A/n
It seems that the earlier the chapter in this part is, the more corrections and alterations I do. Yes there is things that have been changed throughout the chapter. As before this is more fluffing up and grammatical corrections; I have a standard if some you haven't noticed. I try the best I can to write/type to a good creditable level; however, I'm not perfect. I know shocking idea I know, but I admit my shortcomings and try to improve what I can. Note that I don't own Spyro or anything to do with the subject. If you have any problems with my humor or my writing style… tough luck then. I write what comes to me. Now on with the story!

Chapter 7: Where Dreams and Reality Meet

-Recap-

-Yesterday-

"Very well, in the order I gave them in. I insulted you by blatantly telling you that you were wrong and that the work I assumed you spent years doing were wasted. The nice way of saying that would be to say I helped you by translating the rest of the page. The logical, would be to point out I increased the accuracy of the meaning of the translation."

"Now see here Saber..."

"Oh my, what rudeness..."

"Would you be interested and willing to help in the translation?"

"Well sure, but just to tell you; I doubt my friends will let me go alone."

"That should not be any problem."

-Present Time-

-Mid morning-

Pla-to seemed really enthusiastic about my ability to help at translating the ancient script; kind like a kid might be with their parents in an amusement park. I had a hard time saying no with the expression of hope and wonder on his face. I guess, it's just easier to say that I can be too nice of a guy at times, at least for my own peaceful life and mind. Of course, with Pla-to being like that, I have difficulty saying no. It would just make me look mean and uncaring… not to say I don't do that unintentionally from time to time, but only to those that rightly earn and deserve such. Overall, I try not to be like that most of the time; don't always succeed, but I try. Yet, in the aftermath of agreeing; I find that quickly agreeing comes with its share of consequences. Now get to look at and deal with the consequences of my decision, namely talking to my friends about the trek I will soon be making. Oh well, if my life isn't one thing; it's never dull.

Thankfully for me, Pla-to said that we wouldn't need to leave for two days and that was yesterday, meaning we wouldn't be leaving until tomorrow. So I had a full day to talk to my friends and I feel I would need that full day! Some might think I'm worried about talking to some if not all of my friends in one way of another; and to an extent, they would be right. However, I believe I'm also justified in my worry and will proceed to prove my position and standing.

Okay, I see two little problems with the task I got myself into. Point number one, I haven't the faintest clue where any of my said friends are currently. As it's required for us to be around each other to converse; not knowing where any of my posse is makes that rather difficult to do. Oh I'm well aware they're in Warfang, but that's to general a location due to the size of the city. If I were to be that general, it would be akin to saying 'there is a flipping needle in a haystack'! Granted a big grey, stone like stack of 'hay'; yet still figuratively speaking, a type of haystack nonetheless figuratively speaking. This then inferred that finding them each would be a time consuming job on top of the conversation that would follow. With me having limited time of a day; I don't have a lot to waste.

Then, there is the second piece and point of my case to the dilemma that I'm now a part of. Which said point comes into play when I converse with my said companions, namely what I say to them. First of all what details do I give to set the stage of how things have arrived to the place that they are now. And then the main topic of discussion, how to, after telling them what I have gotten into ask them if they would be interested in joining me. I have no idea how to do that and not alert them or something like that... Well, that's my current conundrum in a nutshell.

Well, as I had little time to use to worry or doing nothing. I wondered around Warfang trying to find where my friends were. I doubt they would be in one place; that would be too easy and my life rarely does easy. My bad luck does its job far too well! How do I break the news that I was planning to go to the ruins of Lagunas; followed by popping the question of would they be interested in going with me? It would be very nice to have some there to cover me if something should go awry. … I'll rephrase on that for accuracy, 'It would be very nice to have some of my friends there to cover me when something goes awry'. Yes that sounds more towards the truth. There is safety in numbers; a lesson I have learned very well here in the dragon realm. Plus I… kind of would like the company. I know it may be odd for me to desire the companionship of others with my rapport; but I guess I have grown a large amount since coming to the Dragon Realm, at least more than just physically as I have done a lot of that. So go figure.

I was trying to think of a way I could tell everyone of my plans and intentions without sounding… I don't know… irresponsible… no, that's somewhat an understatement. To dragon kind… or the dragon mentality, I'm often irresponsible; so it normal. Maybe a complete douche for not thinking about who this would affect and how? No they wouldn't even know what that would mean other than Sen that is and he would just wave it off. Reckless and impulsive perhaps… hmm for a lack of better terms coming to mind, I will go with those for now.

"Saber there you are. Where have you been for most of the morning?"

I turned in the direction of the voice, to find Spyro accompanied by Cynder. Ah ha! Fate is after me like usual… a little later than normal though. Well, it seems the time of me telling my friends is here already. First up is apparently Spyro and Cynder; a double whammy in a fashion. I smiled at both of them before I replied.

"Oh… a little of this and a bit of that; trying to help friends make-up, translating lost languages. To put it simply, amazing those around me in some way or another; as usual for myself."

Spyro and Cynder stared in silence at me after my answer. I sighed at their reaction. There are times I get extremely frustrated that I have to explain and simplify what I say to those around me. It gets really old… really fast!

"Or… you can say I got myself into what some might call adventure and others would say a world full of problems and troubles. Take your pick of the two sides."

Spyro was the first to speak to me.

"What do you mean? What have you done now that could get you into trouble?"

Oh Spyro… if you understood sarcasm, then there would be so many things I could reply with. The foremost I would probably go with, but shouldn't; would be, 'what haven't I done to get into trouble ha ha ha'. I don't think that would go over well, they would likely take it wrong were I to say that. Anyway, it appears that I didn't make my interpretation simple or clear enough. I thought about how to put the situation I found myself in.

"Where do I begin in my recounting of my day previous?"

I began by explaining the events of the yesterday as they stood there listening. I told them the sequence of events in the way they had happened to me. I started at the point where Lara and I ran into Tarra. I trusted Spyro and Cynder a lot as I do all of my friends, but I have a difficulty in discussing Shae as the event that had involved him did occur yesterday as well. He isn't… I would say completely malevolent or black-hearted exactly. Not to say he isn't mean and at times more than criminal! It's worse when he becomes sociopathic, yet he wasn't always so. In the beginning he had been nice and had comforted me in the times when I was completely alone and made to be an outcast.

Now I wonder if that was an act or if that was how Shae was. There were things that he had said that… he wouldn't have known unless he had gone through something like I had. If you haven't experienced what it is to truly be alone, then you couldn't understand what it is like. Still, I haven't told Lara much detail about Shae yet, so I don't know where to start. I decided to just skip the conversation I had with Lara, instead I began with meeting up with Tarra. I gave them both a brief summary of the... talk between Lara and Tarra or rather the lack thereof in reality. Then I got into my unexpected meeting with Volteer's mate Zindy and of course Volteer himself. Spyro and Cynder gaped at my mentioning that Volteer had a mate.

"I guess I never thought about Volteer having a mate."

That came from Cynder. I totally agree with her, I wouldn't have thought a dragoness like Zindy would be with Volteer. They're just so… oh how to say it… they are just so… different from one another.

"Well we did meet Voltlyn his daughter, so logically speaking he would have to have a mate to have a daughter. I mean dragons like humans, need to have a male and female get together to have offspring. I was just surprised at how… different she was from him! She was… I do not know… managing him like a pro or something like that! However, it does explain where Voltlyn got a great deal of her personality traits that she thankfully did not get from Volteer."

Spyro nodded in agreement with me.

"Yeah, still it sounds like Volteer's mate is a lot different than him."

Ain't that the truth Spyro? I continued with the event I had started with my encounter with Zindy with Cyril and Salena entering the picture shortly thereafter. Next I talked about being introduced to Pla-to and his first assistant Quick Paw. After I had described Pla-to Spyro seemed to recognize the dragon in some way.

"I have heard of Pla-to. I have just never met him. He is some sort of scholar I think; he is studying at ancient ruins, I believe."

I nodded my head to confirm Spyro's assumptions.

"Yes Pla-to did say something like that. However, I didn't get much information concerning the ruins or what goes on there exactly as I quickly got distracted by a rather comical scene that happened."

Cynder looked at me curiously.

"Comical scene? What are you talking about?"

… You know, in every instance I have attempted to explain my view of humor to my friends or other dragons up to this point; it doesn't go well… normally it ends in failure. They either end up confused and not understanding the idea or I get seen as a mean son of a… I don't know what anymore. That's probably due to draconic mentality and the long term effects of it. So should I try once more, when I am likely doomed to fail? … Oh what the hell, why not?!

"Well… you see Pla-to had a second assistant. She came in with Spectra and the said assistant was kind of clumsy, in a non-purposeful type of way and that is what makes it fairly humorous to watch."

I gave a short explanation of the event that had happened. I gave a short description of what Lyla's appearance, including her… interesting clothing choice. No doubt, both Spyro and Cynder didn't understand how Lyla having glasses made this instance more amusing. I told them about Lyla about her fall that her attempted apology ended up being. She had taken the happenstance in stride; I was more amazed that she hadn't broken her glasses throughout the whole fiasco. I'm curious what the lenses and frames are made out of.

