Chapter 04: Merchandise
October 26, 10:33 AM
The wind was calm, flowing softly through the streets, kicking up a few papers. Spyro walked, watching the small rotten papers as they slowly drifted across the cracked pavement before coming to a rest nearby. Looking up, he saw the four main skyscrapers of his home city, towering high above him, almost engulfing him as they were so close to him now.
He was in the city's center, the heart of the city itself. It was the heart of the city's commerce, and it served as the heart of the city's greed and corruption. Gangs and crime lords controlled this part of the city, and they had a… hand in the city's affairs, whatever they might be. It made no difference to Spyro, since their reach didn't make it very far from the city's center itself. The other sections remained independent of them, and ruled themselves. Here, the crime lords were boss. In fact, calling them crime lords wasn't even correct. They were the law there, and nobody questioned them. Under their rule, there weren't any crimes. To go against them, that is the true crime.
The city center was built around a large hole in the ground, created long ago either during, before or after the war that destroyed the humans. Spyro had never seen it before, only heard about it. It was there, at the bottom of that hole where the central markets lay. All commerce passing through this area were directed through here, and Spyro knew if he was going to find that part, it was going to be there in the heart of the city. Getting there, that was going to be a challenge. Well, getting there intact anyway. This part of the city was highly dangerous to those who weren't of status or in the know within the ranks of these lords.
Spyro was just a small dragon wandering in this section, and the fact he was carrying a small sum of gems would only make him more of a target…
He had to take care now, and not call much attention to himself.
His best bet was just to… blend in. As long as he didn't do anything to stick out, he'd be just fine. Thinking about it, he was sure none of these thugs were as tough as a Sentinel. Now those guys he was scared of… Those guys meant business. These guys were just looking for a quick buck.
Walking further in, he saw as the buildings were growing larger all around him. He was entering this section through a series of alleys, built in-between the buildings since most of the buildings here were also new additions, much like in the inner city. Whatever happened in this city damaged this area the most, and left a lot of the smaller buildings in absolute ruin. Only the four central towers remained standing above the rest, and even then one of the towers had half collapsed into another one, leaning forever into the second structure. Most the buildings here were on the ruins of the old buildings, and as Spyro walked through the city he could see several different creatures and their designs. This small alleyway was packed, not unlike the ones from the inner city. Different creatures walked to and from the city's center, just as young Spyro was. He could see all the various species as they walked passed him, bi-pedal cheetahs, wolves, different avians, even a few anthro and feral dragons passed by him occasionally.
It was much like the inner city, just… with more people hiding in the shadows.
The area here was dense, with many different alleyways running in-between the buildings, allowing for massive foot traffic to move around the base of one of the main towers that were still standing.
All around him people walked, it was hard to really see where he was going. Having never been to this district, Spyro would have to find a way to find out where he was… Or else he'd be wandering in circles the whole time.
Taking a chance he moved towards one of the smaller alleyways that branched off to another road that looked off the beaten path. There, it was much, much less populated and Spyro could see signs on the other road pointing towards the main markets.
Bingo! That's where he wanted to go!
He trotted through the alleyway until he met its end, turning to now head down the road. He was on an older road, one built by the forgers for their vehicles. This one was narrow, and most of the old debris had been cleared away long ago, making way for lanes of travel for pedestrians. At the end of the road he could see the base of one of the other towers, and a sharp drop somewhere in front of it. That must be the inner markets! Whew, he was almost there. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all.
"Hey! What do you think you're doing?" Spyro heard a voice, a female voice at that coming from nearby.
"Don't be so alarmed, I mean no ill intent. Besides, where are you going?" A second voice said, sounding male. They were coming down the alleyway, which ran alongside one of the taller buildings in the area. What was going on inside this alley? Spyro slowly walked down towards the source, listening into the two individuals as they spoke to one another.
"Where do you think? I'm leaving, my business is done in this city."
"Is that what you think?"
"I know it is. Now get away from me."
"Well so much for gratitude, after I housed you all this time during your stay…"
"Thank you, now get away, I'm leaving this city."
"Oh, I don't think so. I believe you may be mistaken there my dear."
"What the hell are you talking about, get away from me!"
What was going on down there? It sounded like something was starting to heat up…
Curious, Spyro slowly walked down the alleyway, careful to not make much noise as he slowly approached the area where the voices were originating from. These alleyways were so mazelike… and because of the nature of the buildings they were going in every which direction.
Moving against the wall, he slowly peered over the side, seeing a large gorilla anthro talking to a black dragoness, who was about his size and probably age.
"You're not going anywhere little lady, you're staying here…"
"Like hell I am! Who do you think you are?"
"Who do I think I am? I know who I am, you need to learn your place."
"I know my place, and it isn't here!"
"Not anymore young one. Your place is here, with me. You are signed merchandise."
"Get away from me! I don't care who you are!" She said in response, looking more tense. Looking at her closely, Spyro could see her intricate black scale pattern and red underbelly. Her scales reflected in the sunlight, looking more purple when hit by the light. She had bracelets on her fore-legs and hind legs, tail and even neck. Green eyes looked up at the gorilla with both anger and a bit of fear. The gorilla walked closer to her.
"What would your boss think if he found out you were disobeying him?"
"My boss would never agree to any of this…" She gritted her teeth, backing away as he walked in a circle around her slowly.
"Oh I see. You don't know yet. Oh well, it doesn't matter anymore because you belong here, with me."
"I don't know what the hell you're talking about, get away…"
"Don't worry, I'll be gentle."
"I said get away!" She leapt forward, baring her claws. He only smirked, grabbing her arm and throwing her onto the ground. She grunted, skidding for a few feet before getting up.
