The White Dragon Chronicles

by Blackshadow999

An ancient legend that fell into oblivion comes to the light once more. The dragon realm has had a fragile peace for two years after the fall of Malefor. Then A human, Saber mysteriously appears in the dragon realm. When things of history thought lost begin to be seen once more; fear grips many, none can choose how events will turn out in the end.

31. The Battle of Warfang

A/n

Hello, I know this chapter is long, but it will be worth it I believe, so enjoy!

Chapter 31: The Battle of Warfang

-Saber's pov-

Over the last week, a great many things had happened, but it still wasn't enough in my view. I had convinced most if not all the dragons here to come and help me in the defense of Warfang. Okay, it would probably be closer to the truth to say that without Lara I wouldn't have gotten anything near what I had going for me now. Still, that is just one of the things that had changed as of late other than my stress levels climbing.

First and foremost, Azreyel and I had come to terms… well, an understanding of sorts at least. He and I have agreed to disagree on many things, I hate him and he hates me. Yet with Spyro and the others in danger so we have put aside our differing views for now. We needed to work together even though we disliked each other, so we agreed to tolerate one another. In other words, we had called a truce between us and leave it at that. Due to that, I'd gotten the time to get the basics for most of the elements down. I was still nowhere near mastering use of the elements, let alone confidently wielding them, but I could work with it. I can also improvise as needed as I go and moved forward.

The second thing was Lara and I had gotten to talk to each other, and it had become easier to be around her. I had noted she was trying to keep her urges that came from the heat of her mating cycle in line and control. No, that didn't mean that she had stopped hounding me and trying to catch me, but she wasn't actively attempting to take my virtue at the moment. That would be far too easy and a stroke of good luck which kind of luck I repulse with the utmost vigor. And it isn't that I want to repulse such luck, I've wanted to have good luck, yet my bad luck is what it is, BAD period and that ain't going to change.

Anyways, I had seen that for Lara, she obviously still wanted to mate with yours truly, now more than before. I'm still not THAT interested in activities of such a nature and I've thought about the idea, I just don't want to yet. Then there would be what could follow that, like possible life-long commitments and I do my best to avoid those. I was willing at the moment to tolerate what Lara is doing for the time being since she was helping me assist my friends. I would give Lara a reprieve for doing that as thanks to her and ignore the things she is trying to tempt me into doing.

A weird point though that I had begun to see that had surprised me if I had read the signs right, Tarra was also showing an attracted to me as well. Not like I have a problem with females being attracted to me, more power to Tarra if she likes what she sees and that being me. It's just that I'm used to having pretty much the opposite before now, so this is different than normal for me. Still, Tarra had found good taste in me apparently… I mean, it is nice to be liked by her yes, that is what I meant to say.

Both Lara and Tarra are nice and aren't bad on the point of being friends, but I'm not ready to go beyond first to second base if you know what I mean. I had friends back at the dojo, not as close as some of the friends I have now. A number of them were girls and they were pleasant to be around and share company. I unlike the other boys of the same age really didn't show a romantic interest in girls in general. I have, I think started to see why there is such a heavy interest in romance to an extent though not personally. There is still a load of problems attached to doing the relationship thing if you ask me.

Nonetheless, I have a feeling and I say this tentatively, due to the fact that my luck could use this as a way to kill me, I don't want girls or dragonesses fighting over me. I would prefer not to get into the responsibility of having to settle catfights. I mean I wouldn't mind watching for a time for some I've seen were freaking awesome… I should shut up on this subject! Back to the previous topic, I see an array of problems I can very well do without for my sanity with a relationship. Yet, I believe that in the near future I would have to pick one of those two or some other I haven't figured on or the following catfight that would likely happen would NOT be pretty.

The third and next point, I was happy to find that I had been right in the trigger to the transition between my two forms. All I really needed to do was vividly picturing the form and hold it there, once I did I would 'shift' into the said form. I had spent sporadic bits of time over the last five days getting this idea down and it hadn't been a painless process. Yet now, I could change in seconds and on command and I had gotten used to the feel of shifting. The ability would be a surprise I had for the apes and the more surprises for them the better the payback vengeance would be!

The last thing I had taken time to do was to learn how to fly and that had taken time to figure out. I mean, what human being hasn't had the dream at one time or another of being able to fly, I know I have several times! Being able to fly had given me a wondrous feeling of freedom and joy. To soar through the skies unhindered and unrestrained, I couldn't describe the feeling in any other way but with joy! It was surprising the ease that learning to fly had been, it had felt completely natural to me, but as I was a dragon, I guess that flight is natural for me to begin with.

However, where the flying part had been easy to figure out, the landing had been a rather different matter. The series of crashes and plows into the ground had been grueling and tough lesson on how the landing process doesn't work. The bad landings did hurt but through them I found out that my draconic body is built tough and heals quick. And let me tell you when you hit the ground chin first and grind forward before coming to a stop can really be painful.

Back to the present though, the dragons here were preparing to go to Warfang, which I was stoked about. Although it being very agonizingly slow did dampen my enthusiasm a tad and a growing amount as time went on. So, things were on track even if it was a slow one, I did use the five days in the best ways I could so that I wasn't idle. My biggest issue was I was going stir crazy to an extreme with the waiting for I wanted to go to Warfang right this second! But I know that would be stupid to do and I would end out getting myself killed. That being said, I was conflicted in this situation of what I was wanting to do and what I knew was better to do.

The longer that it takes for the dragons here to be ready does give a better chance at success, in theory. Still, the other side of that is that it also gives the apes more time to siege Warfang and potential breakthrough and many possibly getting killed. It has the same exchange where the apes would have less time to siege, yet the chances of us having success would be lower. I know I needed to wait and bide my time for now, but that doesn't mean I have to like being forced to do so though!

And the more hours that ticked by, the harder it was becoming harder and harder to wait as preparations went on. If one were to say I was just getting anxious, they should be certified as legally blind and of low intelligence! They had no idea what they were seeing or talking about, for I'm not just anxious. I am extremely vexed and under horrendous torture with my worries and fears of the wellbeing of my friends! I hadn't been lying to Seth all that time ago when I had told him I was scared out of my mind at losing my friends. I was terrified at the mere idea of possibly losing my friends as I have so few that can be considered friends.

On the fifth day, I was pacing around the fountain outside the temple in an attempt to keep my mind off my current troubles. Yet, I was having little… no scratch that I was having NO success at avoiding dwelling on my problems over my friends. In fact, I was stressing over the predicament that I completely missed Lara, Tarra, and Fredrick coming up and staring at me as I paced. "Um… Saber are you okay," said Lara's voice.

I jerked back a bit at being addressed and I looked at the owner of the voice only to see my three new friends gazing at me, looks of worry set on their faces. I tried to force a smile and say I was fine but I failed at the task for I couldn't lie to them when it was so outright obvious that I was lying to myself and them if I were to do something like that. Something in me just snapped and I started ranting on what was occupying my mind, "Am I okay? No, I am not! The army of apes is most likely already attacking Warfang and I am here pacing," I growled. "I have friends in a bind and I am not helping them! I am going insane to the point that doctors would consider me certifiably nuts then, they would have heavy-set men hold me down while someone put me in a straitjacket!"

There was silence at my statement, which got me to look at them and see the look of confusion that says I have said things they don't understand. I took a second and a great deal of self-control to calm down. I may be a dragon, but that doesn't mean I will give up inference or sarcasm as I couldn't live without those two ideas. "When I say someone is in a bind, it means they are in trouble, normally the serious kind. As for the line 'I am going insane to the point that doctors would consider me certifiably nuts, and the rest of that, that would be an inference to say I am losing my mind over the fact that I am not helping my friends," I iterated.

Fredrick was the first to speak up, "That is well and good I think, but you will just have to wait."

I was about to retort back at Fredrick about how I was not the waiting type, but Lara then interrupted Fredrick, "Saber, when was the last time you got a reasonable amount of good sleep?!"

I froze and frowned a bit at the question as I didn't really want to answer, due to the fact that the last few nights hadn't been good ones for me. I didn't look at the dragoness, "It has been a while," I said, but Lara kept her gaze on me, "maybe four days or more I would guess."

The look that Lara was giving me is the expression I pictured a mother would give me when I was in trouble. It was intimidating, yet never having a mother that I know of, I can't say for sure. I could only go with observations I had made watching others, so I glance away and regret it rather quick as I lock eyes with Tarra, who unexpectedly at the moment was glaring at me with… was that reproach? I didn't think Tarra had it in her, it shows what I know, "What has been preventing you from getting sleep for the last few nights?!"

Dang! Tarra does have a stern side to her, I'll have to remember that in the future. As it happened, I wasn't the only one that was surprised at 'this' side of Tarra for Lara and Fredrick were staring like I was in shock. That wasn't enough stop Tarra, "Why have you not been sleeping? You need to care if yourself!"

For one of the few times in my life, I was speechless even if it was for a moment! This is something I hadn't ever thought I would see as Tarra was as far as I had seen was shy and was now reprimanding me! The question that I wanted to know was why is she so worried about my health? If she isn't attracted to me, then she sure is acting like she is as of late and I couldn't explain it. I could barely able to say a reply, "I beg your pardon?"

Tarra didn't back down and that was different for her, "You heard me," she stated clearly.

I nodded slowly to her for I had heard her all right it was what she said and the tone it was delivered that was throwing me for a loop. I figured that telling them the reasons I had been having restless night wouldn't be the best thing for me to do with detail. I don't really want to relive the things I had been dreaming lately, not with the material that the memories were providing. So, like is normally for me talking about my issues isn't a good idea for it usually does the opposite to help. I sighed before I racked my brain trying to choose where to begin in my explanation, "Well," I started, "I have been having," I paused to decide the proper term for what to say, "visions or I guess you could call them dreams of sorts."

I hope that the don't ask for more details, they are not something to be discussed with others for peace of mind. The three dragons looked between each other before returning their sights to me, "Dreams," Lara questioned.

I hesitated, "Yes, it is the best word I can come up with to describe what happens to me when I try to sleep," I replied.

Fredrick tilted his head to the side in curiosity, "You say that dreams are keeping you up. What kind of dreams," he questioned.

Oh my, now that is as delicate a question as it is complicated, and it is beyond freaking complicated that even I can't explain it. This would definitely require a careful answer on my part for should I answer haphazardly… I don't want to know what trouble will come to me. Now I trust the three now worried about me, that's not the issue in this. Lara, Tarra, and Fredrick had proven over the last few days that I could consider them friends. Yet, I think even in the dragon realm that 'hearing voices' in your head isn't regarded as a good or an acceptable thing, call me crazy for thinking so if you like.

I can't deny that I had heard and still do hear the voices from when I had been turned into a dragon. I may not hear the whole multitude of chaos that the voices created in my head at the lake thank goodness. Still, I heard whispers of some of the voices in the back of my mind and that is fact. I'd been learning how to tone them out to an extent which does help, but how do you explain my situation and not have them thinking I am crazy if they don't already? I didn't meet their gazes as I tried to answer, "Um," I grumbled, "I don't know just weird dreams… I guess."

I very much doubt they will buy that and just accept it, I would have to be really lucky. And with my luck, that won't happen in any way, shape, or form. "Saber, you do know, and I would guess that you are having more than 'weird dreams'," Lara said, "So, tell the truth."

Crap why does Lara have to become so good at telling when I lie or not tell the whole truth. Combine that with my luck as it drives most if not all other types of luck away and this is just unfair for me, "Okay, first I wasn't," I hesitated, "exactly lying. I just, well," I trailed off.

Tarra spoke up again, but she was back to her normal quiet voice, "Just what? Saber whatever you are not telling us, you can trust us. We will not judge you or anything."

I sighed slightly as it was time to find out if I am right on my assumption on 'voices' in my head, "Tell me, is it considered odd or bad to hear voices in your mind that are your own," I posed.

The reaction I got from the three in front of me was enough of an answer for me to understand, it is absolutely odd and, in most ways, bad to hearing voices in one's head. It isn't a choice or my fault that I hear voices in my mind, I had no say at all. Honestly, having Azreyel and Shae in my head was horrible enough without getting legions more voices! So, this situation went from uncomfortable to downright problematic, "I take that reaction as a yes, it is then," I remarked.

Lara asked the next question, "Why do you ask a question like that," she inquired worriedly "Are you hearing voices in your mind?"

I'm pretty much in boiling water metaphorically speaking, and the truthful answer to Lara's question I feel will make things worse for me. I hope this doesn't change their opinion of me, it certainly wouldn't be the first time that someone has thought me a crazy nutcase. "And if I am," I posed nonchalantly. "What difference does it make and what does it matter to anyone else but myself?"

