Chapter 5: Examination

In the middle of a huge room a huge statue of a dragon stood, a powerful glowing glare from where eyes would be enough to give anyone pause.

Some believed the gaze could pass judgment from the ancestors directly through them dependant on the colour presented to them, it is said that it is based on the first fire guardian in existence.

In this room is where all fire guardians and their apprentices have trained, respect, instruct in wisdom to the descendants although not always was it available.

Many looks to a guardian for leadership, wisdom, clarity and to the many roles they undertake whether it is in teaching, rituals of the element or even special roles such as overseeing the year of the dragon.

An event only taking place once every hundred years where dragons born of extraordinary importance such as the recent purple dragon had been.

Species outside of the dragons often thought of this as the only time dragons were to reproduce which has always been false.

Before the glare of the of the statue presented the current dragon of legend, Spyro had been sat in front of the statue for a time; his eyes closed.

His features convulsed giving off he was deep in thought, his body very focused and still other than shallow breathes escaping his snout with little movement.

His claws calmly hilted in place and his tail slinging around his body to his left, his mind full of piercing thought's drowning everything else out.

His emotions repressed to an extent no one would be able to read him at all.

Not long ago he had his first meal of the day and with not long left before he would begin his mark of honour examination, his mind going in all sorts of directions processing all the thoughts he was taking in.

'Last practise'

Without opening his eyes, the dragon took a couple of steps forward closer to the orb embedded into the base of the statue.

Suddenly it began to rumble with the ground around it shaking, feeling the vibrations through his paws Spyro remained composed with his eyes closed tensed as the statue begun to descend into the floor and spin round in a slow circular motion.

The purpled dragon loosened his wings slightly from their usual posture and to his side's a tad.

'All my training, practise everything I have gone through will be towards this. I am ready for this'

Opening his eyes, he looked to the ceiling as the statue was half way down burrowing into the ground.

'The sun is pretty bright above. Not long left now, gotta make the time I have left count'

With the head of the dragon statue creeping into the floor and the edges closing inward to form the flooring to the training arena, the purple dragon stepped forward heading into the centre to take his place ready.

Closing his eyes again as a magical aura flashed in the arena circle briefly, Spyro concentrated his thoughts once more this time towards the arena itself.

This time running through his head were images, these images of what appeared to be creatures; all too familiar ones in the past he has faced in combat.

It came down to deciding on picking one through the many in his mind, there were many choices for him to choose from, it wouldn't make much difference in reality of what he focused on.

Sifting through the different images flashing through his mind he arrived at one image. A small shiver washed over his body for a brief second, one Spyro didn't want to experience again.

The battle with such creature not only almost costed him his life and a temporary loss of his power to this day he still considers one of his most difficult battles yet one of the most defining in his life and one he wishes not to remember ever again.

Throwing that out of his thoughts he continued to go through all the images of creatures he could imagine, finally arriving at one that took central thought's in his mind 'Yes that will do to start'

Focusing he inhaled a heavy breath and exhaled calmly, the mystical energy flashed around the training arena again glowing much brighter.

The energy then convulsed moving across the ring converging onto four points around the purple dragon.

Enlarging the four points of mystical energy begun to form into shapes. Then the light from the energy begun to die slowly revealing a form of creature from within the build-up. The mystical mass of energy dissipated away as quick as the light before it, revealing the creature to be a mere grublin.

A small creature not much bigger than a mole, covered in a green colour over its body, limbs so small bone like, their faces with roots like holes all over its mouth area and grass wooden spikes grown out its head.

These creatures were created through an artificial means unknown to the world other then the late dark master replacing the former apes.

Some scientists had attempted to study and try to understand how Malefor brought them into existence to no avail the bottom line was for most species in the Realms they never should have existed and be returned to such state.

Spyro closed his eyes adjusting himself standing still inhaling a large breath mentally preparing himself, second the energy completely dissipated off the grublin's all four pushed themselves charging towards the purple dragon in the centre.

