Chapter 16: "Together"
November 10, 5:23 AM
"Come on, move!" Jericho said in a low whisper, using his hands to usher the other forward. It was still dark out, but dawn was fast approaching. The overall light of the world was beginning to rise, and one could see the very edges of the sun starting to come across the cloudy sky. If they were to escape by first light, they needed to move as fast as possible.
They made for the northern edge of the city as fast as they could, taking empty streets and alleyways as much as possible. If they were being followed, they wanted to make sure they'd give them one hell of a chase.
Barley lead the way, leading them block by block until the outer wall was in sight. It was as tall as the wall they had entered, though it was very apparent this stretch of the wall was left to disrepair. Rust, cracks and foliage had grown on some areas, and even the street that ran alongside the wall was cracked and neglected. Clearly, this part of town was not frequented.
The main northern gate came into view finally, its large iron doors shut closed. The machinery that opened the door looked old and in disrepair, leaving little to no chance this door would ever open again. Signs were displayed all along the gate, warning of the forbidden zone just beyond. Another sign talked about how many people had snuck out the northern gate, only to die on the other side.
What lay beyond, in the forbidden zone? Were all the myths and legends true of whoever went there? They had already traversed the forgotten zone successfully. What difference would a change in the word do?
"There, over here's a way through." Barley whispered to them. Spyro looked up, seeing him point away from the wall. A block down and away there was a large parking lot with a warehouse at the end of it. The warehouse appeared abandoned and in disrepair. Most of the buildings here did, it came as no big surprise.
Barley lead them over to the parking lot but didn't go near the warehouse, instead stopping by a small booth that stood guard over the parking lot.
"An old toll booth, what's so special about this one?" Jericho asked, watching him carefully remove a piece of wood that covered its entrance. The wooden panel slipped off nice and easy, revealing the small booth's interior. It was dark and empty, typical. It was also so small that Spyro didn't even know if he'd be able to fit inside!
Barley walked inside, reaching for the bottom tile and lifting it, revealing a tunnel leading down below. The tunnel was obviously a new addition, and looked to be dug right through the concrete and asphalt of the parking lot.
"A hidden passage?" Flame asked, seeing it. Jericho leaned over, flashing his light down it, revealing how deep the passage actually went. It went down for quite a while, the bottom barely visible to Jericho's flashlight.
"Hidden, and safe. Come." Barley moved in, his feet grabbing onto a crude ladder that descended into the depths. Flame looked at Spyro who just shook his head. The flame dragon shrugged himself before going in after him. Jericho was the last one down, after Cynder. He closed the wooden panel and tile, obscuring the entrance for anyone who might be coming after them. Nobody would suspect the lowly toll booth.
Spyro looked around the passageway as he reached the bottom, the area obscured by darkness until Jericho arrived and clicked his flashlight on. Sparx helped too, flying around, using his natural light to bring the dark tunnel to life. It was almost like a cave, the walls made of rock and damp with moisture. Vines and moss grew from the walls, and some leaves had collected themselves along the floor. This place was clearly a new addition.
"What is this place?" Flame asked, walking forward after the mouse.
"Watch your step, it's a rough cave job. This cave was dug out many years ago, it goes to the underground depot that exists underneath the wall."
"Who built it?" Jericho asked as he shined his light around the cavern walls.
"About forty years ago, an expedition went up north, led by the Amarillo family. They wanted to scout out the Forbidden Zone, see if it truly was as deadly as they claimed. A few weeks later, a fraction of them returned, beaten and bloodied. They said something attacked them beyond the walls, and killed them all. They wanted back in to Baltimore, but the Guards wouldn't let them in, fearful whatever did this would follow. So, you see, they began to dig out a tunnel in the old depot under the ground. They dug it all the way to the booth there and snuck back inside. Tunnel's still used to this day."
"Something… attacked them out there? And we're going out there?!" Flame started to get a little panicked, to which Jericho just gave a low huff.
"Calm down Flame. We should be fine."
"Should be fine?! Those guys got ripped to shreds!"
"That was forty years ago, not sure what lurks in those woods now. I've helped smuggle a few parties of people out through this tunnel, and heard of a lot more too. Some just wanted a way around the wall, some wanted to go north."
"And? What happened to them?" Cynder asked now, curious herself.
"Some were never heard from again. Others came back, saying there was absolutely nothing up there, it's all a hoax. Then there're others who came back, and never said a word of what lurks out there." Barley shook his head, the usual playful mannerisms that characterized him long gone. There was only a serious and solemn look on his face. He turned to Jericho, his face unchanging.
"I hope whatever it is you're looking for out there is there. There's no telling what might be beyond that barrier. There's no telling if there is a New York left out there. Then again nobody's made it far enough to check…"
"I'm not going to stop until I get there. If I'm killed out there, then so be it… This is all I have left to do with myself so this is what I'm going to do."
"Well, then come this way." Barley continued down the cave, leading them deeper in. Eventually, the cavern emptied out into a concrete tunnel. The tunnel was pre-built from before the war. Echoes cast themselves throughout the tunnel, and mosses could still be seen growing through cracks in the roof. Water dripped down from above, the soft sounds of water hitting the floor making Spyro shiver a bit. The tunnel eventually connected into a large room, its darkness obscuring everything within. Jericho shined his light throughout the empty room, revealing it to be some underground bunker, or warehouse. Rusted husks lay throughout the room, picked clean. The room might have stored many vehicles like this at one point, though Spyro was sure they were all long gone.
"This depot rests under the wall, we think it was used as a way to get large cargo and vehicles through the wall, probably military stuff. Baltimore Guards cleaned this place up first chance they got. It was a gold mind from what I hear." Barley leapt down into the depot, walking to the opposite wall. There looked to be an exit that way, leading outside.
They followed the dark path until they came to a large metal door. The door was closed halfway, but debris held it permanently open. The large door looked like it would have sealed this depot shut, entombed it. Someone else had other plans for it though.
Once on the other side, Spyro could see the forms and silhouettes of trees. Trees and sky. It was still night outside, though the faint tinges of morning were cascading across the sky. They still had time. Just a little though, not a whole lot…
"Here we are, beyond the northern gate." The mouse brought his arms up, crossing them behind his head. "I'm afraid this is as far as I can go. This is as far as I've ever gone." He stopped to look at them, watching Jericho emerge from the tunnel to the outside. He looked around for a bit before turning to Barley.
"I appreciate all you've done for us. Thank you."
"Don't thank me. I owed it to your father, he helped us as much as he could. Just uh… do me one last favor."
"What's that?"
"If you make it to New York, and find what you're looking for… be sure to tell me about it. My curiosity still hungers, ya know." Barley's fun smile returned, his finger tipping his hat to the human. Jericho smiled, nodding.
"I'll be sure to do that. Farewell." Jericho stepped forward, followed by all the others, leaving the passageway for open ground.
"Oh, one last thing! Guards patrol the immediate border of the forest so don't let your guard down." Barley waved to them, getting their attention. Jericho nodded in acknowledgement before turning to continue on. They were beyond the wall, in a small gulley that ran parallel to the wall some distance forward. The tunnel entrance was obscured by terrain, but probably wouldn't be that hard to spot. Guards patrolling outside would very likely see it….
