The Chronicles of the White Dragon Part 2: The Crossroads of Time

by Blackshadow999

When things of history thought lost begin to be seen once more; fear grips many, none can choose how events will turn out in the end. What is left from an ancient war is rediscovered by Saber, but he finds more than he bargained for. An enemy long forgotten returns! and intends to finish wha they started. A tale traversing and transcending even the bounds of time itself. Part 2of3

11. 11 The Festival and a New Assignment

A/n
Greetings to all you readers! To start off I would like to say that I'm sorry for it taking so long for me to post more of this story! Life has become complicated in many ways and… well I guess I shouldn't get into that. Anyways, I have decided it is about time I do my first revision of part 2 of the White Dragon Chronicles. It will mostly be grammatical improvements, however there will be a few changes made that I will state as I have written this chapter and the next with said changes in mind. The first change is Saber's draconic form's size; I have made him a bit bigger to where now he is 10'1" in height and 12'3" in length. There is a reason, which will come up later as to why he is bigger. The second change is that Sen will be getting a speech tweak; he will still be a surfer in the way he talks… just more so that before. I would like to thank those who have allowed me to borrow and use their characters, it is very much appreciated! I am not trying to go against any copyright stuff; so I will state I own nothing but my characters and ideas. Okay enough rambling from me, on with the show!

Chapter 11: The Festival and a New Assignment!

-Unknown pov-

The discussion had been a long and tiring one. So many concerns and different opinions from those here at this council; it is hard to come to a consensus. Representatives of all the races were in attendance. There was Urnog who lead the ape tribe. Next there was Linonese from the cheetah clans. Then there was Flnael of the mole nomads; and finally last but not least Chiaia, the purple dragoness that leads dragon kind right now.

Our fight against the … had been very brutal as of late. The forces of all of us were still holding, but with some of the methods of this enemy; overall morale has fallen. As for myself I was worried that one of my former students had disappeared. All he had said he was going to find his younger brother and I have not seen him since then.

I had come to Arcadia in the hope of seeing my mate before returning to the battlefield. However, when I had arrived I had found that she had gone with most of the dragons and dragonesses led by Chiaia to get them to safety. There were only those who would be transporting the eggs of the unborn dragonets here.

I went to at least get a last look at the egg that … had laid. I wished to see my unborn dragonet once more as it was possible I would not return from the war. It is a risk that all those who fight to protect take. When I got to the rookery I went straight for the egg I knew was my offspring, I visited here whenever I could so I knew exactly where the egg was. I rubbed the egg lovingly, somehow knowing that the chances of me seeing the being inside of the egg were slim.

I felt rumbling which snapped me awake. I rushed outside and saw to my horror that the enemy had come here to Arcadia! Those here were trying to fend them off, however the enemy kept slowly advancing. It was plain that with those of us here, there was little hope of beating the enemy back; all that could be done would be to delay them.

I could tell that though I would live to fight another day, there would not be many days after this. The black creature that had come with the enemy had been able to somehow crash through our defenses and we could do little against the beast. I had decided that I would try to at least save my offspring. There were few of the eggs left; I would save as many as I could!

In the small amount of time I had before the enemy forces breached the city defenses; I had managed to gather eight eggs in total. What I was about to attempt had never been considered let alone tried. I knew the young ones in these few eggs that I had managed to rescue would not survive if they remained here. Yet there was nowhere safe in the realm right now; so I would send them to a different when in the hope they would live on.

I activated my … ability so that magic would be amplified for I would need the extra power for what I planned to do. I glanced up to see the moon had turned silver, the sign that the first part of my plan was going right. I focused the power within me on the eggs…

Seven out of the eight eggs had been sent some when else and now the last egg… my own dragonet was the only one left to be sent away from this war.

"Farewell my offspring. May you live in a time that is free of this conflict and war that has sowed destruction and strife. It is my wish for you to know none of this, but to have a long and happy life.

-Saber's pov-

I woke with a jerk. That dream had felt different from the normal routine for me of seeing memories of the past. Yet I still believe that it is a memory from a time past... a long time ago, however it had been clear. Memories from the distance past have never been as clear as if I had been there myself! Well… when I say clear, I mean the parts that I saw; there were quite a few flashes or… skips for lack of a better way to describe the idea. It was kind of like you are watching a movie and someone keeps skipping to the next chapter after you see a bit of the current chapter you're on. As to why there was clarity on the subject matter itself when normally memories from the ancient past don't give that much at all; the only explanation I can come up with is it was his memory. I keep getting evidence of that there is a relationship between Bahamut and myself shoved in my face ever since meeting him.

Yet this last memory I saw… left a lot of unanswered questions in my mind. Throughout the memory there had been words that were… missing or that they were glossed over. Now I wouldn't really care normally, but for most of the words that this was the case; I couldn't guess the words by the context of the words and information around them. Worse is that the words were as far as I could figure, were of information I have been trying to find out about for a little while! I mean I am sure that one of the words was the name of the ancient enemy, their real name! That's just to name a few of the words I would have liked to know. I was brought out of my ponderings by the feeling of another body shifting against my right side. I glance over to see as usual Lara was still fast asleep. I have to wonder… will she every be a morning person or will I always wake up before her? Oh well; back to the grindstone as it is said! I worked my way out of Lara's hold on me and do so in such a way as to not wake her up. I then promptly decided to go and get me some breakfast!

-Half an hour later-

After I filled my stomach at the mess hall with breakfast; and found out that if you eat not long after waking up when I do, there are few to bother you with stares or… 'Remarks' that would be better left unsaid. I of course exited the mess hall with a satisfied full stomach. I stood a little beyond the door of the hall for a moment, opened my maw and let loose.

*BURRP*

The belch I let out was audible and pronounced enough that I could be say that there was not a question that it came from me! After all I'm a master where belching is concerned and I am proud of it!

"And that's the sign that the tank is full!"

I don't care that no one is around to hear me say such a thing; it is the thought that counts! Besides I have to find ways to keep myself from thinking about the memories I see at night. I began to walk around Warfang. There was a lot of... well setting up for some sort of merry making or maybe a celebration. It was fascinating to observe some of the things being set up; it made me wonder what the reason for all this preparation is. It had been a long while since I had been to anything one might consider a 'festival' of any kind. So I was curious how things were done here in the dragon realm. I have never seen anything that could really be considered a celebration or a festival while I have been in the realm.

As I was walking and taking in the sights of preparations I had been coming down to the lower tier heading to the bustling market. I was still taking in the sights and so was not paying attention to what was around me as much as I normally do. So I think I'm justified in being taken by surprise, when I felt something impact into me. Well, whatever had hit me, threw me off balance. I lost my footing and slipped, falling forward. I proceeded to roll down the rest of the way down to the lower tier, along with the thing that had hit me.

When we had gotten to the bottom of the walkway that came out to the tier; we came to a stop and I found myself on my back on the ground. I blinked a couple of times as I found I was looking up at the morning sky; my brain was processing what had just happened. I felt a small weight on top of my underbelly, meaning that whatever had gotten me to take a spill, was probably on top of me. I raised my head to get a look of what was now on top of me. I was met by brick red scales and harvest gold color for what I could see of the dragon's underbelly and his easily visible wing membranes as his wings were fully spread out. … You know I swear I have seen that color combination somewhere before; just can't remember where.

The dragon was younger than me, probably around his early teens, fourteen if I to guess. That's as far as I got, as it was then the dragon began to wake up. The young dragon opened his eyes and I noted that they were purple or perhaps amethyst.

"Ugh... what did I hit?"

I know I have heard that voice from somewhere. … Where was it? It was then our eyes met and the young dragon's eyes went wide. … Oh boy, here we go again, unwanted attention.

"Oh Ancestors, I am sorry…"

The young dragon stopped talking for a moment as he took a couple of seconds to look at me. Then his eyes got as wide as dinner plates as he continued to stare at me. I have mixed feelings about this and this is just beginning!

"Wait… are your scales white?!"

Why does everyone ask such an obvious question? I mean, I have heard that some dragons and dragonesses go and get their scales dyed or something like that. I can't see why anyone would and of all colors you could choose; white would be the worst logically! I like the color my scales are, but that's not the point. His left forepaw brushed my scales. I was about to reply to him but he spoke up again before I could.

"Wow they are really white; I am not seeing things! … I… heard about you… I… here when… was being… But this… the first… I have… seen you!"

He was saying all of this really fast, so it was hard to understand what he was saying. In fact,
I missed some of the words in the second half of his speech. I simply stared at the young dragon as he took a huge breath and kept going.

"Blaze will be so sorry that he did not come with me this morning!"

