Interlude
Nine and a half years ago…
It was the night that everyone was waiting for.
The Hive was moving peacefully across the black sky, the world below not suspecting its presence. The many Dark dragons, the citizens of the floating city for seven years, were lined up in the city's center street. They were waiting to bear witness to Prince Bane's coronation as the new King. No citizen, man, woman, or child, could resist watching another Black dragon take the throne, as had been tradition for hundreds of years.
Urobos stood just outside Hive Palace, looking down the street. Elenar stood at his left, young Rune and Cyrus standing on either side of her. Albanion, the newly-appointed leader of the Deep Shadows, stood on Urobos's right. The rest of the Deep Shadows, Grail, Nerona, Lilith, Elza, Wraith and Rose, stood on defense around the old King and his family.
The Aged Black dragon was smiling with joy.
"The time has finally come." He said happily.
"Yes…" Elenar agreed, also smiling.
"Time for what, Grandpa?" Rune asked. Urobos chuckled.
"It's time for your Papa to take over as King."
For the longest time, ever since Anna died, Urobos had been worried that he might not be able to raise Bane on his own, especially since he had to attend to the many responsibilities of being a King. There were also times when Urobos had to punish his son for his rule-breaking. He never enjoyed it, but he did what he had to do in order to teach Bane humility. All Urobos wanted to do was be a good father.
Many years have passed since Bane's hatching. Urobos had watched as his son grew from a hatchling, to a cub, to a young dragon, and finally, into a man. Bane had even had children of his own now. But on this day, Bane was going to make the most important step in his life: The rulership of an entire nation.
Bane walked up the city street towards his father. As he did this, a band started playing orchestral music, to fit the mood of the occasion. As the beautiful, soft yet heavenly music played, the many citizens bowed their heads before him, showing their willing obedience.
Eventually, the Prince came to a stop before Urobos, and the music stopped. Bane then kneeled before his father, not saying a word.
The King cleared his throat to begin speaking.
"Draw your sword, Bane." He commanded. Bane did so, staying silent all the while. He held the sword in both forepaws and presented it to Urobos, who took it by the hilt.
The King placed the sword tip on Bane's right shoulder, then lifted it up over and around his head, and brought it to a stop on the other shoulder. He spoke the whole while.
"Bane of Clan Capricorn, for the last thirty years, you have served beneath me, for the betterment of our kind. But now, the time has arrived for you to rise up and take my place on the throne. It will not be an easy life: Many trials await you in the years to come. But, if you are a wise and just ruler, you will pull through and keep your people united. Do you accept?"
Bane looked up at his father, a serious gaze upon him.
"I accept completely, your Highness." The Prince said.
"Then I am King no longer." The other dragon replied.
The Shining Blue Symbols on Urobos's shoulders suddenly and rapidly dimmed, becoming a dim glow. At the same time, the Symbols on Bane's shoulders started to shine brightly.
Urobos turned the sword around and pointed the hilt at Bane. He smiled.
"Arise, King Bane, and face your subjects."
Bane stood upright and took the sword in his right forepaw. He then turned around and faced the crowd. Every other Dark dragon, male and female, adult and child, bowed down to the Black dragon. The Deep Shadows did the same, as did Elenar, Rune, Cyrus, and even Urobos himself.
Bane pointed his sword in the air.
"I cannot recreate my father's greatness, but I shall strive to be as close as possible. I will be as good a King as my abilities allow me, and there will be no false justice under my rule.."
As Bane gave his first speech as King, Urobos smiled in satisfaction.
You will be a great ruler, Ma'boy. He thought with pride. You mother, may she rest in peace, would be so proud...
Once Bane finally finished his speech, he charged his sword with black energy. He then fired a mighty blast of Concurrence energy: A sign of his power. They many Dark Dragons in the crowd cheered.
"ALL HAIL KING BANE!"
The Dark Dragons filled the night air with the sounds of Joy and praise. Little did they know the danger they were all in.
Suddenly, out of nowhere, several buildings on the edge of The Hive burst into flames.
All of the Dark Dragons, Urobos and the others around him included, turned towards the fires in surprise and alarm.
"What in the world?" Albanion exclaimed.
And then, they appeared. An army of Dragons flew into view and proceeded to attack the Dark Dragons.