"How bad for her; to have such things happen to her regularly. ... Wait did you say she had glasses; like in the kind that moles use?"

That came from Spyro. As I foresaw, they didn't get why the scene was funny to me… *sigh* there are times I don't know why I try to explain things. Leave it to Spyro to notice the small details though. I know how bad things like what happened to Lyla can be… used to occur to me all the time when I was somewhat younger.

"The better term for such things happening regularly is 'accident prone' and yes Lyla as her name is; wore glasses on her face. I would assume she does to correct bad eyesight; as that is what glasses are normally used for. I am just impressed that she did not break them in any of her crashing or falling! I wonder what the lenses are made out of."

Cynder gave me a confused look. Hmm… wonder what is confounding her? I gestured for her to speak and she did.

"What is Siamese or what does that term mean?"

My mind went blank for a moment at her question. I forgot that a term like Siamese probably doesn't exist in the dragon realm. Since in the subject of animals, specifically pet breeds or breeding in general isn't a big thing here as far as I have seen or know; of course they wouldn't understand. … There are days I just want to bang my head against a hard surface that has a sign that says, 'bang head here' and be done with it!

"Well... um, you know how with cheetahs; they have different color fur and slight varying figure between one another? Well in the human world, humans have explained those variations by saying there are different breeds or types. That comes from two different members of the same species reproducing and having young that has a mix of physical traits from the sires. Siamese is one of the many different breeds that have come from such an idea."

Cynder and Spyro just stared blankly at me. I sighed before I replied. … Why do I even… no calm down not worth it.

"Disregard what I just said; it is not worth getting into. Siamese is a different kind of cat or cheetah."

I returned to the story I was telling. I talked about how Lyla corrected Quick Paw. I have my suspicions that Lyla has photographic memory, I just don't know how good of one. Would love to test her later on how good a memory she had. I said how I was pleasantly surprised that Pla-to was much more open minded than most dragons I have met. Of course I told Spyro and Cynder that I also considered them along with the rest of our friends also open minded. I kept going by saying I thought that the first assistant, Quick Paw; I suspected had OCD. Both Spyro and Cynder again gave me the explanation look once again.

"OCD stands for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder; it is a… condition that in the human world, is thought to be a, 'illness' in the mind or I would say quirk more than anything. Said condition, some have; makes them do really peculiar things. It is kind of annoying if you ask me."

Spyro just continued to stare at me, while Cynder regained the use of her voice.

"And what does this human con-dish-shaun have them do?"

I thought for a moment of how I could explain the point without confusing them further.

"Well I doubt it is limited to humans… but the idea is that it's caused by a kind of anxiety; you understand what anxiety is right?"

Both Spyro and Cynder nodded.

"Next you know what an obsession is correct?"

They both nodded again.

"Okay then, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is the fancy name given to those who have anxiety that comes with worry and fears that are considered on the same level as an obsession. In most if not all cases I do not think anyone can explain why the one with this condition does what they do. The said obsession however, is for unknown reasons, lessened by doing some type of behavior repetitively, such as; cleanliness or the need to clean a particular room or place, checking things over and over, hoarding and other odd things just to name a few. Do not bother asking those with this condition to tell you why they do what they do; they cannot explain it either in a way that makes sense. Like I said it can be really annoying to be around."

Both of my friends nodded slowly. I don't know if they got what I said or not, but I decided to keep going. I described how Lyla was... honestly, a klutz. The glasses just completed the picture of the klutz with glasses look.

"Klua-tz?"

I looked over at Spyro who had spoken.

"It is a slang term with humans; it is applied to a very clumsy person. It just tends to have multiple connotations, to which I will not get into since some are not nice. I do not use the word klutz in a bad way!"

I returned to my tale saying how I found watching the two cheetahs funny as I wasn't a part of the show. That was until Pla-to engaged me in conversation, which the two cheetahs joined in shortly after it started. I got to where the papers that Lyla was hold went everywhere and how when I glanced at a page I could read some of it. Since my friends knew I couldn't read the draconic writing system, Spyro and Cynder I assumed knew I was talking about the ancient script. I ended my story with Pla-to asking me to come with him to the ruins of Lagunas to help in translation.

"So you see I was planning to go to these... ruins of Lagunas, but I thought it would be really nice to have some friends along with me. I suppose what I am trying to ask in a roundabout way; would you two want to come with me."

Both my purple scaled friend and my black scaled friend glanced away from me at my question. I took that as I likely no, and to assume that means that Spyro and Cynder won't be coming. The reason as to why there were declining, was something I couldn't begin to figure out; though it wasn't my business either to be honest. I would have been happy to have Spyro come with me as well as Cynder. I haven't gotten to talk to him or spend time with him for a while now and I would like some guy time every now and then. I have nothing against Cynder or anything as she is a friend that's a girl, still a friend. I get they like the time to themselves, but would it be too much to ask for some time with their friends? Whatever their reason; two no's so far; I might very well be going alone. I hope not, but if that is the way it works out, then so be it. Just means some time to myself, which hasn't happened for a little while.

"Well... Spyro... Cynder... that is perfectly fine if you do not want to go with me. Please do not feel the need to feel guilty or anything like that on my account. I understand and everything; you have lives of your own and all, so... thanks for giving me the time of day and listening to me. I was just asking and giving the option for you to come."

I turned about to leave when Spyro spoke up.

"Wait Saber... it is not that we do not want to go with you. We do actually, but we cannot go at this time."

Okay... I guess it is nice of him to say that. I get what he is saying... kind of at least. It is kind of Spyro to say that they want to go, but can't.

"It is fine Spyro, you do not need to explain. It is none of my business anyway so..."

"No, that is not what I was saying Saber."

I focused on Spyro, feeling an eye ridge rising in response to his reply to me. Maybe I misread their reactions? Yet it was Cynder's comment that threw me for a serious loop.

"Saber actually, the reason we cannot go is... I am gravid now."

I blinked at hearing this. It took me a couple of minutes to process what Cynder had actually said. Gravid? I know I've heard that term before; from older dragonesses most of the time. Hold on doesn't gravid pretty much mean the same thing as preg... HOLD IT... does that mean Cynder is with… I suppose it would be with egg and not child but still! ... ... For one of the few times in my life... I'm absolutely speechless.

"Saber?"

I turned my head over to Spyro, nonetheless I still had no words I could think of to reply to the information I had just learned. I literally was having an internal battle of whether I should congratulate the two, or if I should just stop drop and roll around laughing at the timing of all of this and how Spyro was taking this with ease. I wanted to ask if IC knew about this and if so what his reaction was. I mean if Cynder and he needed him to be taken care of, if IC should have a bad reaction. I would be more than happy to do that! Free of charge! All I would need to know would be how long they want time without him. I hope they would want a LONG period! That would make my day! When I was finally able to speak again and asked Spyro a question.

"… Spyro you are okay with this?"

I mean the last time we discussed the idea of offspring and I tried to help him; he had a near full blown panic attack after all. Spyro nodded in answer. Well there is only one thing I can think to do for him at this point. I walked up to Spyro and came beside him closing my eyes as I went. I balanced myself on three legs so that I could put my right forepaw on his shoulder. I felt a smile growing on my face.

"WELL DONE SPYRO! I thought you rather slow to mature at first, but now I see you have grown into a healthy male! I am proud of you Spyro! Congratulations to the both of you!"

While I was stating this I was slapping Spyro on the back firmly. This was awesome news! I may not do well around children, but for whatever outlandish reason that I have never been able to explain, babies like me a great deal! Rare is it, that a baby that I have been around takes a dislike to me. They never cry when I am around; no they're happy… It's kind of weird, but I take the good things where I can get them. Spyro was gawking at me as Cynder gaped at me, though she was the first to find her voice.

"You are not angry?"

I glanced over at her. Why, in heaven or hell should I be mad about this kind of news?! This is an event to be welcomed with joy… I have no doubt I will eat my own words in this soon enough. I have no problem with babies and younglings… as long as they aren't mine! I really, don't want to think about how bad kids would have it if they had me as a parent. … Probably wouldn't live long for those who were unfortunate to have me for a… father. This subject would come up; I don't doubt it! I'm not stupid enough to think that for a second. After all, with the relationship I now have with Lara; this particular event will happen to me in the future, without question… it is more a question of when. If Lara gets her way, it will be sooner rather than later. I don't think I'm exactly ready… no, I know I'm not ready to be a parent or a father just yet!

"Why would I be mad Cynder?! You two will soon have a dragonet of your own; I am happy for the both of you! Spyro and yourself will be great parents."

