Act 3, Chapter 3

Zevron stepped through the cloud of Purple smoke. He found himself standing behind a row of trees in the grasslands area of the city of Glenhaven.

The sun stood directly over the world. The cold winds blew across the Black dragon's Midnight scales.

"So, this is the city of Glenhaven…" Zevron thought out loud. "I wonder if I'll be able to find the girl…"

Zevron thought of the dragoness known as Tyrrany. His father had told him about how she was a powerful young dragon, and a fitting candidate to be one of the Purple dragon's minions. The Black dragon knew that she had a son, a Purple hatchling, and that she had traveled West to Glenhaven. So, he decided to go keep an eye on her, and inform his father if anything became of the girl.

Malefor had taken the initiative to transfer a copy of one of his own memories into Zevron's mind: A memory of what Tyrrany and Denzel looked like. This way, the Black dragon would be able to find them easily.

"I better start looking for them." Zevron decided. "They could be anywhere in this city. I better try to keep a low profile."

The Black dragon turned and snuck off into Glenhaven's many streets…

…

"So, where're we headed, Flame?" Arthur asked.

"Anny and Denzel are waiting for us in the Grasslands." The red dragon answered. "I'm planning on taking them to meet a certain someone today."

"Ahh…"

When Flame brought Arthur to see Tyrrany and Denzel for the first time since they arrived in Glenhaven, the dragonfly had mixed feelings at first.

On the one hand, Arthur had all but given up on the White dragoness. He had started to believe that, maybe, Tyrrany really did intentionally murder her mother. And she had been gone for about half a year: who knows what she could have done in that time.

On the other hand, Tyrrany was his friend. Even if she was a tad aggressive over the years, she was never really a "bad" girl. And besides, Arthur remembered how the dragoness had made peace with Elenar, and also apologized to Flame and Arthur for the way she treated them. She was genuinely sorry.

And then there was little Denzel. The fact that Flame and Tyrrany had a son now surprised Arthur. Sure, he knew that the only time that he could have come to be was when Tyrrany violated Flame. However, the dragonfly knew that Tyrrany was sorry for what she did, and that the Red dragon had forgiven her.

And besides, that little dragon was just too cute. Denzel had taken a liking to Arthur, and often tried to chase and catch him. He had yet to succeed, though.

"Do you really think it's a good idea to take Anny to see him?" Arthur asked. "I mean, I can see you taking her to see Urobos, Lord Spyro and Lady Cynder, and maybe Miss Mimet, but him?"

"Hey, I think he should know that she's here." Flame replied. "Maybe we'll finally get some answers."

"I don't know about that, man."

"Oh, don't be so pessimistic."

The dragon and dragonfly continued on their way to the Grasslands.

…

"When is Daddy going to arrive, Mommy?" Denzel asked, frowning.

"He'll be here soon, Denzel." Tyrrany answered. "You need to be patient."

After Tyrrany and Denzel had gotten something to eat, they had waited there for the last few hours. Flame and Tyrrany had agreed upon this spot to be their daily meeting place, until Spyro and Cynder arrived in Glenhaven.

Denzel had gotten bored a while ago. He had spent some time chasing after some rabbits that lived in the grasslands, but he had gotten bored with that. So, he got an idea.

"Mommy, will you play with me?" The hatchling asked.

"I'm not in the mood, dear." His mother said. The hatchling walked around and looked up into Tyrrany's eyes, putting on the saddest face he could muster.

"Pleeeease, Mommy?"

The Purple dragoness sighed.

"Alright."

"Yaay!" The Denzel cheered.

The Hatchling ran around his mother and pounced onto her tail. Tyrrany then began to steadily swing her tail back and forth as Denzel held in tightly. The dragoness smiled as she listened to her son laugh.

The two dragons played like this for a few minutes. During that time, Tyrrany began to remember times when she played with her father Bergan, back when she was Denzel's age. Sure, that man was a liar and a monster, but back then, she didn't know it. To her, Bergan was her father, and the only one who seemed to genuinely love her. In a way, the dragoness wished she could go back to those days. At the very least, she would have a parent that loved her again…

After several minutes of playtime, Tyrrany heard someone approach. She looked up to see Flame and Arthur come down for a landing.

"Hi, Anny." The Red dragon greet, smiling. The dragoness smiled back.