His face digits narrowing slightly concentrating and remaining very still not moving out the way at all, the grublin's almost on him with the one directly in front of him leaping up in the air arms raised with his club up ready to throw down.

The dragon remaining motionless as if he was leaving himself open to attack., he grublin now within range threw his club down towards his target.

With just a split second left the purple dragon shot his eye's open and at great speed slipped his head towards left arching it to avoid the club just missing his horn and grabbed the grublins arm.

Spotting to his left another grublin preparing to attack him spun himself around pulling the grublin he held knocking into the attacker knocking it down.

Following up he lunged the grublin throwing him into the third sending them both hurtling to the side of the arena dazed.

Spotting the fourth performing a jump also angled his right claws and threw them at it slicing upwards into the chest of the grublin.

Hitting his target on the mark the grublin wailed in pain spinning, slamming onto his back and going motionless following immediately with the body disintegrating into energy.

Spyro turned back to see one of the grublins running at him, slamming his paws, Spyro ran at him bending his head forward angling his horns and crest to be aimed towards the small creature.

Throwing his horns upwards impacting the grublin sending it hurtling through the air into the wall instantly killed from the sharp attack and impact.

The purple dragon wasted no time and headed at the two just beginning to recover from the daze inflicted on them, one of them shaking their head and holding the blade upwards ready to attack the purple dragon.

Swiping the blade from what side to the other trying to catch the dragon when he got up to him.

Spyro leaped above the blades path before anchoring his tail and shooting his tail blade into the chest of the still downed grublin while impaling the other one in the upper chest with his claws.

Gargling and struggling the grublin grabbed Spyros' fore arm with both his paws and tried to struggle.

Energy and life sapping away in seconds the dragon retraced his claw and the Grublin expired disintegrating along with the other.

All four grublins were defeated, always an advantage was the deadliness and ferocity of close quarters battling as the body of a dragon is literally a weapon of its own.

Swiping his paw Spyro looked ahead to see another swirl of energy build up before him, this time much bigger and the arena materialised an orc equipped with an axe, armoured in what appeared to be scales and bone.

Spyro shifted his fore legs to his side lowering his head slightly battle ready to face the opponent.

Within a second two more blobs of energy formed grublins opposites sides of the dragon already within striking distance, reacting quickly to the danger.

Spyro threw all his legs up right way spinning his whole body, extending his wings out, the edges catching the grublins head upwards or downwards knocking them both off balance.

The one to Spyros' left after finishing the spin dropped his weapon instantly deciding on which to target first.

Leaping to his right baring his claws on both paws teared into the one still holding its weapon, grappling it before impaling with one of his horns instantly killing the creature.

The dragon spotted the orc begin to run at him axe raised above his head, Spyro unfurled his wings again organising himself.

The orc jumped shelling the axe down to impale the dragon, beating his wings sneaked to the left side with the axe crashing into ground, Spyro readying his claws to attack the orc.

Spotting the danger, the orc reacted using his right arm and throwing it backwards with a fist, Spyro already up close failed to spot it in time and got swiped across his jawline the force snapping him away.

Catching himself his claws skidding across the floor leaving a mark as he came to a stop.

Spyro was surprised by that manoeuvre the orc created to defend itself, they never usually attack unless with their axes.

A slight thought pushed into his mind wondering if the creature could have adapted to the danger in the moment, as if it knew it couldn't react in time with its axe.

Two years ago, had such an attack hit Spyro it would have knocked him down, thankful that growing was also making him physically stronger in addition to his training.

While he was nowhere the physical strength of a fully-grown dragon like the guardians, he was more then capable of going claw to claw with many strong creatures.

Noticing the grublin recovering and ready to join the orc in attacking him, Spyro pushed himself sniping himself at the grublin taking the weaker target and cut off any support for his tougher opponent, slashing his claws a few times into the grublin's body making quick work it before the purple flash and crumbling away.

Turning his attention to the orc to see he stretched his axe out on one hand twisting his body round, seeing the stance shot his eyes opening knowing what would happen next.

