Chapter 14:To The Burning Lands
"Oh…man! It actually feels amazing to be out in the world again! I can't believe I missed the rush of adventure this much,"Sparx started to chat up a storm ten hours after the group of three exited the city of Warfang by vaulting over the wall,"Can't wait to be fighting apes! Climbing mountains, solving puzzles, checking out the sights! And who could forget seeing Spyro and Cynder again?!"
Asher looked to the dragon fly, as the both of them flew through the morning sky towards some cliffs. That was where he expected to start looking around for the first direction Cynder was taking them in. And while he was flying up through the clouds with a chatty dragon fly, Hunter was down below. Running at impressive speeds that would rival some of the fastest members of the Alphas. And he got the opportunity of being peacefully alone with his thoughts, how fortunate for Hunter.
"I'm sure we're gonna encounter all sorts of monsters, treacherous lands, you name it,"Sparx continued talking, showing some actual spunk for a long awaited adventure,"Wonder if it'll be anything like it was with Spyro? You don't seem too big into jokes or having a good time, but I can always pick up the slack."
"Do what you wish. But I have some rules for this new found companionship,"Asher warned while rubbing at his ear to stop it's irritation from all the talking,"One, you will do what I say, when I say it. No ifs ands or buts. Two, we save chatting for traveling across the lands, and we focus on the missions during our stay in an area."
"Geez…want me to get ya a list while you're at it?!"Sparx huffed at the dragon's sudden strict rules for their relationship.
"And three, Try not to be a smart ass, and at least attempt not to talk so much,"Asher finished and responded to Sparx's sarcastic question about his rules,"Too many questions, and the wrong words may trigger the wrong sort of attention from others…!"
"Fine, whatever you say, dad…"Sparx mumbled before Asher looked to him.
"Now repeat what I just said so we're both clear."Asher commanded for a reciting on the rules.
"What you say goes and will be done no matter what, save the chatting for travel, and try not to chat as much,"Sparx repeated in his own way with a slight sarcastic tone,"Anything else you'd like to demand your majesty?"
"Yeah…! Stop breaking the rules already, smart ass."Asher replied before he looked down, and decided to dive down to meet with Hunter.
As he flew down from the clouds, Sparx followed him in kind down towards the open fields. Like a hawk, Asher scoped the plains and spotted Hunter still running at full speed across the grass. He was hoping for a better conversation, perhaps a discussion on their plans for the search. They were all going to be together for quite some time on this journey, so they might as well try to talk. Perhaps Hunter's words will help smooth out Sparx's, and perhaps there was hope for this fellowship to work.
It took a moment, but he manage to make his way down towards the ground to fly at Hunter's side. While Sparx hung above their heads to listen in, Hunter however did not notice them at first. Till he felt the shadow of Asher at his left side, he then turned to meet the dragon flying at his side.
"Fast and light on your feet don't you think?"Asher questioned as Hunter let a chuckle go before responding.
"It's the best way to travel, good for your cardio and heart. Something we need to discuss?"Hunter replied and questioned, seeing as Asher came all the way down to see him.
"Well we do need to figure out where we need to go?"Asher incited that plans for the future needed to be made.
"Fair enough, so we already got the options of The Burning Lands and The Swamps,"Hunter was more than happy to start explaining the options for Asher and Sparx,"You already decided we will save Mt Malefor for a much later time… So it's a fifty fifty decision."
"Yeah, and if you recall, The Burning Lands isn't exactly easy to traverse, if you remember,"Sparx decided to bring up one issue about the Burning Lands,"You remember what happened to Ignitus… Right…?"
"I always tried not to… Or at least… I try to remember the reason he did it."Hunter admitted, remembering the moment he learned of Ignitus's sacrifice.
"He did it to get Spyro and Cynder through the fires to challenge Malefor,"Asher revealed that he learned of the story of Ignitus's noble sacrifice for the destruction of Malefor,"He knew what he was doing, and his sacrifice went towards a good cause. We can leave it at that…!"
Hunter was willing to brush the quick thought aside, thinking Asher simply did not want to dwell in the past. But even Sparx had a deep respect for the dragon that truly helped Spyro become what he was. To think so simply of Ignitus and write him off that quick as a mere dragon that did what he needed to do. Asher showed where his priorities were, and his lack of respect for the guardians still remained. He wasn't going to let go of that remark so easily, and he was going to give it to Asher.
"He wasn't just some soldier or merc that was only doing his job…!"Sparx decided to snip at Asher to defend Ignitus's honor,"He was a strong master and friend to me and Spyro. He gave up everything for him and your sister, so maybe it wouldn't be best to start talking about him like he wasn't all that special."
"Wouldn't be best? Is someone going to stop me if I continued to do so?"Asher coldly replied to Sparx's warning, not liking a tough act coming from one that wasn't so tough.
This silenced Sparx, but it only made more friction between the two of them. Hunter feared that the continuation of these issues between the two would end in tragedy. So he had no choice but to once again be the one to bring an end to the conflict.
