A/n

Okay, here is chapter five, and now there will be some more changes than there has been in the last three chapters. So enjoy this chapter!

Chapter 5: More Introductions

-Neutral pov-

The bond of friendship is hard to come by, but valuable is he that has friends with them at the hardest of times. A friend will look out for you when you are not making the best decisions or are going through harsh situations. Friends will tell you the truth when others will not, still with thoughts of one's own wellbeing. Thus, was what directed Saber's actions in disabling Spyro and then going in his place to help those he didn't know.

-Spyro's POV-

I felt groggy when I opened my eyes, and I was trying to remember what had just occurred to have me feeling like this. Saber had been saying things about calming down, then asked him to forgive him for something. Then there had been a sharp hit to the back of my neck and everything went black which brought me to the present. "Hey Spyro, are you okay," asked Sparx.

I shook my head and got to my feet slowly, "I think so, what happened," I questioned.

"Saber did something and then ran off saying he would 'handle things' or something like that. I said it before he is weird Spyro, cannot guess what he is thinking," Sparx replied.

My head still was throbbing from Saber hitting me and what Sparx was saying was not making complete sense. All I remember was Saber saying I needed to calm down and then hitting me, there had been nothing about taking care of anything said. Instead of asking Sparx what he meant, I went to the cliff where below apes were capturing dragons. Yet, by what I saw the ape were dead or gone and everyone else was looking okay. Those that had been in cages were being freed and the injured were being seen to, which is not the picture I expected to see after what I saw before.

I made my way down to the bottom of the valley and by the time I had, I most of the cages were empty. There were ape bodies around from those that had not run, but I saw no sign of Saber anywhere though and he is hard to miss. Still, I may not like the apes for what they have done, but I still do not like killing them either. I am surprised that Saber would help out like Sparx says he he would, he would have put his life on the line for them doing so. The last time I had seen him, I had growled at him and snapped that he couldn't understand what I felt. I feel so horrible about doing that now and I really want to apologize to Saber for doing that.

My mind began racing as the seconds turned into minutes and there was still no sign of Saber as I searched for him. The longer I searched for him the more I worried and when I tend to do that, I make more mistakes and miss things. Yes, we had met a couple of days ago, but be that as it may, he called me his friend even after I had shot him with enough electricity to kill someone. Although, now that I think about, it is very odd that he was still alive afterwards and then later a short while later recovered. There are some things about Saber that do not make sense yet, he said that he would help me and that is all I need to know for now. Sparx was hovering above my left shoulder watching me, "Hey Spyro who are you worrying about," he asked.

I glanced over at Sparx, confused by what he was saying for the answer to the question should be obvious, "What do you mean Sparx," I replied.

"I mean you are looking for someone, who is it, Cynder or Saber," he asked in a smug tone.

I was not able to stop the blush that came at the mention of Cynder's name, but I managed to compose myself. Still, I thought about the question that Sparx had asked me yet, it was one that I did not know how to answer. I care about both Cynder and Saber so what is Sparx saying? Now I am even more confused than I was at the first question, but I do not know why I am so confused by it. Sparx it seemed read me like he can often and sighed, "How thick can you get dragon boy," he posed.

I would have retorted Sparx about being thick, when we began to overhear voices close to us. Both Sparx and I turned to see a turquoise blue dragoness talking to a deep pine green dragon, "Yeah I have never seen an ape quite like this one. It has a lot less hair and thinner and smaller than the average ape, odd if you ask me. And it just sits there with a odd metal tool of some kind," said the dragoness.

Sparx and I slowly shifted our gazes to one another after hearing that and by the look in Sparx's eyes, he was having the same thought as I was. That description sounds rather familiar in fact, it fit Saber very well though the last line didn't sound right. I went up to the dragon and the dragoness that had been talking, "Excuse me this odd ape you were talking about where is it," I inquired.

Both the dragon and the dragoness turned to face me when I spoke. And now that I got a better look of the turquoise dragoness, her wing membranes were white as well as her underbelly and was a good ten years older than myself to my best guess. She also had two horns coming out of both sides of her head that curved down in a small arc towards her back. She looked over at me with a look of surprise on her face which grew as see kept staring at me, "You are the purple dragon Spyro," she exclaimed. "Oh ancestors, I never thought I actually meet you face to face."

I could not help the sigh that came out as it was at times like this that being as well-known as I am along with my journey to find out my origins is hard. Everyone just wants to meet you to say that they have, I could never get used to it all. All I wanted was to be treated like everyone else and not like some special creature that can do anything. I may have saved the realm, but I never asked to be the one to do so. I just did the best I could, yet everyone just went on about how special I am as a purple dragon. Cynder was one of the few who understood what being as well-known is not as nice as some say it is. Her fame was not the nice kind though, but it was not her fault. I forced a smile, "Yes, that is me but back to the odd ape, where was it you last saw him," I asked politely, so I did not sound rude.