Fredrick shook his head a little at me, "Saber perhaps for humans it may be okay for you to hear voices, but for dragons it is not," he replied.

If only he knew what humans think of voices in the mind since I believe it is taken worse with humans than dragons. I let out a hollow laugh at Fredrick's comment, "I can assure you Fredrick humans consider such a very bad thing as well, probably worse than dragons if I were to give a guess. You can rest easy, I am just fine, there is nothing wrong with me, or my mind. I grant you, I am still trying to figure out what the whole idea of the events that have happened to me, but I have seen little harmful effects thus far," I assured much more calmly than I felt.

Lara narrowed her eyes while she looked at me, "So, not being able to sleep in not harmful then," she just about hissed at me.

I sighed, "Let me rephrase it then, not harmed me yet anyway," I returned.

Lara's expression changed to anger at my reply and that didn't give me good vibes I can tell you, I feel this will be troublesome for me. "Saber you are still not telling us the whole story," Lara shot back at me, "You need to tell us everything or we cannot help you!"

Help me? I'm not the one that needs help… at least not immediate help anyways, priorities and everything. My own situation is far too complicated for the vast majority to understand and that's on a good day. On a bad day, all bets are off on if any could really understand what I'm forced to endure and experience. As to telling them the truth, I don't know if they would comprehend what is stressing me without details, I don't want to give. For I wasn't joking when I was not getting much sleep for the last four nights, the memories and my own nightmares had made sure of that. Although, the previous two nights had been worse than the two before and then last night was the worst of them all.

My problems start when I lie down and try to sleep and then drop-off, I would begin to see the memories that weren't mine. I wouldn't have an issue with this other than the strangeness I get for seeing another's memory if it weren't for some of those, I saw being horrible beyond the ability of words to describe! I'll put it like this, I thought I had a bad life, but I have no idea what true agony is yet by what I'd been seen. Changing into a dragon was the closest I have come to experiencing the physical aspect of agony, yet that is all.

Last night I'd kept waking up from nightmares that shook me BAD and so, quality sleep was something that was eluding me. I had come to realize a fact, neither I nor Koren had been the first white dragons that 'disappeared' or in truth were killed by other dragons. There had been many before Koren and me even if there is no history of the fact. Then, Koren's 'death' had been quick compared to some of the 'ways' I'd been forced to see. There are much worse ways to die, or rather you can be put in much harsher torture than what Koren when through or what I know.

Honestly, last night had only managed to make my worries about Spyro and the others increase as I kept having the same nightmare in which I would relive my time before leaving the dragon realm which had cost Koren his life. The experience haunted me still, I was afraid that I might be put in the same spot of being constrained to watch someone that had gotten close to me die and be helpless to stop it again! I also have yet to tell Lara about the events or even that Koren is dead sacrificing himself to give me a chance. I'm guessing she still thinks that Koren is still alive somewhere and I really don't want to tell her because I have the feeling it will hurt her in a way that no physical pain can. "I," I uttered but hesitated, "I cannot tell you, I am sorry, but I just cannot do that."

Lara snorted at my answer, "Fine, if that is your answer, then there is no real need to go to Warfang. I will go tell Arkanis that," she stated

That's… how can she do that?! Okay, I can understand being frustrated that I wouldn't tell them more, I know how that feels very well, but what Lara was doing is harsh! I knew what she was trying to do, I've used the same tactic on occasion with others and it tends to work more than half the time. You give one and only one alternative that the person you are using this idea against and of those choices that you give for their choosing, the alternative will not be chosen or accepted to the individual. In short, it's called a 'Hobsons Choice', and that is mean to choose the desired option when someone doesn't want to even if it's for a good reason.

Be that as it may, the particular 'Hobson's choice' that Lara had just given me was what even I would call a 'low blow'. This venture the dragons here were helping me with wasn't just about myself, this involved a great deal more lives than mine alone, many more! I came to the decision that I would have to say what I hadn't wanted since I'd tried to save them from hearing the horrors I'd been forced to drag my own body, mind, and soul through! They wanted to attempt to comprehend that so be it, I will start with what is involved with Warfang and go on from there!

Lara had turned to go back to the temple before I opened my mouth, "Fine, you want to know what is making me like this?! I am stressing out that I will get to Warfang and discover I am too late to help my friends!" I paused, then continued, "No, that is not right! I am so afraid that when I get to Warfang, I will have to stand and watch as those I know die. That thought has been tearing my mind apart over and over," I paused again, attempting to hold back what I didn't want to say, but I couldn't stop myself, "I cannot go through it again," I blurted out. "I can't stand by helplessly and watch someone that gives more than just a passing care that I am around die like what happened with Koren!"

I was breathing hard with the effort I had put forth to stop that last couple of sentences even if it didn't work. What I had said would have a number of consequences, both long term, and immediate ones. Me saying what I had added to the stress as I hadn't wanted to blurt out what I had at all, especially not with current company. With Lara it would have long term results, that was clear, and I can't deny that, and I'm not feeling much like doing damage control here. As for the immediate consequences, the expressions on the three dragons faces said it all to me. Tarra and Fredrick's maws were open, looks of shock and confusion set on their faces as plain as day, not surprising. Lara… well, I know it would not be nice, and if I needed evidence which I really didn't, it was shown by the expression of pain etched on her face. She even had tears forming in her eyes I noticed, although I was having my own difficulties as my stress had hit a point I couldn't ignore it any longer.

What did surprise me in all of this was that Arkanis seemingly appeared out of nowhere and was standing behind the three dragons for whatever reason. I know what I had said had shaken them with what I said, but I was far too stressed to care right now! Spouting what I had and dragged up the memories I had been compelled to experience! I needed to leave and go to Warfang NOW, time was of the essence. I spun around and launched myself into the air and flew off in the direction of Warfang to get to business or die trying to!

-Lara's pov-

With Saber avoiding the questions put to him, I was getting very frustrated with him. I wanted to help him, but if he does not give me information to understand what is troubling him, I cannot do much if anything to help him. "Saber you are still not telling us the whole story," I said, "You need to tell us everything or we cannot help you!"

It is best to not keep problems to yourself, not if you want to solve them and move on, so why is Saber not doing that?! Saber seemed to hesitate, "I… I cannot tell you," Saber replied hesitantly, "I am sorry, but I just cannot do that."

I snorted at Saber's answer as he is hurting himself and those of us who care about him. Does he really trust us so little after all that has happened? Well then, if he is going to be like that, "Fine if that is your answer, then there is no real need to go to Warfang. I will go tell Arkanis that," I stated.

I am not seriously going to do what I say, but Saber need not know that it was to help him, so it is okay for the moment. My threat had the desired effect as Saber seemed to be having some kind of internal conflict about what I had said. I turned to the temple to make my threat more believable and a moment after I had, Saber spoke. " I am stressing out that I will get to Warfang and discover I am too late to help my friends!" Saber paused appearing to be fighting… something, No, that is not right! I am so afraid that when I get to Warfang, I will have to stand and watch as those I know die. That thought has been tearing my mind apart over and over!" Saber stopped again for a moment and then continued, "I cannot go through it again! I can't stand by helplessly and watch someone that gives more than just a passing care that I am around die like what happened with Koren!"

The last sentence hit me I froze, and feelings of pain and horror filled me as I processed what Saber had just said and what it meant. He had just said that not only was Koren dead, but he had to witness it as well, but that could not be. That would mean that he knows what happened the night they disappeared, but with Saber being alive, I thought that could mean that Koren could be alive. And I doubt that Saber would not lie about Koren, so then Koren is really dead, but what occurred for that to happen?

Saber face had shown he was in pain before he spun around and took flight into the air and flew off. My head had lowered but it snapped up at the first downstroke of his wings. I turned around and opened my mouth, "Wait Saber, please do not go!"

Saber did not seem to hear me as he continued to fly off and was quickly gaining distance from Carona. I unfurled my wings and was about to go after him when I felt a paw on my shoulder before I could go after him. I turned to see Arkanis there, but when did he get there and how long had he been there and listening? "Let him be Lara, I do not think that chasing him would help at this point for I doubt he would tell you any more than he has. I would think he has told you more than I believe he originally intended to were I to assume. Yet, it explains much of why he has been so insistent on going to Warfang."

"Arkanis do you know this Koren that Saber mentioned," Fredrick asked.

I folded my wings back to my sides in an attempt to calm down and dismiss the pain that was in my heart. I had also forgotten that both Fredrick and Tarra had not been in Carona at the time Koren, Azreyel and I were younger, so they would not know about them disappearing. I had never talked about either of them as it only reminded me of their absence which was painful. I was happy that Azreyel was back even if he says to call him Saber now even if I do not see a difference between the names. After hearing Saber's story of the different world he had been sent to, it had given me the hope that perhaps Koren was 'sent' somewhere else as well. But if what Saber said is true and I have no reason to doubt it, then that is not the case.

It was then the question of what Arkanis was doing there came to mind and I turned back to Arkanis and voiced my query, "Arkanis what are you doing here, at least I would guess you have a reason to be here?"

"I was here to say that all the preparations are done and that we can leave however, it would seem Saber beat me to that and went off himself. I am more surprised he has not earlier than now with how restless he has been in the passing days. So, then I believe we should be on our way as well," said Arkanis, "we will catch up with him eventually."

Arkanis was right it was time to go, I just hope we caught up with Saber sooner rather than later. If what he said was right, there were a lot of apes ahead and if Saber goes at them alone, then he will unlikely come out of such an encounter alive. I thought I lost him once, I do not want that to happen again!

-Saber's pov-

I know leaving when I did wasn't the best decision for me to go with, but I had enough of waiting for preparations to be done. Yet in my defense, I had been in a horrible mental condition at the time and I'm not referring to the state of my sanity. Granted, my sanity is not at its best as of late, but it had been under a crap lot load of stress over since the time with the apes. However, it was still intact and working, just a bit frazzled from recent events. I would dare anyone else to endure what I have and be any better than I am, and I include the Narrator in that challenge.

[Be careful what you ask for Saber, you can dare and curse most, but I am not one you want to try. Don't forget, I am not just the narrator and I also know things about you that no one else does.]

…I would say you wouldn't dare and bite me Narrator, but there are secrets you know about me that I don't want to be public knowledge. That in mind let me rephrase, I would dare anyone other than the Narrator and a very select few others to go through what I do and be as okay as I am.

Add to that, the memories I had been seeing every night had been eating away at me and feeding my fears as was the overactive imagination I have. Combine that with what Lara had done to me and her forcing my hand, it had all just brought it to a head which broke. I wasn't Lara's fault and I don't blame her, she didn't know what I was dealing with since I hadn't told her about any of it. But then, how do you bring up that you hear voices in your head that aren't yours and not come off as crazy or not of sound mind?

It is a subject I don't talk about with others except for Master Kai thus far and it's for my own good I assure you. Then how does one broach a subject like having memories that are clearly not mine that I experience through dreams every night since turning into a dragon? If that isn't strange enough, what words are there to bring understanding for the point that I comprehend said memories as if they were my own? If someone could explain that to me, I'm all ears to listen to them, I want to hear what malarkey they can come up with truthfully.

Simply put, I was sick and tired of sitting around doing little to nothing, and so I was through just waiting! Even if the chances of me being able to make a difference were slim, I still needed to do it or die trying. So, by the time I reached the dusty plains between the forest and the mountains, I turned to my left a bit. Arkanis had said that the quickest way to Warfang was to go south and then west along the coastline and the sea. It would help me avoid drawing attention to myself and I won't say no to that idea, for the time being, once I get to Warfang, that will change.

I was flying as hard as I was able without straining myself too much as I have a distance to travel and there would be a battle right after that, I needed to save my strength for the fight at hand. Within about an hour, I caught sight of the sea and turned to go along the coast, also dropping a bit to keep myself as much out of sight as possible. I was low enough for the spray of the water to reach me, but I didn't care about that, I was focused on what was ahead of me. I have friends who either are or very likely would be in serious need of help by the time I get to them and I'm not going to let that stand and I do nothing to change things.

As I kept going the waves got high and the sky darkened quickly… great looks like I'll be flying through a storm today. Nevertheless, let this storm come, it will not stop me even if I welcome it to try! I took a deep breath as I saw the first tall wave in front of me and then brought my wings to my sides and shot through the wave. The second I came out, I snapped my wings back open and kept flying forward without missing a beat. That's how I got through the storm's waves that came into my path, they really didn't slow me down much. I kept my focus ahead in the direction of Warfang and those I was determined to help and save or die trying. "Hold on Spyro, don't be too much of a hero. Cynder watch after Spyro to make sure he stays alive. Seth show courage, I'm on my way. Cyra... keep positive in this."