"Enough! This fighting has to stop or we will only destroy each other if these disagreements continue,"Hunter spoke out and silenced Asher as well,"Asher, show respect for the master that helped redeem your sister. You disrespect Ignitus, and you disrespect your sister all the same. Are we clear?"
Asher grumbled, but he knew Hunter was a cat of impressive skill and speed. He was bold enough to oppose the Alphas, so he was some one to at least take seriously, so warnings from him were to be heeded. And seeing as this simple subject was getting them nowhere, he decided to end the conversation.
"Very well… I can can get us through the Burning Lands if the fire walls are the big problem."Asher relented and incited that there was a way for them to traverse the borders of the Burning Lands.
"How? Ignitus could barely get Cynder and Spyro through the flames before falling."Sparx reminded while Asher spotted the cliffs coming up in the distance.
"I've manage to traverse the fire walls for clean up detail on some left over grublings,"Asher explained that he was capable of passing through the great flames,"Alphas even wanted to make the Burning Lands into a base, but it was too hot for any one else to handle."
"It must be your fire. The guardians spoke of your fire being abnormally hotter than most others,"Hunter looked forward towards the cliffs Asher was looking towards,"Perhaps it's hot enough to combat the heat of the fire barrier. That still doesn't answer how me and Sparx would enter the Burning Lands."
"I'll explain it when we get there, trust me."Asher ended the conversation as they made the approach towards the cliffs.
Upon their approach, Asher made a ninety degree turn towards the sky. Flying against the side of the mountin while Sparx hung back with Hunter, waiting till the cat jumped to the cliff side wall. He landed solidly, and ran up the side of the cliffs to try and catch up with the black dragon. With Hunter quickly catching up, Asher snickered all the way up the nearly one hundred fifty foot cliff. He look to his bracelet, and it was starting to flash the moment it detected Cynder's past presence at these cliffs.
They just needed to get to the top of the cliff and let the crystal do it's thing. So he went to full speed, and he was up and over the cliff before he could even blink. He even got a spin in before diving down and preparing to land, it was only a minute more as he landed that the others made it. Sparx flew up and over, while Hunter simply climbed the rest of the way up. Where they met up with Asher, standing with his arms crossed and his back turned to them, waiting patiently.
"The bracelet was already going crazy moments before reaching the top,"Asher informed as they approached him to see the bracelet flashing red,"So she's clearly been here, and it's where she decided to figure out her first plan of action."
"Then lets find out where she chose to go. We'll let Cynder decide where we go next."Hunter decided to let the past event of these cliffs decide the future of their travels.
"That's the idea I had in mind rather than a map."Asher responded before holding out his arm to let the crystal do it's thing.
It twinkled and glittered, before the light burst forth from the gauntlet and began covering the area. A twenty foot radius was made and coated in illusionary crystals to set up the imagery. Before the past event was displayed, and it began with the appearance of an impressive looking dragon. The twisted horns on his head that were translucent from the crystals, but matched his rattle like tip of his tail. The body type was that of the guardians, but much younger, and more firmly built.
His face was not aged, but it was tough, and he didn't even have a chin beard or tendrils. Asher began circling and walking around the imaged dragon, as the dragon himself looked out towards the sky. It looked like he was waiting for someone before he would soon leave the cliffs.
"That's him! That's my bro, Spyro! Holy cow did that guy grow!"Sparx interrupted by pointing out who this dragon was.
"So this is the legend they speak of… The destroyer of Malefor, and the peace bringer of the dragon realm,"Asher walked around the made out legendary dragon,"I thought he'd be a little taller. Though them strange twisted horns are quite the feature on him."
"For the longest time I thought he was just crazy over weight before learning he was a dragon."Sparx chuckled at the childhood assumptions he always had about Spyro.
"You sure he wasn't just stronger? Muscle has been said to be heavier than fat."Asher offered a fun fact for the both of them to take in.
"Does that mean you might be overweight too?"Sparx boldly went with another smart and witty comment that made Asher want to smack him into the grass.
"Shh, someone is coming."Hunter warned the two of another's arrival onto the vision.
They went silent, and watched as Cynder herself flew in from the direction that they came from. She made a round all around the cliffs, while Spyro watched her with a sense of dignified grace. With a sigh, he watched as the black dragoness flew in from behind and landed with haste. The group of three watched as the two approached each other, they seemed happy to see each other. That became more apparent once the two dragons nuzzled and rested their chins on each other's shoulders.
"They said they'd keep a look out in case my brother was discovered, I did everything I could to pave the way,"Cynder let out a deep breath to steel herself while savoring this embrace with Spyro,"Are you still ok to go on this journey? I understand if this seems a bit extreme, but I have to do this."
"I know…! This your real family, Cynder. You need to find him now that you're both free from Malefor,"Spyro understood her need for this trip through the realm to find her brother,"And you won't need to do this alone. You'd do the same for me if Sparx was lost, so I'm with you on this."