Well after I was able to calm Spyro, Cynder and myself; I told them not to worry about not coming with me to the ruins of Lagunas. I of course waved a goodbye to them as I went off to look for my other friends; wondering how the others would answer my invitation. I walked around with no real destination or direction in mind. I was more lost in my own thoughts, to be honest. So I was a tad startled when I bumped into someone; shows just how distracted I was. Needless to say, when I walked into whoever I did, we both took a couple of steps backward. I shook my head to clear it and get back into the here and now. As I did, I focused and saw the one I had knocked into was none other than Seth.

"Oh, sorry Seth about that… had not expected to run into you."

Seth stared at me for a good minute. I guess he didn't expect to see me either

"Saber… I did not think I would run into you; the last time I saw you was at breakfast. What are you doing around here?"

Seth then looked around to I would surmise make sure no one was watching and spoke again.

"By the way I wanted to know… you were the one who got Sparx yesterday morning, right?"

I took a second to think how to word my reply. It would be wise of me to not incriminate myself more than absolutely necessary if I can help it! I cleared my throat.

"Now Seth; officially, I state for the record. I neither bare any responsibility nor am not at fault in the slightest. After all I am innocent until proven guilty. As IC could not provide any solid evidence to connect me to such things; I cannot be blamed for what befalls him or what he gets into thank you. I am not his mother… I think I would have killed myself or more likely him if I was long before now!"

I leaned in towards Seth as I continued.

"I still see you do not like him."

"Oh… whatever would give you that idea?"

I paused for a couple of seconds. Seth was silence during the moment, before I smiled and continued.

"However… unofficially… I say… he deserved what he got and I am proud of the work such as Sen and I did build and conceive! The results were beautiful, ha ha ha ha."

Seth smiled and snickered a bit.

"I have to say it was funny to see. I never thought of getting feathers on him; how did you do it?"

I smirked with pride at the question.

"Well… let us just say that for ideas such as this, raiding the larder is justified in my opinion."

"Larder?"

"Another name for the pantry in the kitchen."

Seth seemed to think for a moment, yet he still didn't really get what I was referring to, by what I could tell. Perhaps it would be a good time to change the subject before I incriminate myself any further.

"So Seth I was actually hoping to run into you… well not literally, but anyway. I have kind of gotten myself into a bit of a situation."

Seth looked at me with an expression of curiosity. I went into the story that I rehearsed to Spyro and Cynder already. It took me about ten minutes or so to give the tale.

"… And so the question I wish to put to you, is do you want to come with me to the Ruins of Lagunas?"

Seth was silent for several moments. I decided to be patient in this and wait for him to answer my question in the affirmative or negative. When Seth finally answered it was in a kind of quiet voice.

"Saber… I would like to go… but I cannot, sorry."

I nodded in acceptance.

"Hey do not worry Seth. It is okay, I was just asking if you were interested and available; that is all. Do not impose some kind of guilt trip to yourself Seth."

"Well… it is just… my parents are coming later today… and since I see them so rarely…"

His parents?! That's the first I've heard on the subject of their existence! Wonder why? Oh well, it isn't exactly my business so time to do what I call, APSU or accept, pardon and shut up!

"Like I said Seth it is fine. You should stay and spend time with your 'parents' as you see them so rarely. There will be other times we can have adventures together."

I couldn't help the pained tone I said 'parents' in. It was for me a reminder of what I had been denied in my life. I couldn't remember Tetras or Umbra so it was as if they had never existed, and I desperately wished to recall them and the time I had with them, however I just couldn't do so no matter how hard I tried. All I have is my life was akin to purgatory in what became a burning living hell! The only thing I have had to be a 'parent' was my uncle and well… I think I should stop here before I make myself miserable or gain the desire to break something. It was how my life played out; it suck I should and do know! Seth looked worriedly at me.

"Saber… do you have something against parents?"

My head snapped up at the inquiry. Dang, he had noticed my tone!

"Um… I… well…"

I really hate getting into the subject of parents as it is an arduous one for me; more so lately than before.

"I do not like to… talk about parents; not really having any I can remember and everything. And I would rather not talk about the one who was supposed to be raising me."

There was an awkward silence between us. I continued to dispel the quiet.

"Anyhow, I guess since you will not be coming, well then, so that you know I will likely be gone for days or more. So do not worry about me; I will be fine; I can take care of myself when I need to."

I reassured Seth before I continued the search for my other friends I haven't talked to yet. Well, I was beginning to speculate on my dilemma and the odds of any of my friends going with me. Thus far I had asked three of them and all three had declined. This trek could very well end up being just me… and now that I have had the time to think about it likely Lara… I don't know if I should be scared of such an idea or be overjoyed about it. I mean being alone with Lara isn't a bad thing as I used to think it was… but a lot less work tends to get done. I get distracted by her quite often. And with her starting to get close to her time of her mating cycle… I was really beginning to worry how things would play out. I'm so conflicted when it comes to Lara!

If one was to say that I was feeling discouraged and somewhat depressed, then I say give them a booby prize! Yes I am feeling rather down and I think I should be cut some slack! For as far as things stand, the trip to the ruins of Lagunas will be just me and Lara; it would be nice to have others along for a change! It was then I caught a familiar humming by a voice I knew and belonged to a particular blue dragoness I am well acquainted with. I turn to my left and as I expected saw Cyra a small distance away. She like normal, had a big smile set on her face and also had a spring in her step like always.

I don't know what it is about Cyra, yet there is something about her that just makes it impossible to stay gloomy or depressed. Maybe it is her bubbly personality or her ridiculously bright disposition towards seeing the bright side of things; whatever it is, just being around Cyra seems to make one's sadness and bleak atmosphere dissipate.

"Hey Cyra."

She stopped and turns to face me when I called. Her large smile somehow got bigger; kind of like a kid in a toy store. She started running towards me shortly after spotting me. Uh oh! The last time that I was getting this view as I recall, she got close to throwing out my back and it was sore for days! I really don't want to have her pounce on me and possibly do the same thing right now! My back still hasn't fully recovered from the last time Cyra jumped onto me!

"NO! WAIT CYRA, DO NOT DO IT!"

My cry fell on selectively deaf ears; for Cyra didn't hear me at all. I had no time to move, as she had already leapt into the air when my cry came. I only had enough time to brace myself for the impact before it came. Cyra landed on my back hard; I held back the grunt of pain, managing to tone it down to a huff; as the bioelectric signals surged along my nerves to my brain where they slammed into the signal receivers horrendously hard. I mentally groaned loudly in pain, though I didn't outwardly. I know Cyra doesn't look very heavy if you judge her weight by seeing her figure; however that doesn't mean she is by any measurement you care to use, light!

WHOA, THAT'S GOING TO HURT LATER! When Cyra had landed on me and I involuntarily took a couple of steps back, as to attempt to maintain my balance. And so began… my circus like dance of ludicrous absurdity. I stumbled and swayed from left to right and front to back in an almost drunken like spectacle. I am just glad that there weren't a lot of other dragons, moles or cheetahs watching this embarrassing scene I was being forced to dance in a completely stupid way. Cyra on the other paw… uh… well the phrase that comes to mind is, 'and the last little piggy cried whee whee all the way HOME!' I had these thoughts due to the fact that Cyra was literally crying whee whee as she rode me like some kind of freaking horse. I like Cyra, but there are times that she takes her idea of fun too far! Someone could get hurt in ideas like this… like me! After five minutes or so, I lost the battle of balance maintenance and my legs gave way under me. I fell to the ground with a huff and Cyra still being on top of me.

"Hee hee that was fun!"

I twisted my head so that I could see Cyra's face. I brought my left forepaw up against my face, propping myself up and gave her a deadpan look.

"Well… glad one of us was having fun; for my back is going to be complaining later."

Cyra just kept smiling and giggling. I rolled my eyes back at her.

"Cyra, has anyone ever told you; that you act like a dragonet at times?"

Cyra got off me before she answered me.

"Oh, I get told that by others a lot."

I was silent for a moment. I then sighed at her admittance. Well at least she knows how she looks to others.

"Well, at least you have been informed about how you present yourself."

I rose slowly to my paws, slowly stretching as I did so. I felt my back whine in pain from the work of playing the part of keeping my balance and from the impact that Cyra made and then being ridden. There was an audible crack of my spine realigning before I stood to my full height.

"Now that I have your attention, I have something to explain and ask of you."

Cyra dropped to her haunches and looked at me. I took a deep breath and for the third time when into the events of the previous day. When I finished the retelling; Cyra had a rather thoughtful expression on her face.

"As it seems to be usual for you, interesting things happen to you."

I couldn't deny what Cyra had said; because she was absolutely right.

"Yes that is just how it goes for me. Back to the question I wanted to ask you; do you want to come with me when I go to the ruins? If Cyril has a problem; I will go to Salena instead to circumvent him. It is up to you if you want to go."

Cyra simply stared at me for some time. I started to get a tad nervous as the silence kept going. It wasn't like Cyra to stay quiet for long; it was kind of creepy for her as she is happy and go lucky most of the time.

"Um… Cyra… you okay?"

"You want me to go?"

"Well… sure why would I not want you to go?"

Cyra apparently was taken aback at my response.