"Oh I love it when they fight…" He said with a chuckle, walking over and stepping on her back.
"Get off!" She yelled.
"Oh quiet, I wouldn't want anyone to hear you scream… only I want to hear that." He grabbed her, lifting her up. She clawed at his face when her fore-leg became free, making him let out a sharp groan.
"You bitch!" He yelled, dropping her.
"That's what you get!" She yelled in response. He only chuckled before pulling his fist back and delivering a blow to her head, knocking her back several feet. She slammed into a trash container, her body remaining still as paper covered her body. The gorilla rubbed his wounds before chuckling again.
"Well isn't she a fighter…" He walked back over to her.
Spyro grunted, having watched the entire scene, not knowing whether to get involved or not. As he walked closer to her, he knew he had to act now. If not, who knows what the sick freak was going to do to her!
Leaping forward Spyro flapped his wings, becoming airborne. He bared his claws, landing on the gorilla's back. He grunted, turning to see Spyro who growled at him.
"Leave her alone!" Spyro shouted.
"What're you, her boyfriend?! Get off!" He grabbed Spyro throwing him off of his back and onto the ground. Spyro skid for a few feet before rolling over, gritting his teeth.
"Alright, come at me then…" The gorilla said, raising his fists.
Spyro leaped forward, flapping his wings to get air. The gorilla punched, his powerful fist soaring forwards toward Spyro. Spyro flapped his wings, gaining more air to avoid his punch. The larger, lumbering ape was not able to adjust, Spyro able to come down hard on him, biting his neck. He shouted out, flailing his arms as Spyro used his weight to draw him back. The gorilla finally got a grasp on Spyro, trying to yank him off. Spyro felt this, using his hind-leg to scratch at the gorilla's arm, causing him to yell, his arm losing its grip.
Spyro used this opportunity to push his weight further onto the gorilla, bringing his legs so they rested on his chest and he pushed hard, shoving the gorilla onto his back. Spyro flapped his wings above him, spouts of flame coming from his muzzle as he looked down at the gorilla.
"You leave her alone…" Spyro said, the gorilla rubbing his neck and looking up at him with hate.
"Not a chance, I've waited a long, long time for this and you won't mess this up for me…" The gorilla stood up, charging Spyro again. Spyro flapped his wings, getting above him, unleashing a jet of flames at the gorilla. The gorilla leapt to the side, trying to avoid the fire. Spyro sailed in hard, shoving against him into the wall. The gorilla growled before grabbing Spyro's neck, pulling him up and off. The gorilla brought the full force of his hands down, clenching tight on young Spyro's neck. Spyro gasped, clawing at the gorilla's arms, trying to get him to let go. The gorilla only tightened his grip, and Spyro out of panic brought his hind-paws onto the gorilla's chest and started a scraping motion, his claws digging into the gorilla's bare chest. The gorilla let out a sharp yell of pain, now releasing Spyro as blood dripped from the young dragon's claws.
Spyro came crashing to the ground, rolling over as he grasped his neck, taking in deep breaths.
The gorilla slowly pushed himself off the wall, blood dripping from his wounds. He panted hard, but did not look like he was ready to give up. Spyro let out a growl before charging the gorilla. The gorilla readied his fists, grabbing Spyro by the horns as soon as he got the chance. Spyro yanked hard, but he wouldn't let go. Spyro pushed hard however, shoving him back into the wall. The gorilla only used this chance to bring his fists down onto his back, the impacts proving brutal against Spyro.
In an act of desperation, Spyro pressed his muzzle against the chest of the gorilla before letting lose a shot of earth energy, the shotgun-like blast sending the gorilla crashing through the wall and into the dark room beyond. He skid for a few feet before coming to a rest beside the fallen concrete. The gorilla moaned for a bit before his head went limp against the rocks.
His chest was still rising and falling, the gorilla was only knocked out.
Panting, Spyro fell backwards trying to catch his breath. He brought a paw up, rubbing his neck softly before coughing. Turning slightly, he looked at the dragoness who was now lying on her back, her head pointed up at the sky. He got up slowly, walking over towards her to see if she was alright.
Her chest rose and fell softly, indicating she was only knocked out. That's good... Least Spyro wasn't too late. He had to at least wake her up, so she could get away from this asshole…
He reached over, grasping at her shoulder as he slowly moved her body.
"Hey, hey come on now, you have to get up." Spyro said softly, shaking her more.
She let out a soft moan, her body starting to move as she was now coming to. Her paw came to her head before her eyes opened, she looking up at him as he shook her again.
"Hey, hey you alright?" Spyro asked, seeing her eyes moving all over the place. She looked as if she was in a daze, delirious.
"Orrick…? Is that… you…?" She asked softly, still looking up with drooped eyes. Huh? Who the hell was Orrick?
"No, no, listen you-"
"I… I haven't seen you for a long time… what're you doing here?" She asked, still looking to be in a delirious state.
"No I'm not Orrick, my name is Spyro! Come on you have to move." He said, backing up slightly. Her eyes went wide before she shook herself back to reality, getting up quickly.
"Wow, who the hell are you?! What's going on?!" She asked, backing against the wall. Spyro moved back, raising his paws a bit defensively.
"You were attacked by that guy, I helped you. You've got to get out of here before he gets back up." Spyro explained. The dragoness rubbed her head before moving towards the broken wall, seeing the fallen gorilla just beyond.
"Oh no… not good… not good at all…" She said, shaking her head.
"What's the matter? Come on, you've got to get out of here!" Spyro said, trying to get her attention.
"Do you know who that guy is? He'll be after you, he'll be after me!" She said, looking a little more panicked.