The green dragon had bronze yellow wing membranes and underbelly along with three horns one on either side of the back his head that curved like my own. The third came out of the top of his head and curved like the others. He nodded his head behind him to the right, "I believe he is in that direction last I heard and I am sorry for my mate's behavior a second ago. I would guess that you… have gotten tired receiving that kind of treatment," he said.

He would not believe how tiring it has become to be the "famous purple dragon" and other names other call me. I nodded my head in acknowledgement and thanks to the green dragon before Sparx and I went off in the direction that he had indicated. As we walked, I wondered if Saber was alright after fighting the apes, I hoped he was. There had been a lot of apes to fight off from what I had seen, so I hoped he had not been hurt or injured. I could not say if Saber was skilled with fighting, other than the one experience I saw him got against the apes that had tried to capture me recently. But then if one takes into account that… what did Saber call it, a streak of bad luck, was it not? I do not know what Saber means by that exactly, yet he seemed sturdy from what I had seen, maybe all humans were as sturdy as him. Who knows?

"Spyro," called a female voice. I stopped at the sound of someone calling my name from somewhere behind me and I glanced around to search for the source of the voice. I know that I have heard that voice somewhere, could it be her, "Spyro there you are!"

The same voice that had called my name was closer than before, the next thing I know I felt something landing hard on my back. Unable to turn my head to catch a glimpse of what was happening, I tried to steady myself. The force of the hit as well as the extra weight colliding caused difficulty in steadying myself causing me to wobble and threw off my balance. It did not help my balance when I felt four limbs along with a tail and wings wrapping around me. At this point my efforts of keeping my balance was lost and my legs collapsed sending me crashing to the ground in a heap. I could feel my lungs gasping for air to gain back the wind that had been knocked out of me from the crash.

My mind and head were spinning and reeling from the impact with the ground as well. It was not as much as when Saber hit me, but it still made it hard to focus. Shaking my head to try to clear everything, I twisted my head and neck around to see what or who had tackled me with their latching on. What met my gaze was obsidian colored scales and a red underbelly that I knew very well and the realization hit me. Before I knew it I heard myself spouting a name, "Cynder!"

Yes, it was Cynder, my mate… sort of I suppose as we have not really done anything that an adult dragon and dragoness do as mates. I am glad that Cynder is okay, especially after some of the things Saber had said could have happened to her. I do not want to lose Cynder after all we have been through together. She is the closest individual I feel I can be myself around and I can talk to her about anything. Cynder was hugging me tightly like she would normally do, "Oh Spyro I knew we would find each other again," she squealed.

I felt Cynder's hold on me tighten on my body hard than it had started out being and was quickly turning into a bone crushing choke hold by her. I love her and I know she does not mean to squeeze hard, but I keep forgetting just how much strength she has. Turning my head slowly and with difficulty to face Cynder, my limbs began to scramble around trying to get Cynder's legs to loosen her hold. If she did not let me breathe soon… I do not know what would happen to me, "Cynder it is nice to see you and everything but-" I started, but never finished.

However, I was cut off as the grip she had on me somehow got tighter nearly cutting off my air supply. The fact that Cynder weighed less than me was something I had long ago found out, yet even with that difference she had a stronger a grip than the steel the moles forge. This experience was just once again proving the idea and it was really starting to hurt. I do not know how much more of this my lungs can handle! "Oh Spyro, since when were you a flatterer? I must say I like it a lot please, do keep going," Cynder replied.

The hold I was in got so tight now that inhaling air was hard enough I was not getting enough of it! I need Cynder to let go now! "Cynder… I *gasp* cannot… breathe," I rasped.

Cynder looked at me realizing what she was doing and instantly let go of me, "I am sorry Spyro," she apologized.

The second the vice hold released, I gasped and took in a large breath of air into my lungs. I kept breathing heavy and deep breaths before getting slowly and shakily to my paws then turned to face Cynder. "It is okay Cynder, you did not mean to do that," I assured.

Cynder looked at me with an embarrassment on her face that included a visible blush. I closed the distance and rubbed Cynder's cheek with mine, "That is nice of you to say Spyro," she returned as she pressed back in the nuzzling.

It was then that Sparx put in his bit, "Okay enough… there you two go again getting all mushy in public. Are you not ashamed of yourselves," he asked.

"Sparx," I bellowed the response,

It was not his business what Cynder and I do with each other and we are adults now so we can do what we wish to. Sparx had not like Cynder much but he was supposed to be nice to her and he knows that. Sparx just looked at me with a serious look, "Spyro are you not forgetting something," he posed.

"Like what Sparx," I replied.

"Uh like Saber, the odd looking ape we met a few days ago," Sparx insisted.

I felt shock at the statement, how could I forget? We were going to see him then Cynder came and it completely slipped my mind and the shame and guilt came in a massive wave. Saber is my friend he had helped me and even came down and fought all the apes to protect the dragons, none of which involved him. Yet he had gone and jumped in to help anyways, I was so horrible to forget about him, it would be hard to face Saber after all of this. Cynder just had a baffled expression on her face, "Spyro, who is this Saber," she questioned.

The question from Cynder, snapped me out of the guilt and back to the present. I turned to Cynder forgetting that she would not know, "Oh sorry Cynder, he is someone we meet recently and became friends," I answered.