"You do not see me as a bother or nuisance?"

I didn't know why she was asking this inquiry. Cyra has a rather bubbly personality and it was infectious, which is different for me to be around. Yet it was a nice change in my view. Cyra can cheer up almost anyone in a short period of time and make it look easy. I admit she can be a bit overly energetic at times and go overboard in having fun, but no one is perfect. However, a bother or nuisance; she is definitely not! So why would she ask if I see as such?

"No… why would I ever think of you as a bother or nuisance?"

Cyra looked away from me as she answered me.

"Most dragons and dragonesses around our age say things like I have not grown up and still act like a dragonet."

Is that what's bugging her? Her bright and happy tones in her voice were absent now. I smiled at her.

"They are just jealous of you Cyra."

She glances up at my face.

"… jealous… of me?"

She questioned me quietly. I nodded with confidence.

"You better believe it! Those who say that you have not grown up, and act like a dragonet are jealous that you are and act as yourself without shame! They just wish they had the courage to act like themselves like you do Cyra! Instead they belittle you because they do not have the guts to act as they wish. Do not be embarrassed or reluctant to be yourself! Be yourself and do so with PRIDE!"

I had been preaching this notion with nair a bit of disconcerting tone or an ounce of repentance in me! I have told myself this exact idea so many times I do so without shame or remorse! Many may say it is a foolish notion, but… I PITY THEM BY LAUGHING AT THEIR LUNACY AND STUPIDITY! One should be proud of who they have chosen to be and feel no pangs of self-disgust or degradation of themselves! It was at that point I heard Cyra giggling and said giggles turned into her laughing. I smirked at the sight.

"See, now do you not feel better now that you are acting like you always do?"

She nodded at me.

"Yes, thanks for cheering me up."

"Hmm… normally you are the one that does that. I guess someone else needs a turn every once and a while. Anyway, you want to come to the ruins of Lagunas with me or not?"

"Of course, it sounds like a lot of fun!"

Well that is the first one of my friends that said they wanted to come with me. At least I won't be alone with Lara completely. This means she will need to keep her urges in check and it will give my draconic instincts less opportunity to wreak havoc with me! At least that is what I hope will be the case… the jury is still out on that one. I don't know which way they would go for me in this… hey judge hurry up and get the jury to decide would you! I haven't got all week to wait!

After I had finished my chat with Cyra, My stomach gave a notable growl of being dissatisfied. Now that I think about it, the last meal that I had was breakfast. I totally spaced having lunch, so it is no wonder that my stomach was complaining! It hadn't been working as it had no food to digest. I decided that it was time for me to get some food; to silence my stomach and keep it happy. So without further ado, I went to the meal hall and got some dinner to quiet my gut's complaints. I was finishing of the tasty meat that I had emphatically told myself, it was better not to know what it had been or where it had come from; when I was approached by a dragon.

"Oh Saber, I did not know you would be here this early for dinner."

I looked up to see that fate had resolved that it would be fun to make me continue with asking my friends about the trip to the ruins of Lagunas; while I was eating no less. In front of me was Fredrick. My mouth was full of meat at the current moment; so were I to answer, I would be talking with my mouth full… not pretty OR clean outcome! That's unless I'm participating in a food fight of some sort! Then all is fair and woe be unto those who are in the direction of my mouth… a powerful weapon it be!

I however, imagine dragons would not know or understand the concept or reasons of food fighting… there are just certain things I miss so much from the human world! Not that I have a problem with… table manners or anything… in fact it is more my lack of proper table manners that most have a problem with. No, not true; it is more I don't give a crap about my appearance to others or what others thought of me. It comes from being ignored for as long as I have been. I swallowed hard the mouth full I had before I replied.

"Long time no see Fredrick… at least since this morning. So, you care to have a seat and eat at the same table as me?"

I had observed that Fredrick had food with him, so I concluded I should offer Fredrick to eat at the table with me. Said dragon took the spot beside me and he began eating. I thought that while he was eating, he might be able to also listen to my proposal.

"Fredrick, I wanted to talk about something with you; all you need to do right now is listen."

He nodded and so I gave him the story of my day. By the time I had completed my accounting Fredrick had also finished eating him food.

"So that is my situation as it is current. The question in this is; would you like to come with me to the ruins?"

"Yes that sounds like a trip that would be really amazing!"

I was taken aback by the enthusiasm is Fredrick's voice; I hadn't expected it. I mean yes Fredrick is my friend, but I don't know much about his hobbies or interests… now that I think about it. Obviously something about this trip ties to an interest of his according to his reaction; I am curious what has perked his interest.

"That is great. Fredrick if you do not mind me asking, what about this trip is so interesting to you?"

"Oh well… promise not to tell anyone."

I nodded slowly. I was getting curiouser now.

"Yeah, my lips and maw are sealed; I will not tell a soul without your permission. So what is this about?"

Fredrick was quiet for a minute; I just waited for him to speak.

"Well I have always liked history. Ruins and old things; I have always found them fascinating. I know it is odd, but I just like things like that. I like them so much I have even snuck into the ruins of Carona; when I know it is wrong and against the rules."

I don't understand why Fredrick is embarrassed about this passion of his. It is fine; liking history and objects that have to do with it is okay. Everyone has interests and hobbies that differ from one another. Besides he is talking to me… the definition of odd and weird in the dragon realm! If there is anything more bizarre and strange than me… let's see it!

"And that interest is peculiar how and why?"

Fredrick stared at me.

"You do not think that my interest in old things is odd?"

I sighed.

"Trust me; you could have far worse interest. No, it is not odd Fredrick; Pla-to has a similar fascination with the past and things that relate to it. I have known a couple of people that have such an interest, to varying degrees; I will leave it at that to be… nice. Do not ask why I do."

Well after the meal and the smaller details I delivered to Fredrick; we parted. So that is two of my friends that will be going verses three that won't be coming; for sure. I don't count Lara yet, as there is the slim chance… ludicrous as it may be that she would decline going. Remote that possibility is I grant you, still it does exist. I haven't the faintest clue why she would decline, but I can't always predict her reasoning.

I exited the meal hall after parting with Fredrick. Well that is five out of my eight friends I have talked to and extended an invitation; three to go then. Those three are; Sen, Tarra and Lara. I am not worried in the slightest with Sen; he and I have… a simple relationship. I lead, he follows or that is how things tend to play out between us. Both of us are fine with that kind of relationship. Then with Lara… well she is herself… meaning she thinks that it is her sacred duty and God-given right to be in my life and help manage it very closely! Tarra… I don't know where to start in that complication. I care about her and her feelings and such; that is, I am learning what friends do for one another. My issue is being between Tarra and Lara and being the overall cause of their… schism. It is getting more than just annoying! Plus I really don't completely understand why they can't both like me and accept that; makes no sense to me!

After I walked around for a bit I found myself in the mid-tier garden I had been in earlier with Lara and Tarra. Being here brings to mind the attempt I had made to patch up the friendship that Lara and Tarra once had… before I came along… or something like that. I don't want to be the one to be the cause of a friendship to be broken! It would only make me feel extremely guilty among other things. I was mulling over my thoughts when I noticed that I was not alone as I had expected at first. I stopped where I was in the garden and looked around to find the other that was here as well. My gaze halted at a sight in front of me. There under a tree, was Tarra. And by what I can see from where I was; she was in a dangerously deep depression! Worse than she was last night and that scared me on her mental state; now I am seriously worried!

"Tarra?"

Tarra didn't appear to hear me or really react to my voice at all. This was seriously perturbing me; Tarra is showing some very worrisome behavior! This calls for immediate and drastic action! I strode over to Tarra balanced myself, raised my right forepaw. The sound of me slapping Tarra echoed slightly, for I slapped her fairly hard… not with all my strength, but enough that she seemed to come out of the pit of misery she had been in. After all, I wanted to snap her out of this wallow she was in; not put her in the healer wing from my actions. Tarra stared at me with an expression that was a mixture of shock and slight anger.

"S-saber, why did you just h-hit me?!"

I sighed at her question. Apparently Tarra was so engrossed in her misery she hadn't noticed what it was doing to her. … I have been there enough to know it never is a place you want to be! Shae taught me that, better than I ever wanted to understand!

"Why did I slap you Tarra? I did it so that you would snap out of that depression that was quickly turning into a very dangerous form of misery! I did it because I am your friend! You do not want to go there or be in that kind of state! Trust me!"

I took a moment to calm down and rein in my emotions, before I continued.

"I would very much doubt you would imagine that I would understand what it is like to be so miserable that the world around you seems to dim and everything just feels like it does not make a difference. That you will be doomed to be alone forever."

Tarra looked at me in surprise. So I hit the nail on the head then.

"Hard as it is to believe; I would know Tarra. I have been there a few times! Once is more than enough to know it is horrible and unhealthy! That kind of misery eats away at you from the inside and… does things to you. It is… one of the reasons that I do not open up easily to others now…"

I stopped myself from going any farther in a subject I don't talk about… to myself or anyone else! Or at least I haven't in nearly a decade now. There were just… memories I strived very hard to make myself forget due to the… subject matter. Tarra was looking at me with a hint of sorrow in her face. I came up next to her and sat down on my haunches. I continued where I had left off.

