Act 1, Chapter 8
The next morning…
"YOU HIGHNESS! LORD SPYRO!" A dragon scout ran like a mad-drake into the main chamber of Warfang Temple, screaming frantically. Urobos and Spyro watched the man as he struggled to catch his breath before them, concern on their faces.
"What's wrong?" Spyro demanded.
Once the scout had regained his breath, he told them his news.
"Something terrible has befallen the Tarune Forest!" He declared.
"Elaborate." Urobos demanded.
"A few hours ago, we spotted smoke clouds forming on the Eastern horizon. We sent several Space dragons to investigate. When they arrived, they found that the entire Forest had been burned to the ground!"
Urobos and Spyro's eyes lit up in shock.
"Impossible!" Spyro exclaimed.
"I speak the truth, my lord!"
"The whole forest?" Urobos asked.
"There is nothing left! As far as the eye can see, the land is scorched black! The bones of countless animals litter the ground, and worst of all: Faeshrine is gone!"
"WHAT?"
"The city is gone! The only way we knew it had ever been there was the couple of ruined buildings that used to stand there . The earth may as well be salted, for all the life that could be there."
Urobos and Spyro exchanged glances, disgust on their faces.
"So, Lucrun burned the city of Faeshrine to the ground.." The King said solemnly.
"That is incorrect, you highness." The Black dragon's eyes lit with confusion.
"What do you mean?" Spyro asked.
"Lucrun is dead." The scout answered.
"Dead?" Urobos and Spyro exclaimed in unison.
"We found the purple dragon's body lying in the center of a massive crater in the center of the ruins. Someone had stabbed him to death with a large object through his heart, although the muder weapon couldn't be found anywhere on the scene. We don't know who could have been who killed him."
Urobos and Spyro exchanged glances again.
"This is most serious." Spyro said.
"Indeed." Urobos turned back to the scout. "You may leave."
The dragon bowed and left the room. Urobos sat in thought.
"What do you believe we should do?" Purple dragon asked.
"Clearly, this is only a sign of things to come." Urobos said. "It is only a matter of time before destruction spreads all across the northern continent, especially considering that Desysto and his army of White dragons is bound to head here to Warfang."
"What makes you believe that?" Spyro asked. Urobos held out his right forepaw and summoned his longsword.
"Clearly the Victiumirti will soon discover that their comrade has fallen. They won't know who killed him, but they may assume that we were involved in, if not the ones who committed, Lucrun's murder."
"You believe that Lucrun was slain with a sword?"
"Yes. They said. "After all, they said that he seemed to be stabbed through the heart. Only a powerful dragon could have overcome a fully grown Purple dragon such as Lucrun. And I am possibly the only dragon alive who wields a sword. It's quite possible that the Victiumirti will believe that I was the one to kill Lucrun, and launch an attack on Warfangg for revenge."
"An attack on Warfang is inevitable."
"Perhaps, but now they will have a valid reason."
"As if they would need a reason to cause destruction and ruin."
"Aye." Urobos sent his sword away. "In any case, we need to prepare the civilians."
"In case one of the Victiumirti attacks, correct? Then I shall prepare them for counter-attack." Urobos shook his head.
"No. We need to flee the Warfang."
Spyro was taken aback by this.
"You would take the cowardly approach?" He exclaimed.
"It is not cowardice," the Black dragon responded. "It is intelligence."
"Intelligence?"
"The Victiumirti have an army of White dragons under their control, correct? Then there's nothing stopping them from using this army to attack our city. A White dragon is a force to be reckoned with on its own. In mass numbers, they will be all the more unstoppable."
"Perhaps that is a valid point." Spyro said.
"There is more to it." Urobos replied. "Consider this: Each and every one of those White dragons is only a young hatchling that has been twisted by Bergan's Convexity energy. Even if we are able to fight them off, we would be killing young children who are only being forced to serve the Victiumirti. And I refuse to have the blood of children stain my paws."
Spyro only looked at Urobos for a moment.
"What would you have your people do, then?" The Purple dragon asked.
