THE LEGEND OF SPYRO – ANOTHER BEGINNING

Chapter 2: Decision

Spyro's POV

What a tired night! I could hardly sleep well. What had happen felt like a dream, but at the same time, it wasn't. The lingering stench from the marshlands was still here. I glanced at Sparx, still haven't got out of his small bed hanging from the cave ceiling. Usually, he was my alarm clock around this time of the morning. It seemed that the "clock" was... out of service.

Guessed he was, too, exhausted. I should let him rest. Getting out of bed after a good stretch, I went for a morning bath. I had promised to go help mom with picking berries today.

I took my time washing my limbs and talons carefully. The cold fresh water washed away all my fatigue, but somehow the feeling of my brother at the brink of death was still lingering in my head. I shook it off right away, it was history now. Shouldn't pay any attention to it.

Almost forgot, gotta return Rod his box. I went home to pick it up and found Sparx yawning at the entrance.

"Good morning~" said Sparx with his sleepy voice.

"Morning, bro! You should take more rest, I'll cover your part today.""Nah, I'm fine. Ooh, ya took a bath yet?"

"Twice already! I have you to thank for that!"

"Try applying the berry juice on the affected areas then wash again! Should do the trick!"

"Okay! I'll try it!"

I rushed to the base of the nearby mountain while Sparx went to help with dad in the village.

"Oh, Spyro dear! Just in time" mom said as I was sprinting to her "Here, hold these baskets for me!"

"Yes, mom" I carefully winded the strap with two berry baskets around the waist and went to collect more. We talked a lot like usual. Before I even realized, the job had been well done. A little snack before going home wasn't a bad idea. I sat down and enjoyed the well-deserved treats. The berries were exceptionally sweet and juicy during this time, the taste strongly provoked my appetite. Guess I should stop before consuming all our efforts.

Remembering what Sparx had said, I picked some from the shrub, squeezed and rub the liquid on my talons and scales. It really worked! I saw a stream not far away and came for a quick bath. Upon looking up, I saw a shadowy figure standing in the shade of a big bush on the other side. It was staring at me.

Without a second thought, I inhaled deeply, the heat in my chest rose. I then launched a flaming jet at the target and the plant was nothing more than a pile of ash, but no sign of the creature.

"Spyro? What's happening?"

"Err, n-nothing, mom! The tree just... exploded, I guess?"

"Come, dear. We should leave. Many weird things have happened recently!"

"Yes, mom!"

We left the area and headed back to the village, but somehow I felt like we were being watched. I became quiet and soulless all of a sudden. Whenever mom looked at me, I turned away, avoiding making eye contact. Finally, we made it back safe and sound.

With my help, we had harvested lots of berries, and we would trade them for necessities. And look, Sparx, Rod and Lily was coming.

"Yo, Spyro! What's with the long face" asked Rod "Something happened?"

"N-nothing, really" I faltered "Ah, here's your hunting box!"

"Thanks, pal! Hope you like it!"

"More than just appreciation!"

"Wow, the berries are all ripe and taste good" praised Lily "I'll definitely make some treats out of these!"

"I'm glad you like 'em, sweetheart" mom seemed flattered "Oh, your dad is heading this way. You can go play with your brother and friends, Spyro. He got me covered!"

"Thanks, mom! We'll be back before dinner!"

We went to our favorite spot on the riverbank, a big rock with its top reaching out above the water. Lily and Rod went ahead while I and Sparx were right behind. He suddenly yanked my antenna and whispered: "Dude, did ya tell mom anything!?"

"No, I swear! I almost got attacked during the berry picking! I blasted 'em away before mom could see them!"

"They're still around? I heard from the neighbors that there were signs of vandalism in several places outside the village."

We looked at each other and gulped. We really regretted going to the forbidden area. Our small hangout wasn't so fun. I didn't talk much, and Lily was curious about the story Rod and Sparx told her that she asked me to perform it. Reluctantly, I breathed a small fireball up in the air. Of course, we asked her to keep this in secret.

We went home early. After dinner, we cleaned up our home and crashed into our bed. My family was fast asleep at the moment while I was struggling to force myself to sleep. The thought of those creatures kept toying with me. I carefully got out of bed and went to the riverbank. The moons were so bright that night, on the bank, the fireflies came out to play, dancing on the tops of the tall grass in their joyous ball.