"If there is anyone that can understand what it is like to be avoided or alone; it would be me. I have been there and have done that; for a long while. And I learned… by experience that to help get over those feelings of loneliness and the shunning; you need to talk with someone. You cannot overcome those feelings on your own. It would be better if it is with someone that you can be open with, but still."

Tarra let out a pained sigh, which I could hear thanks to my wonderful hearing. I put a wing around her in the hopes that it would comfort her a little.

"I am here and will listen if you should want to talk about what is troubling you. There is no one else here; just us so, why not let it all out?"

Tarra sniffed, before she broke out in tears and started talking about how miserable she had been for the last week. She told me how horrible she felt when she heard that Lara was my mate and how painful that was. I simply sat there and listened to Tarra's description of her life over the last week. I had to say it was a very unpleasant sounding experience to be sure. One of those types of weeks that nothing seems to go the way you hope, let alone want it to go. I felt pity for Tarra. I care about how her life flows… granted I can't change the standing of her and Lara; still I am able to feel sorry for her predicament. When Tarra had finished I was in a rather tough spot. I could do little to change how things are currently or solve the standing problem. It is up to Lara and Tarra to decide to make up with one another. I can't, as much as I may want to, force them to patch up the friendship they have.

"Well Tarra… I can say two things for you. Things cannot get much worse so they can really only get better. And it is up to you to make things change for the better."

Tarra's face was blank.

"What do you mean?"

I took a moment to think about how to put how the other one I had been forced to watch suffer in silence. Tarra seemed to think that Lara saw how things were with me begin her mate was a victory. Not the case at all! Lara had been wallowing in misery… just not to the exact same extent as Tarra, but fairly close. And here I was stuck between the two caught and suffering the most in my humble opinion!

"If you think that Lara is celebrating being my mate over you; she is not, I can testify to that."

I sighed as the memories of the pass week when I had been around Lara flashed through my mind. She didn't show her painful emotions when she was around others. Yet with me, she seemed to just let them out without knowing it. So I have been trying to comfort her, not doing well in that task though.

"She has been about as miserable as you… now that I think about it. She does not want her friendship with you to be broken over something like this any more than I assume you do. So… do me a favor and… just tell her how you feel… just like you did with me."

"Lara is… not happy?"

I shook my head.

"No, Not really much at all. She puts on a show to make it look like she is fine, but she is not. I am being dragged down by the both of you. So please, talk to each other! It is the only way this is going to get fixed!"

"I did not think anyone else was feeling like I did."

"Oh, trust me you are not the only one to feel horrible about how things currently are. Please Tarra, talk to her for all of our sakes! She will not listen to me! You both need to settle this with each other."

Tarra was silent for a minute.

"I will try, I do not know if it will help, but I will try."

I smiled and then hugged Tarra, to which she squealed quietly.

"Thanks Tarra, it means a lot to me. I know Lara will appreciate it in the end."

I then remembered the reason I had been looking for Tarra; the upcoming trip to the ruins tomorrow.

"Oh yeah, there was something else I wanted to talk about as it happens."

I for the fourth time went into my tale of the offer I had been given by Pla-to. When I had finished Tarra was in slight awe of me according to her expression.

"That is an amazing offer; to see ruins and help them understand what is recorded there."

"Yes I have been told that by the others. The question is, do you want to come with me when I go?"

Tarra seemed to shrink a little at the question. Okay… that wasn't very encouraging to me.

"That is nice that you would think of me."

The tone in her voice didn't give me a positive impression of a yes to my offer. Not to say I would force if she said no; that would be mean and wrong of me.

"But I do not think it would be good for me to go."

So… that's a no then… okay; if she doesn't want to go, then she can just say so. It won't hurt my feelings really. I thought I would offer to my friends to go if they want to, that's all.

"Okay Tarra, that is fine. I just wanted you to know that if you should want to go that you are welcome."

When Tarra and I had parted; the thought that comes to mind with how things went with Tarra would be, 'that could have gone far worse, but it could have gone much better too.' I hope the conversation that we had would help the beginning of the patching of Lara's and Tarra's friendship. I was heading towards the temple, just taking the scenic route. I saw that the sun was getting close to setting for the day. So thus far, Cyra and Fredrick are coming and no one else. This trip could go many ways; I don't know which way it will go, good, bad or a new path down to hell I haven't yet tread! And that is before I take into account my bad luck… this is kind of worrying me now. Now I as it is I have two more of my friends to find and make the offer to. With my luck, Sen will be the first out of the two.

"Yo bro, how's it hangin with you dude?"

Thank you luck; prompt as usual I see. I glance to my right to find Sen walking up. It still boggles my mind how Sen can just appear out of apparently nowhere when I think about him. How he does it I have given up trying to figure out; it gave me too much of a headache to bare. Well might as well get this going then.

"Sen, how fortunate; I was looking for you."

"Were ya bro? Oh are we like gonna to go for a second round and do double the prank on that… was it a dragonfly dude? Whatever man, I'm in bro."

It was like I hit a brick wall with that comment. Where did he get that idea from… not that it isn't an extremely tempting escapade! However there are more pressing matters at paw! …Yet I will have to keep that in mind for later!

"As tempting an idea that is, no that isn't the reason I was looking for you. You see…"

I began the story of yesterday for me. The problem was I hadn't gotten more than four sentences in when Sen stopped me.

"Whoa, hold on bro! That's too much info dude, it is confusing me man. Get to the point bro, like the reason you have been looking for me. Keep it totally simply dude."

… I forget that Sen's easy going attitude comes with a rather sizable short coming; he has a hard time keeping up with a long story and a great deal of detail that he didn't experience himself. I have to simplify this for him. I guess just going straight to the offer would be the best method to go with. I get the feeling that I am going to regret this rather fast, but here we go.

"Okay then Sen, if it is simple you want then I will put this as simple as I can. Here is the deal. I am going off to another place with another dragon to help with some stuff; I will probably be gone for days or more can't say for sure. The question for you is; you coming with or you staying here?"

"Wait bro, you saying you going on off somewhere else, like on some kind of adventure?"

I nodded slowly, sort of wondering where Sen was going with this and at the same time not wanting to know as it is better not to most of the time. His thought processes can be somewhat hard to comprehend, yet can be scary at the same time. That's what kind of happens when you have to keep things as simple as you do with Sen.

"Dude that means you could find awesome stunts to do! That's gnarly bro! Where do I sign up dude?!"

I stared at Sen incredulously. I was fairly certain Sen would want to go, but I hadn't expected him to be so... spontaneous in that agreement! The part that was irking me is the selling point for Sen is the chance of my bad luck striking me. Telling myself I told you so… just don't quite say it to hit home well enough. ... What a friend Sen is to me... isn't he? I finished up giving the finer points to Sen to make sure he understood where to be and when, before we went our separate ways.

After my… talk with Sen, I noticed it had got almost fully dark so it would be a good time to go to my room. I needed sleep and then I would also likely find Lara there. I still needed to talk to her about going to the ruins of Lagunas. I figured she would want… actually no. More like insist that she should and would be going with me to the ruins is my bet. Lara… well going back to my previously stated view; she thinks that it is her lifelong singular duty and God-given right to be in my life and help me manage it… with or without my opinion or permission! That comes with her being my mate, I comprehend that she sees the need to be with me, around me and at times defend me. I may be dim and a bit of a dunce when it comes to how relationships work, but even I get that even if I don't completely agree with those needs.

My issue is I don't know how to react to someone that has those needs, views and compulsions. I have never have been in the position to learn or experience such closeness that comes with that kind of relationship. I have not a clue how to deal and receive all of this! Yes I brought this lack of experience on myself and doomed myself to have problems in the future, which is now my present. Lara is the first to be stubborn enough to stick around me and tolerate me and my quirks long enough to get me to open up the amount I have, which is much more than I have before. My normal habits and methods of pushing others away from me failed to even really faze her as far as I could tell! The word dogmatic comes to mind rather frequently, more than a nagging pain, but still that's Lara. Again I feel so conflicted when it comes to her! I got to the temple and made my way towards my room still lost in my thoughts as I have been a good portion of the day.

There are times I wonder... whether Lara has been sent to be some form of divine or sacrilegious retribution being brought down on me for some reason. Either that or make me a laughing stock and entertainment for the man upstairs or the guy below. I can't really decide which explanation to go with lately. I mean, I know Lara loves me. She had made that perfectly and utterly clear; I can't deny or mistake her feelings about me without lying through my teeth! She continued to do so pretty much every day and not just by sleeping in the same bed as me every night, but in other ways as well. I have no issues with Lara doing so; after all even I understand the feeling of being appreciated and wanted… I know and understand better now than before. I just wonder... will it be the same when 'that' time comes around again or will it be worse? The things I get to dread and look forward to… yea for me!