Wait… Blaze? … Wasn't that the name of the dragon that was the brother like cousin that was with Spyro's blood brother back in Hyrule? Then that would likely mean this dragon is Pyris; Spyro's little brother. I noticed Pyris taking a breath before he continued speaking. I quickly decided that it was the time to put my piece in before he kept going.

"Slow down there kid; your name would not happen to be Pyris would it?"

The young dragon I suspected was Pyris; was taken aback by me cutting in, but he nodded at me. So this is Spyro's brother then; oh my, wasn't expecting this. He is still a bundle of energy I see, much like he was the last time.

"But Mr. White dragon, how do you know my name?"

… Did he just call me… 'Mr. White dragon'?! Hmm… well it has been a while since I have seen him; almost a year now that I think about it so I should be nice and ignore that. The other thing was that I had been human at the time we had last seen each other, so he would act differently around me as a dragon. So I'll let the title thing slide… still did he have to call me 'Mr.'; it makes me feel old! … Oh… right, supposedly I'm… hundreds of thousands of years old if you go by when my egg was supposed to hatch according to Bahamut's accounting. I still have an extremely hard time believing Bahamut on that fact! Yet back to answering Pyris's question.

"Well… I know Spyro and…"

Pyris got up right in my face with his snout almost touching mine and he had a huge smile on his face. … What's with this kid?! Hasn't he heard of personal space and to respect it?! I had breakfast recently! I have live ammo in my gullet… and that is DANGEROUS to others!

"You know my older brother Spyro?!"

I chuckled a little. You have got to love kids and some young teens; don't you, oblivious as can be? Hasn't a clue what kind of position he is in where he is. It had been obvious from the first time I had met Pyris; that he looks up to Spyro almost to the point that you could say he idolizes him. It must be the best and worst thing for Spyro.

"Yes I most certainly do."

Pyris began to jump up and down in excitement. However, with where he was positioned; it was rather uncomfortable to me as he was jumping up and down on my underbelly or more specifically my gut/stomach and I have had breakfast not all that long ago. He was stirring up things and that was priming the ammunition for use!

"Oh this is so awesome to know that the one and only white dragon known is a friend of my brother. Why didn't he tell me?"

Now, I'm glad he is happy that Spyro and I are friends, even if he has no idea that he has already met me when I was human. As to why Spyro hadn't told him anything; that's likely because I have asked my friends not to make a big deal or really mention me being a white dragon to others. I don't want more attention than I already get from those around me. I decided that it would be best to just try to limit the sources of attentions of others. Still his jumping up and down on my underbelly is starting to get a tad painful and make me nauseated. I don't want to see breakfast again in the form of me hurling it up!

"Okay Pyris, (BURP) could you please stop bouncing on my belly! (BURP) You are putting my gut in a commotion; (BURP) I can't lean over a rail as I do not see one. (BURP)I would rather not though there is no worry of (BURP) spoiling an ocean. … Oh, will someone just please bring me a PAILLLLLL?!"

The last word I belched out with more gusto and volume than the previous belches Pyris bouncing on me was making me let off belches without me being able to control them! At my statement or in truth a type of demand, Pyris stopped bouncing thank goodness and got off me.

"Wow Mr. White dragon; you can sure burp loudly and with some amazing smell to them too! Can you teach me how to do that?!"

I stared at the young dragon for a few seconds; how could I not?! Almost everyone I have been around, excluding Spyro and Seth and… well the number in my circle of friends was growing; has either run and taken cover while shouting gibberish I choose not to hear as they usually are obscenities. Or they drop to the ground gasping for fresh breathable air to recover from the foul cloud of gas I exposed them to. Yet here was Pyris actually asking me to teach him how to do this?! I like this kid more than before!

"Maybe a little later Pyris."

He seemed a tad down, yet I hadn't meant to chide him or dash his hopes. I just wanted to get him to stop bouncing up and down on my gut. When I thought this couldn't get much stranger or more awkward…

"Pyris… what are you doing?"

… I know that voice, a female one; but my question is what is she doing here? I turn my head to the right to find as I had expected from her voice, Cynder standing there. Thank you fate for, once again proving me wrong! No one can ever do it better than you, and I speak from years of experience! Pyris faced Cynder and instantly had his excited bouncing mode back at seeing Cynder.

"Oh oh, oh oh oh, hi Cynder! What are you doing down here?"

I swear, this kid has more energy than most dragons know what to do with, him included. I wonder if this is what Pyris is like around Spyro and Cynder all the time; must be fun to deal with. Maybe I should tell Spyro to tie a string to him and see if he flies like a kite? No, that would be kind of mean. Once again I'm glad I have no siblings, wouldn't end well.

"Pyris, I was told that you had run off this morning without anyone knowing where you were… What is that SMELL!"

"Oh, pardon (BURP) me."

Cynder turned and noticed my presence and adopted an expression of disgust and slight confusion. It would seem she hasn't forgotten the belching contest I… settled last week. She then use a blast of wind to clear the stench… was that really needed?!

"Saber… why are you on the ground like that?"

I sighed before I answered.

"Oh, just because it is quite comfortable down here; did you not know?"

I said this in a sarcastic tone like it should be unmistakably obvious I was kidding. Cynder continued to stare at me.

"What does it look like Cynder? I was knocked down by the Flash here, and have not gotten up yet."

Cynder just looked at me with a blank look that said she didn't understand what I had said. I managed to keep myself from sighing, but it wasn't easy. All the while Pyris was still bouncing up and down like he had springs attached to his paws.

"I have no clue what you said Mr. White dragon, but it sounded cool!"

Nice kid… Baaaad judge of atmosphere! Okay, cue awkward silence. Again, I can't fathom how dragons explain things without inference… and no sarcasm… why must I suffer so! At least Pyris, like his brother Spyro, seems to like to look at the bright side or see the good in most situations. Odd though, I would've thought that hearing my name would have helped him recall us meeting. I mean 'Saber' isn't a common name; pretty rare as far as I know. Nonetheless, back to the point of Cynder being out at this point; I learned over two weeks ago that she is with egg. Should she really be out by herself? Who am I to know? I haven't the faintest idea how draconic gravid periods work or what timeframe they have!

… Though, I very much doubt, my knowledge of this subject, limited as it is right now; won't stay so limited for long. After all I have Lara as my mate and if she has any say as to my knowledge in this idea… well then I will know much more than I would like. I am sure that she will inform and educate me on this particular subject soon enough; sooner rather than later would be my bet. Of course if Lara gets her way, she will somehow get me to get her gravid. … With the energy and enthusiasm that comes from the both of us when we do mate, it is very possible and probable that she could! Now returning to Cynder, as she is not showing any changes at the moment; I guess she is fine for now.

"There you are Pyris! Where have you been?"

Now there was a voice I haven't heard in a good while! I glanced in the same direction Cynder had come from to see Ruben. Wow now that I think about it; has been a while since I have seen Ruben. Well while Ruben was chiding Pyris; Cynder came up next to me.

"So Saber, I have been meaning to ask you something."

I look to Cynder, rather curious what she could want to ask me. However Ruben who had finished with Pyris spoke up.

"Saber? Wow, it has been a while!"

I glanced over to him.

"Yes it has been some time since we last saw each other Ruben… what like… a little over a month now… maybe two?"

Ruben chuckled.

"At least two months, with you popping in and out like you have."

True enough. I have been in and out of Warfang off and on recently… for a couple of different reasons and circumstances. Lara has been the cause of many of them but not all.

"So then, what have you been up to?"

I focused my attention back to Ruben.

"Oh… lots of things, mostly this and that here and there."

Both dragons and the one dragoness stared blankly at me. … Vague inferences and excuses, I MISS YOU SO!

"I mean that I would rather not get into the details."

I turned back to Cynder as she had wished to ask me a question before Ruben had butted in.

"So Cynder you had a question, ask away then."

"How are things going with Lara?"

How are… things with Lara? … Oh, well that's… a matter of perspective. I think things are going fine; Lara may not feel the same way though. Although she is getting a tad clingier than she usually is, but by the timing; she is likely either in the heat of her mating cycle which I doubt or getting very close, much more likely.

"Lara? Who is that?"

I swung my head around to face Ruben, with shock. He didn't know who Lara was?! … Wasn't expecting that; she is kind of hard to miss.

"Well Ruben Lara is a purple dragoness…"

The moment I had mentioned purple and dragoness; an expression of recognition appeared on his face.

"Oh yes, her. I have seen her around a few times now that you mention it. What about her?"

Wasn't Ruben the one to interrupt me before I could answer about Lara? It was then Pyris piped up.

"There is really another purple dragon like my brother?"

I glanced at the young dragon asking his question with a smile of awe on his face with a slight smile of my own. He really reminds me of Spyro… naive as can be of much of the world, still nice kid though, just ignorant. Pyris is a great example of the phrase, 'ignorance is bliss'! Spyro is to an extent still, but not as much as he used to be; Cynder saw to that I wouldn't doubt.