"Daddy!" Denzel shouted happily. The hatchling immediately got off of Tyrrany and ran up to give Flame's foreleg a hug.

"Hiya, Den." The Red dragon chuckled, returning the hug.

Tyrrany stepped forwards and kissed Flame hello.

"How did your rounds go today, guys?" she asked, smiling.

"They went about as good as they usually go." Flame answered.

"Some Crepsculi attacked today, but they were dealt with," Arthur added.

"Yeah.." The Red dragon looked Tyrrany in the eyes. "Anny, there's someone in town that you need to see."

"Is Cynder finally back?" The dragoness asked.

"Not that I know of. But that's not who it is." Flame replied. "He's in the city jail."

Tyrrany gave her mate a confused look.

"Uh… Why would I want to see someone who's been arrested?" She queried.

"It's someone you know." Flame replied.

"Who is it?" Tyrrany demanded.

"Will you go see them after I tell you?"

"It depends on who it is…"

Flame sighed. He leaned in close to Tyrrany and whispered into her ear hole.

"..My Dad…"

The dragoness gasped in shock.

"Why do you want me to see him?" She whispered back.

"Well, I really think you two need to meet." Flame responded.

"Who?" Denzel asked, looking up at his parents. The two dragons exchanged glances.

"Is it okay to bring Denzel?" Flame asked. "I mean, if you want to go, that is."

"Go where?" The hatchling asked. "What are you talking about?"

The dragoness thought for a minute.

"Well….."

After a moment, she finally decided.

"Sure, I'll go talk to him." Tyrrany said. "And Denzel can see him too."

"See who?" Denzel demanded. "Why won't you tell me, Mommy?"

"You'll find out soon enough, Den." Flame said, smiling. He turned to face Tyrrany again. "Let's go."

"Alright." The dragoness said. She sat on her haunches so Denzel could climb up onto her back. "Come on, Denzel."

"Can't I ride on top of Daddy this time?" The Hatchling asked. The Red dragon chuckled.

"Sure, why not?"

Flame sat down and let the hatchling climb up onto his back and wrap his wing blades around his father's neck. The red dragon then spread his wings and took off for flight, Tyrrany and Arthur following after him.

"Follow me."

Little did the they know that, off to the side of the grasslands, they were being watched by a Black dragon. Zevron.

"Hmmm…" The son of Malefor thought to himself. "The female is familiar, but that hatchling is an almost absolute match for the hatchling. They must be wearing disguises to walk amongst the commoners."

As the dragons and their dragonfly companion took off for the Glenhaven Jail, Zevron quietly followed them, using his magic to stay hidden from the populace on the ground.

…

Flame, Tyrrany, Denzel and Arthur walked down the rows of cell chambers. Two Cheetah Guards led them to Anthony's cell. The hatchling walked between his parents, shivering.

"Are you alright, Denzel?" Tyrrany asked.

"This place is scary." The hatchling replied, "Why are we here, Mommy?"

"There's someone here that we're going to visit, Denzel." Flame answered.

"Who?"

"You'll find out soon, dear." Tyrrany replied.

One of the Cheetahs eyed the Purple dragoness and the hatchling.

"Who are you two?" He asked. "And why haven't we seen you around before?"

"We're visitors from Faeshrine." Tyrrany said. "I'm an old friend of Flame's."

The Two cheetah guards exchanged glances. The dragoness hid her worry.

Will they buy if? She thought. It's not like I was even lying…

"Whatever." The Cheetah said. The dragoness hid a sigh of relief.

A moment later, the group arrived at one of the Jail cells.

"He's in here." The Guard told Tyrrany. "You all have a half an hour, as usual."

"I'll go in first." Flame said. The Red dragon pushed past the Guards and walked inside. Tyrrany, Denzel and Arthur followed suit.

Anthony was chained up and muzzled, like always. This time, it seemed like he was sleeping upon Flame's arrival, snoring peacefully.

As the cell door was closed by the cheetahs, Flame walked up to the metal bars.

"Dad!" He shouted, trying to get Anthony's attention. "DAD!"

Anthony woke with a start.

"What..?" The older red dragon replied, surprised. When he saw Flame's face, he calmed down. "Oh…"

Anthony got up onto his legs and walked as far as the metal chains would allow him.

"Good Afternoon, son." He said.

