Going home
"It has been a while, perhaps even too long again." Hunter said. He grabbed the rim of his silky red hood and pushed it behind his head so the happy, little purple dragon could clearly see his reassuring spotted, furry face. It was then he noted all the faded scratches and dried mud clogging the gaps in between his dusty scales, not forgetting to mention the obvious, crudely made bandage barely clinging onto his fore leg. "But I see the times have not been kind to you. Have you been engaging in combat with those of Warfang?"
"No, why?" Spyro replied, giving a puzzled look.
"No reason then," Hunter was relieved to hear the news, releasing a content sigh. He detected the truthfulness in Spyro's voice and that led him to the conclusion that the rumours Umbrafor was spewing were lies.
"It's great seeing you," Spyro eagerly spoke, flickering his tail in excitement.
"Jeez, calm down Spyro buddy, give the golden guy some breathing space," Sparx butted in, sitting casually on the top of Spyro's head, giving the amethyst drake the impression of a purple angler fish.
Spyro gave a sheepish, apologetic look before stepping back.
"It is also pleasing to see you are doing well, Sparx," Hunter added, not forgetting the yellow dragonfly.
"Yeah, good seeing you too. But I tell you, living with an outcast is hard when you're only ever in his shadows and never on a poster. I would look dashing in an eye patch…" Sparx mumbled carefree.
Spyro couldn't help but grin at the thought - a dragonfly in an eyepatch… "What are you doing here though, Hunter?" Spyro asked. He was curious why he would want to talk to him unlike others.
"I have been tracking you, my friend. I have to admit that you are an elusive one, even when not underground and stationary."
"Unfortunately, I have to be with all that's going on," Spyro sighed regretfully. His tail sagged slightly and stopped brushing against the ground.
"Regardless young one, know there are still those who support you; the Guardians and I still hold our faith in you and believe you."
"Hey, what about me? I'm sure I could just as easily do what he could... I mean, I might not have the flashy fire or what not sorcery, but was I not the one that whooped Sniff's butt back on the Salvager's ship..Savages ship? I'm sure it's one of those..."
"Skavengers, Sparx. But I can't believe you still hold onto that, Sparx…" Spyro giggled.
"What? Give me credit, man. That ugly bugger was twice my size and three times as fat at least. But I was just like bam! He was like, ugh, and I was like take that…" Sparx leapt of Spyro's head and began throwing little air punches, making sounds to accompany each blow.
"Okay Sparx. We get it," Spyro laughed. Tt was dry, but a true laugh nonetheless.
"Well, good, because I'm tired of you getting all the attention," Sparx muttered. Spyro couldn't tell if he meant this or if this was a just another rant Spyro was used to.
"You would find, Sparx, your name has been spoken amongst many of the smaller residents, most notably other dragonflies of the opposite gender," Hunter posed, finding the normally irritating nuisance to be entertaining when he wasn't yelling death in your ears.
"Really?" Sparx perked up, completely forgetting what he was doing as his self-respect took over. "You hear that Spyro, the ladies are wanting all of this. But none of you." Sparx gestured to himself with a slow presentation before exaggerating at the word 'this'.
"On the contrary, Sparx, there are still those who have made…suggestive comments I might say about him. However, I have a feeling that won't spark your interest. Not while she is still around."
Spyro blushed at the last remark, but his deep scarlet meant the red hue barely shown itself. "You know?"
"Wait, who we talking about? What she?" Sparx simply asked clueless.
"I can see it in your eyes, but your love is not misplaced."
"Hold on…are we talking about Demon girl? The one who on numerous occasions tried murdering us?!" Sparx panicked, although ignored.
"Have you found her?" Spyro asked hopefully.
"Unfortunately, no. But I have no doubt she is out there looking for you; she is strong enough to take care of herself."
Spyro faltered for a second as he turned to his thoughts. "Where are you Cynder?" Though the majority of his mind was at ease and contempt in the company of Hunter, a little part of still worked tirelessly, keeping the important questions in view of his brain.
Sparx, who was getting annoyed at being ignored, took it upon himself to be noticed. He flew erratically like a frenzied light right in front of brother. This piece of news had really rattled the poor dragonfly. "Hello?! I will not be ignored while my brother has a crush on a psychopath!" the distraught dragonfly raved.
Spyro couldn't help but smirk at the dragonfly's expression. It was just as threatening as looking at angry baby panda, just less cute.