"Oh, I would like to meet him, you do not make friends often," Cynder said.

"I would like to have some time away from him," Sparx remarked.

I looked at Sparx curiously somewhat confused, "Why do you say that? And now that I think about it, you two do not seem to get along," I said.

Sparx let out a huff of annoyance and frustration, "All he seems to do is tell me to be quiet in some way and call me weird names," he responded.

"I like him already," Cynder stated.

I turned to Cynder as she had just made the comment and had done so as she tried not to laugh. We all began to walk in the same direction as before to go look for Saber, he had to be somewhere after all.

-Saber's POV-

I found myself in a place I didn't know nor have been that I can recall, and that was a matter of irritation to me. Granted, I had shut out the world around me, but this was ridiculous, no matter how many times I opened and closed my eyes there was no change. Everything around me was in darkness, and so I couldn't see anything, if there was anything to see at all that is. I couldn't feel myself standing on anything nor sitting anymore. In fact, none of my five senses seem to be receiving or sending input to me. Then as if my thoughts were some sort of signal, the darkness faded and a cityscape appeared in its place.

The place was surrounded by a heavy wall very likely for defense and keeping out 'trouble makers' in the distance pretty much any way I looked. The was housing structures to the right and left of me, the stone paved street I was on was clearly set piece by piece and by design. The individual stones, fitting together much like a jig saw puzzle, tight and left little if any space between each other. Much of the houses were side by side, built like town houses in European countries if what I've seen in books is anything to go by. The buildings had multiple stories high made also of stone while using wood and cloth for decoration. The other point I saw in varying states of the stone work being in a heavy state of disrepair.

I moved forward down the street looking around for evidence that could give me a clue as to where I was, whether that encountering someone or something else. However, I came across no one as I kept going and it quickly got eerie to me. Perhaps that was because of the fact that there was something about this place that felt vaguely familiar, a feeling of déjà vu with it. The passing of time faded from notice as I was looking around from something to work with to figure out what was going on. After a time, the cityscape changed to look much more rundown and ruin-like, then there was also a tower that came up ahead of me. I soon reached the tower and found that potential dwelling structures were built into the tower wall to be side by side and a road twisting upward.

Starting up the tower still looking for anything that would explain where I was or what was going on and found nothing as I went. The eerie feeling as well as the déjà vu was getting stronger, it was getting to the point that I swear I've been to wherever this was, I just couldn't remember. I did take a moment to look over the edge of the pathway and saw that the ruins below was 'arranged' in sections that appeared to form arcs around the tower. There were six main streets that led up to the base of the tower where I was. There was evidence that there had been plant life all over the place, on houses on other buildings lining the streets and there was a garden or some type of park though most of the plant life appeared to be either dying or dead.

I glanced upward to only be met by the underside of the stone walkway above me as I went with support structure holding it up. I kept going upward until I came to where the pathway came to an end, but there was a stairway that went up to the top of this structure. Out of curiosity of this entire situation, I went up the stairs to hopefully figure out what this was all about. At the top of the stairway was what looked like a dais of some sort, which seemed to sever as the crowning pinnacle of this tower. As I looked around, my gaze locked onto a figure that was in the shadow of the dais. I approached slow, "Uh, excuse me, do you happen to know where we happen to be," I asked.

It was as I got close enough to get a view of the individual that planned to inquire more about where and what this place was, but I never got that far. The reason I didn't was when I saw the individual up close, I was shocked to find they looked literal exactly like me down to every single detail that I could come up with for myself. They had the same face the same color and style of hair, every detail was identical to my own. We could pass for twins… actually, make that perfect clones physically, which should be impossible. It was simply not possible a single being could have an exact copy, someone whose physical appearance was more accurate than a mirror reflection could give. Nevertheless, as of late especially in the last few days, a number of the rules of logic and sense had been getting defied around me.

I have tended to rely on logic and common sense as frequent and usually constant companions to be with me some of the select few. Logic is simple and constant, so that makes it easy to understand form most situations enough that one can roll with them. Yet, ever since encountering that the black thing and then coming to the Dragon Realm, things have been changing with logic and sense not being my allies as much as they usually are. I shook my head to clear my mind trying to comprehend what was happening. Meanwhile, the individual I had inquired information of harrumphed at me in response, which snapped me out of my mental conundrum. "Okay you, just who in the hell are you and why do you look exactly like me," I demanded.

"So, at last we can speak 'face to face' as I believe you put it, and what is the first question you ask? A ridiculous and pointless questions that you should already have the answer for already, how blind and foolish you are," they said.

It was a surprise to me that the voice that came from this individual was one of those I'd heard at the beginning of my latest fight with the apes, the last one in fact. But this situation, whatever it was made less sense as time when on and I was not liking that at all. The irritation showed slightly as my lips tightened shut, "Blind and foolish am I? Okay look you punk, I don't know who you are, nor do I care, that you would claim what you did is wrong and I'll prove it if I need to. All I know is you are one of the voices that spoke to me earlier, so what the hell is this," I demanded. Then I jabbed a finger at this punk, "You somehow look like a carbon copy of me, then just come out and call me stupid. Either you better have a unshakable reason as to doing that or prepare yourself for the consequences!"

