merriment as he swung his head around trying to follow the purple blur encircling him. Soon enough, Spyro swooped down and made a running landing on the balcony, skidding to a halt right beside the Fire Guardian as the young dragon grinned and struck the most heroic pose he could imagine. As he turned his head to look at Ignitus's laughing face, the pain he had been ignoring suddenly caught up with him and Spyro's expression became almost comically pained.

"Oh, ouch! Oh!" he exclaimed as he suddenly flinched uncomfortably, hobbling on his limbs like he was standing on hot coals.

"Spyro!" Ignitus cried, reaching out with his front paws and clasping him gently within them. He pulled him close against his belly as Spyro continued reeling from the pain of his weathered body. As his breathing relaxed and the complaining subsided, Ignitus pulled his right paw away but kept his left paw holding around his side as Spyro leaned against it for support.

"Guess I'm getting a little ahead of myself," he confessed embarrassingly, his eye twitching as he gingerly flexed his left foreleg.

"I should have cautioned you," Ignitus apologised, his voice heavy with anxiety. His change in demeanour seemed almost overbearing in his concern to the young dragon, making Spyro feel that there was something more troubling the Guardian dragon.

"Are you okay, Ignitus?" he asked solemnly. The Fire Guardian let out a sound that was half groan, half sigh, his eyes moving between the giant paws he held on either side of Spyro. He was immediately transferred to when he had flown with them tucked against his sides, clutching the pair of dragon eggs he had selected in them.

"You know, I forget how miraculous it was that you survived the very night you were born, let alone how you survived Gaul a second time," he said heavily. Spyro wore a grave expression as he felt a sudden wave of dread come over him like the dark events of that night were lingering like a haunting ghost.

"You know I've been grateful for every day since then," he replied heartfully. Ignitus stiffened his back as he sat almost upright, still with his paws encircling the young dragon.

"And I've been grateful for every day the four of you have had as well," the Guardian said with an unsteady voice. Spyro's heart surged with empathy as the crimson dragon closed his eyes and hung his head sullenly, weighed down from the trauma of his past. Spyro then, without any hint of pain, pushed himself over the short distance between the two of them, moving out from the large paws and standing upright. The purple dragon held the right side of his face against him as he stretched his paws and forelegs out across the crimson dragon's belly, making the Fire Guardian's eyes pop open as Spyro tried to hug his mass. Ignitus gasped silently as his mouth hung open in shock, the young dragon's act momentarily paralysing him.

"I don't know what it was like, making the choice that you did," Spyro remarked emotionally, "But I know you did everything you could. I know why Pyra looked up to you so much."

Ignitus finally caught his breath, feeling his throat quivering as the power of the embrace warmed his belly. He carefully moved his paws inward and lightly held them against the back of the small purple dragon. He looked upon him in a way a father would be expected to look at his own child, his heart humming with delight with the knowledge he had not lost Spyro's faith and friendship.

"You've given me so much hope, Spyro. More than I've ever had in anyone. It's my greatest wish that we can share that hope with everyone. You have had me feeling like a younger dragon again," he said smiling.

Spyro looked up and smiled humorously, "How many centuries ago was that?"

Ignitus chuckled heartily, "If my lifespan were a great tunnel, it would burrow right through the centre of the earth and straight out the other side."

The word 'tunnel' stirred something in Spyro's mind. His eyes blew up like a frog's croaking throat as he gasped in alarm. Something he just remembered from when he and the others had been taken captive, something he had not heard anyone else mention. Spyro suddenly leaned back from the embrace, Ignitus lifting his paws away confusedly as he looked at the Fire Guardian urgently,

"Ignitus, I just remembered something! Something I saw when we were captured. Underground…" he began feverishly.

"Calm down, young dragon," Ignitus said smoothly, "What did you see?" Spyro caught his breath as he tried to deliver his recollections coolly. After a pause, he asked,

"The others told you about how we got caught in the catacombs, right?"