Whether or not the other dragons from Carona come or not behind me, I can't say with what I know. But if they are, then I doubt they would be taking the path I was taking for I was traveling the straightest path I could get. So, if they are following me to Warfang, they'll probably be going a different route and so will come later than my arrival. That isn't the nicest idea and I would prefer that they get there when I do, but beggars can be choosers and that sort of thing. And rest assured, I'll be raising hell as much as I am capable of to keep attackers busy until they do arrive.

I can't say exactly how long I was in the storm, my personal guess is between half an hour to forty-five minutes, but I could be wrong. Anyways, sunlight came down on me once I left the storm behind me which did dry me off after a bit. The next thing I saw was what I would guess was a peninsula to the south and a moderate-sized collection of mountains. I climb upward to go over the mountains or more tall hills really and used the air currents to help my flight. On the downward glide from the other side of the mountains, I was going over a forest which was not a view I wanted. But what came into view in front of me took my mind off the forest quite quick, which was what I believe was a dam or something similar to the idea.

The structure was made from stone and likely engineered by moles were I to guess which shows how good they were at the subject. The dam stretched over an opening that was in front of a lake or reservoir behind it with a valley before the dam. The center of the dam was shaped with a dragon head at the top with two paws one on either side of the head. Now as I recall, Spyro said that he and Cynder had come close to destroying this dam to stop something he called 'the Destroyer'. Looks like the structure was either repaired or rebuilt it in the years that have gone by. And the word that comes to mind may be rather ironic with the subject matter, but damn that is a freaking huge dam. Once again, I'm treated to the difference in building scale dragons have compared to humans.

I passed the dam and a distance ahead of me I saw Warfang, which was kind of comforting and yet not entirely. The reason that the site comforted me means the city still stands and that was a good thing. What seriously bothered me was the fires, the smoke and dark skies that surrounded the city. If that isn't a marker to say 'battle here come join' I don't know what can do better than that! As I got closer to Warfang, I saw great masses of apes spread across the whole expanse of the plains in front of Warfang.

As far I could see, the front gates were still shut saying the apes hadn't broken through into the city. But it looked like the apes were getting ready to make a surge forward against Warfang. And if the Silent Killers are around, it wouldn't take all that long for the apes to breach Warfang's defenses. Well if that isn't Warfang still in need of help, then I'm a monkey's uncle… Oh, that has an entirely different meaning to me now and it is flat-out insulting!

I gave a hard downstroke of my wings climbing upward as I approached the dragon city and got a further view of this battle playing out before me. And the more I took in the more on-edge I became as the ape had gotten closer to Warfang than I personally like. Yet, that's not to say that those inside were doing nothing, moles were on the ramparts using weapons to fend off the approaching force and there were cheetahs and other creatures helping too. However, as I kept closing the distance, the resistance to the apes seemed to get weaker, which I attribute to the Silent Killers doing their thing.

I went into a shallow dive towards the army of apes with the intention of taking them off-guard even if only for a little bit. As I reached the army, I opened my maw and let loose flames down on the apes and I bathed the apes in fire and began the BBQ of apes with an awesome blaze of glory. At least, they certainly climbed over one another to try and get away from my flames, which was somewhat satisfying after what they did to me. Nonetheless, after five minutes of doing that, it became fairly clear that this method was not going to get the results I was going for. The apes' numbers were just too great for me to handle alone and hope to win this, a fact I don't want to admit but know it to be true.

Oh, I admit it was amusing to hear the screeches they let out when their arrows they sent at me missed due to my evasion of them. I mean, I've practice martial arts for years, hitting me is not a simple task and I won't make it one anytime in the near future. So, I took the apes frustrate cries as compliments on the amazing job I was doing riling them up. So, I weaved and dodged the objects sent my way as I got closer to Warfang itself. What was my hurry, well… if my eyes ain't deceiving me and they rarely do, then the apes had brought war-machines to work with and that would complicate things and they are bad enough already.

By the time, got within near shouting distance which took longer than I liked, but dancing out of the way of incoming shots kind of made it what it was, there were no signs of things getting better anytime soon. Yet, that changed the next moment as I heard a commotion from behind me and when I glanced back to see to my wonderment and gratitude to see the dragons from Carona beginning to come down on the apes from the western mountains. And when they came down, the apes were doing much what they had when I started barbecuing them, climb over their fellows to get out of the way. The apes on the other side were panicking at this unexpected force that was ripping through them.

The question of why nothing was said at prep being done, but then I recall I had left on my own without giving any a chance to say anything. So, I think it would be better to keep my mouth closed and not complain about the help. No need to embarrass myself further, and there is still lots of work to do around here, so back to it I should go. It wasn't long after diving back in that I happened to catch sight of Arkanis at just the right moment to see something un-freaking-believable! What am I talking about? Well, when you see an 'old guy' do something that is so unexpected that your jaw drops open… yeah, need I say more?

What did Arkanis do to get my jaw to drop some of you ask? He opened his maw and out of that came a huge beam that by my guess was more than eight feet in diameter. Said beam swept over the plain in front of Warfang freezing apes in their tracks solid. So, my jaw had dropped at seeing that sight in sheer consternation at the 'bombshell' of a display I had witnessed! In appearances, Arkanis had unleashed a concentrated blizzard of lethal proportions on the apes. I mean, I expected that Arkanis would have to be really good, he has been around for a long while after all so lots of experience to draw from and work with. And by his own words, he was the last of the dragons that trained Malefor.

Now seeing him in a fight was something else, and I could only think of one word to describe the sight, damn! Arkanis can really dish out the goods with the ice element and I've seen some good deliveries with the elements from the memories! So, I'm forced to say as I have many times with Master Kai and I think Arkanis deserves it as well, 'for an old guy, he still can give out the whippings which show up us younger people'!

I got my mind quickly back into the battle, I needed to find Spyro and the others pronto and then go on from there. I had to reach them ASAP before the Silent Killers do more than anyone else, so I flew towards Warfang to find Spyro and everyone else.

But when I got closer to the wall of the city, I caught sight that gave fuel to my anger and rage as there were a lot of bodies of moles and some cheetahs on the ramparts, most in pools of their own blood. None of them deserve to die, yet someone or a group had done just that, four guesses as to who is responsible for this mess! And I intend to have a personal and thorough BUTT KICKING session with each of those four when I get to them! The sooner I find them, the sooner I could whip them and get them to leave Warfang. The longer it took me to hunt the annoying Silent Killer, the more unsupervised time they get and that is far too dangerous to give them.

So, I went into a glide looking around for the silent killer monkeys and as I scanned the ramparts above the gate of Warfang, I spotted four small figures that fit the bill I was going for. There was no doubt by the size that the said figures were monkeys and it was time to get down to business with them and who better than me to get the job done? Starting from the left and going to the right; the first was a black monkey, next was brown, neighboring that one was dark grey and lastly was slate grey, Exis, Shiek, Mara, and Sheras in that order. I speak and the devil listens, wish he would do so more often as I have words to say to him. Anyways, as the phrase goes, speak of the DEVIL, and yes you down below, I am talking to you! Get ready your helpers ready for they're about work serious OVERTIME!

Now the dilemma in this case is who will be lucky number one of the monkeys I get to pay back by beating them up and humiliate by little old me! Oh decisions, decisions of who is in the first session as I want time with each of them rest assured. Hmm, I could go with seniority and aim for Mara, but embarrassing Shiek isn't without its charm though. I had a personal score to settle with Exis and I wanted a go at Sheras just for the hell of it and for the time in the ape city! I think I could go with any one of those four first and not regret it. Okay then, I'll go with seniority and go on from there, it's time for Mara to pay her dues for stalking me!

I began my dive and felt like I was locking into an attack run of sorts by bringing in my wings and entered a dive on the path straight at Mara. The closer I got to her the higher my thirst for payback and vengeance rose to give me a feeling of excitement! And when I was close to hitting Mara it still appeared that none of them had noticed me coming, so I let out a cry, "TIME TO PAY THE PIPER YA STALKER! WEEEEEEEEEEEHOOOOOOOOO!"

The gratification I felt slamming into Mara was only equaled by the look on her face as it was priceless! I had grabbed her with my paw and with my grip, I wasn't about to let her go as we fell lower aiming for the ground below. Said surface was approaching quick as we kept going down and I shifted our positions slightly so that Mara would receive the major impact when we hit the ground. Mara was struggling in my grip, more so when she noticed I made it so she would hit first, but with my grip, she was unable to change our positions or escape. "Next stop ground floor! Watch that FIRST STEP! IT IS A DOOZY," I shouted with feeling.

The crash from the impact of us hitting was incredible and when we hit the ground, not only was there a wonderful sounding crash, but we made a sizable crater along with it too. I absorbed a good portion of the energy impact or maybe it would be better to say I used Mara to absorb most of the impact for me, so I was fine in my view. I couldn't say the same for Mara though as the crash had sounded painful as hell, muawha ha ha ha, yes evil laugh.

After the full force of the impact was delivered, I jumped back changing into my human form before my feet hit the ground. I heard movement above me and so I looked up to see the other three monkeys taking different places to get a sight of what I had wrought. Well, let them get a GOOD look at the kind of punishment they are in for I say! I smiled coldly at them my smile changing into me grinning sadistically as the things I've gone through with them has me wanting serious payback on each one of them. "You three should stay back and pay attention because you all will get your turn of me whipping you personally!"

I returned my gaze to Mara who was in the process of getting up slowly shaking some of the rubble from the damage we did smashing down. Honestly, I'm kind of surprised that she is able to rise with the impact I made her take, not just anyone gets up from that. She is resilient as ever, I'll give Mara that begrudgingly so, but still. Actually, if anything, that's fine with me, that will make the payback fun last longer and I find working out issues is best rather than let them stew.

I was told by Master Kai that revenge is a bad thing to participate in, I agree and comprehend why he says that. However, there is a difference between revenge and vengeance as fine as the line is between them! Vengeance is delivering well-earned punishment to someone that has done things they shouldn't have. Revenge, on the other hand, is going overboard in enacting said vengeance and just beating the crap out of another when it isn't deserved. In this case, I wanted payback not just for what the monkeys had done to me personally, but also what actions had been carried out on my friends. I see that as upholding justice and enacting vengeance which both ladies want satisfaction which I intend to deliver. I won't take it to the point that it could be considered revenge, that's what I tell myself anyways and will hold myself to.

Normally I'm not this mean to anyone as that is a reaction that causes unneeded problems and past experience has taught me that well. Yet these monkeys have more than earned my wrath that I was going to unleash on them rare as it is for me to show it! I would teach them a lesson they wouldn't soon forget and from what I'd seen, none had gotten to do this so I'll take the job! Mara looked at me with anger in her eyes, I just stared back with scorn and cold control, "Do you really expect me not to get even with you, after all the encounters you have had with me?! No, even were Hell to freeze over solid, I would even the score with you and the rest of the Silent Killers! Not just for myself Mara, but for what you and your fellow monkeys have done to others like my friends! I will make you pay in spades and that's a promise so, BRING IT ON," I shouted in challenge.

Mara growled and pounced at me, to which I sidestepped her and landed a solid blow to her gut. I was trying to do a kidney punch, but due to her size that is much easier said than done to do that rather than a solid punch to the gut. Still, it got the desired effect I had been going for, so I'll take it as I get! I forced Mara back and she had trouble breathing to an extent by the time she landed. Let the payback time BEGIN, "It is time to dish out a heaping helping of humiliation to you and it has been long overdue in coming," I growled.

I settled into a bit of a custom-designed defensive stance I had come up with years ago. In this stance I have my feet about three feet apart. My left leg is forward and my foot is set perpendicular to my body and my right leg is behind me and foot is placed parallel to my body. I was in a slightly crouching position to maintain my balance, my upper body was leaning forward a small bit. All my muscles were taught like springs and ready to let loose a burst of power on whatever unfortunate creature I used it on. The stance had served me very well in most circumstance, so I tended to use it on the fly.

As I continued to stare at Mara and my smile grew wider, the look on her face said what she was feeling right now and it was not how she was normally. The look could be summed up in the words, 'She was pissed!' that was what was going for though. I wanted them off their usual confident air disrupted and them off their game, mistakes are more likely to be made with that in mind. I'll take them making mistakes as they had proven skilled at fighting, an advantage is still an advantage no matter how it comes about.

