Chapter 9: New Friends

-Neutral pov-

All living beings have problems and issues to deal with and solve to move forward. Many often create their own problems and issues, it is where the phrase 'digging their own hole' came from. And though, most do not intend to make life harder for themselves, we seem to do so without being able to help ourselves. Saber would seemingly a prime example of this concept, though he is actually not as much as some would think. The majority of the problems and issues that beset him are not of his own making per say, but more of circumstance, situation and fate. And with Saber, he never seems to get a break from the hard circumstances that come to him for very long.

-Saber's pov-

Spyro had bailed me out of a tough spot, I'll admit it with what I was possibility of what I could have faced. Why the Cheetahs had an issue with me, I couldn't figure, my only educated guess is that they have had trouble with the apes and I look enough like them. I mean yes, I did open my mouth and say things in the blunt manner that I have a tendency to, but I would think that's not the entire reason.

Anyways, once Spyro sprung me, we went the rest of the way to the Dragon city, Warfang. At seeing the city up closer, I could only gape at the sight of it. Now, I'd surmised that the city would be large from all the information I had heard thus far however, that didn't prepare me for the actual sheer size of the place. The difference in size between dragons and humans had been noticeable when I saw Spyro and it had become all the clearer the more dragons I encountered. The size difference I would estimate is around twenty-five percent or higher from the average Human size compared to Dragon, but that didn't account for this upscaling, for it was ridiculous!

The gate alone had to be at least thirty meters high, probably more, I can't accurately estimate the height from my position I was viewing from. Each 'door' appeared to be made of metal and was around ten meters wide and who knows how thick the slabs were. That is a simple example of the kind of scale I'm talking about and it seemed to be fairly consistent overall with the outside of the city. I sort of felt like an ant next to a huge house and that was putting it mildly. Nevertheless, when I heard a snicker from an all too familiar source, I spun around and glared at Sparx. "What might you find funny about this you tiny fruit fly," I challenged him.

Before I got an answer and then gave a fitting response, the gate started opening and as I walked through with the group of dragons, I saw my assumption that the scale of the city was accurate. I however, didn't get long to take in the sights, for I heard a voice call out from farther in, "Spyro!"

The voice was unfamiliar to me, so I turned to see a dragon with ebony black scales approaching and assumed that 'he' had been the one calling out the greeting. His underbelly and wing membranes were a dark gray and he had a height of in the upper end of six foot, but close to seven feet tall as I estimated, along with a length I would say about close to eight feet. As most dragons possess, this one had two horns that started just above the center of the back of his head above and behind his ears, which were reminiscent of fictional 'elf ears'. Those horns had a slightly curved upwards at the last quarter. When the black dragon got closer, I saw he had rather startling midnight blue eyes. His 'elf-like ears' were around five inches and came out of the side of his head at the same level as his eyes.

I leaned slightly to get a glimpse of the dragon's tail blade, since I've quickly learned that ignoring that feature with any of the dragon race was a very unwise decision to make. This dragon's tail blade was similar to Cynder's at first glance, for it had the same overall length. But, it did not the same degree of curve to it as Spyro's 'girl' tail does, more like a Japanese katana in the way it curved. The last point of note was there was a large notch in Cynder's tail blade near base where the blade connects to the tail was smaller in size with this dragon's own.

My attention was shifted when I heard a sigh from my left and glanced over at Sparx to see him staring at the black dragon. "What is your problem IC, other than you being yourself of course," I posed.

"It's Seth," he replied.

Huh, is that all I get?! I felt an eyebrow rise at the tone in Sparx's voice for there was dislike obviously, yet there was more to it than just that. Still, it's nice to have a name to match with the new face, but back to IC's reaction. It sounded much like the tone of … I wouldn't say hatred really, it's more similar to the infuriating annoyance I had for the lightbulb with wings. I'd never expected the housefly to feel that way about anyone, except myself of course. But then, I wanted Sparx and I not to get along and went to great lengths to obtain that result! He was just one of the types of individuals that I didn't like and so, I didn't make the effort to have a nice relationship beyond not killing him for Spyro. I gazed at Sparx for a moment who at the moment was simply looking at the black dragon, then everything fell into place and it clicked. His reaction made perfect sense now, "Ah ha, I get it now, you do not get along with him correct," I asked.

The response I got was a huff and I took it to be a yes, I was about to retort Sparx for the fun of it as well as to wind up IC. It is one of the activities that I enjoy that involves IC and yet, the black dragon spoke again. "Oi I see you still have the dragonfly of a brother with you. Do you still have any hearing left after your journey?"

A grin spread across my face at the comment and I was trying hard not to laugh, but being me, I failed and burst out laughing. "Have any hearing HA HA HA! I will have to remember that one for later use, it is a pure gold retort and I like it," I remarked.

The black dragon looked at me curiously likely trying to figure out what I was, a common reaction here I've learned. The expression he was giving me was very easy to read as most dragons and dragonesses had been sporting something similar when they first saw me. Before I could greet and explain what I was to this dragon the lightbulb with wings put in his two cents, his timing is the complete opposite of impeccable I tell you. "At least he does not come up with weird name like you do ape boy."