I had reached my room by this time and without thinking opened the door.

"Ah Saber, there you are. I was wondering where you went and what was taking you so long."

I looked up and there was Lara in front of my bed… waiting for me. Speak of the... I don't know if I should say the dumb man in heaven or the conniving guy below. Let's just go with 'speaking of' and move forward as to not think ill of Lara for the moment. I smiled a little as I replied to Lara.

"Hey Lara, I would ask why you choose to meet me here; but I have given up wondering why you insist on coming to my room anymore. As for taking so long… well I have been busy today. By the way I forgot to ask, how did talking with Tarra go yesterday?"

Lara frowned slightly at me mentioning Tarra. Well I have a feeling how their conversation went, I thought it would be nice of me to ask; though I got a rather clear impression from Tarra already.

"Um well… okay… I guess."

… In other words, it didn't go well at all and was a waste of time to set up or do at all! And after I had tried so hard to set up something for those two; it all goes spiraling down the drain! Why doesn't one of them simply slap me across my snout and screech at me to stay out of their business and be done with this?! It would be so much easier for me and them! I can't fathom or grasp that, which is the mystery of the female gender and likely never will. However, I can't in good will and loyalty to my friends, stay silent with the hurt feelings between Lara and Tarra.

"Lara, do you still want Tarra as your friend? If so, you need to let go of the feelings of possessiveness over me that you have. I am your mate, period, end of discussion and debate. Nothing and no one will change that! However, Tarra is a friend, so that means I will spend time with her like I do Cyra and occasionally Cynder. You don't seem to have a problem with either of those dragonesses. Cyra does far more… things that are more physical with me. It is just Tarra you seemed to have a problem with. You have got to let it go!"

I was trying to help… truly I was. But since this is me we're talking about; the results are very predictable in my case. They backfire on me more than fifty percent of the time and in this instance; it didn't just backfire on me. Nope, I get what I have come to call, backlash whiplash, which is worse. In other words, what I was trying to do… freaking blows up enormously in my face and tends to cause vast problems for me. In this there wasn't an exception; Lara's expression was one of gloom and sorrow at my statement to her. She could have given Spyro a run for his money when he had been worried about Ruben! That was saying something and I was the one who drug her down! I can really be an idiot at times! I had figuratively stabbed her in the heart; yeah go me on being a poor excuse for a guy!

She lowered her haunches so that she came to a sitting position and began wallowing. ... Jeez I try to help by saying what she needs to do and I end up making her more depressed. I guess this is what I get for being blunt and to the point like my usual self. Why do I get myself into these kinds of situations? I guess this is something that comes with opening up to people, doesn't it? The good and the bad come in a package deal, no question about that. Now I get to attempt to comfort a depressed girl, which I have a hit or miss type of success with at any point in my life. To whichever one of those two is responsible for this situation, thank freaking you! I hope you suffer before you die! And if either of them think that isn't possible; they better hope I don't take that task as a challenge! I will find a WAY DANG IT! Oh freaking Fiddlesticks from hell; this sucks! I sighed before I moved forward towards Lara, though she didn't seem to notice my actions as she was wallowing deeply in her own depression and misery. It is like I am having the same situation and conversation I did with Tarra not too long ago.

I plopped myself down beside her on her left and wrapped my right wing around her pulling her against me. Lara by her reaction hadn't expected my action or I assume me even being next to her. She didn't resist my tugging on her, though I don't think she ever would. When she was against me I put my right foreleg around her securing her against me. I try to be nice and supportive… I just am still learning how to do so in a good way… I think I'm doing fairly well.

"S-Saber?"

… I swear her squealing like that is so cute it should be illegal... for the safety of others, namely me! With Lara, she gives new terrible meaning to the phrase, 'if looks could kill'. It was not literal, but she could likely drive me to do terrible things that would easily make me look criminal… okay more criminal than some of the thing I do now look, given time with me!

"Look Lara, I do not comprehend why, no matter how many times I tell you that I am your mate, you seem to think you need to defend your position with me and possession over me that apparently come from the said standing. Maybe male dragons have a tendency to go to... multiple dragonesses. In human terms it is call one of two things; which neither have good meanings to them. The first would be polygamy which is to have more than one mate. I find the idea wrong and would never participate in such a practice. There would be too many complications with that idea."

Lara seemed to be trying to comprehend what I was telling her. I just continued.

"The other term… has a much worse… implications and the term is cheating. The word describes a male or female, that is unfaithful, deceitful and a traitor of the worst sort. Unfortunately with humans it tends to be the male. In my view such types should die an excruciating death; I would be the likely one that would be holding the means of said death and ready to execute them. I never have seen why anyone would do something like that; I would not know. Nevertheless I can assure you with absolute certainty; I will not do such things nor even have thoughts of doing that kind of thing, as I abhor and loathe those kinds of actions. So do not worry; your title and spot as my mate is not something that can be challenged in my view."

I put my chin on the top of Lara's head and smiled as I went on. The mood was getting better; I felt that much. So I guess I should keep this momentum going.

"No one is perfect; not you, not any of the guardians and definitely not me. We all have our flaws and we all make mistakes. I make them every day! It is a fact of life and it will never change. So stop worrying yourself about this so much; would you? It only causes unneeded worry."

I think I did fairly well in trying to calm her down and cheering her up. Maybe I might be able to avoid the backlash whiplash… perhaps? Suddenly Lara shifted her position so that we were facing one another instead of being side by side and embraced me tightly. I stiffened a little as she did this, having not seen it coming. Still I have to admit... her underbelly scales are so soft and smooth. Her scent smells so good; I still can't completely place why her scent smells so good to me. Hmm... yes I like being closer to her... maybe she would be interested in doing … I SAY NAY! Well so much for avoiding the BW! I rarely do so; I don't know why I thought I could.

The BW this time comes in the form of my draconic instincts trying to override my logical and intelligent mind. I reinforced my mental control and self-restraint as my draconic instincts surged up in me. Now isn't the time to think about the activity of mating; no matter how pleasurable or enjoyable it is! It would be taking horrible advantage of Lara's emotional state were I to do that! I would condemn myself later if I were to do such an act at this time. Lara let out a sigh as she cuddled against me; while I was having the fight of intelligence vs instinct.

After a few minutes, the battle ended... intelligence won out thank goodness! I got my mind back on track while the miasma that was my instincts lessened and went down and to the back of my mind. I then remembered why I had been looking for Lara in the first place. I looked down to see Lara was currently smiling a little as she kept cuddling me with her head nuzzling me against my jawline. Honestly what am I going to do with her? When she does stuff like this she is so adorable. She can be difficult to resist when she does actions like this. I was about to speak when she beat me to it.

"Saber how do you do it?"

My mind went blank at Lara's question. What was she talking about?

"I beg your pardon. What are you talking about Lara?"

I hadn't the faintest clue what she was referring to. For all I know she could be talking about my rugged good looks or my sharp wit. Then again she could be referring to my abilities in pleasing her during the activity… BACK DRACONIC INSTINCTS! YOU WILL NOT HAVE ANY OF MY ATTENTION! … Back on topic, there are many possibilities of subjects she could be referring to with me.

"You always know what to say, you always know how to help others."

Oh... That is a HIGH compliment... that I have never received or thought I would receive!

"I do not think that what I say is all that special. Most of the time I just listen and observe. As to the pieces of wisdom I have... I have heard them countless time for Master Kai that they have been unconsciously ingrained in my mind. He... well, he kind of just says them; I have not a clue where he gets them from; some are more useful than others. I just am good at remembering the lines of wisdom."

Lara moved from my jawline and proceeded to nuzzle the hollow of my neck... yes dragons have one. Her action felt… very pleasant.

"You really respect this Master Kai of yours do you not?"

I paused at the question. It wasn't that I didn't want to answer. I love talking about Master Kai, but I'm around Lara… I don't have my normal perfect control over what comes out of my mouth. This is always a risky proposition with her; as I may say something that I don't mean to. It has happened already before now.

"He was the first person in my memory that cared that I was around. He taught me about life... I am the way I am because he had the patience to teach me and listen to me. ... He changed me and my view on life for the better. ... He saved me... from myself... and the darkness that had been closing in around me..."

I stopped my voice and clamped my maw shut as I was getting into something I DIDN'T want to talk about! I got close to that subject with Tarra already! Lara had loosened her hug a little and was staring at me. I have no idea why I am even getting into this subject or the way that is going. As I said before, I like talking about Master Kai as he is the best thing that came into my life and the good that came of that. Yet I am encroaching on a subject I don't like to even think about myself! … Brings up bad memories like Shae and other things…

"Saber… are you alright? What do you mean 'saved you from yourself and the darkness that had been closing in'?"

"Um… Lara now would not be the best time to talk about the subject... maybe later."

There ensued a silence at my replied. I don't like long awkward silences!

"So Lara, I have something to talk to you about."

She gave me her attention.

"You see..."

