"Hey, Muras. How are you doing?" a familiar male voice asked.
With a sigh, Muras looked up from the book he was reading. Logron stood in the doorway in front of him, a soft, concerned look on his face. The purple dragon groaned, rubbing his eyes. It had been two days since the torture, and Muras, too scared to return to the open world, had shut himself away.
Everyone knew who he was now; word spread quickly. Everyone knew he lied about who he was. That Cynder lied about who he was.
He would be constantly attacked, reprimanded, and reminded of his past, and he hated the possibility of that. All he wanted was to get away from those memories. He had even thought of diminishing his essence core so he could only wield one element, if that was even possible. He hated being a purple dragon; he wanted normal scales, a normal life, and a normal essence core with one element. But Muras realised he didn't know what to do, and it would probably be dangerous.
Plus, as unfortunate as it was, this was who he was, and there was no changing that.
"Ugh, I'm doing pretty damn terrible today, Logron," Muras spat. "How are you?"
Without even waiting for a response, his eyes drifted back to his book; he had borrowed it out of the library the day before his torture, and it still lay in his room. It was the only thing actually in it, apart from the shelves full of scientific books and articles; Muras had quickly realised that he was using Volteer's old room.
"Muras, there's no need to be so bitter," Logron murmured with a sad sigh. "I'm just asking a question."
The purple dragon slammed the book shut with a growl, before slamming it on the ground in front of him, causing Logron to jump backwards. "Oh, is the answer not so obvious to you? Do you need me to slap the answer into your damned brain, Logron?" Muras shouted. "Do you not remember who I was eight damned years ago?!"
The bitterness in Muras' voice scared Logron; the yellow dragon's lip quivered and his chest heaved with heavy breaths. His mouth opened and closed a few times as he tried to figure out what to say. Just as he found the right words, he was interrupted as the purple dragon continued to scream at him.
"I was a murderer; I ended millions, maybe even billions of lives! Some of them weren't even dragons! I killed siblings, lovers, parents, children; I have hurt everybody in Warfang because I took their loved ones away from them, or permanently damaged them, physically or mentally! And now they know! They know who I am, Logron! THEY HATE ME!"
Muras could tell by the look on Logron's face that he was shocked at his outburst, considering since Muras entered Warfang he had never shown any hostility or anger. It was uncharacteristic for him, but he didn't care. All he wanted was the hot, fresh tears spilling down his face to stop. But they wouldn't stop. They kept coming, even after he wiped his eyes to get rid of them.
He cursed his tears. He cursed his life. Why did he have to be here? Why did the ancestors send him back here? Just to suffer?
He wanted no more than to return to death, but in no way did he want to befall the same fate of Farill and his mother. And especially not the fate of his father.
"I'm… I'm sorry…" Logron stammered, his voice small and breathy. "I can't even begin to imagine how terrible you must feel."
"Terrible's an understatement," Muras scowled. "I feel like I'm in hell. Ever since the ancestors brought me back, all I've done is hide. I put up a façade. I wanted to avoid this. I never wanted my dark past to define who I am, but I don't have a choice in the matter, do I? I never did. I just want people to accept me for who I am, but that will never happen!"
The purple dragon slammed his fist on the ground in rage and despair. Logron shook his head with a sad sigh. "Muras, I know Cynder still believes in you. She was pressured to do what she did to you by those around her, and by her conflicting emotions. She still struggles with a lot of crap even now," he explained.
"You don't think I know that?! I caused her that hell! And even if she does believe in me, that's not enough! All those I love are gone! No one here believes in me or cares for me or trusts me!"
"I do."
Muras recoiled at those two words. He looked up at Logron with shock, his eyes wide and bloodshot. "How?" he challenged, his voice breaking.
"Because when Cynder said that the ancestors brought you back, I knew there had to be a good reason why you were here! If the ancestors can trust you, I think I can too."
"So… you're basing this just on the ancestors? Have I not done enough to prove myself to you? Haven't I shown you that I am not the damned dragon I once was?!"
"I mean… you are gentler, kinder, and heaps more caring. You're not an angry person. I mean you're angry now but given the situation it's understandable, and you're not anywhere near as angry as you were as Malefor."
"I don't believe you," Muras deadpanned. "I know you still look at me and see Malefor. I sense it in you."
"It… Look, it's hard, and it'll take me a while to get used to you, but I am not like the others; I genuinely want to get to know you better."
Muras just scoffed, still unsure whether he could believe Logron or not. Logron just sighed.
