Chapter 10: Brewing

Seraph and his guard group of moles and dragons patrolling through, near the main path of travelling traders. Deployed to the Tranquil forest, the lush forest trailing close to the city.

Seraph taking charge assigned the mission by the guardians and his superior. Seeking to establish a strong presence in the lush environment, having been in contention for so long.

Looking around him to make sure all of his allies within sight. An abundance of tree's covered in leaves and soft grass at his paws could feel so soothing, bringing a rift of calm to his nerves.

Yet he knew in his mind, he couldn't afford to rest. One realisation never leaving his merry of thoughts, He is in dangerous territory… They all are. Now was the time to be ready for anything.

Seraph looking around eyes narrowed, checking his surroundings knowing the complexity of their current situation can change in the blink of an eye and he wanted to be ready.

Being in the Tranquil forest dropped a veil of caution over everyone, knowing the remnant forces of grublins could be right around the corner.

They pressed onwards, paws brushing against the grass. Putting to one side the soothing feeling it graced them with, keeping themselves on to the path before them.

"Have we heard anything from Tepuis and his group again?" asked one mole.

"Not since we received their message from the falcon a couple of days ago," answered one dragon in the group.

"Hmm…" the motion escaping Seraphs maw "I'd have thought we would have seen them by now…"

"To be honest, sir, the forest is huge. They could be anywhere," said a fire dragon, draped in armour walking beside the knight.

The knight heard their answers, compelled to agree. Slouching his head to the right pondering the answers from his dragons.

"I suppose so. I'm sure at some point we may cross paths again… until then let's stay focused," barked Seraph. Calling the order to his group, acknowledging his directive.

With the chatter silenced, they soldiered on down the path; the dragons watching the edges of their sight, peaking around the bushes and trees. Other than the bustling of wind blowing against the leaves and their steps, they heard nothing.

One mole grasping his crossbow tight, watching the line. Forced to look around the bushes being much smaller than the tall dragons around him.

"Four days since that last encounter with the remnant, it's been quiet," an ice dragon said.

"I agree, I wonder if we are making dents in their numbers at last," replied a fire dragon.

Ahead of them, Seraph listened in to the two guards have their little conversation. He knew the grublins were still out there, ready to manifest at any moment.

Yet listening in on the two guards he had to wonder, were they beginning to make a break in the remnant numbers after all this time? It would be a relief to them all, Seraph knew from the war how much they hurt their numbers, the apes before them.

Deciding on putting such thoughts to the wayside until they were back within the walls of Warfang, right now he ran through his mind. Get everyone through this assignment, battling through the enemy or not.

Looking to his right, one dragon looking to the floor in front of his paws. His breathing stiff and movement rigid, Seraph calming his tone said to him "Hey Xavir. Are you okay?"

The young ice dragon smiled, a sense of edginess crawling through him "Yes sir. I'm hoping we can head back to Warfang soon".

"Don't worry I will finish us after today, then the next group will swap to relieve us. Once we are back home, we can all get some much-needed rest," said Seraph reassuring the younger dragon.

"That sounds great sir… this has been my first patrol of Tranquil and my first encounter with the remnant ever," stated Xavi.

"Oh…" Seraph feeling curious, the young dragons' words prompted to him "You never fought the dark armies?"

"No… my tribe stayed in hiding when the dark war happened. I never fought or trained in combat until the search party found and brought us to Warfang," said Xavir, dropping his head looking upon his front paws again.

Seraph noticing the effect this could have on the young ice dragon, his thoughts occupying. Spared from the dark war? No wonder he seemed so nervous, anxious of it all.

The poison dragon feeling a swell of pride tapped Xavir with his wing across his back "Xavir for your first assignment out of the city, you have performed very well. Your tribe will be very proud of you."

Xavir felt his spirt lifting from those words, his superior having that faith in him was heart-warming "Thank you, sir."

Seraph looked around him, checking on the rest of his group.

Spotting the other dragons and moles walking together, looking around however something wasn't feeling right.

The poison dragon couldn't put his paw on it, something was of place. Stopping himself from walking any further, calling out to the others.

"Wait!"

The rest of the group halted their movement on the order, shifting round looking upon their leader, emotions running of curiosity and confusion.

"Where is Valus?" said Seraph, realising that one of his dragons is missing, but the confusing thing racing in his thoughts. He was here just a moment ago, I had my eyes on him and the others.

The entire group threw themselves twisting and turning in different directions, looking for any sign of the dragon.