"We need to flee from Warfang and travel south, to the city of Glenhaven. If we leave early enough, we may be able to get away before the Victiumirti attack, thus buying us some time until they discover where we've vanished off to."
"What shall we do once we're arrived in Glenhaven?"
"Once we're in Glenhaven, we'll need to think of a way to remove the corruption from the White hatchlings, as well as the other children forced into servitude."
"If that is what you believe should be done, then I will stand by it."
Urobos and Spyro proceeded to walk towards the doorway.
"We will have a lot of work to do." The Purple dragon said.
"I'll be the one to prepare the citizens, while you contact Cynder and tell her what's happened to Faeshrine."
"Agreed."
As the two aged dragons walked out of the Main Chamber, they had no idea they were being spied upon. High up near the top of one of the chamber's great windows, a White dragoness had stood watch for the past several minutes. It was Adpetis.
The dragoness chuckled to herself.
"Interesting." She said, grinning. "Bergan will certainly want to know about this."
And so, she disappeared in a cloud of Purple smoke.
...
Later that day, in the Valley of Avalar…
Desysto sat in the middle of the Wooden Hut he used as his temporary stronghold, basking in his own glory.
Desysto was a Purple dragon with a black underbelly. He was incredibly chubby, and yet still able to move as fast as a normal dragon. He had a large black crest that ran from the top of his head, down his back, and to the tip of his tail, which had a Black spike on the end. He had two thick Bronze horns, which curled backwards down his thick neck. His two Golden eyes gleamed like fire.
After the initial attack on the first village in the Valley of Avalar, Desysto quickly spread his forces out to eradicate all Non-dragon beings living in the rest of the Valley. It was a relatively quick process, considering the power that the army of White dragons held. In the meantime, Desysto remained in the first village, enjoying the power he had obtained.
Desysto sighed in content.
"This is how it should have been long ago." He said. "After tens of centuries, I am finally getting my dues."
Long ago, when Desysto was a young dragon, the elders of his time expected many great things from him. However, all the young Purple dragon wished to do was lie on the grass and enjoy the scenery around him. But time and again, the older dragons forced Desysto to train his Physical and Magical Capabilities, day in and day out. Eventually, the Purple dragon became so frustrated with this constant responsibility, he fled from the temple he was living in, seeking a new home.
But everywhere he went, the many dragons and Nondragons he encountered kept trying to force Desysto to use his Magic to aid others, usually for next to nothing in return. He demanded that others do the work instead of him, since he didn't wish to do anything. But they didn't listen, and continued to badger him to "uphold the mantle of the Purple dragon".
Eventually, the Purple dragon declared a vendetta on all other beings, refusing to be their pack mule. This is when Desysto fell to the influence of The Nothing.
Desysto used The Nothing's power to create a race of gigantic creatures known as the Golems, which he sent to bring destruction an death to the many beings that oppressed him in his youth. One of these Golems, the largest one of all, was named The Destroyer.
The Destroyer was the size of a mountain, and had several buildings placed onto its back, which Desysto used as his personal fortress. The Purple dragon planned to use this creature to bring an end to the world he lived in, so that a new one may be created; one where Desysto could have his peace at last.
However, before The Destroyer could complete its primary ability, called the Ring of annihilation, a band of dragons managed to infiltrate Desysto's lair and, after a great climatic battle, slew him. He ended up in the Underworld, where he was tormented by the Spirits of his ancestors, who constantly forced Desysto's spirit to keep moving onwards, never letting him stop to rest.
But then, after countless decades of torture, Desysto was resurrected by the Purple dragon Bergan. Desysto was given all the minions he needed to destroy the descendants of the beings who tormented him, so that he may finally sit back and relax. Desysto was most grateful for this, and became completely loyal to Bergan.
And here he was, resting comfortably in his base of operations, enjoying the cool breeze and the lovely afternoon.
"Let's see how my minions are doing." He said, to no one in particular.
Desysto got up and walked out of his hut and into the village. After it was taken over and the Cats that lived there were disposed of, the White dragons had turned it into a training camp. All around the Purple dragon, the many White-hided beasts that remained were practicing their combat techniques. Desysto smirked.