I thought things were going my way, but it was then the other three monkeys decided to go off and no doubt cause trouble. Leaving monkeys to their own devices and unsupervised is not something I saw as a good or safe idea, they had shown me that. So, I didn't think that letting those three go off was a wise idea, that in mind, I turned and sprinted after them completely ignoring Mara. So stalker wasn't happy about me doing that if her screech was anything to judge by at least. She was zooming up behind me as I chased her fellow, which was fine, I'll make her regret chasing me.

I kept up my running pace with great ease due to the increased stamina and strength that seemed to come with the transition over to dragon. Mara, on the other hand, was having a hard time keeping pace with me now with my improved speed which had me smirking. I turned my head and began the insulting banter that makes fights like this, oh so much better. The only question is where to begin in the insults and at what magnitude, "Hey Mara, I have something to say to you that I have been dying to say for a while. You are not obnoxious like so many others I know are, no, you are obnoxious in a completely different and far worse way furball."

Mara's face began to contort, she was getting angrier and that to know I was finally getting under her skin filled me with a feeling of accomplishment. Yet, little does she know I'm just getting started with her for I had a whole array of insults to work with, sarcastic and non-sarcastic depending on the mood. "You are as a habit I would like to kick with both feet," I continued.

It was then I caught sight of a length of cord on a sill of a building, perhaps rope of some kind. Honestly, with what was coming to mind, it didn't matter what the cord was supposed to be, it would serve a purpose I would use it for. The idea I had was so magnificent, I really thought there was a 'ding' of a light bulb turning on above my head. I snatched up the cord as I passed and glanced over my shoulder to see Mara still getting closer to me. After all, I think in this instance vengeance flavored with humiliation is perfect to serve up. I silently chuckled and was hoping that Mara kept coming closer so that I could spring my surprise.

Mara lunged at me screeching, yet I dodged her, "Get along little doggie," I called. I was satisfied to see Mara become infuriated at my taunt as it was making this better. Mara shot at me a second time and I sidestepped her at the last second and she continued past me and I swung the cord in a circular arc aiming at Mara. Her feet had barely touched the ground when I brought down the cord at Mara. The cord gave out a sharp crack as I sent the whip down and managed to give Mara a sharp smack on her rump with the cord. She screeched at the contact of the cord whip, and this was giving me such interesting entertainment that I haven't had for a long while hee hee hee! "Rawhide!"

Mara gave me an ice-cold glare of rage, which is a look I could come to enjoy seeing on her face. She charged at me in rage and anger and I spun out of the way and twirled the 'whip' around gaining momentum and snapped the cord to wrap around Mara's right leg. I followed that up with a tug and the cord when tight and held onto the monkey's leg. I pulled hard and got Mara to fly towards me and when I caught her I quickly wrapped her hands and other like together and tied her up with the cord, "Rope 'em," I announced, "Yee-haw, that is how ya do it old western style."

Mara struggled in the bounds I had put on her though she struggles to free herself were unsuccessful. I unceremoniously dropped her and continued forward, still chasing the other three monkeys. As I went I had the thought, 'one down and three to go, for now,' and rest assured, I will take them if it is the last things I do today.

Thankfully for me, I still remembered the basic layout of Warfang, so we're probably on equal ground on knowledge of the field we're on. Those silent killers were here for a reason, very likely to do someone in as their group name implied while inside Warfang. There aren't exactly very many here that would require the time and expertise of assassins like them in this situation. In fact, I can only think of ten particular dragons I happen to know that come to my mind that fits a target list. Those would be the Guardians in eight of those spots of the list and the last two spots… belong to two friends of mine, Spyro and Cynder. I had the feeling that out of all of those on 'the blacklist' the target would very likely be Spyro… and Cynder if those monkeys got the chance. Well they will not get that opportunity while I can say anything about it and am able in any way!

I felt one of my warning tingles and with my long-developed reflex, I moved out of the way quickly. There was a crash in the back of my wake as I slid to a stop and looked back where I had been to see the street was broken within a six-foot radius. In the middle of that spot was Exis, staff in hand looking at me with her normal cold expression. That I expected from what I got from her, upfront and will do what she could to kill me, simple and understandable, also easier to deal with. "You have improved since our last fight, fighting you will be more difficult than before, but still manageable," Exis stated.

I gazed back at her, unmoved by her statement, "I highly doubt you can handle me now, much less than before. The only reason you got me last time is you struck me from behind and without any warning." I bowed slightly, "But, should you wish to prove my expectation wrong, by all means, let's see what you got and tango."

I reached back with my left hand and grabbed the hilt of my new sword resting my hand there ready to draw the blade at any moment. Exis and I began to move in a circle, our gazes never leaving one another waiting for the other to make the next move. And it was Exis that moved first by rushing forward her staff end pointed at me moving to strike me. I tilted to the left and avoided the thrust, but Exis followed this attempt with a flurry of thrusts. I weaved left and right avoiding her staff strikes. After what I have seen Exis do with that staff of hers to the ground, I think it would end badly for me should the said staff connect to my body. As I danced away from the blows aimed at me, I drew my sword and started to deflect Exis's staff.

Nonetheless, I wasn't silent, like with Mara I began the insulting with vigor, "Exis, guess what?! The Nut House called, they said that they were missing one of their mental case wards. When I asked them for a description, they told me it was a little runt of a kid that was in need of a full-body haircut!"

Exis's expression changed for the briefest of moments which is more than what I've gotten before this. OOOOO I do believe that I had made a chip in her mental armor, note to self, SCORE! The fight continued on in much the same manner, Exis trying to strike me and myself weaving and avoiding the thrusts or deflect the blows with my sword. Yet that got very annoying rather quick since I had more important things to do right now. Plus, I was not about to accept defeat to this monkey, so I began to employ elements to my parries and deflections. That didn't help things along as much as I wanted, admittedly, Exis was good at switching between defense and offense. As we broke apart a bit and made a little distance between each other, I felt the, oh so familiar feeling that signaled a very helpful event that had happened six times before now.

I watched as Exis land and spin her staff swinging it down at the ground causing a wave of earth to roll towards me. I brought my blade back and then sliced forward, from the line that I had swung my blade, a trench carving its way going forward and with earth spikes following not far behind shot ahead. Exis's earth wave attack was mowed down by my earth elemental attack and it surged forward directly at Exis. As if in slow-motion the trench went past her, but the spikes didn't. It was a beautiful sight to see, Exis getting nailed in the chin by one earth spike. As if to add insult to injury, a second spike hit her and sent her flying off a fair distance.

Well, I wasn't going to miss this opportunity, "Going. Going! GONE I say! Ah, earth you have made a very good impression on me. I think you and I will get along really well," I remarked.

I went back to chasing the two remaining silent killers Shiek and Sheras, I feel they are going to be somewhat more difficult. I had beaten Mara so easily because I had caught her by surprise and had taken her off her normal game. Exis I had gained access to the earth element and used it against her which she hadn't expected. I doubt I will be able to pull the same tricks on the last two and time is of the essence now. Shiek will know better since he lost to me the last time due to me gaining the ice element, he would be wary of my use of the elements. Shiek will be using more caution and would be less likely to underestimate me. I still think I can beat him, but it will be a serious fight and likely time consuming one as well.

Then there was Sheras, the silent killer I knew the least out of the four that I had encountered and knowledge was power against them. I had only met her during my forced stay with ape hospitality and she had seemed to… have an air about her that the other three did not. She was serious yet also playful in a not so good way and that put me off. Knowing so little about her worried me, I didn't have knowledge of what she could do and so she could surprise me. I don't like surprises, no sir for they have a tendency to blow up in my face more often than not.

I kept going, looking ahead trying to spot Shiek and Sheras, as I went much to my bewilderment the city was deserted. I hoped that meant that most of the inhabitance got to safety but I couldn't say for sure with what I knew. I was snapped out of my thoughts when I caught sight of brown fur a little way in front of me. That meant I had caught up with my other victims-I mean quarries I will make types of martyrs of sorts or as humiliate at the very least.

So, I pointed my left hand with my middle and index fingers pointing like a gun and the rest of my fingers curling inward. Once I had pointed my left hand at the furball I let loose a bolt of electricity that shot from my fingers like a bullet. Unfortunately I missed the monkey, yet the bolt had hit the roof just below the one I had aimed at. The monkey fell but recovered their balance and Shiek came to the ground on his feet which made him next in line for punishment.

Shiek and I faced off against one another about fifteen feet apart and there was a breeze that stirred the dust on the ground into the air. I swear that I began to hear the theme from old western movies that you would play in the background when the hero faces the villain in a shoot-out that now joined with the unusual scene. There was silence between the two of us as we stared one another down daring the other to back down. I narrowed my gaze at Shiek, "This town ain't big enough for the two of us," I said in the air of a challenge.

"An interesting choice of words, I assume that means you are ready to die then," Shiek replied.

Shiek dashed forward and swung his left fist at me, but I dodged out of the way as this would be a martial arts style fight. Now as I had insulted Mara and Exis, I wasn't about to stop now with Shiek and I am all for gender equality. What is good for the goose is good for the gander and all of that. However, in this case, I decided to go with an Irish accent and tone for my next banter, "Now let me show you how we humans bring on the pain!"

Shiek took another shot at me this time with his right, but this time I didn't plan to just dodge. I twisted out of the way with my upper body and with lightning speed reached out my left hand and got a hold of Sheik's wrist, then I clamped down and began to spin counter-clockwise. I kept the Irish accent as I continued the humiliation, "Now there ya gimp, let's see how you handle the Merry-Go-Round Hurler! It's sure to be a fierce doozy!"

Around and around in a circular motion I went all the while pulling Shiek with me and I spun I would guess five times maybe it was six before I let go of his wrist. When I did Shiek flew into a wall of a housing structure hard enough to go through the wall. With the Irish accent combined with the insulting banter was going nicely, so why stop with it now, "Now that's how we humans bring on the pain! Twas deadly that!"

Sheik being the way he was and that I had learned from our one encounter didn't stay down, he was up and ready to continue the fight. I ran forward closing the distance between us and the exchanging blows began. Sheik was I learned in our first fight, was an expert in hand to hand combat and relies on his fists. Let's not forget his tail, which can choke a person if they don't watch it, had personal experience with that. Thankfully for me, I am by no means an amateur when it comes to fighting with one's fists. With the martial arts training I had received over the years I could take punches as much as I could give them out too. Sheik kept lashing out with his tail aiming for my neck, but I was for the time being able to fend off his tail. "I would love to insult ya tool, but the sad truth is that you wouldn't understand me," I commented which seemed to irk Sheik, those are brownie points for me.

Sheik rushed at me again I sidestepped and put out my leg to trip him, I meant it to add insult to injury, yet to my amazement, it worked far more than I had anticipated. Don't misunderstand, Shiek tripped, yet things didn't stop there, oh no there was more that came. When he tripped he tried to recover by cartwheeling though it kind of backfired on him for he didn't see the loose rubble on the ground. The second after his hand touched the ground it slipped on the loose rocks and rubble.

Sheik went rolling down the street we had been fighting on and to my surprise and amusement, he continued down the road towards the lower tiers. I scratched the back of my neck unable to really think of something else to do in the light of this situation. I went back to my normal voice instead of the Irish accent, "Well I guess that means I win," I stated in the form of a question. "Though it doesn't exactly feel much like a victory. Really, it's kind of feels like I cheated since my bad luck struck Sheik, and he hasn't gone against my luck before. But then, I have found that none can stand against my luck even myself half the time."

Well since Sheik is beaten, then I suppose that I should keep going to finish with Sheras. So, I resumed my stride from before and chased after the last of the four silent killers.

Nevertheless, I had noticed a rather odd thing during my time being and fighting in Warfang today, I had seen no other living beings besides the four silent killers. Warfang was a decently populated place, so there should be lots of other living beings here. Yes, it looked deserted, but still, there has to be more to this than that. This pointed to one of two reasons; either they had evacuated or they gathered to one place. I would guess the reason to be the latter of the two were it me, the guardians would more likely choose that course of action.

As I was making my way to the upper part of Warfang, I slowed down in my pace until I came to a stop. I know it may sound cliché to say it, but I have the feeling that I am being watched and with those that have been doing that lately, that isn't a good thing. I looked around trying to find the source that was setting off this emotion, "It's quiet," I muttered, "too quiet."