I would have answer for this punk calling me stupid, I don't let another call me stupid without verifiable reason and have a chance of not facing the consequences. Nevertheless, this situation was unusual, and I was only able to come up with three possibilities that can explain this conundrum. One, I'm hallucinating, and this is all a creation of my mind and it's possible, a scary thought if it is true. It says that my mind and imagination can not only come up with some truly terrifying things but is getting better at such things. Two, I'm dead and I am in hell, which is entirely possible since if there are such places as heaven and hell, the latter is likely where I would be tossed with my record. If that's the case, then Satan and myself will be having a long talk and in said chat, both of us will go into a room and only one of us will come out! I fully intend that one coming out to be me by whatever means necessary. Or the third and final possibility, somehow, something or someone is defying logic in its entirety and that's unlikely as logical law don't take being denied as far as I know often if at all.

Now, out of the possibilities the first is one that I can't discount, but it's not one I like for it means that my mind is gone. Where the mind went when it goes out I can't say, yet it is very unlikely to come back judging by the magnitude in this case. Then if this is what insanity is like, I want out of it right now as quick as I can get! Possibility two is one I like the least of the three, because if this is hell, then I'm in for a jolly good time which won't be fun for anyone. One thing I'll guarantee, hell won't be the same with me being there… there will be changes, the devil can and if I get my way will, kiss my rear and I'll unload from a particular place if you know what I mean! Some would ask what kind of a threat that is, to them I'll say this, my rear end can be akin to a weapon of mass destruction I assure you. The final possibility, the most unlikely of the three due to it being the most ludicrous of them all since the universe follows certain rules.

I scanned around my immediate area again as if to prove to me which of the three possibilities was the right one to explain this. I notice that much of the environment didn't make logical sense though it somehow felt right which didn't make sense either. That forced me to admit the point that I didn't want to in this and that I had been resisting. That being the last possibility was the most likely the one that would explain the events going on currently. I reluctantly faced the figure and he seemed to be waiting for me, just standing there patiently waiting for a child to get over being in awe of something new.

A deadpanned expression came to my face, "Okay, obviously whatever this is about isn't real. I'm sticking to that unless you can provide indisputable evidence to prove the contrary, so my question is what's the point of this," I stated flatly.

His face was void of any emotion, more so than mine currently was and doing that isn't as easy as it sounds. "So convinced that this," he said gesturing around us, " is not real, are you?" I gave a nod for a reply and nothing else, the punk continued, "My, that is a rather simplistic view as well as short sighted. You perception has been warped more than I thought it would be, perhaps that will change with time, it can be hoped for." I held in the retort that was trying hard to come out at that comment, but I kept my silence. "What is real is a matter of perspective or as I think as you would say it 'in the eyes of the beholder.' So, don't be so quick to discount this as a hallucination for it is not," he said in a tone of reason.

That isn't much of an answer to explain what this is about, more a 'just because' kind of reply and I've never been fond of getting those for my inquiries. However, at this point, I doubt that I'll get anything else, let alone better, "Fine, not the answer I like but I doubt you will say much different. So then answer me this, what is this place, because I have never seen it," I stated evenly.

The vocal reply didn't come immediately, but the body language that this look-alike was giving off was clear and prompt. This guy gave the impression that he was bored, as if I was a child asking is the sky blue or something. The body language I was reading from him really irked me and I couldn't explain why for this isn't the first time I've gotten a response from another. But there was something about this guy that was ticking me off and he hadn't opened his mouth just yet. "Let's just say that you have a connection to this place that you apparently have forgotten from your reaction, whether you believe it or not," he replied.

The vein in my forehead began pulsating hard at not being given a straight answer as it was adding to the irritation I was experiencing. This punk was quickly approaching beyond annoying and irritating along with irking me and most don't do that, not even IC has gotten this far so quick. All he seems to do is avoid the question with another question and I don't like people who avoid answering a question rather than just say the answer or 'I don't know'! "Oh come on, give me a straight answer," I growled.

Nonetheless, the world around us began to dim, the scenery becoming less clear and distinct so, it became harder to see the city around me. However, I could still see him smirk at me as he replied, "Now, what value would there be for you if I just gave you the answer. If you want an answer, then you will have to find it and figure it out for yourself. However, I will be nice and give you a hint, my appearance is no coincidence as we also have a connection Saber."

The way this guy said my name, it was with distain and disappointment while everything around me went dark. The next thing that I registered was sound from all around me crashing in, and my other sense feeding input from the world around me. I was forced to acknowledge the world, even if I didn't move my head from being behind my knees. Recent events came back to my mind and fresh waves of disgust at what thoughts accompanied my actions washed over me. I'm not ashamed of what I did to apes, from what I'd seen it was necessary to stop them and they brought it to the point that killing had to be done.