Darkstalkers.
…
Immediately, the Dark Dragons leapt into battle defend their home. Unfortunately, the invading army managed to surround on all sides, and were setting the outer rows of buildings aflame. They were surrounded.
"How did they find The Hive?" Elza shouted in disbelief.
"It doesn't matter right now! DEEP SHADOWS!" Bane exclaimed. Immediately, all seven Deep Shadows ran to their new King.
"Yes, M'lord?" Grail asked.
"Gather the civilians and have them flee IMMEDIATELY!" The Black dragon ordered.
"YES SIR!" The Deep Shadows shouted. Immediately, all but Wraith turned and ran outwards into the city, intending to direct the civilians to escape through The Hive's lower tunnels. Wraith, however, was concerned.
"What will you do, you highness?" He asked. Bane charged Dark energy into his sword.
"I'm King now." He said. "I'll deal with these invaders personally!"
"NO!" Urobos yelled, stepping forwards. Elenar followed suit, Rune and Cyrus cowering by their mother's forelegs.
"What's wrong, father?" Bane asked, concerned
"Fighting a massive army of enemies by yourself is foolhardy!" Urobos shouted. "And besides, your duty is to look after your people."
"I am, by fighting back against our enemies." Bane replied.
"No, Bane." Elenar said. "Our people need you to be there for them, as do we."
"Don't go alone, Papa!" Cyrus exclaimed, teary-eyed.
Bane looked amongst them. He sighed.
"Alright." He said. "Let's flee together."
All of the Dark Dragons were about to run off for one of the city's multitude of escape hatches, when Urobos suddenly stopped. He gasped in surprise.
He had forgotten dear to him.
Immediately, the aged Black Dragon turned around and ran off towards the Palace.
"Father?" Bane asked in confusion. "Where are you going?"
"Don't worry about me!" Urobos shouted behind himself. "I shall follow shortly!"
Bane watched in confusion as his father ran off.
"I'll go after him." Elenar said.
"What?" Bane shouted in confusion.
"Why, Momma?" Cyrus asked. Rune was staying oddly quiet.
"Don't worry why, little one." She said. The young Queen handed her two sons over to Bane and Wraith. "Take them and flee."
"Alright." Bane said.
And with that, the King and Queen parted ways. They wouldn't see each other alive for years to come….
…
Urobos ran through the halls of Hive Palace, heading directly for the Throne room. He was the only dragon in the building, as far as he knew.
I hope I can make it in time…
Eventually, Urobos arrived at his destination. He burst through the front doorway and ran up to the Golden Cushion that acted as the throne. Using his talons, the Aged dragon ripped open a hidden compartment on the cushion. He then reached inside and pulled out a small item: A portrait.
It was a portrait of a young Urobos, standing alongside Valchen, Umbra, Alexander, Catherine and Anna. His family, friends, and mate. The portrait was created on the day that Urobos proposed to Anna, just days before the deaths of the Black dragon's brothers. She accepted, and they were celebrating.
All six of the young dragons were frozen in looks of happiness: Forever locked in bliss.
Urobos started to cry.
"Oh, Anna.." He said solemnly. "I miss you so much, my love. As well as the rest of you. You were there for me in my times of despair, at first. But one by one, I lost all of you. All of you were taken before your time. Why? Is it because you were near me? Am I the ultimate cause of your deaths?"
Urobos sat down on the cushion. He sighed, defeated.
"I can't stand it anymore." He stated. "I can't bear to watch more dragons who are younger than me die because of me. I'm more than lucky that I managed to convince Bane to flee instead of fight impossible odds: He would have lost his life as well. As for me? I'm going to stay here, and let the invaders end me."
The Black Dragon shut his eyes, and waited….
"Urobos!"
The Black dragon's eyes lit up in surprise.
Elenar?
Urobos spotted his daughter-in-law running up to him.
"What are you doing here?" He asked her. "You're supposed to be fleeing through the tunnels!"
"I came to make sure you found whatever you were looking for fast." Elenar answered. She looked at the portrait in Urobos's forepaws. "Is that it? Good, let's go!"
Oh dear, how do I explain this?…
"I'm not leaving." Urobos stated.
"What?" Elenar asked, confused. "What do you mean?"
"I'm staying here."