"Look… I don't know what else to say to you, Muras," Logron murmured. "I know it's hard—"
"No. You don't know, you worm."
"Muras, please just listen to me!"
"No! Stop trying to say you understand or empathise with me, because you don't! Go start a war and murder millions of people and ruin the lives of a billion others, and then come back and tell me that you understand!" Muras growled.
"Muras, just—"
"NO!"
Muras slammed his paw on the ground as he shouted, bringing a large surge of earth energy throughout the ground. Logron was flipped violently onto his back as a large piece of rubble shot up from underneath him. The purple dragon's face fell, fear clouding it. All the anger disappeared.
Logron struggled to his paws, coughing roughly. He looked at Muras, who immediately looked away. Muras could not look at the yellow dragon standing in front of him. He closed his eyes, freeing more tears.
"I'm sorry," Logron croaked. "I really am."
"Just g-go," Muras ordered through choking tears.
There was a brief moment of silence, before there was the sound of pawsteps, getting quieter as they got further away. Muras looked briefly at the doorway; Logron was gone. The purple dragon sniffled, wiping his eyes.
"Why? Why am I here? Why did I have to come back here?" he murmured. "Did you want me to suffer, Aloelle? Huh? Did you want me to live with my past in constant fear? Drive me to suicide like Farill and Mother? Drive me to become a criminal like Father? Aloelle, take me back please. Please!"
The purple dragon didn't even wait for an answer before he burst into tears, burying his face into his paws. His chest hurt. His eyes hurt. He slammed his paw on the ground, muttering a small curse between gritted teeth and heavy sobs.
"Muras."
His heart skipped a beat and a small gasp shook him as the feminine voice hit his ears, soft and smooth. He wasn't expecting a response.
Muras looked up, seeing a glowing, spectral form in front of him. It was a large, beautiful purple dragoness, with blazing white eyes and a soft smile. All Muras could do was stare at the ancestor in awe and fear. It was always breathtaking to lay eyes on the first purple dragon.
"We know who you are, Muras; we are not here to punish you. You have a greater purpose in this life," Aloelle said, her voice deep and soothing. "Remember that. Hold onto it, cherish it. I knew when I sent you back that you will have trials and struggles, but I also knew that sending you back was your destiny."
"But… what do I do, Aloelle? I don't know what to do anymore; I don't want to be alone anymore!" Muras sobbed.
"You will never truly be alone, Muras. It may take time, but people will come to trust you. It happened with Cynder. And she already is on a journey to trusting you; so is Logron. As for what to do, that's for you to figure out. I think you already know the gist of it."
"Yes, mentor the next purple dragon, I know. But… how do we even get to him?!"
"Unfortunately I can't give you that answer. You'll know in your heart what to do when the time comes. Trust your instincts, Muras."
"My instincts? I don't know my instincts, Aloelle! All I know is murder and violence!"
"Those are Malefor's instincts," Aloelle said softly. "Remember back to your childhood. What did you hold dear? What were your morals? What are your morals now?"
All Muras could do was nod, before his gaze on her faltered. He couldn't look at her anymore. He was too embarrassed by his self-pity.
"You'll be fine, Muras. Believe in yourself. You got this," Aloelle whispered.
The purple glow from her spectral form faded, and he knew she was gone. Despite this however, a small smile pulled at his lips. It had been a while since he'd heard from Aloelle. It had been good for him to hear from her again.
He pondered on what she had said. Remember back to your childhood. What did you hold dear?
Muras took a couple seconds to think about it. What I held dear? Well it was my parents, my friends, my foster brother, Muras thought. And… they're all dead. I couldn't stop Jorgustus' death; I wasn't there for him. It's my fault. And it's my fault that Farill and Mother and Father are gone. It's my fault Father did what he did.
A shaky sigh left Muras' lungs. He closed his eyes and did something he'd never done before. He apologised to his family and friends.
"Father… if… if you can hear me… I'm sorry. I'm so sorry," he croaked. "I'm so sorry for what I did to you… what I made you do. I hope you can forgive me. Farill and Mother… if you can hear me too, I also want you to know I'm sorry. I tried so hard to push those dark emotions and drives back, but it wasn't enough. I was too weak. And because of what I did, you're gone. I know you probably still hate me for what I've done—not only to you, or the world, but to Father, and to Master Snowfang. Please forgive me.
"Jorgustus… I wish I could've been there for you more. I know you were grieving and heartbroken. I wasn't being a good friend. I only realised what was really wrong until after your death. I made myself look like a bad friend before your death, and even more so after when I did the things I did. If you can, please forgive me.