"Hey, Dad." Flame replied.

Anthony looked behind his son and saw Tyrrany and Denzel standing by the doorway, though he didn't recognize either of them.

"Flame, who are they?" He asked. Flame sighed.

"You're going to be very surprised, Dad."

"Why is that?"

Tyrrany approached the bars, amazed. She hadn't seen Anthony in a long time. It was amazing to see one of the powerful, authorities adults in her life reduced to the form of a common prisoner.

"It's…uh.." She stuttered nervously, "it's nice to see you again, Anthony."

The older Red dragon was shocked.

"That voice!" He shouted. "No… it couldn't possibly be…"

Tyrrany removed her Shroud of Darkness, revealing her Snow White hide. Anthony was alarmed.

"YOU!" He exclaimed, suddenly becoming enraged. "Of all the dragons to visit me.. YOU, Tyrrany?"

The rise in the older Red dragon's voice caused Denzel to hide behind his mother, frightened.

"You should be ashamed of yourself!" Anthony began. "I know you were an aggravated young dragoness all your life, and would often get into fights with other children. I also know that you were driven by rage at your mother for abandoning you. But of all the things for you to do, you decided to VIOLATE Flame?"

"Dad…" Flame tried to interrupt, to no avail. Tyrrany, however, just stood there, taking it in.

"What were you THINKING, you impudent girl? How could you possibly force yourself onto the one dragon who's always tried to be there for you? What did he do to warrant such a deed? Do you value the lives of ANYONE other than yourself?"

"Dad.." The younger Red dragon shouted, still not getting Anthony's attention.

"And then you have the gall to vanish for six months, only to reappear NOW! That's some nerve you got, showing your face to me after all this time! Even if Flame's forgiven you for your disgusting deed, don't think that I ever will!"

"DAD!" Flame exclaimed, agitated. "STOP IT!"

"What?" Anthony snapped, glancing at his son. "I'm adamant about this!"

"Dad, look at her." The younger Red dragon demanded.

Tears were running down the White dragoness's face. She was sniffling.

"I'm sorry!" Tyrrany shouted miserably. "I was wrong to do what I did! I wasn't thinking straight that night! Flame truly has been the best of friends to me, and what I did to him that night was a horrible way to show thanks. I AM ashamed of myself: You don't have to suggest it!"

The White dragoness crumpled onto the floor, crying profusely. Anthony just glared down at her, still quite angry.

Denzel walked around and hugged Tyrrany's foreleg, tears flowing from his face as well. He didn't fully understand what any of the older dragons were talking about, but he knew that his mother was very, very sad about something.

"Are you okay, Mommy?" The hatchling asked.

Anthony flinched in surprise.

"What did that boy call you just now?" He queried.

Flame reached down and lifted Denzel into the air.

"Hey!" the hatchling complained. "Put me down, Daddy!"

"What?" Anthony shouted.

Flame turned to face his father.

"This is Denzel." The younger Red dragon stated, showing the hatchling to his father. "He's mine and Anny's son."

Anthony was about to ask how this was possible, but he realized fully well how it was.

"So, he was conceived when you were…" He began, but stopping himself from saying it again. "When it happened."

"Yeah…" Flame replied, putting Denzel back down. The hatchling then hugged his mother's foreleg, trying to calm her down. The Red dragon walked around Tyrrany and wrapped his tail around her, holding her close.

The dragoness looked back up at Anthony. She no longer cried, but she was still clearly upset.

"I know that you hate me for what I did, Anthony.." She said, defeated. "I can't ask you to forgive me for what I did to Flame. All I ask of you is to not hate Denzel because of it."

"Oh, he better not…" Flame said angrily.

"What?" Anthony asked, surprised. The younger Red dragon glared up at his father.

"Dad, I love Denzel. He's my son: Your grandson. The main reason I brought him and Anny here was for you to meet him and get back onto good terms with Anny. Whether you like it or not, I'm going to help Anny raise him. The two of us aren't just friends anymore: We're mates. She and Denzel are my family. Go ahead and hate Tyrrany and Denzel: If you do, then you'll have to lose your son as well."

Anthony looked down at Flame. The older Red dragon was completely shocked.

"You can't be serious, can you?" He asked.