Separating from each other, the dragons looking over and under the trees or around any bushes. Calling out for the missing dragon.

"VALUS?" "VALUS, WHERE ARE YOU?"

The many callings echoing into the surroundings, Seraph listening for a response or even a noise. But nothing, there was no response at all.

The poison dragon grew frantic, looking for any sign of movement in the tree line. His thoughts stopped. His eyes frowning, his muscles tensing as he started scanning the surroundings again.

Remembering where they were, deep within dangerous territory.

Other than the breezing leaves, Seraph still heard nothing out of the ordinary. Becoming uneasy with the situation developing before him.

The poison dragon turned his attention back to Xavir, feeling anxious about this situation, there was no way Seraph was going anywhere a dragon short.

He took the step forward towards the young dragon, but he stopped in his tracks. His hearing light up, a quiet whistling noise growing louder by the second.

A quiet gasp of air built in his maw, looking around him trying to identify what that noise was.

The ground beside him erupted. A powerful force of an explosion blowing in all directions, Seraph getting caught in the force, a gasp escaped him.

The dragon blown off his paws, his body bending away from the force crashing into a tree.

Many members of the group suffering similar, smashing into the ground. Laying on their sides, others crashing into stone or bush. Some were clear watching the chaos unfold. Bits of rubble and dirt raining all over.

Seraph struggling to move, his senses overloaded in pain. His vision blurry and giddiness setting in, bits of dirt slapping across his entire body. His eyes blinking rapidly, a groan escaping his maw.

Xavir watching his comrades on the ground only to look to his left, spotting two objects flying at them. Catching them in time to look like arrows, bequeathed in energy. Booming into the surroundings erupting in an instant.

The shock-wave blowing out of destructive energy sending dragons crashing into different objects, howls of pain echoing all over. One mole down on the ground, overwhelmed in anguish from the explosion.

Seraph with the ringing in his mind and hearing struggled. Twisting his body over, slamming his paws to the ground to rise himself back up.

"GRUBLINS!"

A loud shout Seraph but hearing that single word shot alarm into his system. Shaking his head to relieve the blurring sights, hearing more explosions and shouting. Following through he heard blasting of energy, powering up and even more bursts.

Picking himself together, turning towards the source of the commotion. He spotted two dragons firing multiple blasts of electricity and ice through the tree line.

Seeing the engagement sprang him into action, running over towards his comrades. The electric dragon paused in his attacks shouting out "HIT HIM DOWN…. WATCH OUT!"

The electric dragon diving left out the way, the ice dragon not relenting. Seraph watching on to spot a tall bowman orc, spinning down straight at the ice dragon.

He attempted to jump out the way; the orc catching him straightened out and launched his right clenched fist smashing into the dragon's cheek, tints of saliva flying out his jaw. Such a strike crashing him to the ground, stunned by such a fast attack on his side.

The orc's entire body made up of bone magma looking armour, the openings in his legs daunting. And with the two horns grown above his helmet concealing his head part for his orange menacing eyes.

A crossbow equipped on one arm and the retracting swords across his other arm, a deadly combo even to dragons.

The orc aiming his crossbow at the fazed dragon, dark energy building up on the edges of the arrows. Ready to pull the trigger.

Only coming to stop at the last second, becoming distracted by what sounded like a rise of energy turning to spot Seraph charging towards him. Seraph opening his mouth, poison leaking out the sides dripping to the ground. His sights set on the orc.

Leaning his head back all ready. Pushing forward, he exhaled. Shooting a volley of poison straight at the orc. Jumping to his right to dodge the dangerous attack, missing most of it but a trail catching onto his arm.

The orc thrashing his arm up and down, the pain burning into his arm with the sizzling noises. The orc's body screaming in reaction, unable to stand still. Seraph noticing more of his team recovering from the earlier volley and coming to join in. Looking back to spot more orcs and smaller grublins rushing into the fight.

"EVERYONE, STAY FOCUSED. TAKE THEM DOWN,".

Seraph screamed out to his comrades, dragons lunging into skirmishes. Claws raised, weapons swiping into the fray

One Orc wielding an axe, coloured in orange boned armour running straight at the poison dragon. Seraph bent his front legs, positioning himself into his fighting form. Pooling energy through his body, his claws glowing with mana.

Gritting his teeth, he pushed his legs leaping at the orc raising his claws ready to strike.


#


The main infirmary in the city was bustling with activity, moles running back and forth. The hallway bustling into different rooms carrying different items. Terrador trying his best not to get nudged by one, keeping himself focused on the dragon healer before him.