He lowered himself as the orc jumped into the air spinning the axe at a rapid speed. Jumping forward rolling himself slipping underneath just missing the axe.

Pushing his legs forward to catch him and swing round to face his opponent and jumped back at him, the orc twisted himself and held the Axe out catching Spyros' claws.

Taking another swipe with the axe blocking again, the orc countered him slamming his axe into Spyros' snout tumbling him backwards with a gasp escaping his mouth.

Shaking his head to unblur his vision from the strike a hint smile lit up on his maw for a second glaring his eyes, the orc was more challenging then he thought, he still hadn't landed a single blow on it yet.

Deciding to not waste anymore time on this one opponent and kick it up a notch. He let his body tense up as he felt a surge of power pulsate in his body.

The orc moved towards him again ready for another attack raising his axe to his side, Spyro took a step forward and his maw opened up with a small sparkle radiating.

A volley of yellow volts shaping into a pillar rocketed at the orc catching it completely off guard, the jolt of electric power overwhelming its entire body dropping the axe and going into a spasm.

The purple dragon became encased in a red aura burning in flame and bolted at the orc slamming into its chest and encasing the orc in flames and hurtling him to the ground, slashing onto his chest battered down and writhing in the pain, unable to move coordinated in any fashion.

Escaping out of the flames, Spyro leaped above brining his paws and clenching them together as a green coloured shade illuminated on the bottom halves of his fore legs, raising them above his head he plummeted down crashing the clenched fist of paws into the orc's back.

Bending unnaturally the orc wailed in agonising pain such force from an earth attack of such force would be enough to break the bones in its back had it been a real target.

The creature going limp quickly with life escaping the body and disappearing, Spyro removed himself and stop back normally taking a small breath and exhaling satisfied.

Not surprised that the second he got serious and brought his elements into the fight it couldn't have been any easier for him, it was child's play if he was honest with himself.

"Bravo Spyro, an excellent display"

Hearing the voice directly behind him he turned himself to see none other then Pyrus along with two armoured dragon guards entering the hall.

Fully positioning himself Spyro bowed to the electric dragon.

"Thank you Pyrus, a little bit of difficulty initially on that orc, he seemed to have anticipated me a bit of for a target but once I used my elements there was no problem"

"I noticed…and people wonder how we won the war; I wish I was that well-trained double your age"

Spyro appreciated the flattery, often he would receive it when he had spectators observing him mix his abilities in quick reactions.

Pyrus now stood in front of the dragon looking down to him asked.

"How are you feeling? Ready to get underway with your examination?"

A slight confusion caught onto the purple dragon looking back to the guard captain.

"Is it already time for me to start?"

"Oh no Spyro you have a few minutes yet but there is no rush take your time to recover from your training"

"I appreciate that sir, but I had barely begun to use any of my energy and besides I won't be doing that much combat, will I?" Pyrus shook his head and smiled inspired at the purple dragon.

"No of course not I was merely offering… Besides were still waiting for a few to arrive first so take a moment to relax and compose yourself, I need to ready myself as well and check some notes first before we begin anyway."

Pyrus moved away off the arena sitting himself next to a table, attached to his lower neck was a strap and with some pockets by the top for carrying items.

Undoing it and setting it on the table and went through.

Spyro decided to follow his instructor's advice and scooted over to one of the green mana crystals situated in the room.

Proceeding to tear a small chunk off the top absorbing into his body, although he had used minimal energy in the training it always gave a refreshing sensation when recharging.

Although as Dragon's age into young adults and adult onwards they develop the ability to naturally replenish their mana themselves overtime usually boosted by drinking, eating or resting, but it would always be much quicker to use a mana crystal.

Time passed with Spyro sat next to the lined exterior of the arena patiently awaiting the moment for Pyrus to call him forward, many dragons had arrived to witness the event including the guardians and even councillor Seyrus.

Flame and Frost were present offering Spyro some praising words to push him when he starts.