"It doesn't take an ounce of- Aaargh!" Sparx screamed as Spyro blew a whiff of ice breath, sending chills down the Dragonfly's spine. Causing him to squeal in shock as he raced to the fire. "Too cold, too cold!" he cried in hysteria, much to the amusing grunts produced from Hunter and Spyro's satisfaction.
"That was not cool bro!"
"I hate to disagree sparx but it looked pretty cool to me," Spyro giggled at his pun while Hunter smirked.
"I swear brother that after I warm up, we're going to have a serious talk about your choice in women!" Sparx growled, pointing an accusing finger at his giggling brother. He then focused on warming up, completely blocking out anything else, which gave Hunter and Spyro some time to talk amongst themselves.
"It is good to see you two in high spirits. Loneliness is a desolate frame of mind."
"I've got Sparx to thank for that...he's been a real light to me,"
"The bond between brothers is something truly remarkable. Something I have witnessed several times, but still as extraordinary as the first," Hunter proudly admitted. He leaned forward in an upright position, and carefully eyed the red blood dripping meat he had roasting near the fire on a brown roughly made stake; breakfast for the morning.
A short while of alleviated silence passed, as only the soft crackling of burning twigs, soft whistling of the bitter wind, and ever-present thunder ripping overhead.
Spyro decided to break the quietness by asking the question lingering on his tongue. Hunter though had already prepared an answer.
"Why are you looking for us, Hunter?"
"I was sent by the guardians to find you and investigate how Warfang fairs. I even spared some time to see if I could track down Cynder, because I held a feeling that that is why you still wander around here. However, you and Warfang are my priorities," Hunter established.
"The guardians sent you? Why would they ask about Warfang if they are there now?" Spyro asked, slightly baffled at the half-answer.
Hunter nodded in response to part one of the question. "After the Guardian's actions, the day of your banishment, they were forced to leave. But instead of giving up they gathered at the temple."
"The temple I thought that was destroyed?" Spyro exclaimed, as each answer Hunter provided only brought up more questions.
"Not all of it, only the main part. The temple is much larger than you would believe. After their act of allowing you to escape, they were exiled from the encampment and so now reside within the walls of the temple. They still, however, stay their hand and along with dozens of moles, dragons of different ages and even some dragonflies from the surrounding swamps continue to do what they can for the realm. However, that is not possible without the help of you, Spyro."
"They all…believe in me?" Spyro asked, each answer seeming more and more like a hopeful dream than reality.
Again, Hunter nodded meaningfully, knowing well enough how much these kinds of things meant to the purple dragon, "There are still those who still believe in you, more than you might know. Now I ask you, would you two like come with me?"
"Of course. If it is our best shot at correcting my mistakes, then I accept. Are you coming, Sparx?"
"If it means seeing Mom and Dad then you know I'm in."
Spyro's mind froze for a moment at that thought...having to face his parents even after stating before he wouldn't. He looked upon Sparx's beaming face and it was clear as day he really wanted this. "Maybe I should do this...Surely they would forgive him...right?"
While Spyro was engaged in his thoughts, Sparx broke out into conversation with Hunter.
"Say Hunter…how soft is your fur?" Sparx inquired, eyeing his golden lustful coat.
"Cheetahs are known for their soft fur. Why is that young Sparx?" Hunter replied, peaked by the unusual request.
"Oh, no reason…just don't worry about it," Sparx added off hand, pretending to focus more on his own hands than the actual cheetah.
"Very well, I suggest we sleep for the night then. We have a long journey ahead of us," the cheetah suggested. He glanced upwards to see if there was any way to gauge time, although thundery skies floated by Hunter could tell by the many free patches over Avalar that it is night time.
"Agreed. But are you sure we are safe enough here?" Spyro inquired.
"We are never safe during these dark times, but we should be undisturbed for the night."
Spyro nodded as he watched the cheetah ready himself.
Hunter grunted, pushing downwards with his hands off the log to his feet, grabbing his bow and leaping onto a nearby branch in a tree with graceful precision. He then slid his back down the trunk of the tree so his back was planted firm on the tree, his rear on the branch and his feet dangling. He then lowered the hood on his cape and promptly closed his eyes.
All Spyro could think was the oddness of a creature feeling the need to sleep in a tree or somewhere high as he watched Hunter settle down. Then again it would keep them safe from the ground variant of grublins. Well, whatever the reason, Spyro decided it was a good time to get some sleep as well. He stretched out his tired claws and curled himself up, releasing a large yawn and shutting his eyelids, enjoying being able to finally sleep in safety and in company of another friend.