And like usual, his two cents isn't needed, wanted, nor appreciated in the slightest! I rounded on IC and glared at the house fly that I couldn't swat due to the promise that I made to Spyro and with him being close by, swatting wasn't an option. Feelings of growing irritation at of this recent thorn in my side that IC had become flowed within me. The challenge for name calling he extended is one that I accept and will beat him at, so help me I will! So, with that mind, let the name calling match BEGIN, "If that is a challenge to come up with the perfect fitting name for you, then I accept the challenge with pleasure and relish you foolishly dim firefly! I have had the time and motivation to think of a number of names for you over the last day alone to stick to you. You do not know what you have asked for Flying Pyrite, but I will certainly deliver," I began before gesturing to IC for him to give a name for me.

"So you say, hairless ape," IC shot back.

I shook my head and clicked my tongue in response for if this was all I could expect from him, then I've already won. "Really relentless rambler, that is all you got? I should have known that hoping you could match me in this was too much to expect from you. I bring in variety to keep things fresh and yet, all you do is spout the same boring stuff and it got old long ago. So, either you need to come up with new and better material, or back off and admit that I have you beaten IC," I retorted with a tone that embodied confidence.

"You stupid idiot!" said the housefly.

A smirk flashed onto my face, "Now that is better and yet, it still lacks something… oh what is it? Um, oh yeah, it is missing relevance that can be applied to me unlike you. So, ya ghastly gossip, you have a long way to go, but you are making a tiny bit of progress," I returned.

By this time the dragons and dragonesses that had been saved were either moving on or watching Sparx and myself going at each other. I have no issue with an audience witnessing this display. It means that there is less chance to be able to deny the results and it can make something like this a great deal more fun! Out of the corner of my eye, Spyro was hanging his head and Cynder looked to be trying not to laugh. For Spyro and Cynder their reactions were normal now, since Sparx and I find reasons to argue and fight like this on a daily basis when we're forced to spend time around one another.

"You ugly grublin," called IC.

That comment forced me to pause and think for a second, because I wasn't entirely sure if that name was exactly meant as an insult. I mean, as the lightbulb with wings is saying this to me, there is a seventy-five percent chance or better that he is dissing me. But honestly, I'd no idea what a 'grublin' even is, and I have no reference to fall back on to help me comprehend what I'm being compared to like I do with apes. Although, my assumption as to the term being an insult was confirmed by the dirty look the dragonfly received from Spyro. In fact, I'd have to say that it was rather bad name to use with how Spyro was glaring at IC. Once, I'd regained use of my voice, I gave my reply, "Okay, at least you are trying different stuff now even if it does not make a whole lot of sense to me. Mostly since I do not have a clue what a 'grublin' actually is, yet if how Spyro is glaring at you is anything to go by, that is an insult. So hey, if that is how you attempt to improve, then who am I to stop you ya poor excuse for a flashlight!"

"Ape runt," belted the lightbulb with wings.

And back to the ape comparisons, I had thought to have seen a glimmer of hope yet alas, it is not so. The sigh that escaped me was long and disappointed, "And you digress back to the ape comparisons IC. I swear, you show a glimmer of possibility one moment, then wreck it the next, it is as disappointing as it is annoying. Is this all one can expect from you ya light bulb with wings," I challenged with fervor.

"Foolish forager!" he shot back.

Now that's more like it, let's hope he keeps up the momentum and not drop the ball! "That is more like it Incessant Chatterbox or would you prefer buffoon of a belcher?! I know which I like better," I laughed.

And so, our name calling descended into a childish match and I knew it, that didn't stop me from doing what I could to win though. IC took up the contest and we started the exchange:

"Fried Ape Meat!"

"Duct tape test subject!"

"Cheetah bait!"

"Fly fishing lure!"

"Unlucky Fool!"

"Waiting Clay Pigeon... All that is missing is something to shoot with!"

Spyro at this point stepped forward, "You two that is enough, stop it!"

Both IC and I looked over to see Spyro, who wasn't happy to say the least. I suppose it was getting a little out of hand, so then I guess time to stop, "If you say so Spyro," I commented.

"Alright fine," muttered IC.

Even though we had stopped name calling for the time being, we still glared at one another, dislike evident. I wouldn't opt out on an opportunity to show the dragonfly that I disliked him and made sure he knew it too! Then I noted the black dragon was looking from me to Sparx, and I couldn't tell if he was trying not to laugh or if it was something else. Spyro noticed that we were studying each other and broke the silence, "Oh Seth, this is Saber, he is what is called a hue-man," my newly made purple friend introduced me.

Seth looked confused at the second part of Spyro's statement, "Okay, it is nice to meet you, but what is a hue-ma-and?"

I smile a bit holding back the shiver that threatened to go through me at the… incorrect pronunciation of human. "Well Seth, nice to meet you as well," I greeted. Then, I did the phenetic pronunciation of my race's name, "The term is pronounced 'h-yo͞omən', and second, a human is for lack of better understanding around here not an ape. Humans unfortunately, may look similar to them, and I have been cursing the fact on frequent basis as of late, I can assure you."

"And the name thing with Sparx," asked Seth.

I exhaled heavily with the acceptance of unfortunate fact and truth that I had been forced to learn about this flying thorn in my side. "That is my way of tolerating the annoying blabber mouth-I mean, Sparx," I replied, forcing myself to call him by his technical name.

