Chapter 19: Assemblage
Chatter filled the air around the temple atrium filled with countless dragons and moles. Some wearing armour, some wearing pouches and packs fitted around their neck or body. Most of the moles wearing their traditional goggles and helmets with an array of accessories across their arms. Some even holstered weapons across their waist or back.
Spyro and Cynder sat near the front of the pack, peering around themselves. Never were the two surrounded in such a large group of creatures made even more peculiar seeing so many moles armed, not a sight they regularly accustomed to. They looked all around them, amazed by the many dragons and moles assembled in this atrium. Spyro wondered if it was the entire guard within the city. He did a head count of all the dragons present, many of different sizes and colour spread around chattering amongst themselves. He had to guess there were at least a few dozen with the ones he could make out. It baffled him at they had summoned so many to this assembly, personally he wouldn't think a minor attack would warrant such an excessive number, nearly the entire guard of the city.
He looked towards Cynder, sharing his astonishment. Her jaw open wide like she made a silent gasp as her eyes peered in different directions. This felt strange to her, especially having never associated with so many of her own kind in proximity before, her past being the exception.
She turned to face Spyro, looking towards her with the same baffled expression and leaned over uttering as her eyes continued to trail, "Have you ever seen so many of the guard in one place?"
"Never!" confided Spyro, leaning over too, bringing their heads close to each other "It sure is a shock. I wouldn't have thought a minor attack would provoke such a response like this."
"Maybe they are just taking it seriously!" suggested Cynder.
"Probably…" hesitated Spyro. He continued to look around him towards the dragons and moles assembled around, not focusing one way "hmm… this is most of the guard… what is going to happen?"
"Well, whatever will happen can they get on with it soon!" cut in Krytus sat near Spyro, his eyes half closed as he looked disinterested. The back of his lips across his jaw line slumped down as he moaned, "I'm going to die from boredom."
Listening to the loud groan from the green dragon, Spyro grinned and edged his eyes towards him and then back to Cynder, sharing his amused look. He wasn't wrong as far as they concerned themselves. They had been waiting for some time now and there was still no sign of anything occurring yet. They saw Pyrus at the front, pacing back and forth and twisting his body every time he turned, looking as if he was battling with thoughts with his yellow-scaled features crunched up on his face.
Spyro arched his head to the side, watching the yellow electric dragon pace. His wings folded in against his flanks and he heard a scrape against the cobble every couple of steps. Something told him the guard captain was unsettled. His jaw tightly shut and his eyes glaring at the floor ahead of him as he paced.
The purple dragon wanted to speak to him as he nudged his hinds about to stand up before a gasping sigh caught him to his left. The trio turned to see the Delacon and Valera approaching from the mess hall entry.
"Ah, that stuff was great. These moles sure know how to cook some nice meat!" praised Delacon.
"Hmm… maybe if you can't stomach proper food," mocked Valera. The snowy white wind dragoness half closed her eyes, glaring at the red fire dragon.
"Oh… and what would proper food be?" questioned Delacon, raising a curious eye towards her.
Valera produced a grin across her snout, continuing to peer at Delacon "We all know raw meat is so much better. Fresh from the hunt and blood keeps the taste… especially lamb, it is so good! Some dragons must not be able to handle the taste."
Delacon noted the huffing from the dragoness as she looked forward and his eyes glared with a smirk, knowing she was trying to goad him, "Oh yeah? Well, maybe next time I'll show you how a hunt gets done properly. And then I'll cook it and prove you know nothing!"
"Ha… no thanks you'll probably burn it and suck out what little taste remains knowing you," teased Valera, bobbing her tongue playfully at the fire dragon "Your not exactly the most steady-minded of dragons he-he."
"Not like you can hunt too well yourself. Letting the last four escape you must have been embarrassing unlike me," joked Delacon, clenching his teeth into a big grin as the dragoness peered at him with as she glared, entertained by his attempts to sass her.
"Hmm… someone's feeling big for his claws. So your one of best hunters in the city… Well done, too bad your sluggish in other departments. Especially training big boy!" Valera fired back, tightening her lips with a wide grin, narrowing her eyes into slits as she watched him.
They stopped in their tracks giving each other the banter filling smirk as they stared down on one another as the red male taunted, "Now who's getting big for their claws. You win for once and think your all mighty".
Valera's right eye twitched from the words and took a step closer as they stared snouts to the other as she suggested "If you want to keep this up hot head, maybe we can go somewhere private and sort this out… if your enough of a drake to!"
