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

17. 17 Truth

White Dragon 2-17

A/n

… I know this chapter took a while… and I'm really sorry about that! The explanation as to why will be at the end of the chapter and I will give my reasons there. On with the story.

Chapter 17: Truth

-recap-

"I don't know what to tell you in this kind of thing… except that you will have to face what you see at some point."

"Whoopty freaking doo, I say to that."

"Well, that dull blue color dragon, Arkanis I believe his name was; wanted to talk to you when you woke up."

-Present time-

Perhaps, you may have heard of or had the experience, of a particular perspective of time, and it's as follows; "when you're dreading something, time feels like it's racing faster, bringing you towards the event you're dreading at a quicker pace". I know I have experienced such a feeling several times and was experiencing the idea and position once again. The walk to the council chamber, I swear was too short to be right or natural; then again, it's more likely that I'm just not looking forward to the upcoming conversation nor with whom it will involve. … I feel this will end up being one of the worst if not the worst grilling sessions that I been put in than any other in my life. Oh boy… what fun I get to look forward to in the near future, don't I?!

Within five very short minutes Chizuru and I were in front of the double doors that led to the council chamber. I sighed before opening the door and entering the room. Glancing around the room, I took in the atmosphere and those who were here. All those who I traveled with were here in the chamber, understandable as to their presence being here for a couple of reasons. Of course, Arkanis was here and he smiled kindly at me as Chizuru and I entered. Then, there was an adult dragoness that I haven't met and so don't know. Begs the question as to why she's, and I come up with nothing on hypothetical reasons. The dragoness herself, had solid blue scales and was easily older than any of my friends, baring Chizuru and… maybe myself if you go by the time I was supposed to hatch. Next to that dragoness was a younger dragoness, close to my age, though a tad younger to my estimation. She also had solid blue scales like the adult dragoness… so then mother and daughter, most likely? My gaze however, stopped on the adult dragon that was surrounded by the two unknown dragonesses. It was him… the dragon with ocean blue scales from earlier… Frostos I believe Zeno called him. The very same dragon that had tried to end my life before I left the dragon realm!

The last time I had seen this dragon, he had run from me. I would've chased after him, that's if I hadn't been busy with staying alive after chasing him when Zeno came into the picture. So, I hadn't really known what had become of him after everything that had gone down. Apparently, the group that had brought me back did the same for him; for I would bet he wouldn't have been able to get back to Carona on his own. The signs of him having much of a sound mind, weren't there, the after effects of being manipulate by the ancient enemy, little left of one's mind; he looked about as lost as he did before. The effects that came from being manipulated by the ancient enemy are harsh if Frostos is anything to judge by. Still facing one of my killers… I don't know what to think exactly. Nonetheless, my views of him were forgotten somewhat as when 'Frostos' did catch sight of me, he stiffened and his eyes widened a little. … Not been in this room for even five minutes, and already the air was getting much tenser than I had expected… this won't end well. I turned my attention to the ancient dragon who would hopefully be leading whatever was going to go down and be able to prevent… longer lasting problems from developing.

"You wanted to see me Arkanis, did you not?"

Arkanis smiled a little more at my rhetorical question.

"Indeed young Saber, it is good to see you are doing better than the condition you were found in."

Nice of him to think of my injuries; I was going to reply, but was beaten by the adult dragoness that I didn't know speaking up.

"Arkanis, forgive me if I sound rude, but why are we still here? While I am truly grateful that by some miracle, my mate Frostos is still alive, yet I do not understand why you asked my daughter and I to stay."

… Oh Crap! … That's Frostos's mate?! Hmm… me thinks we will not get along anytime soon; especially if I'm asked to tell how I know him and the circumstances by which we had met. And that subject will no doubt come up during the discussion in this room. This ain't going to be pretty… Please Arkanis, if you want to know about what happened and how things came to this point; then have these two dragonesses leave! Arkanis turned to the dragoness and answered.

"It was the young white dragon Saber, who found Frostos, Grisel. I would have thought that you would like to thank him face to face."

Nice of Arkanis, but in this, he is being too nice; it's creating misunderstandings when this goes forward, Fiddlesticks! She may thank me for now; certainly won't be the case should she hear the truth I know. … *sigh* Now that I think about it, my bad luck hasn't been as present as it normally is lately… hello bad luck, a displeasure to see you on the job with me again… you suck! Well, as that's the case; then I might as well get to the heart of the matter in this and be done with this crapshoot. Just leaves one fact that will need to be established first and then give two in here an option that is for their protection. I made my way across the room, closing the distance between Frostos and myself; all the while I felt the stares of some of the others here in the chamber. Frostos didn't move as I approached him, but he became jittery and on edge as I got closer. Once I was less than two dragon lengths from him and stopped.

"Frostos wasn't it? A question for you…"

I heard a whirling motion from behind me and to my right a bit.

"Whatever your question may be, it can wait white dragon."

I chose to ignore the adult dragoness, might not be the best decision; but I need to settle this point. I needed to know how much damage this dragon suffered from the ancient enemy, so that I could gage how bad it would be if one of the ancient enemy go into my head. There are enough problems in my brain that I can't explain to even myself, which I'm forced to deal with. Preparation will be key in the fight against the ancient enemy!

"That being Frostos, do you have the ability to speak… or is that beyond you now?"

As I waited for an answer, I studied the dragon's face carefully. It was clear by his eyes that he had understood that I had been talking to him and that he had very likely comprehended the inquiry. Nonetheless, when he opened his mouth, no sound came out; after a minute Frostos gained a down casted look. That was enough of an answer to me; he didn't have the ability to use his voice properly at this time, there is a chance he could regain it in time, but unlikely.

"What kind of a question is that?! Who do you think you are?!"

Yes… as I suspected, Frostos's mate won't like me from what I'm going to say and do… and I haven't even gotten into when Frostos attacked me. Granted, he wasn't in control of himself really as he was being manipulated by another. However, I wouldn't deny what had happened to me and Koren and Frostos had been involved. Well, best to bring up the option for the two who will get the most hurt by what will be said in this chamber. I turned around and faced Arkanis.

"Arkanis, perhaps it would be better for Grisel and her daughter to leave the room for the time being. They will not like what is going to be said; of that, you can be very sure. Just a suggestion and recommendation, take it as you like."

Grisel didn't take that nicely at all! I noticed that she was glaring at me. However, she seemed to calm down a bit before she spoke to me.

"Grateful I am, for you to have found my mate; yet you are being rude young dragon."

I simply looked back at the blue dragoness with a deadpanned expression.

"Now admittedly, it is nice to be thanked for something that I do, as it tends to be a rare thing for me to receive. Yet, what you say is rude; is actually the opposite and is me trying to be nice and protect you from truth that will be hard to hear. There are some truths, which are better to be ignorant of. I can attest to the truth of such, knowing things that you cannot deny, can hurt in ways that cannot be undone. So, it is your choice to stay or not."

Grisel was about to reply with heated feelings, but Arkanis spoke before her.

"That is enough, an argument at this time is pointless. What Saber says is true, but still it is up to the individual to decide whether to learn the truth or not. So then, Grisel…"

Surprising, I don't think I've heard Arkanis raise his voice to almost a yell… didn't know he had it in him.

"We are staying where we are; I will not leave without my mate and Cysis will not be leaving without her father."

Grisel said her reply in a tone that left so little room to disagree with her. I give her points on being willing to face the truth… fine, I had tried to be nice and protect them from the horrible things I was about to say about Frostos. But if they wanted to know, then I won't stop them. I sighed before I spoke again.

"Okay then, do not say that I did not warn you. Since you wish to hear the truth I am about to talk about; sit down and get comfortable, this will not be short."