Seth then let out a sigh in much the same manner as I had, "Yeah, I can understand the tolerating the annoying blabber mouth part," he muttered.

I looked at him with new found respect, for him to say that in that way, IC had to have put him through hell much like myself! I'd a feeling I was going to get along very well with Seth, just from this, after all, he has problems like I do with the light bulb with wings. Spyro looked at the both of us, appearing worried, "Are you two okay?"

We both nodded in unison, "Yes, just reminded of that stupid brother of yours," we said at the same time.

IC looked from me to Seth and then shook his head, "It was bad enough when Saber and Spyro started to say things at the same time, it is worse that you two are starting to do it. Geeze, that is all I need for you two to get on my case at the same time."

I frowned at the bug, "Yeah… I do not need to hear that kind of malarkey from you IC! Now shoo fly, you are bothering not just me, but most of us, now go elsewhere for a while," I replied.

Sparx grumbled and flew off to where he goes when he disappears. I shook my head at the annoying fly, before turning to face Spyro, Cynder and Seth. "Well at least the fly is gone," I remarked.

Seth nodded in agreement, "Yes, thankfully he is."

Spyro frowned, "Why are you so mean to him?"

I stared at Spyro, then my gaze flicked between Cynder and Seth, and we exchanged knowing expressions. It was clear that the dragon and dragoness agreed with me that IC asked for what he got, it didn't need to be said vocally. I know that I've seen that Spyro, good dragon though he is, he's also pretty naïve, more so than most that I have met. So, I'm guessing he doesn't notice how annoying his 'brother' tends to be, around me especially. This made the needed point to be said, all that much harder to admit to Spyro. It was Cynder was the first out of the three of us and she was obviously attempting to be nice, "Spyro… it is not like we… hate Sparx or anything."

"No, it is just he is annoying," added Seth

I agree more Seth than Cynder in the way they put it, so then, it falls to me to bluntly say why Sparx got what he did. "I agree with Cynder's and Seth's point, but I see no reason to sugar-code it. That brother of yours is also overbearing in getting his point across, which is sometimes worse than the annoying point that he is trying to say. So, he is asking for what we give him," I said bluntly and without remorse.

I'm not saying that Sparx is evil or anything, just downright annoying, and I had to admit that Spyro and he were an odd pair as I've heard a few others say. Yet, they seemed to somehow complement each other in a way that I could not explain, nor do I see a reason to try. However, IC was just one of those types that could be described as annoying in every way if you ask me. I continued, "I do not mean that in a bad was or anything… exactly. It is like the poetic justice idea, or 'you reap what you sow'. Simply put, when you annoy or taunt someone, you better expect to receive the consequences of those actions."

Spyro sighed as a reply to me, while I cracked a smile at him, "Spyro you are a good dragon, but you have an odd brother, some families are like that. As much as I taunt him, it is a different form of showing one cares in a way… That is how I see it, so chin up."

Spyro nodded, "I guess you are right, my mom always said, just be yourself. It is the best any of us can be."

I assume that when Spyro says 'mom' he is referring to the dragonfly female that raised him as he never mentioned a dragoness that had that position. Seth stepped forward then and nodded in acknowledgement, "Spyro is right. No matter what you may look like just be yourself."

It's not like I don't agree with such a sentiment, for I do, but there are those such an idea isn't something that should be adhered to and IC is definitely one of those. I shrugged, "Well if there is one thing I am good at, it is being myself, so I will go with that. It just most others seem to have an issue with me being myself a good portion of the time."

Cynder came to Spyro's side and nuzzled him, "Sparx will be fine Spyro he always is." She said before kissing him.

I rolled my eyes at this, it had become clear that Spyro and Cynder were "close", and so it would stand to reason that public displays of affection would happen. But, and it's a big but, there is a line on which one side is actions that are acceptable and on the other side is unacceptable. And these two were once again, flirting with the line right now and it wasn't appreciated in my view. Seth on the other hand, merely shook his head, "By the eggs you hatched from Spyro and Cynder, do you have to do that now," Seth commented.

Nodding in total agreement, I made my opinion heard, "Yes, I thought I talked with you two about public displays of affection. Yet, here you two are doing them in the middle of the street no less coming very close to crossing the line of acceptable and unacceptable actions. If you intend to keep going, then please, do pardon me while I go into an alley and throw up what I had for my previous meal."

Spyro and Cynder then shortly parted ways not to long after that conversation. However, they did ask me to be to the temple at the center of the city in a couple of hours for a 'meeting' of some kind. Something in me, says that said meeting will be more a chore if not worse than a chore, definitely a bad feeling was coming to me. With the two gone, that left Seth and me together, so we began walking down a street with shops of every kind on either side. There was silence between us and it quickly got awkward, "So um… how long have you known Spyro," I inquired trying to break the ice.

-Seth's pov-

Spyro and Cynder went off likely to talk with the Guardians about what they had encountered while looking for any surviving members of the dragon race. That left me with the hue-man Saber I think he called himself and myself together. We did begin walking down up the main street with shops of every kind on either side. Yet, there was silence between us and it quickly got awkward, but I did not know what to say to Saber.