"Indeed," Ignitus nodded curiously.

"They knocked us out with some kind of gas. But I woke up from it while they were carrying us underground. They hit me to try and put me out again, but I just pretended to be while they carried me. I couldn't see much, but they were taking us through some underground tunnels, for however long I don't know."

"The others did mention waking up in the halls of the mountain, but not of underground tunnels," said Ignitus thoughtfully.

Spyro frowned, "Then I guess I was the only one who saw it."

"Saw what?"

"At one point they dropped me and I hit the ground. My eyes just shot open I guess from the shock. That was when I saw a huge underground cavern. It wasn't natural; they'd dug it out! I only saw for a few seconds before they knocked me out; but it was like something you'd see at the Munitions Forge! There were dozens of apes breaking and shifting stone; there were metal carts going back and forth, it was huge! What I saw I think was only a tiny part of what was going on."

"They were mining?" asked Ignitus calmly but with a touch of alarm, "What makes you think it was an extensive effort?"

"Because there were trains of mine carts on two big rail lines coming from other tunnels in the direction we had come. The ones coming back were full, the ones heading in were empty. Whatever was going on, it was bigger than just the cavern I saw." The large crimson dragon turned his eyes up to the corner of his head as he analysed what he had been told. His grip on the young dragon lessened as he placed all his strength into pondering. Spyro watched him curiously as Ignitus tilted his head to his left, his brow creasing heavily.

"What do you think it means, Ignitus?" he asked cautiously. The Fire Guardian answered slowly,

"It could mean many things. The land around Malefor is barren and offers little resources. It could be they have resorted to deep tunnelling for raw materials…" he mused unsurely. His eyes lit up as a thought appeared and he hastily looked back at the young dragon.

"Was there any way to tell what direction it was going in?"

Spyro shrugged, "I'm not sure. We were underground. When we got caught, I guess they must have taken us through the old ruins. We thought we might be able to use them as a shortcut to get to the mountain. If they took us straight from there, and if that's why there were apes in there in the first place, then I suppose that's where they were tunnelling."

"Right under Avalar, straight to Warfang…" Ignitus said with something like fear in his voice. Spyro stared in shock.

"To Warfang? That can't be true!"

"Gaul has had twelve years of no distractions to put such a plan into action. I most certainly wouldn't rule it out," Ignitus replied grimly. Spyro's expression became one of concern, his emotions seeming to have bounced up and down like a grasshopper. He hesitated to speak again as he viewed Ignitus's hard, thoughtful look. He carefully lifted up his right paw and gently placed it overtop of that of the Fire Guardian. The touch made his eyes flicker as he looked down at the tiny set of digits clasping over his enormous paw.

"Should we be worried, Ignitus?" Spyro asked quietly, almost fearfully. Ignitus sighed gloomily, the earnest gaze of the purple dragon piercing his heart. He reached up with his right paw and gently patted the young dragon's back.

"There is always reason to be worried, young dragon. If your suspicions are correct, then searching the ruins you found would be paramount. But now that Prowlus has barred dragons from the valley, we cannot search his territory without his permission."

"Then we have to get it from him! Let me talk to him!" Spyro pleaded. Ignitus shook his head,

"I'm afraid it's a matter of diplomacy now. Any such request would have to go through the proper channels. We cannot simply fly to Avalar uninvited, it may be seen as an act of incursion."

"You make it sound like the Cheetah's are our enemy now," Spyro remarked dismally as Ignitus eyed him apologetically,

"But what if I'm right and the apes are planning something?"

"And what if you are wrong?" asked Ignitus pointedly, earning a look of confusion from Spyro.

"What do you mean? Don't you think I am?"

"We must consider every possibility. I believe you saw what you did, Spyro, but I'm afraid that the word of an adolescent dragon, even a purple dragon, will not carry much weight before the council."