Beyond the gully was a line of thick trees, all coated in black in these early morning hours. The sun was barely beginning to rise over the distant horizon, giving some illumination to their surroundings. A brilliant yellow hue was slowly cracking its way across the sky, coming through where-ever the clouds parted. The ground was soggy and wet from the early morning due, and it was bitter cold out. Truly, winter was on its way.
Jericho was the first to enter the forest, stopping by a tree and looking left to right. He looked through the thick tree line, trying to spot anybody. He judged it all clear and waved a hand forward to usher the others onwards. One by one they entered the thicket, and left the walls of Baltimore to sink away behind a sea of blackness.
They continued this hop from tree to tree, stopping to check for any patrols or guards. They kept to the shadows, to the thick brush and vegetation to mask their escape. There didn't appear to be any guards or patrols out this morning, only the distant sounds of birds beginning their morning songs. The sun continued to rise, slowly turning the blackness of the forest into a low blueish tint. Jericho kept them moving, not wanting to get caught up here. They followed right on his tail, each of them determined to make it out.
"Stop." Jericho said, whispering to them. They stopped and lowered themselves to the ground to hide their bodies and wings. Jericho pressed himself against a tree, peering out. Spyro looked up slightly, wanting to see what he was seeing.
There, a few yards ahead of them was a small patrol of three soldiers. They slowly walked in a clearing just ahead of them. Their slow strides and relaxed posture suggested they had no idea they were here, something that brought a soft calm to Spyro. Their obscurity in the brush was to be thanked for that.
Once the guards had vanished from the trail Jericho invited them to rise and join him once more. They started their trot through the forest again, passing through the clearing the soldiers had just been in. Again they entered the brush on the other side, and Spyro was starting to feel as though they were going to make it after all.
A tree branch falling caught the group by surprise, and Jericho had them go to ground again. He went prone to the ground, pointing his rifle through the grass and brush to see whatever had caused the branch to fall. The others did the same, hiding themselves in the tall and thick grass. Spyro held himself down, breathing in slow breaths as he didn't want to make too much noise. The air was think with tension, the thought of them being caught making Spyro's heart race. He looked around through the grass, catching a sight of something.
Away from where the others were looking he saw a large feral dear, eating some grass in a clearing. Spyro could only make out its outline in the still dark early morning, but it was very clear and definite for him. He looked at the dear for a moment, the feral and non-intelligent creature continuing its normal grazing before something startled it. The creature raised its head, looking from side to side. It eventually fixed its gaze onto Spyro, who was easily several yards away, hidden in grass. The dear stared at him before another noise startled it, causing it to flee.
The others heard the noise too, it was a distant call. It was a howl of some sorts… The howl was familiar to Spyro but he couldn't quite remember where it was from… Nevertheless, it cast a nervous chill down his spine, and the others reacted in a similar way too.
"What is that…?" Flame asked, whispering softly. Jericho softly shushed him, and stared out with his rifle. The distant howl faded away, replaced by the soft but constant sounds of the wind pushing and pulling on the trees around them. Grass swayed and leaves slowly reacted to the changing wind currents of the early morning, masking whatever sound it was.
They waited for a few more moments before Jericho slowly started to stand back up, carefully making his way through the brush. Gone were the moments of quick flight, now he was carefully and slowly working his way through the tall grass, limiting any quick and sudden motions. The others followed right behind, feeling all the more tense with each passing moment.
Finally, they entered a clearing of some sorts. The ground lowered in a bowl here, and the dense roots and vines from nearby trees obscured the dirt and grass below. The trees were getting much larger, and the vegetation growing more sparse. Large roots came from the trees now, going several yards away from the base of its own tree, seeming to devour all around it. A small stream came from the edges of this bowl, feeding through the area and continuing on further into the forest. It cut the clearing right in half, and because of the erosion from the water, a small little "platform" of dirt had been formed near the center of the clearing. Even with the large roots and vines, some brush and vegetation still grew, and it had nestled itself all along the edges of the bowl. The early morning combined with the overgrowth just cast it all in shades of black. It was perfect to hide them, as well as something that might be wanting to attack them… It all worried Spyro. They had moved so far away from the wall, yet Spyro still felt something. There was something keeping him on his toes… something that made his blood stir.
It was a bitter cold… a cold that went beyond any air temperature. No… this was a cold that went right to his bone.
Jericho stopped for a moment, crouching next to the stream. He opened his canteen to slowly accumulate some of the precious water, the others looking around in an uneasy fashion.
"Where to now Jericho?" Spyro asked, keeping his voice low.
Jericho turned to the dragon before frowning. He set his canteen down and pulled out his compass, watching its needle slowly orient itself.
"This way… northeast. We should keep heading in that general direction, then try to get our bearings with any landmarks we find.
"Let's hurry, we're still within the Guard's patrol range." Cynder said, walking up to the human. He nodded, putting his compass and canteen away. He picked up his rifle and turned around to the direction they wanted to go, but something made him freeze. Spyro saw this and tilted his head.
"Jericho?"
"Get down!" He yelled, and raised his weapon. Movement exploded from all around, shadows and figures darting all around behind the shadowy mask of the forest. Spyro immediately brought his guard up, leaping into a combat stance, as did the others. Figures adorned in armor moved behind the tree line, surrounding and cutting them off. Spyro focused his gaze, trying to see if he could actually see any of the attackers, who they were and what they might want.
Jericho strafed around them, swinging his rifle from side to side, holding his fire. The figures continued to circle before one burst forth from the tree line. A massive dragon anthro adorned in purple crystalline armor stepped forward, smashing a tree down with his huge size. He brandished an advanced weapon of the same design as his armor, angular and sharp- just like a crystal. More stepped forward, their races ranging from dragons to bears to wolves and foxes. They were Sentinels.
They had been caught.
"Shit!" Jericho yelled, immediately training his rifle to the Sentinel in front of him. The Sentinel just bore his teeth and stood defiantly in front of his rifle barrel, opening his arms and armor as if to taunt.
"Come on, shoot me! I promise you won't live to see those bullets impact…" The dragon snarled at him, coming to within a few feet of the human.
"That's enough." The group turned, hearing a new voice enter the fray. Cynder's eyes went wide, the voice being no mystery to herself.
A medium sized feral dragon snaked his way from the blackness behind them, flanked by two anthro Sentinel guards. The dragon wore armor like the others, but suited for a more feral form. His cape draped around his legs, showing his leadership role, obviously not meant for combat. A collar similar to Cynder's sat firmly on his neck, the purple gemstone housed within it glowing a soft purple. The dragon smiled at them, both sinister and pragmatic.
It was Vivex.
"Well, well, well… Good work Cynder, you've lead us right to them." Vivex said, stepping forwards to the group. Cynder flinched at the words, almost clenching her eyes.
Jericho visibly grit his teeth, shooting Cynder a death glare.
"You… you lead them to us?!" Jericho yelled, turning his weapon to Cynder. Spyro turned as well, as surprised as Jericho was.
"No, no, he's lying!" Cynder shook her head erratically, a look of pure terror in his eyes. Spyro grunted, gritting his teeth.
"He's trying to turn us against one another Jericho, I don't believe him." Spyro shook his head, standing beside Cynder with certainty. Vivex chuckled lowly at that, continuing to pace around the group. Jericho let his anger simmer for the moment, instead turning back to Vivex.