"That's a bit of a stretch… But yeah… I would try to help find Sparx,"She admitted before they finally parted from their embrace,"Let's start with The Burning Lands, that place had many hiding spots. The apes spoke of wanting to hide him there, seeing as he's an apparent fire dragon."
"I can get us through the fire wall, I've grown strong enough to take wall's harsh flames."Spyro agreed and informed that he too managed to gain the strength to traverse the flames.
"Are you sure?"Cynder made sure Spyro was confident for this idea of traversing the Burning Lands once more.
"I'm sure… For you, and for your brother. I'm sure."Spyro insisted that he was more than up for this journey.
"Then lets go…! The guardians will be watching for him, while we search for him ourselves,"She sprouted her wings and flapped them to take into the air,"Try to keep up now stud!"
"I haven't let you down yet, have I?"Spyro chuckled and took to the sky to catch up with Cynder.
They flew towards the north and straight towards the Burning Lands. Asher and his companions watched them disappear into the sky, understanding that the Burning Lands were their first stop. Without any more arguments, they had their first destination, and there was no time to waste. So once the illusions ended and the crystal died down for reality to come back. Asher and the guys exchanged a round of stares to each other, there was no longer any doubt or disagreements between them.
"Well… To the Burning Lands it is. Hope you boys like the heat."Asher sprouted his wings and walked away towards the other end of the cliffs.
"It's not the first time I've engaged in creatures and areas of fire and magma."Hunter was sure with where they were going, so long as Asher was able to get them through the fire wall.
"I just hope my wings don't get cooked off from the flames. Bug wings are a delicacy to some sick people out there, ya know!"Sparx called out and followed the two towards the cliff edge.
With their comments said, Asher leaped from the ledge and took flight. Sparx followed him in kind while Hunter leaped, and even got a front flip in before running down the cliff side. And thus, the group began to make their way towards the very first target of their search through the realm. The Burning Lands was now their destination, and only time would tell what awaited them in such a desolated land. But Cynder's journey beckoned them to follow her, and they did not wish to disappoint.
Cheetah Town
But while they were on their way to the great land full of unquenchable flames. There was even more unrest back in the Cheetah town, there were no songs, no laughter, no joy. For the town was being shaken to the core by the unstable mind of Felious, his corruption had met new heights. And I was effecting the mercenaries, the obsession with Asher was taking it's toll on them. They were not as high in spirit and they couldn't even enjoy their pleasures of ales and vixens.
Until Felious received the word, he was in a state of isolation from the others. They could do as they wished, but the unhealthy state of this obsession made them worried for Felious. But last thing they wanted was to interfere or dare involve themselves in his personal obsession. So they kept their distance, leaving Felious to sit in the very seat that Asher always sat in. Letting his grief and obsession feed the dark presence that hissed dark magic into his ear from the gem.
"It's happening…! The letter will be here any moment, and it will say EVERYTHING you feared,"The voice growled and foretold of what was soon going to come,"Face it… You can't save him, and you could not save your child…! Your heart grew too soft, and now you suffer for it…!"
"You think I don't know…? I tried to be something more than just a petty merc."Felious grumbled as he reached out and picked up a cup of rum rather than an ale to drink.
"And look where you now sit…! Depressed, lonely and looking so pitiful, it makes my stomach curdle,"The voice would not end it's obnoxious comments that tore away at Felious's soul,"It's time to close your heart, and be the only thing that will no longer feel this pain and anguish. A monster…!"
"I know… No matter what… I won't deny what I really am. A cold…cutthroat…and powerful killer,"Felious understood and turned to a nearby window just in time to see a hawk landing in the window sill with a note in it's left foot,"Speak of the devil… The note of the hour."
He grumbled, lifting his head up to bare his illuminated green eyes before reaching for it with his free paw. With a slow sip he yanked the note away from the hawk and brought it to his face. He placed his cup down and unrolled the letter to start reading, and it was just as the voice predicted. Asher was going on this journey whether they wanted him to or not, so said the words of Leo. And it even warned that if the Alphas dared to interfere, Asher would not hesitate to kill all who stood in his way.
This was what he feared the most, Asher was against them and willing to kill his own for this long lost family. This was the final straw, as he slowly dropped the letter and clenched his trembling paw into a fist. A growl left his lips as the fist pounded down and shattered his own drink. Rage was boiling to the surface, and dark thoughts of death plagued his mind, all involving Asher. The merc now had a hostile dragon against them, and regardless of what he was, Asher had to suffer the consequences now.
Felious stood tall, and walked towards the nearest column in silence. Some of the other mercenaries took notice, while others avoided eye contact to prevent any more tension. But once Felious slammed his fist against the column nice and loud, they were all forced to look to him. For this meant that there was something that needed to be done, and it involved all of them. So once the Alpha leader got their attention and full silence, he spoke out.