Spyro groaned irritably, "Then what are we supposed to do?"

"The other Guardians and I will have to meet with the council in Warfang tomorrow to explain the events of the last two days. It is expected that when you are well enough that you and your companions will have to give an account of your actions. I will tell them what you have told me until then."

"No, I've got to see them!" Spyro demanded, "If I go with you tomorrow, I can talk to them."

"Spyro, Spyro, you are still not recovered," Ignitus said warningly, "You barely have the strength to walk."

"Then at least let me go to Warfang," Spyro said pleadingly, "If I get better there, then I can talk to them right away! Or they can come to me, whatever," he said hastily. Ignitus chuckled at his impulsiveness but respected the dutiful urgency in his tone. He sat quietly for a few moments as Spyro watched him impatiently. Eventually, Ignitus sighed and gave a short nod to him,

"I'll discuss it with the others, see what they have to say." Spyro looked somewhat disappointed at not getting the definite answer he had hoped for, but he still nodded gratefully to the Fire Guardian,

"Thanks, Ignitus," he said timidly.

"You are welcome, young dragon," Ignitus said fondly, "But now I think you should be getting some rest. I think you've had plenty of fresh air, wouldn't you say?" he asked with a wink. Spyro giggled and nodded firmly,

"You've really helped me to clear my head, Ignitus. I didn't think I understood anything anymore."

"I'm glad," Ignitus said, extending his right paw in a clenched fist towards him. The young dragon grinned playfully as he clenched his own right paw and reached out and bumped it into that of the Fire Guardian.

"I thought only we did that," Spyro remarked surprisingly.

"Some things are timeless, Spyro," Ignitus grinned.

Meanwhile, in the Mountain of Malefor….

The solid green eyes of the monument to the Dark Master seemed to gaze down to the floor of the circular chamber with vehement anger as several apes carried tools and building materials up the staircase that circled around the statue to the throne room. They were careful to make as little noise as possible as they made their repeated trips upstairs, for their ruler who was currently kneeling before the statue of Malefor. With the dozens of candles burning all around him, Gaul had his right knee on the floor with his left arm resting upon his left leg. His helm was placed down in front of him at the feet of the monument while his right hand still clutched his crystal headed staff. The Ape King remained in a motionless state with his eyes closed as his subjects moved as quietly as they could as they went about making repairs to the throne room caused by the purple whelpling and his infuriating companions.

The ritual of which he was a part was something the goliath ape had performed nightly for as long as he has been king; reaffirming his dedication to the dragon who had gifted to them knowledge and power of which they would never have gained on their own. Gaul had made it compulsory for himself to kneel before the statue for at least and hour every night usually before he retired for the evening. He had been dedicated to this however the fortunes of their struggle may have been; for when they had been mounting victories over the dragons and their allies to when his armies had been dashed against the walls of the Dragon city twelve years ago and he had failed to kill the purple dragon who was supposed to be the instrument of their defeat. But in this instance, he had been knelt before the monument since midday, forgoing food and water and enduring the agony to his muscles for the failure of the past day and the great step that was to come. All day the ape workers had passed by in their labour, those heading upstairs and those heading to start repairs to the throne room floor from the floor below. Gaul was too proud to admit how much the escape of the four dragon whelps had shamed and embarrassed him, how they had slipped from his grasp when they had practically bought themselves to him against all expectations. He had no doubt that the dragons were praising the four whelplings and laughing at the incompetence of his troops, but he knew that their joy would be short lived. He knew that their time was still to come, regardless of such an embarrassing incident.

From the doorway straight across from the statue, an ape lieutenant strode through, marching sternly passed the two guards by the door straight towards the Ape King. The workers quickly made way for him as he walked indifferently by them. He approached Gaul from his left side, pausing a short distance behind him and stiffening his back.

"Your Majesty," he announced formally in his gruff voice. Gaul's eyes opened slowly, a light twitch of his tail being the only acknowledgment he needed to give to the lowly lieutenant.