"So it appears one of us is lying… Can it be me? Or is it perhaps Cynder, covering up something that the two of us have discussed? I'll let you all figure that out, amongst yourselves. I find it so humorous…"
"You bastard…" Jericho replied, still glaring at the black dragon. He just sneered, changing topic as he walked in front of Jericho.
"So, this is the human who has managed to evade our forces since Ohio. Bravo, I just commend you for making it this far… Here you are, just passed the walls of Baltimore and almost on the home stretch… I must say you have shown great persistence to make it this far. Sadly, it all ends here. Not like it matters anyhow, if you had reached your destination anyway I'm certain disappointment would have settled onto your soul… There is no more New York, just as there is no more humanity. You have fought your last battle, and lost."
Jericho flinched at his words, but said nothing to him. A glare was all he gave the dragon, a glare and the barrel of his rifle as he didn't let it drift from the pacing dragon.
"No words? No matter. Ah yes… I also see we have managed to catch something… very special in our group today. Tell me… purple dragon… what is your name?" A more friendly tone was directed to Spyro, who backed up a bit. He didn't know what to say honestly, fear gripped his mind, but determination strayed, keeping him focused. He took in a deep breath, deciding he should answer the dragon.
"Spyro. My name is Spyro." Vivex smiled at that, stopping his pace facing the purple dragon. Cynder snapped a look at Spyro, shocked that he'd give away that information so easily.
"I am happy to see my own kin is more cooperative. You are an interesting creature, I hope you know. There aren't any other dragons out there that share your color, or… your potential."
"I wouldn't know…"
"I would not doubt it. There are few who fully understand the legends of a purple dragon. It is unfortunate that you have decided to take a human within your company… but it brings great delight that you have found your way to us on this day. My Master will be very excited to meet you. Great days lay in your future young one." He smiled at Spyro, who still instinctively backed up. He gulped a bit, not knowing what else to say to the dragon. It mattered not, as the dragon turned his attention away from him.
"And Cynder… If I didn't know any better I'd say you were trying to run away… The initial scout reports told me of two other dragons accompanying the purple dragon and human. I had hoped that it would not be you but I had a feeling that you might be one of them. When you entered the city again at the same time we spotted the purple dragon at the gate… well it seems my fears were well placed. Tell me Cynder, with all we've taught you, with all you've seen… why allow a human to even draw a single breath within your company…?"
"They… helped me." Her voice was slow, yet deliberate. Spyro turned, sensing tension in her voice. Fear was gripping her, yet there was a resolve that stayed deep within her.
"Helped you? Is that it then? Because a human tricked you into thinking he was compassionate, that is enough to make you forget all you've been taught? It's enough to make you forget all that humanity has done? All the things they have brought onto this world? It is because of humanity that our species does not hold their rightful place as kings of this world! Our Master has taken deliberate and clear steps to ensure that is our destiny. I am ashamed to have my own pupil betray our cause…" His voice became louder, more poignant and filled with rage with each passing word. Cynder's own responding glare grew with each word, tears beginning to flow down her eyes.
"You left me to those pigs! You abandoned me! Jericho and Spyro saved me and brought me here when the Sentinels did NOTHING for me. I've seen enough of what a human can do, the kind things they're capable of! It's Sentinels that are evil, it's you who will bring darkness to this world!"
Vivex leapt forward, striking Cynder across the face, sending her several feet before crashing into the ground.
"Cynder!" Spyro called out, the young dragon racing forward to her but was quickly cut off as two Sentinels blocked his path. Jericho put a hand on his shoulder, holding him back for a moment.
"I strike you Cynder, not out of hate but out of love. I will have you see the truth Cynder. I did not take you in on your father's wishes to see you fall prey to the lies of humans… I told you I did not abandon you in Savannah, I wanted to see what you could do. Birth by fire will strengthen someone, not pampering them like a child."
"That's awfully tough talk, coming from a lowlife who would abandon someone like that. It's almost like an excuse, to save your ass." Jericho said, spite lining his voice. Vivex turned to him, his eyes flaring with anger, a controlled anger.
"Hold your tongue you vile excuse for a life form. We do things differently in our lands. The strongest rise to the top, and the weak are allowed to become strong… with their own efforts. If you are too weak you are rooted out. The strong will remain to carry the torch for our Master. While she tried to escape her fate, I knew she'd lead us to them. I used her successfully for our own ends. Whether or not she wanted it, she's served our cause… Of course, a human is lost to these concepts. It matters not, your life is only important to me because of that flash drive you carry. Surrender it, now."
"Over my dead body…" Jericho said, raising his rifle up to point at Vivex's head. The dragon only smiled at him in response.
"Now, that can easily be arranged." The Sentinel behind Jericho smiled, the dragon's hands flexing as he walked up to attack Jericho. Vivex raised a paw however, stopping the dragon. Jericho turned, grunting as his guard had been let down. He had been so focused on Vivex that the Sentinel behind him had a clear shot to take him down.
"No, not yet. Tell me Forger, do you even know what it is you are carrying, what lies on that device forged by your forefathers?"
"I know enough to know your damned claws will never see it."
"Powerful and dark secrets lay on that device… Stolen secrets. Property of our Master."
"Yeah right, everything here belongs to us! You and all your kind stole it from us! You keep telling everyone we destroyed ourselves but you were the ones who did it! You and your damned Master!"
Vivex began to laugh, bringing up a claw to softly hold his head as his laugh became almost uncontrollable.
"Oh… you still believe those foolish lies… Oh no my dear boy, whether you want to believe it or not, humanity's demise was brought onto them by their own sins. It is punishment for crimes committed long ago, crimes you can't even begin to imagine. What lies on that device will make our Master capable of things beyond what you can even understand. Finally, this world will be reunited under its true king… and you have helped us finally realize it. Not only have you delivered onto us this prize, but a creature capable of sealing the deal for all of eternity..." Vivex turned to Spyro, who growled at Vivex.
"I'll never do any of that... I'd never agree to the slaughtering of a species..." Spyro shook his head at the other dragon, refusing his call. Vivex smirked, a slow and deliberate smile taking his muzzle.
"We will see young dragon. There is so much you have yet to see of the world. Perhaps under our master's tenure, you will see the light. You will see the truth. Now human, surrender the flash drive, or we will be forced to kill you, and take it from your hands. What do you prefer?"
Jericho didn't answer, instead pulling the USB from under his coat, revealing it to the dragon for the first time. Vivex's eyes widened at the sight of it, but quickly turned sour when Jericho pulled his hand gun from its holster and placed it against the USB.
"You want the flash drive? You can have it, but they all get to go. Don't like it, well then I'll blow this Goddamn USB to hell, and you'll NEVER see any of it. You're right, I don't know what's on this thing, but that makes me shooting so much easier!"
Vivex's face began to contort with anger as he looked poised to strike, but held back. Smoke plumed from his nostrils as he took in a deep breath.
"You would not dare human... If you destroy that device, you or your friends will never draw breath again..."
"I'd hate to see what your master would do to you if let the device get destroyed so easily..."
Vivex glared at the human before regaining his composure. He closed his eyes, taking in another deep breath before opening them, and looking to Flame now. He snapped his claws, one of the Sentinels grabbing Flame by the neck and pointing a weapon at his head. Flame yelped, clenching his eyes in fear.