"Yes Pyris, there is another like your brother with purple scales, but she is a dragoness not a dragon like Spyro is."

"Ooooohhhh, I see."

Pyris nodded a bit as he said that. … I wonder if he does understand sometimes. I wonder the same with Spyro at times just as much. Nevertheless, it is in situations like this one that it's better to just smile and nod and look like you think he understands.

"Anyways Ruben, the purple dragoness is named Lara. She and I… happen to be in a relationship… it started a few weeks ago."

Ruben cocked his head to the side.

"What kind of relationship?"

… Should I just come out and say it?! Lara may have the courage and guts to say it; I on the other paw have a harder time admitting such things. This is a subject I have a difficult time with, I admit it! But I'm improving!

"They are mates Ruben."

My head snapped to Cynder who had said that. I glared a little at her, where she was looking back innocently at me. If Cynder is trying to be cute, she isn't getting the desired result. It is my prerogative to tell Ruben! Cynder has little right to give out such information. My gaze flicked to Ruben and I had to keep myself from laughing. Ruben's jaw was hanging open at what Cynder had told him. However it was Pyris's next comment that really threw me for a loop!

"I do not get it; what does that mean that you are someone's mate?"

I managed to stop myself from doing a major face plant due to Pyris's question. I guess this isn't entirely due to his naiveté… he is young after all, so this is in the future for him. … Hold it! Young yes! However, this makes me wonder how dragons do the discussion of 'the birds and the bees'… if they do it at all?! I hope they do for a lot of reasons! Instincts are good at what they do, I won't deny that; but there are just some things that are better to be told at least a little bit about then just to learn from experience! There was ten seconds of silence to Pyris's question. I slid my sight over to Cynder who was blushing and looking away from Pyris… not going to answer the kid then. I looked over to Ruben who seemed to be thinking about how to answer, yet failing at the moment.

… Then the explanation that would answer Pyris falls to me?! Oh my, Oh dear… I would, from experience and observation, say that I'm not the best choice of the one to explain things to those younger than me, especially this subject! Now that's not to say I can't explain this subject well enough… I most certainly can explain this idea to dragons! I proved that with Spyro almost a year ago… I just… well, with as blunt as I am, there are bound to be misunderstandings galore! I had a fair few with Spyro when I told how to deal with this idea. I later ate my own words, but that is not my point. However… going by the results, seeing as he and Cynder are together now; shows that it worked out in the end! It could work out the same in this situation, right? Oh well, never hurts to try!

"You want to know Pyris?"

He nodded to me vigorously. … Spyro I beg for your forgiveness in advance for anything I may say wrong in this explanation to your brother. But as no one else seems willing to tell him; I will be the one to do so!

"Well you see, when a dragon and dragoness like spending time around one another they become friends; much like you and Blaze as I recall. With me so far Pyris?"

Pyris nodded as he kept keeping his attention on me.

"So when dragons and dragonesses get older… I think around the beginning of the steps taken towards adulthood if I have seen correctly; so a little young than Spyro and I am now. They start to have different reasons for spending time around the opposite gender, besides being friends."

Pyris looked confused at my statement.

"Other reasons? Like what?"

… Yep… definitely Spyro's brother, no question. Young though Pyris may be; I'm somewhat surprised he hasn't started to learn some of what having a relationship with the opposite gender is. Granted I don't expect Spyro to teach his kid brother… this stuff, but… come on! Cynder could have told him about some of this already! She is the responsible one of the pair!

"Um… how old are you Pyris?"

"Fourteen."

Ah yes, that would be a contributing factor. By what I have gleamed thus far draconic puberty or whatever you call it for dragons; begins later than humans. Where humans go through such a horrible experience starting around ten for girls and twelve for boys; in the case of dragon kind add about two, sometimes three years. So as Pyris is clearly a male; puber… I mean maturity would begin at fourteen or so. He is close to experiencing this kind of hell for a while, that is if he hasn't started already. The dragons are kind of lucky as their maturing period doesn't last the four years that it does for humans, only about two or three… physically as I have seen and that's where the instincts come from and effect the most.

"Okay… this is in the future for you, but you see…"

I would like to state, for the record… I, am, not, a, Pervert in any way! I am a healthy male, period! I leaned towards Pyris before I continued.

"When you get older, dragonesses become beautiful and quite pleasant to look at. Thus is what it is to be attracted and drawn to one of the opposite gender my young friend. Your instincts take it from there and then…"

""SABER!""

I turn in the direction that the bellow came from to see a very irritated Cynder and a frustrated Ruben. Now they better not blame me for what I'm telling Pyris as THEY stayed silent when he had asked! I was answering his query!

"Yeeeessss?"

Cynder stalked forward and got into my face. I hope this isn't somehow a mood swing of sorts. Human females supposedly have those when they're pregnant; I sincerely hope dragonesses don't!

"What do you think you are telling Pyris?!"

I think it is obvious what I'm telling him. Her ears are clearly working, so she knows exactly what I'm telling him. I am telling him the simple facts of life he has yet to fully learn. What's so wrong with that?

"I am answering the question he asked. Is there a problem with that?"

"OF COURSE THERE IS!"

OW! Do you have to yell right in my ear Ruben?! I admit I probably shouldn't tell Pyris what I am… especially the part I'm just getting into, BUT… neither of these two was even willing to say anything to the kid! What right do they have to complain?! They kept their traps shut so they have NONE!

"Excuse me! Correct me if I am wrong, but neither one of you two were answering his question or even refusing to answer at all! So, if you are not willing; then step aside and let me show you how it is done! Now let me do this and answer the kid's question!"

""NO!""

I fumed at this a bit, before I sighed in unwanted acceptance. Yet, they were going to pay a price for me not giving Pyris's question.

"Okay Cynder, Ruben, fine… you do not want me to explain this subject to Pyris; I will accept that."

I looked both Cynder and Ruben who seemed to be relaxing a bit. I cleared my throat, making sure I had their complete… and undivided attention, and continued.

"Since you will not let me give Pyris an answer; which one of you wants to finish the explanation?"

Once again, this is one of those times I wish I had a camera! The looks on Cynder's and Ruben's faces were priceless! As amusing as their expressions were, it was a prologue to how they reacted when Pyris asked again for an explanation. I took my seat on my haunches and watched with glee at Cynder, who had ended up trying to explaining to him what a mate is! While she was doing so Ruben came next to me, as I was smirking at the scene I was watching.

"That was mean of you Saber."

I snorted.

"If you are talking about leaving the explanation of mates to you two; you both brought that on yourselves. I was trying to answer Pyris, but you did not want me to."

Ruben sighed at my answer and shook his head.

"So who is this Lara and was Cynder telling the truth about her being your mate?"

Well I couldn't really deny that the truth was Lara was my mate, as she was. I'm not against the relationship Lara and I are in right now; I'm just still so new at this intimate commitment thing, I don't know what I doing and if it is the right thing to do. I like Lara… okay, maybe love would be better to say. She is different than any girl or female that I have met in my life. First of all, she takes my bluntness and sarcasm in stride and has no problem with it at all. That's not just rare, that's almost unheard of to me. Sure there were some back at the dojo that ignored my mannerisms, but they still reacted at times to the things I would say and imply. Lara never has had a bad reaction to manner of speaking… with the exception of our fight, yet that was… well what it was. Still she says she loves me with my faults.

"Lara is a purple dragoness as I said before and yes she is my mate as we have… done the deed that makes us a couple. Is there a problem with me having a mate? Spyro has Cynder and as I found out over two weeks ago, she is gravid."

Ruben jerked in surprise at my reply. Apparently Spyro and Cynder hadn't told him yet, oops.

"Did Spyro not tell you?"

Ruben shook his head.

"He has not said anything about such a subject."

I shrugged.

"Perhaps he just has not gotten to telling you yet, do not feel bad."

"How do you know?"

"Oh well, before I left for the ruins of Lagunas; I approached Spyro and Cynder to ask if they wanted to come with me. They did not of course, but their reason was because Cynder was gravid."

"I see."

There was an awkward silence between us. After around three minutes Ruben spoke up.

"Well has Lara had a mating season since you two became mates?"

… Okay, that was random! Why would Ruben ask a question like that?

"Um… not yet; she is getting rather close were I to guess, by timing and her actions are starting to get to how she is when she has her mating season, why bring the subject up?"

What was Ruben getting at? What difference would there be if Lara is in heat or not? With the similarities between humans and dragons as I have understood them, they are just as able and willing to get it on whenever the mood strikes. Chance of pregnancy or… I guess gravid shouldn't be dependent on timing really.

"So she is either close or in the heat of her mating season you say?"