"The assembly is ready, your highness," the underling said firmly, keeping his head straight forward as Gaul reached forward and grasped his helm, groaning painfully as he forced himself to his feet, snorting a deep breath through his nostrils and he flexed his aching muscles.

He looked up towards the green eyes of the statue as they glared down at him, the Ape Kings clutching his staff in both hands in front of him, eyeing the statue back reverently. He remained so for several moments as he let his body readjust to being on its feet, cramps burning in his joints.

"That will be all," Gaul said gruffly, the lieutenant swiftly turning about and walking back the way he had come. The Ape King flexed his arms and legs, waiting for the pain to subside enough before he went on his way. He looked again to the stone dragon, breathing deep as he said,

"Our moment is approaching, Master," he said resolutely before he turned his heavy frame around, swapping his staff over to his left hand and began walking stiffly towards the door, tapping his staff with each step of his left foot on the floor. The workers frightfully dropped their loads and knelt as he passed them, the guards standing to attention with their poleaxes as Gaul stepped heavily by them.

The Ape King entered into a large, wide open chamber with a long violet rug leading from the door straight down between rows of heavy stone pillars that ran down the centre of the chamber. Each pillar was adorned on its four sides with gargoyle heads in the likeness of Malefor with flames burning in its mouth. The chamber was as typical of most areas of the mountain fortress, that being it was shaped like a circle. There were two other doorways halfway along the circle forming a 'T' on the sides of the chamber with the same violet rugs running from each door and forming a cross in the centre of the floor. Just beyond the top of the cross, the floor of the second half of the chamber rose by a few steps which stretched across the breadth of the room.

Beyond the steps the stone floor continued on for half the length of the remaining space before oddly changing to sturdy wooden planks. The wooden floor formed its own circle with a heavy steel rim covering the edges. Inside the wooden disk where two large gear like wheels like what one might expect to see on a water mill standing parallel to each other on either side of the disk. The two wheels sat in open slots cut into the wooden floor and were fixed in triangular steel frames. Both wheels were forged of heavy steel with gear like teeth on the outside with heavy chains running through them and up to the ceiling where the chains formed a huge disk around another set of gears. Standing inside of each of the great wheels were two large muscle-bound apes side by side, the inside of the wheel having steps for them to pull with their hands and feet when operating them. As Gaul walked up the steps towards them, they flexed their muscles and braced their hands against the inside of the wheel.

The Ape King walked onto the wooden platform, turning warily to face the way he had come.

"Down!" he barked harshly, the apes inside the wheels began to pull with their hands and feet, groaning with exertion as their muscles bulged. The chains around the wheels began to creak and rattle as the huge wooden platform began to shudder. With fierce growls of effort, the ape teams began to move their wheels in slow, steady synchronisation. The massive wooden platform started to creep below the edge of the stone floor, the heavy chains screeching like bats as Gaul remained standing in the middle as the ape laborers grasped and clawed the inside of their wheels. The floor groaned as the Ape King watched the chamber disappear from view as the elevator slowly descended. The wheels rumbled as they turned and the elevator faded into the shadows as the light of the chamber disappeared above them. The platform was darkened except for the burning torches which were hung in intermittent rows from the walls of the mined cavern, which was only slightly wider than the platform itself. The hard, cold rock of the mountain was the only sight other than the torches as the platform lowered deeper and deeper into the bowels of the Mountain of Malefor…

End of Chpater 12

Next Chapter: Be You For Me

Note from the author: I'm sorry this is a day late but I've been having issues with my laptop which is currently away for repairs. I've borrowed a laptop to upoad this but I'm unsure if I'll be able to keep writing at my usual pace until my laptop gets back. However, I do have the next few chapters already written so I should hopefully keep the uploads the same but I may end up delaying them if I feel the need to give myself time to catch up. Hope you understand.