I began telling Lara of meeting Zindy. Of how I ran into some of the guardians and met Pla-to. I mentioned the situation of Pla-to's assistants. About how after finding out that I could read Ancient Script, Pla-to asked for my help. That help would require me to go to the ruins of Lagunas. How in exchange for my agreement to help him; I asked to let me talk to my friends about going to the ruins of Lagunas. After I finished my story I waited for Lara to comment or reply to what I had said. I may know what she will likely do, but she may surprise me… she's done it before.

"So... you are going to go then?"

I thought that's what my story entailed and inferred.

"Yes, that is what I plan to do, though that does not mean I need to go alone."

Lara nuzzled my upper neck.

"You think I would let you go alone?"

Yea-no, not in a million years would Lara be one to do so if there was any choice involved! I rolled my eyes and snorted in response.

"I would be extremely dim to think you would let me out of your sight for all that long; I cannot see you doing so anytime in the near future. Nevertheless, I thought it would be nicer for me to ask rather than just assuming."

Lara giggled a bit. I felt the annoying skip of my heart at her giggle as well as the flutter of the same organ. Ever since I have gotten to know Lara again, my body had been having contradicting responses to the things Lara does. It's likely that it has something to do with Intelligence vs instinct as those two have been having a war with each other… just been getting bloody and brutal recently.

"How thoughtful of you."

Lara then surprised me by leaning in and kissing me lightly. I, to my surprise, blushed slightly at this. I then, said it would be a good time to get some sleep and quickly move to the bed. I got into the bed and turned over so that I wasn't facing Lara. I didn't want to give my draconic instincts any more opportunity tonight than I already have to have victory over my intelligence! That was the plan I intended to follow; however, I was at the moment being the blind fool for I hadn't figured Lara as an active part of the equation. Lara would have none of my attempt to not face her… my plans could go to hell for all fate cared. With the dragoness that I had as a mate, she was far too stubborn and determined to let me opt out so easily. She got in the bed next to me and worked my position over a short period to where I was facing her. She then snuggled up against me. I sighed and laid there until I dropped off to sleep.

-Scene change-

-Next morning-

The next morning I got up and almost literally dragged Lara out of bed. … I swear she isn't an easy one to wake up and I had to do a lot to get her to get out of bed! I get the feeling that this dragoness… will give me many a morning like this where I have to do a fair amount to get her out of bed. Lara isn't a morning person like I am, though in her defense, she hasn't been waking up early as I have for many years. After Lara was somewhat coherent, we went to the meal hall and got breakfast. By what Pla-to had said it was a decent distance flight to the ruins of Lagunas; so we needed a meal in our bellies before we left or it would be a hard flight. I don't like doing those if I can avoid them! Once we finished our meal we headed to the gates as that is where I was told and told everyone else we would meet.

When Lara and I got to the gates, I observed that Pla-to, Quick Paw and Lyla were already there. Cyra was there as well and a short distance behind Lara and me was Fredrick. This meant we were waiting for Sen. There was a little time before we were supposed to be here to leave, so he wasn't late technically… yet. He doesn't have a tendency to be late… just on time… which is in my view late! Sen has a different view and perception of the flow of time than I do; one of the things that our… friendly… civil disagreements stem from… yes I will run with that for the moment. So I was getting a tad impatient about Sen not being here at this time. About a minute later Sen came up to the group and so all of us that were going to the ruins was present and accounted for. I gave Sen a glare for good measure as he cut it as close as he did. He opted to ignore my glare… I'll be sure to remind him what a mistake that can be… covertly of course and… not too painful a reminder.

The flight from Warfang was rather uneventful. Just valleys, hills and rivers went by as we flew above them. Saw a lake on the way but not all that much else. After a few hours a mountain range started to loom ahead of us. As we didn't change our fight path I assumed that our destination was beyond the mountain range. The bigger the mountain range got the clearer it became that we were aiming for a gap between two of the peaks on either side of the center of the range. We made it over the hurdle that was the gap in the mountain range we had been flying towards throughout our journey. After which we began the descent into the valley below. The valley under and ahead of us was breath taking to see! The valley below was surrounded on both the east and west sides of the valley by the mountains formed sheer high cliffs on the south end where. On the north side of this large valley appeared to be a canyon of some sort.

Shortly after we enter the valley, my eyes took in the ruins themselves; they took up the majority of the valley and this said valley… well it isn't the same size as Warfang or Carona, but it isn't small either. I mean the ruins and the area they encompass was about, if I were to give a guess about three fourths of the size of Warfang if it were laid out or of Carona. That was saying something when it came to size! The interesting fact or feature to note with these ruins other than there size; would be the amount of water without and within them. The ruins were surrounded by small rivers that came up to the edge of the stone work of the outer sections of the ruins; kind of like a moat in a way. Then there was shallow ponds and brooks within the structures of the ruins themselves. It was unlike any place I have ever seen.

I gazed at the outer wall of the ruins as our group made our final approach in our flight. The wall was a little shorter than Warfang's walls, however unlike Warfang's pillars were placed along the wall in both directions approximately every ten to fifteen meters. They seemed to be like towers in the parapet of a castle or at least served the same purpose. The pillars themselves had a glass like section along the front side that I could see. Reminded me of some kind of fantasy kind of idea I once read about.

Anyway, we landed in front of the front entrance. The first thing I noticed was the left gate was missing; where the right one was still on its hinges and in place. The one gate that was still in its place was made of a metal I have never seen before. Yet… there is something about the appearance that… strikes something in my brain. I just don't know what or why that is the case. I am beginning to note that such oddities are starting to come up more frequently. It was nagging me for some reason that I couldn't fathom. When we had landed we walked through the gateway in the wall.

After we came through the gateway to I would say a central walkway that was about the width of three adult dragons and on either side were medium size pools. The pools had plant life growing in it; what looked like something similar to water lilies. Had to say these ruins had a feeling of serenity; like a temple or an idea similar. Not the dragon temple, but the idea as I had come to understand it back on earth. Still it was rather beautiful scenery in my opinion.

Our group passed through the archway on the far side of the entryway. The inside of the ruins had open places and where it wasn't open there were columns lining the outside of the structures to support them, like many of the historical buildings I had seen in the history classes I had taken in school. The columns were not… decorative per say; they were pretty plain actually… practicality over looks then? The outer walkways that I did get a glimpse of were simply paved in stone. They had columns on the inside and water to the other. We went on for a short distance and came into a place that sunlight came down in copious amounts. What would be akin to an inner courtyard in these ruins was one of the bigger open spaces in this place we had seen yet. It was also were many of those here assumingly here to study the ruins gathered.

The more I saw of the ruins of Lagunas the more I believed it had been some kind of temple of some sort. A huge temple to be completely accurate as I have taken it in. But nonetheless temple like structures and they were interconnected to other buildings that served the similar in not the same function. From the inner courtyard, we entered one of the larger structures and I felt my jaw about hit the floor! We had just come into a huge room… like ancient cathedral type size! I mean… yes seeing this part from the outside, I knew it would be big… just not this colossal! In fact this room had a dome at its peak for the roof. Archways lead off to other parts of the ruins from this room; likely this was the center of the ruins or was of the network of structures. In the center was several large orbs and they were in a ring that seemed to be the center piece of this room. It may be some kind of astrological construct, yet I have no real knowledge on such things. It could be for something else entirely.

We didn't have all that much time to look around the dome room; as we proceeded through one of the archways on the far side or the dome room. After going down the hallway that the archway had led to we came into a more open area. Although it was apparent by the remainder of the stone work that this huge room had been an enclosed place. Now the previous central room we had been in was large, however this was larger, just not as tall, more width in other words. This room was likely some type of cathedral in the past. At least that is the shape that came to mind with what was left. Much of this area had been over grown with greenery, though some attempts had clearly been made to clear it. Not very successful work by what I could see.

We left the Cathedral area and went through a few more corridors it became obvious to me that Pla-to was leading us or rather me to a particular room or place. Likely this room was the reason he had asked me to come to the ruins. Well that's what I assume as I have yet to see a single character of the ancient script yet and that is the reason why Pla-to had asked me to come.

The final room that Pla-to showed us had only one source of natural light and that was a square opening in the ceiling in the middle of the square room. The rest was lit by candles and things of the like. This room however differed in a way that the others we had seen and it was clear as day. The walls of this room were filled with writing! I don't think there was a five inch space that wasn't use and taken up with writing. My eyes widen as I gazed at the writing on the walls. The amazing thing to me like most of the rest of the writing I had seen in the ruins was… I could read the writing! All the characters on the wall were from the ancient script. It was awesome to me; I assume that no one else here could even make much sense out of any of this writing. Yet as I gazed at the walls as if spell bound I read the words that were written. I didn't know what they were saying, but given time I could possibly do so!