"No… who is that guy?"
"Come on, we've got to go!" She shouted, grabbing Spyro's arm and darting from the alleyway. She pulled Spyro into another alleyway, looking back to check if they were being followed.
"Whoa, whoa!" Spyro said, she still pulling him with her.
"You knocked that guy out?" She asked, still looking behind her.
"Yeah… I heard something going on over here so I checked it out." He said, stopping to turn himself. She turned towards him, a look of panic still on her face before she collected herself, sighing.
"Thanks… That pig almost got me…" She said lowly before turning again, walking down the alleyway.
"Who was that guy?"
"What're you, like new here?" She asked, looking at him in disbelief.
"No… I'm from the inner city, we don't come to the city center." Spyro explained. She just shook her head.
"It doesn't matter, come on." She said, going forward. Spyro looked at her, still confused.
"Where are we going?" He asked.
"Away from here. His friends'll be here soon, and we don't want to stick around." She said, leaving the alleyway and returning to the streets.
"Who are you?" Spyro asked, trying to catch up with her. She turned, looking at both sides to inspect the people walking down the street. She turned to look at him for a few seconds, looking him over.
"The name's Cynder. We better move away from here." She said, walking down the street.
"Cynder… wait, hey, wait up!" He said, not wanting to get left behind as she continued onward.
"Well keep up!" She said, turning back to him with a slight smirk. They continued walking until they reached a small plaza, an old forger restaurant sitting near the corner, dominating this area. Different creatures including a few dragons sat in an outdoor area to the restaurant, all chatting amongst themselves and eating. Many of them looked… less than reputable.
She walked towards the end of the plaza before stopping, looking around her again. That small trip through the alleyways had gotten Spyro all turned around, and he had no idea where he even was.
"Alright, I think we lost them."
"Who is, 'them'?" Spyro asked.
"Just a few assholes I've had to do business with. Don't think I'll be welcomed back though…" She said, shaking her head. Spyro raised an eyebrow.
"You work for somebody?" He asked her.
"Yeah, we're a group west of here. My boss sent me here to help make an agreement with these guys. That asshole back there wanted to get a little too personal for my tastes." She explained.
"You're a little young to be traveling by yourself." Spyro commented.
"What about you? You seem to be young to be wandering the streets of the city center." She said with a smirk. Spyro returned it, shaking his head.
"I didn't want to come here, I'm looking for something."
"Looking for what?" She asked, curious herself.
"A part. A… friend of mine needs it for a project. We think the only one is down here in the city center."
"What kind of part? Maybe I can help."
"You want to help?"
"Well… you saved me from being raped, so I think you've earned it." She said with a smile. Spyro smiled himself before turning to his sack, opening the flap and retrieving the damaged part. He held it up awkwardly, still lacking any thumbs.
"I need… a replacement to this." He said.
"Oh. I've seen one of those before… Yeah I know someone who sells it!"
"You do? Can you show me?" He asked.
"Sure! As long as you're paying for it though…" She said, quickly changing her tone. Spyro shook his head.
"Of course I am." She shook hers before turning, looking around to orient herself.
"Alright then it's this way. Try to keep up!" She said. Spyro smirked before following behind her. They walked for several minutes, navigating the various streets and alleys in an attempt to find the inner markets. How could they have gotten so lost, Spyro was JUST facing it earlier!
Finally they arrived at a street going towards the inner markets, it dumping off into the massive hole that the markets rested inside of. They walked along its edge, following the stream of foot traffic that also moved towards its edge, only to move towards stairs that had been built into the side of the massive hole, following it all the way down towards it base. Spyro walked towards the edge of the road, peering down to get a look himself.
The walls of the massive hole were lined with large pieces of machinery and metallic walls. They had all turned orange from rust, some parts having long ago collapsed as well. It looked as if the area had at one time been sealed beneath the streets here, only to have the roof collapse in, revealing this place to the world. At the base of the hole Spyro could see more machinery, all hooking up to a central point at the bottom, a large cylindrical device. All around there were tents and different huts set up, all various merchants and sellers that made up the marketplace. All along the walls Spyro could see several floors that descended down, as if the entire area was hollowed out. He could see inside each of the floors, all of them exposed to the central area, revealing all of the many tents and shacks set up by other merchants. The entire place was an enormous marketplace. Pipes moved in every direction from the central cylinder, moving into the walls or running up them. Spyro wondered, what was the point of this massive room, and why had it been sealed beneath the city long ago, only to have been revealed by the roof's collapse? What secrets had the forgers been hiding down there?
"Quite a sight, isn't it?" Cynder asked, seeing Spyro looking down.
"Yeah, it is. I've never been to the city center's markets before."
"This place has got one of the biggest markets for miles, here, in the inner city and even that flooded city beyond. I've never been to those though, only to the city center ones." She explained.
"Where are you from originally?" Spyro asked.
"Out west, my… group's got control of a couple of cities. I grew up there and decided I wanted to see a bit more of the world so they sent me east." She said, still looking down.
"What're your cities like?" Spyro asked.
"A lot cleaner then these, I'll say that. We've really started to pick up the pieces that were left everywhere by those forgers, and now we're making a true name for ourselves."
"Why'd they send you to deal with these guys though?"
"Well… I'm not really the one dealing with them. Vivex, my mentor really deals with them… I just help out, you know."
"Where is he that he isn't helping you out of all this?" Spyro said, walking away from the edge now.
"He already left you see. I was just wrapping things up for him."
"I see, well thankfully you're alright now."
"Thanks. What about you? Is this your hometown?"