I turned back to Frostos, who was looking somewhat confused at what was going on. He was looking at Grisel to Arkanis, and then to me. The look in his eyes signaled that he didn't exactly know who Grisel was; familiarity was there, but the expression of slight bafflement signified that he didn't know her for who she was. Frostos definitely knew Arkanis, no question in that. Frostos's gaze lingered on the younger dragoness, Cysis with a look of curiosity and longing; don't know why he was doing so though. Then he clearly knew who I was, and a look of regret and shame came to him. This conversation was going to be hard and delicate. The hard piece I was fine with; the delicate part would be where I would likely fail spectacularly. … The best way to get this moving would be to establish what he knows and remembers. Thank goodness I'm an expert at reading body language, or this would be much more difficult! Let's start with simple yes or no questions and go on from there.

"Frostos, you have been in hiding, have you not?"

He nodded slowly, though his facial expression tensed up a bit more.

"When you found the ruined city, you discovered that the mist over it could hide you, right?"

This was for conformation of fact, which I had suspected of this dragon. He again nodded. Time to try a bit more complex inquiry.

"Yet when our paths crossed, you were outside of the ruins, why?"

Frostos's eyes flicked over to Cysis and then he looked down at the ground. … Interesting, he put himself at risk of being found by the ancient enemy, specifically Zeno who were hunting for him, all of that to come and see… his daughter, if he knows her that way. Although it's entirely possible that he may be mistaking her for his mate. With the years that have passed, his daughter may look more like the dragoness he knew as his mate from the time he could remember, before being trapped as a puppet. Yet, with the way he had been hiding… could he have felt he was being followed on his way back to the ruins? That'll be the next question!

"As you were making your way back to the ruined city, you were being followed, were you not? And it was not by just me, was it."

The look of growing terror served as an answer to my question clearly. Yes, he had known about Zeno following and tracking him. Possibly, even knew it had been Zeno specifically that had been following him.

"Saber…"

I held up a paw to stop Spyro speaking. There were two more facts I needed to confirm before I stop. This was an opportunity that I couldn't afford to miss and this could be the only time, if the ancient enemy.

"You had met the one we saw in the ruins before that, had you not?"

Terror had fully formed on Frostos's face, clear and unmistakable; he knew to whom I was referring to, and who could blame him? Zeno, was evil and had been there to kill him, so his reaction was expected.

"Cease this… pointless questioning!"

That was from Grisel. To her, this line of questions may be pointless; but to me it's not and I wasn't going to stop in this! For the first time, I was around someone that actually knew of the ancient enemy and more importantly was still alive! A mistake on the ancient enemy's part, one that I would take advantage of while it lasted!

"Was he the one that used you and the others? To do what they wanted?"

An uproar came from behind me from the others in the room. Grisel was angrily insulting me and Arkanis was trying to calm her; Lara and Tarra were defending me. Sera sounded like she was enjoying the event like it was some kind of performance and she had the privilege of watching it. Chizuru was silent, I think she was observing the blue dragon like I was. Ignoring the commotion going on behind me; my gaze on Frostos didn't break, but was steady. The next inquiry was a very important question, I needed to read his body language response to my question. Frostos was showing signs of fear, yet… there was also two emotions I hadn't exactly expected, those being shame and sorrow. The shame came from what he had been forced to do to Koren and myself, meaning that he had been aware enough to know what had been going on, but probably could do nothing about it. As I don't know how the manipulation works really, I can't say how much free will remains in the puppet when they are put through the motions they are told. And then knowing what he had done, Frostos experienced sorrow at the part he played in Koren's death and attempting to take my life. However, the one that's responsible and is to blame in this of course, is the puppet master, Zeno.

I could see that the crimes that Frostos had been involved in were eating him from the inside; it would be helpful for me to make sure he knew that I have come to not blame him now of what had happened. Yes, throughout this all, I have come to understand that this dragon wasn't to blame for the chain of events to which we were both intertwined in. So, I don't blame him for any of it, for he was in a fashion as much a victim as I am. That's because Frostos has the same impending sentence of doom over his head as I've over my own when it comes to the ancient enemy. The both of us were being hunted down, to have our lives come to an end and silenced because of what we knew. And the blue dragon had already suffered more over the years from the after effects of what Zeno had done to him than I could have done or wished to do. I don't think I could come up with a punishment that would be worse than what he has been through. I closed the rest of the distance between Frostos and myself.

"Frostos, at one time I would have blamed you for the attempt you made on me. However, with what I have learned since then, I know that you were not responsible for it and so are not to blame. But… if it is any comfort to you, I forgive you for the actions that you were force to do."

Barely had time to see the look of shock in Frostos's face, before I was pushed physically back away from the dragon I was talking to. After shaking my head to regain my bearings, I looked up and back, seeing that it had been Grisel who had pushed my away from Frostos. Okay, I knew that the dragoness would likely come to hate me while we were in this chamber, but this was escalating much faster than I imagined. Next thing I see, Lara is in front of me and had set herself between Grisel and myself. Grisel was growling at me as I stared baffled at her.

"You have a problem with me, Grisel?"

"Stay away from Frostos! Your questions are clearly ones that cause him pain!"

… Uh huh, she is missing a lot in this, but compliments to Grisel for trying to protect her mate. However, life involves pain and we can't escape it forever; I sighed in response.

"I can understand that you are unhappy with me, even angry; it is completely justified."

Grisel sniffed at me and began to lead Frostos towards the door; I decided to say one more thing; it was better that she understand the standing problem that both Frostos and I face. The issue for me is that the others here will then wish to know more as well and if they are told the full truth, then they will be put in the same position as Frostos and myself.

"So that you know Grisel, Frostos's time remaining for his life is short; days, perhaps weeks cannot say exactly."

Grisel stopped just before reaching the door and turned around at my statement.

"And what do you mean by that and how would you know such things anyway?"

I wouldn't doubt that Frostos knows precisely to what I'm referring to. Of course I'm talking about the ancient enemy hunting both of us down and killing us… then cleaning up neatly afterwards. Yet, how to explain the position that those who find out about the ancient enemy find themselves in? … *sigh* I guess with what I said, it would be best that I give one last warning before I get any further into the subject.

"Well, first of all, before I say anything else; fair warning, knowing the information can and will likely get you killed at some time in the future. It is that reason that Frostos's days are numbered… as are mine."

Fully expected for Grisel tell me I'm lying or say that I didn't know what I was talking about, even though I did. Wouldn't have blamed her if she did, for I would do the same if I were in her position. Nevertheless, it was Arkanis that spoke next.

"What do you mean by your warning Saber?"

I sighed and then took a deep breath.

"Simply put Arkanis, when someone learns about the subject that Frostos and I know about; they tend to die shortly thereafter. Although, Frostos and I have lived far longer than others have before now as far as I understand."

"Saber, what is it you are not telling us? Is it really so dangerous?!"

Lara had turned and faced me after she had demanded in the form of a question. I was hesitant in saying anything; to know of the ancient enemy is, in simple terms, is a death sentence on your head. So yes, what I'm not saying is very dangerous! Glancing around at the faces of my traveling companions and I saw that they were interested in how I would answer. Facing Lara again and my face shifted into a deadpanned expression.

"Well Lara, there have been four separate attempts to end my life thus far due to knowing about this subject; so, you tell me if knowing information to the subject I have not told you is dangerous or not."

Lara was silent, but she had an expression of shock and horror mixed with worry. Yet, I ignored my mate's expression for now and I continued.

"So, should any here value their lives as they are currently, recommend you leave the room now."

I heard shuffling, but didn't see anyone leave the room. I exhaled heavily.

"Fine, do not say I did not warn you or give you the chance to get out of this."

Turning my head over to Arkanis, I kept going in the discussion.

"Arkanis, you recall the subject matter of the conversation we had some time ago, which you mentioned Malefor back at Warfang?"

Arkanis appeared to be in thought for a moment, before he nodded. I then, began the explanation I have been dreading ever since I started learning about the ancient enemy, but knew I would have to do at some point. The reason I have dreaded it, would be two fold. One, I didn't want others to worry about me; they're far more likely to do so now, than when I started learning about those out to bump me off. Second, those who do discover the existence of the ancient enemy, have the tendency not to live long. Such point of view comes from going by the memories I have seen and they have been pretty accurate. So, I think I'm justified in not looking forward to having this talk… it gets dragons, cheetahs, moles and even apes killed!