The purple dragon noticed Krytus was also in the room sat near the wall not looking fully interested Terrador had taken him on as his apprentice to be the next earth guardian.

He was older than Spyro but only a couple of years, he always struggled to make conversations sometimes with the earth dragon but was courteous enough to be around; although something always struck him as odd about the dragon but could never put his claw on it.

One however he had yet to see arrive was a familiar black dragoness, although she stayed in her room, he would be shocked if she does not turn up being the most excited out of all.

He laid his mind on it wanting to see her the most out of all of them, he was beginning to worry she wouldn't turn up.

To miss one of the most important moments he was going to experience would sadden him greatly, his thoughts were interrupted when he heard a voice become louder.

"Spyro…. hey Spyro you in there?"

Blinking his eyes a few times is vision regained its normal view for him to spot Flame attempting to gain his attention.

"Spyro?"

"Yes, Flame I'm alright, sorry I just had my mind on some things"

The Fire apprentice curious to the purple dragon's distraction.

"Well are you okay? You seem a little tense"

"Just anxious to get going"

"Spyro you will be fine. If anything, this should be easy for you" said a very confident Frost giving him a sweet smile.

"I know Frost"

Looking her in the eye.

"Once I get started, I will be focused like you will not believe. Anyway, what are you two getting up to after this?"

Flame spoke up first "I'm gonna go hunting for some lunch out the city after this, Fancy some fresh meat?"

"Not me I'm at the caring group with some hatchlings later, I'll let you boys get your claws dirty" replied Frost gritting her claws against each other while Spyro on the other hand was swayed in on the idea.

"You know Flame I think I might join you for that after this if all goes well"

"Great I know just the spot to hunt for some sheep or deer or maybe even rabbit."

They were interrupted by another voice calling to them.

"Spyro we are ready to begin now."

Those words caught Spyro's attention turning himself to face Pyrus calling him over, all the dragons in the room quietened down from their conversations and focused their attention while the purple dragon walked over to the electric dragon.

Standing before him looking up into the eyes of the guard captain, the moment he had finally been waiting for was upon him and it was tough to contain the excitement burrowing through him.

The anticipation chewing through his mind as if it was an irritating scratch to get him going, Pyrus's expression went serious his eyes slightly narrowing and his maw lining straight to show little emotion.

"Before we begin there is one thing, I must know you fully understand?"

This peaked the purple dragon's curiosity focusing his fully undivided attention to every word that would now escape the electric dragon's maw.

"When we begin when I control what will be happening, I'm going to manipulate the mana force so you will be experiencing this differently, while in reality this will not be real to anyone in this room; when you set paw into that arena your mind will think as if it is real the situations you will experience your body will react and give the feelings as if a decision you make will be final."

"Really? How will that be possible compared to any training sessions anyone practises on?" questioned a confused Spyro with one brow raised.

"A little trick with our mana magic, it was used quite commonly in the past with training but since the dark times we restrict the use of it to guardian or guards training… or for your own use if you know how to do it, we however wouldn't allow it to be used with young dragons as it can overwhelm an untrained or developed mind."

A bit of mumbling could be heard around the room after that statement; Spyro's friends in particular.

The purple dragon himself was a little unsure of how to respond at first, what if it was dangerous to him, he wondering and what could happen if he got affected, especially since he was still pretty much in the category of young dragons although he would soon become an adult.

Pyrus spotted on his face he was beginning to worry and made a small nervous chuckle.

"Oh, don't worry Spyro it won't have a bad effect on you much younger than you usually up to the age of sixteen, that was a poor choice of words."

Deciding to move on from the subject Pyrus cleared his throat.

"Anyway, it's just to help with testing your decision making nothing more."

It made more sense now it was no wonder they used this ability to test, ensure of who they were giving the responsibility of such roles of protecting the innocent would act.

"So Spyro I have already gone through the questions of situations with you before, I will have you go through three situations you would encounter as a guard, they will be completely random and in order for you to pass you must execute two of the scenarios correctly and the third with only minimal error, understood?"