I was still being ignored by the dragons around along with space being established between me and others. After a bit, I did move my legs and head enough to glance around to take in what was going on around me. I breathed deep in and out to slow down my heartbeat that was faster than it was on a normal basis. At the same time, I was collecting my thoughts and getting them into proper order so that I could move forward. In a few minutes, I slowly got to my feet grabbing Yubashiri and wiping the blood off before sheathing it. I was brushing myself off when I heard a voice call my name and it was one that sounded familiar.

I glanced around trying to both identify and locate who it was calling my name as most around me had been avoiding me. Then I was still feeling pain from different places around my body, but then a few apes had managed to get attacks in on me, so it was possible that I was bleeding. I looked myself over and saw that I indeed had scratches, gashes and developing bruises from the fight I had been in. None of the injuries were serious or life-threatening that I could tell and I have a pretty good eye for judging injuries as Uncle Douchebag unintentionally made sure of. Heck, I know that I have bandages in my pack since with my bad luck it would be beyond stupid not to for me. However, I left my pack up where Spyro was and so didn't have access to what it contained unfortunately.

"Saber," called the same voice from before and it did sound quite a lot like Spyro's now that I got a second hearing of it.

I turned in the direction that the voice had come from and did see Spyro bounding in my general direction. Granted, he was glancing around so he hadn't likely seen me yet, and the tone of worry lent credence to that. So, I strode out into clear sight so Spyro couldn't possible miss me standing where I was. And with that being the case, Spyro quickly locked his gaze onto me and raced over to where I stood. I did see that the lightbulb with wings was not too far behind my purple companion unfortunately. When Spyro reached me, it didn't take long for him to notice I had marks from the tussle with the apes, "Saber are you bleeding," Spyro exclaimed.

I glanced at some of my injuries and then I shrugged, "Looks like I am a little, it is nothing to be concerned about, so do not worry about it. I will take care of the scratches and gashes soon enough," I replied.

Spyro gawked for a moment, then shook his head, "You need to get those injuries taken care of as soon as possible," Spyro shot back.

It would probably be better for Spyro not to know that injuries are fairly common with me and so, I've gotten to know how to take care of them. So, I kept my mouth shut and didn't say anything to that effect to Spyro as he went and retrieved was appeared to be red colored crystals. Why he would be getting them I don't know, but I didn't inquire as Spyro came back though I was curious. So, when chunk of the red crystal was pressed against one of my bleeding gashes, I stood still and humored Spyro even if what he was doing was odd. The crystal felt warm and nice for the injuries that I had gained teaching the apes a lesson and I wouldn't say no to that.

Nevertheless, as I watched my mouth dropped open as before my eyes, the crystal glowed and the gash began closed on its own like it had never occurred. I kidded you not, somehow the red crystal healed my wound completely and I can't for the life of me say how it did. I continued to stare in honest shock as the process happened over and over for each gash, scratch and bruise. I said nothing as the healing process was finished up and I felt great after it was done in fact. "That should do it, how are you feeling Saber," asked Spyro.

"Whatever those crystals were, they do wonders I'll say," I replied.

Spyro smiled, "They can be helpful," he commented. "But how did you take on all those apes by yourself?"

A hand went to the back of my head and took rubbing the back on my head, "Um well, I do not know If mentioned that I have been learning and practicing fighting arts for years now," I said, to which Spyro looked at me funny and then with concern.

"But there were so many and you do not have an element you can use," Spyro replied.

Element? Perhaps he is referring to his capability to breath fire, but it sounds like there is more to it than that. Maybe there is more 'elements' than just fire and electricity, it possible I suppose and something tells me that it is true. But not being able to do that kind of thing shouldn't automatically count you out of something. Most times there is a work around something some see as a handicap, I myself have a knack of proving that point. "If you deal with a few opponents at a time, then the task of taking on a host of whatever creatures is more manageable," I reasoned.

"Dealing with a few at a time, you are messed up in your head," IC commented.

I normally would dislike hearing the lightbulb with wings speak, but when he gives me pure gold lines like that on a spotless platinum plate like this, I can't and don't resist retorting! "Oh ho IC, once again you set yourself up for what you receive and I will deliver with pleasure. If I am messed up in the head, then I would not want to see what the inside of your head is like. Yet, with the help of your ego, which I have had the taste of horrible as it turns out to be, I am fine with how my mind is compared to yours. It has served me well so far, and I do not doubt it will continue to do so in future, can you say the same honestly. And do not answer that you lightbulb with wings, it is a question I ask to get you to think more than it is to be answered," I stated.

"Hey I resent that," barked IC.

Yet another point for me in the ongoing war of the dragonfly and I, and I'm trouncing him by a respectable margin and am proud of that! I mean, does IC really believe that I care that he resents what I say to him which is the truth, if so then he needs a reality check. Honestly, I'm holding back of what I could say and do to the bug, and trust me, I can do many mean things to IC. And just because most of what comes from me to the bug is insulting in not my fault, it is his as he asks for it. Granted, I can't say what it is exactly about Sparx that irks me so, but I don't really see a reason to be all that nice to him. "Sparx you would do well to listen to what I am about to say," I said clearly. "Silence is golden, duct tape is silver, do not make me go get some to shut you up, cause I will do that without hesitation."