Well, there wasn't any reason to delay as I have 'dived into' this; I might as well keep going. The point which I started at, which was stating the basic facts that I knew about the ancient enemy. With those facts in mind, it led into the first of the effects that the enemy had managed to achieve, manipulation of historical facts that are recorded for future generations. Actually, that's the biggest thing that the ancient enemy has done, most of the other things they are responsible for, stem from their efforts of manipulation of history. And unfortunately, even I can't deny that they had done what they had set out to do to an extent. I can't say how far they'll go for the goal they have in mind, because I don't know what their goal is… and that terrifies me.

To say I got no strange looks from those listening to me, would be a complete and utter lie; though I didn't get the same expression from everyone. Spyro, Tarra and Lara, I could tell believed what I had said so far; granted, they all looked worried for me and that was mixed with shock… I know there will be repercussions for me later. Chizuru's face was expressionless, but as I had told her some of this while she had been in the room I had been recovering in and I had been awake, so this information wasn't all that new. Getsuga… Well, still don't know exactly what to think with her. Obviously what I was telling everyone was reminding her of… Something. Said something, by her minuscule reactions, was unpleasant for her to recall.

Sera… Was actually listening to me attentively for once, it's rare for her; but she seemed to be thinking hard about… I would hope what I was saying. Arkanis… I think accepted the information, but with the previous discussion about Malefor we had some time ago; this explanation probably makes much more sense to him as it filled in some of the gaps. It had been clear Malefor had seen the work that the ancient enemy had done, he hadn't known the why, or the how probably; but he had deduced the manipulation through the missing pieces.

Even I don't know the whole why of all of this; the ancient enemy had wanted to get rid of white dragons and the knowledge of their existence. Yet, I don't know exactly what makes white dragons so dangerous to the ancient enemy. Perhaps it's because white dragons are more powerful? I'm certainly no one to underestimate, but for all I know, that could just be a fluke. The two of the ancient enemy that I had encountered thus far, had been very different from one another; still working for assumedly, the same outcome. Darkhar had been thorough, cunning and had done 'homework' on me. I have no idea how he had gotten information on me, but he had some as him appearing as Koren had shown. That's the most logical way of explaining how he had nearly beaten me so efficiently. If now for my rear bomb bay, I'd be dead; thankfully I'm not. Then Zeno had come along, in contrast to Darkhar, he had been more interested in toying with me until I was killed. Because of that, he made some mistakes and I had gotten through by the skin of my teeth.

The one in the chamber that worried me most, is the dragoness Grisel. The more I said, the more her expression screamed at me that she was seriously thinking about attacking my person. I figured she would feel such emotions, I'm telling her about those who will try to kill her mate Frostos and, given the ancient enemy's track record, they will very likely try soon and succeed. It makes me very apprehensive of what Grisel will feel when I get into the attempt by other dragons to kill Koren and myself, which Frostos was one of those dragons.

In fact, that's what I spoke on next. I recounted the even when Koren and I were attacked and Koren was killed… while I escaped still alive. There was disbelief, until I went into details of how I had fought for my life and in doing so gave Frostos the scars and the lack of scales, which was clear and evident. By the time I got through the experience, Grisel was in a state of denial at what I had said and anger of what I did. The story I was telling kept going and went on for hours, before I finished.

-Scene change-

It had been a long day today… at least longer than any I've had in a while! First, there had been talking with Bahamut… an event I could have done without and could be very happy going forward! I'm still not willing to admit that there is a relation between us and it will still likely be a while; yes, I'm not so blinded by my dislike not to see that we're obviously related. My denial, is more me just not wanting to accept the idea as fact I say is truth that I can't deny. I'm coming to believe some of the things that he says, like me being somehow being from the past and being sent here.

Next had been the conversation/explanation in the council chamber; that had brought about a lot of good and bad things and would likely bring still more consequences at a later time. I'm not one to talk about my past unless I literally have no other choice! If you don't believe me, it had taken Master Kai nearly three years to get me to talk about what Uncle Douchebag did. So, I'm less likely to speak about those who tried to kill me then Uncle Douchebag; even if I've only remembered memories of my past within the last year helping me see how close I have come to being killed. So, having to talk about what the ancient enemy did to me and others; had been one of the most difficult challenges for me to do, but I had gotten through it. The weird thing throughout this, it had felt very liberating to tell others; this is a point that I have learned over my lifetime and yet still don't understand fully. After I had finally gotten that over and done with, I had left the council chamber and gotten time to myself. … At least the day is winding down and I intend to get some well-earned and well-deserved sleep!

"Saber!"

I froze where I stood; I would know that feminine voice anywhere by now. Have memorized it perfectly by now, as it belongs to one who is so often around me. So… The sleep that I was hoping for is going… To be put on hold… Fiddlesticks! The tone that Lara had said my name in, it worries me greatly… she doesn't sound happy. However, in my defense, I can't think of anything I've done recently that would put her in that kind of mood! Turning around slowly, as Lara's voice had come from behind me… I nearly lost control of my bowels on the spot! If my 'mate's' tone of voice hadn't tipped me off about her being very mad at me, the expression of fury left no doubt in my mind of the fact that I was in trouble with her. Lara, once we had made eye contact with each other; stalked towards me.

At this point in time, I could think of only two viable options for me to go with and neither were appealing. The first option that I could go with, would be spinning around and hauling my rear as fast as I can away from Lara and attempt to lose her and hide until she cools down… however long that would be. Option two, stay where I am, let Lara drag me off and accept what punishment she has in store for me. Either option I choose to go with, Lara would likely get her way in the end whether I run or not and so I would face consequences… most likely worse ones were I to bolt. Great, I'm doomed if I run and I'm doomed if I don't; what a choice! I plastered a fake smile on my face before I made one attempt to calm down my mate and get out of this unforeseen troublesome problem without having to facing consequences.

"Lara… what a surprise to see you; is there something you needed that I can help you with?"

I could possibly be digging myself a deeper hole that will take a lot of effort to get out of, but I had to try on the slim possibility that I could get out of this. There was always the off chance… no, for me a ghost of a chance that I might get out of trouble I don't know the cause of. Yes, it is unlikely and more so with my bad luck back doing its job… but still, I can dream for a chance that's… Oh who am I kidding? I have about as much of a chance of getting out of this situation as Sera choosing to become average and not stick out; being normal like most other people are! In other words, the odds of that are… not a chance even if hell froze over; nada, nothing and a big fat zero, not even in your dreams type of probability!... Freaking Fiddlesticks!

Now in my mate's defense, she doesn't get mad often; or at least I have only seen her mad a few times. Oh Lara becomes frustrated and irritated… and I do cause her to feel that way a portion of the time; but overall, Lara doesn't get what most would consider 'mad' or 'enraged' and so it's fairly easy to get along with her most of the time. Well… this is one of those few times Lara was mad, and it was scaring me more than a great deal of things do and that's saying something! The phrase 'hell hath no fury like a woman's scorn' is coming to mind right now.

Lara got right up in my face… seriously she was pushing her snout against mine. Ever since Lara became my mate, I have become more used to this kind of gesture and intimate closeness. So, I would under most circumstances, not have a single problem with this… yet this isn't most circumstances as Lara's mood makes clear! If Lara had something like lasers for eyes… I would be dead a hundred times over… likely much more than that honestly. My mind was racing for material that could possibly explain how the hell I had gotten Lara in this mood… pretty much so I could apologize and prevent Lara from doing… *gulp* horrible things to me that are stuff of nightmares to us males! … No, I'm confident she wouldn't cut off Jr.; she wants dragonets after all. That doesn't mean she can't torture me! If there is one lesson that I have learned from the girls in my life, it is this; when girls get mad, pray they aren't mad at you, they can seriously make one's life a true agony that would make the devil beam with pride!