"So, will he be fine?" quizzed the earth guardian.

"Yes guardian, his physical wounds being just cuts are very minimal. He got away from it pretty well, I expect him to remain unconscious for some time taking that blast but make a hopeful recovery," reported the healer.

Terrador turned his look at the fire dragon resting on a cushion, breathing as if he was taking a nap. Although the guardian caught by the bandages applied onto his minor wounds.

Curious to the method of healing, turned back to the healer "If I may ask… why have you applied bandages to him?"

"We wanted to make sure the wounds will heal after being checked and clean, despite being small wounds it is wise to not take any risks," answered the healer.

"I understand that healer but wouldn't it have been simpler to apply red crystals and heal the wounds straight away?" questioned Terrador.

The healer hesitated at the question, turning away for a moment to look at the patient. Terrador could see the troubled look glooming, waiting to allow her to come back to him "Well crystals would be the answer but… we had to put the bandages on. Even though there is physical damage to his scales, his body rejected the crystals".

That answer gave the earth guardian pause, his expression frowning in surprise. The same question occupying his thoughts; rejected? How is that possible?

Terrador turned his attention back onto the healer "His body rejected them? But that only happens when the body is at full health,".

The healer nodded, concurring with the guardian "Yes that is the case, but with these wounds the body isn't at full health. It is puzzling. We pressed the crystals against his body but no red glow or poof, the body didn't absorb the crystals."

Terrador looked towards the injured dragon again, this time with a look of worry. Contemplating what this might mean, his body unsettling from the development, his heart skipping from the shock of the words.

This is something never known to occur in a dragon. His thoughts raging on; sure, it's natural for the body to reject it at full health but he isn't. Could this mean anything? contemplating it throughout his thoughts.

He brought himself back out of his thoughts, keeping his composure in front of the surrounding creatures "So his body wouldn't absorb the crystals but apart from that he is fine?"

"Yes, despite being unconscious I'm sure there is a simple answer, the cuts are so insignificant his senses and nerves may not register the damage to his scales although it should have. I'm positive this will be just a onetime occurrence in him, after all he is not in any danger," The healer spoke very confident in her theory.

Terrador satisfied by her conclusion bowed to her "Very well, thank you for the information. I will check back in later on his condition, I need to investigate this matter,".

"It is my honour, guardian," thanked the healer turning back to rejoin the moles in the room tending to the wounded. Terrador ruffed a smile to the departing healer, glancing back at the injured dragon one last time. Ending up perplexed by the discovery.

Unwilling to let it distract him, he turned around and took his leave. Walking out of the infirmary into the bustling street before him. Turning to see a guard placed nearby he walked over and called him to attention "Excuse me?"

The guard came to immediate attention "Yes master Terrador, can I help you?"

"Spyro is on duty today is he not?" asked Terrador.

"Yes sir, he was sent to the western section today," answered the armoured guard.

"Okay, can you find him and tell him to come to the temple, I will be waiting in the guardian chamber. Oh, and do the same if you come across the fire apprentice flame," commanded the earth guardian on great authority.

"Yes, master Terrador. Right away," the guard acknowledged, Terrador thanked the guard for his cooperation. The dragon leaping into the air, flying off to find the dragons listed. Terrador wasted no time and journeyed himself to the temple straight down the path ahead of him.

Traveling to the destination arriving into the guardian's chamber at the heart of the temple. Terrador coming to find Pyrus. The captain sat in front of the pool of visions staring into the curious nature of the water. Cynder sat in front of one wall rowed with books. One opened, floating in the air before her draping in context regarding the elements.

She was deep in thought reading the contents, with a simple swipe of her paw, a bustle of wind energy radiating the book turned to the next page. A lot of text and small occasional drawings. Books written by the elders and guardians of the past, passing their knowledge to the generations after.

Her tail rounding her body, relaxed in its place. The texts of the book describing many ways of the elements. Reading into the more specific texts of shadow and fear, elements she wields, curiosity springing wanting to learn more about one that would have been her natural element and the other rare of any dragon to bear.

Only being sprung from her concentration by the sounds of the guardian's steps. Pyrus felt very welcoming to the guardian's presence, feeling upbeat "Terrador,"

Cynder moved her paw, pushing her claws together closing the book and upwards. The book floated off, returning to its place, slotting into the wall case. She got up, turning around to walk over to the pool.