I have never seen, heard of or read about any creature like him since he was clearly not an ape. In fact, he is smaller than an average ape, whether that was how hue-mans were naturally, only the ancestors could guess. Saber certainly didn't smell like the apes I have been around and they stink like swamps tend to. Perhaps the lack of stench was due to him having less fur than apes have normally? Saber is definitely a mystery, not just with his race, but other things as well.

"So um… how long have you known Spyro," Saber inquired.

I blinked and looked at Saber, "Oh well, it has been around two years now I think," I answered.

Yes, it had been shortly after Spyro's and Cynder's return that I had met the two. I mean, I like most heard the story of their journey, but the picture the stories painted and how the two really were, are quite different. After getting to know Spyro, I had learned that he and I had a lot in common so we became friends. "I take it that you two are friends then, yes," Saber questioned.

I nodded, "Yes, I got to know Spyro well during the time of elemental training," I replied.

Saber appeared thoughtful at my answer, "What is your element if you don't mind me asking," he posed.

That makes me curious as to what humans understand about the elements, or do they know nothing about them? "Shadow," I replied simply.

The memory of the argument between Sparx and Saber came back to the forefront of my mind. Sparx of course was the same as always, annoying and his mouth moving more than needed, how Spyro does not get annoyed, only the ancestors can say. But the names that Saber called Sparx had been funny even if I did not understand what some were meant to refer to. so, I decided to just ask Saber instead, "Hey how do you come up with those names for Sparx? They are so cool," I asked.

Saber stopped walking and looked at me with surprise, still seemed to be thinking about how to answer I would assume. "Well Seth, I really," Saber started, but then he suddenly stopped.

I stared at him trying to figure out why he stopped talking as he had for there was no apparent reason that I could see. The longer I looked at him the more worried I became about Saber, "Hey Saber are you," I began asking.

Yet, at that moment something hit Saber's legs and when I looked down, I saw that ice now surrounded his lower legs. "FREAKING DAMNFIDDLESTICKS, THAT IS F**KING COLD," Saber howled.

I only understood a few words that Saber just howled, those being 'that is' and 'cold', the rest were either unfamiliar or being used in a way that I did not know. I was not the only one that was confused by what Saber had said, most that were in hearing distance of his howl were staring in his direction in confusion. Then who just sent ice at Saber, he has not done anything that would require such actions that I have seen. Saber began scanning the area, maybe for who shot ice at him and I was about to do the same, when a voice came to my ears. "Seth are you okay? This ape did not hurt you did it," asked a feminine voice.

I twisted around and saw a blue dragoness that I knew rushing towards me. She had dark blue scales that looked smooth along her body while her underbelly and wing membranes were snow white. Her scale color did make here aqua-green eyes more noticeable I admit. She was a tad shorter than me at about six foot eight and her length was just about eight feet. Her 'ears' appeared to have much the same shape as her wings and even had the same webbed look to them. The 'spines' the same color of her main scales while the webbing was a lighter blue and with the ears were in line with her eyes and was on the outside of where her horns came out. The two horns that came out of the upper back of her head, curved downward slightly as they went starting at her the same level of her horns and continued down her back. Her tail blade looked much like an arrowhead that was made out of ice crystals.

The dragoness's name was Cyra and she was a friend of mine, but why she was here was baffling to me. And if she had been the one to shoot ice at Saber, then why did she do that? It was unlike her to attack someone that she had not met, more the opposite really as Cyra is very friendly to those she meets. The sound of Saber's breathing shifted my attention back to him and he was looking somewhat calm now. "Excuse me Miss, may I ask why you froze my legs like this? It is not a comfortable feeling to have these casings of ice around my lower legs I assure you," Saber said with a calm tone. "Then more importantly, could you please get the ice to disappear, my feet are getting rather cold and I do not want to lose any of my limbs."

Cyra had been looking me over, but now she turned to face Saber though she appeared surprised when he spoke. "It is odd how you can speak clearly ape, but that is not going to help you," Cyra said.

I tapped Cyra on the shoulder, "Cyra, it is okay he is not," I started, wondering what had got into Cyra.

However, Cyra interrupted me, still glaring at Saber who looked somewhat irritated I think, "I got here as fast as I could when word of a hairless ape had gotten in," she replied.

Hairless ape? Where did Cyra get that information? Granted, Saber may look kind of like them, but there is still a visible difference. I stared at Cyra quite confused, "Hairless ape, who told you that," I asked.

"It was Sparx," she answered.

Sparx? But why would he say something like that, it does not make sense that I can think of. Yes, I had seen that Sparx and Saber did not get along and I can understand that, I am not the fondest of Sparx either. Yet, this seemed going too far to use Cyra to get back at another. I glanced back at Saber intending to tell him I would have Cyra remove the ice from his legs, but I never got that far. Around Saber's legs fire was flowing and melting the ice, but I could see no source for the flames. And after the ice was melted, the flames just vanished into thin air, which should not happen with any element. I could only stare as what I had seen made no sense, Spyro said nothing about Saber having any control over any element and that is something that you mention.

Saber calmed down and looked at me, he blinked and then spoke, "Seth what is the matter? You look like you seen a ghost or something."

Not a ghost, but something that should not be yes, that was what I saw. "Huh, what are you talking about," questioned Cyra.