Sparx meanwhile had been hovering around, waiting for his companions to fall asleep. When the coast was clear he fluttered up to where Hunter resided and hovered towards his exposed arm. He then waved silently to Hunter's face to make sure he was asleep. Feeling satisfied that the cheetah was dozing he landed on his uncovered, soft, furry arm and promptly snuggled into it.
The truth was Hunter was aware of his presence the whole time, but simply didn't move and only opened his eyes when the dragonfly had turned his gaze away. He simply smiled on as the dragonfly made himself at home, nestling himself into the cheetah's arm.
"Soft…as a sheep…" he heard Sparx mutter. With his free arm his simply lowered his hood further over his face and smiled.
When one sleeps well, time seems to pass effortlessly. The sun quickly appeared the next morning above one of the few patches the looming clouds had yet to cover, alerting Hunter it was time to move on. He didn't, however, forget that the dragonfly remained nestled on his arm. He opened his eyes, and almost mechanically, gently plucking the creature off his arm and deposited him on a nearby branch that dipped ever so slightly under the dragonfly's tiny weight.
"Sparx," Hunter whispered, "it is time to arise. We should be leaving soon."
"Eurgh…" Sparx moaned like a zombie, clearly more interested in staying there in his happy dreams than the cold, harsh reality. "Why, Mum…why did you take my pillow…" he groggily grumbled.
He then firmly grasped his bow and silent as a whisper, climbed down the tree. Trudging quietly over to Spyro, he gave him a soft poke with one end of the bow. This caused the dragon to grumble and roll onto his soft stomach. Hunter proceeded to continuously poke the dragon until he did finally stir.
"I'm up…I'm up," Spyro mumbled.
"Good, the sun is up and now is the time we should be moving. After some breakfast, though of course."
"Okay, dad…" Spyro again mumbled.
"Certainly brothers…" Hunter thought, amused to himself.
It took a moment, but soon the buzzing wings of Sparx had begun flapping and Spyro's jaw stretched out wide as he yawned as both awoke from their sleepy trance.
"Did someone...mention breakfast?" Sparx lazily asked as he yawned in between his sentence.
"Indeed, venison to be exact."
"Venison? What is that? It sounds like something that wants to eat me…everything wants to eat me…"
"It is a gift to our lands, a blessing from our ancestors."
"Do you have anything, you know…more butterfly like?"
"Butterflies are plentiful, but if you do dine on them then give them the most utmost respect. They are reminders that our ancestors are watching over-"
"Sure, I'll say something like thank you for letting me eat you or something," Sparx said, fluttering off into the surrounding forest to munch on the yummy butterflies.
"Would you perhaps like some venison though Spyro?"
"What is Venison? I've never heard of it."
"It comes from the deer native to Avalar. We hunt it for it's fur and meats. But we also used to trade it with Warfang many years ago."
"Yes please, I've never eaten any."
"You will not regret it, I assure you," Hunter insisted, slicing a piece off and offering it to the dragon. He then proceeding to cut a piece for himself.
After the meal, Spyro rested his underbelly on the dark green grass, simply laying there and waiting for his rather scrumptious breakfast to go down slightly. Hunter had grabbed his glistening, masterfully crafted blade and wiped the red blood stains off using the grass. He then opened up a leather pouch he carried on his thin waist and withdrew a whetstone, beginning to sharpen the gleaming piece of steel.
"Delicious…" Spyro sighed to himself. He found parts of it crunchy, but at the same time, other parts were soft and tender. He had never had a cooked meal before, but he considered it the best meal he has had in a long time...
"I'm glad you feel that way."
Sparx had just returned, licking the edge of his mouth dry after devouring several butterflies. He hovered just slightly above the still cindering ashes of the fire, trying to get that little bit more heat.
Hunter was about to the grind the stone down the blade again when his ears twitched. He peered his spotted head upwards towards the same clouds, seeking the source of disturbance.
"What is it Hunter?" Spyro said, noticing how tense his friend had gotten.
"Another storm is approaching. We should get moving, if we leave now we can make for the temple by nightfall." Hunter picked up his quiver and hoisted the leather strap over his right shoulder before lifting his bow across his other shoulder. He stuffed the whetstone into his pouch and shifted his blade back into his sheath.
"Right, Sparx, let's go," Spyro called to dragonfly. As he did so, he shifted himself off his stomach and chased after his furry friend.
Hunter passed under a branch, closely followed by Spyro and Sparx.