Noticing the glum expression on Terrador's face pushed her to question him "Are you okay Terrador?"

"Hmm…" the guardian snapping himself back looking to the black dragoness "Oh yes Cynder, I am fine… just concerned".

He stood opposite Pyrus, the look of significance taking hold "I have sent for Spyro and Flame to come here at once, it is time we take this situation more seriously,".

"What situation might you be referring to master Terrador?" questioned Pyrus.

The captain had an inkling he knew what this would be about, considering he himself looked into the early cases.

"I will explain once Spyro is here," Terrador declared.

A hint of concern rushing into Cynder registering the name the guardian said. Instant questions flooding her mind "Is Spyro okay? Has something happened?"

"Don't worry Cynder, Spyro has been on patrol and I've summoned him. I want his input in this," Terrador said, looking to spot the concerned expression venting off the dragoness.

The answer enough to calm the dragoness with relief, knowing it didn't involve Spyro, but unable to shake the troubled feeling in her gut from the guardian's previous words.

The guardian turned his attention towards Pyrus "As you know Pyrus we have had two more incidents of mana crystal detonations and still do not know why… we need to discover the cause of this,".

Cynder thoughts rioting about these explosions. Yet to see one for herself, finding it difficult to imagine such a thing happening. These crystals… a gift from the ancestors, the life force of the dragon race.

Questions raging through her mind; Why is this happening? What could it mean? Will it stop? The answers in time she was hoping would come to light.

"Do you have any idea what this could mean, Terrador?" asked Pyrus.

A stiff breath blowing out of Terrador's maw, a gruff sigh following. The guardian left unsure of what to make of these events. He felt a creep of upset in his stomach, pondering down what could be possible to conceive. His tough exterior faltering, revealing a more disturbed one.

"I'm not sure what to make of it Pyrus…. It isn't something I could say to have encountered before," answered Terrador. Pondering over what to make of the situation befalling the city "Have your patrols reported other instances?"

"No! Just the one explosion near the granary, fortunately there wasn't any damage itself so the main food supply is secure," reassured Pyrus.

Terrador huffed in relief, his body settling from such news "One positive at least, that could have been a disaster".

"Terrador!"

The familiar voice of Spyro grabbing their attention to the entryway. The purple dragon and Flame rushing towards them. Spyro noticed Pyrus and Cynder also present coming to her side asking "Are you okay?"

"Yes, I've been in here, what about you?" Cynder asked back, prompting Spyro to tap a paw onto her leg. Reassuring her, the warmth creeping on her leg from his touch doing well to settle her.

"Yes, Cynder, I'm fine. I was on patrol at the western section," Cynder's body could settle from the relief in his words, dumbstruck as the two feared of being involved upon finding each other. Settling their nerves down for each other, with a dear smiling circling between the pair followed by nods.

"Can you two focus already, we didn't get called here just for you two to patter about," interrupted Sparx, flying into the room. Making the moment awkward for them both to shoot half-hearted grins at the dragonfly, only for him to cross his arms with a big cheesy smile.

"What's wrong, Terrador? Why have you summoned us?" questioned Flame, sitting himself on the edge of the pool, Terrador to his right.

"Now that you both are here, we can begin," Terrador prompted, bringing the room to attention, "Earlier today there was another mana crystal detonation near the granary building,".

"OH! It did not blow up any of the food, did it? I have worked hard getting the moles to get that stuff together," yelled Sparx, getting jittery over the building.

Terrador's first instinct was to brush off the comment from the dragonfly. But other than a curious look being shot towards him, he ruffed "The building is fine Sparx".

"Thank goodness!" Sparx sighed in relief, leaning backwards feeling content of the situation, that rush of worry coursing through him lifted in an instant "The amount of work I have put in the…"

Terrador cleared his throat, interrupting the dragonfly's sentence uninterested in continuing the diversion "As I was saying, being near the building but fortunately spared of any damage… however two dragons sustained injuries this time,".

The words of the guardian burst a seed of worry through the purple dragon's system. He could remember the fires last week and how deadly they were, having discovered mana detonations started them.

"I'm sure you can remember the fires to those houses Spyro?" asked the guardian, Spyro nodding to confirm for him "Well, after the investigation it confirmed they were also the result of mana detonations,".

Spyro felt a hint of shiver tingle his scales, remembering bright as day about those fires. So much damage caused by those explosions. His bold move having to save the young kit trapped in her room, fighting the fires and being knocked around by the bursts. It was a memory he wouldn't forget in a hurry.