I sat near the water, staring at my reflection. Why was I so different to all of them? What was I, actually?

"It is obvious that you're not a dragonfly."

The voice in the dark startled me. I raised up to take a look and there it is, the shadowy figure from earlier, now sitting opposite to me on the other side of the river. What terrified me wasn't the appearance, but its eyes: one glowed in purple and one in blue.

I took a battle stance, but the creature wouldn't budge, just sat there with crossed legs.

"Young dragon" it continued "you should've realized by now that you don't belong here. It is undeniable that your foster parents loved you so much they treated you like one of their own, yet, it is also impossible to keep you from learning the truth of your origin."

"My origin? You know something about me, don't you?"

"Not 'something', but 'a lot'. You will be shocked, but it has to be that way. I would love a nice chat, but troubles are coming. Now that they learned of your existence, they'll hunt you down."

"They? Who and what are they?"

"Those whom you fought yesterday. Listen close, young one, the longer you stay, the higher the risk for both you and your family because they will stop at nothing until they find you. It was my fault as well not to interfere sooner. For your sake and your fellow dragonflies, I must ask you to leave!"

"Leave? But to where?"

"Meet me at the same spot near the mountain. For now, that's the safest place, and be quick!"

The strange creature disappeared into the night after saying those words. Those creatures wanted me dead, but why? What have I done wrong? I just wanted to protect my brother and his fellow-kin. I, I...

"Spyro?"

"Whoa! Mom!? What are you d-"

"Hush! It's okay now, dear" she consoled me and hugged my snout "What happened to you and Sparx during the previous night?"

"Mom, it's nothing!"

"You can't lie to me, son" her voice was soft, but full of determination "The stench on your body is from the marshlands. Now tell me, what happened?"

At this point, I could hide it no more. I told her everything about our transgression and the danger we had faced. I once again demonstrated my new found power. After all of that, I silently awaited my mom's anger. She showed non, instead, she looked into my sorrowful eyes and revealed a secret hidden long ago: I was not a dragonfly, but a mighty creature that ruled over the lands in peace and harmony, a dragon.

"It all started from that fateful evening. Your father and I were taking a stroll on the riverbank when we spotted a rather round object drifting in the middle of the current. It was your egg, which eventually washed ashore near our home.

"We were so curious, yet nervous about this unusual encounter. We dragged you onto a dryer place and took turns watching over, hoping your parents or your kind would come and get you. But even after you had hatched, no one came to pick you up. We immediately decided that it was us who would raise you, despite the disapproval of the majority of the villagers. Wonderfully, you hatched just seconds after Sparx, your big brother.

"As time flew, we grew more attached to you, dear. We didn't care what you were, we were a family in equal. We were overjoyed to see how you grew up alongside Sparx, but at the same time we were afraid we would lose you if we told you the truth..."

When saying so, she broke into tears. Poor mom, she so loved me she didn't want to give me in in spite of knowing it wasn't the right thing to do. But everything has its place. I could tell she had been mentally preparing for this, but it was too much for her. I sat down with her sitting on my snout, sniffing. In the silence, we let the breeze and the insect orchestra sooth our turbulent souls. After a while, I stood up. It was time to bid them farewell. We headed home, and to my surprise, dad was waiting for us.

"What comes will come" he smiled yet his eyes told me otherwise "We really want you to be here with us, but it's never the right choice. I only have something to tell you, son. Out there is a world torn by war. Life is cheap, you chat and sing with your comrades today, but mourn them the day after. I knew everything, son! I spoke with Sparx earlier, I was mad at you both but still relieved that you were all well. Now, you have discovered your true power, it's time for you to seek your own destiny."

Oh, I could hold back my tears no more. My eyelid closed on their own, squeezing those salty drops. I didn't want to leave to be honest, but I would endanger them if I stay here any longer. I came close to nuzzle them goodbye, and they held me for quite a moment: "Remember, son, no matter where you go or how big you grow, you will still be our purple boy! Now… go!"

I left their embrace and headed for the mountain. I had to keep myself from looking back or else I would lose all the remaining guts to push forth. I really felt guilty not bidding my bro farewell, but I had to hurry.