"Ah, doing fine, as always." He chuckled.
The Purple dragon was about to return to his hut when he gasped. He could sense someone approaching. He looked around, searching for the place they'd appear.
A moment later, a large cloud of Purple smoke appeared off to his left. Out of it stepped two dragons: Bergan and Adpetis.
"Greetings, Desysto." Bergan said as he and the Female approached him.
"Welcome." The fat Purple dragon responded. "What brings you two here?"
"A change of plans." Adpetis answered. Desysto cocked an eyebrow in interest.
"Change of plans?" He asked.
"It has recently come to our attention," Bergan began, "That our comrade Lucrun has fallen in battle." Desysto's eyes lit with shock.
"He's been slain? By who?"
"We aren't completely sure," Adpetis replied, "But it's highly likely that it was Runileon's great grandson, as he is the one who's most capable of accomplishing the deed."
"If Lucrun's dead, then our plans have just become greatly hindered." Desysto declared sternly. "We will need to hunt down that boy and exact retribution."
"There's no need to worry about Prince Rune, Desysto." Bergan said. "Leave that one to me. For now, you have new orders."
"What might they be?" the fat Purple dragon asked.
"The people of Warfang are about to attempt to flee to the south." Adpetis replied. "They think they will be able to escape before we launch an attack on their city. However…"
Desysto grinned.
"However, they don't realize that we already know they're about to flee." The fat Purple dragon finished. "So, we can attack them as they're trying to get away, catching them off-guard and completely defenseless."
"Correct." Bergan replied.
"But what does that have to do with me?"
"You see, Desysto, we need you to take your army of White dragons to Warfang as soon as possible. In the meantime, Adpetis will take over your conquest of the rest of the Valley of Avalar and the Raunn Jungle. Do you find that reasonable?"
"I find it completely reasonable." Desysto answered. "I shall rally the White dragons immediately."
Desysto turned and walked towards the middle of the village. He then inhaled a great breath of air and shouted at them.
"Here me now, dragons!" He bellowed with an augmented voice, getting their attention immediately.
"There has been a change of plans! We will be heading East to the Veros Outskirts, and the ancient city of Warfang that sits at its center! I want half of you to spread the word to the other White dragons who reside in nearby villages, and tell them all to regroup at the eastern edge of the Valley! These orders are FINAL! Now GO!"
On command, half of the White dragons in the village took to the skies and scattered, heading out to the other villages that fell under Desysto's control. In the meantime, the fat Purple dragon turned back around and walked back to Bergan and Adpetis.
"Do the others know about Lucrun's demise?" He asked.
"Amouris does, but not Runileon or Malefor." Bergan answered.
"Will you be reviving him again?"
"Well, it all depends." Desysto cocked an eyebrow.
"What do you mean?"
"If The Nothing wants him revived, then I'll revive him. If The Nothing believes he's served his purpose, then I'll leave him in the Underworld."
"How do you know which one The Nothing wants?"
"I don't. I'll have to ask it, when I return to the Realm of Convexity."
"If you say so."
Amouris placed a forepaw on Bergan's shoulder.
"Bergan, darling, we have work that needs to be finished." She said. "We must go." The Golden-maned dragon smirked.
"As you wish." He replied.
"And when we return, there's a matter that I need to speak to you about."
"Oh?"
"It involves the other prince. The one you were talking to me about earlier." Bergan became intrigued.
"I certainly must hear what you wish to say about him once we arrive." He turned to face Desysto. "This is where we take our leave of you, Desysto."
The fat Purple dragon nodded.
"Good day, you two." He replied.
And with that, Bergan and Adpetis vanished in a cloud of Purple smoke. Desysto sighed, and returned to his hut.
He began planning the invasion of Warfang.
…
Late that night…
Tyrrany found herself standing in the middle of a giant black abyss. It stretched onwards for miles in every direction. Not a sound could be heard anywhere, except for the dragoness's own breathing. A great White Light shined down from high above her.
The White dragoness looked around, trying to figure out where she was.