"As of now, there have been nine incidents of detonations throughout the city and seeming more common as of the last couple of days…. The worrying fact is few creatures have witnessed these explosions except for the victims. We still know nothing on why this is occurring and why so sudden," Terrador explained stating the facts of the dilemma at hand.

"I was close by when the latest detonation occurred and I could witness what happened either," added Pyrus.

Flashback… earlier in the day.

"Thank you for your help today captain, it would have been a tough job on my own," a mole said expressing his gratitude to the captain for assisting him on fixing his stand.

"My pleasure, hopefully now the stand will be sturdier with the metal cooling," answered Pyrus.

"Definitely… and I can apply more weight onto it now, making my job much easier," explained the mole "Anyway captain, I've taken up enough of your time, I'm sure more important business will require your attention,".

"Of course not, we are never too busy for the citizens of Wa…." Started Pyrus before stopping in his tracks. His attention wavering to his right, an overwhelming sound of a bang, followed by a short burst of a shock-wave nudging the yellow dragon.

Spotting destructive energy barrelling upwards, smoke and a burst of fire following afterwards behind a couple of houses.

"What the…" pausing his words, his mind processing what he witnessed. He heard screams from many creatures in the surrounding area. The electric dragon reacted, bringing his composure together. Thrashing his legs, dashing off towards the explosion.

His heart racing with the adrenaline rushing through his body. Emotions flaring in his mind of what could have occurred, desperate to find out what has happened. Reaching the end, dragged himself around the corner.

His steps slowed down as he laid his eyes on the scene before him. So much smoke hazing the surroundings. Two foxes helping each other, coughing their way out of the smoke, Pyrus noticing the bruises on them.

Little sparks of heat dripping over the cobblestone, a sizzle following for a moment before ceasing. Pyrus rushed over to the foxes "Are you okay?"

"Yes, we're fine. The edge of the explosion caught us but nothing serious" answered the male fox sitting the female down against a wall, coughing profusely attempting to catch her breath.

"Do you know what caused this?" Pyrus asked, feeling uneasy.

"It was a mana crystal! We weren't looking at it but caught a glimpse just as it went off," the male fox responded.

Pause gripped Pyrus's tongue, taking in the words he heard. His eyes widened, catching his breath at the moment. Shock overtaking his body.

'Another one?' Those words screeched his mind, again a crystal had blown up. Happening many times now was enough to funnel a sense of dismay into him. But for now, he forced himself to focus on the situation at hand.

"Was there anyone else caught by the blast?" questioned Pyrus.

"Yes, I saw a dragon, they were much closer than us," answered the fox.

Pyrus turned his head to look into the smoke, alarmed by the news he heard. Although dragons were tough creatures and take a lot of punishment, Pyrus was under no illusions about their wellbeing.

He hurried over to the smoke; the thickness was starting lighten up, more around to the fires. Much easier to see into and spot a single red dragon down on the cobble. Running to his side, placing his paw on the upper body and shook him.

"Hey can you hear me?" Pyrus called out to the dragon.

But nothing was his response, the dragon was completely out. Pyrus looked over his scales searching for any signs of injuries. Carefully turning parts of his body, but as far as he could tell he was not in any danger and can feel his breathing. The discovery sparked relief in the electric dragon.

Pyrus wrapped his paws around his upper chest and set about dragging him back, seeking to move him out of the smoke. The dragon's scales scraping across the cobble, his limbs all lining up in the same direction.

Pulling the dragon to safety away from the destruction. Pyrus moved him to a bench, laying him down next to it. He checked the dragon's breathing again, his worries vanished seeing it continued to be stable.

He looked up, surveying the surroundings. Everywhere looked battered by the blast, chunks of rubble all over the place, smoke still clearing. His eyes came to rest at a crystal pedestal, only small chunks of green crystal shredded from the top remain.

Pyrus could only feel disturbed, witnessing the carnage. Why was this happening? What is causing this? But one questioned raged in his mind above them all; Is this just the beginning?

Flashback end…

Pyrus describing the scene that took place earlier, everyone tuned in with undivided attention "No one as far as we can tell saw what happened to the crystal before detonation. It's still a mystery," Pyrus exclaimed, concerned about the developing crisis.

Such facts leaving Cynder, Spyro and Flame unsettled. Creatures being hurt by this mysterious reckoning of mana, leaving much to ponder looking between each other.