Cyra looked to me, then to Saber and back to me before she gained an expression that said she noticed the oddity as I did. Saber glanced at both of us staring at his legs then looked down at his legs and returned his gaze to Cyra and I. "Okay, what is the matter you two, I see nothing wrong right now," Saber inquired.

I just could not stop myself from voicing the question, "How did you somehow melting the ice with fire that came out of nowhere surrounding you?"

Saber got a look of surprise for a brief moment then looked to be a tad nervous, "Uh well… I really do not exactly know how I can do that, it just kind of happens when I feel strong emotions, that's all. Still, if you two could please not tell anyone else for the time being, it would be appreciated. I have enough to deal with already, do not want to add to it right now."

-Saber's pov-

With the question about the naming scheme I do with IC, I stopped walking and looked at him surprised, since none had expressed an interest in what I do, it doesn't happen often. Yet, he wanted to know how I came with names for Sparx, which feeds my growing like of Seth the more time I spent with him! He obviously liked Sparx as much as I did, meaning he dislike him a great deal and that was a BIG plus in my view. Took the time to think about his request and how to answer it. Now that I thought about it, I really couldn't say how I came up with the names for Sparx, just felt like a natural thing for me. "Well Seth, I really," I started.

However, I didn't even get to finish answering his question when I felt the all too familiar tingle run down my spine. My senses sharpened in preparation for the likely incoming danger that I'll have to defend myself against. Next thing I registered, there was a new cold feeling in the air that I couldn't place and at the same time, noted that Seth looked at me with a worried expression on his face. "Hey Saber are you," he began asking.

But, at that moment, something hit my legs and whatever it was, it was [expletive] freezing [expletive] cold. I couldn't help myself as I stiffened up in response to the cold that was touching me now! Upon looked down to see what was freezing my [expletive] off, I viewed that both my legs were encased in ice from a little below my knees all the way down and stuck to the ground as well. The thought in mind came out of my mouth loudly without filtering, "FREAKING DAMNFIDDLESTICKS, THAT IS F**KINGCOLD," I howled.

It is by no means, the first time that ice has touched me or anything, but somehow the ice that was my "new pair of boots" was colder than any ice I've had contact with! The ironic thing was that none around me reacted to the profanity that I was using other than to the volume. It made me wonder what dragons saw as cursing language, for apparently it wasn't the same that I knew and I have an extensive vocabulary with profanity! Now, the standing question is who the hellor what put this ice here and most importantly why did they damn well do that?! I twisting around and scanned for the one who had shot ice at me with a non-nice expression set on my face, "Seth are you okay? This ape did not hurt you did it," asked a feminine voice.

My sight came to land on a blue dragoness as her figure did denote, rushing to Seth's side. She had dark blue scales that looked smooth along her body while her underbelly and wing membranes were snow white. Her scale color did make here aqua-green eyes more noticeable I admit. She was a tad shorter than Seth at about six foot eight and her length was just about eight feet. Her 'ears' appeared to have much the same shape as her wings and even had the same webbed look to them. The 'spines' the same color of her main scales while the webbing was a lighter blue and with the ears were in line with her eyes and was on the outside of where her horns came out. Speaking of her horns, the two horns that came out of the upper back of her head, curved downward slightly as they went. I started working my way down on my observations to get a complete picture of this dragoness. She had spikes that started at her the same level of her horns and continued down her back. I glanced at her tail, for I had learned not to ignore a dragon's or dragoness's tail blade and hers looked much like a spearhead that was made out of ice crystals.

Now, you can call me captain obvious, but to me it's rather easy to tell that this dragoness is the one who had given me a pair of ice boots. My question is why she did such a thing for I can't be sure, but I think it would have to do with looking like apes to a degree going by what she said. I took a moment to calm down a bit realizing it would just be one of those kinds of days again for me, yet another "Monday-like" day. I breathed in and then focused my attention on the dragoness and I started talking in a calm tone, "Excuse me Miss, may I ask why you froze my legs like this? It is not a comfortable feeling to have these casings of ice around my lower legs I assure you. Then more importantly, could you please get the ice to disappear, my feet are getting rather cold as it happens, and I do not want to lose any of my limbs."

The dragoness turned to look at me with a mix of surprise and bravery, "It is odd how you can speak clearly ape, but that is not going to help you," she replied to me.

My calm air disappeared after that as things weren't going well for me, so what is the hell?! This is worse than a usual Monday and I hate days like these, all you want is for them to end and be done with them! It took an amount of self-control to not show frustration and anger while Seth turned to the dragoness, "Cyra, it is okay he is not," he started, clearly defending me.

The dragoness 'Cyra' interrupted Seth, still glaring at me, while I was resisting the urge to get out Yubashiri get myself out of the ice boots and then teach a lesson in manners. "I got here as fast as I could when word of a hairless ape had gotten in."

Hairless ape she says, now where have I heard that before, there is not even one question in who I should be blaming. I only need one chance to guess and he's gold, annoying as hell and if he knows what's good for him, he'll be zooming as far away from me as he can get! However, even if he is, he won't get away from me. So really, he better be doing his final rites at this time, because he won't have any time when I hunt him down, and I will do that!

Seth looked confused, "Hairless ape, who told you that," asked Seth.