"You're staying here?" The dragoness shouted. "Have you gone mad?"
"I've lived long enough. If our enemies seek to end my life, then they will find no struggle."
"You're a mad-drake!" Elenar exclaimed. "What could cause you to do THIS?"
"I can't stand to watch those younger than me die because of my actions. This is my price to pay for the curse I've placed on my loved ones."
"Curse? CURSE?" Elenar was enraged now. "What are you TALKING about? None of them died because of you! Your brothers Valchen and Umbra died to put an end to my Grandfather Runileon! My father Alexander and Aunt Catherine died because of the War! And your wife Anna was killed by that tribe of cougars!"
"I could have prevented all of these things." Urobos replied solemnly. "Valchen and Umbra lost their lives because of a mistake I made. The would never have started if I didn't fail to get the two Kings of Aquarius and Pisces to find peace. And I could have prevented Anna's murder if I chose to stay in Faeshrine longer."
"You're over-analyzing things!" Elenar protested. "You couldn't possibly have known that-!"
"Grandpa! Momma!" A young voice shouted. Urobos's eyes lit up in surprise.
No, it can't be…
Urobos and Elenar turned, and were surprised to see a young Black dragon cub running up to them. It was Rune.
No…Urobos thought.
"Rune?" Elenar exclaimed. "What are you doing here?"
Not Rune! Not one of my Grandchildren!
"I came to find you." The cub answered. "Why haven't you left yet?"
What was he thinking? He's only a young child!
"You shouldn't have come back, Rune!" Urobos said, glaring at his grandson. "It's not safe here!"
You foolish little boy! You're going to get yourself killed being in here!
Suddenly, the doors of the Throne were were forced open. A gathering of about half a dozen dragons clad in Golden armor marched inside. They shined like small fragments of the sun as they marched fowards.
"There's three more in here!" One of them shouted.
Urobos was horrified.
They'll try to kill all three of us! It's fine if they kill me, but Elenar and Rune?
The aged dragon's gaze filled with anger.
NO!
Urobos grabbed his grandson by the gruff and handed him to Elenar.
"Flee, Elenar!" He exclaimed. "I'll hole them off here!"
"But Urobos-!"
"GO!"
Immediately, Elenar turned and fled through one of the Throne room's back entrances. Urobos, meanwhile, charged up his latend Dark energy and leapt into battle.
"DIE!" He exclaimed.
As his enemies unleashed blasts of Fire at Urobos, the Black dragon countered by unleashing a blast of Fire of his own. Soon, all the entire room was filled with Flames. The Darkstalkers were protected by their armor, and Urobos used his magic to shield himself from the flames.
With the flames now unable to harm him, Urobos started striking with mighty blasts of Earth breath and Lightning heat was so intense, the Black dragon found himself panting heavily very soon.
The Darkstalkers made many attempts to fight back back with multitudes of slashes and bites, they were almost no match at all for Urobos, even in his old age.
"Death is the price you pay for challenging a descendent of Spyro and Cynder!" He bellowed.
As the battle in the raging inferno commenced, the Dark Dragons soon fell dead, one by one. This was good, as Urobos was starting to run low on Magical energy.
As Urobos lifted a forepaw back to strike down his last opponent, several more Darkstalkers suddenly burst into the room.
"HALT!" One of them shouted. "You're surrounded, Dark monster!"
Urobos turned and faced his enemies. He had a solemn expression on his face.
He had fought valiantly, Elenar and Rune were no doubt long gone by now. His original plan could commence unhindered. And to top it off, he was going to die a hero.
Urobos stood perfectly still in a proud stand.
"Go ahead and end my life." He said to the Darkstalkers. "I have done my best up til now, and am ready to die in peace. But know this: Even if you defile my corpse, I will be remembered fondly by all."
"Bold words, beast." A Darkstalker said. "We hadn't planned on defiling your corpse, but that sounds like a GREAT idea!"
As the Darkstakers approached, Urobos shut his eyes and knelt down his head.
And this is where it ends...
Suddenly, a great noice rang out in the distance. The Black dragon looked upwards, alarmed.
What in the world?
The Darkstalkers looked around confused as the Palace started rumbling.
"Hey, what's going on?" One of them shouted.