I nodded, becoming more confused at what relevance this subject had right now. Ruben gave a knowing look of understanding. What is he not telling me?!

"So then, I guess you may be a parent soon enough then."

I face plant at the line I just heard; following that I look at Ruben incredulously. He isn't helping my point I had gone over in my mind seconds ago!

"Okay Ruben, I know I will regret asking; but, I will take the bait and ask. Why do you say I will be a parent soon?"

Ruben stared like I was dumb or something.

"You mean… you do not know?"

I was getting frustrated at not understanding what was being said. Shouldn't it be plain I don't know… whatever it is he is talking about as I'm asking the question?!

"No I do not; enlighten me."

"I am amazed you do not know already!"

I glared at Ruben to get him to tell me what he is talking about. Ruben took my meaning.

"Well… dragonesses only can become gravid from mating while they are in heat."

… HUH?!

"Wait… you are telling me that unless a dragoness is in heat from her mating cycle; she cannot get gravid?! Even if she mates with a dragon; am I hearing you right Ruben?"

He nodded. I nearly did a major pratfall again, yet I stopped myself from doing so. I think that I was soon in the near future going to be played as the fool! Lara failed to mention this fact and it is an important one! Actually if I didn't know she is honest almost to a fault I would be very mad right now! I fumed at this. Lara may be honest, but she should know I have enough problems with our relationship alone without adding children to the mix! I still feel like I am being used; I hate being played the fool by others! Lara and I would be having a serious discussion the next time we were around each other, I won't take no for an answer!

-Scene change-
-Early evening-

So, I'm in a position I was beginning to think I wouldn't be in anytime soon again; I wasn't accompanied and was free to do as I please. I haven't seen Lara since I woke up this morning with her next to me in bed. Not that I'm complaining about this; it is nice to have some time to myself again. Plus, all that construction and preparations I had seen briefly this morning were now done and proved that I had been right. There was a festival of some sort going on; so why not go and see what the party is all about!

I made my way further down taking in the sights as I went. And I have to admit, these dragons, cheetahs and moles sure know how to throw a party! I say that and still haven't the faintest clue what this festival is for! It was then I heard a voice I knew.

"Yo bro! You finally made it down to this totally outrageous party dude! There's like, plenty of beach bunnies here bro, totally ripe for the picking man. It's like totally awesome dude; party-harty bro!"

I stare at Sen for a full thirty seconds and then shake my head in slight shock, but more sheer pity. Apparently my 'friend' has forgotten I'm spoken for and am not on the market nor do I wish to be! I'm smart and so won't be flirting with anyone else!

"Yes Sen I'm here and it is quite the festival. However, you seem to be forgetting that I have a girl, dragoness or any other term you wish to use to refer to the female gender for myself already. In other words, I'm spoken for and I'm not enough of an idiot to go fooling around with other girls! You have yet to understand the methods and views of females."

"Come on bro; I doubt Lara would axe you dude."

Axe me? If I recall surfer lingo correctly… oh my… Sen; wrong term to use! Lara is more likely to 'axe' me and then some if I pull a stupid stunt like doing more than flirting with another dragoness! You see, when Sen says 'axe' it means; a heavy wipeout, usually involving the wave's lip impacting directly onto a surfer. Also called drilled, pummeled; in other words a serious beating! Sen is good and easy going, but he can be dim and naïve when it comes to how the opposite sex thinks. I'm still learning, but I know enough to know that once you got yourself a girl and have settled… don't go looking around girl; you will regret it for a long time to come!

"Sen… Sen, I will, out of the generosity and kindness of my heart, attempt to tell you the error of your views."

"What are you trying to tell me bro?"

I sighed and took a deep breath.

"Sen, I will tell you this as a friend that is attempting to look out for your best interests in mind. Girls are mysteries; but if there is one thing I have found out thus far, it is you don't cross them without hell to paying in exchange for doing so. Now Sen, you understand what castration is right?"

Sen stared blankly at me. So he doesn't know the process by that term; let's go with the more commonly used one… at least on non-humans.

"Okay… does the term 'neutering' mean anything to you?"

Sen's eyes went wide when I mentioned neutering. So he has heard of the term then.

"Wait bro, you mean when a guy's… thing gets taken off?! That's so not cool dude; a bummer for any dude to go through man."

I nodded.

"Yes, that's the idea. Now history may say all sorts of things about tradition or other things being the reason as to why such a practice came about; but history is wrong! The reason that such a method of shame and torture exists for males; is some stupid idiotic guy thought he could go out and cheat on the girl he had as a mate or wife and go do another female, thus becoming a pimp of sorts, but more a two timer. I have no doubt his girl was the first to rip off a guy's d*** so that he wouldn't be able to be so dumb again. So do try to comprehend this; cheating on a female is asking for them and kind of giving them permission to take what makes us male. I'm not that stupid or an idiot to think I wouldn't be at risk for that punishment from Lara if I fooled around with another dragoness. Granted she probably wouldn't rip off my tool the first time… but I don't want to find out! Besides I don't do the two timing thing or cheat, period!"

I had scarcely finished my explanation to Sen when another voice came to my ears.

"… And tell me why should I not talk all I want?!"

I felt the familiar vein popping in frustration at hearing the voice of IC. … Why is it I can instantly pick out his nerve grating voice without even trying?! I turned slowly and saw what I had dreaded to see; a gold sparkle that annoyed me to the edge of my sanity. However, my anger evaporated at a female voice.

"And why would I consider wasting a moment of my time on an annoying gold fly like you? All you do is put out hot air, you stupid sparkle."

… Did I… just hear someone insult IC in a sarcastic tone or were my ears deceiving me?! I took a second more in depth look over where Sparx was. To my jaw dropped surprise, and yes my jaw was slack and open; I saw a dragoness. Okay, first thing I noticed was her proportions; those being she was a good deal longer that most dragonesses or rather she had more length than height and her proportions were just a deviation from the norm in general. But I better start with taking in the overall picture first.

She appeared to be around the same age as myself and the majority of my friends. The dragoness was a grey color and she had a dark yellow underbelly. The dragonesses had two pairs horns, the first set came out of the back of her head behind her eyes and ears and curved upward in a crescent shape. The second pair came out in a forward direction starting behind her jaw and grew forward… kind of like… oh what is that part of a bug called… oh yes, mandibles. Both pairs were a dark yellow color; it was the same shade of her underbelly.

Now back to her… interesting and unusual proportions; to give a bit of an example of what I'm talking about. Her height in total if she were to have her neck ram rod straight in a vertical position would be thirteen feet ten inches were I to estimate. The dragoness's legs were about four foot seven. Her chest area had more curve than most dragonesses I have seen have, even Lara's and she has some curve! *Clears throat* Anyways, her chest accounted for another four feet nine inches of her height. This left about four feet six inches for her neck length which was somewhat different as most dragons have a foot or more in neck length than that. However the way she held herself in posture; her height came out more in the neighborhood of somewhere between eleven foot three to eleven foot six. The dragoness had a length of I would guess fourteen foot nine; which is somewhat ridiculous as that body length very long compared to height.

Her tail blade had the shape of a crescent moon and attached to her tail and the bottom part of the blade slightly off center. She also had what looked like some kind of sheath over it currently; though I couldn't come up with a reason why. As I had taken in the appearance of her tail blade; I had caught sight of something that had… frankly confused me. The dragoness seemed to have some kind of armor or metal plates on her lower body. The 'armor' consisted of I believe four plates, but I could only see three so I'm not sure. There was a metal plate on her lower back near the base of her tail and below in the same area. The plate on the bottom was a tad bigger than the one of the top. Then there was a side piece of metal and I assume one on the opposite side as well. The side plate appeared as far as I can tell to act as some sort of locking mechanism… what for I haven't the faintest. If she were human… then I swear those were some kind of eccentric undies, but… I should just shut up right here before I make an idiot of myself.

Overall she was decently muscular much like you would expect an athlete, yet her scales had a look of sleekness to them I wouldn't imagined would come with her other features. Still there was two points about this dragoness that stuck out to me. One of the biggest things that stood out to me was that she didn't have wings that I could see. She was the first dragoness that I have seen that didn't have wings… it was different. The other point of interest was her eyes. They were a green color where I have come to expect white and her cornea was a slightly light yellow than her underbelly was. Not to say it is bad or anything as we're all different and unique; it is just not something you see often. Then her head was shaped more like a fox muzzle, but not exactly the same; definitely more a canine look to it. Anyways, it was from her I believe the sarcastic insult came from, but I wasn't sure.

"Care to say that again!"

… Just when I think Sparx has hit the bottom of the intelligence scale and can't get any dumber… he proves me wrong! He can always somehow get stupider every time I see him. Spyro, this is why I have said your brother is asking for what he gets! He just set himself up for hideous retaliatory comebacks… and how too!