"Flame!" Spyro cried out, wanting to help but more Sentinels surrounded him.
"Surrender that device or your friend will die. Do not tempt me Forger. He is nobody, a dragon without consequence. I can easily end his life right now, but that is up to you. Relinquish the device."
"You kill him and I'll blow this Goddamn device! You think I'm kidding? I know I'm a dead man either way, I'll pull this trigger and you can kiss your future good bye! You think I'm bluffing?!" Jericho took in sharp breaths, the barrel of the pistol pressing against the device, a single bullet would destroy the small device, and deal an utter blow to Vivex. Spyro looked between them, the two of them not flinching. Vivex saw that Jericho wasn't bluffing, that if he did kill Flame Jericho would immediately destroy the USB, and if he destroyed that Jericho knew Flame would perish. Both of them had a very disposable item as a hostage, worth so much to the other but worthless itself to them...
"So, it appears we are at a stalemate... What an interesting situation..." Vivex said, now almost seeming to be amused by the whole thing. Jericho still glared, the pistol not moving one bit.
"I told you, they all get to go free and you can have it. Cynder, Flame, Spyro, Sparx, they all get to go."
"And what of you human, not bargaining for your life...?"
"We'll see, I just want them to go, they don't have to go through this..."
"Your terms would normally be fair... generous some might say. However, letting young Spyro go would be the same as letting you destroy that USB. Unacceptable. You can save your wretched life, and perhaps this young fire dragon but that's all I'm bargaining with."
"Those aren't the terms Vivex, all of them or you get nothing!"
"You are not in a place of power young Forger, I hope you remember that! I will always get what I want, and you won't stop me from being able to do that..."
"We'll see..."
"Jericho, I'll go with Vivex. He can have me, so Cynder, Flame and yourself can go free..." Spyro walked up, presenting himself. Vivex turned to the young purple dragon, smiling softly.
"Well now, the young dragon is smart..."
"No Spyro! You go free, this doesn't involve you!"
"Jericho, even if he took your terms he could easily capture us. If he has me, he will have no reason to harm Cynder or Flame. Please Jericho... Nobody has to die today."
Cynder had sat up by now, her tear filled eyes looking to Spyro.
"Spyro..." She said, softly.
Jericho grit his teeth, unwilling to accept these terms.
"Well Forger? What will it be? Hand over the USB and Spyro and nobody has to die. Keep holding out and one of you might get hurt... Will you be able to live with yourself?"
"Don't test me dragon!"
"Well human, what's it going to be?!" Vivex's voice was rising, anger building.
"You can burn in hell!"
"Jericho!" Spyro yelled, his own anger building. Tears formed in Jericho's eyes, the small droplets of water coming down to his chin.
"I told... I told Hunter I'd protect you Spyro... That I'd look after you..."
"Things have changed Jericho... If we do this, then you all can live. There will be another time to fight." Jericho turned to the dragon, his eyes speaking uncertainty. The pistol still sat firmly planted against the device, its reflective surface beginning to brighten as the morning sun was rising.
"I'm waiting human. You would do well to listen to young Spyro. I see now that his abilities go far beyond any elemental ability. He is already more wise then any of us could ever hope for, perhaps you could learn something from him human."
"Perhaps you could too. Perhaps all of us can learn something from him. Spyro isn't a tool in your little tool box that you can use to enslave the world. Spyro is going to change the world, and I hope you know that he's going to make his own world, not the one of your Master's vision."
"Oh, I've accepted that more then you realize Forger. Now... the USB..." He reached out his claw, ready to accept the device. The barrel of his gun slowly moved away from the device, and Jericho brought it close to his chest to look at it one last time. It was his mission to deliver the device to New York, no matter the cost. Now, here he was about to give it all away to save his friends...
So ironic, that it all laid in such a small device... made by hands long gone.
"Commander Vivex! Sir, we have company approaching from the east." A Sentinel from the edge of the tree line spoke up, getting his attention as he was about to retrieve the USB.
"Company? What company?" He asked, turning quickly to the Sentinel.
"Baltimore Guards sir, an entire company of them!" The Sentinel quickly drew his weapon, the others forming a perimeter around the clearing. Spyro turned, seeing soldiers running quickly towards them. They arrived at the tree line faster than the Sentinels could deter them, and weapons were soon once again pointed at both sides from the clearing and the tree line.
"Commander Vivex, what is the meaning of this?" A blue wolf anthro adorned in heavy combat gear and wearing a beret on his head stepped forward from the group. There was a scar on his right eye, telling Spyro exactly who it was. It was the wolf from the bridge, and the rooftop, Captain Horris.
"Captain Horris... what a lovely surprise to see you here. You may leave Captain, this does not involve you or Baltimore."
"The hell it does. You know the treaty forbids any Sentinel activity in and around the city. You are restricted to that sector of yours unless moving in or out. No exceptions!"
"As I said before Captain... none of this concerns you. These are matters that do not involve your little city, and I do not require the benevolence of your "Protectorate" to do things we Sentinels were BORN to do."
"I don't give a crap about you or your damned Sentinel business. I care about the security of this city, and the administration is already tired of you running rough shot around this city when we granted you the ability to use that old fort! You keep this up and you'll be booted from our walls..."
"You think that you letting us in is a gift...? That by the... 'benevolence' of your city that we are even allowed to exist here? Let me tell you something Captain, it is by the grace of our Master that we haven't turned your city into a pile of ash as an example to the entire east! They would quake in fear of us, and it would be so easy... so easy to burn every one of you damned rodents..."
"Hold your tongue Vivex, you'd be surprised what a motivated resistance can do... We will not be so easily dissuaded by your threats..."
"Then by all means don't. However we are conducting important business here, I would highly advise you to not interfere..."
"No chance in hell. By order of the Baltimore Protectorate and City Council I tell you to disband your operation here. These trespassers will be arrested and questioned by the council, not you."
"These, are MY prisoners. By the command of my Master, and all his armies I tell you and your forces to stand down... or feel his wrath..."
"I don't think so Sentinel..."
"Then, you leave me no choice. I will not allow you to deny me this prize. With this dragon and this device, I will have the means to burn you and all who stand before our master away. Good day Captain." Vivex waved his arm, and the Sentinels brought their weapons up, opening fire onto the soldiers.
"Down! Get down!" Jericho yelled, grabbing Spyro and pulling him to the ground. The Sentinel who had grabbed Flame released him, adding his gunfire to the mix against the Baltimore soldiers. Spyro yelled out, the loud and thunderous fire drowning out what his ears were used to.
"Go, come on!" Jericho said, lifting up the dragon with his arms to move under the hail of bullets. Sentinels and Baltimore soldiers collapsed, the intense gun fight making it impossible to tell who was hitting who.
"Cynder, Flame, come on!" Spyro yelled, the group slowly snaking their way on the ground out of the clearing. Cynder tried to follow but Sentinels blocked her path.
Flame made it to the edge of the clearing first, followed by Jericho, Spyro and Sparx. The Sentinels had largely missed their escape, but soon Vivex spotted them attempting to leave.
"Do not let them escape! Kill the human and fire dragon and leave the purple one alive!" He yelled out. Cynder went into a dead sprint, trying to regroup with the others. A Sentinel spotted her trying to do this and cut her off by bringing a heavy boot onto her back. She yelled out in pain, the impact bringing her to a halt.