"It was Sparx," she answered.

ICCC! YOU'D BETTER HAVE SAID YOUR PRAYERS! When I find you, there will not be time and you will pay for this one in spades ya lightbulb with wings, that's a promise! I felt the heat growing in me from my anger at this situation. That was happening without remembering what had started happening lately with strong emotions that I feel them. My body got hotter and hotter, so the ice around my lower legs began to melt quickly turning into water. Within thirty seconds my legs were free and dry from the ice like it had never been there, and by then, I'd gotten ahold of myself with the patience and self-control I pride myself in, calming down.

I'll be having a long talk with IC soon about this crap and he will learn that messing with me isn't something you do on a whim! I was breathed in and out, settling down, before letting it out and put my smile back on and looked at Seth. The black dragon at this moment was looking at me incredulously, which confused me somewhat. I blinked, not expected the expression, "Seth what is the matter? You look like you seen a ghost or something," I stated.

"What are you talking about," questioned Cyra.

I turned to the dragoness Cyra, who was looking from me to Seth, then back to me. She then went wide eyed as well staring at my legs. I looked down to see the ice was gone, which made perfect sense to me, so I didn't see a problem. "Okay, what is the matter you two, I see nothing wrong right now," I inquired still kind of confused.

Seth just continued to look at me, "How did you somehow melting the ice with fire that came out of nowhere surrounding you."

The realization dawned on me and I understood what he was asking and that was accompanied with the point that I had said nothing about being able to use a number of elements came to the forefront of my mind. Oh dear, I'd completely spaced that I haven't told anyone about my discovery that I could control elements. At least two so far and I'd a hunch that there would be more at some future point. Oh, my where do I begin? "Uh well… I really do not exactly know how I can do that, it just kind of happens when I feel strong emotions, that's all. Still, if you two could please not tell anyone else for the time being, it would be appreciated. I have enough to deal with already, do not want to add to it right now."

They simply nodded still with shocked looks on their faces, then I told the story of getting here to the Dragon Realm and the journey here to Warfang. At the end of the tale, Cyra dipped her head towards me, "I am sorry about before, I was not thinking very much at the time."

That had been obvious, but I didn't say anything about that, Seth spoke up though, "Cyra do not beat yourself up about it. What happened was not your fault exactly."

I could see Seth was trying to help, but by the look of shame on her face it wasn't helping, "Cyra was it not?" I posed. She snapped back meeting my sight and nodded, "Look, first of all, this is certainly not the first time I have been mistaken for an ape, nor unfortunately, do I feel it will be the last. I do not blame you, but if it makes you feel better I forgive for the ice boots. Really think we just got off on the wrong foot or paw… on this meeting, that's all." She looked surprised at my comment her aqua green eyes shining, and I continued. "Let's try this again… without the show. My name is Saber, it is nice to meet you."

"I am Cyra," she said in an upbeat tone, as well as bubbly. Yet the next thing I knew, the dragoness hugged me for no apparent reason. I was glad she isn't an adult or things would have gotten real bad! But I'm a stranger to her… I guess there are all kinds in the Dragon Realm just like Earth. Cyra continued in the same bubbly tone, "It looks like you already know my friend Seth."

Seth's eyes did a funny 'U' type motion in their sockets, what I would guess is the equivalent to an eye roll for a dragon and it was kind of amusing actually. That also gave me the clue that Cyra is acting normal for her. Not to say that I have an issue with those that are cheerful and bubbly, I just happen to know one that goes overboard on the idea and HOW. "Yes, Cyra he already knows me, and we are getting along fine. You don't need to worry about me or Saber here, as far as I know," added Seth and he looked at me questionably.

I sighed in response as this newest acquaintance that could become a 'friend' doesn't know a thing about what life for me is like or those it can affect, and it is a vast subject and is ever growing. But, how do I say that in a way that he would understand and not make me look like the trouble magnet from Hell? "Trust me Seth you have absolutely no idea what being around me entails, and it is not simple really in any way. Think about what it is like being around Spyro, then multiply that by ten on a good day, and more than a hundred on a bad day," I said flatly, deciding to just be honest.

"Oh Seth," said a feminine voice.

Actually, when I say said, I should rephrase that to be that the two words were sung, and those two words instantly gave me a bad feeling for some reason though it wasn't my "danger sense" still put me on edge a bit. Upon turning around to identify the source of the voice that had sung Seth's name, I found myself looking at a dragoness. And honestly, the dragoness was the… pardon the line, but she was the "girliest" looking female dragon I've set eyes on thus far! She had pink scales and her wings were the same color however, her underbelly wasn't pink, but a golden yellow. She was sporting a gold necklace that had a pendent in the shape of a heart with a red gem set in it. Her horns were shorter than Spyro's, but had pretty the same shape, just less length than the purple dragon. I leaned to my right to get a glimpse of her tail blade, and I saw of all things, a pink heart shaped piece. So, like I said, this dragoness is the girliest looking one I've set eyes on so far.

If I needed anything else to tell me that trouble in some shape or form would come because of this dragoness, then one glance at Seth was more than enough to inform. The grimace that flashed onto Seth's face told me that things were complicated, that was before he wiped the grimace away. Now, what form those complications will take I can't yet say, I don't know enough at this time to be able to guess. We'll see where things go from here and then I'll make my judgement call on this dragoness.