The male chuckled at the challenge as his lips opened with his teeth clenched into a daring smile, "The tally is in my favour, so we'll take this inside and I'll put you in your place right now! And while I'm at it, sort that massive ego of yours out."
Valera stared him down for a few seconds longer before she half closed one eye in amusement and stretched upward with her smile blending across her snout, "I love it when you talk like that… So confident!"
They unhinged themselves from their stances before erupting small chuckles from their mouths. Their features settled as if the argument hadn't occurred at all. Folding their wings up, they turned to the large group gathered and Delacon gestured for Valera to lead the way. She took a few steps, turning away before a sharp slash with her tail and her blade lined up against Delacon's neck barely an inch away from the flesh.
Spyro and Cynder's eyes widened in alarm at the sudden turn of the two's jesting discussion, having watched it all unfold stunned as Valera's body tensed up and the muscles in her legs tightened sharply and she glared with a view of contempt for the red fire dragon who remained still. His eyes slightly narrowed with his expression hardening, showing no fear with the sudden threat of a shiny scythe shaped tail-blade squared at his throat.
The tension felt like a sharp knife could cut it between them. Few of the dragons in the large group took notice, being absorbed in their own conversations as they continued to wait. Pyrus halted his pacing, taking notice of the pair outside the group. At first the yellow dragon's face screwed up in alarm, winding himself up to react and was about to shout towards them. He held his tongue at the last second, noticing who the two dragons were rolling his eyes with a smirk. The captain turned away to leave the pair to it and resumed watching the group awaiting the arrival of the last few.
The stand-off between the red male and snowy white female was tense for any onlookers, especially for Spyro and Cynder pondering if they should jump in and break it up. Delacon remained stone-faced, showing no hint of fear and staring Valera in the eye. Valera finally cracked and giggled, lowering her blade away from the fire dragon. This reaction caught Spyro and Cynder off guard the tension they felt lifted in an instant replaced their expressions with confusion as their jaws dropped as if to say; what just happened?
Valera moved her blade and gently ran it across his left shoulder-joint of his front leg and whispered with a hint of allure in her voice, "I think I'll do something about that tongue of yours next time in training. It's spouting too much… dominance. I'll fix that in no time."
She winked at him and ran the blade across, stroking his scales before walking away to join the crowd wagging her tail left and right amusing the red fire dragon smirking under his breath. He sighed and shook his head, lifting himself onto his fours and followed suit, walking into the gathered crowd of the guard. Spyro, Cynder and Krytus watched as he approached, noticing their gazes.
"Enjoy the show?" questioned Delacon, painting an encouraged scowl across his face seating himself beside the younger dragons.
"Umm yeah… that seemed tense for a moment," stuttered Spyro, looking towards where Valera and Delacon had their moment and back to the fire dragon, his lips open enough to see his top jaw.
"Ah… Valera keeps me on my claws. We've been friends for a few years now and she always tries to get under my scales." admitted Delacon, speaking between fun and worn out "But I like her that way, never makes the day boring. But sometimes she can be a little tough to handle."
"A little!?" snapped Krytus, left in disbelief to the words Delacon spouted, his eyes popping wide with his jaw dropped "She looked like she was about to use you for cutting practise!"
"Ha!" Delacon chuckled lightly "It's normal, she loves to play to your nerves. She is… she likes to keep you on the edge at one moment and the next she's all calm and playful. Can't make her mind up… typical female."
"Excuse me?" questioned Cynder. She peered her sight towards the older dragon with a curious glare rattled by the comment, "What is that supposed to mean?"
Watching his secret courting give the death glare, Spyro caught his breath in his throat as Delacon leaned down to his level with an innocent grin painting across his jaw, "Oh, I said nothing, didn't I Spyro?"
Spyro eyes widened as he saw the black dragonesses glare shift towards him. He felt a lump build up and swallowed it back down; he felt like he could sweat with all eyes on him and lifted a paw up near his head backing out of this pot stirring created and shrugged "Uhhhhh… yeah, I'm going to stay out of this one Delacon."
One thing he knew from personal experience was never to get on Cynder's nasty side. Even though they were courting, he knew of the temper she could have. Even now he felt this pressure of the stare trying not to make eye contact. He slouched his legs slightly on his shoulders and lowering on his forelegs. He gritted his sharp teeth together, feeling like he was ready to sweat drop, becoming desperate to keep a straight face.