"You should go to the moles shop; with all that hot air you would do wonders for them and their work!"

… That was… beautiful! I felt my eyes tearing up after hearing the comeback from the dragoness. Her voice was a pleasant soprano though it had a bit of a sharp edge to it. I sniffled a little. It was at that point I heard Sen.

"Yo bro, are you like doing okay dude? You look like you got your board taken and can't ride the waves bro."

I glanced over at Sen.

"That line (sniffle) it was (sniffle) so beautiful!"

My body shook at I quietly sobbed in contained joy. I haven't heard sarcasm as good as this from anyone but myself and those monkeys in over a year. At last proof that the dragon race can do sarcasm! It was hard to keep myself from breaking out into crying with joy! Sen was in a bit of a confused panic.

"Whoa dude! What's with the waterworks bro?! You miss something like totally epic man, like a righteous roundhouse cutback dude!?"

I, without a second's hesitation raised my left forepaw and smacked Sen on the back of his head and do so with a fairly firm motion. Even with the tears in my eyes I managed to give Sen a frosty glare.

"Dang right I'm missing a good sight right now! You're ruining a perfectly good example of the proper use of sarcasm, ya dolt!"

Sen flinched, and then took a couple of steps back from me.

"Bro… I may have said it before, but I'll like say it again dude. You're the only one I know bro that can give a totally cold glare no matter what thing you're doing and still make others flinch man. It's like havin to watch a surfer bro go over-the-falls dude."

"Would ya shut it and let me enjoy watching Sparx get sarcastically 'Bi*** slapped' in peace! Thank you!"

I had a front row seat to watch Sparx getting sarcastically abuse and I wasn't about to let Sen or anyone disturb the exciting show this could turn out to be! I looked on and watched as this dragoness verbally abused Sparx and enjoying every wonderful minute of it. This show went on for probably fifteen minutes and I was holding back tears of mirth and joy, though small trickles were leaking out of my eyes.

"… I am surprised that anyone can stand being around you, boring besmirching blabber mouth!"

I felt my heart twang with complete agreement in hearing that. I could stay silent no more after what the dragoness had said. She had said what I had and wish to say many times to Sparx!

"I could not have said it better myself; completely correct description of the Incessant Chatterbox!"

Both Sparx and the dragoness turned to face me. Sparx glared at me and I smirked back.

"So, how does it feel light bulb with wings; to be slapped verbally by someone else other than myself?"

Sparx huffed and flew off. I turned back to the grey dragoness.

"I cannot say I ever got your name Miss. Mine is Saber, it is very nice to meet you."

The dragoness came over to where Sen and I were; glared at me, before she answered.

"My name is Getsuga, stay away from me stupid male Saber!"

After she had said that she swung her tail around and used it to sledgehammer me down to the ground. She then huffed and walked away from us. I was attempting to process what had just occurred and more importantly why, yet I was recovering from the impact I had just received. Getsuga is it; she had a mean tail whack that's for sure!

"Whoa bro, like that was a total wipeout dude. So you know that babe then bro? Didn't think you went for that type of babe dude. You have still have far out ways of getting you kicks bro."

I got to my paws slowly and with effort. I grunted before I was able to stand regularly.

"No, can't say I have ever met that dragoness."

Sen looked at me confused.

"Then why did the bunny hammer ya bro? And why didn't you bail out dude?"

I glared at Sen, like he was asking dumb questions.

"Hell if I know why she hit me and if I had known she was going to I would have dodged; but silly me, I didn't see it coming until it was too late."

Sen and I walked around the festival for a while and it was quite something to see. Apparently this festival was for the year's harvest, which I can understand. In olden times and still in some places today in the human world it occurs. I had hoped to find Lara somewhere around the festival, yet I didn't see her. When it started getting dark, I decided I had enough and said my farewell to Sen and started back to my room.

I had been walking back towards the dragon temple and my room, which was my ending destination. I had hoped to either find or bumped into Lara, yet I didn't do or get either one of those as I wanted to have a chat with her. I hadn't been watching my path much; I glance down every now and then to make sure I didn't trip or walk into anything. So I didn't expect to have my right forepaw to stub against a sizable rock. I tried to catch myself and prevent my body from losing balance, but alas it wasn't to be. My left forepaw moved forward and hit another stone and I knew I was done for. It was like I was experiencing this in slow motion; I fell forward and crashed into the ground.

I lay on the ground from the fall. However that fall hadn't been natural! … I get the gut feeling that this isn't my bad luck's fault completely. Granted it played a part in making it slightly worse, but I know that rock I tripped over wasn't there a minute ago! That leaves but two or rather one viable explanation. I say one viable, because it is against the laws of the universe for things to suddenly just appear from nowhere with no method being employed, just as matter can't be created from nothing. So someone else is involved and responsible for that rock being there for me to trip on!

I heard a quiet snicker from behind me to my right; I glanced in that direction to spot… Neval! Well, well; it would appear that I have underestimated him by thinking he didn't know how to prank. What HE doesn't know is he is entering very dangerous territory! If he intends to prank me, then I have just as much right… no, I would say it is more my duty, to prank him right back! This creed or motto admittedly is often what started a terrible pranking contest. That's okay by me as I wasn't the one to start this… I just hope he can provide some decent competition. That's one of the major reasons other than critically injuring someone; that I stopped the terrible pranking I used to do. Neval, this means war! I hope you're ready!

-Scene change-

After the prank that had been played on me; I began to plan a prank that I would do on Neval in retaliation. I had gone back to my room earlier than usual for me, as I hadn't seen Lara around the festival. I thought that maybe she had gone to the room we shared. I wanted a few choice words with my mate. With the fact I had learned from Ruben this morning, there were things Lara and I needed to discuss with each other. Again I say, I wanted a few choice words with my mate. I haven't seen Lara all day, which was different for me. During the last month plus a few days; Lara hadn't gone a day without being around me for a good majority of it. Yet, today I haven't seen her since I got out of bed slightly after dawn like I always do.

I had chosen to sit on the bed and think about how I would bring up and talk to Lara about the part of our relationship she didn't mention to me. It had to be some point before the moon reached its zenith, so before midnight; when I heard the sound of the door being opened. I looked up and saw Lara coming in. I was about to ask… politely where she has been when I noted she appeared to be exhausted. So I chose to go with the better part of my manners and not inquire as to what she had been doing for the whole day.

"Evening Lara; you are in later than you tend to be regularly."

Lara smiled tiredly.

"Yes, sorry about that."

Lara came and sat next to me on the bed leaning up against me. Now, I was torn in this; I'm dead set on having the discussion about the 'gravid' fact I had learned, but Lara looks like she isn't up to it at the moment. After a few minutes I decided that it's better that we have this discussion as soon as possible.

"Hey Lara."

Lara stirred from her position that she was starting to snuggle into.

"Hmm?"

I took a deep breath. I have no idea how this will go. I took a firm grip and hold of my emotions so that they wouldn't get the best of me.

"We need to talk about something."

Lara licked my chin, which made this much harder. It is likely that this discussion will hurt Lara's feelings, but it would be best that there is the least amount of secrets between us, better none, but that will take time.

"Like what Saber?"

I sighed before I continued.

"Do not take this badly or anything; but here goes. You are aware that I am not good with making or maintaining relationships, due to the lack of experience mostly."

This isn't the greatest way to begin a conversation, though I didn't want to hurt Lara, even though I would likely do so in this talk. I glanced at Lara's face and gave her a small smile.

"So, it has taken much adjusting to be even somewhat comfortable with our relationship as it is right now. It is nothing against you; in fact it is more to your credit. I am happy… well as happy as I have ever been honestly. Yet…"

Lara had been smiling at my words, however at my last word her smile faltered.

"Yet… what?"

I was already having second thoughts about this discussion; they increased with the tone of worry in Lara's voice. I forced myself to keep going.

"You should know that I still new to this all and yet… there might be more that would be added to this all on top."

"What are you talking about Saber?"

Her innocent question, made it so I had to jerk the reins of my emotions to force them to be in check. Logical sense asserted itself in my mind at this point. 'It is very possible that she hasn't thought about this subject. She hasn't looked or thought ahead and so wouldn't have thoughts of children/offspring in mind. Thank you wonderful, marvelous and sensible logic; you're correct as you usually are. You're good and astute at keeping me from doing something I would very likely regret.

"Lara, what do you see in your future?"

She took some time to think about my question.

"Well, that is an odd question, but I see you being with me."

I smiled slightly. As a guy, for a girl to say they see you in their future; it's very nice to hear. I admit that in the future I have seen for myself I see Lara there as well. Nevertheless, it seems that Lara isn't seeing beyond that; or at least not seeing children coming like I do. Now it isn't like I'm adamantly against children and offspring. I'm just not ready for children or being a parent. That's only part of the issue I had. It was also that Lara didn't tell me about how if she is in heat and we mate; there is a good chance she would become gravid. My feelings weren't being taken into account… more like they're not being thought about at all.