"Master Snowfang… you were among the first of those I killed. I wish I could take it all back. I… Oh, dear ancestors, I don't know what to say to you! You've probably been looking down at me with so much disappointment and scorn! And I can't imagine what the other guardians would be thinking of me too! Forgive me, please! I… I-I-I…"
Muras burst into another ugly fit of tears as he broke off, unsure what to say as his heart broke and shame filled his entire core. For a long time, he'd felt terrible for all the people he'd hurt and killed, and felt haunted by them every day. Now that he was properly bringing it into words and apologising, his emotions were catching up to him. The weight of the emotion was so strong he had to fight for breath.
This was the first time he had ever apologised to the dead. The first time he'd ever tried to talk to the spirits of his past. His family, friends and mentors. Those that were dear to him. He felt terrible for not doing so earlier.
He continued to cry, harder than he ever had. He almost felt himself drifting off to sleep. As he fell asleep though, he instantly heard a voice. A reply.
"Muras. Look at me."
Muras awoke to find himself in a dreamscape of a lush green plain, complete with tall grass and a bright, blazing sun. In front of him stood an ice dragon, his snout long and rounded, his eyes a vibrant, dark blue. A small smile pulled at his lips. Muras couldn't contain his scream as he leapt towards the dragon, embracing him in a tight hug. "Master Snowfang, it's you! You heard me!" Muras whimpered.
"Yes, little one. I did."
Muras was comforted by Snowfang's voice, and began to calm down, albeit slowly. It had been so long since he heard Snowfang's voice, especially the cold, yet soothing tone he spoke with now. All he remembered was the horrifying howls as Malefor ripped him limb from limb.
Snowfang quietly shushed Muras as he returned the embrace, enveloping the weeping purple dragon in his large cyan wings. Muras took deep, wobbly breaths, trying to calm himself down, as he choked on his tears.
"It's okay, Muras. It's okay," the old ice guardian said, trying to hold back his own emotion. "I forgive you."
Muras flinched with a shocked gasp. He wriggled out of the embrace and looked at Snowfang with disbelief. "What? How? I killed you, Snowfang! How can you forgive me?!" he exclaimed.
"Because I see now that you are not the monster who spilled my blood. You are still the happy, caring, gentle young dragon who used to run around asking us if there was anything you could do to help us out. You may be very different, having grown a lot since then, and having been through so much torment, but deep inside, that young boy I remember well is still there."
"We agree," another voice added.
Muras turned and collapsed to the ground as shock hit him like a brick. The rest of the guardians of his time were standing in front of him: the fire guardian, Master Firethroat; the electric guardian, Mistress Voltra; the earth guardian, Master Terron; the air guardian, Master Airaak; and the water guardian, Master Wurron. "Oh ancestors, you're all here!" Muras shouted, putting both of his paws over his mouth as he breathed heavily, trying to hold in his tears.
All the guardians stepped close and embraced the weeping purple dragon in their wings. Muras didn't know what to do but sit there and cry and blabber.
"Everything's gone wrong," Muras wept. "I just wanted to return to the Dragon Realms, find a place I could call home and somewhere I could be accepted, and that was happening until Spyro revealed my true scale colour; now I'm nothing more than a monster, something that everyone has always seen me as, and how my own friends and family saw me as right before they died—how you guys saw me as. I don't know what I'm doing here, and I don't know what to do."
"We may have sat here in the ancestral realm with contempt towards you, but I promise you, that did not last long. Nor did it with your family," Wurron said.
"My family? Are they here?" Muras questioned. "Farill. I want to see Farill. The real Farill!"
The vision he had of Farill in his fear coma flickered back in his mind. He needed to see his brother again, the real version of him; he didn't want that image of Farill, bloodied, torn apart, dead, and filled with hate, in his head any longer.
Almost instantly, a new voice sounded.
"Muras? I'm here."
Muras pushed violently against the guardians as he struggled out of their embrace. They quickly stepped back, allowing Muras to throw himself towards the source of the sound. He tackled the water dragon to the ground, clinging onto him strongly as he sobbed into his chest. They lay there for a minute, before Muras let go and sat up, wiping his eyes and shying away with sudden fear.
"I thought… I thought…" he stammered.
"That I hated you?" Farill finished, receiving a nod from the purple dragon. "Not anymore, brother. Like Master Snowfang said, we now realise what was happening inside you. I… I don't have the words to say how terrible I feel for you, knowing how much torment you went through. You fought with yourself but couldn't do anything to stop it. I watched you; I heard your thoughts. I felt the real you, trapped inside Malefor, screaming for everything to stop."