"What's wrong, Spyro? You look like you're ready to pass out! Not nervous are you?" teased Delacon nudging the purple dragon on his right flank, breaking him out of the trance. The purple dragon's attention drew to the red dragon shooting a sly gaze down on him. Spyro's lips opened an inch, clocking the sneaky taunt from the older dragon. His eyes flared in an instant.
"Hey! I'm staying out of this one. You dug your own grave here, Delacon!" snapped Spyro, firing a defiant gaze towards Delacon who returned a half-smile at the purple dragon as Cynder looked away triumphantly and Spyro took the opportunity and whispered to Delacon "Don't let her deceive you with that sweet smile, get on Cynder's bad side you have a battle on your paws."
"Really?" asked the fire dragon, "You received the angry female treatment?"
"Well…!" Spyro hesitating, fizzing between his lips as he locked his teeth together to gather his thoughts "Let's just say a few months ago, I accidently broke the table in her chamber… I didn't hear the end for a while. If tempers could kill!"
"What was that Spyro?" called Cynder. Spyro twitched with a silent gasp and gulped. He quickly turned his expression into a big smile and faced towards the black dragoness.
"Oh, nothing Cynder! I was just talking about how nice and shiny your scales are today," the purple dragon jiggled, beaming nothing but positivity to the dragoness.
She slouched over to her left side, giving Spyro a sly smile. Cynder half closed her eyes before exhaling an amused groan, "uh huh… you're a terrible liar you know that, purple boy!"
Spyro couldn't hold back the blush running across his cheeks as Cynder winked at him. He chuckled nervously, peering away from the black dragoness, wishing to look anywhere else away from any of the dragons present while he had his moment shaking his head lightly. Cynder chuckled lightly, watching the cute display and seating herself next to him.
"Don't worry! You won't get off the hook that easy so you can make it up to me later after," Cynder suggested, whispering to Spyro. He eyed her, noticing the sly grin across her maw. That notion from the dragoness gave him some reassurance before he heard a chuckle erupt from Cynder as she teased, "Oh Spyro, It's so easy to get under your scales."
Cynder winked at him again, though this time the purple dragon's expression fell blank unimpressed to an extent of the dragonesses efforts against him. Delacon chuckled, having watched the exchanged and leaned down to Spyro's level and whispered, "Being one of the few beings that know of your secret courting; I'd say that is you whipped."
"Oh, shut up, Delacon!" Spyro barked quietly, shooting his gaze towards the red dragon. Delacon howled out laughing in response at the purple dragon's expense as Cynder having heard what the fire dragon said tutted, bending over to her right as she sat herself on her hinds once more.
Spyro held back the fiery red building up into his face, not wanting any further embarrassment than he already received. He prayed now the attention could deflect elsewhere as he peered over to Krytus, who was looking away, seemingly uninterested in their light-hearted banter.
"EVERYONE! Attention NOW!"
All the dragons and moles present gradually silenced, hearing the ear-piercing shout from Pyrus as the majority spotted Terrador followed by the smaller dragon in Flame landing beside him. Everyone turned and assembled forward, surrounding the front of the guardian and captain. The atmosphere suddenly fell into a state of brooding with a chilly sensation as silence became. Spyro breathed stiffly, taking it all in with every creature silent and facing Terrador and Pyrus. He quickly looked around one last time, noticing the amount of dragons assembled in this one plaza. If he knew any better, he reckoned a third of the city's dragon population was here reminding the purple dragon despite their initial success in finding survivors; they were still far away from filling this city to any capacity of what it's capable of supporting.
The captain faced the guardian and bowed, "We are ready master Terrador."
"Good!" approved Terrador, reliving the captain and took a step forward facing the crowd of the guard before him and in a show of authority elevated his voice "I apologise for keeping you all waiting. No doubt you have many questions about why your captain and myself called for this gathering?"
Terrador observed the moles and dragons standing before him, waiting to hear any such question vocalised towards him. But none came. He watched as everyone remained silent while he noticed the odd flicker of uncertainty as he peered around. None stepped forward, giving him the cue to continue having everyone's attention.
"I understand some of you are already aware of the situation. For those who are not; Yesterday… we discovered an infiltration of the city! A small group of grublins had sneaked into the city." Terrador announced bluntly, maintaining his gruff exterior as he heard murmurs and gasps erupt in the crowd.