I saw something out of the corner of my eye and moved back the moment I realized something was in my immediate vicinity. It was just in time as a ball of slate grey fur came whizzing past my front and when I looked down slightly to make sure everything was still there after that close pass. I grabbed my belt as it had been sliced by the pass of the attacker to prevent it from my sword from pulling it and my pants down, then I tied a knot in the belt to keep it where it was. I was taking calming breaths as that monkey had gotten much too close for my personal comfort to do a number of things to me, one of which was neutering me! I glanced over to my right to see the fourth monkey and my gaze was one that would make the Grim Reaper himself bow and think I worked for him. "I get you silent killers have the hobby of trying to kill me," I said. "But DO YOU MIND NOT TAKING WHAT MAKES ME MALE! I like junior and friends that live in the basement EXACTLY where they are and there they WILL STAY!"

Sheras stood staring at me with a slight smile, "My, my a bit touchy about this subject, aren't you," she twittered.

"Killing me is one thing, taking my manhood is another story entirely," I snapped in reply.

Sheras chuckled quietly at my response before she raised her weapons, which were two katar. Each of her weapons was made of a wide triangular blade around two feet long; the hilt was made of a 'U' shape of metal with a handle near the bottom of the 'U'. All in all, two very dangerous weapons especially in the hands of Sheras which makes my present problem just that much more complicated. I sighed at this development as I have a bi*** with knives now, that's just peachy! "You know, if I didn't know any better then I would say you have very bad interests and hobbies, but that would be seen as complementary rather than demeaning, so what would be the point of saying it."

Sheras snickered at this, "I have heard you have a… different way of talking than the dragons you spend your time around. It would appear that is quite true," she returned.

I drew my sword and brought to the ready, "if you say so, I'll always cherish the original misconception I had of you."

Sheras seemed to disappear at the next moment, I closed my eyes and focused, trying to sense where she was. I felt a presence behind me and I moved, however, I was a tad slow and Sheras got a scratch on my right side. I glanced down at the graze I had gotten from Sheras to find myself in awe to see the scratch was in the middle of healing and was fully healed in seconds. My goodness this was new to me, or at least it is faster than it was before, still I won't complain about this addition! I, unfortunately, had taken my eyes off Sheras and I was going to pay the price for that. Sheras struck me hard in the gut and I was sent flying.

Smashing through a wall and continued crashing into objects until I hit another wall was not pleasant, hurt good I'll tell you. After coming to a stop, I was breathing steadily to gain my bearings after flying through things. I looked around to find myself behind what had been a counter before I went through it and there were also several round objects to either side of the path I made. That implied that the round things were tables, which meant I was very likely in the mess hall. Before I could try to figure out what my next move would be I felt something hit the top of my head and said object bounced onto my chest and rolled to my stomach.

I rubbed my head and picked up the thing that had hit me and the second I got a good look at the article, a large smile spread across my face. It was the very last thing I had imagined I would see, what you may ask, it was the other 'volatile mix in a can' I had stored before going off to search for Spyro. The timing of this unexpected and forgotten find was perfect, and the view was reflected with my smile became malicious.

I may have mentioned it before and if I haven't, then for those listening to my tale to this point, you should know that some of my bodily functions can and are dangerous to be around. When I add fuel and/or a catalyst, it doesn't just up the level of danger it does far more than that. Nope, adding to my bodily functions is like finding the dial marked danger magnitude, turn it up to eleven then rip off said dial before running away laughing with glee. And I think I can make this upcoming shot an epic one if I play my cards right. Without further thought, I opened the can and downed the liquid, knowing that Sheras won't let me lie for long. I got to my feet and made my way out of the rubble I had landed in, only to see Sheras standing at the hole I had come into the mess hall by. "I must say, it is surprising that you can still keep going this long," she remarked.

I kept my smile fixed on my face, "You will find I am hard to keep down, besides, I'm smiling maliciously, that alone should scare you monkeys," I replied.

I felt my ammo locked and loaded on its way to fire and it would be something else, I'll personally see to that. "Why should I fear you," Sheras posed.

She has to ask that question, oh, I'll give her a reason to fear what I can do in a way she won't be able to deny! I opened my mouth, ready to let loose my surprise with vigor, yet what happened surprised both Sheras and me. The belch came and I had thought to use the fear element to amplify the belch just a bit, give it some good kick and everything. In hindsight, it was an incredibly stupid idea though at the time it sounded like it would be good.

Long story short, what came out of my mouth was no belch, it was what felt like a massive explosion, like a confined or compressed sonic boom, yet with more oomph in it. I was thrown through a window and Sheras well, I kind of hope she went through a few buildings and with the force that launched her it was entirely possible. I found myself splayed out in the alley trying to process what had happened since my physical senses had been temporarily overloaded. I crawled out of the alley. I looked to my right and my eyes bulged at the sight I saw. The mess hall had been 'leveled' to the ground or rather blasted apart by the 'burp bomb' I had unleashed. Okay then, note to self, adding elements to bodily functions is to be done sparingly, or in emergencies only. They are too dangerous to make worse than they already are, shouldn't add to them unless it is necessary.

I got to my feet and shook my head to clear the ringing I had been hearing from the bomb I set off. A quick scan around the immediate area told me that Sheras was not around, whether it was me launching her with dropping the b-bomb not to be mistaken for da bomb as the vast difference, there is much more standing right now. If my rear bomb bay had been doing the job, then there would be more rubble and less structures standing, I personally guarantee that. Still, I was okay, no serious injuries to speak of after handling the monkeys, for the time being, so things are good at the moment.

My attention was drawn by the sounds of a group approaching from the left and brought me back to the present. I spotted my sword a short distance away from me, and I quickly scooped it up and then turned to face whatever was coming with my sword. I would like to have more tools to work with, but I go with what I got and I'll add elements to them as the need comes. The next thing I saw was a black dragoness come around the corner in front of me and she was followed by a couple of other dragons and dragonesses behind her. The black dragoness stopped at seeing me and just stared at me for several seconds before she spoke, "S-Saber," uttered Spectra "My, my, this is a very unexpected surprise to find you here."

Well, Warfang isn't deserted, after all, I was starting to wonder a bit, yet I had been focused on getting to the monkeys to not question much. I put my blade back in its sheath before replying, "Spectra?"

Spectra nodded in response, "Indeed, yet you appearing is unexpected, more so at a time like this," she said.

I hadn't thought I would see anyone I knew until I made it to the temple at the very least… or else finding bodies. If I had found bodies of friends, then those assassins would be in my sights and it would be to kill them. I was going to ask Spectra more but had never got the chance as two bodies collided with me knocking me to the ground. Both individuals that were clinging to me were saying my name and I suppose that the clinging could be hugging, one was black and the other was blue which helped me guess who they were.

"Saber you are alive, thank the ancestors," Cyra cried.

"Chronicler be praised that you are okay," exclaimed Seth.

Hearing the voices of friends warmed my heart as I hadn't heard them for who knows how long. Honestly, I haven't a clue the length of time I had been forced to spend with the apes, I had lost my concept of the passage of time while in the ape city. Then the last week had felt longer than a mere week, but that was due to being forced to wait. But the reactions and greeting I was getting from Seth and Cyra wiped away a good portion of the stress that had been shackling me. I had missed them a great deal and only now realized just how much I had missed having them around me and with me. I returned the hug that they were giving me with joy, "It is nice to know I was missed for I really have missed you guys. It has been a horrible experience in so many ways without you," I said.

Seth pulled back and looked at me, "Of course we missed you," he stated. "Where have you been for nearly a month?!"

I blinked at the question as it answered unsaid points that I had been curious about and it also caused serious irritation and anger to well up within me. With what Seth had just said, it strongly implied that I had been around the ape city for three freaking weeks. I'll need time to get over that, punishing monkeys would help me do so but that is something to work on. I trembled with anger at the fact I had just learned, I couldn't help myself from screaming my fury, "THAT MEANS I WAS STUCK WITH THOSE REEKING APES FOR THREE WEEKS, DAMN IT! I WILL MAKE THEM PAY FOR THAT A HUNDREDFOLD!"

I was breathing hard in frustration after shouting this thoroughly irritated at understanding what I had been through more fully. Spectra came up next to me, worry present on her face, "Saber are you okay," she asked.

I forced a smile at the question, "Yes, I am fine," I replied, my smile flashed into a grin of vengeance. "I will be doing much better once I beat the crap out of those monkeys when I find them again."

And saying that brought the realization that there had been no sign of the four and that was worrisome. I had embarrassed them in a way I don't think anyone has before and most don't take that lying down or at all. Plus, the silent killers had yet to take down their target which I believe now more than ever was Spyro. If there is one fact I had authenticated about them, it was the silent killers rarely leave one of their jobs undone, let alone their pride wounded. And then, the fight with each of them hadn't lasted long, and fights with them were always work involved. So, the question is what are they doing right now that gives them a shot at Spyro and myself is coming to my mind. I just couldn't come up with a good explanation to answer the query and that was bugging the hell out of me.

"Saber," questioned Cyra, drawing my attention back to my immediate surroundings.

I looked up and saw Cyra trying to get my attention, "Hmm, what is it Cyra?"

"You look like you were thinking about something," she replied.

I shrugged, "Oh, just wondering where the monkeys went," I answered. "As long as they are free, they are going to cause trouble, mark my words."

Spectra was the next to speak, "I know not what these monkeys you speak of are, but the gates are still locked so we should be fine for the moment."

I swear that it felt like someone had hit me with a kidney punch and yes, I have received one, courtesy of Uncle Douchebag of course. It was the last line that Spectra said that got the pieces to fit together and explain what I had been missing. And honestly, how I hadn't thought of the point I don't know as it should have been obvious from the start. If Warfang's gates were it to be opened the apes could come in unimpeded which was the last thing any of us inside want. In the ensuing chaos, no one would notice if Spyro or I were killed for it would be attributed to the flood of apes.

Truthfully, I'm forced to admit that the monkeys are good at what they do, as much as it pains me to say it. Distraction is one of the many tools that assassins use and I had slipped up by forgetting that simple fact. However, perhaps there may still be time to correct that action still, I would just need to hurry if I wanted to have a chance. The biggest issue, the odds would likely be four to one and I'm the one in that standoff.

Without further hesitation, I spun around on the spot and broke out into a sprint towards the gates of the city. I heard Seth saying something, but I was already focused on getting to the gates as fast as possible. The path I took back to the gate was different than the one I took to the upper area of Warfang. I had used the set roads and streets coming up, I used many more surfaces going down like roofs and waterways to name a few examples. And it took me between five and ten minutes to get into view of Warfang's gates using the way I chose. I leaped off a roof and touched down in the plaza in front of the gates and had to catch my breath from the pace I had run.

When I lifted my head, my gaze fell upon the four monkeys I had whipped, up and doing okay as they stood by the gates. They all turned to me as I arrived, "Well Sheik, it would appear that he caught on quicker than you predicted," Sheras remarked.

Sheik would seem had thought I would be slower on the uptake, once again he underestimates me and paid the price, I did warn him about that. Although I admit, if not for Spectra bringing up the gates in conversation I would likely still be trying to figure out where they were, but they need not know that fact. Nonetheless, this is a wonderful opportunity to practice my sarcasm I say, "You know, you sound better with your mouth closed in my opinion. But hey if you can't handle my sarcasm, then don't give me reason and opportunity to practice it."

Mara laughed at my statement, "You never fail to prove that you have quite the interesting wit."

Oh oh oh oh, I have the perfect retort to that and she is pretty much daring me to give it, so I will be more than happy to oblige. I hope this infuriates them to no end, "Sarcasm is the body's natural defense against stupidity," I retorted.

It was one of the better phrases of sarcasm that I happened to know and it was one of those I liked. The reactions of the silent killers from what I had just said, they were PRICELESS, which means that they didn't take it well and that is a compliment to me. Sheras was the first to reply, "A sharp tongue does not mean one has a keen mind, fools do not know how to use what they have or even know what they have."

My, it would seem that I have misjudged them a bit as they clearly know sarcasm and I haven't found that yet here in the Dragon Realm, let alone someone that can keep up with me in it. So then, we're going to have a sarcasm match with me versus the silent killers? Now that I think about it, I haven't had one of those in a long while, mostly because I tend to win them since I live and breath sarcasm, it is one of my coping mechanisms. If it is a match they want, then it is a time I'll give them, let the sarcasm match begins! "Okay, if that is how it is going to go then I am up for it monkeys." I cleared my throat, "Are you lot always this dull and stupid or are you making a special effort to have the lights so dim today?"

"Don't let your mind wander, it's far too small to be let out on its own," Sheik returned.