"Hello?.." She asked, hoping to find someone. "Where am I? How did I get here?"
As she looked around, she suddenly spotted someone that made her gasp. Off in the distance, a dark grey dragoness had her back turned towards Tyrrany. The dragoness had pitch-black hair, and four dark grey horns.
It was Elenar.
"Mother!" Tyrrany exclaimed. "You're alive!"
The White dragoness immediately ran towards the dark grey dragoness, joy filling her entire being.
But, as she got close to her Elenar, the dark grey dragoness spoke.
"Don't touch me." she said coldly. Tyrrany came to a stop a short distance away from Elenar.
"Mother?" Tyrrany asked, confused.
"You are not my daughter." Elenar said, still not looking away. "You never were, and you never will be."
Tyrrany was hurt by this statement. She walked around the dark grey dragoness's right side and reached up with her left forepaw to grab Elenar's shoulder.
"Mother, how can you-?"
Suddenly, Tyrrany noticed something strange about her foreleg. It was much shorter and chubbier than it should have been.
"What..?"
When Tyrrany heard her own voice, it was much younger than it should have been. The White dragoness then looked herself over: To her surprise, she was a young hatchling again.
"What's happened to me, mother?" She asked.
"You are not my daughter." She repeated, still looking away. "Leave my presence."
The young Tyrrany started to cry. She got closer to Elenar and reached out to grab the back of the dark grey dragoness's foreleg.
"But-" She began.
As soon as Tyrrany touched Elenar's leg, the dark dragoness suddenly spun around and struck her, knocking the cub onto her back several feet away. Tyrrany cried in pain as Elenar stood over her, looking down at the young hatchling with red eyes filled with hate.
"YOU ARE NOT MY DAUGHTER!" She bellowed. "YOU ARE NOTHING MORE THAN A BASTARD CHILD!"
Tyrrany whimpered in fear as Elenar screamed at her.
"WHY WOULD I EVER ACCEPT YOU AS MY CHILD? LOOK AT YOU! YOU'RE A WHITE-HIDED DEMON! THE PRODUCT OF A CURSE ON MY BLOODLINE! A BLIGHT ON ALL THE WOLRD! YOU DO NOT DESERVE TO BE ACCEPTED AS MY CHILD! YOU DO NOT EVEN DESERVE TO LIVE!"
Tyrrany cried a river of tears.
"But, I…" She stammered. "I.."
"SILENCE!" Elenar roared. "I'LL KILL YOU, HERE AND NOW!"
Elenar grabbed hold of Tyrrany's small torso with one forepaw and lifted her into the air, digging her talons into the hatchling's flesh. The White hatchling started writhing about, crying in pain.
"Stop, please.." She pleaded. "Don't do it…"
The Dark grey dragoness snarled at her.
"ROT!"
Elenar started tightening her grip, crushing the life out of Tyrrany. The hatchling could feel her bones start crack under the pressure.
The pain was unbearable. She wished for someone, anyone, for her to save her.
And then, from out of nowhere, a dragon struck Elenar across the face and knocking her off-balance. As the dark grey dragoness toppled over, she let Tyrrany slip out of her grip. The mysterious dragon snatched the young hatchling out of the air and held her by the gruff of her neck.
When Tyrrany finally got a good look at the dragon, she gasped.
It was Bergan.
The Purple dragon smiled down at the White hatchling, using his magic to heal her wounds.
"You're safe now." He said reassuringly.
Elenar righted herself and stood in a fighting stance, ready to attack the two dragons. Tyrrany shivered in fear, both because of her mother's ferocity, and because she was trapped in her monstrous father's grasp.
Elenar roared like a wild animal, making Tyrrany yelp in fear. Bergan, however, only chuckled.
"It's alright, Tyrrany." He said soothingly. "She can't hurt you."
"What?" The hatchling asked, confused.
"Your mother can't hurt you anymore." Bergan answered. "You killed her, remember?"
Right after Bergan said this, a black sword suddenly appeared, the hilt sticking out of Elenar's chest. The dark grey dragoness suddenly clutched her chest, the wound bleeding profusely. In a short moment, she fell to the ground, and moved no more.