At this time, the dragonflies were all having sweet dreams. Using the glimmering light they emitted, I found my way to the village's end. And to my surprise, Sparx was there blocking my path.

"Spyro" he pleaded "please, you don't have to do this!"

"I'm sorry, Sparx. This is my own decision, for the sake of everyone."

I walked past him, but he followed and dragged my antenna: "Spyro, I'm sorry! It was my fault for trespassing! You can just stay and pretend nothing hap-"

"No, Sparx! They know where I am, and they're coming for me! I don't want to see you die because of me!"

"But we're inseparable, remember?"

"I know, and we'll always be. For now, it is goodbye! I'm sorry!"

"Spyro! Spyrooo!"

I sprinted as fast as I could. My body wasn't as photogenic as theirs, so within a few minutes, Sparx lost track of me. With poor vision in the dark and the addition of tears, I couldn't see a thing. After a long period struggling to find the way and countless of times stumbling up and down, I finally made it to the mountain base. In the dark, a purple dot glowed faintly. The creature stood leaning its back against a tree, but it chose a spot where the moonlight shone the brightest.

Now I could see him clearly, he had some similar characteristics to the ones that had ambushed us. He stood straight on two legs, fore limbs did not touch the ground, his entire build was not as bulky as they were, a pale face with a long pointy nose, and of course, those odd-eyes. I might never get use to looking at him directly.

This unusual encounter marked the beginning of the journey to find my destiny.

Hikari's POV

"ふっ、危なかった (Fuu, abuna katta – Whew, that was close)!"

"You approached it so careless, master!"

"Yeah, my bad!"

The little dragon's power was remarkable. The flame from that distance could easily reduce the whole woody plant to ash. This was something no ordinary dragon could do.

So far, the dragon was fine, but the Dark Army's activity escalated at an unexpected rate. No doubt that the group that encountered it had spread the news, and they started ranging the neighboring regions.

My mistake of letting them get back to the camp now led to me moving around causing chaos in their ranks. Talk about the sabotage, I was quite the specialist, especially when I had the elements to aid me.

A bit of explanation regarding Metal, the only element that depended heavily on the environment. What I'm trying to say is I could not generate metal out of thin air like fire or ice. Instead, the element allowed me to extract the tiny bits of mineral from the surroundings, and to put it simple: iron sand. Kinda similar to magnetism but not entirely the same. Magnetism tossed metal around, while Metal could bend, merge and form shapes as how the wielder wished, even mix different ingredients to make alloy.

This is how it was done: I created metallic clones of the little dragon and had them run here and there, luring troops that could potentially enter the true dragon's home. They took the bait without any hesitation, following the decoy into the traps I had made. My purpose wasn't to kill them, I had had enough with the slaughtering already, but to injure them to the point they were forced to abort the mission. I would also be unwise to focus on one area, so I took my time heading to other parts of the swamp. It turned out easier than expected, probably due to the internal division mentioned earlier.

Having made sure all possible escape routes secured. I went to talk to the young dragon. I completely understood the situation he was in, that was why I didn't bring him with me immediately. I returned to the spot where I'd accidentally provoked his self-defense instinct. With a wave of my hand, metal sand floated up and merged into a mask, a Tengu (天狗) mask, that was enough to cover my half upper face.

I had to be on alert since Cynder was roaming. By emitting sonic waves, I had the map of the swamp and suspicious targets in the palm of my hand. The rebounded wave told me something was moving, and my hand started twitching slightly. It was him. The purple dragon approached me, under the moonlight, the trail of his tears glinted on his cheek.

"Must be a hard decision" I said sympathetically "but it has to be."

"Will they be safe?" asked the dragon.

"They only come for you, and you alone."

"But... what are they? What do they want?"

"Come! I'll explain along the way."

"Not until you tell me who you are!"

He was still in doubt. Oh well, I had to make it quick: "Fine, I can tell you thought of me like those guys. Tell you what, if I WERE one of them, I would attack you on the spot and didn't give a damn about the damage done to your family and friends!"

He frowned and looked down for a brief moment, then: "You're right! I don't think they would be kind enough to call me out here and fight!"

"Then, we should make haste. Things will be more difficult when the sun rises."

This time, the dragon followed me docilely. In the dark, the two of us move quietly.

With Sound, I instructed him where we should go to avoid dangers.