"We should avoid using the main roads, they are most likely to be patrolled," Hunter warned.
"Then we should go by the side of it. It's what we did, it kept us safe most of the time…"
"When was the last time you were caught?" Hunter inquired. He asked because he knew the ins and outs of tracking someone. He needed to know this information so he could guess the chances of them still being followed at this point.
He then passed around another tree, and in front lain a thick wall of stone ridges that divided there and Avalar. But a crack that divided here from Avalar was also present not too far from there, giving the cheetah clear indication this was the right way.
"A group of dragons tracked us down to Quakedor's beach yesterday. I think they called themselves the Sentinels?"
"The Sentinels?" Hunter asked forebodingly. "This situation is worse than I imagined."
"Why? Who are the Sentinels?" Spyro asked, worried why Hunter's tone suddenly darkened. He quickened his pace to match that of Hunter's and walked by his side, all the while not removing his gaze.
"The Sentinels are dragons who make it their job to either take down or take in other creatures who have breached the laws; in other words, they are bounty hunters. They came into Warfang when the Dark Master's war was rising to it's prime."
"And how dangerous are they?" Spyro asked.
"The odds would've turned considerably in our favour if they helped us in the war, but instead they did no such thing, only hunting down petty thieves, claiming it is they who are the 'true' plague to the world. Forgive me for my bitterness, but they are not dragons to be trusted. Rumours have it they are ruthless to their prey, efficient at hunting, and most of all, have never failed their job. That is why they have earned their reputation. This has only worsened since they've come to power."
"What's to worry about? we've got a dragon of our own to defend us if they find us again," Sparx said, shrugging off the warning.
"Sparx, I keep telling you we don't have to hurt people," Spyro commented.
"We will not be engaging any of them," Hunter reinforced.
"Hunter, what else do you know about them?"
"The dragons that make up the Sentinels are divided into three groups: the Sapphire squad, the Ruby squad and the Emerald Squad-"
"The Emerald squad! They were the ones who found us!" Spyro burst out.
Hunter nodded in acknowledgement. "The three together are led by one dragon called Umbrafor."
"Umbrafor…that name does sound familiar."
"Dude, that's the name of that creepy black dragon that drove us out of the city."
"Sparx is right. He is the leader of them, and now the current leader of Warfang...but dark stories surround him, like rumours he once made deals with the apes…but he is most infamous for his Sentinel program."
"What was the purpose of this program?"
"To create the ultimate dragons. To have them at his disposal makes Umbrafor a very dangerous dragon to have as an enemy, which unfortunately is you, Spyro."
"But if they have found me before, what's stopping them from finding me again at the temple?" Spyro worried. All this time he had been worried that they had been following - that they still were following.
"The location of the temple is something only disclosed to the guardians and very few others. That was originally what made it so safe for the containment of yours, Cynder's and all eggs. But what you have said does worry me though. If they managed to track you to somewhere as uninhabited as Quakedor's Beach on the south coast of the continent..."
Hunter was about to say something else, but by that stage they were through the crack in the cliffs. By now they had reached the edge of Avalar. The growl of the storm grew ever closer as Hunter constantly giving ever nervous gazes towards the horizon above the trees at the dancing lightning. The storm was faster approaching than he had hoped. But regardless they had to keep moving. The village was also within sight.
Spyro could see the cheetahs carrying planks of woods around the outsides of the walls even though the darkened skies made everything else…Well, dark. More cheetahs were also spotted using hammers to nail the planks upon the wall. It had looked like they recently were attacked and were only starting to recover and make repairs. What caught Spyro's attention though was a panicking cheetah sprinting up the hill towards the village; he was welcomed by a couple of his brethren. The first cheetah though was pointing madly out onto the valley behind him. Curious, Spyro averted his gaze towards the cheetah was pointing but saw nothing…at first. Shortly after the faint flicker of a torch appeared from behind a hill, followed by an arm, head, and finally…an axe. The glowing red bipedal creature came within view, followed by a dozen or so more of the creatures. And shortly after them, an abundance of strange, soggy looking, squishy, blade-wielding underlings, at least thirty of them.
"Orcs…" Spyro hissed quietly.
He could see them clearly - he could see they were heading to the village.
I think we all can see what's going to happen next. But what will Spyro do? If he helps the cheetahs he will be spotted, and they would mostly tell Warfang. But if he stands by the Orcs may wipe the cheetahs out. But regardless the next chapter won't be of Spyro, it will be going back our friends Charditus and his team.
Until next chapter adios.