"Cynder!" Spyro yelled, seeing this.
"We've got to go Spyro!" Jericho yelled, grabbing him around his arm to pull him forward. They disappeared into the thick overgrowth, several Sentinels right behind them. Vivex walked up to where Cynder was pinned down, a frown taking over his face.
"Release her." He ordered, waving the Sentinel off of her. He complied, and Cynder took in a sharp breath. She got up quickly, and rolled over to see Vivex standing atop her.
"What will you do Cynder? Go forth to join them and help them escape? Or will you do as your Master wishes, and apprehend them. It's up to you young one... what will you do...?" He made no attempts to stop her, or put guards in her path. He only looked at her... with that... pitiful look. She took in sharp breaths before getting up and sprinting into the forest. Vivex watched her disappear before nodding to the Sentinel next to him who shot off in hot pursuit.
"Come on! Keep going!" Jericho yelled, the thick overgrowth proving hazardous as they tried to move quickly through it all. He leapt over fallen tree trunks, large roots and small gullies that obstructed the path. Tall and large trees blocked out the morning sun, making it still very dark within the forest. Spyro and Flame were right behind him, using their wings to keep them aloft and away from the hazards of the ground. Bullets whizzed all around them, impacting trees and causing them to explode.
"Shit! Shit! Shit!" Flame yelled, trying to avoid all the gunfire coming their way.
"Watch out Flame!" Spyro yelled, warning his friend of low lying tree branches. Flame ducked in time, only to see the branches get obliterated by gunfire.
"Thanks Spyro!" Flame called back, fear gripping his voice.
The sounds of flapping wings caught their attention, and they looked up to see the dragon anthro who had taunted Jericho sail above them. He did a sharp turn and landed in front of Jericho, stopping him in his tracks.
"Oh I finally get to rip you limb from limb human, I'm going to love this..." He reached over for Jericho, and the dragon had stopped so close to him that he didn't even have time to bring his weapon to bare.
"Watch it Jericho!" Flame yelled, swooping in and grabbing ahold of the dragon's side. The dragon growled at him.
"Get off me you wretch! I'll debone you next!" He used a powerful arm to grab Flame, but the young dragon wasn't going to surrender so easily. He opened his muzzle, unleashing hot fire onto the Sentinel's face. The Sentinel screamed out as fire scorched his head, but used his arm to fling Flame off of him nonetheless. Spyro saw this and whooped in, grabbing ahold of the Sentinel's other side. He growled, placing his snout right up against the armored plates that guarded his neck and chest. He opened his muzzle and unleashed a crack of Earth energy, the blasts of shotgun-like elemental energy sending powerful waves on his armor, causing it to crack and fail. Pieces of the purple crystalline material flew off and onto the ground, revealing his vulnerable and unprotected chest and neck.
"Jericho!" Spyro yelled, leaping off of the dragon, who was still trying to extinguish the fire on his face.
"Die you son of a bitch!" Jericho yelled out, bringing his rifle up to fire a volley into the exposed scales. The dragon opened his eyes, seeing this and gave a defiant roar.
CLANG. CLANG. CLANG. Jericho's rifle sounded off, round after round quickly traveling and lodging themselves into the dragon. Blood sprayed from where the bullets impacted and the Sentinel staggered back several feet before collapsing to the ground.
"We can't stop! There's way more back there!" Flame yelled out to Jericho. Jericho nodded, dumping the empty magazine from his rifle and placing a new one inside. There were indeed more behind them, and they were all wanting their blood.
Spyro could see them catching up now, there was a raptor anthro to their right, and a half swinging in from their left! Flame saw this, and flapped his wings to intercept the hawk Sentinel.
"Flame!"
"I got it Spyro, get the other one! Jericho's gotta go!" He called back to his friend. Spyro watched him for a moment before nodding, closing his eyes then swinging right to intercept the raptor. The raptor carried a long rifle, and fired a charged bolt of energy at Spyro. It slammed into a nearby tree, splitting it open. Spyro shielded himself from the shrapnel, having to flap his wings to brake himself. He opened his eyes to see the Raptor flinging himself at Spyro, the creature snarling at him.
"Shit!" Spyro yelled, feeling the Raptor grab him and bring him to the ground. The raptor didn't waste a moment, quickly punching and slamming his fists and arms into the young dragon. He hit hard, and fast! Spyro finally brought his hind legs up, kicking the creature in the gut and sending him flying onto a tree. He hit hard, but quickly recovered. He had thinner armor then the dragon, and moved so incredibly fast!
Spyro charged up ice, firing shard after shard at the raptor, who dodged with lethal swiftness! From tree to tree he leapt, keeping pace with whatever attack or element Spyro threw at him! Fire, Earth, Ice, none of it worked! The raptor finally caught up to Spyro and kicked him across the face, sending him back a few feet.
"The Commander told us we couldn't kill you! Hah! He didn't say anything about bleeding you until you pass out!" The raptor burnished a knife, slashing it at Spyro. Spyro gasped, leaping back to avoid the sharp blade.
"Come on dragon! I've sliced up so many other dragons just like you! Hah! They were so meaty, and delicious!" He taunted, continuing to make stabs right at Spyro's chest. The dragon used his paws to knock the weapon away, but he always came right back with another swing. A look of blood craze entered the raptor's eyes, and Spyro knew he was in trouble. The raptor bought his arm back to make a sprinting stab, and Spyro opened his muzzle to retaliate. He tried to use any element, something to use now! He needed to use something now he didn't care what it was!
A sharp and bright crack of lightning shot out of his muzzle, its arcing motion hitting the raptor and sent him flying back several yards. He let out a sharp yelp, the knife flying from his hands and the creature being sent flying right into a massive tree trunk. He impacted on his head, a soft blood splatter remaining right where he collided. The raptor's lifeless body fell back down, hitting the ground and rolling to a stop in the dense grass. His eyes were rolled into the back of his head, he was dead.
"Damn it!" A yell shot out from the other direction, where Flame and the hawk were fighting. Spyro quickly snapped out of it, turning to them.
The hawk circled Flame from above, his sharp talons threatening the young fire dragon. Flame flew with him, keeping his distance while using his fire attacks to keep him at bay. The hawk just sneered at him and brought a weapon to bare, firing it at him. Flame yelped, circling around the trees to take cover from the hawk. Jericho ran under them, firing his weapon while on the move in an attempt to kill the hawk. The rounds hit, but the hawk wore thick armor that deflected the shots.
"Crap!" Jericho said, reloading his weapon while still in a dead sprint. The hawk looked down at Jericho and smiled wide, the avian training his rifle right at the human who was out in the open.
"Back off you damn bird!" Flame yelled out, slamming onto the creature's back. Flame was maybe half his size, but his weight was enough to throw the hawk off balance.
"My, my, young one! A good flight we've had but I'm afraid it's time for you to die!" The hawk said back, joy flowing through his every word. Flame snarled, opening his muzzle and unleashing fire right onto his back. The fire was blocked by his armor for the most part but some of it got through and began to burn some of the hawk's back. He cried out, flinging his wings to throw Flame off of him. Flame flapped his wings to regain himself, seeing the hawk still going for Jericho. He flew back into action, staying above the hawk before going for a sharp dive.