"Hey Ember," greeted Seth evenly.

"Oh hey Ember, whatcha doing around here," piped up Cyra.

I kept my silence, waiting to see what would happen before I open my mouth and screw myself over, best to curtail that kind of thing. The pink dragoness, Ember gave a bit of a forced smile to Cyra, probably not liking Cyra being extremely cheerful. "Well, I heard a rumor that my hubby returned," Ember returned.

Hubby? The untold story is getting weirder with every line, and I'm questioning whether I really want to know more or if I should sneak away while I'm not the center of attention. Were I to do that, I would explore this city myself and the idea is appealing I will admit. "Well, yes he is, he got back less than an hour ago Ember, but he headed for the temple," Seth replied.

Ember trotted off after Seth said Spyro was around a temple and we all watched her go. When she was out of ear shot, I turned my head to Seth, "Uh, should I ask for more detail on who she is and whom she refers to with hubby, or is it better that I not ask," I posed.

Cyra began bouncing up and down on her paws and quickly started going around me, "Oh, that was Ember, and she REALLY likes Spyro and calls him hubby," she said, still in the same bubbly manner she had been using since the mix-up with her and me was settled. "She sticks around Spyro lots when he is around Warfang too," she added.

I was beginning to figure that Spyro was involved in this by Seth's answer, but I foresee major problems if I'm hearing what I think I am. Nonetheless, it could also explain one possible reason that Spyro was out and about recently, time away from that dragoness. "Okay, and uh… tell me, what does Cynder think of that," I inquired. My gut feeling says that Cynder doesn't like Ember or her actions at all, yet I'm more using this to gage how females of the dragon race possibly deal with unwanted situations. It's a very good fact to know, I assure you, it can be a matter of life and death on occasion!

Cyra started chattering in a way that I only got a few words from though she sounded very excited about what she was saying. So, I looked to Seth, hoping he would answer me in this query, "Cynder," he replied hesitantly, "does not… like Ember or how she is around Spyro."

That's what I figured, yet that also tells me that it is more than likely that dragonesses don't deal with issues between one another in public or in the open. So, I get the feeling that there will be a catfight sometime in the future, which I kind of want to witness actually. Cynder had proven to me that she was no novice when it came to a brawl, so yeah. Anyways, once Seth and I got Cyra to calm down they showed me around for the time I had before Spyro had asked me to be at the temple. And while they did so, I told them of my journey here at the same time and both seemed to enjoy hearing my story. They were also happy to show me the way to the temple as well and I had finished my tale by that point.

"So you actually faced Chief Prowless and with a straight face," Cyra inquired with a little awe in her voice.

I glanced at Cyra, "Uh yeah, I did so this morning," I muttered.

Cyra sighed wistfully, which made little if any sense to me, so I leaned over towards Seth to whisper him a question. "Yo, what is the deal with Cyra?"

"'Deal with'? What does that mean," asked Seth in confusion.

It would seem that it's explanation time again for human language, and I fear it won't be the last, "Sorry, I meant why is she sighing wistfully at me getting into trouble? Most would not want to be in the scrapes I get into with little effort," I questioned.

Seth smiled slightly, "Well Cyra is nice, but what you call trouble she would call adventure."

I nodded slowly at realizing that the dragoness was one of those types that like challenges and probably like the adrenaline rushes that normally accompany those situations. I view such as kind of foolish, but to each their own I suppose, still moving on, "What about you," I asked Seth.

"Well, it is not like I hate traveling. It is just the fighting is not something I want to do, I am not the kind you could call a hero," he replied.

I gave Seth a once over for by what I could see, he had a big heart. He was kind and selfless and those two qualities alone were rare, even more so together. "Seth, if I gave you the impression that I like to hurt others or get into the trouble I do, then I am sorry. I do not like to hurt others at all if I do not have to, nor do I appreciate the trouble I get sucked into. However, I know that there are times trouble come and it can be necessary to defend others from harm," I said smiling gently.

"Maybe," Seth replied.

"Absolutely Seth! You say you are not the hero type, well let me tell you something. Being a hero is not something that just happens or is given to you. It is when you chose to do the right thing even when it is hard that you step into the position of a hero," I returned without hesitation.

Seth looked like he was mulling over what I had said, yet there was no time for him to reply. For by this time, we reached the temple and I saw a scene that I had wondered how long it would be before I got to view it. The scene was comical yet ironic in my view for Spyro and Cynder were around the temple, but so was the pink dragoness Ember from before. Ember was hugging Spyro clearly enjoying the "cuddle time" with my purple friend, Spyro on the other hand wasn't enjoying Ember's affections. I think he was trying to tell and get her to let him go, but Ember wasn't listening at all to him.

As if that wasn't mean and torturous enough for Spyro, Cynder was being forced to watch this whole thing. Now from what I have learned about Spyro, he isn't one that would flirt and fraternize with multiple female given the choice or opportunity. So, to have his girlfriend or lover see another girl be intimately affectionate with him can't be nice. Cynder was certainly fuming at watching her "guy" being beyond flirting with another dragoness though she was showing some self-control as she hadn't pounced on Ember yet. Actually, I must applaud that she hasn't done anything to Ember yet, it's a testament to her manners and control.