"Saber?"

I was brought out of my thoughts by Lara's voice. I looked at her and sighed. The best way to get this moving and done is to be blunt.

"Lara, when did you plan to tell me that if you are in heat and we mate; that you could easily become gravid? Were you going to tell me at all?!"

Lara gained a confused expression.

"What? I do not understand; you did not know?"

I once again had to jerk the reins of my emotions, harder than the last time. Why is it; that everyone around me thinks that since I have turned back into a dragon, I instantly know everything dragons should know? I was raised as a human not a dragon; I know how humans work, not dragon kind!

"No, I did not. You should be aware by now that I know little about the dragon race. Most of my life has been in the human world. … So when were you going to tell me; when you were gravid or were you just going to say 'oops I forgot'?! Were you just going to say 'I am gravid, take responsibility'?"

I was unable to stop myself from snapping the last word with a hint of anger. My emotions were surging up in me and it was taking a growing amount of effort to keep said emotions causing me to do actions I would ultimately wish I hadn't. Lara was worried as she looked at me.

"Saber what is wrong? Why are you mad?"

She… She didn't even see what was wrong in this?! Didn't I pretty much state that I have a hard time with relationships?! Or was it that she was so selfish that she just wanted to use me for her own desire?! I instantly stopped that train of thought and took a moment to calm down. Lara had proven to me beyond a shadow of a doubt that she is far more selfless than selfish! Fine I would try saying my feelings on this and see where that gets me.

"I am… frustrated and mad… but most of all… I am hurt Lara. It feels like I am being used and I have experienced that too often in my life for me to feel anything but disgust and loathing for those who use and trick others for their own gain. I found out the connection between mating season and becoming gravid from Ruben; when it should have been you to tell me."

It wasn't Lara getting gravid that scared me as much as what results from that state, offspring! Yes, you can call me crazy, dumb, or whatever you want; I'm terrified to have children of my own. I firmly believe I would be a horrible role model, let alone a parent! Then there is the chance they may end out like me and that is just as bad in a way! As the saying goes, 'to know how one will likely treat their own children; all you have to do is look at how their parents treated them.' The example I have and detest passionately is none other than my Uncle Douche Bag! I couldn't live with myself were I to do that kind of thing to anyone, it is why I am the way that I am. Yet the methods of coping are all I know and they aren't the way a child should be raised by… right?

So, to sum up my problem with this is I haven't the faintest idea how to be a parent; I have never had an example of how it is supposed to be done that I can recall. All I really know is how to fight, defend and kick a**… not the best things to bring to the table of parenting I think. I know almost nothing about children or what it is to be one. My younger years of my life; I was use, abuse and alone. Let's be honest; my childhood was hell, sometime were worse than others but still, it was a miserable hell! … I'm not helping myself with any of these thoughts. Lara caressed my cheek with hers in an effort to comfort me.

"Saber, what are you worrying about?"

I sighed heavily. Why do I have to explain this to her?!

"Do I really need to go through what it was like growing up for me again? … No one cared; I was seen as little more than a source of entertainment and a punching bag. I… only know how it is to be alone."

She continued to rub my cheek also giving my cheek a lick with her tongue. I found it somewhat soothing.

"But you are not alone anymore. I am here and I will not leave. Besides you were talking about me becoming gravid; is that such a bad idea?"

… How do I reply to that?! Unfortunately, my mouth acted before my brain could make a response. This meant that I… started spilling crap I never meant to say!

"It is not you being gravid that has me in such a harsh bind, but the results that come from that state that has me so worried about the future."

I instantly clamped my maw shut. I hadn't meant to say that at all! Yes that's what I feel and think at the moment, but I hadn't planned on actually saying it out loud! Lara stared at me confused again.

"You… are worried about… having dragonets?"

Uh oh! She's doing it again! Lara is reading what I mean rather than what I say! I was trying to keep my maw shut so I didn't say anything else I hadn't told anyone. But silly me, I was forgetting that somehow Lara has the innate ability to get me to spill my deepest darkest secrets without being able to stop myself!

"That is not… I mean, no I… Ahh! …"

I struggled the best I could, but to no avail and the tirade came pouring out.

"What do I know about being a parent?! I have never had one that I can remember and certainly never dreamed about having both! No, I get a poor excuse for a male that beat me most days and in half those instances, whipping was involved. I have had to raise and take care of myself completely from age seven. But as fate loves screwing with me so dang much by bending me over and kicking me in the a** repeatedly! I end up meeting the one who is in all likelihood my actually sire and I cannot deny it as he looks so dang much like me! Then to add insult to injury, he says unbelievable crap and then he is sorry about what I have had to endure! Then the reason he was never around me was that he had sent me away to save me from knowing war. Instead I learn what it is like to be a complete outcast and what it is to be treated as a toy or an object! So what the freaking fracking would I know about begin a parent and what one in that position is supposed to do?!"

I have panting from the malediction. Lara was gawking at me. When I had taken in her expression; I did a mental rewind and realized to my utter horror I had spilled a very large secret I hadn't meant to!

"Wait… a-are you talking about that Bahamut you mentioned when we were outside the ruins of Lagunas?"

I literally held my maw closed with my forepaws now. The information that I had just spouted was something I was still having trouble admitting to myself! I wasn't near ready to let others know about it in the slightest! CRAAAAP! FIDDLESTICKS! I have just dug me a freaking six foot HOLE and am about to be pushed in and da**ed to hell!

While I was… having an internal panic attack bordering on a mental breakdown; Lara was trying her best to get me to talk to her though I haven't a clue what she was actually saying. Odd, that we have ended out in this position; I was supposed to be the one confronting her and now she is the one doing so in a way, amusing and ironic. Unbeknownst to me, Lara had been maneuvering me while she had been attempting to get a response out of me and now we were facing each other rather than sitting side by side. It only dawned on me that our positions had changed when Lara hugged me.

"Saber, you have always, even as a dragonet; thought about others before yourself. It may not always be in the form of you helping another, but you do not hurt them. You do more so now than before. It is one of the good and wonderful qualities that you have. But there are times when you take to the point where you end up hurting yourself. I do not know what the future will be like or what is in store for me or you; yet as long as you are with me, I know everything will be okay."

I was completely and utterly speechless at what Lara had just said to me. What could I say to that?! That was the best compliment I have ever received in my life! How… did I manage to get a mate like Lara?! Lara kept speaking.

"It is one of the qualities I find so endearing about you and I love you all the more because you think of others before yourself."

… This girl! Will Lara ever cease to astound and amaze me?! … She hasn't yet. Our discussions ended there and we went to bed.

-Next morning-

I opened my eyes and noted it was just after dawn. I felt that my body wasn't as well rested as it normally is after a night's sleep, so it left me wondering. What had happened for me to still be tired? The visions and nightmares hadn't been any worse than they were pretty much every night. Oh well, I can figure the answer out later; who knows, I could have inspiration that might provide the answer! I settled down to my first routine of my morning; working myself out of Lara's embrace and then walked to the door.

As it is early in the morning for dragons, I had expected to see nothing but empty halls while I took a stroll. That's how things tended to run at this time of the morning; it is why I enjoy it so much, free time to myself. However, I had scarcely opened the door when I saw something… gold zoom passed me.

"Curse you, white scaled freeeeeak!"

I blinked, and then stretched my neck out the door and turned my head to my left to catch a glimpse of… Goldie Scales?! And he was zooming down the hallway out of sight?! … Well, that was a sight I hadn't thought I would see… though not unwelcome by any means whatsoever. But, why would he be zooming down the hallway? I took a deep breath and smelled… cleaning wax? … Oh yeah… now I know why I'm tired this morning. I spent time during the night to… set up some rightly deserved justice to be dished out! Goooood morning inspiration! It's wonderful to have you with me this morning!

I had coated the floor of this whole level of the temple with a decently thick layer of a liquid that was akin to floor wax; and to think I only had to use twenty five containers of that wax for the whole floor! It was then I heard a crash from further down the hallway and I felt a broad smile come to my face. I have to admit, those moles make some mean cleaning wax! You get an amazing shine and that wax nearly eliminates friction on the surface it is applied to! It is grade 'S' material for pranks!

Now, the first rule of thumb with pranking, as fun as it is to dish out the sweet heaping helping of justice and vengeance; the mark of a well done prank, is that no one being able to pin the blame on the one who actually did it, which would be me in this case. Others can accuse and suspect all they want, but when you clean up and don't leave evidence to be found… they can only guess, not prove. You can do many things with this methodology in mind and get away with many things! Cleaning up the wax would be done more efficiently while I'm human; I'd be bipedal and so have two arms and more importantly have hands to work with instead of four legs along with paws and hands do much better at this kind of thing.