"You will be coming with me! And do not even think about running from me! There is no place you will be able to hide that I will not find you!"

… Lara is getting REALLY scary! Her voice was cold, low and left no room for argument. My mental control was slipping bit by bit with the way Lara was demanding things from me. No, it was more like she was stating fact of what I would do. I gulped hard before I gave my reply, for I knew that I needed to choose my words very carefully! I needed to understand what it was that had Lara so angry.

"Um… Lara, not that I have an issue with spending time with you or anything, but what did you exactly have in mind for the two of us to do?"

Lara's glare intensified; I flinched a bit. What could she possibly want for us to do… with it just the two of us? Me thinks it won't be the activities that she normally wants to do. … the urge to curl up and hope this goes away… which I don't get often at all, was coming to mind.

"You and I will be having a discussion!"

… discussion? I don't like where this is going! I felt the sweat beginning to flow a little at hearing Lara's answer.

"Oh… any particular subject in mind for us to discuss?"

I had my guess, but I was seriously praying and hoping that I was dead wrong!

"The subjects you mentioned in the council chamber… and we will be doing so in GREATER detail!"

I was afraid that would be the answer! I shouldn't question my intuition… probably can't get out of this situation… but gotta try!

"Well Lara, not that I would refuse such a thing precisely, but I am rather tired and so, I was just about to head back to the temple to the room that Arkanis provided… so another time perhaps…"

Stepping back in the effort to slip away; however, I felt something sweep under my legs and I fell sideways. My body rolled over and I ended out on my back and found myself looking at the sky. Hearing paw falls going past me, I glance down my underbelly; I managed to catch the sight of Lara's tail, and it was now wrapped around my right hind leg. OH NO!

"How nice then, our talk can be in the privacy of our room; now come along! There is much for you to talk about!"

Lara's voice may have sounded sweet somewhat, but I could clearly hear that it wasn't the usual sweet that Lara does around me. I paled… not that it showed, but that's not the point; I don't want to do what Lara was saying we were going to do! She had totally one uped me, and I didn't have any outs! Well, if that's going to be the case, then it doesn't mean I have to take this without resistance! … I will be embarrassed to admit it later, but I was dragged kicking and screaming like a child by Lara, through the temple to 'our room'. Nonetheless, as I'd lost, I have no choice but to accepted it… that doesn't mean I have to accept it in silence!

I didn't miss the odd expressions that we got for the spectacle Lara and I provided. Yet, at the moment, I don't give a care or crap in hell what others thought of me! Bring on the demons and devils! I'll poop and crap on them and still get them to kiss my a** to prove my point in this! The discussion that loomed ahead, was one that I didn't want any part in at all! It would require me to spill many things I haven't told anyone! And with Lara being involved… I don't want to imagine what will spill out of my mouth with that ability of hers to have me spill my secrets! Amazingly, I'll say; Lara was dragging me, despite me fighting back and managed to pull me into our room and lock the door.

Now that I was trapped, in a locked room with a very angry dragoness; my current standing was low and poor to say the least… and I have no idea how I could get out of this in a good condition if that's even still possible. Doubt anything would improve soon with the impending chat. Looking over at my mate, who was glaring at me. To prevent a repeat of the shouting match like Lara and I had before we became mates, one of us would need to keep calm and be in semblance of order and control. It was plain that Lara wouldn't be able to do so with the emotions she was feeling; then the one it does fall to keep calm in this… would be me. Can someone just knock me out so that I can be done with this? Lara came and sat down in front of me and glared at me; I just sat in the center of the room and waited for Lara to speak. I didn't have to wait long before she began and all with a single word that meant so much and caused such misunderstandings.

"Why?"

I didn't reply, even though I knew what she was referring to. My mate, didn't appreciate my lack of an answer to her question. And it had only been after I had almost died twice before I said anything to her. Lara had asked me about this when I woke up after surviving the encounter with Darkhar and I had not told her anything.

"Tell me why Saber; why did you say anything about you being hunted and then maybe getting YOURSELF KILLED?!"

Lara's voice had started low and ended with her all but screeching at me; got to say when she gets loud, it hurts! However, I kept my breathing even and measured in order to help keep my cool; thank you Master Kai for teaching me and helping me learn and gain this mental and emotional control! It's a saving grace in times like this, I'm humbled by the patience that Master had to have to deal with me, once again! Now, I know that Lara is mad at me, and in a roundabout way she is because she is worried about me; logical processes in my mind make that clear. I took a deep breath and exhaled, and then spoke.

"Lara, first of all, apes have been trying to kill me since I got back to the dragon realm, so my life being in some type of danger happens often enough. I have managed to come out of every situation alive and at varying levels of health, yet alive none the less."

Okaaaay… with the look on Lara's face, the answer I just gave wasn't what she wanted to hear. As a matter of fact, my reply seemed only to incense her to become angrier.

"Do you really think knowing that will get me to feel any better?!"

Lara began spouting flame out of her mouth halfway through her bellowed question, yet I don't think she noticed that she was breathing fire. Thankfully, the flames didn't hurt me or cause injury, got my face toasty; still through this all I was maintaining calm and collected. Nevertheless, I have to say; Lara's breath doesn't smell as nice as her natural scent, more like ash and that's not a good smell! A retort does come to mind, but I went with my better judgement and decided not to voice the comeback. The point of one of us being calm in this discussion, is so that it doesn't end with deep stabbing words and hurt feelings.

"Do you have any idea how I felt when I see you on the ground not moving in those ruins?!"

Well… no, I ain't no freaking mind reader and I'm thankful I'm not! Knowing the thoughts in my brain and keeping them in order and understandable, is work enough… no, I need to keep my calm mental control. I would bet she was worried… though it is hard to see it right this second. And I guess it is understandable; my mate was and is fretting over me; when she saw the state I was in after my fight with Zeno, which was pretty low at the time, it must have scared her. If she wasn't worrying and fussing over me like she covertly does on a fairly regular basis, she wouldn't be mad and screeching at me like she is now. … Females, such odd ways of showing they 'care' about another; doesn't make much sense to me why they do this kind of thing!

"Do you every, even for a minute think about how much others worry about you?!"

'Direct Hit!'What the heck? … Um, must be imagining things. Still, does Lara have to… drive the point home like this? Even for me it hits hard.

"Why do you insist on being reckless?!"

'Smashing Blow!' … really… is this necessary?! Yes, I'm prone to being reckless… sometimes… okay more times that I wish to admit. But each instance there was good reason to be so! Life and death situations are ones that being reckless is perfectly fine as long as you get out alive!

"Why do you always make things harder for yourself and others?!"

'Critical Hit!' DER… why is this… no, just ignore it... you're just hearing things. As for Lara's accusation, it's not like I try to make things hard on myself or others, I don't go out of my way to put myself in such situations! My luck is one of the culprits of this Along with just random circumstance! Yet, no one ever… EVER seems to understand that fact, never have figured out why no one does.

"Why will you not think of your own well-being?!"

'Near Death Blow!' SON OF A… WHOEVER IS SAYING THESE THINGS, THIS ISN'T SOME KIND OF ROLE PLAY, SO SHUT UP! My cool was slipping a little, but I took a moment and calmed down. Lara had been doing all the accusing and I have yet to have a chance to speak in my defense. This is totally unfair for me!

Lara's tirade continued for a good fifteen minutes, in which I got to be treated to a thorough reminder of the many personal shortcomings and flaws that I have. Plus, I was given examples of most of them to enforce the point. I don't think that anyone wishes to hear and have their flaws reinforced by another, especially by someone close to you. … I mean honestly, I haven't been chewed out like this for a good number of years, and that had been by Master Kai. This felt much the same, it cut to the heart! I'm not proud of my shortcomings or flaws, but that's a part of who I am and I'm myself. Still, to have those brought to one's attention is extremely unpleasant and degrading, let me tell you. When Lara had paused for a couple of deep breaths, I spoke for the second time since this 'discussion' had started.