OH, Touché! That's the kind of replies I have missed getting when I throw out sarcasm, this will be fun I feel, "Anyone who told you to be yourself could not have given you any worse advice," I stated.

I gave a slight bow and gestured towards the monkeys to say it was their turn, and Exis gave the next insult, "I bet you get bullied a lot, you certainly ask for it."

Ouch, that was a low blow for it was partially true as I have been bullied a lot as I'm some kind of freaking magnet to bullies. I disagree with the part that I ask to be bullied as I don't do anything special to tell others to leave me alone. But fine, if they want to get dirty in this match, then we can get down and dirty about the insults, I'm cool with that. As it is said, two or five, in this case, can play in that game and I play to win, "I don't know what makes you all dumb as bricks, but it really works wonders I got to admit," I stated.

They didn't take that really well, yet they were the ones to start throwing the dirty insults so it is all fair. Mara was the one to deliver the proceeding insult, "I am impressed, I have never met such a small mind inside such a big head before."

I had to nod a bit in appreciation of the sarcasm quality, it was fair and I'm a good judge of sarcasm with the experience I have. Granted, I can still do better than that and I will, but I'll give credit where it is due. "If you were twice as smart as you are now, you would still be so lacking in intelligence that a child could beat you in it," I returned.

To say I was having a grand time in this contest wouldn't be wrong, and I was keeping these monkeys busy and that's a bonus to me. I haven't had this much fun using sarcasm for months, maybe almost a year. And it kept going with Shiek speaking up, "Most Creatures would follow you anywhere, but only out of morbid curiosity."

Oh, that's a good one, I'll have to remember that one for IC, it's a perfect fit with him, so much so it is scary really. And I have a wonderful reply to the comment too, "I beg your pardon, but you are obviously mistaking me for someone who gives a damn about that."

Keep the insults coming for this is awesome and I want some more of this! "You are not even beneath our contempt," Sheras shot back.

Well, that was a little unexpected, harsh yes, but I am still up for sending the ball back to their side of the court and hard at that. I pointed to Sheik, "That one is cruelly depriving a village somewhere of an idiot and everyone needs at least one," I replied.

Owning this like a boss I am, and it was hard to not smirk at how I was doing in this contest.

Exis was the one to answer my insult, "I've come across rotting bodies that are less offensive than you are."

Hmm, that one kind of hurts coming from an assassin and the most unfeeling of the lot too which makes it a tad worse. Very well then, I am still better at sarcasm than this lot, "What you all are lacking in intelligence, you more than make up for in stupidity," I stated.

"You have a clear inferiority complex and it is obviously just as justified," Mara delivered with a smirk.

This coming from my stalker of all individuals, does anyone else see the irony of this, or is it just me imagining things? The comment was below the belt and it wasn't appreciated, "So I used to think that you all were a colossal pain in the neck. Now I have a much lower opinion of the lot of you," I said nonchalantly. "I have tried to see things from your point of view, but I can't seem to get my head that far up the a** to do that."

"I do not think you are a complete fool, but what is my opinion compared to that of thousands of others who disagree with you not being an utter fool," Shiek returned.

Ah ha ha ha, very funny Sheik, cute as can be with that, let me give you a fitting response, "I do not mind you talking so much as long as you do not mind me not listening." I took a bow, "Please, do not thank me for insulting you, it was indeed a pleasure to oblige."

The air changed quite abruptly, "Enough," shouted Mara in an angry tone.

I guess that means that we're not going to continue insulting and throw mud, figuratively speaking, then it is time to get down to business then. I drew my sword and readied myself for a grueling fight with these four monkeys, but that's not what happened. Mara subsequently used her gloves to shoot two orbs of magic at the torches on either side of the gates and when the magic hit said torches they flickered out. I certainly didn't like the change in current standing nor where it was heading right now.

My eyes locked onto the gates themselves and watched in growing frustration and anger as the locking system seized to work. The gates of Warfang were now unlocked and the apes outside could get in which is the last event I want. Then I'm smack dab in the middle in the potential coming stream of apes and that's not where I want to be either. I mean, I expect Mara and her fellow Silent Killers to not play fair if they don't have to, but this still feels like they just cheated in a way.

If this isn't a classic case low blow being shown, then I really can't think of much of a better example. After all the work I put into keeping things from getting worse, those infuriating Silent Killers have to pull a cheap shot like this, don't they? And to add insult to injury, said monkeys apparently decided that it was time to make themselves scarce for they had disappeared from my sight. Now, I would love to go after them right now, but I needed to get those gates shut and locked again A.S.A.P or a flood of apes with be coming at me. Imagining that, all I can think to say is fiddlesticks!

Knowing time was of the essence and not on my side anymore, I wasted no more time and rushed to the gates as they had cracked open and I could already hear the apes surging towards the gates. I used the wind element sending a gust forward to 'clear the porch' before I close the doors and work on locking them. I just hope my newly increased strength will be enough to get the task done or it will be more than just me that is going to be screwed. I could already see some apes were pushing on the gates to get them to open wider, my gust pushed them back temporarily.

The only good thing going for me I think is my bad luck was working for me and not against me like it normally does. I shot a second gust of wind at the gates to get a greatly satisfying boom as the gates hit their stops. The second I reached the gates themselves and began shoving forward to get the gets to close fully. Unfortunately, I still got a view at what the apes had in mind to force open the gates and I didn't like what I saw. Heck, my face paled as I shoved the gates shut the rest over the way and I was breathing hard after shutting them. "Great, they have a battering ram and not just your normal kind, oh no, they have the kind that is made up of multiple trees," I exclaimed frustratedly.

I knew that I was in deep trouble now, and don't get me wrong, I was in a tough spot before and it was troublesome, but the current situation is worse. I'm literally working against a sizable portion of an army and it's them versus just me.

[I think you have made your point Saber, the odds are stacked heavily against you, do move on.]

Everything I have to say to that is some form of a freaking curse and I'm trying to cut down on those. Curse you Narrator and keep your opinion to yourself, I have enough crap I'm dealing with. Anyway, back to my standing dilemma as it is, problems were mounting for me to put it mildly. "There is no freaking way I will be able to keep these gates shut for the time it takes to lock them again," I admitted to myself. Then I sighed heavily, "Satan and God, I know the three of us don't get along in the slightest, it's one of the few things we agree on. But does that have to mean that you two get to gain upon me? It isn't nice and it will only end up with us duking it out later."

With going against a freaking battering ram, my mind began racing for ideas of how I could keep these big doors shut to lock them in the time I would have. I figured where I needed to start it to get the lock working again as Mara disabled it, so I pointed my hands one to each of the torches and sent the fire to light them again. The next thing I did was put as much of my body and all of my strength into keeping the gates shut. I summoned fourteen spikes of earth that came out of the ground at forty-five-degree angles and ended against the gates to help keep the gates closed.

Just as I steeled myself for the onslaught, the shaking and rumbling of the frame holding the battering ram moving closer came to my ears. Around ten seconds later the impact came, and the gates shook but they remained shut. I wasn't celebrating at this for all the spikes of earth had begun cracking to the point that there were slim chances they will be able to take another full strike to the gate. I summoned more earth spikes and added icicles to what was keeping the gates closed.

And I know I shouldn't have, but by this point, I couldn't really see how things could be worse other than me dying which was a real possibility already. Yet still, I asked myself the taboo type of question, "What is next in the crap that I get to take today? Having the apes start pushing while chanting 'push, push'," I asked.

And as I have come to expect, unfortunately, the answer to my question came, which was to my growing anger by this point. "PUSH, PUSH," came many voices and the words weren't that clear but it came from apes.

If this isn't rock bottom, then I'm not that far from it, and I hate being able to predict crap like this as I do. All I could think to do was screech in fury as words couldn't say what I felt at the moment. My scream echoed around Warfang but I didn't give a care right now as I'm facing apes trying to get in and they would attempt to kill were they to get in.

-Seth's pov-

Saber had run off towards the walls of Warfang before Cyra and I had lost sight of him. He had gotten to the buildings roof level somehow but climbing in a way I had never seen before going towards the walls. That Saber was still alive was wonderful, he had just disappeared during the ape attack on Hyrule and was never found even after searching for him. Yet, with the attack going, I was worried about Saber going charging off, even with those that were here helping us. "Where could Saber have gotten to," I mused to myself.

Spectra smiled at me in a comforting way, "I would not doubt that he is fine Seth. With Saber being alive through what horror he likely endured, he has shown that he can take care of himself and made it back here," Spectra assured. "I have difficulty believing that he would be here if he was unable to look after himself and get out of the troublesome situation and be now."

I do not disagree with what Spectra is saying, but that does not mean I am less worried about Saber. When it had been discovered he was missing after the second ape attack, those of us who knew him had searched yet found no sign of him other than his sword and whatever he called that red covering he put on himself. We eventually returned to Warfang without him though we had not wanted to. So, with Warfang under assault, Saber going off on his own is very concerning.

I was about to say that at least I was still going to go and look for Saber even if no one else did though I do not know where to start other than lower parts of Warfang. However, a boom echoed up from the gates and was shortly followed by a bellow or screech. It sounded like that Saber's voice that had screech and the tones were of fury and frustration. Spectra chuckled after hearing the scream, "I think we now know where he went now," she mused.

I nodded at Spectra's statement, "Yes, but it sounds like he is working through some things that he is not happy with," I remarked.

Our group began making our way towards the gates, others joining up along our way down. I just hope that Saber would be okay and the gates aren't ripped open by the time we get there as that would complicate things.

-Saber's pov-

I know the Narrator could say it, but he's keeping his mouth shut right now and I prefer it that way. Currently, I'm in a deep dark hole with no visible way to get out of it figuratively speaking, but it could soon possibly be literal and likely will be if things don't change! And where I have gotten into some really tight and potentially life-threatening situations, this one was certainly towards the top of the list of bad ones I've endured. The vibrations from the impacts of the battering ram and whatever other things the apes were chucking at the gates were dragging my hopes and confidence down along with infuriating me.

With my efforts, I had gone through a lot of earth spikes, honestly, I lost count and stopped counting somewhere around forty-two spikes used and that was during the second attempt to lock these doors started. I think I'm up to twenty-eight icicles shattered thus far and the number was still climbing so I can't be sure. The door hadn't gotten locked to make my work worth it yet, and I hadn't gotten close enough to say I almost locked the doors. And I hadn't seen many that could help me in my plight pass into my vision. Moles had gone up to the ramparts, in fact, most had gone that way that I had seen.

To say things were looking mighty grim for me at this time would be an understatement and I knew it. And truthfully, if the apes managed to wrench open the gates, I don't know how long I would last. If I go by how things went for me back in the ape city, they would just overwhelm me with sheer numbers. It had really only taken a deep stab to my torso to show me that there just comes a point where skill becomes ineffective. And with what reputation I have with the apes, they will be aiming to kill me the best they can and there ain't nothing that will stop them. I seriously can't see how things can change to make this harsher other than apes breaking in and that seems to be more a matter of time with how things stand.

It was when as I was contemplating what could be done for me to have any chance of living to see tomorrow, I heard footfalls coming towards me. I looked up to see a number of moles coming in the direction of the gate and the hope they were coming to help me came to my mind. Then, if I needed more sign that I was going to get help, I saw dragons and dragonesses coming into view with Spectra in their lead. This may be an answer to my unsaid prayer and plea, and I certainly wouldn't complain if it is.

However, the battering ram slamming against the gates wrenched my mind back to my situation. The icicles shattered and the earth spikes crumbled and the worst part of it all was the gates opened just enough to disrupt the locking process once again. Statistics count, I believe I'm up to thirty-five icicles and who knows how many earth spikes that have broken or shattered in this endeavor and fourth failed attempt to get Warfang's gates to lock shut. My frustrations escaped me in the form of a howl, "DAMN IT! THAT WAS THE FOURTH FREAKING TIME AND NOW I HAVE TO START OVER!"

For those that would say I need to calm down with the exception of the Narrator and I don't listen to him, take a step back and look at this being in my boots right now. I have spent the around ten minutes or more attempting to lock these gates and have had no success. These apes have a ludicrous battering ram banging on the door and they are throwing things at the gates too. If that isn't enough, they have to screw with me more by having apes pushing and chanting as if to taunt me on my efforts that were being wasted in keeping the gates closed. And on this last attempt, I'd had the locking line on the door working their way to sealing the deal literally and everything. So give me a flipping break and keep your comments to yourself, I'm dealing with issues and the curses are flowing free!

Anyway, back to the present, I was in need of help and I knew that for I couldn't get the gates locked alone, my four failed tries had shown that. "WILL SOME OF YOU GET OVER HERE AND HELP ME," I screamed while making more icicles and earth spikes.