I shifted to my human form, which still came with clothes, boots included! I gazed down the hallway to my right, spotting the closet with the needed cleaning supplies. My obstacle in reaching those supplies would be the same as Neval had already had a time with, the layer of slick friction free wax. In my favor though I happen to look up; I saw brackets holding chains that were supporting bars that were ten feet long and connected at the ends to the next bar that was the same length. The bars that went down the center of the hallway were to hold torches for lighting. I smiled as I observed that the multiple interconnecting bars ran down beyond the closet which was my objective. Ah! A pathway appears! Which will allow me to get to my goal and I won't have to touch the waxed trapped floor! Could I ask for a better solution than this for my dilemma?!

I used my grapple shot that I somehow still had equipped, to get up to one of the poles that came out of the bars for my first hold. I got myself to the center bar and proceeded hand over hand down the hallway. It took me five minutes to get to the supplies and another hour to get the floors clean so that there wasn't a trace of wax left. I switched back to my draconic form going back to where Neval had crashed. I noted he was out cold when I got to him. I shook my head and smirked.

"Let this be a lesson, Goldie Scales; mess with me and you will face harsh consequences that cannot be avoided! Chalk up a point for me!"

I haven't the faintest clue if Neval heard me or not, but it really didn't matter to me at the moment. I resumed my original plan of taking a stroll on this now fine morning.

-Scene change-

I was heading to the council chamber and was pondering to myself as I went. Being called by the guardians wasn't exactly… rare, but for me to be called by myself is even worse. In my case four times out of five it was for me to be reprimanded by them. The thing is I can't think of anything I have done to get a reprimand. I have been keeping out of trouble and haven't really done much to draw attention to myself since I got back from the ruins of Lagunas. Yes, I have been behaving and playing the good little 'Sunday School boy' for the last week and a half almost two weeks now; even they couldn't argue with me on that! Even though I doubt they would understand what a good little Sunday school boy means or refers to, yet still.

And there was little possibility that the guardians would have found out about this morning's prank that I pulled. That would be the only thing I have done recently that could get me into trouble! However, I made sure to clean up before anyone could know; so it would all depend if Goldie Scales told the guardians and if they believed him. Should he have tattled on me, he will soon feel repercussions the likes of which will make what I did this morning feel and look like a walk in the park! The best way to find out what the guardians want is to get to the meeting with them, even though every time I enter that chamber it either gets me problems or just a big headache!

When I had gotten to the council chamber; I was let in. I took a moment to look around and get a feeling of the room. Of course there were the guardians, yet there were four in attendance rather than all eight. So you would think that with less of the guardians I would have an easier time with them? Well it is a nice theory, except for the fact that those four included; Cyril, Volteer, Huron and Terrador. … Isn't it great for me to see these four in particular? Now I have three out of four set against me pretty much from the start… just peachy! I mean Huron is the only one of those in attendance I can reasonably count on to be fair and actually let me say something without a reproach or reprimand following and coming in before I finish what I have to say.

So it is understandable that after seeing the 'panel of judges' to expect my mood to take a dive. I really don't get along with Volteer as he talks way too much in my opinion. Cyril is okay… when he isn't around most of the other male guardians. So I'm not in good standing with the current company. Then there is the… questionable head honcho Terrador. Where do I start with the qualms I have with him? There are just so many; I don't know which one to choose to lead off with.

Well, as I'm ever the optimist; I took a small bit of comfort in one fact in all of this. There was little else that could drag my mood lower than it was already. … That was until my gaze locked onto… Goldie Scales! My mood plummeted a noticeable bit after seeing HIS face again! I didn't think this day was going to be this bad this early when I got out of bed; can this go any farther downhill?!

"Ah, Saber you have arrived."

I held back the urge to say, 'no duh captain obvious!' though it wasn't easy. I simply nodded, set my face to being straight and I dropped to my haunches. Terrador got into explaining why he had called me here; still haven't the faintest clue why Mr. Douche is.

Now, I will say this for Terrador; he isn't one for dancing around a topic, he gets straight to the point and I can respect that. His explanation was about sending out some to go looking for a village or something along those lines. Then Volteer told the legend of the said village. It felt more like he was rambling, but I think he is always long winded. Anyway, the basic outline is as follows; there was once a village were lived many beings of several different species. And apparently by what Volteer said, there were some there that weren't dragons, cheetahs, moles or apes; and also there were different types of dragons? Or something like that; Volteer doesn't always make sense in his ramblings… actually he makes little sense around half the time when he isn't rambling. Back to the topic, it was the hope if this 'lunar village' as it was known as, had young dragons. … So this was another wild goose chase to help the population problem the dragon race has… I don't know if I should be flattered or insulted. I mean it is nice the guardians finally think I could be able to help them with some problems, but this sounds more like a mundane chore to me! I was happy when Volteer had ended the story as it meant that he shut his maw even for a little while.

"As you have shown that you are proficient at adapting to unexpected and unknown situations; we would like you to go explore the area known as Forsena to the west and see if you can find the moon village as it is rumored to be in that land."

Cyril had been the one to finish their conclusion by saying they wanted me to go. That was probably the closest I have gotten to receiving a complement from the guardians! I nodded to them. It would be a nice change of pace for me to go out on a journey for a time. Even if I have only been back from the Ruins of Lagunas for a week and a half; I was getting kind of restless for some reason I couldn't comprehend. So getting out of the city would do me good I think.

"And of course you will not be going alone, as this could be a very dangerous expedition."

Volteer was the one to bring up this fact. I agreed with it, but who would they be sending with me? The only other dragon in this chamber other than the guardians is myself… and HIM?! … Now… I would say that the guardians don't always decide things with common sense in mind; but come on! Even they wouldn't be THAT dumb to pair me up with Goldie Scales! Would they?

"Who did you have in mind to go with me?"

I kept my voice calm and controlled as I said this. I work well on my own; though I wouldn't say no to some help if I could get it. I'm not stupid to think I'm an invincible one man or dragon army. But there is a difference between a helpful companion and a stumbling block like tag along! Terrador cleared his throat to get my attention and I turned to him.

"Neval is who will be traveling with you."

So… they are that dumb it would seem! I know Terrador and I don't get along, yet what have I done to be condemned to this horrid torture?! I stared incredulously at Terrador. I couldn't help it with the statement that had just come from him.

"Wait one dang minute! You want me…"

I balanced myself on three of my legs so that I could use my left forepaw to point over at Neval.

"… To work with HIM!"

I said 'him' with a tone that exuded contempt and bitterness and should have made it obvious I didn't like Neval at all! I know the guardians have been sending out dragons in pairs now on the exploration missions. Perhaps they took my view I told them a long while ago when I was still human, that none should go alone seriously. I don't have a problem with having a partner or company to go out with. I could see getting a lot of work done with Spyro or any of my other friends, even Lara. Thankfully she can focus on a task when it is needed and not just encroach on my personal space zone.

However… out of all those they could choose even those who were outside of my circle of friends… and yes I would even consider Sarana more helpful than the one they chose. They choose to send out to search for this 'mythical moon village' me and they pick Neval to be my traveling buddy?! I mean, I can see the logic of sending me; I can handle what the dark forces that the dragon realm can throw at me! I have proven this on multiple occasions. But… why pair me up with Goldie Scales?! Or is this some kind of attempt to have an eye kept on me?!

How could they miss see we don't get along! If the expression I was giving wasn't enough then the two pranks alone that we had already pulled on each other should have be easy to see and equally obvious to show our dislike of one another! Although it is unlikely they even know about either of those incidents, so not clear. This is the worst idea the guardians have had yet… and that's saying something when I'm saying it! For them to put the one that can be seen as a constant trouble maker together with their golden child, their star pupil is just dumb! I may have disliked Neval before this meeting, yet my feelings increased a great deal in this chamber. The action or rather the lack of reaction thereof had really annoyed me something awful!

Where the guardians, mostly the males, would chastise me for the things I do good or bad; Neval gets praised for his actions! In short, in the eyes of at least half the guardians and that half is here; Neval could do no wrong! With that fact stated; who in a sane mind would put their best student with the one that disagrees with them the most?! Either Terrador has at long last developed a sense of humor and a doozy of a one; or he doesn't understand what he is putting in motion by putting the two of us together! I will have to go with the ladder of the two options.

"Terrador…"

Terrador turned to me.

"If I did not already know that you are so serious that you have no sense of humor; then I would have thought you were making a joke and attempting to make light of this with your suggested arrangement. However, you are too serious to do that; so let me put this simply, I have no problem with being sent to explore and to try to find this village that may not even exist. Yet, I have a great many doubts and serious concerns about the one you are saying will go with me!"