"(Sigh) are you done Lara? As nice as it is to be told how much of an idiot I can be to my face… I think I have been more than just patient in just listening."

Lara's expression of anger lessens slightly before I kept going.

"But then, who does not want to sit listening for fifteen minutes of being told about one's flaws and shortcomings? And then, to drive the point home even more; being treated to examples of what I do for others, being put in the view of myself making a reckless fool of myself, so thanks."

Lara hadn't said anything while I had spoken, I took in a deep and slightly shuttering breath and continued.

"Silly me Lara, I really am still new to having others worry about me; I am more used to no one giving a care that I am even around unless they want something from me. So… it is habit for me to not think about others caring about what happens to me… you know what, this isn't worth continuing; I am just going to go to bed. You can keep telling me, what an idiot I am Lara, I will not be listening, but trying to sleep."

I turned on the spot and walked over to the bed and climbed in, settled in and ended out looking at the wall and away from Lara. How I had handled that… not the best way, but cut me some slack, I don't need another to tell me how much of a reckless fool I can be at times. I'm well aware of my fallacies, faults and shortcomings; I see proof of them often enough, my bad luck makes sure of that! All I want is some peace and quiet for a little while, where something isn't trying to kill me and I don't have to be saving others, from some kind of impending danger! Is that too much of a reasonable request? I hadn't been laying on the bed for more than a few minutes, when I felt Lara climbing into bed and hugged me from behind.

"I… I did not mean for what I said to come out as a… I am sorry. I just…"

I know that Lara didn't mean for what she said to come off as sharp, cutting and insulting; even if that's how it came out. She really is nice and I still don't have a clue why she wants to be around me of all dragons or humans. I certainly don't deserve someone like her to be in my life. Rolling over so that I face Lara, I gave my reply.

"I know Lara; you did not intend to be mean or to remind me that I am certainly not perfect. … Like everyone else, I just do the best I can with what I have, and I happen to get into the dangerous situations that I do unlike the majority of others. I do not go looking for the problems I get into. … It's just that… I didn't want you to be stretched out with worry."

Lara didn't say anything, merely pressed herself against me and hugged me. And in that position we both drifted off to sleep.

-Next morning-

Woke up the next morning, and after my normal daily routine I do in the morning; you know, workout, eating and letting 'gases' rip and be free… Got to make sure all the pipes are flowing correctly and everything. With my plumbing, it's not entirely safe to cut loose around others… taking into account the power of my rear bomb bay and all… tis a dangerous weapon of destruction! My body is a highly tuned machine and needs maintenance from time to time; so, got to do it every once and a while. After making myself presentable; I began to wonder what today would bring; I can't really even begin to predict how things will go after yesterday. I'm feeling only so so, still recovering from my fight with Zeno… did a number on me, that punk of a brat did. Deciding to take things slow for the morning, I didn't make any set plans for the day.

I was heading back to the temple to get some breakfast, when Lara caught up with me. My mate, was sticking closer this morning than she usually did on most given days, but what I had talked about yesterday, can't exactly blame her for doing so. As such, I didn't complain or grumble about Lara being so close and invading my personal space; which invasion wasn't easy to ignore. After breakfast, Lara and I happen to come across Spyro.

"Morning Spyro, what is going on with you today?"

Spyro smiled slightly upon seeing me.

"Oh well, I was thinking that perhaps it is time that we start heading back towards Warfang."

Spyro had a point, we had solved the mystery of the disappearances; so, going back to Warfang would be a good idea. We found the others of our group, and once we came together, we headed back towards Warfang. To speed up the journey, Chizuru road on Lara's back and Sera on mine… I wouldn't condemn another to have to suffer carrying Sera with how she is; hence, my black haired friend is on my back. The flight was mostly uneventful, only thing that did happen, was Sera moving around and doing one of her monologues that she does sometime as if she's a character from some kind of cartoon or those Japanese aminations… oh yeah, anime is what they're called.

The sight of Warfang was comforting to a degree; at least, it got Sera to quit her monologue. It may have been only three days since we headed out, but it felt like more than that. It was coming on to evening when we entered Warfang, we were greeted by Solara, who is one of the guardians that I think is actually doing the job of leading dragons, somewhat decently; not all of the guardians do that. Of course, a crowd formed around us, with those from the crowd shooting off question after question about our journey. I slipped away fairly quick, even before the crowd fully gathered and managed to not be caught up in the Q&A session. Was about to blend into the people and scenery, when Lara materialized next to me. How did she…? Guess sticking around me is starting to rub off on her... that's unnerving.

Things were winding down nicely, that's until after dinnertime came and went. Lara was still sticking next to me, as she had for much of the day, and was still when I left the meal hall. I was thinking of turning in earlier for the day and try to recover some of the sleep I had lost as of late. That's until I spotted Spyro, without Cynder with him; which was kind of weird to me. I would have fully expected that Cynder would seek him out or he do so for her when we got back to Warfang. Yet right now, Spyro was out without Cynder with him and talking with a cerulean blue adult dragon that I haven't seen before.

The adult dragon was around the same height and length as Terrador was, the green dragon was a tad bulkier, but other than that, the body figure and size was similar. The differences that I noted, were the blue robe like cloth that was on his mid body, along with the gold and black metal plate that was over the front shoulders. There was also a blue crystal hanging on a chain that was around the dragon's neck. Lastly, the cerulean dragon had a 'belt' around his body just forward of his hind legs and the was a book clipped onto the belt. Interestingly, it was clear that Spyro knew the dragon and trusted him. Curiosity got the better of me and I approached the pair, hearing Lara following behind me.

"Evening Spyro, who's your conversational companion?"

Both Spyro and the adult dragon turned when I spoke my inquiry.

"Saber, when did you get here?"

I just stared at Spyro.

"Uh, just now; still have not heard the answer to my question."

The adult dragon came forward and looked me over. This is by no means anything new to happen to me. So, I kept still and let the dragon take in my appearance.

"Very interesting… I have never seen a dragon; young, old or otherwise like you before."

The voice of the cerulean dragon was smooth yet gentle; reminded me much of Master Kai… Not as much as Arkanis does, but still quite a bit. I relaxed a margin after hearing the adult dragon speak. I have to admit this is interesting to me because, the resemblance between Spyro and this dragon is clear and makes me wonder.

"Yes, I get that more often than not. So… You have a name by which you are called?"

The dragon smiled kindly to me.

"My name is Ignitus, young dragon."

Ignitus…? I think I've heard that name somewhere before… now, where was it… dang it! Ever since the memories that aren't mine came into my head, it has been harder to recall small and specific details from my own memory. Fairly certain I've heard the name Ignitus before… I looked towards Spyro in hopes that he could help me. When I did look at him, it was like a spark to my brain. I had indeed heard the name Ignitus, Spyro had to mentioned it and had even told me about the dragon not too long after I had arrived in the dragon realm. The shock and awe factor began to take hold of me, as I remembered that Spyro had mentioned that he had seen Ignitus once after the war with Malefor and that he had… Good Golly, The Chronicler does still exist! I stared and gaped a bit at Ignitus, now that I understood just who he was.

"You are the Chronicler?!"

I heard Lara gasp next to me and I don't blame her. The Chronicler, by what I have heard from others thus far, supposedly a dragon that's chosen to watch over the Books of Time, which have recorded almost every part of history and every dragon has a book dedicated to their lives. I have my doubts, more so after having been to the Ethereal Archive, that these "Books of Time" really do have as much history that is said or have books on every dragon. I mean, Ignitus said he's never seen any dragon like myself, there have been white dragons before me, but even the one who would have access to books, that would tell of us; knew nothing of white dragons. Maybe he just hasn't read every book just yet, apparently, by what Spyro said; Ignitus is new at the book keeping job. Ignitus nodded in answer to my question of him being the Chronicler.