The locking system began again to creep slowly along its path it had gone down four times already. So, I pressed my shoulder blades against the gates and dug my boots in and pushed against the gates to keep them closed. A number of moles moved forward and started to push against the gates to help keep them shut. I kept pushing against the metal of the gates at the same time I glancing at the orange-red line that somehow acted as the locking system for the gates of Warfang frequently seeing it inch forward towards the middle of the gates. I swear that the speed of the line got slower each time I had to watch it, but it could have just been me.

Another boom resounded as the battering ram struck the gates, yet we managed to keep them shut. I still saw cracks in the earth spikes and icicles though they weren't as bad as they were previously after blocking a hit. One of the moles called out, "Put your backs into it lads!"

I'm in full agreement with what the mole shouted one hundred percent, combined efforts are the best chance we have to get these gates locked! And as I watched, the line reached the doors meaning we were close to getting these gates to be locked again. A moment later, two figures came to be next to me, or that's what I noted out of the corner of my eyes. I looked to my left to see Seth and to my right to see Cyra, both of them pushing with the rest of us. I'm hoping now that it isn't just me working at this that we just might make it this time around on getting the gates locked.

There came another boom from the ram hitting the gates, but we held firm and the gates stayed shut. Luckily, the locking system finished with a flash and a bang which I took as the gates were locked at last. I slid down the metal of the gates with a sigh of relief knowing that for the moment, the apes would not flood into the city killing me in their wake. Don't get me wrong, I know that the battle is NOT over however, I think I deserve a little rest bit for what had just done. Plus, this was turning out to be a very full and busy day thank you very much and I need a breather before continuing.

Seth fell flat next to me letting out a huff as he hit the ground while Cyra collapsed on my other side letting out a sigh as she lowered herself down to the ground. It was actually rather comical to see and I smiled at their actions but managed to keep myself from laughing. "You two sound like you have had quite a day so far," I commented. "Yet, I bet I could outdo you both in horrible events that have happened."

Seth exhaled at me, "And you still find trouble like always and I would say it is worse than before."

[He couldn't know how right he is with that comment.]

Thank you and shut up Mr. Narrator, we don't need your remarks true as they may be. I snorted at Seth's comment as it wasn't my fault that I get into situations like this one, they come to me and make it so I can't ignore them. That would require me to let the few friends I do have to get hurt or die and I will not let that happen. "Hey now, it is not like you say it is, I do not go looking for trouble as some seem to think, trouble finds me," I said tiredly. "Although I can agree on the worse part though, it has been doing that lately for some reason that I have not been able to figure out yet."

Cyra spoke up then interrupting Seth and me, "Is it not the same idea in the end? You and trouble seem to end up in the same place wherever it happens to be."

Both Seth and I were silent for a moment before we broke out laughing. I was the first to recover and make my thoughts heard, "Well, I cannot really deny that, trouble and I do tend to get together more often than not."

I began to pick up the roars and shrieks from the dragons and dragonesses outside Warfang continuing to fight the battle. It served as a reminder to me of what was still left to do in settling this and I am not one to leave something like this undone. The rest bit had lasted long enough, it was time to get moving and get out into the battle and get to work. So, I rose up and got to my feet and stretched a bit making sure nothing was out of place and everything felt like it was in order. Seth looked over at me in slight confusion, "Saber," he posed, "What are you doing?"

I twisted back to look at him, "Break time is over Seth," I stated. "It is time to get back to the job of sending these apes packing and on their way period."

Cyra had raised her head by this time and was looking worried, "Saber, you are not actually thinking of going out there, are you?!"

I looked back at Cyra with a look that just screamed 'you really have to ask', "Forgive me for using a human phrase in this situation that you would not understand, but the line fits perfectly." I cleared my throat, "No s**t Sherlock, you really think I would stay here when those out there are fighting the apes. I know some of those out there and the majority of the dragons out there are here because I asked and begged them to come and help! Besides, there are apes to still in need of punishment, so my work is not done yet." I took a breath and calmed down a bit, "Do not worry you two, I will catch up with you two and hopefully, Spyro and Cynder included in the group at a later point when this battle is said and done."

With that said, I jogged off and up the wide stairs that lead upward with my destination being Warfang's ramparts. As I went, I spotted a number of moles were heading to the ramparts ahead of me. Once I had come onto the ramparts themselves, I saw there were moles and cheetahs up here attempting to thin out the hordes of apes below. Cheetahs were using arrows and I saw a few other creatures that I'd not seen before, some using magic and other weapons. Meanwhile, the moles were using what looked like a gold dragonhead shaped cannon. As I watched, the 'cannon' let loose fireballs from its mouth which was kind of weird. Well, I have seen many odd things in the dragon realm so, I guess why not have a dragon head-shaped cannon on the city ramparts?

After taking in the view from the ramparts, I went to the edge of the wall and looked down. I couldn't see the ground below due to the layer of smoke that now was between the top of the wall and the rocky ground under it. The battle was still going on no signs of stopping yet, but the apes were being pushed slowly towards the defensive by what I was seeing. And technically, the quickest way to get back into this fight would be to jump right on in from here, but there is a part of me screaming think again.

[And yet there is the part within you that chats "do it do it do it" as well and that does win a portion of the time.]

Okay, look Narrator, I know I have done some crazy things in my lifetime and even have gone through with a couple of STUPID ideas and eaten the results. But desperate times call for unique solutions and don't you forget that punk! Now, I recall getting the view of Warfang's wall from the ground bellow and now I had to say looking down is worse than looking up. Yet jumping off this wall that was at my best estimation, well, longer than I want to admit and is completely insane and suicidal or would be if I didn't have the ability to fly that is the advantages of being a dragon and everything.

So, I backed up a few steps to give myself a running start for the leap I was about to take, then I took a deep breath before setting my sights on the sky and the battle in front of me. I sprinted forward at the edge of the wall and leaped at the end of the wall and bounded out over the expanse, "Geronimo," I shouted.

Down and down I went plummeting towards the ground at breakneck speeds towards the ground. The second I entered the smoke layer, I began to shift into my draconic form with a glow coming around me. The shift took seven seconds and the moment it was done I open my wings with a cracking sound to catch myself and keep in the air. And once I gained control of my flight I shot through the air and straight into the battle. My gaze came to land on the battering ram that was still trying to open the gates of Warfang, and I thought that would be a good place to start for me.

Now as I'm going with less logical ideas for the moment, I decided to pull a maneuver that I'd seen in one of the memories. I went into a corkscrew spin using the wind element to speed up my spin and build up momentum as I flew towards the battering ram. Once I was about in spitting distance of the siege machine, I switched over to rolling and curled into a ball utilized the earth element to 'shield' myself as I shot through the air like as you might be guessing, a cannonball. It was kind of odd going through the housing the battering ram was in for I didn't feel pain, more like a gentle pushback. But rest assured, I crashed through the siege machine the cracking wood and snapping rope told me I had scored an effective hit on my target.

I had come out of my roll and moved into a glide and turned back to see the results of my work and I gained a smile at the sight. Not only had a made a wonderful hole clean through the housing structure of the battering ram, but it also looked like I had done more than that. And as I watched the interior support structure of the ram began collapsing, and the machine started falling apart. It gives a new meaning to a loose cannonball which I had been one a moment ago, but the job is not done yet.

So, I dove down to where the horde was and used the elements I had any use of to great effect putting to use the knowledge I was gaining from the memories that weren't mine. What uses some might ask did I put the elements to? Well, I Barbecued, deep-fat fried, froze and did all sorts of things to apes I got in my line of fire, no pun intended. I certainly had them running in a short period and that made my day a little better and I wouldn't refuse that. I did catch glimpses of others like Tarra, Fredrick and Lara as I worked my way around the field and they looked to be doing fine.

There came a point that I glided down to being just above the ground as an idea had come to mind and it was an amusing one to me. So, when I landed I didn't stop but turned sideways sliding forwards and held out my tail that was stiff like a bar. "STEP UP TO THE BAR BOYS," I called out as apes started turning when I was coming at them. And oh, did I get a treat since I used my tail to mow down pretty much the majority of apes in the mass by knocking out their feet from under the lot of them. When I came to a stop, I turned and broiling the apes I had mowed down to finish the job up.

I didn't stay at ground level but leaped up into the air again and continued to fly around the field throwing the apes off in what ways I could. The battle went on for what I would guess was between one to two hours before most of the apes were running away scared and unorganized. Unfortunately, the silent killers escaped and I hadn't been able to find them as I flew around, but I doubt this would be the last I saw of them.

When I had come to land on the ground, I looked over the outcome of the battle and smiled, "Ah! Some chaos and yet good results in the end, the perfect combination," I said, "My work here is done, we good guys win and the bad guys lose as it should be."

My mood was doing much better than it had been this morning and any improvement tends to be a good thing in some way. That too of course, doesn't mean that I have forgotten the standing issue I have with Lara, namely her chasing me with the intent to get me in the sack. She had made sure I wouldn't let that fact slip my mind with the effort she put in already. But I also need to find Spyro and Co so that we can catch up on what has been going on while separated. So much to do, and so little time as the phrase goes and it is hitting home as of late for me. Sadder still, I think I'm beginning to get used to this kind of things to an extent and it isn't something I want to be used to.

Yet to business I suppose, I should go and find all my friends to make sure they're okay both sets. The question of whom I should go look for first went through my mind and I decided that heading back towards Warfang would do and I would see who I would come across first. When I came to be within sight of the gates I spotted Seth and Cyra and with them was none other than Spyro and Cynder. I felt warmth in my heart at seeing them all alive, it makes the things I've done in the last week worth it. As I came into hearing distance, I picked up their conversation, "He has to be somewhere," Seth was saying.

Hmm, I wonder who they are talking about, I suppose I will have to ask them, maybe I can help with whatever they are doing as that's what friends do for one another. None seemed to notice me as I approached, "Are you sure you saw him? Maybe it was something else," commented Cynder.

What Cynder had just said confused me as it didn't match the subject matter that I knew thus far. "No, Cynder we were not seeing things, it was him," replied Cyra.

I had to be missing something in this conversation, that is the only explanation that makes sense in this. Spectra came up to them, having I assumed been listening to this exchange like I have, "Unless there is another human in the realm, and I do not think there is, then it was Saber."

Ah-ha, so they are talking about me, should have guessed that though that does make this a tad awkward. I stood slightly behind them all and waited for my turn to speak, "Well if Saber was here, we have to find him," said Spyro in panic

I suppose I should help solve this as I am the cause of it even though I had never intended for something like this to happen. Spyro started off in the direction I was, but of course Spyro didn't even know that I was there and didn't even glance at me for I am a white dragon at the moment. I reached out my right forepaw as he passed and grabbed him as he was passing me stopping him from going too far. Spyro struggled in my grip, "Hey let me go. Who are you anyway," he demanded.

Oh boy, I see a long explanation coming my way very soon. I guess there have been a lot of things that have happened to me since we last saw each other. Although it is interesting too that as a dragon, there was still a size difference, it's just the reverse of what it was before.

"Not so fast Spyro. You do not need to go gallivanting off to go looking for anyone, because I am right here, thank you very much," I stated clearly.

My voice will serve as my identifier, it does so beautifully and it is what others have recognized first. Spyro stopped struggling against my hold on him and I had to say the shocked looks of all present had, were quite amusing. Seth got his wits about him first, "Saber is that you?"

I turned to Seth and gave him an expression of indifference to the question, "You were expecting someone else perhaps? If so I can go and come back later," I paused for a moment, "that was a joke by the way. Yes it is me, and no, I do not really know how or why I got like this exactly, so do not ask."

Cyra was the next to react, "But you are a-"

I cut over her, "A dragon with white scales, yes, I know and am well aware of that fact. I can switch between human and dragon now, it is complicated." Spyro snapped out of his shock and hugged me which drew my attention back to him. I wasn't about to say no to the action as I had missed Spyro as much as I would guess he missed me. I returned the hug, "It is good to see you too Spyro. I have really missed you for the… last three weeks."

"I am glad you are all right," Spyro replied.

Not much else was said instead we headed back to the gates of Warfang and I was happier now that I was with my friends. It would be better if Tarra, Fredrick and… yes, I would even include Lara being here as a good thing. The dragoness may be in heat yet I am assuming that she is better behaved when she isn't in the mating mood. At least, I HOPE she isn't so clingy and possessive all the time or else that would be an issue I would have to plan for. I've found that planning for problems you know are going to come your way gives you less stress from the experience.