Instantly nodding his head quickly to the electric dragon Spyro pumped himself the anticipation taking its' toll on him.

"Yes sir, I understand and ready to begin"

"Excellent, then take your place in the centre of the arena when you are ready to begin" Pyrus turned himself and exited the arena ground taking his place next to the two guard dragons also overseeing.

Spyro took his position in the centre of the arena, all eyes on him, he closed his eyes for a moment and inhaled heavily, letting out a huge breath letting the air relax his body and muscles.

Composing himself ready for what he was about to experience would be a big moment of his life.

He could hear some steps of claws hitting the stoned floor approaching, opening his eyes to spot Cynder arriving at last, his face instantly lighting up from her presence.

She exchanged hellos with the dragon's she passed making her way and sitting next to Flame and Frost.

He wanted nothing more than to run over and embrace her, but he knew it wasn't the place and since they were still a secret; a secret he hoped wouldn't be for too much longer.

The black dragoness however couldn't help and made a sly wink towards him, the grin on his face got bigger as he returned the gesture, he turned back to face forward breathing one more sigh before nodding.

"Ready"

This was it; it was finally going to happen, all or nothing.

Pyrus nodded back to him and closed his eyes looking like he was concentrating.

"Ok Spyro your first task I want you to approach the situation you will see before you and decide on the correct course of action to resolve it."

Spyro took focus as a faint magical aura begun to form around the arena, before him the entire image of the world was changing everyone around him was fading away and the room was splitting and the ground before him disintegrated for a moment looking like he was floating high in the sky.

The ground reformed into a more structured path with small buildings assembling around him taking the shape of a street in the city.

It gave the sensation he had warped from one area to the other his thought's running wild as it felt like fresh air permeating and sunlight draping him from a beautiful blue clear sky.

Things were still moving around with grass growing into place or any polls for mana lamps in the evening everything came together and now it was like he was in the real world.

Now all of sudden he could see more magical energy begin to materialise creatures be it moles, dragons, atlawa's, cheetahs.

Even a species he didn't see much were foxes twice the height of moles, they too stood on two legs and wore clothing like cheetahs.

"Spyro can you hear me?" the familiar voice of Pyrus echoed through his mind.

"Yes, captain I can hear you but…" twisting his head he couldn't spot the electric dragon "I can't see you"

"That's good now look straight ahead and you will see your objective" Spyro still looking around was slightly confused.

How was he able to hear but not see the dragon? Something was peculiar about it all.

It was then that it pinged in his mind.

'Oh, I see this is what he means by it looking real in mind. While in the magical aura I can't see outside of the arena and it looks like the world around me, it's amazing…Hmmm reminds me of when I had those dreams with the chronicler'

Regaining his sense of self after everything he just witnessed, he looked forward to see a male and female dragon looking roughly around his age in what appeared to be a heated argument, walking forward to them to investigate and see what he could learn.

Outside everyone was watching the purple dragon in the centre, the only thing that had materialised for them to see were the two dragons that Spyro would be focusing his attention on.

Cynder was caught puzzled by happening and leaned over to Flame whispering.

"Hey Flame, what's going on? it's as he can't see us all around him"

"Well you see Pyrus has changed it a bit manipulating the arena of its mana energy to make everything around look real to Spyro as if he was in the real world and what was happening before him actually happening.

And it will all feel real, part of the exam to access his decision making"

The black dragoness was speechless, wondering what Spyro was seeing around him.

Betting it was exciting and it knew cleared up why he was acting very confused and realistic at first.

"However!"

The word escaping the fire dragon's maw snapped Cynder back to him.

"He said it can be dangerous to a very young dragon; or to someone with an undeveloped or untrained mind… apparently, it could overwhelm them with everything the mind is seeing and experiencing."

"What" Cynder uttered out loudly capturing a couple of gazes from some of the other dragons, realising she attracted some attention she settled back down but was beginning to be frantic with worry.