"Ignitus, you said that you have never seen a dragon like me; does that mean that with those 'books about dragons' you can read, that there has never been mention of white dragons?"

Waiting with baited breath, I was still. This would be one of two answers to questions that I have had ever since I had learned of the ancient enemy. Here and now, was one that could possibly provide information that could give me some answer to them. Ignitus took a moment to think about the inquiry that I put to him.

"I cannot say that I recall reading about mention a white dragon or anything that could be a white dragon. But I have not read the vast numbers of books that hold the records of the times that have passed."

Well… That's interesting. That answers a query that I have had for a bit after seeing some of the memories. It had been obvious that there had been others that have known white dragons, yet somehow in some way the knowledge of the existence of us has not been recorded. And if what Ignitus says is right, that idea extends to the 'volumes' of dragon's history. So that then begs the question, is this the doing of the ancient enemy… Or is this someone else's doing? It would make sense with the Ancient enemy, but who is to say that someone else couldn't do that. And then, white dragons themselves are different in ways that are hard to predict. I mean, I've always had the impression, ever since I changed back to a white dragon, that I was different from anyone else around me, in a way that goes beyond just my scale color. But I can't figure out what it is and it's frustrating me. As I was thinking to myself, Ignitus took notice of my companion on my right.

"Ah, I remember coming across a book that mentioned you, young dragoness."

Hearing that drew back my attention, and I saw that Ignitus was talking to Lara. The purple dragoness was looking around herself before looking back to the Chronicler.

"Are you… Talking about me?"

Lara sounded more surprised that she was being brought up. I know that the 'Chronicler' is held in high esteem, but is it really THAT big of a thing to meet the dragon? It has happened at different points in history, seen the events in the memories a few times, wasn't Ignitus, but according to Spyro, he's new. Ignitus smiled kindly at Lara.

"Yes, young Lara; I have seen mention of you in some of the volumes I have read."

Spyro began asking about some of the stuff that Ignitus had read; meanwhile, I was studying Lara. I don't think she knew how to take the fact that she came up in the history of other dragons. Normally, I would pat someone in this position on the shoulder and say it would be it. Yet lately… Something in my heart has been stirring at time when Lara falls into a low mood that I can't explain properly. The need and urge to comfort becomes strong and it felt different as it hasn't really happened to me before now… perhaps my instincts. And so, almost of its own accord, my body moved and my tail wrapped around Lara's softly. My right wing went over Lara's body and I used it to pull the rest of the dragoness's left side against my body. Along with my neck shifting over to the right and resting my head, so that my jaw came to rest on top of my mate's head between her horns. Lara took a sharp intake of breath as I brought her against me and kept her cuddled with me using my body, but she quickly relaxed into my sideways embrace and softly started purring.

"You okay Lara?"

"Yeah, I think so. I… I do not know what to think about being told that mention of me is in other dragons' books."

Lara pushed herself against me a bit more, showing her need for me to keep comforting her, which is what I tried to do. I don't see what difference that makes for you to be mentioned in others history, but that's not the point in this I would think.

"I do not think that it really matters if you come up in another's history or not. Such things are bound to happen, so you should not worry about it."

I released Lara from my hold, but she still leaned against me and I adjusted my balance to support her weight against me. Turning to Ignitus and Spyro, I still had one other question to ask Ignitus.

"Ignitus, you said there were volumes of history, corrected?"

Ignitus faced me and nodded.

"Tell me then, are there volumes that tell of times before the purple dragon Malefor or as he is also known as 'the Dark Master'?"

This question was to have proof that what the memories were showing me, if they were even remotely possibly of being true. To know if the dreams and nightmare I experience during my sleep were some kind of twisted invention of my mind or actually something more. I was confident that I wasn't insane or mad, but sane and of sound mind; yet, there was still the small voice in my brain, that keeps saying 'what if you're wrong' it passes through from time to time.

"Yes, I have read of some of the times of the day of Malefor and from before that time; in hopes of understanding why he did what he did. So, yes there are volumes of history before Malefor."

I was right…? I WAS RIGHT, HA HA HA! There is history before Malefor and now there is indisputable evidence of that! Meaning, the memories could and likely are of the times from the past. I was unable to contain my joy at being right.

"YES! I was right! There is history further back than three to four thousand years ago as the guardians say! WHA WHOO! That give credence to the ideas of the other past events I know, like the mole civil war, the cheetah migration and even a good a possibility of the great war!"

"How do you know of those events? The mole civil war was long ago and the cheetah migration even more so… And I know not of this great war which you speak of."

That came from Ignitus. Crap! I clamped my maw shut; I got carried away so much that I forgot that others were listening! Granted, as the Chronicler, Ignitus might believe certain pieces of information which I know; but honestly, I don't know whether I should trust him. To hopefully get an answer to my question, I turned to Spyro.

"Um… Spyro, please do not take this as an insult or me trying to slight you or Ignitus. but truthfully, do you think there is any chance that he would believe me if I told him what I told you and the others?"

It was a question I had to ask, for an argument I have had several times with myself and specifically with the dragon guardians being the subjects of it. I don't think that the guardians would believe me were I to tell them the truth of how I know what I did, then I think it's more likely they will lock me up considering me crazy. So then, would Ignitus be open enough to comprehend and believe the truth or would he think I have lost my marbles? I waited for Spyro to answer me.

"Well, I think he would Saber."

Okay… I'll… trust Spyro in this even if I'm not sure that I should. Without thinking much further, I took a deep breath in and I started telling Ignitus about when I turned back into a dragon. I began to speak about how I began hearing voices in my head since then… didn't mention Shae for good reason. I also mentioned seeing image that were a parts of memories that nearly drove me insane and got close to breaking my mind. I spoke about how I was see memories of the pasts of others, which I could clearly say weren't my own memories or creation of my imagination. Was in the middle of talking about how I could read and understand the ancient language when Lara spoke up.

"Saber, how does Bahamut fit in?"

I flinched a bit at hearing the name of my possible sire, who I'm not fond of and still am not willing to admit is my sire just yet. It's a difficult subject for me, so please cut me some slack! Looking to Lara, I tried to smile, but all I managed was a mix between a half smile and a grimace.

"Lara… I think I have said this before… but, I really do not want to talk about that… dragon, nor how or what I know about him… and not about the relationship between him and myself. Please do not press the matter."

My voice was controlled, but it was obvious that I was doing so with difficulty. Lara was silent at my request and I turned back to Ignitus and Spyro.

"Say Ignitus, I was wondering; are you Spyro's sire or… f-father?"

Even now, I still have trouble saying the term of the male sire, by which they are usually called. Ignitus nodded to me for my answer to the question I asked. It made sense, they did look alike in the parent and child type of way. Although, now I'm curious about one other detail.

"Uh… say Spyro, have you told your dad about you and Cynder?"

Spyro nodded.

"Yes, I told him that Cynder and I are mates. Why?"

… Really, that wasn't exactly my point to the question. Silly me, I forgot to take into account Spyro's naivety. (Sigh) Got to love him for his innocence as much as his ignorance.

"That was not what I was asking Spyro, I was asking if you told Ignitus about Cynder's condition and what will result from it."

Spyro's eyes went wide… so, he hasn't told his papa about expecting a dragonet. Odd… I thought he would be happy about the idea and had accepted being a parent.

"Wait, you haven't told him that he is going to be a grandfather soon enough?"

… I hadn't meant to say that out loud… oops; now Spyro got to deal with a speechless father that also happens to be the closest to a historian to the dragon realm. Indeed, Ignitus was speechless at what I had just said, it wasn't as funny as when Terrador is made speechless, but it still is quite amusing to me. My bad Spyro. Was about to give an apology, when the feeling of scales bushed up against the underside of my chin. Glancing downward, I saw that the feeling was that of Lara rubbing her head on the bottom of my chin in a loving manner. … I'll tell Spyro that I'm sorry tomorrow… I think Lara is saying that she wants 'quality time' with me.