Quite honestly, having Sarana not leaving me be when she's around is bad enough and takes serious effort to deal with. So, I really don't need another that would make things harder for me and Lara is really a nice dragoness as far as I've seen thus far. And the future encounter with the sadistical dragoness was one I am not looking forward to it, but it may be worse depending on how she takes me being a dragon. To tell the truth, I shudder at the thoughts that went through my mind at some of the 'things' that Sarana just might do! The things I get to look forward to after living through the battle I just did, no?

I felt someone staring at me and after glancing around, I found that Cynder was the one doing that. I gave her a look to asking her what she was doing and to ask her question about me whatever it was. But she didn't get the hint I was silently sending so I voiced my point instead, "Cynder, there something you want to ask me perhaps?"

"Well you were not looking too good and I was wondering if there is any particular reason you are," she posed.

I had to think upon how I could answer the question as there were a number of ways, it more depended on how mean I wanted to be. Most of what was troubling me came from what had been going on within the last week or two, involving Lara and such. Nonetheless, I don't want to be mean and give a picture of Lara that isn't true normally, her instincts are what is at work. Honestly, I had been getting some of my own medicine admittedly as I was dealing with what Spyro had been earlier. My advice sounded so stupid now with what Lara had been running me through and I was forced to eat my words.

And said troubles weren't over yet, I'm not so idiotic to think that Lara isn't searching for me right now, she is and I know it. It is partially out of worry I bet, but also because she wants to be with and mate with me. My life just keeps getting more complicated as of late and I have no influence on any of it and it isn't appreciated.

[Lucky lucky you Saber, and again, there are those that would love to be in your position with having a girl chasing you.]

I don't hear anyone saying crap they should be keeping to themselves, and you readers would I hope agree with me. The Narrator should know by this point to keep his opinion quite and not make comments. So, repeat after me readers, "I hear nothing being said outside of the story I'm being told", so let me continue. "Well Cynder, I do have my reasons of not being at my best right now, but it is complicated," I replied.

"What do you mean," piped up Cyra.

Again, I considered how to explain what I was dealing with, but my thoughts were interrupted and drew my attention. What disrupted my thoughts was a scent I had become very familiar with over the last week which also confirmed my expectations. Lara was drawing closer to where I was and at a quick rate if my nose is telling me correctly since her scent was getting stronger. It was sooner than I had hoped for as I wanted to have some time to bring my friends up to date on this, but I wouldn't be getting that.

To restate my issue with Lara right now, she had been hunting me down to mate with me and I'm not interested in doing that. She hasn't listened to my reasoning thus far and that has unlikely has changed yet. Heck, I've been making efforts for the last week trying to get time away from Lara and she had been making that very difficult to do for long. So what do I say to my friends with the time I still have to work with? Spyro was now staring at me worried, "Saber are you sure you are okay?"

I heard Spyro but didn't reply as I was doing some really quick thinking right now. Lara's scent was getting stronger by the second and the direction it was coming from was to my right. When I turned in that direction, I saw a purple object making a 'bee' line for me and it was obvious who it was to me. And the knowledge that there was nothing I could do to get out of what was on its way didn't sit well with me. So, like many do when they know they are facing avoidable events, I prepared myself the best I could.

It was but five seconds later I felt the smash of Lara tackling me happen and we went careening sideways. Lara had latched herself to me and somehow that made it so she didn't get hurt which felt kind of unfair to me. I ended out hitting Warfang's wall and kissed it fairly hard which I didn't appreciate and would be chastising Lara for later. A moment after being plastered against the wall, I peeled myself off and landed on my underbelly with Lara still clinging to my back. She was caressing her body against mine and I think showing me affection in her view if I'm not mistaken. Telling her to get off wouldn't help, she wouldn't listen any more than she had before now while chasing me.

The sound of paw falls coming my way told me that my friends were probably coming over to see if I was okay. And while I appreciate them worrying about me, more so since I'm more used to those around me not caring what happens to me. "Saber are you hurt," Spyro asked sounding worried, "what just happened?"

I let out a groan, not to draw attention to myself, but to send the message to Lara that she had gone too far with her actions. Of course, the only response I got from the dragoness as she nuzzled my neck in 'an affectionate way' and started purring. So, as Lara wasn't listening, I rose to my paws and slowly shook my head to stop the world from spinning. Once the world became stable again, I walked forward to end out in front of my friends before I plopped down on my haunches grumbling at the predicament I was in that I didn't ask for that I can recall. "Yes Spyro I am okay, let us just say I am," I hesitated for a moment, "dealing with an issue lately, which does not seem to understand what 'no' means."

The expression of my four friends showed that they didn't understand what I was talking about. I exhaled heavily at this, then I swung my head around to my back where Lara was still attached and gave a bit of a glare to her. "Hey issue, I was talking about you as it happens, and I know you have manners but just are not using them. So, you mind introducing yourself," I stated. "You are being rather rude just clinging, I thought we discussed you keeping this urge in check before we came here."

After I made my 'demand', Lara ceased her rubbing the base of my neck which she had been enjoying if her purring I felt was anything to go by. She then raised her head and looked at my friends and smiled at them, "Hello, my name is Lara, it is nice to meet you," she said. With her introduction made, Lara just went back to using her body to caress me and purring away happily.

Now, I have an issue with what Lara is doing as it was getting kind of hard to ignore since it was beginning to feel good. Yes, I wouldn't doubt Lara is trying to tempt me to get it on with her and return the affection that she is giving me. And I'll admit that her caresses felt… pleasant though not to her as that would only serve as encouragement for her. My mental discipline was at work keeping any stray problematic thoughts from getting much attention. However, I couldn't say how long that would stay that way as Lara's entreats were wearing me.

That in mind, I knew it would behoove me to get things moving forward quickly and get Lara to stop. Plus, the looks Spyro and Co had only seemed to deepen at Lara's greeting, "Welcome to what my life has become as of late," I commented, "And I have no idea how or why it became so complicated."

I'm left to wonder how I can get Lara off of me as that will help things along from being awkward. The problem is the dragoness will unlikely be removed by her own choice and I don't want her to get hurt either. However, I got a reprieve in the form of two new scents coming to me and I knew them belonging to Tarra and Fredrick. The two would help get Lara off of me and not hurt her as desired, so I welcomed them. I covered my ears and hunkered down ready for what I guessed was coming and I didn't have to wait long.

Fredrick dove down and let loose a shriek at me and Lara, the shriek disabled Lara and she went limp before Tarra slammed into her middle and got her off my back. The two ended out a short distance away from where I was sitting, Lara still out with Tarra moving to be right next to her. It all may appear that this event was rehearsed and well, in a way it is sadly for this is by no means the first time this method has been used to separate Lara and me. The two had been helping me out since they had found out Lara had been pursuing me as she has.

Fredrick landed next to me after his part as did Tarra while I was uncovering my ears from the shriek Fredrick had made. I glanced over at my first friends who had thankfully followed my example and done the same were also starting to look around. Seth signaling the others it was okay to uncover their ears as I turned to Fredrick and nodded in gratitude. "That was very much appreciated Fredrick, your intervention along with Tarra's help." I looked towards Lara, "she was starting to do things that I am uncomfortable with right now, more so in the current company."

Fredrick nodded to me in reply but didn't say anything vocally and Tarra did the same. "So you know these dragons," questioned Cyra.

It was a question that I had seen coming since it was the time both sets of friends I had not been meeting for the first time. I looked at Cyra and nodded, "Yes indeed they are some I know, rather recently gotten to know in fact." I gestured to Fredrick before continuing, "This dragon is Fredrick," then I pointed a paw over to Tarra, "And this dragoness is named Tarra and," I lastly gestured to Lara, "The purple dragoness is Lara as she herself stated." My four old friends were looking to process what I had told them while I switched my attention to Fredrick as I went on, "They are my friends I have told you about; Spyro, Cynder, Seth, and Cyra."

I gestured to each as I named them, then I waited to see how they would interact with one another. I didn't have to wait long for the results for Fredrick was the first to speak, "So these are the 'friends' you kept talking about?" I nodded in response, "Well it is nice to meet you all as Saber said my name is Fredrick."

Fredrick bowed to Spyro and Co, Tarra was the next to react and since it was Tarra in the bow she tried to do, she instead fell flat on her face. It almost looked like a pratfall that I might unintentionally pull off and if that was so, she pulled it off beautifully even I had to admit it. Honestly, I know she didn't do the fall intentionally, it was the luck we have doing its thing even when hers isn't as strong as mine is. Tarra didn't let the face plant stop her though, she lifted her head and smiled before she spoke. "S-sorry," she stuttered, "I am Tarra i-it is nice t-to meet you as w-well."

I've come to expect Tarra to stutter as she was now around quite a few others she was meeting for the first time or just in general really. I flicked my gaze over to Lara for a moment who was still out cold from the treatment she took head-on to be forced off of me. That implied to me at least means that one of us will have to speak for her, which likely means me pretty much. So, I took a deep breath and began, "As I said earlier, this purple dragoness who introduced herself to you a little bit ago is Lara. She has," I paused to consider how to phrase what was going on with Lara nicely, "things she is working on right now."

Cynder shook her head a bit and then gained a slight knowing smile and spoke, "You say 'things', she wouldn't happen to be going through her mating cycle would she?"

Oh had Cynder hit the nail on the head on that and there is really no way to deny that without lying. I exhaled heavily, "Leave it to a dragoness to figure it out," I mutter. "Yes, she is in the middle of her mating cycle as I am constantly reminded of, thank you very much."

Seth tilted his head to the side in confusion, "What do you me by that," he asked.

I stared at Seth for a bit blinking in slight disbelief, then I noticed that Spectra was shaking her head a bit in the way I've seen parents do when their child shows obvious ignorance. That told me that Seth truly didn't understand what I was getting at, he was so innocent yet so inexperienced as he hasn't a clue about this subject. It came as a bit of a surprise honestly, yet it also made a possible point with dragons that I hadn't seriously thought about. It is a fact that I'd seen mostly with observing adults, relationships between a dragon and dragoness did exist but were more seen and not discussed publicly.

It also brought a question to my mind that had come a few times, which was how does the knowledge of relationships come to the young. Something tells me that there isn't a 'birds and the bees' lecture that a portion of humans gets at some point in their life. It makes me kind of worried that it just expected that you find things out themselves as that can go in many directions. Although, the reliance on instinct would explain a number of things to me looking back and maybe that is where some of my personal issues come in. That is mostly since logic has served me through the worst times in my life more than instincts have done for me.

Nonetheless, the best example of what dragons do with relationships is Spyro and Cynder, yet I don't ask them a great deal because I don't want to know. So, what can be said for this for an explanation for Seth? I hesitated for a moment and then began, "You see Seth, this is something in the future for you. When dragonesses come into their mating cycle," I paused to consider how to word what I wanted to convey, "they act differently than they normally do, especially if they have their eyes set on a particular dragon. For Lara here," I jabbed a talon at her, "I just so happen to be the dragon she has her eyes on for whatever reason."

I thought that would be the end of the explanation/conversation as I didn't want to go into much if any detail of some of the things that Lara did to me. However, surprisingly Tarra piped up at that moment, "Now that I think back she took an interest in you even when you were a human."

I grumbled at the recollection that came to mind for it had been a really horrible day and worse night to follow running from Lara "Yeah, I cannot really forget that day," I exhaled, "it was horrible, so please Tarra do not bring that up. I never knew dragonesses could be so persistent, she can be worse than Sarana and I never thought that was possible!"

Spyro finally took his turn to speak, "Well it sounds like a lot has happened to you while you have been gone. So, why not go into Warfang and talk? Your friends are also invited as well."

I smiled at Spyro as that would be welcome, but my gaze fell on Lara and I sighed before I went over and got under Lara and got her onto my back. "I would love to," I replied, "I really could use something to eat and some sleep would be nice too."

Well, I had at long last reunited with Spyro, Cynder, Seth, and Cyra meaning that this journey is over at last. Things were hopefully going to be going up from here for a time, I could really use some better events that won't put my life in danger. It was wonderful to be with them and to have my new friends here too, things will be better I feel it. We'll see how things go moving forward and see if I'm getting the right vibe.

Chapter end

A/n

Okay, I'm leaving off there for this chapter and now onto a few points. First, I hope you like the journey that Saber now does to get back to Warfang, it makes the story a bit more dramatic. Second and more importantly, with this and the previous chapter now posted, I will be deleting part 1 of the White Dragon Chronicles and that will be by next weekend. Thanks for reading and see you with the next chapter.