"Farill, I—"
The dark blue dragon pushed a claw against Muras' lips. "I looked down on you, and felt and saw everything. It hurt me, and I know it hurt you so much more. I'm sorry, and I wish there was more I could've done while I was alive. Just know that now, I forgive you."
Muras reached forward and hugged Farill again. Heavy tremors wracked Muras' body, and even Muras could feel the hurt and sorrow bleeding from Farill as the water dragon held his shaking, weeping brother. It just made him cry that much harder.
"It's okay, Muras. It's okay," Farill whispered, stroking Muras' back.
After a while, Muras' tears began to fade, his vision clearing, and he saw three more forms in front of him. An earth dragon, a fire dragon, and an ice dragoness.
It was Jorgustus and his parents.
A large gasp filled his lungs, and he stepped away from Farill and towards them. They all had large smiles on their faces, and like Farill and the guardians, were free from any sign of harm. He looked over each of them, but stopped when his eyes reached his father. He stopped in his tracks. Nervousness filled him.
His father's smile faltered, and he realised why. Ever since he committed the crimes he did, Muras had never seen him in the same light again. He felt unpredictable. Muras didn't know what to expect, and was scared.
"Son," the fire dragon murmured, choking on the word slightly. "I… I want you to know that I… I was not… truly myself in my final moments. I'm not who I was back then, trust me. If I truly was evil and wanted to commit those acts, I likely would not be standing in the ancestral realm. I was controlled by grief and anger; I wanted to die, but I couldn't bring myself to commit suicide. It… I don't know, the idea just didn't seem right to me, especially after Farill had just died.
"I knew to achieve death by someone else's paws, I had to do the worst things imaginable. The many murders were probably enough, but I was lost, mindless, and consumed by rage. That led me down that other path, a path I am greatly embarrassed about."
Muras just blinked. He didn't know how to process that information. He kind of knew, deep in his heart, that his father was not in the right of mind, especially once he was told that his father welcomed death in the guillotine. Begged for it.
His father continued, "I'm not happy about what I did, Muras. And I know that's how you feel now, after returning to the world, purified, suddenly realising the gravity of everything you'd done. Once I learned that you were not in full control of yourself, I… I honestly felt terrible. I'd done unimaginable things, and I know that I've scarred your perspective on me. I didn't mean to go that far, but I did.
"Just know that I forgive you. I don't care if you can't forgive me; all I need to know is that you're safe and happy. I love you, son. Don't forget that."
Muras just nodded. He was conflicted. On one hand he wanted to forgive his father, but at the same time he didn't. He looked at the red dragon in front of him and the only thing he saw was a criminal, someone who had murdered multiple people, and raped a dragoness. But the longer he stared at him, Muras saw pain, regret, and shame. A whole lot of shame.
The purple dragon still didn't move, unsure on what to do or what to say. His father just nodded. "I understand," the fire dragon said. "Take as long as you need to reach a decision; you don't need to just now."
A sad look flooded his face as he stepped back a few steps. The ice dragoness stepped closer to him, wrapping her wing around him. She looked back at Muras, and all he could see in his mother's eyes were two things: sadness, and a whole lot of love. He felt overwhelmed by it. The love of a mother is something that could never be matched.
She didn't have to speak for Muras to know she forgave him.
"Thank you," Muras whispered, and she gave him a nod.
The last dragon stepped forward. It was Jorgustus. As he got close, Muras realised that Jorgustus was a significant amount taller than him; he'd forgotten how big the earth dragon was. It was a bit intimidating, but Muras quickly got over it and hugged his friend, who returned it.
"I'm sorry," the purple dragon murmured. "I'm sorry I wasn't there for you, Jorgustus."
"Hey, it's okay. It doesn't matter anymore," Jorgustus said, his deep, gravelly voice making Muras' stomach do flip-flops. It had been ages since he heard his friend's voice; he missed it. "All that matters are the moments that we had together, Muras. You were the best friend I could ever have, and I loved you dearly."
"I wish I could've done more, though."
"I honestly don't think it would've helped. I was very unstable at the time, you know that. Two break-ups and my third girlfriend cheating on me was… it was a lot. At the time I don't think there was a lot you could've done anyway, with your corruption creeping up on you like that."
Muras just sighed, lowering his head. "Yeah… you're probably right," he said. "I… I just… I feel terrible, knowing that I didn't do anything, and that I continued to get worse and worse after your death. I was getting corrupted, and I can't help but think how you watched down on me with disappointment and disgust. In the many years I was in that rainforest, I always struggled with that thought."