"Oh Spyro, you took so long to come back, I missed you so much," exclaimed Ember hugging Spyro tighter.

Seth, Cyra and I simply stared at the situation play out in front of us as it continued. But then Cynder stepped forward clearly having had enough, "Excuse me," she interjected in a bit of a growl.

Ember paused for a moment and looked at Cynder, "Oh hello Cynder, I see you are still around even knowing that Spyro's mine," she said nonchalantly. My mouth opened slightly at hearing that line for I doubt Cynder would let that stand in fact, I would be shocked if the black dragoness didn't give a harsh response in this. Yet, the situation became more volatile in a moment, "Like I said before, Spyro is my hubby to be, and no ashy dragoness like yourself can have him. So, back off sister," growled Ember.

My mouth dropped wider at pinkie's reply for even I wouldn't be stupid enough to talk to a girl like Cynder the way she just did. Spyro managed to free himself and back away towards us witnesses, which was a very smart move in my opinion since these two females are bringing out their claws, quite literally! 'Spyro's girl' was prompt in her response, "Why you little pink wretch," Cynder snarled. The black dragoness lunged forward and made a painful looking swipe across Embers face while she kept snarling, "For the last time, Spyro is my boo! So, keep your paws off him!"

The two dragonesses quickly got down to fighting one another and I leaned down to Spyro who was right in front of us now. "I got to say Spyro, you sure know how to pick the females, quite the talent," I remarked to him.

Spyro twisted around and saw the three of us though he seemed to be confused that Seth and Cyra were here. "Saber, I am glad you made it, but what are Seth and Cyra doing here," he asked

Cyra began bouncing again and answered Spyro's question for Seth and me, "I met up with Seth and he introduced me to Saber. He said he needed to come here to meet you for some reason and we showed him the way."

I glanced at the blue dragoness, put on a straight face at the not necessarily true story, but I still was impressed. She told a convincing story that wouldn't get anyone suspicious of anything that had transpired between the three of us. So, I played my part by smiling at this as everyone turned to me, "I just am glad not everyone is wary of me," I said.

As the mentality goes, when there may be something risky or seen badly, deny involvement in or affiliation with the event in question! Unless it can be proven, then none have anything they can rightfully accuse you of, period, that's my story and motto and I stick to it! I gazed at the two fighting dragonesses, Ember had gotten on top of Cynder and appeared to be getting the upper hand for a split second, but it didn't last. Cynder used her back legs and launched the pink dragoness into a nearby wall. Ember got back up to her paws and I leaned in towards Spyro's ear, "Say Spyro, do you not think that uh, we should stop those two before one or both of them get hurt," I posed.

Spyro just stared at the two dragonesses, "Not yet."

I looked back at the catfight and saw just in time to see Ember dashing at Cynder. "You are not taking my Spyro! No other dragoness will stand between my hubby and me being together," Ember screeched as she leapt at Cynder.

But, with Cynder's stance, she was ready for the pink missile coming her way, and oh boy, did Cynder ever nail Ember with a shriek. It looked painful from where I was standing, and I was glad that I wasn't on the receiving end of that shot. My eyes flicked back to Spyro, "Not saying this is not interesting to watch for I see it as rather informative, but that may just be me. So, how about now Spyro, feeling any more inclined to step in and stop this fight yet? It is up to you," I stated.

Spyro moved forward, "Enough you two," he shouted.

What followed was Spyro showing so of the naivete I'd seen before with him, done by him telling Ember that he wasn't available in a vague way with the "we're just friends" type of line. That was followed by him saying that Cynder and Ember could be friends and Cynder playing the 'nice girl'. Ember slinked away, while I leaned towards Seth, "So, has this kind of situation happened before now," I inquired so that only Seth and Cyra could hear me.

Seth looked away from me, and Cyra nodded, "Yep, Cynder has won the most," she replied.

I hesitated at that answer since that said this wasn't only not new but happened on a regular basis and was ignored. We were prevented from talking further, there came out from the temple four large dragons and two dragonesses. The first thing I noted for all of them was the sheer size difference between them, with Spyro and the others next to me, then by that scale to my own size. My mouth fell open a sizable margin at the scale and I didn't know what to think about this. I'm well-aware that Spyro and the other three were bigger than me by more than a foot in their height… I see no reason to even going into comparing their length for it's more of a gap. I have to look up a margin when talking to them face to face, or they have to bring their heads down to my level. Whereas, these dragons and even the dragonesses, were more than twice my size… more like two and a half to three.

Admittedly, I'd suspected that Spyro and the others were young still, probably around my own age, so perhaps would grow more. But if this shows how much they still have to grow… then Holy Crap! They're in for a massive growth spurt sometime soon if what I'm seeing is anything to go by. I simply stared up at the Guardians and I don't think there was any other way I could look at them for someone like me really, would no doubt get a pain in my neck if I do this for all too long. Then, I glanced over to Spyro, before I went back to the Guardians, "And I thought you were a big one, goodness me," I uttered.

Chapter End

A/n

This is where I will leave off for chapter 9. I'm hoping that your readers are liking the changes thus far. Sorry that the chapter have been taking so long, have had less time than I would like to work on this with life as it is. 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.