Cynder could feel her stomach twisting, a burst of apprehension shimming through her body. processing the fact, the destruction these crystals have are such an impact and throwing the city into chaos.

Spyro was having a similar experience, focusing on the fact dragons and other creatures dealt injuries, hurt by the disorder the dragons force was causing. He knew something needed to be done.

"Terrador" Spyro said patting one leg forward, moving his body with the motion, "We can't allow this to continue. How can we help?"

The guardian focused his attention to the purple dragon, admiring his hint of composure and eagerness to help "I'm glad you asked Spyro, I think it is time you three became involved in spearheading a new investigation into this mystery,".

"Yes, I have already sent a researcher to the site of the last explosion to get started," Pyrus continued.

Terrador started "So… Spyro, Cynder, Flame,".

Calling their names, one by one coming to attention, Terrador began "I want you three to go to the main infirmary and meet with the researcher and follow up and discoveries he has made,".

"Yes, sir!" exclaimed the three young dragons in unison, determination firing into their expressions.

The trio, along with Sparx turning away from the two older dragons, walked away exiting the chambers, proceeding through the corridors to leave the temple. Flame walking ahead of them as Spyro and Cynder just lagging, only a couple of hallways before reaching the entrance to the temple.

Cynder looks over to notice Spyro's posture, his movement while firm looked a bit off. Watching his expression, his eyes stumbled and looking between the path ahead of them and the ground.

"Spyro?" Cynder called, soothing to grab the purple dragon's attention. "You okay?"

Noticing the concern in her voice, the purple dragon picked himself up "I'm fine Cynder… I'm just wondering, why is this happening? What could it mean? I just have a bad feeling about this,".

The purple dragon looked back towards the path. Cynder could understand how the purple dragon was feeling, this whole situation carried a sense a dread into most of the dragon population, their life force igniting up into smoke and many getting hurt.

But she knew it had to stop, steeling a resistance into the weariness she nudged his side "Hey"

The purple dragon looked to see the confident smile draping Cynder's maw "We can do this, considering all we went through, we can figure this out".

Her optimism shining from her scales washing over the purple dragon. A smile creeping onto him "I suppose so, with all the puzzles we had to solve a couple of years back your probably right".

"Well, from what I can recall, we solved most of those puzzles by killing a few enemies and the door would open," teased Cynder. "I wish it would be that simple this time,".

"Ha-ha… true, it seems so much simpler, but hey if we solved all of those., I'm certain we can solve this one too," laughed the purple dragon.

"Hey as I recall it was me having to figure out most of the puzzles while you two took your sweet time," argued Sparx "You both would have been lost without me,".

"As I recall Sparx, I didn't see you doing much of the fighting that opened half those doors" Cynder shot the comment at Sparx folding his arms unimpressed at the dragonesses attempt to slur him.

"Once I had found the doors, I gave you the moral support to beat the bad guys," Sparx teased. Cynder rolled her eyes, brushing off the dragonfly's comments.

"You know Sparx, I bet I have asked this before but how do people put up with you," Cynder asked, attempting to make it sound genuine.

"That's just my charm babe, everybody loves me," the dragonfly proclaimed so confident, teasing the dragoness.

Cynder got stunned by what he said. Shot a disgruntled look at the dragonfly narrowing her eyes at him and stiffening her body "You know Sparx if anyone else called me that, they would be on the floor licking their wounds.

"You know it, no one can resist the Sparx charm," peaked Sparx. Expressing a huge cheesy smile right in Cynder's face.

"Well, you're the exception Sparx… I wouldn't want to get insect stains all over my scales," teased the dragoness.

"HEY!" Sparx barked, offended by the retort while Spyro left uninvolved was giggling to himself over the pair. It was crazy how at this point where Sparx and Cynder were so difficult with each other can now be like this. The purple dragon to him felt like it was some love/hate relationship, except in this case a very entertaining one.

Flame walking ahead of them listening in laughing his head off "Wow you guys are comedy; I need to hang out with both of you more often,".

"Flame… just don't," Cynder scolded, silencing the red dragons' giggles, dropping his head after hearing a hint of annoyance in her voice.

Only a few minutes later the group arrive at the scenes of the latest detonation, just outside the granary where many creatures enter and leave. A lifeline tending to the needs of the inhabitants.

Spyro wondered if this was actually where the latest of the explosions occurred, it seemed so peaceful and in motion it would be easy to mistake otherwise.

"Hey Spyro!"