"Yeah, I grew up here. I've never really left this place, it's way too massive to explore on its own."
"Ever think about traveling?"
"I've… thought about it. I've wanted to see what the rest of the world is like. Though I've never really gotten the chance."
She looked at him for a moment before smirking and turning and undoing her wings to glide down.
"Well, we've got to get your friend that part, so let's go." She said, walking towards the edge. Spyro smiled himself, nodding as he followed her.
Oh the joys of being a dragon… Spyro leapt out with her and flapped his wings as they slowly glided down, joining the other dragons who were doing the same. Spyro watched as the other wingless creatures were forced to use the many stairs lining the walls, feeling sorry for them as they were forced into confined spaces. How did they ever get by without wings?
It took less than a minute for them to land on the ground, Spyro finding it slightly difficult with the abundance of people walking around the marketplace itself. One rather large pig bi-pedal yelled at Spyro as he landed only about a foot in front of him. Spyro quickly leapt to the side as the pig swung his fist, yelling threats before walking away. Cynder just laughed.
"It's over here." She said, pointing to a merchant stand near the center. Well, it looked more like a stand with a mountain of machine parts resting behind it. This guy might actually have what they were looking for…
Spyro walked up with Cynder, the merchant being a tall wolf bi-pedal who wore an eye patch. He was sharpening his knife against a metal pipe when they walked up, he looking up at them with a less then amused face.
"What do you punks want, I don't got no toys…" He said, returning to his knife sharpening.
"We're here to uh…" Spyro began, a little nervous.
"We're here to buy a part."
"I hope you got money on you because I'm not tradin for any of your shit." He pointed the knife at them, leaning against the wall of his shack.
"Oh I've got some money." Spyro said, opening his pack to show some gems. The wolf stood upright more, leaning over to inspect the gems before smiling, revealing that several of his teeth were missing.
"Very well, how can I help you my fine customers…" He said while leaning back slowly.
"I'm looking for this part, do you have one?" Spyro asked, pulling the part from his sack once again. The wolf motioned for Spyro to hand it over, which he did. The wolf looked at it for a moment before digging through a small book he had at his desk.
"Ah yes… this is an engine part for one of them… V-22 Ospreys I think. There aren't many of those lying around here anymore. How did you come across this…?" He asked, looking at Spyro.
"A friend of mine wants one of those. His got damaged in a fight."
"Well you happen to be in luck because I'm about the only person who sells them." The wolf turned, walking over to his stack of parts before digging through them. He finally retrieved a part from his pile, walking over to the pair with it.
"Here you go, that'll be four hundred gems." He said, putting the part on the table. Spyro was taken aback, he only had thirty on him!
"W-what? Four hundred gems, I don't have that many!" Spyro said, looking up with shock.
"Well then get lost kid! This is a serious part here, and there aren't many left. You want it, you'd better pony up!" He said, looking more aggravated again.
"Hey, why the need for such a high price?" Cynder asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Listen bitch, I hunt for these parts myself so I'm not going to give this one up for less than that." He said, slamming his knife onto the table, letting the blade stick into the wood.
"If I remember correctly, I saw you giving a little rodent child the other day a single gem to fetch it from the sewers." Cynder said with a smirk. The wolf looked at her for a second before going wide-eyed, looking like he had been caught in his lie.
"Shut it you little punk, I'm the one doing business now, you hear?" He said, raising his knife to her.
"Careful where you point that thing, you might hurt someone you regret." She said, looking at him with an unflinching gaze.
"What? I don't care who the hell you are, get away from my-" He stopped mid-sentence, glancing at her neck-brace. He suddenly froze before retracting his knife, putting it away quickly as a look of nervousness took over his otherwise threatening demeanor.
"Oh, I uh… sorry to do that miss, you can have the part, free of charge!" He said, backing away.
"What're you…" Spyro turned to Cynder, raising an eyebrow. She only smiled at him before pushing the part towards Spyro with her paw.
"Thank you for your business sir." She said towards the wolf who only bowed nervously. Spyro watched Cynder for a second before retrieving the part, placing it in his sack. Cynder returned the bow towards the wolf before walking off. Spyro saw the wolf who gave her a look of disgust when she wasn't looking before turning and walking back to his pile of parts. Spyro turned back towards Cynder and walked towards her, still in a state of confusion.
"What was all that about?" Spyro asked, catching up to her.
"Oh, it's nothing." She said with a giggle.
"Oh yeah I bet. Come on, why'd he back down so easily?" Spyro asked. Cynder just shook her head at him.
"Nope, not telling. Anyway you should get that part to your friend, I'm sure you don't want to keep him waiting." She said, flapping her wings to get airborne. Spyro did the same, following right after her.
"Well hold up, where you off to now?" Spyro asked, landing at the top of the hole with her, back on the streets.
"I'm heading back to my group, my business in this city is done." She said.
"Back out west?"
"No, we've got a base up north. I'm going there to meet with my mentor Vivex."
"All by yourself?"
"I think I can handle myself. I've traveled alone before you know."
"So that's it, you're just going to head out?" Spyro asked again, stopping her as she was going to walk off again.
"Well… yeah. I should probably make myself scarce before big boy over there wakes up and tries to hunt me down. My mentor will be expecting me back north soon and I don't want to keep him waiting. It was really nice meeting you Spyro." She said, smiling at him. Spyro nodded at her, smiling as well.
"It was nice meeting you too. I hope you get there alright. Maybe we'll meet up someday."