Tyrrany gasped in horror, while Bergan chuckled again.
"See, my dear?" He asked, pointing with a free talon. "You've gotten your revenge on her for killing you."
"No!" Tyrrany protested. "I didn't want to kill her!"
"Of course you did." Bergan replied. "You've wanted to kill her for so long, so why deny it after you've completed your goal?"
"Because you lied to me!" The Purple dragon chuckled.
"True, I may have hidden a few minor details here and there.."
"Minor details?" Tyrrany exclaimed. "You lied about everything!" Bergan laughed.
"It doesn't matter now anyway, my dear. Elenar is dead by your paws, and the other members of your family view you a traitor. Look.." Bergan pointed out to the abyss.
Tyrrany turned to look in the direction he was pointing in. What she saw frightened her.
Tyrrany's two brothers, Rune and Cyrus, and their father and grandfather, Bane and Urobos, were standing across the way. Elenar's two friends, Albanion and Elza, with them as well.
All of the dragons were glaring directly at Tyrrany.
"Traitor!" Cyrus exclaimed.
"She-beast!" Elza bellowed.
"You killed my wife!" Bane roared.
All of the dragons voiced their hatred of Tyrrany, making the hatchling cry.
"No…" She pleaded. "I didn't mean to…"
But the dragons didn't listen. They only continued condemning her with their words. Tyrrany looked away, her tears overflowing.
"Don't cry, Tyrrany." Bergan said soothingly. "Even if they have condemned you, I haven't."
Suddenly, the other dragons vanished, although their hateful outcries still lingered on for a moment.
"You will always be my little girl." As Bergan said that, he grinned malevolently, and his eyes glowed completely red.
Suddenly, several pairs of Glowing red eyes appeared around Tyrrany, forming a cicrle in the abyss. And then, several dragons appeared, the red eyes belonging to them: Lucrun, Desysto, Malefor, Amouris, Amouris, Adpetis and Runileon.
Bergan held Tyrrany out in front of him, so that the other Victumirti surrounded her. The hatchling whimpered in fear as the dragons grinned at her.
"There's no need to let the weaker dragons condemn you, Tyrrany." Amouris said.
"Agree to serve under us." Desysto added.
"You will be protected from you enemies." Adpetis replied.
"No…" Tyrrany said. "I'll never join you!"
"You don't have a choice, Tyrrany." Runileon responded.
"If you don't obey us, we'll kill you." Lucrun added.
"Of course, we could always just FORCE you!" Malefor exclaimed. Tyrrany's eyes lit up in horror.
"No…" She said. The Victiumirti started to laugh softly in unison.
"You can't flee from us, Tyrrany." Bergan said. "You belong to us."
"No!" The White hatchling protested.
All seven of the Victiumitri laughed at the helpless dragoness. As their horrible laughter filled the air, Tyrrany screamed.
"NO! I WON'T JOIN YOU! NOOOOO!"
No matter how much she protested and clawed at Bergan's grip. Tyrrany couldn't get free. She was trapped in the Purple dragon's control, and completely at the Victiumirtis' mercy…
And then, Tyrrany woke with a start, breathing heavily. She looked around: She was lying on the floor of the cave, in the middle of the night. Denzel was sleeping by her side, mumbling in his sleep.
The dragoness shut her eyes, sighing in relief.
"It was just a dream." She said reassuringly. "A horrible, horrible dream."
Tyrrany laid her head back down on the ground.
"What Malefor said must have gotten to me subconsciously."
The White dragoness shut her eyes and cleared her mind to fall back asleep. But, she couldn't help but think about Elenar, and the day she killed her. Over and over, the events of that day repeated themselves in her mind.
Oh, mother, she thought. I'm so sorry I killed you. I just wish I could bring you back, like Rune did. But I'd never be able to now.
After feeling sorry for herself and shedding a silent tears, the White dragoness slipped into slumber.
The next day, she would receive another unexpected visit, by another unexpected person.
Her brother.