"Alphas! Prepare yourselves! We have a traitor that has now swore death upon us,"Felious announced, and some of his more loyal mercs stood up with shock,"Leo has verified it. Asher has abandon us for another family, and swears death upon us if we dared to stop him! This rebellion cannot stand!"
"Asher is against us…? This just can't be…""Swifter found this to be a very difficult pill to swallow.
"Face it… If what Leo said is true, then clearly there's no doubt about it,"Thoranos threw down the cards they were about to play and broke it more clearly to Swifter,"Asher has abandoned us… We're dead to him, and we WILL be dead if he ever sees us."
"We have no choice now! We must go on a hunt for Asher, and destroy him,"Felious continued yelling the adventure that was before all the Alphas,"This deeply pains me to say, but we must kill him before he kills us. I'm sorry… But this must be done…!"
"Damn… And after all the work we put in to raise that scaly sack of leather…"Brutis groaned and stood up as well, showing his support for Felious.
"This is a mission for all the Alphas, for it will take everything we have to bring Asher down,"Felious instructed the importance's and dangers of hunting the black dragon,"So gather your weapons, and gather all the enchantments, your good luck charms, and all the sober skill you can muster!"
This prompted the Alphas to get up and out of their seats with haste while the waitresses stared at them in awe. Watching as they went to their rooms or built in barracks to retrieve what Felious demanded. Never did they think this would happen, not to a most beloved member of the Alphas. But it was happening, and they got to watch it all unfold from all around them. As the Alphas collected their things and began to march until they were before Felious, who hid his glowing eyes.
"What a curious army of brute strength mercenaries…! Perhaps they will be more useful than I had thought,"The voice spoke quietly and witnessed the mobilizing mercs that carried grim faces of discipline,"With Asher full grown and made powerful by this group, I must rely on them to destroy the rejected prodigy. Or else he may become the very feared destruction I felt him to be…!"
"He must be destroyed…! Or everything I ever made will be ruined…!"Felious mindlessly followed a similar intention that the voice possessed.
"As humiliating as it proves for me to be trapped in this gem and following filthy mercs,"The dark gem hissed and realized a golden opportunity with the Alphas,"These fools might just be what I need to rise again, but for now… I will play along and help them hunt their Asher."
"This will be one of or greatest challenges! Asher knows our skills, our strengths, and our weaknesses,"Felious gave them all serious final pep talk for the mission before them,"It'll be hard to fight him, both emotionally and physically. He'll put up the biggest fight we will ever know!"
These words suddenly struck some nerves that brought out heaviness in the hearts of the group. The things that Felious were now saying came from a place of dying love for the dragon he saw as his son. Some including Swifter looked away until they could get a grip on their feelings. But the memories continued to make them struggle, remembering the good memories of their dragon. The black dragon that they raised and even loved, the dragon that finally made them a thing that actually matter.
As stomach churning as the feeling was, it was better than the pain that replaced it. The dragon they grew to care for was now their enemy, and Felious demanded his blood to protect their mercenary group. It was very painful to accept, but they had to accept it, and be at their leader's side.
"Steel yourselves, and lets move out right away! Collect some food while you can,"Felious demanded while kicking open the door towards their mission,"We make for the city of Warfang, Leo will be awaiting us with more information."
It took only a few minutes for the Alphas to gather whatever food they could easily find. Before bundling it all up and trusting the stronger members of the group to carry the supplies. They then began to follow, as Felious stepped outside to take a good look at the very sky Asher was most likely flying through. There really was no other way in his mind, they needed to hunt the dragon down. With a clench of his fist, he looked back one more time to see his Alphas mobilizing.
He gave only a simple nod before he remained in front and lead the march through the town. They would simply go through Prowlus's secret shortcut towards Warfang, after all the old cat remained a push over. There was tension among the mercenaries, but once they had their mission, they either succeed, or die. The eyes of the town's folks watched the feared mercs march. Before some would quickly go inside to hide from whatever wrath they were clearly allowing to show.
Three guards even dared to stand before the marching mercenary group. But a mere look of death and torment from the most fearsome of Alpha's forced the guards aside. Allowing them to make an uninterrupted arrival to the secret passage way, where their own journeys would begin.
"We shall see where these mortal mercenaries will take me…! So long as they slay that twin of my failed apprentice,"The voice growled and finally released a laughter that was far more familiar to an experienced ear,"I… The fallen master of this world, Malefor! Demands it!"
Many hours passed since their departure, and the sun was soon about to set. The miles were long and arduous for the group of three, after over fifty long miles of travel on foot and by flight. Exhaustion was starting to settle in, though Asher would never admit it. He was ready to keep going for several days straight to find Cynder, but that could not be the case any more. He now had two companions with him, and they needed taken care of if they were to help him effectively.
Thankfully, they saw the first sign that they were nearing the destination they decided on. The burning glimmer in a far distance, sparkling from three miles away like a burning red star. It flickered and twinkled, and once they had started to get closer, he felt the first wave of heat. That was the moment that made Asher stop right on the spot, it took Sparx a minute to come to a halt. The same was said for Hunter as he spotted Asher stopping from above, clearly something was going on.