Sparx stared at me then asked me the question, blinking in confusion, "What is duck tae-p?"

It took me a great deal of effort not to laugh at the question for the bug had no idea what he asked. He is lucky at the moment he doesn't, but I'll be more than happy to teach him through demonstrating its wide variety of uses. "Trust me, you do not want to find out you Incessant Chatterbox," I returned.

IC and I began a stare down, daring the other to flinch first, then we heard a laugh from somewhere to my left, Sparx's right. I wasn't expecting laughter from Spyro as I was blatantly insulting his brother and threatening him after all! Yet, as the laughter continued, I realized the voice wasn't Spyro's, it had too high a pitch to it to be his. I turned in the direction from where the laughter was coming from, and found myself looking at a dragon with obsidian colored scales. Taking a long moment to stare at the dragon, I noted that this dragon's figure was along a different line than Spyro's overall. Theirs was leaner than Spyro's more muscular build as well as having a little thinner figure than Spyro's too. He was also a tad shorter than my purple friend in the height as well, still stood at a height that was higher than my own my a small margin.

Now, if dragons are anything like humans when it comes to physical differences between each other, and couldn't say if they did or not then this may be example. Were this an average example of common differences, then would denote that this was no dragon. Spyro had implied the term dragons was an overall term for his race, but also the term for the males of the dragon race as well. That logic being established, this individual before me was a dragoness I believe the term would be, or in other words they were a female. Our eyes meant for a moment and the dragoness seemed to have some fear of them when she looked at me.

I was apprehensive to say the least, due to some of the stuff that had happened between dragons and myself lately. Who can say if females were better or worse than males and that is before adding my luck to judge by? She did seem to be nice though, and she did laugh at Sparx's expense, that alone was a good mark in my book. The dragoness also seemed to be sticking close to Spyro, quite literally at that with their sides against one another's like they were glued together. Intrigued, I watched silently, ignoring the bug and saw her nuzzle her head on Spyro's jaw, which he didn't seem to mind meaning he definitely knew her. Or else Spyro is one of those that can be considered a 'Ladies man' and I can't see Spyro being like that… he's too innocent and naïve.

So, with those facts in mind, from what I've seen thus far the facts fell into place and everything clicked for me and all the information made sense. A mental 'ah' came to mind from the understanding that I now had and the picture was complete. It was clear who this dragoness had to be plus, she matched the descriptions that Spyro had told me before, she had to be Cynder. A smile came to my face a bit as they went off to their 'own world' as Master Kai would put it and I would have to agree. But by what Spyro had told me so far, they had been separate for some time now and were clearly happy to be reunited.

However, it became hard to stay quiet when they started to put their maws together though I showed myself to be an adult by not saying anything when that started. I guess the sight was the draconic equivalent of kissing… yet as it when on I thought maybe I should say something. Not to say that I had anything against people or dragons showing they care about one another, more power to them in my opinion. But, when the display begins to go into the bounds of private affairs that couples do, the foot must be come down. As I caught sight of their tongues going into each other's mouths I could stay silent no longer as the air was getting heavy and I didn't like it. "Whoa! Okay you two, stop and hold it right there," I stated in a raised voice.

Spyro and Cynder stopped their smooching and gave me a confused expression, so I continued on my… advice to them, "Look, there is not a thing wrong with public displays of affection, it is great for two who have decided to be together to show they are committed to each other. However, there is a problem when it goes beyond that and into activities that are to be done in private! Spyro, you and Cynder Frenching would be classified as going beyond acceptable public display and into private affairs that shouldn't be in view of the public!" I paused for a moment while I took in a deep breath, "It is plain you two have a thing for one another. Whether you call it a bond or a fling, or whatever you want not my business. That is awesome and good, it is completely cool that you two are together and say more power to you. My problem is that you two are making everyone else here watch whether we want to or not. So, just keep the passionate display to a minimum please. If you still, feel the need to do such things, then just get a room, preferably with a door that has a lock then get on with it! As long as I do not have to watch you do it, I would rather not see the last meal that I had."

Spyro looked at me baffled, to which I rolled my eyes before explaining what I had said, "I mean, if you feel the need to show that you like each other beyond the little things, then do it elsewhere!"

Spyro got the meaning of my explanation clearly if his crimson blush was to judge by, after which he put a bit of space between Cynder and himself. He then looked apologetically at me, "Sorry about that, but what do you mean 'friend-chin' and 'getting a room'," he questioned.

My right eye began to twitch a little at the reply looking at him with shock written blatantly on my face. I mean, I assumed as I had before that Spyro is the equivalent of an older teenager in age like myself. So, I guess or assumed that he knew about what goes on between couples outside of public by now. However, I guess I was wrong, "Uh Spyro, that is uh a subject that would not be a wise idea to discuss in the… present company. So maybe later we can uh, talk about it," I said in a bit of a stammer.