Spyro and Cynder both glanced towards each other with Cynder tugging her lips and her eyes projected an expression of concern towards the purple dragon. Bringing back the memory of what befell them yesterday as Cynder shifted herself a tad closer to Spyro, seeking any form of discreet comfort knowing what was to become of this situation.
"They attacked a group of our young dragons, including Spyro! Fortunately no one suffered lasting damage," Terrador yelled regaining everyone's attention measuring a sign of relief "But we suspect that they have been infiltrating the city for a while. And many believe, including me; these recent explosions of mana crystals. They're involved."
The chatter spiked across the guard, many dragons whispered into their own conversations. Spyro listened around to the many conversations taking place. Some discussed the attack by the grublins, others; the explosions of the crystals and many pointing to what this all means. He pulled back, letting his mind empty from the voices around him and focused towards Terrador keeping to his usual composed form.
Pyrus took a step forward and cleared his throat "Of course, these are only suspicions at this moment in time. The only clue we have to unravel this mystery is the young dragons in question before the remnant attacked, they discovered a peculiar looking crystal embedded into the mana crystal."
Silence echoed with all present quieting down upon the admission from the captain. Many crunched up their limbs, unsettled by the news as Pyrus peered left and right "It is a crystal none of us have seen before and its purpose unknown."
"Its colour is the same as healing crystals; red," Terrador barked, ensuring all were paying attention "However, it also gives off this strange black smoky glow. It's rigid and spiked with points growing out of it and mysteriously it was slowly embedding into the mana crystal they found it in."
"That being said, it cannot be mere coincidence that this strange crystal appears on the same day the remnant dark forces skulk our city and attack," Pyrus interjected, pointing out the crucial fact drawing in the thoughts of all dragons and moles present. Spyro produced a silent breath as his curious mind listened in.
"With all of that in mind, the council and the guardians deliberated last night and… grindingly agreed we must take action for this show of hostility. While we can't prove yet, the remnant are behind the bombing of the crystals. Our suspicions couldn't point anywhere else," Explained Terrador. His voice stuttered as he arrived at last to the conclusion, "We must act at once! To protect our city. Our citizens!"
In a show of unappareled confidence, every single dragon and mole took a step forward facing and their bodies grew stiff, straightening their wings behind them and tucking their legs together in a show of attention showing the same composure. Some with silent growls of anger, some merely glared and others with courage awaiting the word.
Terrador peered around left and right, observing the entire guard assembled and experienced a warmth of pride in his chest bringing a stern smile across his snout "I'm proud of you all and your courage to step up ready to serve your city. You should all feel proud and you too Pyrus. The guard has revived greater than we could have hoped for under your leadership, for one early into their second century."
Terrador turned his gazed toward the yellow dragon to his left, taken aback by the guardians' praise. Pyrus bowed before him "Thank you master Terrador. The training and support the guardians have given me is to thank."
"Ha. You flatter us too much, captain." praised Terrador, He edged over and taped a paw against the electric dragon's fore-right shoulder joint. Pyrus raised his head, looking upon the smile of pride painted across the guardian's snout. "Your hard work and devotion are commendable and shown worthy of recognition."
Pyrus rapidly became emotional and quickly bowed his head again, showing his admiration for the guardians. His thoughts silenced as he heard roars and cheers of applause looking towards the congregation of the guard before him. All in a state of applause for him, some unleashing their elements, breathing into the air. Some howling their respect or cheering. Others tapping a paw repeatedly against the cobble in a clapping noise. Spyro and Cynder overcame in smiles, witnessing the positivity around them as they joined in the cheers for the captain.
Pyrus gaped, his eyes left and right He watched his guard show their appreciation to him. The grin across his face grew wider, encased in an overwhelming sensation of tenderness, pride and warmth. He stepped forward allowing the cheers to continue from the horde of dragons and moles and within a swoop raised his wings spreading them out upward slowly silencing the entire guard as they dropped and calmed.
A few continued to murmur as the guard captain addressed them "I thank you for your faith in me. It means a lot, and I thank you all for your part in these last couple of years after the war in restoring the warfang guard. But now…"
The last thistles of murmuring amongst the guard disappeared once Pyrus spoke his last words. Assured he had the undivided attention of every member present before him, Pyrus bulked his body up in a show of confidence "Warfang needs us to do our duty. The remnant have attacked us once more and we cannot tolerate such actions. We must teach them their actions have consequences, especially as they cling onto the path of the departed dark master."