"What is it? Why are we stopping?"Hunter called to Asher as Sparx scrambled to get back to his companions.
"We're like two or three miles away from the Burning Lands. What's the hold up?"Sparx questioned before Asher flew down and landed right next to a pair of trees on a hill.
"We'll enter the Burning Lands tomorrow at full strength. For now we'll rest here for tonight,"Asher decided after understanding the time that passed since they left the cliffs,"We were traveling for twelve hours straight, I can tell that we're all tired. And weariness is a death sentence in a place like the Burning Lands."
"So…we're gonna save it for tomorrow? And here I thought you were completely careless."Sparx joked as the two of them joined Asher at the designated spot for camp.
"With that said, you can go ahead and find a creek, Sparx. And fill this with water,"Asher gave Sparx his hefty canteen to carry and fill with water,"Go on, you gotta carry your weight around here too if you really want this adventure so much."
"Whatever, be back in a minute."Sparx groaned and flew off to find some nearby water.
Once he was out of the way, him and Hunter were able to start unpacking supplies. Hunter gave Asher the food to sit on a small rock while setting up some smooth stones in a circle. Once the food was handled, Asher went to the twin forked trees to cut them down for fire wood.
"That won't be necessary. My father warned about cutting down twin trees,"Hunter pulled out some professional chopped up wood to take the tree's place,"It's very terrible luck to destroy trees that are intertwine with each other, and we'll need all the luck we can get."
"Very well… I'll cook then."Asher reluctantly agreed as Hunter set up the wood within the circle of stones.
"You know how to cook?"Hunter asked while giving Asher his sleeping mat to sleep on.
"Of course I do, every Alpha knew how to cook when it came to traveling,"Asher answered while laying out his sleeping bag just as the sun was starting to set in the west,"Felious taught me his cooking techniques. He didn't trust any one else with his recipes."
"A prominent father figure. Strong, stubborn as can be, and brings out both your best and worse,"Hunter concluded what he learned about Felious from experience and Asher's words,"Suppose his teachings of combat and survival helped you grow strong and live a respectable life for all this time."
"Not sure if you could call it, respectable. But it had it's charms, and he was like a father I suppose,"Asher admitted while snapping his claws together till sparks flew towards the wood,"Believe it or not, Felious actually was a father little more than fifteen years back."
"Really? I had no idea. Mercenaries usually don't have room for any sort of family."Hunter was a bit surprised by the knowledge that Felious was once a parent.
"Kittith was her name. She was about a year older than me at that time, we got along well,"Asher admitted and watched the sparks start to create a blaze for the camp fire,"She actually taught me a bit about how to climb. Proved useful in a few situations."
They went silent for a moment, allowing Asher to pull out some fish for their first meal as a team. He waited till the fire was going, and placed two whole salmons and one half salmon. He laid them against the wood, closer inspection revealed the wood to be a type of cherry wood. With that, the fish wold gain a sense of sweetness to them, something fish would need without dill, butter, or lemon. While the fish began to cook, Hunter finally decided to continue with the subject.
"So what happened to her?"Hunter asked, curious to know a story about the Alphas.
"Well… She died...in a very unpleasant way."Asher answered before hearing the wings of Sparx approaching.
"I see… We shall continue this later once we're settled in for the night."Hunter decided before Sparx flew in humming a tune with a canteen filled with water.
"I got the water! And I even found us something special!"Sparx announced while lugging around the canteen and a wild lemon on his head.
"Good. You just helped dinner get a little bit tastier."Asher took the lemon off Sparx's head while Hunter took the canteen.
"I just need a knife, and a couple minutes. Be on lookout for travelers or threats."Asher instructed while going over to Hunter's bag to find himself a knife.
"Can do…! Geez, this feels more like exploring with my old man than a journey with Spyro…"Sparx grumbled and flew out towards the branches of the twin trees to look out around the plains.
Once Asher cut the lemon up into four quarters, he gave three to Hunter for safe keeping. While he began juicing the other quarter lemon, spraying it on the sides of the fish that were really starting to cook. He then flipped the fish, and did the same to their other sides letting new flavors dissolve into the meat. All that was left to do was to wait for a bit till the fish was ready for eating. And as night finally fell upon them, the sizzling of the fish signified that they were done.
Once the smell hit them, there was no holding the two comrades back from the food. So he let them take their fish and dig in immediately, satisfaction quickly took over the atmosphere. As Asher took his own fish and enjoyed it quietly, it was very shocking that it wasn't as bad as he expected.
"This first day as a team… It had a patchy start, but it's definitely not my worse,"Asher broke the ice and admitted that Sparx and Hunter weren't all that bad of companions,"No, that honor still goes to the quadruo of me, Leo, Thoranos, and stubborn as hell Curage…!"