"Maybe, see you around Spyro." She said, turning and walking away. Spyro smiled the whole time before turning, looking down the street that lead back to the inner city. He sighed, walking down the street. It was nice to know that there were other friendly dragons out there, other people like Cynder. He didn't meet too many in the city. Well… those who cared to give him the time of day. He hoped wherever she was going she was well, especially with that thug from earlier…
He knew she'd be alright, and he had to worry about himself and getting this part to Jericho.
Still, part of him wondered what that wolf saw that made him suddenly surrender his part so easily. Also, what group was she a part of he wondered. They must be pretty sizable if they control a few cities, and were dealing with the bosses in this city. Well he guessed that it didn't matter for now, that it would come about later.
The sun was moving over the apex of the sky now, meaning it was now turning to afternoon. Spyro had plenty of time to get back to Jericho in the warehouses. That was still quite the walk though… Spyro thought about flying that distance, but with those Sentinels Spyro didn't want to stick out like a cracked talon. Yeah… walking was the best option for now.
Well, maybe if he did fly out of here he could get back to the inner city quicker, save some time you know? Spyro stopped, thinking about it for a second before undoing his wings and preparing to launch himself into the air.
He hardly noticed the pair of footsteps that dashed up behind him, quickly becoming louder. He finally noticed when he felt two hands grab him around the neck and yank him back. He gasped, looking up to see a towering figure above him, sneering down to him. The arm yanked harder, making it hard for Spyro to breathe. He tried to claw at the figure and kick, but he felt himself growing weaker as his windpipe was being constricted. It wasn't long before his vision went to black.
/Transitioning…/
[Done]
It was incredibly hard to tell what the hell Spyro was looking at; his vision was far too blurry to make anything out. All he could see were the silhouettes of many figures before him, and all he could hear were muffled voices. Where was he? What had happened? He couldn't even make out a coherent thought as he closed his eyes, trying to focus. He tried to move his arms and legs, but that proved useless. He tried to conjure enough energy to use a breath attack, but he felt no energy rushing up his throat like he usually would. What was going on?
Finally his vision and hearing started to recover, and that's when he realized he was lying on his side, looking up at someone. His legs were bound together with thick rope, explaining why they were immobile. Looking up, he could see several figures towering over him, most were bi-pedal gorillas. They all looked at him with menacing looks, one holding a rope that was tied to his neck. He… was on a leash.
Turning, he saw he was inside a large room with many windows, sunlight filtering in from the outside. He could see from the vantage point that they were actually pretty high up, and that they were likely in a tower. There were many chairs in the room, and a desk near one of the large windows. A well-dressed gorilla sat behind the desk, watching him with a slight smirk, rubbing his chin.
"Looks like you decided to join us young one." He said, pointing to Spyro. Spyro sat up now, grunting. His neck was killing him… and not just from this damn leash either. They must have knocked him out… Wait, if these were the guys from before then that meant…
"Hands off you freak!" A voice to his side caught his attention, being familiar. Turning, Spyro saw that it was Cynder. She was in the same predicament as Spyro, bound and being held by another pair of large gorillas. She looked at Spyro, frowning as she was he was now awake.
"Hey…" Spyro said lowly. She just sighed, turning towards the gorilla behind the desk.
"Attacking one of my high level lieutenants is a very serious offense. I don't take too kindly to that, especially when he is my blood." The gorilla said, staring directly at Spyro. Spyro just glared at him. He didn't even notice the gorilla standing beside the desk, his chest, face and arms bandaged as they looked to bare fresh wounds. It was the same ape from before in the alley…
"Hello asshole…" The gorilla said lowly, staring right at Spyro.
"It also appears our newest piece of merchandise has tried to wander off, we can't have that now, can we." The main gorilla said, sitting back in his chair now.
"Merchandise? I'm not your merchandise! If you don't release me, you're going to be sorry!" Cynder yelled, kicking against her restraints. The ape holding her leash tugged hard, causing her to grunt.
"Oh on the contrary my dear. You have been signed and paid for. You now belong to me."
"What?! No! They'll have your head for this! Vivex would never just let you take me like this! This is a betrayal!"
The gorilla just laughed, rubbing his head softly.
"Oh that's cute. You see young one, we were only going to pledge ourselves to your cause for a few demands. My nephew has become so fond of you these past few years so… you were one of those demands. Vivex agreed, so now you belong to us."
"Which means, you belong to me…" The injured gorilla said with a sneer. Cynder's eyes were wide as she looked at the two.
"No! No they would never agree to that! This is a lie! They would never sell me out like that!"
"Well it no longer matters does it my dear." The main ape said, giving her a soft snide smile. She just shook her head, kicking more at her restraints.
"Take her to my private chambers. I'll deal with her myself later." The gorilla's nephew said, crossing his arms in victory.
"No! No!" Cynder yelled, being dragged away by the gorillas.
Spyro just watched in horror, trying to tug at his own restraints but was kicked in the back by one of the guards.
"Now, what to do with you my little friend…" The gorilla said, looking towards Spyro now while clasping his large hands together. Spyro just turned, looking at him with fear, and some anger.
"We could beat him senseless then eat him. It's been so long since we've had dragon." One of the guards said.
"I say we break his little wings and make him into one of our slaves. We could use another one around the tower." Another added.
"I want to deal with him personally…" The nephew said, cracking his knuckles.
"Very well, do with him what you want. Just get him out of my sight." The leader said, standing out of his chair.
"My pleasure…" The nephew said, walking towards Spyro.
Oh shit, shit! Spyro tried to get away, use his breath, anything! There was something around his neck, a metal device that was stopping his breath attacks!
"Oh, you like it? We made it ourselves… It stops those breath attacks of yours." The gorilla said, grabbing at the device around Spyro's neck. He kicked Spyro hard in the gut, causing him to roll over. Spyro just clenched his eyes shut, feeling the gorilla place his foot on his side.