Out of nowhere, a large aura or Red energy started engulfing the Palace Throne room. As it spread over the Darkstalkers, they started writhing in pain and screaming in agony.
Luckily, Urobos knew what the energy was: a Pain Fury.
Thinking quickly, Urobos called upon the last reserves of magic he had to use his Pain element. He then shut his eyes as the red aura passed over him...
...
A moment later, Urobos found himself slowly falling through a Great Black abyss. High above him was a massive white light, and far below him was a Green light. All around him were the Darkstalkers he was with just seconds ago. They were plummeting like boulders, and screaming in agony. Several other dragons were falling out of the Great White light, and they fell at the same rapid pace as the Darkstalkers, and screamed all the same.
This must be the descent into the Underworld, The Black dragon thought. He watched as the Darkstalkers rapidly fell out of view, while he himself was gently floating down.
I wonder why I don't feel any fear or pain? It must be because I was close to my time. No matter...
Eventually, the tide of screaming, falling dragons came to an end. Urobos slowly yet surely descended into the Great Green Void. Once he was inside, he had a good look around.
the Underworld was a Giant Green Abyss in the Center of the world. Countless numbers of Ghosts and spirits wandered around in the gargantuan expanse. Some of them were content to be dead, while others screamed in agony. Chunks of land floated around in the abyss, broken apart from the mantle of the planet ages ago. And far away, in the exact center of the world, was an enormous mass of Purple Crystal.
"So, this is what the Underworld looks like." Urobos said. "I wonder what awaits me here.."
The Black dragon floated outwards towards the abyss. As he did this, several ghosts flew behind him, blocking the path to the surface world.
"Greetings." He said to them, smiling.
"You are awefully calm for one who has just lost their life." One of the ghosts stated.
"I was an old man." Urobos replied. "I was going to die at anytime. I accept that my time came, so you won't find any despair in me."
"You are quite a wise one." Another ghost said.
"Why, thank you."
"Yes. Very wise indeed. Not at all like that Grey Dragoness."
"Grey Dragoness?" Urobos asked. "What do you mean?"
"That is none of your concern, mortal." The first ghost said. "Go. Embrace your new home. You are going to be here until the next cleansing arrives."
"The next cleansing? Elaborate!" The Black dragon demanded. But he received no response.
Not wanting to wait for eterniny, Urobos turned and wandered into the abyss.
For a good while, the Black dragon tried making convesation with a great number of spirits. Some of them were still trying to cope with the fact that they were dead, while others refused to speak with Urobos at all, fur unknown reasons.
"I never would have imagined that the afterlife would be so.. empty." He stated. "There must be someone here that I can-"
Suddenly, a thought came into his head.
"Anna!" He shouted. "And the others, too!"
Immediately, Urobos flew all around the Underworld, trying to find his long-departed lover, friends and brothers.
"Anna! Valchen! Umbra! Where are you?"
After a long bit of searching, the Black dragon still hadn't found them. Feeling hopeless, Urobos sat down on one of the floating chunks of land. It wasn't to rest: He was dead. However, he still felt like he needed a break form searching.
"Where could they be?" He wondered out loud. "Even if this realm is a massive place, surely Anna, Valchen, Umbra, Alexander and Catherina are head somewhere..."
The Black dragon looked down at the ground below him, feeling defeated once again.
But then, a familiar voice spoke to him. A voice he hadn't heard in three decades.
"Urobos?"
The Black dragon looked up, and gasped. Across the platform was a Dark Red dragoness.
"Anna?" He asked.
"She's not the only one, brother." Another familiar voice said. Umbra.
Umbra and Valchen were standing on either side of Anna. Furthermore, Alexander and Catherine were with them, too.
Urobos got up to his feet. He was nearly tearing up.
"You're all here." He said happily.
"I'm sorry we weren't able to greet you at the entrance, Urobos." Anna said. "The Underworld is a massive place. It took us a while to find you."
"Its alright, love." Urobos replied, walking towards the Dark Red dragoness. He wrapped his forelegs around her Anna did the same.
For a while, the two dragons held each other in a loving embrace. Urobos was in tears.
"I've waited so long to be with you again.." Anna said, crying as well.
"I'm here now." Her lover responded. "We're together again."
Alexander, Catherine and Umbra smiled, while Valchen chuckled.