-Scene change-

-Later that evening-

When we had been shown around the ruins fairly thoroughly; we were taken to a section where it was obvious that the meals were eaten in the section. I guess that means that it is dinner time as it was starting to get dark. Fredrick had been on 'cloud nine' for the majority of the time that we had been here, though as he likes historical things, this is like a candy store for him. Sen was in awe of not the ruins interestingly enough; no it was all the cheetahs, moles and dragons here that was the subject of his staring and interest. Cyra was just happy to explore some place new, at least that was my guess for her good mood. Lara… she was sticking to me so I can't exactly guess how she was taking this experience. I still can't fully read her and it irks me to an extent. She had gotten a lot of stares from those here; not as many as I did oh no. However, I think getting more stares than me would require someone like the Chronicler at a bare minimum. Granted, purple dragons/dragonesses are rare and I can say that from seeing the memories; but she is still a dragoness and not some kind of freak of nature. I think that title would get pinned to me more than anyone else!

Anyway, on to simpler things, such as food! The meal was simple but filling. Not what I would call a humble meal, but not a feast either. Afterwards Lyla came to where my friends and I were grouped.

"So what do you think of the ruins?"

We looked at her. She seemed excited and eager to hear our answers. I was the first to give a reply to her.

"They are impressive, I have to admit."

"The ruins are amazing; so much to see and explore."

That was Cyra's response. I expected something along those lines for her, so…

"They are incredible; there is so much to learn!"

That was from Fredrick, no surprise he is in awe. Again pretty much as I had read from him already.

"Like gnarly people; rather dry sights dudette."

… Yeah… no comment with Sen's answer. The line I think of, 'If you can't think of anything good to say; don't say anything at all!' I just wish he understood the meaning of the line and its intended application, but then he wouldn't be himself; would he?

"The ruins have been very interesting to see."

That was from Lara, simple yet the truth. We got into small talk after all of us answered Lyla. Eventually we found spots to get some sleep. Lara of course made her place with me… even if we aren't in Warfang, I don't know why I thought things might be different. Lara sleeps with me every night, so why would here be any different? Still haven't the faintest clue how the Guardians don't know of Lara's relationship with me. Actually is getting to be quite humorous that they can't seem to see it in my opinion. Back to the point, we all went to sleep as we would all have things to do tomorrow.

I woke up from my normal random dreams and glance up to see the moon was still climbing upward in its arc in the night sky. I couldn't have been asleep for all that long if the moon hadn't reached its zenith. I tried to go back to sleep, but that embrace of sleep eluded me. My mind was too busy with the thing that I had seen from the memories and that repetitive vision that keeps coming over and over.

I know that Pla-to and I would wager those here with him are either excited at me being here as I can read the ancient script or they think I am faking it. I just feel this is all somehow was happening for some other reason than just for me to translate. When Pla-to had asked me to come, I had originally intended to say no; but something in me had me say yes before I really had time to think this through. And I have been feeling really… I don't know edgy for most of the time I have been here... like I know something is going to happen, just not what! This nagging feeling is really starting to ware on my nerves.

Unable to shake this feeling of being on edge and somehow anticipation; I decided to go for a walk as that sometimes helps calm my nerves. It is worth a shot at this point. So, I slipped out of Lara's embrace, which I have become rather adept at and began to walk around the ruins with no real destination in mind. I was careful not to be seen by anyone, which is difficult with white scales! I have no idea why I was avoiding everyone. It wasn't like I felt the need to be alone or anything like I would normally. There was just something… in my mind that pushed for me to not have anyone else around me or with me right now. This strange urge just served to heighten my sense of unease, which was already very high!

I had been walking around for a while when I caught a sight I hadn't seen during the day. I approached an area that was on the south end of the ruins and came to a clear area in front of me. I was struck with the feeling of déjà vu. This place… I have seen it before… several times… in my dreams! The buildings around me were identical to those I remember seeing in the vision. There were even the same characters on the walls which I don't think Pla-to knew were there. … I'm on the pathway that I go down at the start of the vision!

I didn't get to think about what this revelation could possibly mean as something else caught my attention. It was hearing the sound of quiet laughter; it was not malevolent or anything of the sort, more like children laughing. I looked around trying to locate the source of the sounds. Then in front of me appeared two white orbs… they strongly reminded me of those I saw when I had been turned into a dragon again! In fact I am feeling near identical to what I was back at that time! I stared at them and moved a little closer.

"Come…"

"Follow…"

By now I was feeling exactly the same set of emotions I had back at the time in the forest outside of Carona and around the lake. And once more, my thirst to know got the better of me.

"What are you trying to tell me?"

I waited for their reply.

"The answer…"

"You seek…"

"Will be answered…"

"If you come…"

"Follow us…"

"We lead you…"

The orbs began to move further away from me. I made a split second decision and moved forward. This was even more of a chance to maybe find out more about why all the weird things happen to me and perhaps even my origins. This was a chance I couldn't pass up as it was the first opportunity I had gotten so close to getting answer to questions I had for so long! The orbs headed down into the canyon, down towards the river. Well, I have done this many times in my sleep… What could go wrong? …Please bad luck… for once don't prove me wrong! Just one time, leave me alone! After wishing and praying for my bad luck not hitting me; I leapt off the cliff and dove into the canyon. In my dive I saw the river below or now ahead on me and indeed it was like in my visions every time rushing VERY fast and I would bet cold as well. What a mix for me to look forward to should I mess up! … Don't you dare you two! YOU WILL REGRET IT I SWEAR IT!

I pulled up out of my dive into the canyon and was a small distance above the river at the bottom of the canyon. Now according to my dream that I have seen for the last few nights multiple times the waterfall at the far end of this canyon hid a cave that led to the tunnel labyrinth and beyond. You know now that I'm doing this journey while I'm awake; it is not as bad as I thought it would be. I have always loved the feeling of wind rushing under my wings and keeping me up in the air. The feeling of speed is, even I have to admit, amazing! I was still extremely worried about my situation, even with the feelings I get when I fly. Much like in the journey in the visions, there were so many opportunities for my luck to do its thing with gusto! Yet nothing had happened so far; I am hoping that this trend keeps going.

I saw the waterfall approaching me quickly; I stayed the course as there was the cave that led onward. The waterfall looked larger in real life than in the dreams and I swear there is a LOT more water going down it! As I flew through the falls and steeled myself from the temperature of the deluge of water; for it was freaking cold! I had closed my eyes so that I didn't get water in them; now that I opened them I see to my surprise it wasn't really dark as I had expected. The tunnels were illuminated by some kind of crystals that were inlaid into the walls. I couldn't tell how that was possible as they didn't look like they were put there artificially or what the crystals were or how they were giving off dim light. That hadn't been something I had been able to pick up during the visions of this journey.

The orbs kept a short distance ahead of me; the distance didn't change as I went on. I continued to follow them do the tunnels they would go hoping that at some point I would end out in the Crystal cavern I had always ended in in the dreams. After what seemed like hours but was likely less; I started up an incline upward direction. Shortly I came to a familiar plateau that I had seen many times now. I had finally had come to the crystal cavern I had been force to see over and over for the last few night. However the difference this time was I was awake and so I would at last see where the door that would always appear led to.

I looked around the cavern to see it was actually more beautiful being here in person. The crystals that came out of the walls shimmered and glittered as if to welcome me. The orbs were… floating at the opposite end of the cavern right in front of the blank wall. I made my way to the wall as I had every time in the visions and as in the dreams the wall began to glow and the intricately decorated doors appeared on the wall making it no longer blank. The double doors clicked then creaked as they opened inward. The orbs went into the doorway that was on the wall. I walked to the doorway, which was rippling with a shimmering white liquid like substance. I took a deep breath before I made the final steps forward and went through the doorway at long last!

Chapter end.

A/n

Yes all a cliffhanger! This was the place that work best for me to end on. The next chapter will likely be shorter than the normal average that I have been doing in this part. We will see! If you like this story favorite it and/or follow it. You want something to happen or have a comment or suggestion say it in a review or send me a PM. Peace out all until next chapter. Hopefully it will not be so long for me to write it.

Keyblader Zen

I would hope my PM answered most if not all of you questions in my pm. For the relationship between Lara and Tarra is hopefully on the way to starting to mend. I… would say that Lara's time will come for what Cynder is going through now… just not when it will come. I just changed my mind on Spyro and Cynder having such an event happening. It works out for their decline to go with Saber to the ruins.

ArcticDragon Rider

I hope this chapter is a good movement for the beginning of this arc. Thankfully I think Saber's talk with Tarra will help begin the repairing… I pray it will at least *wink*

Guess (Assuming that the 2 guess reviews are from the same person)

*bow* I am glad you like the prank. I haven't done anything to Sparx for a while, so I wanted to do something a little special and out of the norm.

… I'm creating an explanation for Shae… I don't want to spoil that yet, but I will say Shae is not trying to kill him, though it may seem that way.

I am considering such an idea in future. I haven't thought about it a lot as if something like that does happen it wouldn't happen until the third and final part of the chronicles. Trust me it would be something you would want something soft to roll on as you laugh your rear off to.

Ps. Give yourself a chance