Spyro nodded still confused while I turned to Cynder as it was our first time meeting face to face. I smiled at her kindly hoping I was making a good impression, I'm the only human as far as I can guess, don't need to make enemies right off the bat. So, first impressions can make a world of difference and I have picked up that fact over time, "So, you are the dragoness Cynder that Spyro has talked about in detail. It is nice to meet you dear lady-I mean dragoness, it is a pleasure," I greeted and I bowed as I delivered my formal greeting.

Cynder looked at me most likely studying me I would guess, "So you are Saber," she inquired with a curious tone. I nodded wondering what she is curious about, but then I remembered that humans are not a kind of creature found around here, and apes are the closest comparison. "What exactly are you? You look kind of like an ape yet not like them," she remarked.

I jerked the reigns on my emotions in order to control my irritation at the comment and reference. Being compared to the apes wasn't nice in anyway, it was more of an insult even if it wasn't meant to be. How many times am I going to have this conversation of how I look like those dumb apes but am not one of them due to the vast differences between us? I kept my thoughts to myself as I forced a smile, "I can assure you that I have less in common with those dumb apes than Sparx does with a rock," I stated.

"What is that supposed to mean," snapped IC

My gaze shifted over at Sparx, a friendly smile on my face that was obviously covering an angered expression, "I am glad you asked! You and a rock are in simplicity, opposites," I said, my smile changed instantly to annoyed look. "The rock is silent and you are not. Is that clear enough for you Endless Windbag?"

Returning my gaze to Cynder who just stared at me, the look that she had either said she was trying not to laugh or she was having some sort of fit. I was guessing and hoping it was the first of the two. She was breathing in wheezes, but given a few minutes managing to calm down. I merely shrugged and continued where I had left off before putting Sparx in his place. "I am not an ape, I am what is called a human there is a sizable difference. For one, I am a great deal smarter and more intelligent than those idiots who have muscles for brains. Second, I have fought those brutes twice now in the last few days, so I very much doubt that puts me in the position to be their pals, quite the opposite in fact," I said, but Cynder just looked more confused. I sighed before I continued, "Look, do not worry about if I am with them. I am not with nor do I intent to be with those apes without an object to beat them with. Spyro can vouch for me on that so that is the main point."

Cynder nodded in understanding, she seemed to get the idea I was portraying. I started stretching, testing out my body's responses after the odd healing that I had received. Still, my body was aching, I was dead tired, and I still didn't have any idea what that dream or whatever it had been was all about. It is just one of those kinds of days today isn't it, those that drag on and are tiring as they can possibly be.

"Are you sure you're okay Saber," Spyro asked this and he sounded worried.

I looked over to the dragon and gave him a smile in hopes it would calm him a little, "I will be fine and dandy, if I am given some time. If there is one thing I can boast about it is I am hard to keep down," I replied

"You mean that you took a heavy beating and still have not had enough," said an annoying voice.

The comment from the direction that Sparx was in and the voice was a dead giveaway. I didn't doubt it was him making that stupid comment, I had unfortunately become familiar with it and It was obvious what the tone he used implied. It strained my control on the urge to hurt and maim IC where he flew. Why that little annoying son of a… calm down… there only words… they can't hurt me unless I let them. As it is said, sticks and stone can break your bones, but words cannot hurt you if you don't let them. Turning to the bug, I kept watching him go on insulting me with a growing look of frustration and irritation. That by no means implies that I don't want to beat the crap out of him, increasingly more often as of late.

"If that does not show how stupid you can be-" the lightbulb with wings rambled.

That's the last straw that broke the camel's back and he then fell onto me and I don't take that at all. If IC is going to call me stupid, then he will pay for his comments by a price that I decided, not him. The anger coursed through me like an unstoppable flood for I had tolerated Sparx insulting me one too many times now. My blood had come to a boil and my attempts to cool it down had failed utterly and that was never pretty with me. I would teach Sparx a lesson that he wouldn't forget that I should have taught him earlier!

While the bug was rambling and attention was off of me, I slipped away and head back towards where my pack has last been. Yes, I scaled freaking the cliffs found my pack and then did the work to go back down the cliffs, that's how serious I was to teaching the bug a lesson of crossing me. Once I got back down to the bottom of the bowl area, I thrust a hand into my pack fishing for what I knew I had in there. For the many uses that for whatever reason I had in mind would solve I had packed some of what I had threatened Sparx with. When I touched what I was looking for, I grasped it as a malicious grin formed across my face. Pulling my hand out that was holding the roll of duct tape bringing it to the ready to use the said roll.

The enjoyment and glee I would get out of the use I would put said duct tape would be well-received. I approached Spyro, Cynder and IC and the lightbulb with wings was still rambling on about me. However, I made my voice heard, "IC! It is high time for you to learn how unwise it is to ignore the warnings I give," I growled.

Sparx turned to look at me after hearing me snarling, then he caught sight of the roll of duct tape in my hands. "Hey what is that," he said pointing to the duct tape.