We left the tow dragons and made our way to our room in good time. Had to make good time, I know Lara cares and loves me, she's left no doubt in my mind as her continuing tokens of affections were saying. Yet, it may be just me, but Lara is being more affectionate and just overall clingier than she normally is. As my intuition wasn't going off to warn me of danger, I waved it off and dismissed her actions. She's probably acting the way she was, because I had a very near miss with death a few days ago. Starting to notice that the Grim Reaper, has been getting worryingly close to achieving a clear hit on me… need to watch myself from now on.

Once Lara and I arrived at our sleeping quarters, I made a b-line for the bed; I was mentally exhausted and the bed looked very inviting. I flopped onto the bed and sighed; it feels wonderful to lay in your own bed! One can't understand the feeling of sleeping in the bed you call your own, until there is the threat you not being able to see or use it again happens. The feeling of scale to scale contact registered and when my gazed flicked down, I saw Lara cuddling up against me. She slowly caressed my neck with her head with a visible smile set on her face as she did so.

"Wonder what it will be like for us."

I paused as I processed what Lara just said and couldn't figure out what she was meaning with it.

"What are you talking about Lara? Wonder what will be like?"

I waited for her answer, actually I was pretty curious of the subject that Lara was talking about. Lara shifted herself, bringing her body into more contact with mine and her cheek was rubbing against my own. I heard and felt her begin to purr as she embraced me with her whole body.

"What it will be like for us when we expect and have a dragonet or two of our own. Will it not be great?"

Ice cold worry washed over me and spread like the bubonic plague supposedly did during the middle ages. Me, a parent?! No no no no no, I would be a horrible parent! I know nothing about how parents are supposed to act! Yes, obviously a parent shouldn't be like Uncle Douchebag, but other than that, I haven't the fainted clue! I don't know enough to make a call on my adopted parents yet. Then, hypothetically speaking; what if one of the kids I might have ends out to have some of the same quirks as I do… like the streak of bad luck I have?! All I know how to do, is how to take care of myself, whip major a** and make sure my own a** comes out of a given situation in livable condition. That's not the greatest stuff to bring into parenthood and teach one's children. Lara was clearly looking forward to having dragonets, I'm not.

"Maybe it sounds great to you, I could live without finding out for a while."

I said this more to myself than to Lara, but that's how I felt about this. Who can exactly blame me? My childhood had been horrible! I had gotten acquainted with the devil and what it was to be an outcast of society. The devil and I had begun our relationship of dislike and antagonism back then. I rarely made friends and so don't always 'play well with others' due to the bullying and just people ignoring me. The feeling of a tickling sensation going along my cheek, brought me out of my thoughts and I found that the tickling, was Lara licking my cheek with her tongue.

"Saber… What is wrong?"

Lara had stopped licking me, brought her head around to face mine directly and gazed at me in the eyes when she asked me her question. … There's something about Lara's azure blue eyes, that I just can't refuse or say no to.

"Well… I… I do not think I would be… the best choice for being a parent… more like one of the worst…"

I mumbled my reply and trailed off in my answer. Lara leaned her head forward and kissed me, before she made her reply.

"Saber, you will do just fine. I know you will make a good father to our dragonets when they hatch, I know it and do not doubt you at all."

… Once again, Lara does something that's just out from left field and takes me completely by surprise. Will she ever cease to amaze me in the future?

"Thanks Lara…"

My mate had said one of the nicest compliments I have received in my life; her constant belief in me was something I haven't gotten from almost anyone else. My attention was snapped back when Lara rubbed her nether regions against mine. I looked back at Lara and saw that her eyes had glazed over. She resumed kissing me and doing things that makes it clear what she wants to do with me right now. … hold on, I totally forgot about it! Lara had been entering her mating season just before the Mistborne event; she would be in full heat by now! And by the expression and actions Lara has and is doing, I wouldn't be refusing for much longer… doubt I'll be mentally able to say no much longer! … My equipment was already priming! The only chance or glimmer of hope I have, is that somehow Lara doesn't get gravid… with mating season making the chance higher… I'm likely doomed! The… feelings that were coming from what Lara was doing were starting to impair my mind… TO HELL WITH IT!

A/n leave the two alone! It's their private time and there will be no viewing of it. No lemon or lime here! Now, shoo!

-next morning-

My brain's processing ability was slow as I began waking up this morning. I was somewhat exhausted physically, yet mentally I was doing better than I was yesterday. So, I'm on the road to recovery and it would be a long one. My eyes opened and found myself staring at the ceiling of my room in the dragon temple at Warfang. After a minute, I looked down to see that Lara was still fast asleep on top of me, cuddled against me. Seeing Lara acted as a trigger for memories of last night to start playing through my mind. That snapped my mind to full attention, images of the activities Lara and I did… Several times, caused me to come to a mental halt! I can't deny that Lara is in heat from her mating season starting recently, the signs are clearly there. And then, that would make the chances of her getting gravid from… Mating, much higher… We had mated vigorously while in the bed last night; I can't deny that. There is a chance… Small mind you, but a chance nonetheless, that Lara won't become gravid… Yet, the opposite has a better chance to occur. Not to say that I regret what went on between Lara and myself; no matter how many times we mate, it's amazing!

Well… There's no point to worrying about the possible repercussions right now; what's done is done and there isn't anything I can do about it now. With the current circumstances and the events that had led to it settled, I began the process of working my body out from under Lara. I may make such a thing look easy, but I can assure you, the task is anything but easy! It took me the better part of fifteen minutes to work my way out of the tight embrace that my mate had me in, took me two tries. The reason it took me two attempts, was because on the first one Lara reacted in her sleep and reestablished her hold, which I had to work out of. After I had managed to free myself, I headed out of the temple; I needed a walk to help clear my head and just needed time to think.

For those who believe a simple walk does nothing; you have no idea what influence a non-violent stress relief environment can have, I say! As it was still early in the morning, there were few out at this time; mostly it was cheetahs and moles starting the work of the day. So, I enjoyed the peaceful and quiet atmosphere I had while I strolled along the streets. There was no one telling me what to do, asking me to do something for them and certainly no one trying to kill me; just the tranquil ambience of morning to take in. I was walking around the upper section of the lower tier when the sounds of arguing and scuffling came to my ears.

Curious as to the source, I made my way to where the noises were coming from. Upon which, I found myself on a balcony like overlook the gave a view of the square in front of the front gates of Warfang. Now, I have nothing personally against the Cheetah tribe; yes, I have had a few bad experiences with them, but overall, I get along with them fairly well. From observations I have gotten while spending time around members of the Cheetah Tribe. They're nice to most as long as you're not an ape they will most likely treat you okay, at least they won't kill you. Yet, with my own experience with apes, I can understand the reasons why that's the case. However, in short, they treat one another with respect and decent manners. Simply put, they treat each other as members of a tight knit group, unless a cheetah chooses to not be a part and go off on their own, but even then, that one cheetah is still shown a minimum level of respect. Nevertheless, the scene below was baffling to me, because a group of Cheetahs were ostracizing single cheetah.

The cheetah who was the target of ridicule, appeared to be by my estimation, around mid-twenties… twenty-five if I were to guess. He was obviously male by his figure and male cheetahs tend to be taller on average and this one was around five foot 1.78 meters. From where I was, I could still see that his eyes were a ruby red color, a fairly uncommon color to see even among the cheetahs. The fur of the cheetah reminded me of pictures I have seen of White Siberian Tigers; the base color was white and there were patterns of black stripes over the fur I could see. I spotted wisps of white and an almost black color, the white I think was of a white shirt and the dark color was dark pants that were close to black. The reason I couldn't see the clothing fully, was that there was light weight leather armor on his upper body and some on his lower body. His face was shrouded by a hood that was part of a long black cloak… Though I had to say that the cloak looked bada**! Why do I say that? Well, during one of the history classes that I had been forced to take, I had developed an interest in early part of the industrial revolution period of history; mostly because I thought the assassins at that time were awesome! … But that's a subject for another time. Yet the cloak that this cheetah wearing very much looked like what Assassins would wear back in parts of history.