"Really? Do tell, we got the camp fire we need for stories…!"Sparx muffled through the chunks of fish he was still chewing.
"We were on my third ever mission. I was only thirteen, and the guys needed me on a business trip,"Asher decided to let all it out in the open to get to know the new comrades he had,"We were trying to set up a guild by the swamps. And almost EVERYTHING was going all to hell."
"Disagreements on how to set up your guild?"Hunter asked as Asher shook his head with snicker.
"More like everything we did was a mess. Curage just like to fight and shake people down,"Asher explained a lesser known and lower ranked member of the crew,"He just shook down any bugs or tribes that passed by, tried carving crap into the stones and wood we were using. Thoranos was no better."
"Thoranos? Sounds like a big guy. Bigger than you?"Sparx asked before taking another bite of meat.
"Thoranos… The large one with the twin axes."Hunter took a wild guess from what he observed from his visit.
"Yeah, back in that time before I had gone through my growth spurts, and he loved reminding me of how small I was at the time,"Asher scoffed at the days of being so much smaller than he was now,"Yanked any ladder I used out from under me, kept pushing and pointing out fake flaws in the building till I snapped at him. I even got paint on myself when he kept smacking it out of my claws."
"And Leo?"Hunter manage to suppress his laughter while Hunter immediately lost it.
"Leo… He wasn't nearly as bad… A bit bossy and always trying to be a holier than thou wise one,"Asher admitted, before his recent encounters with Leo came to mind,"But… He knew what was best, and he knew how to support us where support was needed… He's probably the only reason we didn't kill each other on the job…"
"A mercenary with common sense and rational thinking…! That's almost too good to believe."Sparx chuckled some more and nearly choked on the fish.
"Believe what you want, but in Alpha standards. He's one of the good ones."Asher responded before Hunter cleared his throat to grasp his attention.
"Indeed… Now about that story with Felious and his daughter. Care to continue that story?"Hunter incited the story of Felious, hoping for both him and Sparx to hear this tale.
"Well… This is oddly serious for the first night… I…suppose it's a story to start off with."Asher sighed, knowing this one may be a bit heavy, even for him.
"A heavy story? Better put the fish down for this one."Sparx decided before struggling to heave his fish onto a rock for safe keeping.
"I was five when it happened. I was taken with to serve as a "ransom", when the apes took her,"Asher began to explain the story that Felious would never want to be reminded of,"They took her after learning that the Alphas looted their old base at the well of souls. So they kidnapped her."
15 Years Ago
It took a moment to remember, but before long, he recalled the event. They stood just outside the great Tall Plains, home of the Atlawas people, Llama beings that were once enslaved by the apes. The two parties of Avalarians and Apes met at this border with their items for trade. The Alphas had a lot of gold, old weapons, and Asher himself with rope tied around his wrists. The demand was clear, if they wanted to get the daughter of Felious back, everything they took needed to be returned.
A young Asher was brought forward, glaring towards the group of flea bitten apes. While Alphas remained silent, containing their rage for the acts the apes committed against them. Most of the chimps were hooting and screaming like the out of control monkey's they were. While some of less excited apes finally brought their hostage forth, a small Avalarian girl in a simple brown gown with a flower on her left ear. She too was bounded up and appeared to have been crying before her arrival.
The stripes down her head and across her face resembled a bit of her father. And her father seemed worried sick, he could try all he wants to bare a brave face, but there was no fooling Leo. As he stood a top a lone tree, hidden in the leafs, ready to take the shot the moment the trade was made.
"It was to be a simple "trade". Me and all their old ape stuff from Gaul's base in exchange for Kittith. Guess they felt that i was property as well, considering my imprisonment by Gaul himself."
"I was starting to think you weren't going to show up, Avalarians…!"The lead ape wearing the chest bone armor of a comrade and the skull made helmet of an Atlawas.
"Then you apes clearly don't know us as well as you think, now about my daughter."Felious was quick to demand the release of his child before giving anything to the apes.
"That's not how this is going to work. We are in charge here, not you, kittens…!"The ape remarked before pulling out a stone knife and putting it to the girl's neck.
"Father...!"She cried, making Asher jump a bit before the knife pressed tightly against her neck.
"We got the prize, and all we have to do is reveal your thievery, and anything that happens here will be justified for us,"The leader black mailed with the idea that the apes would get away without any punishment in both scenarios,"Now you will hand over the treasures and the dragon, and we will give you the child!"
Felious went silent, his heart was freezing with cold fear, the apes were meaning business. So it was vital not to tempt the apes any further, he had no choice but to give into their demands. But not before kneeling down and placing a paw to Asher's back and closing his eyes.
"You know what to do, Asher. This is your very first mission…"He suddenly whispered to Asher and the young dragon quietly nodded once before being given a small push.