"Oh I think I'm going to enjoy my time with you…" He said with a chuckle, pressing harder with his foot. Spyro just grunted under him, looking up with a glare.
"You won't get away with this…" Spyro said slowly.
"Oh shut your mouth." The gorilla simply said, kicking him again.
Spyro just grunted, clenching his eyes.
"Not so tough now, huh?" The gorilla asked, kicking him again violently in the gut.
"Just kill him already, punks not worth our time." One of the guards said, shouldering his weapon while watching.
"No… killing him is too easy. I think I'll go the slave route. Maybe selling him to those funny speaking merchants will give us a pretty penny…" He said, picking up Spyro's head, looking into his eyes. Spyro just glared.
"I'm going to rip your wings off so you can't escape, and I'm going to enjoy it…" He sneered at Spyro. A ping of fear washed over Spyro at those words, feeling the pain at his wing bases, even though no pressure was being applied yet.
The gorilla dropped Spyro, letting him fall to the floor while the gorilla reached for a knife on a nearby table. The leader had already left by now, the room only consisting of the nephew and two guards who watched with some amusement. If Spyro didn't do anything, he was soon going to be lacking his wings…
The gorilla turned, sneering still as he walked over to Spyro, his thumb running up and down the knife's silver blade. When the nephew was within a foot of Spyro, reaching down with his knife, Spyro acted.
He moved his neck forward, attaching his jaws onto the gorilla's leg. The gorilla let out a yell, dropping the knife. The knife clattered on the floor, the two guards immediately jumping into action. Spyro acted fast, immediately reaching over with his mouth to rip off the ropes on his hind-legs. As the two guards ran up, Spyro reared himself up, thrusting his now free hind-legs, letting them hit one of the guards, knocking him into the other. The two guards tumbled to the floor in a heap, the other gorilla getting up now. He yelled a curse, reaching over for Spyro. He rolled to the side, using the time to rip off the ropes on his fore-legs. Free he charged at the gorilla, knocking him onto his back.
He opened his muzzle, attempting to use a breath attack. Nothing came out…
Damn it! That energy inhibitor was still on his neck! The gorilla just smiled up at him before Spyro charged forward, pushing his horns into the gorilla causing him to yell in pain as the horns pierced his flesh. The gorilla rolled several feet before he came to a halt before the leader's desk. He grunted, trying to get back up. Spyro took this chance, bolting out of the door and down the hall. He had to free Cynder and get the hell out of this place!
Running down the hall Spyro tried to find where Cynder was. There were so many doors, and branching hallways, Spyro had no clue where he was! He ran down one hallway to the next before stopping, looking around again. Shit… he wished he had broken free earlier, he might have heard where they were taking Cynder. They said she was being taken to the nephew's private quarters… maybe if he looked for that?
A loud bang and a female voice caught his attention, making him look down a nearby hallway. He heard another grunt, and a crashing sound. The voice was definitely Cynder's! Spyro dashed, running down towards the source of the sound.
Within a foot of the door that he had heard the sounds behind, Spyro was brought to a halt as the door suddenly burst forward, an ape's body tumbling out of It and onto the floor. Blood trickled from a wound to his face, and he was not moving. Taking a deep breath, he peered around the corner.
He saw Cynder, on her back as she was up against a crate in the room, panting.
"Cynder!" Spyro yelled, running in.
"Spyro, there you are…" She said, getting up. Her restraints were already off, though like him, her inhibitor was still squarely in place, right below the neck brace she usually wore.
"Here we go…" Cynder said, walking over to the fallen gorilla. In his hand he had a key, which looked like it fitted into their neck bracelets. She grunted, leaning down to try and fit her brace onto the key in the gorilla's grasp. She grunted, being forced to press her face against the gorilla's body as she tried to push down onto the key while her paws held the gorilla's hand in place.
"Damn I wish I had thumbs…" She commented as she managed to fit her brace onto it, turning slightly. There was a click, and the brace snapped open and fell off her neck.
"Quick, do mine, I think they're coming…" Spyro said, walking over.
"Here, come on." She said, leaning away so he could lean down to place it in the keyhole as well. He was almost forced to press his face into the ape's arm and chest, feeling where the keyhole was. He felt it slip in and he felt a feeling of relief wash over his body as he felt it click inside. He turned slightly, trying to work the key and unlock his brace. It wasn't moving… What was he doing wrong? He tugged more, trying to find the right angle… but it just wasn't…
SNAP
"What was that…?" Cynder asked, tilting her head. Spyro felt fear instead crossing his body, realizing he had made a grave mistake.
Lifting his head, he felt the brace still on his neck, and something metallic fall to the floor. On the floor sat half of a key, snapped right in the middle. He had broken the key in the brace…
"Oh shit…" Spyro said, seeing it.
"Spyro, you broke it!" Cynder said, running over to grab at the key.
"I know! I know!" Spyro said, starting to panic.
There were voices down the hall, followed by heavy footsteps.
"Shit, here they come Spyro, we have to go!" Cynder said, managing to grasp the broken key in her talons, fiddling with it before Spyro managed to catch it.
"What am I supposed to do with this?!" Spyro asked, still panicked.
"Here, put it in your sack!" Cynder said, grabbing Spyro's satchels that had been sitting on a desk nearby. Spyro grunted, running over to his satchels, putting them on quickly and placing the broken key inside.
"There they are!" A guard said, bursting into the door.