"Let's see if this works!" Flame yelled out, closing his eyes. Fire enveloped his body, his speed increasing drastically. The hawk looked back, hearing his words. His eyes widened as he saw a bright fireball cascading down to him, but it was far too late. Flame impacted the hawk hard, shattering the armor that covered his back and sending the hawk at least twenty feet onto the ground. He impacted a large tree root, bouncing off of it and landing back on the ground below. Flame bounced off of the hawk as he hit the root, the dazed dragon rolling in the grass somewhere on the other side of the tree.
"Flame!" Spyro yelled, finally arriving at the scene. The hawk's body was badly burned, but he wouldn't give up. The creature got to his knees, twitching and convulsing as the fire had taken its toll on him.
For all his effort, the bird turned around to see Jericho pointing the barrel of his weapon squarely at his face. The bird let out a loud squawk right before Jericho pulled the trigger, ending the creature's life.
"Flame, you alright?!" Spyro ran over to the fire dragon, who had stars in his eyes from the hard hit. He looked fine, the grass cushioning his fall.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah..." Flame stood back up, shaking his head. Sparx zipped over, and smiled as they were all still okay.
"Come on guys! They're still coming!" Jericho called out to them.
"Coming!" Spyro called back, inviting Flame to quickly come along. Flame nodded, the victorious duo dashing to catch up to the human. They ran as fast as they could, escaping the gunfire that got more and more distant with each passing step. Finally, they arrived at a clearing in the forest, a large gap that seemed to run like someone had drawn a straight line right through the trees, clearing it out. On the other side lay a forest just like this one, but with massive metal beams jutting from the ground along its edge. The beams looked like a massive fence, the entire length of the tree line lined with them. Signs were posted on some of them, reading, "BEWARE. FORBIDDEN ZONE. TURN AROUND AND LIVE."
This was it... the entrance to the Forbidden Zone. From this point on, no guards patrolled, and nothing lived. From here on out it would just be them...
Jericho stopped, standing by one of the large metal beams that jutted out, catching his breath. Spyro and Flame walked over, needing to catch their own breaths.
"We... we can't stop Jericho we have to keep going..." Spyro said, trying to usher him on.
"Yeah, yeah I know... let's go." Jericho looked at the sign before moving, but the sounds of falling vegetation caught their attention. Cynder burst forth from the tree line, panting as she had used all the energy she could muster to catch up.
"Cynder! You made it! Come on, let's go, we can all escape from here now!" Spyro called out to her. Tears formed in her eyes as she nodded, sprinting to them. Another form burst forth from the trees, Vivex flying right at them and landing in-between them.
"Not... another... step..." He snarled, stopping Cynder right in her tracks.
"Vivex..." Spyro said with a growl.
"That's quite far enough. I'm still waiting for our deal young Jericho, though at this point I'd rather remove your head from that pretty neck of yours..."
"Oh, and I'd be happy to put a bullet in your face..." He raised his weapon, pointing it right at him. Another Sentinel came out from the tree line, a heavily armored dragon who landed behind Cynder.
"This little game ends here and now. I want that USB device, and I will take the purple dragon as well. Cynder and Spyro's lives are the only that matter to me, you and that little fire whelp will perish."
"Hurt Flame and I go nowhere..." Spyro said with a deep growl.
"You don't dictate terms to me young dragon. I am in control of this situation..."
"You want to bet? There's more of us then you, we could easily defeat you..." Jericho replied, not flinching from his position.
"You want a challenge Forger? You want to see, what a true Sentinel can do...?" Vivex stepped back, energy beginning to flow from his mouth and eyes. A purple mist gathered around the dragon, causing the very air around him to become super chilled. Spyro gasped, feeling all the warmth and light flee from him, a vacuum created by Vivex's presence. He unleashed the energy he had built up, knocking everyone off their feet and onto the ground. Jericho yelled as he was thrown back several yards, his weapon flying from his arms. Spyro was slammed against one of the iron beams, almost getting knocked out instantly. He groaned, trying to regain himself. His vision started to come back to him, showing him an image of Vivex towering over the dragon, a smile creeping across his face.
"Face it, you have all lost. Come, grab this purple dragon, I will recover the USB." Vivex stepped over Spyro, walking over to where Jericho was. The large dragon behind Vivex smiled and walked over to him, stepping over Cynder who had been knocked down as well.
Spyro tried to move, but the energy had immobilized him. He could feel it coming back... but by the time the dragon got here it'd be too late... He fought, trying to make himself move. He would NOT go down like this! No!
"Spyro, run! RUN!" Cynder's voice shot out from somewhere behind the dragon, and Spyro saw a bright purple beam impact him in the back. The dragon snarled out and fell to the ground, smoke rising from his back. Cynder stood behind him, tears flowing from her eyes and smoke rising from her muzzle.
"Cynder!"
"Spyro go, just run! Go!" She yelled, forcing Spyro this feet. He ran now, seeing Vivex standing over Jericho. Another purple beam shot out, striking Vivex. He roared out in pain, spinning around instantly to see Cynder standing there.
"You... you little bitch!" He yelled out.
"Run Spyro! Run!" Cynder yelled again, firing another beam. It hit Vivex in the chest, scorching his scales and forcing him back. Spyro ran by Flame, getting him up and making his way to Jericho. Jericho was getting up now, watching in shock at what Cynder was doing.
"I GAVE you as many chances as I can give… there is no forgiveness this time." Vivex returned fire with his own attacks, but Cynder managed to dodge, just barely.
"Come on Jericho we have to help her!" Spyro said as he kicked Jericho's rifle to him. Jericho recovered it and nodded, quickly getting to his feet. A sharp yell came from Cynder, demanding Spyro's attention.
He turned, seeing Cynder struggling to get back up after taking a hit from Vivex.
"We have to help her, come on!"
"No! Spyro, go! This is your chance!" Cynder called out, firing another beam at Vivex. The dragon shielded himself and snarled.
"Spyro... she's right..." Flame uttered softly.
"I won't leave her!"
"Spyro, we're running out of options..." Jericho said to him. Spyro looked back, seeing Vivex try to turn to them but was quickly hit by Cynder again. The other dragon was getting up by now, making his options dwindle...
"Spyro!" Cynder called out to him, a tearful plea in her eyes. Spyro finally relented, spinning around to sprint away. Jericho and Flame followed right behind, escaping into the forest.
"After them, do not let them get away! You hear me?! That is an ORDER!" Vivex roared, the dragon nodding and flying right after them. Vivex spun around, charging a powerful beam of darkness but was taken by surprise as Cynder sprinted right at him. Dark energy enveloped her body, much like what Vivex had done earlier.
"What?! What're you doing?!" He called out, seeing her leap at him.
She didn't respond, only clenching her eyes.
A loud crack sounded off somewhere behind Spyro, making him turn. A huge plume of dark energy rose from the trees behind them, and a soft shockwave traveled through the air, knocking leaves off of the tree and making him flinch.
"CYNDER!" He yelled out. No response came back.