"I did as I was told, and went to the apes. The plan was to wait till Kittith was free and in Felious's protection. Then Leo would take a shot at the group with explosives, while I got the honor of sinking my teeth into the leader's leg. And Felious would be ready to take his head clean off. We were so certain that we had these bastards check mated, but things went wrong…"
Asher did as he was instructed, and began to slowly walk towards the crazy apes. Kittith looked on with fear to see the small dragon giving himself up just for the chance to save her life. He made his walk long and painful to watch for all, even the apes, who eventually grew impatient. So he instructed a grunt to simply walk out and forcibly yanked by his arm into the group of chimps. Asher still didn't say a word, it was part of his instructions to show bravery in the face of a lethal enemy.
"You can't do this…! They'll just lock you up again. You'll never be free…!"Kittith begged Asher not to accept his imprisonment.
"Quiet!"An ape demanded along with a back hand against the back of her head.
"Don't worry… It's going to be ok…"Asher responded quietly while shooting a small look to her from the corners of his eyes.
"Now! Don't forget the gold, and the heirlooms you stole from Gaul's chamber!"The ape demanded what was left to be returned for the girl.
Some of the Alphas were hesitate, and they even looked to each other, not wanting to give up their goods. But a sharp stare from Felious loosened their grip on greed, and they emptied their pockets. Tossing out all the gold, plates, daggers, and every thing they stole from the old lair of Gaul. The monkey's jumped and chattered, watching all their old gear finally return to them after so many years. Once the Alphas emptied their pockets, it was time for the ape's side of the bargain.
"There it all is, all the money and items we took. Now release my daughter!"Felious demanded as the apes began to collect their treasures.
"Sure…"The leader replied and took his knife away from her neck before pulling her forward.
"Why do you even want, Asher? What's he worth to you?"Thoranos could not help but question the reason for the apes wanting the young dragon.
"That's none of your business. All you need to know is that this one is dangerous,"The head ape forced Asher right behind him, right where the dragon had hoped to be put,"There's a reason Malefor had this one sealed away… And you could have easily destroyed everything and Malefor releasing him."
"Thankfully, the purple dragon Spyro already did Malefore in, so-"Another grunt tried to announce before being dragged back in and slapped.
"Shut up! These are lowly mercs! They're not suppose to know anything!"The ape was scolded by others to keep his mouth shut.
"Yes… In fact, a lesson needs to be learned here for the thievery and thoughtless looting,"The leader suddenly put the girl in front and looked like he was going to give her a shove towards Felious,"Your greed nearly destroyed an entire race and a once mighty lord of all the realms. You even dared to raise this little demon."
"He seemed ok to us. So far he's proving to be a well obedient dragon with much potential...!"Felious denied the claims, not believing the notion that Asher would do more harm than good.
"That is what we were afraid of… So perhaps a little lesson in thievery is required,"The ape incited as Asher noticed his knife being raised and positioned for a slash,"You stole from us… Took away everything we had left in Gaul's abode. I'm thinking…you need to learn what it's like to lose important things…!"
"What do you me-…? No…! Don't you do it…!"Felious took a minute before figuring out what those words meant.
"Don't do what…?"The ape responded, before Asher's heart dropped the moment he saw the knife raised in front of Kittith.
The shine of the knide gleamed in Felious's eyes as it whipped against Kittith's throat. And the blade's shine was the last thing she ever saw, as a sharp gasp passed her lips. The blade slid viciously against her neck, opening it up and splashing her own blood against the grass. Everything went dead and silent, shock overwhelmed all Alphas, including Asher. The young dragon became sick to his stomach, he even nearly lost the ability to breath as the knife swung up.
It showed the blood that stained it from the child's neck, a sick grin grew on the ape's face. Eyes were wide with horror, as the ape shoved the young Avalarian forward into the dirt. Where she tried to utter words, but she could only choke on blood and suffer the horrific moment of death.
"I was horrified, disgusted, I may even had been traumatized, but above all else… I was angry, I watched Felious shatter and nearly die from the shock I could see on his face. He fell to his knees, his whole body just started shutting down, emotions were fighting within him. Then anger boiled over in me… I lost it… As did the other Alphas…!"
As Asher stood there with shuddering breaths, he watched Felious on his paws and knees. He was trembling, trying to scream as he looked to the dying child he loved. It became too much, and Asher lost it, as a scream of pure grief and rage erupted by the small dragon. His claws needed to only twist and pull, before the ropes snapped apart, all thanks to the Alphas for precutting the rope. This would allow Asher to do what he was told, and now he could do it with much pleasure and rage.
The other apes did not see his claws free themselves, only the scream got their attention. But none of them could stop Asher, as he immediately rushed to the lead ape and grabbed at his leg. He then opened wide and sunk his teeth as deeply as he could into the back of the leader's leg. With the sharp teeth of a dragon, they more than did the damage they needed to do, as the main ape screamed. He felt as flesh tore and ripped right off the bone of his leg, while the Alphas erupted with rage of their own.
"KILL THE FILTHY APES! KILL THEM ALL!"Thoranos roared before all the others roared with the wildest anger the apes had ever seen.