"The captain is correct. As unfortunate as it is of having to continue to defend ourselves against the dark elements, even after the war. We must continue to adapt and be strong for the world that has come," reinforced Terrador, rallying the guard alongside the captain of their path forward as he barked, "Knight Delacon! Knight Valera!"
The two dragons snapped into gear as their bodies and muscles tensed into attention. The two manoeuvred, excusing their way past the dragons in front of them. The wave of creatures moved out of the way, opening up a line for the two knights to get through with ease and stood to attention in front of Terrador stamping their paws together in a sigh of discipline, "Yes master Terrador?!"
Terrador stood central in front of the two knights as he assumed a similar pose with his military type warrior mindset kicking into action. "Assemble a group of twenty, including yourselves; armour and gear up. We are sending you to the Tranquil forest. It is time to establish a stronger presence to support the traders passing through that forest and to relieve our groups already stationed there!"
Delacon crinkled his legs up as much as he could, stifling a breath as they both make a small bow and exclaimed in unison, "Yes, master guardian.
Pyrus nodded his approval of their mentality and looked to the rest of the guard "Those of you who will not be travelling to the Tranquil forest, Divide into small teams and patrol within and outside the city walls. We need to ensure this city is clear of any remnant and see to the discovery of anymore of these crystals."
All present offered their nods and bows of acceptance, with many yelling very disciplined "Yes captain!"
"Very well. Remain here until you have received an assignment!" commanded Terrador, exerting one last display of authority before the crowd slowly devolved into discussions and splitting in separate directions, allowing space for everyone. Spyro remained seated on his hinds, watching the dispersal of the guard.
Cynder remained by his side, turning their attention towards the Terrador and Pyrus as they unfolded into another discussion with Delacon and Valera. This time they couldn't make out what they were saying. Spyros eyes narrowed once he noticed Terrador flicker his eyes towards him for a split second coming back onto Delacon and speaking. While he made out the rumbling of his deep voice but he failed with the words.
Too much chatter around as other dragons and moles approached Pyrus for their assignment. He leaned over towards the black dragoness and soothingly asked, "What do you think?"
Cynder edged in her place looking to the ground leaning her head to one side and hummed a sigh impassive "It's what we expected to hear. Peace could well be over now."
"It definitely is now!" Spyro agreed, his eyelids drooped as reality struck in "At least we are taking this seriously."
"After what happened to you yesterday, Spyro! I would hope so!" Cynder exclaimed, shooting a glance at the purple dragon as she straightened her posture "This must be taken seriously. The amount of injured from these explosions is unacceptable. We can't ignore this any longer…. We gotta do something!"
The two looked back towards Terrador and the group ahead of them, watching Delacon and Valera bow their heads at the earth guardian and shifted their bodies, turning around and trotted towards a group of dragon and moles. The young purple and black dragons watched the older dragons walk off with Delacon firing a quick glance towards the purple dragon before they continued.
Spyro narrowed his eyes into slips, becoming a tad suspicious over the glances he was receiving, and looked towards Terrador engaged in a conversation with Flame. He drew in a deep breath through his nostrils, buffing his chest as his thoughts drowned through "We should go to the forest!"
"Definitely!" concurred Cynder. The black dragoness dropped her snout "If the remnant truly are acting up again we must help as best we can."
They both to each other and nodded their cohesion. They knew what they needed to do, and they were ready to help. They knew what they must do; they posses the capacity to help to the best of their abilities and they intend to help however they can. The couple stood and walked over towards Pyrus and Terrador, sending away another group of dragons.
They noticed the young dragons and Terrador lit up "Ah young Spyro and Cynder. Good! I was just briefing Flame."
The two dragons stood before and looked up at the two dragons dwarfing them as Pyrus began, "Spyro, we want you to help lead the search groups around the western district with Flame. You as well Cynder, if your willing to help."
The young dragons paused, taken aback by the request even as Terrador noticed the sudden disappointment on their expressions. They looked to each other as Spyro tugged at his lips, unsure of how to process such news, leaned forward and requested, "Err. Captain… Terrador… We were hoping to go with the team to Tranquil Forest!"
"Oh! May I ask why?" questioned Terrador, his eyelids drawing together in curiosity.
"Well, we want to help and feel we would be more useful in the forest," answered Cynder as she backed up the purple dragon.