"Isn't this just precious?" He asked, grinning. Urobos scoffed.
"Even after all these years, you're still the same smart-alek." He chided.
"Ouch!" Valchen replied. "Come on, bro! Don't be like that!"
All the other dragons laughed. Urobos laughed right along with them. He was finally among his loved ones again. He was happy.
Alas, that was not to last long.
A moment later, the silence was broken by vaguely familiar, powerful voice.
"Urobos."
The six dragons turned to face the other side of the platform, and all of them gasped.
Across from them stood a Purple dragon and a Black dragoness. Immediately, Urobos recogninzed who they were: Spyro and Cynder. His ancestors.
They appeared to be close to Urobos's age in terms of height and physical proportion, but the Black male knew that they had existed for hundreds of years. They were two of the most powerful dragons to ever live: To stand in their presence in the Afterlife was worth a thousand fortunes.
This six dragons all knelt down in servitude to their Great Shadow and her mate.
"Belay that." The Purple dragon commanded. "Arise, Urobos."
The Black dragon did as they commanded.
"It's an incredible privelege to meet the both of you." Urobos said, smiling nervously. "What could you want with me, though? I'm just a feeble old man."
"We require your aid, Urobos." Cynder answered. "We can't explain everything here; I fear that he may be spying on us."
"Who?"
"Now is not the time to explain." Spyro replied. "We will need to inform you later, when you've returned to the surface."
"The surface?" Urobos asked. "What doyou mean?"
"In order for you to aid us, you will need to return to life." Cynder answered.
"WHAT?" Urobos exclaimed. "WHY? I have finally reunited with my loved ones! I am perfectly content with being dead! Why would you intervene with my afterlife?"
"You don't understand the full gravity of the situation." Spyro snapped. "As we speak, your grandson is fleeing south."
"My grandson?" The Black male asked. "Which one?"
"It is Rune." Cynder stated. "He thinks that he's done a terrible crime, and has placed himself in self-exile from your people."
Urobos was dumbstruck.
"What are you talking about?" He asked.
"We cannont explain everything that's happened until you've returned to life." Spyro stated. "Please agree to it. Rune's life, as well as all the lives of all living dragons, are in grave danger."
Urobos looked around at his friends, brothers, and mate. He didn't want to leave them so soon.
The Black dragon ran a forepaw through his mate's mane.
"Oh, Anna..." He said sadly.
"Go." She said.
"What?"
"Return to the living world." Anna answered. "If The Great Shadow wants you to do so, then it must be very important. And besides, I'll still be here when you return. I waited decades to see you again: I can wait a few more years."
Urobos looked around at his friends and brothers. They all nodded their agreement.
"What say you, Urobos?" Spyro asked. The Black dragon turned and approached them.
"I'll do as you say." He stated. "But, how can I possibly return to the living world anyway?"
Spyro stepped fowards.
"Like this.."He said. The Purple dragon summoned an orb of pure White light, which became a great beam of energy, which struck Urobos in the chest. The Black dragon stood shocked as he slowly became engulfed in light.
"What is this?" Urobos shouted.
"Your resurrection."
Soon, The Black dragon's entire field of vision became pure White. And then, the White faded away to Darkness...
...
A moment later, Urobos was slowly waking from unconsciousness on a cold floor.
"What in the world...?"
The Black dragon got onto his feet and looked around. He was in a great cicular chamber. Various books were piled here and there. The cneter part of the floor was sunk-in, with a ring of candles around it. There were six doors, most of which appeared to be aligned with one of four elements: Fire, Water, Lightning, and Earth. The entire area had a strong aura of magic about it.
"Where am I?" Urobos asked.
"You're in the White Isle." Someone answered.
A moment later, a Teal-colored dragon walked through the doorway on the far side of the room The dragon was wearing an odd assortment of garments. His horns were shaped like lightning bolts. his hide had various spines. Oddly enough, he had no mane. And a bizarre crystal hung around his neck.
"Who are you, stranger?" Urobos asked.
"I am the Chronicler." The dragon said. "Though you may call me Ignitus. I am an old ally of Spyro and Cynder."
"Is that so?" the Black dragon replied. "Why have I been brought here?"
"You had best take a seat, Urobos." Ignitus said solemnly. "There is a lot that you must learn about..."