"I'm dead serious." Flame snapped. "I've been wasting six months trying to get you to tell me where mom is so I can see her again, but all you've done is leave me in the dark. And you claim it's so you can protect me and her. Well guess what: I'm Denzel's father and Anny's mate. And I'm going to protect them, just like you've always told me. And if you're going to be hostile towards them, then I'm going to protect Anny and Denzel from you. Not that I'll need to worry about that, since you're in prison and all."

There was an awkward silence in the room for a while.

"Man.." Arthur said at one point. "That's harsh."

After a while, Anthony shed a few tears.

"Flame, I don't want to lose you." He said. "You're my son."

"Not anymore." Flame said coldly. "I don't want to be considered your son, unless you also consider Anny to be your daughter-in-law. But since that's not going to happen, I might as well just take my family and walk out of your life forever."

"NO!" Anthony shouted. "Damnit, Flame, give me some time to speak!"

"I'm listening…" Flame said, holding his mate tighter. Denzel managed to squeeze into the hold as well.

"Flame," Anthony began, "I only want you to be happy. And I'm amazed by how adamant you are about defending Tyrrany-"

"That's not my name anymore." The dragoness interrupted. "Call me Hope or Anny."

"Fine. You would genuinely do anything to make her happy. Even if the circumstances are less than desirable, you've proven that you're going to make a fine provider for her and your son."

"Really?" Tyrrany asked.

"What about Denzel?" Flame queried.

"I have nothing against Denzel." Anthony replied. "What kind of man would I be to hold a grudge against an innocent hatchling?"

"So you consider him your grandson?" Flame asked.

"Of course."

"But what about Anny, then?"

"I…" Anthony stammered, which irritated Flame.

"Goodbye, Dad." He said, turning to leave.

"Wait!" The older Red dragon shouted. "I forgive her!"

Tyrrany stood back up, sniffling a little.

"Thank you, Anthony." She said, slightly happy.

"All I ask is that you do your best to be a good mother to Denzel." The older Red dragon stated. "Prove to me that your wrathful ways are long since dead."

"Of course I will."

"Does this mean that the subject can finally be dropped?" Flame asked his father.

"Yes." Anthony answered. "And I'll do my best to keep the truth of Denzel's birth a secret from your mother in the future."

"Speaking of Mom…" The younger Red dragon said, "Are you still going to keep her location a secret from me?"

Anthony sighed.

"No." He answered. "I'll finally tell you where she and the other senior partners of the FTC are."

"You serious?" Arthur shouted. "You're not pulling our legs, are you, Mr. A?"

"Of course not." Anthony replied. "All I ask is that you all flee there immediately, so you can find a good place to hide in the coming Apocalypse."

"We'll talk about that later." Flame said. "Tell me: Where are they?"

Anthony took in a deep breath.

"Dante's Holocaust." He said. "Some six months ago, a fleet of the FTC's ships, led by the Sweet Memories, arrived in Dante's Holocaust to begin construction of the FTC's Biocybernetics division in the wasteland. Since Bergan resurrected the Victiumirti, I assume the Building has been used as a safe house by the employees that remained there. The Sweet Memories docked at the southern edge of the Arcus Desert: That's how I arrived here in Glenhaven, along with Richard and several other employees. I imagine that the ship is still docked there."

"Why?" Tyrrany asked.

"They aren't allowed to leave unless I am above the ship. However, I'm sure they will allow you all entry, since you're the children of senior partners."

"Thank you for telling us all this, Dad." Flame said happily.

"Your welcome." Anthony replied. "I suggest you all leave now, and try to get out of Glenhaven as soon as possible."

"What about you?" Tyrrany asked.

"Don't worry about me, Hope." Anthony replied. "It doesn't matter what happens to me. As long as you're all safe, then I've done my job as a Father."

"Okay.."

Tyrrany reapplied her disguise, and she, Flame, Arthur and Denzel turned to leave.

"Bye, Dad." Flame said behind himself. "Thank you for finally telling me."

"Good luck, son." Anthony said back. "Be safe."

…

The group walked out of the Jail and took to the skies. Denzel rode on Flame's back again.

"So, what now?" Arthur asked.

"We head to Miss Mimet's Headquarters immediately." Flame said. "We need to tell her about the Building in Dante's Holocaust."

"Why?" Tyrrany asked.