"Are you saying this could hurt Spyro…and they are going ahead with it"

"No Cynder, Spyro agreed with it and Pyrus assured it wouldn't affect Spyro as he was above those conditions, don't worry he wouldn't have done so otherwise" said Flame jumped by the slightly aggravated reaction from the dragoness.

She turned back to watching Spyro with her eyes slightly narrowed and her demeanour darkened slightly.

'This better not affect him in any way for their sakes'

Spyro approached the pair of dragons' who were a male earth dragon and a female white wind dragon. Keeping his distance at first so he could assess what was transpiring.

"I told you to stay away from me, after you hurt my little brother you have some nerve even speaking to me Tixir."

"Oh, come on Zola, it was an accident we don't need to fallout over something so silly."

A curious Spyro was wondering what the dragon did to hurt the young dragon mentioned, but it didn't give him cause to get involved for now in what was occurring, Zola took a step back.

"I don't care my friends told me there was something off-putting about you. You don't give me space and always have to know what I'm doing. You don't see me dipping into your whereabouts all the time do I."

Tixir shook his head and stepped forward.

"Look we were great together, why don't we go for a walk to the temple gardens and forget about all this ridiculous nonsense?"

"I said no, you're a creep and you've been harassing me ever since we broke up you scratch my hatchling brother because he was excited and I am meant to forget about that, now go away" replied by Zola very angered by the situation.

Spyro could see it was heated and this Tixir was definitely suspicious from where he stood. From what he could tell he was a bit possessive of the dragoness. The earth dragon stepped forward and grabbed the wind dragonesses forearm "I don't think so, not until we sort this out"

Spotting that triggered in the purple dragon's mind to immediately intervene he stepped forward towards the pair.

"Excuse me is there a problem here?"

This is none of your business buddy; this is private conversation and if you don't mind leaving that would be nice" Tixir huffed at the purple dragon not paying him any worth.

The wind dragoness struggled before swiping her forearm out of the earth dragons grip and Spyro took a step closer.

"Is this dragon bothering you milady?"

"Yes, guard he is, I'm trying to get him to leave me alone but doesn't get the hint"

Spyro strode in closer turning his attention to the green dragon.

"I see well the lady has spoken, she doesn't want you around her and from what I just saw you should get out of here now before there's a problem"

The dragon smirked pompously at the purple dragon.

"You think I'm intimidated by you; you should mind your own business if you know what's good for you before a problem does occur for you besides…"

Turning his attention back to the dragoness his harshly said.

"You think I'm not good enough for you, I could make you happy…It's not like another dragon would notice or give you any time at all. the comment stung the dragoness a bit but Spyro could see it was getting more heated.

"I'd stop right there and walk away; all I have seen here is a very arrogant dragon harassing this dragoness so I'd get lost" Tixir turned his attention to the purple dragon glaring with a snarl.

"You insult me? I can take you now get out my way before I start on you"

Threatening a guard was practically almost putting all your cards on the table, Spyro knew words were not going to cut it alone and tapped a paw forward.

A column of rock shot out of the ground in front of the earth dragon stopping right at his snout surprising him backing up.

"That is your only warning, don't threaten others and stay away from her…If I catch you intimidating her again there will a situation on your paws…now get out my sight"

The dragon taken aback snorted before turning around and scarpering. The dragoness sighed relieved at the action as the earth pillar shrunk back into the group and the ground returned to natural shape.

"Thank you, guard, I don't think I would have gotten rid of him by myself"

An obliging Spyro made a small bow smiling at her.

"Of course, miss happy to help. Will you be alright?"

"Oh, definitely I was just on my way home when i bumped into him. It's not far" said Zola very grateful to the purple dragon.

"Ok then if he causes any trouble don't hesitate to inform me or another guard"

"Of course, sir, I'll be on my way now. Thanks very much"

You take care of yourself"

The dragoness left heading away down an adjacent street. Humbled he did his job keeping everything under control.