The group heard a voice call out, all of them twisted their heads looking for the source. Cynder being the first to spot a black dragon waving them over holding a wing out. The group made their way over to him, stood next to a table and another recognisable dragon in the form of Oculus.

"Oculus, what are you doing here?" questioned Flame.

"Well, I am with my mentor here duh Flame", retorted the black dragon, skewing at the nativity from Flame.

"Tegrol, Oculus. Good to see you both," Spyro addressed the two dragons. The huge adult black dragon, Tegrol, dwarfed the young dragons around him. His scales were pitch black with a grey underbelly and a complete line of spikes leading from head to tail on his back.

"You too, Spyro. Though I wish it could have been under better circumstances," answered Tegrol, uneasy about the situation.

The researcher gestured all of them to gather around the table to look upon the items on the table. In the centre a map of the surrounding area of Warfang they were in, papers with text, peaking the young dragon's curiosity though was small shards of what they assumed were crystals yet blackened out.

"So, as you know Pyrus has had me and Oculus investigating these mysterious occurrences on the mana crystals," Tegrol started. "In random and undistinguishable areas these crystals have been detonating causing damage to the architecture surrounding and any unfortunate creatures close enough. And yet we have yet to witness what could cause such detonations,".

"And what has been worse is the crystals have not regenerated in the growths the detonations have occurred," continued Oculus, adding onto his mentor's explanation.

"From all the locations investigated we haven't as yet been able to make any worthwhile discovery into this," Tegrol stated, frowns of disappointment irking over the young dragons faces.

"However!" that one word caught their attention back right away to focus on Tegrol "From this latest site just opposite the granary we have found these small shards of the crystal, strangely enough they are the first remains we have found."

Spyro, Cynder and Flame glancing over the shards being pointed out to them, blackened out in colour. Flame moved a claw to touch one, but on contact nothing happened. There was no typical glow that would spring from the crystal.

"What does this mean?" questioned the fire apprentice.

"Exactly, the crystal is void of any mana. Emptied of the precious energy stored within for us dragons," answered Tegrol "We upon looking into these crystals suspect they have been drained of their power,".

"I see," interjected Cynder "So you suspect whatever is happening may have to do with the crystals being affected in the first place?"

"Precisely Cynder, however this puts another question on the table, what is draining our crystals? If that is even the case because a crystal would absorb into the dragons' body, melding to its system and empowering them. Yet these crystals emptied of their power," concluded Tegrol, relaxing himself from the long explanation.

Spyro listening to everything, left facing even more questions about this chain of events. Ones however that could have an answer. There was something to go on, an idea for them to pursue.

Yet, how would they go about investigating this path laid out to them? He thought about the specific question, but he would not sit and wait. Now was the time for action and he would be at the front of it.

"So… we need to investigate the crystals in the surrounding area and see if any of the crystals match this colour or appear odd," suggested the purple dragon.

"Typically, that would be what I would do… however, like I said no one has witnessed anything odd expect after the crystals have detonated. Yet who knows? They were not searching like we are may be the key," suggested Tegrol, advising the group.

"Okay, so in that case… Flame would you search the Eastern area from the granary?" asked Spyro, directing his attention.

"Sure Spyro. I know that area well," answered Flame. Approving himself to start with the search.

"Great," thanked Spyro "Oculus will you join us too?"

"Yes, I will be more useful checking then staying here," said Oculus.

Tegrol however intervened in their planning, focusing his attention on the shadow dragon "Actually Oculus, could you return to the site of the last explosions? See if you can gather anymore of these shards,".

"Yes mentor," Oculus bowed to Tegrol, understanding his role.

"So, Cynder," Spyro gestured to the black dragoness "Would you take the southern area? while Sparx and I will check the western part around the granary,".

"Okay," Cynder answered. Everyone taking on their different roles dispersed from the table. The black dragoness sputtering at Spyro one last time "Be careful boys".

"You as well Cynder," Spyro winked at the dragoness, her responding in kind and separated heading off in their different directions. Sparx floating by the purple dragon as they headed down a path to begin their patrol.

"Wahoo, team Spyro and Sparx are at it once more," the dragonfly boomed, spinning around in circles of excitement. Spyro couldn't help but shake his head, entertained by the dragonfly's antics.

Arriving down one path surveying the mana crystals they came across, checking them over with nothing appearing out of the ordinary. Even going as far pressing his paw against them with a glow blazing from the crystal for a few seconds.

They continued scaling around the streets, speaking to any inhabitants they came across Asking if they had seen anything out the ordinary with the crystals? Sometimes they may get odd stare or a question regarding the crystals. But so far it seemed nothing concrete.