The Alphas drew their weapons, and a furious Leo war cried as he took his shots. Two arrows stuffed with black powder and lit fuses flew like the wind, splintering through the air towards the murderous apes. The two made their mark, and exploded on impact, apes flew in all directions. While others were made deaf by the loud blasts of flame and smoke. Many were lost even before the Alpha's charged into the apes, Thoranos did the honors of swinging both axes and taking the lead ape's head clean off.
The Alphas clashed with the apes, some of the primates were even sent flying from the violent collision. Asher managed to duck down and crawl away, spitting out a piece of ape that he pulled off. He rolled to avoid the monkey bodies that were already starting to fall. Some came down with spears in every place imaginable, some even fell from simple broken necks. The little dragon struggled to get out of the Alphas path of destruction, knowing that a blade could be coming right for him.
"Arrows and blades swung and splintered in all directions, and all I could do was panic and crawl for my life. I found it hard to breath from all the shock, watching my family spill so much blood. So many apes falling, some even falling in pieces from my rage filled comrades. I could barely stand the sight, so I managed to crawl to the one bit of peace and comfort I could find. But she was already gone…"
Young Asher rolled from spears and swords stabbing the ground around him. Then he finally saw the body of Kittith within the mess he was in, and he desperately wriggled his way over to her. He stopped for a moment as another body fell in front of him, he looked away and crawled over the body. It wasn't much longer before he manage to make it to her, and began to shake the girl. Hoping to get her to respond to him, but she was already cold and limp to the touch.
"We gotta get up! Just brush off the pain and start crawling!"Asher yelled for the girl to move so they could get out of the massacre.
His pleas were met with silence only before he tried shaking her awake again. Finally the dragon rolled her over, hoping to give her some courtesy slaps to the face to wake her up. Only to see her gray eyes and the open slash wound across her neck, her brown gown was all stained in blood. He fell silent, grasping her cheek and tapping it for a response, but nothing happened. Death was a new concept to him at the time, in fact, the dead apes that fell around him were the first he had ever seen.
"Wake up…! You can't be sleeping…now…!"He begged for a response, but there was no waking her up from this eternal rest.
He began to quiver as he tried to shake her one last time, and like before, she gave no response. He bowed his head, his breath shuddered as the young dragon began to learn this truth. Only to bury his head against her chest, trembling and trying to resist the tears that burned at his eyes. He was told that there was no place for pain, no place for emotions or softness among the Alphas. But all that would soon go into question as he held back the urges to weep, in order to hear mournful moans.
Slowly he lifted his head up, only to see Felious towering over him. His face was full of grief and horror, the moans he heard appeared to be from Felious himself, as he dropped to his knees once more. He knelt before the dragon and the daughter that had died right in front of him. He bent down and reached out to touch her forehead, while Asher looked away and struggled with the feelings that clawed away at his heart. He could only listen and close his eyes as Felious finally screamed.
But this was not a scream of rage or lust for blood and revenge, this was something more. This was a scream of grief and unfaltering sorrow for a parent that just lost his child. This was a pain many would never be able to understand, this would change a parent in the most irreversible way. Asher would not realize this till he had reached a proper age, like the one he currently was. As he decided that the story was at his end, and decided to conclude it for his comrades.
"Felious was never the same after that… He was harden, and obsessed with my training,"Asher explained the changes that came with the death of Kittith,"He never held what happened against me, but insisted that I was trained as hard as possible… Even to levels that seemed impossible…! Until I was strong enough…! Till I had surpassed them all!"
Asher opened his eyes, finally pulling himself out of his mind full of old memories. Seeing the solemn yet curious faces Hunter and Sparx sported, this story left quite an impact for them. Allowing the two to understand a bit about the Alphas, and what made them special regardless of their deeds.
"The Alphas may be mercenaries that do a lot of bad things for a pretty penny,"Asher started and was ready to drill this insight into his new comrades,"But each one has his story, and each one has many experiences that make them the strong and illustrious fighters the people kneel to in fear…!"
"And now we have them following us…with a vengeance for taking you away from them,"Hunter understood and bowed his head, learning of the importance of this old family,"If it means anything… We're sorry for putting you in this dilemma. You'd still have this family if I chose never to visit you."
"Don't be… No matter what… Some things are just not meant to last,"Asher sighed and looked up to the stars that twinkled in the night sky,"At least I had a family to enjoy… While they lasted…"
From that moment on, bridges were starting to build between this new team. As the three of them stared to the sky with hopeful thoughts, wondering what could have been and what will be. Only time would tell, but for now, it was time to settle in and be ready for the Burning Lands that awaited them.
Hope you're all enjoying this adventure, if there's some things you'd like to ask about, feel free to pm or review, it be nice to get some extra insight to make this story better. This will have some deep moments, a lot of rough moments and tests of shear will power. Hope you all enjoyed the beginning of the journey, and please stay awesome every one.