Terrador hummed a quiet growl, surprised by such a request, staring towards the captain returning the same glance and spoke midway peering back towards Spyro and Cynder "That won't be necessary, young dragons. We already have sent Knight Delacon and Valera to assemble their team. Don't worry, they have plenty of experience to go with them."
"I understand that Terrador!" interjected Spyro, taking a couple steps forward "But we feel we need to go, they could run into danger and we want to help. Especially if the other groups who have been out for days. If it is my injuries from yesterday your worried about, I'm fine. Honestly."
The response from the purple dragon vocalised took aback Terrador. Rarely young Spyro displayed such determination to overall. For a split second Spyro hesitated when he saw Terrador's lips tug, almost as if it was a frown. He wasn't sure if he misread the expression or his instinct was right.
The guardian shook off his moment of hesitation and pleaded, "Look Spyro, I understand how you feel, I know you have fully recovered. But this has nothing to do with that, I know you are one of the most capable dragons out there. Believe me, I haven't forgotten."
Spyro hesitate in his thoughts, listening to the surprisingly gentle tone from the earth guardian. Everything seemed strange in the way he addressed the purple dragon, but he couldn't put his claw on the source as his mind played it around. Something felt off as he watched Pyrus express a glimmer of uncertainty himself, his eyes veering to Spyro and Terrador quickly with the slight of head turns.
"Every dragon and mole here are capable to perform the task given to them. True, they may only have a single element or restricted to their weapon are able, just as you are Spyro. Have faith in them and besides, we want you to coordinate with the patrols in the city for a reason," justified Pyrus, trying to reason and win the young dragons over.
"You two and Flame are one's who found the strange crystal. And no doubt you would recognise it if you spotted one," suggested Terrador. Slowly their combined words tore chunks at the young dragon's resolve as he witnessed the features on their faces loosen up and their eyes trailed "Which is why we want you to spearhead the search. See if anymore of the crystals are in the city."
Spyro dropped his head, staring upon his paws. Terrador's logic made it hard for him to even think of a reason to challenge the decision. Deep down the purple dragon set himself towards going to the forest, but the more he played it through his mind he drifted closer to conceding and accepting their wisdom. Terrador mustered a couple of steps forward and gently tapped his paw onto Spyro's back, who returned his sight towards the guardian as his nerves jumped in surprise "You need not worry young dragon. Everyone has a role to partake in, and we will waste no one's talent. Ensuring we are safe to live within our home is vital Spyro."
Spyro stared deep into the collected and calm green eyes of the guardian, taking in everything. He contemplated the situation the guardian spoke to him. It all made sense, and he was right, ensuring the lives of everyone in Warfang was safe was possibly their biggest priority. He questioned himself what was more important; taking the fight to the remnant? Or protecting his home?
He sighed, accepting the words of the guardian and captain "Okay, okay your right Terrador. I'm sorry, I guess I rushed into a decision. I just want to do my duty for my fellow dragons and everyone. If you think I will make a difference with these crystals, I'll do it!
Cynder watched the purple dragon at how he adapted as if a light erupted from his scales. That positivity glowed on her, drawing a smile across her snout as a sudden surge of pride radiated from the purple dragon. Terrador and Pyrus both shared the sentiment and Terrador bobbed his head, "Thank you, Spyro. You never cease to make me proud. Another lesson to consider, It's always just as important to consider what happens inside as what does outside in any situation."
Pyrus stepped forward sharing the sentiment of the guardian and progressed the subject "So Spyro, Flame? Would you two join with the small groups heading on patrol and spearhead this investigation? Cynder, can we count on you as well?"
"I'm ready to help when I'm needed. You can count on me too," answered Cynder. She stamped a leg forward in a display with a confident look in her eye.
The pledge of support pleased the yellow dragon "Splendid! on that basis shall…"
"CAPTAIN! MASTER TERRADOR!" shrieked a voice booming in alarm, cutting off Pyrus from speaking. Everyone twisted their bodies, looking in the voice's direction, and spotted a red dragon yelling to them from the plaza exit towards the north wall "COME QUICK SIR'S!"
The group of dragons wasted no time hasting over to the emergency unfolding, trotting their legs and paws, propelling them as quickly as possible as their claws occasionally scraped across the cobble. Spyro's mind ran wild with questions. He first wondered if they already found one of the mysterious crystals. It would be such an impressive start discovering one.