After a time Spyro felt clueless. It was like he was walking around in circles not making any progress. After finding another mana crystal and taping it with his paw for the glow to radiate, he slouched.

Sparx was thinking similar, crossing his arms looking around bored "Well this is getting us nowhere… Tell me again why we agreed to this?"

"You know why Sparx, people have gotten hurt, and it's our responsibility to help whenever we can!" chattered the purple dragon.

"I know," Sparx moaned "But I was hoping it would be more interesting, you having to do something life-threatening and me leading the way,".

"Oh… you miss all those adventures we had?" asked the curious dragon.

"If I be honest…. maybe a little. It was fun travelling the land taking everyone down and being the hero,". Sparx answered, going glum.

Spyro opened his maw to speak but stopped, a tint of bright redness caught the edge of his sight. Twisting his head to the right to look at the mana crystal eyeing up the mystical object.

"Did you see that Sparx?" the purple dragon questioned towards his adopted brother.

"See what?" asked Sparx, springing around to look in the same direction. Confusion taking hold of his mind, rubbing a finger on his head "Erm… I don't know, what are we looking at?"

Spyro was sure he saw something. That tint of red just out the corner of his eye coming from the direction the crystal was. Yet it disappeared as fast as it appeared warding suspicion, he decided investigated the crystal again.

Stumbling around it looking for any hint of the colour. His eyes narrowed and his body tensed up as if he had entered a battle. Checking every angle and point of the construction. But it was strange, he wasn't finding anything out of the ordinary. Sparx watched his adoptive brother go around the crystal a second time, looking abysmal to wondering what he was doing.

"Bro, you must have seen things, nothing is wrong with it," the dragonfly gibbered.

Spyro halted his tracks, staring into the magical object, unsure of what to perceive at the moment. He could have sworn something caught his eye but looking over it all… there was nothing to warrant as suspicious.

The purple dragon couldn't help but wonder did he imagine that blink of red. Stoking one final glance at the crystal before relenting. Walking a few steps away from the crystal towards Sparx.

"Maybe your right… so where do you think we should look now?" asked the conceded dragon.

"Hmmm…" grunted the dragonfly "Maybe head back towards the granary, I got to check on all the food we made,".

"We?" questioned the purple dragon, a smirk brimming on his face "Wasn't it just the moles who sorted that food?"

"Hey, I worked hard pushing those moles. They wouldn't have got so far without me," Sparx argue. Feeling very much convinced of his leadership.

Sparx diverted his attention elsewhere, watching the creatures down the path. Spyro readied himself to speak again, only being halted at the last second. Hearing a massive ping and catching that brightness again.

Snapping himself around, he looked at the mana crystal again, this time not looking so green. Examining the contrast of mana, the green colour had faded, going into a pale black colour with a tint of red overlaying it.

Feeling curious turn to caution as the red brightened through the seconds. That pinging noise changing into what sounded like a build-up, becoming louder with the red.

"So anyway Sp…" Sparx turned back around, silencing himself on catching sight of the crystal looking so degraded. Feeling so confused watching the effects develop along. Spyro took a step closer, only one thing streaming his mind; What's happening to it?

The red light brightened even more, covering the entire crystal. The noise becoming so loud sounding higher and quickening. Spyro eye's widened in horror, suspecting what was happening and it was too late. Glancing at Sparx covering his face with his arms, exclaiming in fear. Cracks bulged all over the crystal and the brightening red was blinding.

Taking one last look at the crystal, it began convulsing. Realising what was about to happen turned to Sparx and leaped at him.

"SPARX!"

Throwing himself in front of the dragonfly and covering him, just in time to feel the sheer gust of wind, in a split second hearing a roaring thud, a wave of fire and destruction rocketed erupting into him blasting in all directions.

Whew…finally this chapter is finished. Typical to hear of me isn't it these days. Anyway, glad you are all still around.

As you can see it is time to up the antics, you may notice this has been a change to my style as I'm sure you can appreciate, I'm trying to improve myself and I realised one important thing, I've been more telling this story rather than showing it. It was time to get it right, so this is likely the first shot of showing the story through these character's eyes.

And you are all the judges of how I do at that. This will either please me or break my heart. But that's the life of writing, to keep pushing myself.

So, I hope you enjoy this chapter, very much turning up the antics now. Look forward to it, and there is a surprise heading your way but you will see it soon.