"Shit, Spyro get back!" Cynder yelled, leaping forward and opening her muzzle, a sphere of purple energy escaping her muzzle and making contact with the guard's chest. He yelled in pain, the force of the attack knocking him into the hallway. Two other gorillas were knocked back by the blast, Cynder charging the hallway, Spyro quickly following. They plowed through the dazed gorillas, passing right in-between them.
"After them! Don't let them get away!" Yelled one of them, the large creatures giving chase.
They darted down the hall, trying to find a way out. There were no windows, no ways to indicate where they were!
"Where'd you learn that attack?!" Spyro asked, taken aback by her element back there.
"No time to explain! Come on!" She yelled back, running forward down another hallway. They rounded a corner, coming to two metallic doors. One of them was slightly ajar, darkness only sitting inside.
"In here!" She yelled, stepping back slightly before firing another purple shot, it blasting the doors open. She wasted no time, not even letting the dust settle as she leapt into the dark room. Where had she gone?! Spyro grunted, wasting no time himself as he followed right behind. Inside, his vision cleared, showing him they were in a massive shaft running vertically in the building. Wait, he had heard of these, they were… elevator shafts?
Spyro tumbled for a few seconds before he brought his wings out, letting them catch air, letting him descend safety, Cynder having already done the same as she sailed downwards.
Loud clacks sounded off above, bullets pinging around them as the gorillas at the top of the shaft were firing down at them.
"Shit, shit!" Spyro said, trying to speed his descent to safety. While trying to speed up, he felt his foot snag on something, and he was quickly thrown off balance. He began to tumble, his chest slamming into the metallic walls as his foot had been caught on a wire. The wire came lose at some point above him, and he entered a free fall as it gave way.
"Spyro!" Cynder yelled at him, leaping upwards to catch him. He felt himself fall onto her, she grunting as she flapped her wings hard to keep him afloat.
"Damn you're heavy…" She grunted, trying to grab him.
"Sorry!" He said, trying to flap his own wings but the wire was now getting caught all over his body.
"Hold on!" She said, leaning her head up, opening her muzzle and unleashing another blast of purple energy. A sphere sailed upwards, connecting with the top of the shaft where the gorillas were. Screams of pain and agony escaped the blast as they were hit, and only dust and purple fire remained above where they once stood.
"Come on, we can't stop." She said, grabbing the wire and cutting it with her tail blade.
"Right, right." Spyro said, nodding as he was free. They sailed downwards again, landing at the base of the shaft where the elevator had come to rest. Cynder looked at the nearest door leading out, which was only a few feet above them. She fired another shot, blowing out the door.
They both leapt through, finding themselves in an open room with windows on the far wall, revealing the outside to them.
"Come on, the way out!" She said, running towards the windows. Spyro followed, panting as sunlight never looked so good.
"Not so fast!" A voice came from their side, and a large form collided with Cynder, slamming her onto the floor.
"Cynder!" Spyro yelled, stepping back.
The nephew stood over her, holding her by her neck as he pointed a large blade at her. Blood dripped from his wounds that Spyro had just given him.
"You will be my little pet, even if I have to drag your dead body there myself…" He said, clenching her neck.
"You sick bastard…" Cynder said, glaring at him.
"Get off of her!" Spyro yelled, leaping at the gorilla. The gorilla brought his blade up, slashing at Spyro as he anticipated his path. Spyro saw this, flapping his wings to make a quick adjustment. He still managed to grab the gorilla, bringing him off of Cynder. The gorilla yelled, instead standing back up and swinging his blade at the purple dragon. Spyro leapt back, panting as a clean hit from that blade could cut his arm clean off.
"I'll kill you, you little bastard! We'll feast on you tonight, right in front of your little bitch girlfriend!" He yelled in pure rage, swinging again at Spyro. Spyro leapt back again, trying to find a way to engage him since he lacked his breath attacks. Cynder found no issue with this, breathing a stream of fire into his back. He yelled in pain, fire consuming him as he tried to extinguish it.
"Yeah, that's right! Taste the fire you bastard!" She yelled, panting. He continued to yell before ignoring the fire, it having gone out somewhat as he rushed her. She gasped, leaping to the side. Spyro used this chance, leaping at him from behind. He brought his claws down, taking a good piece of his flesh off. The gorilla yelled in pain again, falling to his knee. His blade fell to the floor with a clang, the gorilla now using his free hand to grab at Spyro, throwing him to the floor. Cynder tried to use another fire attack but the gorilla spotted this, kicking her quickly. She slid on the floor, rolling to a stop nearby.
"Get… away from her!" Spyro yelled, rushing the gorilla again. The gorilla quickly swung his blade, forcing Spyro to get back again. The gorilla charged forward, using this chance to grab Spyro by the neck. He slammed Spyro hard onto the floor, bringing the blade into a stabbing position. Spyro quickly bit his hand, making him yell but he still brought the blade down.
"Noooo!" Cynder yelled from the side, rushing the gorilla. He saw this, stopping the blade and going to swing at Cynder. Cynder's eyes went wide as she tried to stop, but the blade was going right for her throat. Spyro didn't waste a moment, grabbing the gorilla with his legs and kicking to his right, towards the nearby windows. The gorilla let out a yelp, the blade slipping from his hands as he was sent into the windows, crashing right through them.
Time went into slow motion, the glass tumbling around gracefully as the nephew passed right through. Spyro hardly noticed that the ape had yet to let go of his own neck, and only did notice it when he felt his body flying right through the glass as well.
Spyro let out a yell, the gorilla clenching harder to his neck as the two fell in free fall down out of the tower. Sunlight coated the dragon, and he could see everything around them. They were indeed inside a tower, and even after that descent in the elevator shaft they were still very high up. The ground was so far below, yet it was coming closer and closer with each passing second. The gorilla's grip onto Spyro's neck had loosened and Spyro kicked his legs, forcing him to release him completely.