"And what do you mean by that?"

That came from Cyril. I thought; I had made my… problem with my supposed traveling companion clear. Apparently not!

"Does the phrase, 'two go out and one comes back' mean anything to any of you?"

There was silence to my question for a moment. Of course they wouldn't understand human phrases or inference that is used to be nice and soften a blow. Okay, the blunt approach it is then! I turned to Neval who still had yet to say a thing in this other than confirming he understood what was being said. I gave him a frosty look that said, 'Go ahead! I dare you to say something, Douche'! He was looking at me and his response was a nervous smile.

"I do not see what the problem is with working with you… um…"

What the freaking hell is this BS?! He can't remember or say my name now! Why just this morning he insulted me by his chosen term for me 'white scaled freak' after falling into the prank I set up for him specifically! I would have bowed the same way as an actor would for being complimented for their performance if he had been awake to see me do so! This façade is getting really ludicrous, infuriating and pushing the limits of my tolerance! I took a second to jerk the reins of my emotions back to get them under control. I may dislike Neval, but I will not let him or others know that he irk me like he does! I held in the powerful desire to below at him, 'what, not going to call me white freak or some variation like you normally do!' but I won't.

"Saber."

I supplied my name and Neval gave an apologetic smile. It took a lot of effort to not smack him where he stood! I spun back to face the guardians.

"Okay, you do not understand the human phrase then. It means that if Neval and I go out together; only one of us will be returning. The reason implied would be that due to our inability to stand one another. One will end up unable to return for whatever unfortunate circumstance that befell that one that the other simply saw no justifiable reason to get them out of. Is that clear enough for you?!"

Well as it ended out, I still was assigned to go out with Neval and even though I grumbled about it; I still am in the situation… AND IT SUCKS!

-Scene change-

I was wondering around the halls of the temple continuing to curse and fume at the guardians. There decisions once again have made my life more horrid than it was now! I should have just put my paw down and flat out refused their assignment. Screw them and their dumb decisions! But NOOOO I have to be nice and honorable and go with the assignment when I agreed to it before I knew who my traveling company was going to be! I take this as a lesson; never agree to a group assignment before you know who is in the group! As I was cursing my misfortunes, I heard a voice ahead of me and honed in on a room by the library; as I got closer I spotted Neval. He appeared to be talking to someone. I made my way quietly to the door to the room he was in; but a quick look around the room told me he was alone. I listened to Neval for a little while trying to understand what he was doing.

"What were you thinking?! Putting those rocks there to trip… I think his name is Saber… that was wrong. Then it was likely him that made you slide down the hallway and hit the wall this morning. You are forever causing trouble for others, why?"
-

… What in the hell is this crap I'm hearing? I felt a twitch begin right below my right eye as I listened. Neval is talking like the action was done by someone else, when he had done it himself. This is just getting ridiculous! I then noted that Neval seemed to twitch, or at least his head jerked visibly. The jerk didn't seem to be a natural thing, so I sharpened my attention on Neval.

"The white one is a blight! He will be nothing but a problem that is going to happen; he needs to go away. I have been… convincing him to leave in a subtle way."

Subtle he says… as subtle as being downwind from an outhouse is! Now that sounds like the douche I have been getting to know! Still this is weird and when I say weird; it is very freaky for most others. First and foremost, there are… two Nevals?! So the first Neval has a problem with this other? Perhaps Neval has some kind of split personality? Wouldn't be the weirdest thing I have seen or been around in the dragon realm. I mean, I hear multiple voices in my head constantly, who are supposed to belong to dead dragons and dragonesses that somehow still exist… I leave it at that for a definition of my unusual spectrum for the more extreme end. I saw that Neval's head jerk again.

"Do not attribute this to that grudge you have! He has nothing to do with it!"

Neval number one had raised the volume of his voice a noticeable margin. This… conversation is getting very interesting the more I listen to. Once more Neval's head jerked; the rebuttal from number two then?

"It does not matter if he is white or the only one that is! He is still a dragon and so they need to pay for what they did!"

Harsh much? Sounds kind of like something like Shae would say. There is the jerk again; back to number one.

"No! That only hurts others and that's why the purge happened in the first place!"

Hmm… Got to say that this self-argument is the first I have seen other than being in the ones I have been in with Shae. Kind of reminds me of the earlier times between SSK and myself a bit. I think there are some major issues that need to be addressed by what I'm hearing. If I go by what I have gotten from this it would seem that Neval has two separate 'personalities'. One is the ignorant goodie four paws; the other was Mr. Douche that I have become acquainted with lately. I hesitate to stick my neck out in this, but I need some clarifications if this is the dragon that I'm being forced to travel with!

"Pardon me for interrupting boys! But I think we need to discuss a few things Neval… if that is who you are."

Neval spun around and stared wide eyed at me.

"S-Saber… how long have you been there?!"

"Ah! You remember my name; how nice of you. As for the answer to your question; long enough to wonder a few things to be blunt about it."

Neval's head jerked another time and Neval's gaze met mine and I knew that I was facing Mr. Douche. I gave him an indifferent expression.

"Go away you unnatural scaled freak! You do not belong here!"

I snorted; and so I get to meet the douche face to face for the first time officially and he insults me. … Yep this is going to be the fuel for many a prank I will pull in the future; no doubt about that!

"It is unpleasant to officially meet you… Mr. Douche. So… did you like my prank I got you back with for the rocks you tripped me up with last evening? By what I heard as you passed my room; it sounded like you eating your just desserts, hee hee hee."

I said this all in a calm flat tone to this dragon. Mr. Douche huffed at me.

"It was rather basic and stupid. Is that the best you can do?!"

I smirked slightly and chuckled.

"I could ask the same thing. I am just warming up and I will not lose to anyone! Besides, I have a love and a special place in my heart for some of the more classic kinds of pranks."

I made my way over to Mr. Douche becoming serious once more.

"Now then, I want to talk to goodie four paws."

I smacked Neval on his right cheek hard enough that there was a hard jerk. I thought if that head jerk somehow played a part then maybe smacking him would get the change to happen. Neval was shaking his head and holding his cheek.

"What the… what is going on?"

Looks like my assumption was right on the money! I cleared my throat to regain Neval's attention.

"Neval, perhaps you could tell me who the other one is in your head? You know the one with an attitude and seems to have something against other dragons, which happens to be focused on me currently."

Neval lowered his head a bit at my question.

"Oh, you mean Nergal."

"If that is the name you call the mean idiot; then yes I mean him."

-Scene change-

So by my talk with Neval, apparently like myself he is a rare type of dragon though he known as a mirror dragon. However, unlike me; Neval isn't the only mirror dragon according to him. Neval says that he thinks one might be someone he knows. Mirror dragons as a sub race dragon kind; is supposed to be some kind of mutation from earth dragons or something. Likely through the process of evolution, which help living beings adapt to the changing environment around them. Well, Mother Nature, the system she has; she makes sure that the best survive otherwise known as, 'survival of the fittest'. Now by the account that Neval gave me, the two separate personalities isn't just a problem he has; but is normal among mirror dragons. And apparently the reason Neval's scales are so dang shiny is so they could be used for 'reflecting' power. As the name mirror dragon implies, they're able to redirect an incoming attack. Most mirror dragons also can use another element and Neval is no exception; he can use fire as well. In fact their reflecting ability is the main cause of secondary personality development or at least plays a role in it.

The reason that there are so few mirror dragons left was because of their abilities or says… Goldie scales… I mean Nergal. I would say it's more the fear of what mirror dragons can do were they to lose it. The powers of them as described by Neval could be very dangerous, IF such a power was kept under control, then there is no reason to fear. IF however, should control be lost… then none should be around them for their own safety! That control brings me to the second point of worriment. If Neval is anything about to go by, then mirror dragons have a tendency to be a little mentally unstable normally and it gets marginally worse as they age. Then the more they use their powers the high the risk is for that mental instability to grow worse! In other words, they are mental ticking time bomb that will end out in a mental mess! Oh boy the mental cases that these kinds of dragons would have! It is scary just thinking about it!

Although, I'm really not one to talk about mental issues; I have more than I know what to do with. I can manage most of them, which is a feat in and of itself! Well… anyways. My preparations were short as I was kind of itching for some time to get out of Warfang and go adventuring again! Around midday I met up with Neval at the gates of Warfang and we started off to go looking for this lunar village. Little did I expect that this journey would turn into what it did.

Chapter end.

A/n

That's chapter 11. So much information in it… I love it! I would like to personally thank KeyBlader Zen for the use of Getsuga and Vulpimaru for Neval/Nergal. I hope you have enjoyed this chapter and enjoy chapter 12 just as much. The answers to reviews will be at the end of the next chapter.