"During your corruption, I was with Hyrex, one of the few purples who went through corruption and redemption in his life. He could tell it wasn't your fault, and he explained to me what was going on. Some of the newer additions to the ancestral realm weren't as believing, especially those that died by your paws. Even some of the older ancestors couldn't believe in what Hyrex and I believed—the truth—but upon hearing about how Aloelle purified you, they began to believe."
"What about Spyro? Was he corrupted against his will, or did he willingly change?"
"We don't know. Unlike all the other purples who have gone corrupt, his spirit has been unreachable from the ancestral realm. When I asked Aloelle and Hyrex about that, they said they had lost contact with him four years prior. It's like something was blocking him from us."
"Cynder told me once about his outburst before their son hatched, when he complained about the ancestors leaving him. Obviously, he has been struggling with the separation from them."
Terron spoke up. "Perhaps, but we still don't know why he turned. Was it against his will or did he actually turn back on his morals?"
"It may have been an attempt to fight back against the ancestors," Voltra muttered. "If he was upset about them 'leaving' him, then that may be the case."
"I really don't know, but I personally don't want to be standing around talking about pressing matters like this while we're standing here, united once more," Snowfang said.
"But it won't be for much longer, I know it!" Muras exclaimed. "I don't want to leave you guys again!"
"You have a massive part to play in this war, Muras," Jorgustus explained. "I know you don't want to leave us again—neither do we—but your time to come back to us will come. For now, we need you in the real world, playing your part in stopping the war and saving the world."
"Saving the world…" Muras scoffed. "That sounds really odd for me, considering who I once was and what I did."
"We believe you can do it," Farill said.
"But how? I don't know what to do! I don't know how I can suddenly become a hero after being an evil warlord for so many thousands of years. The only thing I can really remember is being a corrupt, and committing all those crimes."
"Don't focus on them. Put them all behind you, and lift your eyes to the future," Wurron said. "Stay strong, and be there for others, as they will be there for you, too."
"Our time's almost up. The ancestors are calling us back," Firethroat said. "Until then, Muras, stay safe, and safe travels. May the sun shine bright on your future, and the ancestors watch over you. Always."
"Thank you! Thank you so much!" Muras shouted.
The lush green surroundings faded, as did the spirits of his friends and family. He awoke in his room. It was dark; night had settled on Warfang since he had cried himself to sleep. Once more he felt lonely again; just the thought brought tears to his eyes again, but despite that, he knew that he was being watched over and cheered on by his friends and family. That alone brought comfort to him.
He realised he was still laying on the floor where he had been when he cried himself to sleep. With a groan, he stood, making his way towards his soft bed. He lay down with a sigh.
As he lay there, his mind began to wander. He thought back to just after his torture when he found Cynder's note on his door. I'm sorry. Beyond words. The words played over and over in his head. He knew the first thing he needed to do was to see Cynder. He didn't know how he would get to her however, and he was terrified that he would be attacked in the streets, but he had a feeling that it would be a possibility whenever he stepped out of the Warfang Temple, whether he left now or in a month's time. He had to see her.
So he decided he would do that tomorrow. After all, he needed some rest, and it was the middle of the night. Muras gave a large yawn, before snuggling up on top of the soft mattress and sheets, and dozed into a sleep.
It was a dreamless, peaceful sleep.
I'm back! Getting more progress on this finally XD Really hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! Not much else to say on my part.
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Cynder22: It must be Christmas; you've got a third chapter now lol. Hope you enjoyed, especially seeing how Muras is faring with all this.
Derick Lindsey: Yeah Cynder's got a bit of work to do in mending her relationships with people. Muras has even more work to do with just starting lol; he was just barely settled in and now he's gotta start even further back than he started.
Regarding chapters, we're past halfway point. I'd say we're between two-thirds to three-quarters through the fic at this point, so we're getting there!
And yes uni's time consuming and stressful by far. Doesn't help that I've always been a bad procrastinator so yeah lol. I'm trying to work on that but it's hard.
Dragon of Mystery:Last chapter was absolutely Cynder's breaking point lol; it was about time she let out all her pent up aggression, especially considering Muras (well... Malefor) destroyed her life. And yeah Muras is in a rough spot here, a very rough one, but like you said, he has hope. Especially since Logron's trying to get around to trusting him.
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Alright, chapter and review responses over! Hope you all enjoyed this chapter, and I'll see you whenever I get the next one finished! Have a great day!