"Spyro! Come on man! We've got to run!" Flame grabbed his friend, tossing him forwards. Spyro begrudgingly ran forward, falling in line behind Jericho. Time seemed to slow down as Spyro ran behind the human. He watched his back, watching as his backpack swayed with each step. His motions were blurred, as if everything was moving so slow. He yelled out something to Spyro, but it was so obscured that Spyro didn't hear a word of it. He could hear everything around him just fine... the trees... the birds... the wind... It was so clear to him, so strange. He heard Flame call out to him from behind. He turned, seeing his friend running with the same lag as Jericho did. He sprinted hard after Spyro, yet it looked like he was running through water.
Flame moved like molasses, so slow... He kept yelling something at Spyro but Spyro couldn't hear! Why couldn't he hear? The dragon looked right into his eyes, both fear and determination flowing through those eyes.
Farther back he could see the Sentinel, coming up on them. His motions were heavy, and powerful. Time seemed to slow even more as Spyro saw him raise his weapon up. The weapon was pointed right at them, and Spyro's senses came to a complete halt as he saw a bright flash from where it fired.
Spyro watched as he saw the weapon behind them flashing, the weapon hurling round after round down range, slowly traveling by Spyro's head, by his wing. One bullet in particular Spyro's eyes managed to track. He watched as it slowly sailed through the air, flying so perfect, so straight. He watched it so closely.
He watched, right up until it connected with Flame's body.
Flame's eyes shot open, the round piercing right through the right side of his stomach, slowly traveling through and coming out on the other side, cutting clean through him. Spyro's eyes watched in absolute horror as Flame's motion came to a complete stand still, everything around him freezing. Only the bullet moved now, moving along with the spray of blood that came out from the wound at high velocity. Flame's eyes still watched Spyro, never leaving his own gaze before the fire dragon slowly began to fall. He fell, taking an eternity to hit the ground even though he was standing right there, inches above it.
His eyes slowly began to roll back as he fell, and soon Flame's body was skidding on the grassy ground, coating it in a fresh coat of his blood.
"FLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAME!" Spyro called out, his voice seeming so silent, so still. So... useless.
"Flame! Damn it!" Jericho stopped, turning abruptly just in time to see Flame impact the ground. The Sentinel snarled and let out a laugh from the other end of the path. Jericho raised his weapon and fired off a short burst at the Sentinel, forcing him to retreat into the thicker vegetation.
"Shit, he got away!" Jericho said, running over next to Flame. His weapon swayed side to side, scanning the tree line for any hint of movement. Spyro didn't waste any time as he dashed over to his fallen friend.
"Flame! Flame get up! Come on!" He yelled, tears falling from his eyes. Blood had begun to pool underneath the red dragon, slowly staining the grass and leaves surrounding him.
"S…Spyro…" Flame managed to whisper softly.
"Flame, hang in there! We've got to get you up…" Spyro reached down, trying to scoop Flame up from off the ground. The fire dragon let out a groan, and he moved one of his paws to touch where he had been shot. He brought his claw up to see it was coated in blood.
"H-heh… that's blood… my blood… oh man…" He tried to chuckle and sound cheery but Spyro could hear the fear and pain in his voice.
"Don't look at it Flame, we're going to get you out of here…" Spyro said, trying to get Flame to stand back up.
"Hey Spyro, you think it's nice…?"
"What, what do you think's nice Flame?" Spyro hefted his friend up, but his front leg wasn't holding up well. He was walking very stiff as he helped him along, and it looked like Spyro might have to carry him.
"Becoming a crystal… a gem, ya know… if it's nice…" Flame said, his voice low and his eyes drooped. He looked weak, very weak.
"No, no, no Flame, don't think about that! You're going to be alright Flame!" Spyro desperately said, trying to heft more of him onto his back so he could help him along faster. Loud clacks came from their side as Jericho fired into the trees to root out the Sentinel. Flame grimaced as the shots were fired, and Spyro could feel more of his body going limp.
"Flame, you have to fight it! You have to keep going Flame! We're almost there, we'll get away and go to New York!"
"Think they've got some nice food there Spyro…? Think… think it's all that it's cracked up to be…?"
"Yeah Flame, the food's wonderful I bet. We'll find the best food there, doesn't matter if we have to pull it from the ruins! We'll get it Flame, and you'll help me…" Spyro felt Flame's legs give out, and Flame's body press against his own. Spyro grunted, struggling to keep his friend standing up. He looked over, seeing Flame's eyes drooped, and his breaths distressed.
"No, no, keep with me Flame!" Flame gave out, his body pushing Spyro to the ground. They fell into a heap, the both of them finding it hard to orient one another.
"Hey Spyro… I'm… I'm really sorry about this Spyro… I…" Flame coughed, trying to get his bearings as Spyro stood back up, quickly trying to get Flame to his feet. He started to sound disoriented, lost and dizzy.
"No Flame… I'm sorry. I'm sorry I got you involved. I'm sorry I did this to you… this is all my fault…" Tears ran down his face as he clenched his eyes. It was something that bit him hard in the stomach, having to admit all this. Flame gave a soft breath before smiling softly, tears falling down his own face.
"It's alright Spyro… I wouldn't have… have traded it for anything. I don't regret anything Spyro… we're friends… I'd follow… f-follow you anywhere…"
"Flame…" Spyro turned to his friend, seeing his eyes drooping more. No! No! He started to panic, and he grabbed Flame's legs quickly.
"Come on, no, stay with me Flame! We're going to get you out! I'll carry you, come on!" He groaned, lifting his friend up and onto his back. Blood oozed from his wound and onto Spyro, and his legs quivered a bit at the extra weight. He kept going though, not willing to give up on Flame. He would NOT give in and leave him here!
"Spyro! Move, we have to move!" Jericho yelled. He fired another burst from his weapon at the Sentinel who moved behind the foliage. The Sentinel stopped and pulled his own weapon up to return fire. Bullets were blasted in their direction, and impacted the ground next to Spyro. He jumped at that, and felt flame start to slip from the angle. He brought an arm up, trying to keep his friend secured on his back.
"Spyro, look out!" Jericho yelled, getting Spyro's attention. The dragon turned, seeing the Sentinel break cover and come right at them. Jericho fired a burst from his weapon, but the bullets just pinged right off of his armor. Spyro quickly moved Flame off to the side, setting him down just along the path before turning to face the incoming threat. The Sentinel sneered at them as he knocked Jericho aside, flinging the human like a sack of potatoes. Jericho landed hard, his weapon flying from his hands. The Sentinel spent little time on him, quickly moving to intercept Spyro. He fired bolt after bolt of elemental energy towards the dragon. The energy was absorbed and deflected from his armor, as useless as the bullets.
He met Spyro with great force, the large dragon anthro bringing down his massive forearm to strike right at Spyro. The younger dragon managed to evade to the side, narrowly avoiding it. He opened his muzzle to retaliate, but was struck with the dragon's other arm. The impact caused Spyro to cough, knocking him back several feet.
By now, Jericho had gotten back to his feet, and he raced to grab his rifle. The Sentinel turned, sensing this. He blasted several elemental attacks Jericho's way, forcing the human to take cover behind a set of trees. Spyro thought he'd be able to take this moment to attack the distracted Sentinel, but he quickly snapped back to Spyro, striking him with his arm again. Spyro gripped his chin, feeling blood starting to drip from his bruised jaw. He was knocked to the ground again, and the young dragon looked up to see the large dragon standing before him.