"We need to get Mimet to let Dad out of Jail." The Red dragon answered. "Plus, I'm trying to gain the Guardians' trust."

"If you say so.."

The group continued on their way. Meanwhile, they were being watched by Zevron, who was hidden in a back alley next to the Jail.

The Black dragon couldn't follow the group inside, so he waited for them to come back out. He had listened in on their conversation a moment ago, and became curious.

"Where could this 'Dante's Holocaust' be, I wonder…"

Suddenly, Zevron felt a presence in the back of his mind, who was making contact with him. It was Malefor.

Zevron, can you hear me?

"Yes, father." The Black dragon responded. "What is it?"

Did you find the girl and her son?

"Yes, father. I'm about to continue following them this very minute."

Good. The Purple dragon sounded pleased. However, you have a new, secondary objective.

"I do?" Zevron asked. "What is it this time?"

Kill indiscriminately.

"Father?"

The invasion of Glenhaven is about to begin, and I command you to take part in it, to keep the others from suspecting us any further.

"As you command, father." Zevron said obediently. "But, when is the invasion going to commence?"

Look to the skies.

The Black dragon did as his father commanded.

His Jaw nearly hit the floor.

…

A few moments ago, on the northern section of the Arcus Desert…

Urobos was slowly making his way across the desert. Behind him were Spyro, the Deep Shadows, and several hundred dragons and Nondragons, all tired and lethargic.

Spyro walked up alongside The Aged Black dragon.

"It's been a grueling journey, hasn't it?" The Purple dragon asked.

"Aye." Urobos agreed. "But, it's almost over." The Black dragon pointed at the great city that stood on the horizon, slowly approaching.

"We are almost to Glenhaven at last!"

Ever since the last of the White dragon hatchlings were laid to rest, the entire population of Warfang left the city: Nothing was left for them there. They made their way across the Central Ocean without too much problems. The Moles and Cats had to walk across a long string of Ice bridges, but that problem was taken care of over time.

When The massive entourage arrived in the Fractured Hills, the citizens of the Hills' settlements were confused by the Warfang peoples' exodus. Urobos found himself talking to the leader of the Fractured Hills. It was an old acquaintance, the Ex-Queen of Clan Cancer, the dragoness Sara.

Sara and her husband, another Memory dragon named Graham, were the current leaders of the Fractured Hills settlements. Sara had a Pink hide and a light pink underbelly. She had Brown eyes, and Yellow horns that curved backwards on her head. She had a long Blue mane, and a short, beaklike snout. A gold necklace with a Red Gem in the center hung around her neck, and a Purple symbol shaped like a crab was imprinted on each of her back hind legs.

After spending some time to get reacquainted, Urobos explained to Sara the full scope of the situation at hand. After much deliberation, Sara decided to go along with the Black dragon, as well as bring any villagers of the settlements that wished to come along. Her reasoning was that the city would provide better protection from the invading Crepsculi and the Victiumirti than the settlements ever would.

So, with the entourage increased in size by about two hundred Light dragons, Urobos and Spyro led them all across the desert.

And here they were now, only about a quarter of a day's journey away from Glenhaven.

Tina pushed past the Deep Shadows and ran alongside Urobos.

"It's about time!" She shouted. "I was beginning to think we'd never make it!"

The Black dragon chuckled.

"Well, we're almost there." He reassured. "Why, we're practically already there."

Sara walked up to Urobos as well.

"That's good." She said. "I wonder if I'll be able to find my daughter.."

"You're daughter?"

"Her name is Ember." Sara replied. "Graham and I decided to send here to the Glenhaven school to learn magic there about half a year ago. We haven't seen here since then."

"Well, I'm sure she's alright." The Black dragon replied. "But anyway, standing around talking about it won't get us there. Let's go."

The massive entourage continued on its way, getting closer and closer to Glenhaven.

Suddenly, something happened that made Urobos gasp in surprise.

Far across the land, two enormous masses of energy appeared at Glenhaven. A large Black ring of Darkness circled the walls of the city, while a giant Purple Portal appeared above the city itself.

Crepsculi swarmed out of the Darkness, while scores of Giant dragons flew out of the Purple portal. And among those Giant dragons were three Victiumirti: Amouris, Adpetis, and Malefor.

Urobos and the Deep Shadows took off into flight without hesitation, racing towards the city. The hundreds of dragons followed suit…