This… wasn't the best of ideas. This made Spyro tumble helplessly, making his wings useless. Yelling desperately Spyro tried to find something to land on, anything to land on. He felt his body slam hard into the side of the building, and he managed to flap his wings enough to catch air. This helped him, somewhat.
He still hit the side of the building hard, and the force knocked him back, hitting another building nearby and tumbling down onto a tarp covered food stand. He tore through the tarp quickly, falling into the stand and slamming into a shelf filled with fruit. The gorilla landed nearby, slamming into a cart and destroying it completely as his blood coated the floor.
Spyro groaned, his head throbbing hard as he slowly came to, everyone around him screaming and yelling in fear from the two creatures crashing from above. His entire body ached as he managed to slowly remove himself from the broken wood and crushed fruits. He only managed to make it a few feet before collapsing onto the floor nearby.
The sounds of wings fluttering above him caught his attention, Cynder hovering just feet away as she looked around quickly, trying to find Spyro. She finally spotted him inside the covered fruit stand, landing bear him.
"Spyro! Spyro are you alright?!" She asked, quickly helping him up. He moaned, still disoriented.
"My whole body hurts… How far did I fall…?" He asked. She just shook her head, laughing.
"Oh thank the Gods you're alive, come on, we have to move before those goons get here!" She said, pulling him so he'd get to his feet. He managed to stumble but he was able to move. The two of them darted, leaving behind the body of the dead nephew, blood splattering the very ground where he had landed.
They ran as far as they could, finally reaching more familiar territory for Spyro as they were in the inner city market places, a fair distance from the city center and its corruption. Spyro panted, leaning down against a crate as Cynder did the same.
"Wow… that was something huh…?" She asked, looking at him. He shook his head.
"I think I'll lie down after this…" He said, managing a chuckle out.
"Yeah… that does sound nice…" She said, leaning up slightly.
"By the way… where'd you learn that move? Also… what's the deal with those guys, why are they so interested in you and your group…?" Spyro asked, still panting. Cynder looked at him for a second before looking at the ground. He continued to look at her, his body calming down somewhat, enough that he was able to see the worry and nervousness on her face. She finally looked back up at him, still frowning.
"Look… I'm not supposed to tell you this… but I'm a Sentinel." She finally said. Spyro's heart stopped dead in its tracks.
"You're… a Sentinel…?" He asked, trying to calm himself but realizing he was failing at the very same time.
"Yes… We're making deals with local cities here, trying to form alliances so when we finally bring our presence into the area things can peacefully transition. I guess they thought they could get away with keeping me as a trophy… those sick bastards…" She said, shaking her head.
Spyro didn't speak, only looking at the stone ground.
"L-look, I know we get a bad rap out here but we're really trying to do good things. We're bringing peace across the land, just like it is out west. We can improve people's lives here…" She said, sensing the disappointment in his voice.
"If you say so. I've seen your buddies here in the city, they trying to help annex this place too?" He asked, looking up at her again. She sighed softly, shaking her head.
"No, those guys are on another operation. I don't know what they're up to, just that it's top secret stuff. I'm… I'm not a true Sentinel, not yet."
"Not a true Sentinel?"
"No, I'm just an initiate. There's a lot of things they don't tell us initiates until we're ready to take the pledge." She said.
"I see…" Spyro said, looking away again. He guessed that explains why she didn't attack him outright after seeing his purple scales. She must not be in on what those other Sentinels knew.
Wait a second, what was he thinking? She's a Sentinel! He had to get away from her! He… he had to go before he got him and his friends into real trouble!
"Spyro! Spyro there you are!" Spyro heard a familiar voice, coming from nearby. He picked his head up, turning to see a red dragon darting at them, a familiar yellow dragonfly in tow.
"Flame! There you are!" Spyro said, grunting as he leaned away from the crate slightly.
"Whoa! You look like shit dude, what happened?!" Flame asked, looking Spyro over. Spyro hadn't realized how badly bruised he was from all those fights, and that fall of course.
"Y-yeah… I'll tell you later…" Spyro said, shaking his head.
"If you say so, and who's this, a friend of yours?" Flame asked, seeing Cynder.
"Hello there, I'm Cynder. Are you a friend of Spyro's?" Cynder asked, bowing to Flame slightly. Flame smiled a bit at that.
"Yeah, I'm Flame, Spyro's buddy." Flame said with his usual cheery demeanor.
"Pleased to meet you." Cynder said, nodding.
"Did you get the part?" Flame asked, turning to Spyro. Oh damn, the part! Spyro had been caught up in all this he nearly forgot the whole reason he went to the city center in the first place.
He turned, pulling his very tattered and worn satchel open, pulling out the part. It was still in good condition, considering what he had just gone through. Most of his things were also here still, thankfully… Including the broken key from earlier. Oh… right… the bracelet… Spyro looked down, seeing the inhibitor strapped around his neck.
"Hey where'd you get that weird brace thing?" Flame said, pointing to the inhibitor. Spyro just sighed.
"Later…" He said, shaking his head.
"Come on guys, we've got to get off the street, those guys'll be combing the streets in force soon." Cynder said, looking behind them again.
"Who? Don't tell me you're being followed again Spyro…" Flame said. Spyro shot him a glare before nodding to Cynder.
"Yeah, we'd better move." Spyro said.
"Come on, let's get back to the hideout!" Flame said, moving towards the warehouses.
"Good idea, come on Spyro!" Cynder said, following him. Spyro let out a low groan before following.
What had he just gotten himself into?
End of Chapter 04