Suddenly everything around, him begun to change, the ground and buildings around in begun breaking into pieces and the creatures around him disappearing.

The sky winding until it reverted away, bringing Spyro back into the temple arena hall.

The magical aura ceasing around him to see all the dragons sat watching his performance with Pyrus declaring.

"Right Spyro that was very well done"

The purple dragon felt relieved hearing the words out of the dragon's mouth, like an anchor lifting off his back content he had performed correctly.

"How are you feeling?"

"I feel great, I'm ready to face the next one"

"Glad to hear, I don't see any negative effects so you I'm happy for you to continue as normal, are you ready to continue?"

Spyro settled himself back down looked around to his friends, Sparx floating between frost and Cynder giving him two thumbs off.

Flame and frost with big approving smiles, turning to Cynder a hint of a loving gaze and she mowed her jaw as if mouthing words to him.

Spyro imagined it as "You're doing amazing" but he wasn't too sure.

Turning to the guardians and getting nods of approval from Terrador, Cyril and Volteer. Full of confidence Spyro looked forward "Rea…."

His answer interrupted by sudden shaking out of nowhere, the floor crumbling staggering everyone.

Spyro catching himself with paws being shaken slightly, gasp's and talks erupted in confusion and frazzled.

The purple dragon looked around to see everyone was alright as small specks of dust fell from the ceiling.

"What was that?" exclaimed Seyrus alarmed by what just happened.

"I don't know but I thought I heard some kind of explosion too" stated one of the guards in the room as Pyrus looked towards the room entrance.

"I suspect it came from outside." he stepped forward to the centre of the room "Is everyone alright?"

One by one all of the dragon's and one dragonfly confirmed to him they were alright and no harm had befallen, but now was no time for relax he had to find out what happened.

"We need to find out what happened." looking to the guards near the door Pyrus commanded to them.

"With me we need to determine the cause of that tremor" the electric dragon turned to Spyro "You come as well Spyro, the exam will have to be paused"

Of course, sir, let's get going" agreed the purple dragon.

The guard captain then heard Cynder speak up too.

"I'll come as well" the black dragoness stepped forward next to Spyro determined to help.

Normally Pyrus wouldn't let non-guards get involved but he knew Cynder was one he could count on and never refuse.

"Very well Cynder, you stick with Spyro"

Both the young dragons agreed in understanding as the captain turned to the guardians.

"Can you manage here and keep an eye on the Councillor and everyone else?"

"I'll come with you captain; you may need help with civilians. Volteer and Cyril will keep everyone calm and the temple managed" Terrador said coming forward to lend his aid and if Pyrus knew one thing is not to turn down a guardian's help although the guardians were his superiors.

"Very well then, let's move." The group made their way out of the room quickly to investigate what could have caused what they all felt.

Their nerves were in motion as to what they would go outside to discover had happened.

Wow first of all apologises for the delay in this chapter coming out. Had a bit of a rough time so had to put this on hold for a bit.

Now first off, I wish to state something. I have received reviews asking me about other stories I have done or have said wanting sequels. Now I do appreciate your interest but I would be grateful if the reviews could be focused solely on this story and what you think and not onto other stories. This isn't all of you and I appreciate everyone's support. If you can respect that I would be very grateful.

Anyway, onto the chapter this one actually took a while for me to word together thinking of how to work it in the dragon world while not making it sound to far-fetched. I hope I Succeeded. Figured it was a chance to experiment with a new idea too. One thing I'm sure I'm gonna get fired on is the combat now I'm sure you can appreciate that dragons are deadly when they are an enemy and in my mind those claws, horns, spike and what else isn't just for show although I'll try not the overpower characters but consider Spyro is two years older, more grown and stronger so of course it will be a piece of cake for him on certain enemies.

I hope to get the next chapter out much sooner. I've already started working on it. Just got to work out some details. Thanks again for reading and please leave some thoughts for me. It all motivates and pushes me. Thanks a lot, and see you next chapter.