His theory shot out the window as quickly as they moved as they arrived, and everyone descended into shock at the scene before them. Two dragons held a black shadow dragon in their paws. The shadow dragon was bleeding from the shoulder on his front right leg with blood dripping over his paw and gently onto the floor, but he was awake but gasping in his breaths with the obvious sound of pain.
"Gnabry! Are you okay?" yelped Pyrus, descending into concern.
"Ack… I'm fine, sir… It's not as bad as it looks… "struggled Gnabry. He panted with his jaws clamped together, trying his best to suppress any pain he experienced doing little to persuade those around him. Pyrus wasn't having it and called for someone to bring some healing gems quickly responded by Flame who scurried off to carry out the task.
Terrador leaned forward and examined the size and shape of the open wound across his humorous muscle area. It appeared deep, resembling that of a blade stab. he pushed his paw down on it, pressuring the wound for now and questioned, "What happened? Why are you not with your group Gnabry?"
The shadow dragon huffed between his breaths, clamping on his jaws and hissing through the pain, and tried his best to relieve himself of the pain as he held the leg up against his body leaving putting no pressure on it as he slouched on his hinds "Seraph sent me to get help master!"
"Help? Why has something happened? Is Seraph okay?" Spyro demanded, become hysterical with worry as his eyes beamed wide and slowly crunched his jaw together.
"They overwhelmed us! The remnant attacked and the rest of my team are hurt or low on energy. We sought shelter in a cave. I barely escaped the forest when Seraph sent me to get help." Gnabry yowled, quavering at the thought of leaving his team had Seraph not ordered him to get help.
"Wait, the remnant?" questioned Pyrus, astonished by what he heard from the black dragon "The remnant ambushed your team?
"Yes! They were endless, no matter how many we pushed back they came back stronger and more kept coming. We gotta save them, Sir!" Gnabry pleaded, looking upon the captain with his eyes shrank in his eyelids, heaving his breaths through his sharp teeth. Spyro and Cynder's mouth gaped open in horror. The situation was worse than either of them feared, their friends were in danger with no time to lose. Pyrus and Terrador narrowed their eyes into slits, glaring indirectly at Gnabry before turning to the sky toward the direction of the Tranquil forest disturbed by the news the shadow dragon passed on. They had no idea what to expect now or what they would proceed into, but they had the knowledge dragon and moles fates were in the balance.
Wowzers… this took forever, the truth is I've been having some downtime to myself and for that I must apologise massively but truth is I have struggled with my desire for writing. It's not from my passion for Spyro, god no I want to continue this but I've been struggling in personal life and well it's hard to get motivated but the last few days I've been finding my spark again and presto… I've got cracking and got it done. I hope this chapter has made the chapter worth it and I hope you are all doing okay. Onto the reactions
AzOtAc: You are not far off, the climax is indeed approaching. Finally the beginning of the end of Story 1 approaches and I hope it's a climax you will enjoy.
Void Reader: Yes I have a saga planned for this storyline, Not gonna reveal how long because want to focus on the present on this. But yes keep reading and you will see what will become but I hope this chapter has eased some worries on what's going to happen.
RioLoverBallenBellaForLife: How dare you subtract a point for missing out Cynder! Just kidding I sent Cynder on a coffee break she needed one haha. Seriously I couldn't find a place for Cynder in that chapter but rest assured she's back and to your liking hehe. Yeah I figured it was time to give some more character development. Especially to Krytus…but what will it all mean hmm…
Kraft58: I thought that ending with the orc would please you, and yes Robbo challenged and you beat him this time…I wonder if you can keep it up this chapter hehe. I look forward and appreciate the high rating. I do try mentor.
Hfftan951: I do try, World build is important and I understand to the side characters are a lot but I feel despite their occasional swaps need to build a world and know their alive but not to worry what I have planned will rectify the stuff and really the bulk of characters are introduced so it can go more smoothly from here. Hope you enjoyed.
Illusionmaster17: Yeah, Spyro would fight to the death for Sparx, true brotherhood despite the funny adventures Sparx can create. Yeah I felt this was a good chapter for some more development of many characters and start drilling them into the roles for this saga. Glad you enjoy and as always I love your reviews my friend.
DiabloPProcento: Yeah I figured show some banter between the guardian apprentices. Just friendly banter no feelings of romance there, I know disappointment but I have plans to follow haha.
A lot of reviews in, I love you guys for all the feedback I love it and keep it coming. You guys rule. Thanks again and see you next chapter.