"Surrender purple one, save yourself the dignity…" The Sentinel said, leaning down somewhat. Spyro just grit his teeth, giving him a look of defiance. The Sentinel huffed in return.
"Spyro, stay down!" Jericho yelled. The Sentinel turned, seeing Jericho aiming his rifle at him. Jericho fired, the loud report of his rifle echoing through the otherwise quiet forest. Bullet after bullet impacted the Sentinel, just as before. The first volley did nothing, but eventually the bullets began to crack and shatter the Sentinel's armor. The Sentinel was forced to turn to completely face away from Spyro, who aggressively moved to attack the Sentinel, clawing at the weakened armor.
Spyro's talons landed harshly onto the crystal armor, taking advantage of cracks that already existed, shattering what remained on parts of the Sentinel. The larger dragon was forced to leap backwards to make use of the nearby trees to shield him from Jericho's gunfire. As Jericho had to reload, the dragon broke cover, unleashing a purple stream of super-hot shadow breath, casting it towards the human. Spyro answered the Sentinel's challenge with arcs of his own electric breath, the energy sparking right off of his armor, but it was enough to send energy through his body, knocking him back.
Jericho reloaded and fired again, aiming for the cracks in the dragon's armor. Several rounds landed in his side, and one along the dragon's neck. The dragon cried out in pain as blood shot out from his neck wound, knocking him to the ground. Spyro leapt from the lower ground and up to the Sentinel, charging fire around his body for a comet-dash attack.
As the Sentinel rose up again, Spyro met him with his attack, his fiery charge sending the creature several yards back until he came to a rest in a small field of grass between the trees. He didn't move anymore, ending the creature's role as a threat.
Spyro took in a sigh of relief before his eyes widened again. He turned, racing back towards his fallen comrade who still lay at the side of the path, his side rising quickly with labored breaths.
"Flame! Flame!" He called out, halting just a foot short of him. He leaned down, pressing his paws onto the wounded fire dragon. His breaths were short, raspy. Flame looked up at his purple friend, managing a soft smile.
"Hang tight Flame, I'll get you out of here!" He said, reaching to pick his friend up.
"D…don't worry ab-bout it Spyro… You should… go…" Flame said lowly. Spyro shook his head defiantly.
"No, no, you're coming with us. I'm not leaving you here…"
"Don't worry S-spyro… I'll always have your back… I'm right behind you… all the way." Spyro stopped, looking down at Flame. Half of his face was visible to the dragon, as he was lying on his side. He raised his head just enough to look up at his friend, and with all his might he managed one last smile before his head dropped down into the dirt. His eyelids drooped, before closing shut.
"Flame…? Flame! FLAME!" Spyro yelled, grabbing his friend. He shook him as hard as he could, but nothing seemed to work. Tears rolled down the young dragon's face, slowly dripping down onto Flame's red hide. Jericho stood nearby, unable to say anything as he watched. He reached down, slowly pressing a hand against Spyro's shoulder. The purple dragon pressed himself against his friend, unwilling to move or do anything else.
"Spyro… hey Spyro… we can't stay here…" Jericho finally said, whispering more than anything. A soft sob escaped Spyro as he nodded slowly, knowing they were still in grave danger. He stood up slowly, looking down at Flame. His body lay still, the soft blades of grass surrounding him slowly pressing themselves up against him, as if he were sleeping.
More grass rustled nearby, demanding their attention. They turned, seeing the Sentinel whom they had thought dead rising up, his hand clutching the wound to his neck, anger filling his eyes.
"Shit, Spyro!" Jericho yelled, quickly going for his weapon. The Sentinel quickly fired a bolt of energy, nailing Jericho in the chest and sending him flying. He yelled out in pain, the impact searing the combat armor he wore.
"Jericho!" Spyro yelled, quickly turning to see the Sentinel rush him. Before he could react, he felt the Sentinel grab him by the throat and hoist him into the air. Spyro gagged, feeling his tight grip compressing his wind tunnel. His breath escaped him as he could feel his neck slowly being crushed. The Sentinel let out a slow but cruel laugh as he backed up, as if to taunt Jericho and show off his friend in a more open field of view.
Spyro couldn't breathe, and he felt his muscles spasm and enter shock as his body demanded oxygen. No, no, this wasn't how it was going to be! Spyro reached with his hind legs, kicking the Sentinel in the gut with all his might. He sent the Sentinel back a few feet, forcing him to release the dragon. Spyro fell to the ground, gasping for air.
The Sentinel caught himself and snarled, facing Spyro with a look of rage and anger. Spyro returned the look, feeling hate and anger flowing through himself. This was the dragon who had killed Flame. He was the one who brought his anger and sadness unto him. He was not going to let this Sentinel win… let alone live. He charged the Sentinel, feeling his feet charge with a might he hadn't ever felt before. The Sentinel stopped and readied himself, letting out a loud roar as if to intercept the dragon.
As Spyro neared, the Sentinel brought one of his mighty arms in to strike at Spyro, knock him back. Spyro was ready, quickly flapping his wings to go airborne and dodge his attack completely. He grabbed onto the Sentinel's chest and held tightly, feeling the fire beginning to envelop him. The Sentinel saw this, and tried with all his might to throw the young dragon off, but to no avail. Spyro pushed him back foot after foot, farther away from Flame and Jericho, to a nice spot where he felt ready to unleash it, unleash it all.
Jericho looked up from where he lay, just in time to see Spyro clinging to the Sentinel's chest, fire and energy beginning to envelop and surround them both. The Sentinel yelled out as the fire began to grow, slowly consuming the forest around him. It seemed as it the sky itself had opened up, and a hailstorm of fire was preparing to descend upon them. It was all gathering, slowly gaining strength, yet it had not begun yet. It was slowly building, to a climatic finale that Jericho could sense.
Then it all came, all at once. The fire and energy expelled itself, creating a column of death and destruction that consumed not only Spyro and the Sentinel, but the surrounding trees and forest. It was like a fury of energy the likes of which were only rivaled by the spectacle Vivex put on for them. Jericho pressed his head low to the ground as the wave of heat washed over him, even from several yards away.
Then, it was all over. The fire diminished and faded away, leaving only a circular pattern of ash and destruction in its wake. The Sentinel's body was charred- almost unrecognizable. Young Spyro lay nearby, unharmed by the vicious fire, but he was still unmoving. Jericho picked himself up, and moved himself to the young dragon, hoping to recover him before more Sentinels came there way.
Spyro moved a bit, and saw Jericho coming to him. It was like a blur to him, the human only being an abstracted form in his vision. He turned his head, seeing a red form, lying on the ground nearby. Falling embers and leaves from nearby trees had already started to fall onto him, slowly beginning the process of covering him up. Sunlight came down from the holes in the forest, giving a soft and beautiful reflection from his scales, one that Spyro could see so vividly. He called out to him, but his voice failed him. He tried to move, but his body gave no response. He tried and tried with all his might, but he just lay there, useless.
Suddenly he began to move and shift, his body being raised up by somebody. It was Jericho, picking him up. He felt his body being slung over Jericho's shoulder, his entire weight coming down onto the human. All the while he kept looking at Flame, never breaking away. Slowly but surely though, he could sense Jericho running, sprinting away. Flame's form began to fade and disappear from Spyro's vision, no matter how hard he fought to keep him there. Soon, Spyro blacked out.
End of Chapter 16