I kept smiling at him knowing he wouldn't ask that question for long and would likely be calling for help soon enough. "Oh this? This is the silver I was referring to before you lightbulb with wings," I answered. I began cackling with glee while ripped a length of duct tape and closing the distanced between Sparx and me. "Now to get the gold I talked about," I stated.

Were someone to ask me after watching what I had did to IC if I enjoyed the activity, then my answer would be ab-sol-lute-ly! Admittedly, it had been some of the most fun I had in a quite some time, definitely since getting to the Dragon Realm. I couldn't help myself but take a second look at my handy work… no, it should be called a masterpiece! Sparx the dragonfly was bound with duct tape to the trunk of a tree from the neck down, struggling of course. For added measure I had his mouth taped with three layers of tape alone… okay maybe the third layer was a bit much, but I just felt the need to do so. IC was of course glaring at me, to which I just smiled in response, "Ah, there is the golden silence I wished for. Finally, Sparx is quiet even if I had to force it, so I feel no guilt whatsoever nay, I am proud of what I have wrought," I proclaimed proudly.

When I finished my justification, I heard once again Cynder laughing followed shortly by Spyro joining in, "I like him, he is funny and gets along with Sparx as well as I do," she laughed.

I like Cynder! She's a hoot from where I'm standing! Joining both of the dragons, I let out a bark of laughter, "It is nice to be appreciated for the work I do. So thank you kindly," I returned, smiling at Cynder and took a bow in acknowledgement for my work. At this point I felt much better after doing what I did. The fact of the matter it is the nicest I have felt since gotten to this world.

It was then I heard a new voice calling not me, but Cynder, I looked to my left as I heard quick paced paw steps approaching. Then I saw a light grey dragoness that was a noticeably smaller than Cynder however, she had the same figure. The grey dragoness bore a striking resemblance to Cynder though had blue eyes instead of emerald. She also had a blue underbelly and wing membranes rather than red. On the end of her tail was a metal piece that appeared the same as Cynder's, which surprised me. That somewhat intrigued me, in the time I had been here I had noted that the 'tail blades' as dragons called the metal pieces on their tails and in retrospect, the name makes sense and should've been obvious. Anyway, tail blades tended to vary in shape and size from one to another between dragons and dragonesses. However, this young dragoness had a tail blade that for what I could see was nearly identical to Cynder's. The young dragoness appeared to be looking around searching for her parents perhaps? I mean, the resemblance she shares with Cynder could be coincidence, dragons may not follow the same idea of inheritance that humans do for all I know.

"Cynder," called the younger dragoness when she spotted her.

Or, I should just trust my intuition as it's rarely wrong by what past experience has said and has shown. Spyro and I just watched as the grey dragoness cried this just as she crashed into Cynder. As curiosity got the better of me, I glanced over at Spyro to see his reaction to this, which was him gaping at the scene of Cynder being hugged by the younger grey dragoness. The meaning was pretty clear Spyro hadn't known about this and so was as shocked at this event as I was. So… as that apparent made Spyro speechless, I figured that I would have to do the talking for the both of us. "I am sorry, but excuse me you two," I spoke up and both Cynder and the greg dragoness looked to me. "I do not mean to interrupt this interesting… bonding time for you two, but who is the grey dragoness? I cannot say that my friend or I have met you nor has Cynder mentioned you, unless you just had not gotten to filling Spyro and me in on this Cynder. It would be helpful and appreciated," I remarked.

Cynder who at this moment had the grey dragoness on her back was trying to fold her wings to her sides so that they wouldn't get damaged. Yet, with the dragoness on her back, I assumed that was a much more difficult and demanding task. Once Cynder had folded her wings in, she turned her attention back to Spyro and me. "Her name is Oryha and she is… my sister," she said.

Now it was my turn for my jaw to fall open slightly at what Cynder had just said. I didn't doubt that Spyro's face was a match of mine at the moment. If I haven't mentioned it before now, there is a good reason I don't have siblings, it would've become a serious battle of survival! In said battle, only one of us would have lived to talk about or even mention it, so again, I'm grateful I don't have any sibs. After a few minutes Spyro regained his voice enough to ask the question on both our minds, "You have a sister?"

I shook my head to clear the shock from it and then nodded in agreement to Spyro's question. This was a very unexpected development… but then those are becoming commonplace for me now. Cynder didn't reply vocally just nodded in the affirmative to answer the posed question. Shifting my sight over to Spyro who, at the same time that he gazing at me, ""That's unexpected,"" we both said the exclamation at the same time.

Spyro certainly didn't mention anything about Cynder having a sister that I can recall. I get the feeling that this only will be the beginning of trouble for me as well as the start of a journey that I haven't the faintest clue what will happen! And yet, I also kind of want to see where said journey would have me end up, a change isn't necessarily bad right?

Chapter End

A/n

That is where I'll leave off on the fifth chapter and will pick up in the next. I'm hoping that your readers are liking the changes thus far. I'm hoping that you all are appreciate the chapters coming as they are, so don't get used to it, the rewrite is slowing down for a number of reasons. Still, please some of you write a review to tell me what you think, comments are appreciate. Working on more chapters and hope to have them up soon enough, we'll see how things go.