"You seem to know this place too well." he suddenly stopped.

"You think I'm leading you to a trap?"

"Isn't that obvious?"

"Alright" I said after a pause, it was a must to explain things "I haven't introduced myself anyway. My name is Tengu, a wandering warrior assigned with a mission to find and bring you home, little one."

"Home? W-where is this 'home'?"

"A place far to the east, the dragons gather at a large city called Warfang. I have arranged my friend to pick us up once we get out of here."

"Then, why me?"

"Because you are a dragon of legend. You are destined to be the leader from the start. And…"

"And what?"

"They're coming! This way!"

I led the dragon off the planned trail, down a gentle slope, to the bank of a rivulet. One moment later, a troop of dark soldiers arrived. They stood in line, torches in their hands illuminated the area.

I've never seen a gathering with such numbers. They must have been warned somehow. Their leader ordered them to search around, but none of them noticed us. However, their presence had block my shortest path out of the forest.

"There are too many of them." whispered the dragon.

"They are the apes, known as the Dark Army. They've been battling with your kind, even now they still do."

"But why?"

"It's a long story. We gotta move!"

We skirted the rivulet and went past them successfully. I stopped to navigate some possible path. Suddenly, something approached at a rather high velocity. A projectile? Had they spotted us?

I quickly summoned metallic sand, shaped it into a plate to block the incoming attack. The projectile hit the plate and created a splashing sound of something gooey. I could feel that the metallic grains of the affected part got glued together. And while pondering what the hell was that, another attack flew at us.

"回避 (Kaihi – Dodge it)!" I shouted and pushed the kid out of harm's way. The attack disappeared into the dark, but I had already figured out the trajectory. Transforming the plate into a javelin, I sent it where I needed it to be. A loud screech showed that I hit the target, followed up with a thud and some rustling. Must be something heavy, and not an ape.

"W-what was that?" asked the kid.

"Trouble."

My sonar radar caught multiple vibrations coming from every direction. Under the dim moonlight, I saw many green dots staring at us. One of those creatures leapt at us from behind. They clearly had the advantages in the dark, but my Sound's abilities outmatched them.

"行くぞ、村正 (Ikuzo, Muramasa - Let's go, Muramasa)!"

"了解 (Ryoukai – Yes, sir)!"

Muramasa appeared as a purple ball of light then flew into my grip to show his real form, a katana. I sliced the incoming monster in half with a swift upward stroke, I could feel its blood scattered on my face. Casting a quick glance at the carcase, I could only mutter: "く、蜘蛛 (Ku, kumo – S-spider)?!"

A spider the size of a panther, with abdomen resembled a mushroom cap covered in small bumps and six leaf-like legs. Hold up... Did I say six? Bruh, don't laugh! No matter how I looked at it, there were just six legs. If you ask, I don't have arachnophobia, but seeing a giant spider plunges at you with its massive baring pedipalps is a whole different story!

We were completely surrounded. I thought we could use this path to avoid the eyes of the Dark Army, and we ended up in these creeps' hunting ground. I could carry the dragonling using Gravity, but the enemy's aero squads were probably patrolling around. Running was not an option.

The spiders simultaneously spat their sticky globs at us. I ordered him to stand close to me while I charged a force field then unleashed it to send all the attacks back at them. A taste of their own medicine.

"Wow, how did you do that?" asked the purple dragon

"Elemental power. You have one as well!"

"You mean Fire?"

"Yes! Now it's time to put it to good use! Burn 'em to crisp!"

"Got it!"

As I was saying, the spiders changed their tactic to charging head on. The purple lad used his fire to reduce them to ash while I sliced and diced any that got close with Muramasa and the swords crafted from iron sand.

As the battle got intense, I heard a yell from behind. I realized that was too focused on the slaughtering I dragged myself far from the youngling, and now he got ambushed. Damn, these crawlers were a handful. I had to break through to reach the lad.

He struggled to fend off the spiders, spitting fire frantically. There was a spider in the nearby bush, I didn't notice it until it plunged at the dragon's exposed back.

I quickly channeled a force sphere, however, I saw something like a yellow spark pacing back and forth in front of the monster, confusing it.

"You're not touching Spyro!" yelled the spark.

"Sparx?!"