On the subject of the cheetah's arsenal, this guy, like myself when I'm human, had multiple weapons. The first was a bow, a favorite of the cheetah tribe. Said bow, was black and was made out of a material that I couldn't identify from where I was, but there were white horns on either end of the bow and was where the bowstring was tied to. That's really all I could see of the bow as it was on his back and was partly hidden on his back by the cloak. He had a belt wrapped around his waist and on that belt were several bottles of varying size and with different colored liquids in each of them. I have no idea as to why he has those or what purpose they serve.

I watched for a bit, in the hope that I could understand why the scene in front of me was occurring. But the longer I watched the situation play out, the more puzzled I became. What could the cheetah on the receiving end of this treatment of the group, have done for him to get this?

"I see you are up bright and early, even on the day after returning from a difficult journey."

I turned around and saw the cheetah that was Spyro's friend, Hunter. Nodding in reply to him.

"Yes, I have been an early riser for many years now… Say Hunter, perhaps you could explain something to me."

I turned back to the scene that was still happening and as Hunter came to stand beside me I pointed down at the cheetahs.

"Cheetahs as far as I have seen treat each other with some respect, yet one down there is pretty much being treated as some sort of outcast in a fairly bad way. Why is that?"

Hunter didn't answer me immediately, but I waited and my patience was rewarded.

"Well, that cheetah is known to most cheetahs, mostly because he was cast out of no just his tribe, but all tribes have stated that he cannot be taken in…"

And Hunter started telling me the story of the cheetah below that was being treated like… Well, as humans would put it, like trash. His name was Nox and until a couple of years ago, Hunter wouldn't tell me how many, had been a member of the tribe of cheetahs that were neighbors of Pathren's group. Apparently, Nox befriended a dragon, which there was no description provided for. That, in and of itself, wasn't bad or seen as wrong; however, an event had occurred and through the event the dragon had died. After the death of Nox's friend, he left and started work as an assassin, if what I'm hearing from Hunter is correct. Due to his actions being frown down upon by the cheetah tribe leaders, more so that he did said jobs for money. After Nox had killed a few cheetahs that he had been hired to take out, he had been branded an outcast. Hence, the reason the scene before me was happening, Nox is seen as not one of them and so is not treated kindly really at all.

After a while, the group of cheetahs left Nox alone and went their ways, Hunter and I made our way down to where Nox was getting up off the ground from as he had been knocked down by the other cheetahs. Once we had gotten into hearing distance, Hunter called out.

"Nox, are you alright."

The white cheetah looked at Hunter, then took a much longer look at me. I stood still and let him take in my appearance.

"Yes, I am fine."

His voice was somewhat low and almost toneless, which is unusual in the dragon realm that I have heard. By the body language I was reading from Nox was kind of confusing; it was giving double messages and meanings. One the one paw, he was controlling reacting towards the cheetahs had treated him and yet, he was also brushing off the actions against him as nothing to be concerned about. The latter was the stronger part I was getting rather than the former. Nox just sniffed at me and didn't say anything to me; though I clearly brought something up in his mind, but I can't say what it is. Now I'm starting to wonder, is fate either paying a call or preparing to do so? One thing is for certain, the storm I came back from may be done, but there is likely another on its way… I just don't know when it will hit.

Chapter end!

A/n

Okay, I'll be leaving off there. The cheetah Nox, isn't one of my characters, but belongs to Rayruden and I thank him for letting me use him in this story. Now for the explanation as to why this chapter took so long to write. So, with the White Dragon Chronicles part 2, I know what events I want to happen before it closes; but the way that is taken to get there, is undecided. I've been having arguments over the paths I could take and haven't been able to decide on a path that I'm completely satisfying to me. That being said, I'm sorry to say this; but, for the time being, I will be taking time off from this story. I'm doing this so that, I don't come to hate this story and just stop writing it; for I have come to love this story and its characters as if they were children of mine. During that time, I will be brain storming on how I wish to proceed forward from this point. Please be patient with me. Take the time to write a review to say what you think this chapter or to give suggestions, those do help. Peace out for now.

Keyblader Zen

I hope I answer the points you brought up and if I didn't, do tell me.

HolyCross9

I think it is more that with the example of 'parental figures' that Saber has other than Master Kai; he doesn't like parents in general. Plus, to an extent, Saber sees Bahamut as the one who started the trek down the path he has gone down. But your example would kind of apply as well.

LizerTheBeastling

Hope you like this chapter as well.

TeutonWolf

Technically, I did kind of base Sera off Serafall from High School DxD; I like the anime and thought it would be freaking hilarious if a character like that came into it.

Now for your reading pleasure, another episode of

"TIME AT THE OFFICE"

(Head office)

Saber

Um… Boss? Are you okay? You're not looking… very happy… I mean you finished another chapter, doesn't that give you an up in your mood?

Blackshadow999

(freezing Glare) Does it look like my mood has improved?!

Saber

Boss, calm down!

Blackshadow999

Calm, calm; you expect me to be CALM?! Where's my custom M-16?!

(Blackshadow999 begins to upturn furniture and mess up the office)

(Saber slips out of the head office)

Saber

Ah man! The boss is scary today, I haven't seen him like this for a while! … gotta think of something to appease him, Fast!

(Ruben comes into the foyer in front of the head office)

(CRASH)

(BANG)

Ruben

Saber, what's going on in there?

(random crashes and bangs continue)

Saber

The boss is in a foul mood right now. His life has been busy and complicated… more so than usual. And as we here all know, an unhappy boss, makes this place a living hell if the boss is unhappy long enough. So Ruben, what are you doing up here?

(Loud rapid gunshot sound)

Saber

Crap… the boss found his M-16…

Ruben

Well Saber, there are little girls in uniforms that are white and green. They said they were here selling… different colored boxes and that had… what did they call them… cook-keys or something like that

Saber

White and green… and cook-keys? … EUREKA, GIRL SCOUTS! Thank you Ruben, you just helped with a solution!

(Saber runs down to the bottom floor for ten minutes and then comes back with boxes with him)

Ruben

Saber, where did you go and what is in those boxes?

Saber

This Ruben, is the answer to appease the boss's anger!

Ruben

Okay, how are boxes going to do that?

Saber

Ruben, it isn't the boxes, but what's in them, namely girl scout cookies!

Ruben

What will these girl scout cook-keys going to do to calm the boss's anger?

Saber

The boss loves girl scout cookies!

(Saber enters the head office)

Saber

Boss… I have something for you.

(Rapid Gunfire sounds)

(Saber gets outlined by bullets)

Saber

WHOA BOSS! PLEASE HOLD ON AND STOP SHOOTING!

Blackshadow999

Saber… can you not see that I'm busy demolishing so that I can remodeling my office! Now unless you want to see more of the new addition of my weapon collection, the M134 minigun… what could you have that is so important that you think you need to interrupt me?! You have ten seconds to explain yourself.

Saber

Well boss… we had some nice little girls come by and they sold us some cookies

Blackshadow999

… cookies… YOU INTERRUPTED ME FOR COOKIES!

(Blackshadow999 points the minigun at Saber)

Blackshadow999

Time from me to fill in the outline I just made!

Saber

Not just any cookies boss!

(Saber puts a green box in front of him)

(Blackshadow999 lowers the minigun)

Blackshadow999

… Are those…?

Saber

Thinmints boss, they're your favorite kind right?

(CRASH! Minigun drops to the floor)

Blackshadow999

You know, you could have just said that Girl Scouts came by and you bought thinmints and it would have gotten my attention better.

(Blackshadow999 sits on the floor and starts eating the cookies)

Saber

I'll be sure to keep that in mind for future reference boss.