So, the youngling's name was Spyro. I quickly slain those in my way and made it back to the purple dragon. Summoning more metallic sand, I created a dome to protect all three of us. With the spiders scratching outside, we could rest for a bit, and the shining dragonfly's light seemed neat.

"Sparx, how did you find me?"

"Hah! You cause trouble wherever you go! It's easy to tell!"

"Sparx, this is not the time for jokes!"

"I'm not joking! I'm fricking worried, dude!"

"Alright" I cut in "Hate to interrupt your small reunion, but I have to figure out a way to get us out of here!"

"Who's this guy, Spyro? He looks just like them…"

"Well, he…"

"Hush! He's focusing!"

"W-who's there?"

"Um, Sparx, I think it's his weapon…"

"Quiet, please!?" I chided.

Metal was sound conducted, therefore I was able to send my sonar through the dome's surface by emitting it directly from the inside. Not far away, about thirteen meters, there was a high knoll, and many of them crawling in and out. The spider's burrow. I knew what I should do next.

"Hey, Spyro! Can you lend me some fireballs?"

"Huh!? How can I do that?"

"Just focus and compress your fire into a burning sphere, I need you to launch several of them straight up as high as possible!"

"Um... okay, I'll try!"

He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. Outside, the spiders were trying to break my metallic dome. Seeing that Spyro had done his part, I made my move as well. Through my command, the dome sprouted up spikes, killing nearby targets. I split open the dome and sent the fragments flying at them to create more room. The dragonling shot out three fireballs up high. With the coordinate gotten from Sound, I used Gravity to direct the fireballs straight into their lair. The web in the burrow sure made good food for the fire since the whole place got engulfed in strong light and heat.

The spiders instantly prioritize protecting their future generation, they aborted their attempt to hunt us and rushed back to their burrow. We immediately sprinted for it. I relocated our destination and guide them to a place where the tree branches were dense to avoid aerial assault and the search of ground units. We could catch our breath for a moment.

"That was a close call" I said in relief "You sure are a big help despite your size."

"Hey! I did that for my brother!"

"But, why are you out here, Sparx?"

"To be honest, dad and I had a serious talk and… I was heartbroken, brother. I didn't know you weren't one of us… I…"

He had trouble expressing his thought, just like me when I confessed my feelings towards Cynder. I had to cut in coz we didn't have much time: "No matter which species you two are, a bond has been formed between you. Don't ever lose it. Now, hurry up! We don't have all night!"

"Is it alright to bring a dragonfly along, master?" Muramasa asked using telepathy.

"It's fine, they're a pair, aren't they?"

"Hm, I guess you have a point!"

After a while, we finally reached the end of the forest. The dawn had already spread its warmth upon the land. The rendezvous point, but, where was the escort dragon? There were several scratches on the ground and nearby trunks. A familiar presence struck through my mind. That menacing aura, mixed with the grief and sorrow.

"また会うだ、シンダー (Mata au da, Shindā – We meet again, Cynder)…"

Cynder, my daughter, corrupted by the dark essence, stepped out from the thick shade of the forest. An unnatural slender build, but packed with both strength and agility. The oversized wings forced the trees out of her way, tilting and partially uprooting them. She stood in front of us like a proud lioness preparing to strike her hopeless prey. The tail with the blade tip wagging left and right in a swift motion, the blade that had once pierced my chest. How nostalgic…

The sun reflected a scarlet taint on the tail blade. As I feared, she did take care of the escort. I could see the wounds from the recent skirmish with the dragon on her body. For a normal dragon, its chance of survival was below 20% and a hefty amount of red crystals were needed to help it past the critical stage. But Cynder had the aid of Malefor's essence, therefore those wounds healed up within seconds.

"The purple dragon is still alive?" she spoke with a cold voice "What a nuisance! Those fools never did anything right!"

"この子を傷つけさせない (Kono ko o kizutsuke sasenai – I won't let you hurt this kid)!"

Upon finishing my quote, Cynder suddenly went dizzy as she covered her head with the paw: "Ugh, what kind of sorcery is this? Why my head hurts!?"

I legit had no idea what was going on for a sec. Could it be that what I had said, my Japanese, reached the real Cynder inside that corrupted body? This was worth a shot, the problem was these two behind me. How to protect them while fighting my own daughter…?