Fallen Stars
Spyro's eyes snapped open the next morning. Much unlike his usual feeling safe and sound leg stretching. Instead he felt tense, like someone or something was about to pounce teeth bared and opened claws upon his neck (he had developed tendencies like this during his time as an outcast).
Without moving Spyro scanned his limited surroundings. He was still in the same room he fell asleep, good. He then wiggled various parts of his body, wings, talons and head. Nothing seemed to be restricting him. Last of his checks included him remaining dead still if he could hear anything, breathing, tapping. But nothing, he was alone…too alone.
"Where's Sparx?" Spyro asked himself. As the usual glitter of gold that came from above was lacking to say the least. Feeling secure Spyro arose from his once-comfortable position, allowing him to fully explore the room. And sure enough, there were no golden dragonfly to be sighted.
"Odd…" He tried thinking of all the possibilities. "Maybe he couldn't find his way here. But then again he would've just asked the guards…insults in all." Spyro then snickered at another thought he had. "Maybe he 'hooked' up with one of the ladies for the night. I doubt he would say no to a request like that. That is more like him."
Feeling he had busted the mystery Spyro finally stretched out his various limbs, loosening them and overall feeling more relaxed. However, something was still gnawing at the back of his mind…but instead he just simply chose to ignore it.
Spyro spotted a plate of two salmons caught by the moles in the nearby Silver river, resting on the table. The sight of them made him realise how hungry he really was. He hosted himself onto his back legs he heartily feasted upon the fish, feeling very satisfied afterwards. Who knew such a simple meal could taste so delicious. Spyro felt full, at least he wouldn't need to eat for a while. He padded his way over to the red door and calmly placed his claw on it. With a silent rumble, it parted revealing the corridor again. Either side of the door two mole guards stood watching over. Despite their similar looking fur and same beady little eyes Spyro could tell they were different from the night before.
"Mornin' erm, Spyro." One of them roughly spoke with a chiselled voice. "Master Volteer was waiting for ya to awake from ya beauty sleep."
"Really? well thank you for telling me." Spyro responded, he knew what he wanted and he was not looking forward to it…
"Come on Brim, the dragons' on the move and so are we." The mole spoke once more to his comrade. The other mole, clearly younger and inexperienced hurriedly moved into position.
Spyro set forth with both moles right behind. Again, it felt a little awkward as Spyro spent most of his time watching either his own back or someone he really trusted watching it. Not a couple of simple moles 'guarding' him from an area with no danger. But he was sure he would get used to it. The Guardians knew what they were doing.
Spyro and the two moles marched on into the training room, where several of the moles were undergoing tough exercises to keep them in shape. They marched around the edge of the room, getting halfway, a dragon in the side experimenting room caught sight of them and hollowed for them.
"Ah! Salutations my violet scholar. You're exactly the fellow I had been anticipating for." It was Volteer, and he was performing some sort of experimentation on a blue crystal.
Feeling inquired to enter Spyro wandered in along with the moles.
"No no, we no longer should agonise you with the predicament of constant surveillance. You two hereby relieved of your routine and relish one selves in a healthy procurement of vitamins and minerals." Volteer ordered.
Both moles just looked at each other in confusion.
"He means you two don't have to watch over me anymore and instead you can go get something to eat."
"Oh, of cause master Volteer. We'll take you upon that offer most sincerely." The moles happily obliged, food on his mind. "Come on Brim, breakfast is calling'."
With that the left without hesitation. Leaving Spyro and the much larger Volteer on their own in the lab.
"I owe you and Master Cyril an apology…" Spyro sighed.
"What are you procuring on about Spyro?" Volteer asked.
"Last night I refused the advances of both your prized student and Cyril's own cousin. All because I wasn't ready to move on." Spyro acknowledged.
"Nonsense, Garbage and Boloney my boy." Volteer said, rejecting his reason.
"Huh?"
"The predicament you have raised is of no issue, instead to be expected of a dragon of your personality." Volteer explained.
"Wait…if you expected me to refuse…why did you put Eliza up to it?" Spyro inclined.
"Simplicity, every theoretical hypothesis has It flaws. I theorised you would repudiate the expectations of the females however to evaluate the credibility of my theory I had to put it to the test and prevent that pompous Cyril from classifying you as one of his domesticated fellows of his egotistical family. In a complicated matter, it is a relief you simply waved away the chance. Though that untalented Cyril will say otherwise and brag on about his lineage."
"But I still don't understand. You both know I'm Love with Cynder…but he is trying to force with someone I don't want to be with."
"Spyro. I am going to be un-duplicity authentic with you Spyro. Cynder is not coming back. So, we as your guardians and mentors decided it was best to unite you with someone else to get over her lose, albeit it will take some time. If she was still around she would've made an appearance by now. It's time for you to stop sulking over her lose and move on, it's inexplicitly what she would've wanted."
"That's the thing though. I know she isn't dead, I can feel it from within." Spyro defied.
"Did you for mention feeling her connection? But this could only mean…The lover's paradox…" Volteer breathed.
"The what?" Spyro asked.
"The Lover's Paradox. It is a scientific mystery that has baffled even the most brilliant of minds. It is when the ties between two dragons is so brilliantly strong they can sense each other's heart beats over any distance. So, if what you say is the truth then the possibilities of her being alive are unfathomable, there might still even be a chance to find her if I could somehow biologically tap into this bond."
Spyro thought that nothing useful or time-saving was coming from this. He has been side-tracked any more than he needed to be, not when his best chance laid with the pool of visions. Though if that failed maybe he would take Volteer up on his offer.
"Sure, just later please." Spyro finally said, pushing the idea to the back of his mind.
"Of cause. Just give me a notification in advance so I may prepare the delicate procedure of tapping into your harmonic balance in hope of tracing her." Volteer said satisfied.
"I will. What is this room?" Spyro questioned, despite what he said he couldn't just drop the conversation entirely, he needed to find an alternative exit.
"Ah, this my boy is a laboratory. A place of experimentation and discovery, where the possibilities of the universe and of the mind can be explored, answering many of life's question. In fact, one of my most recent discoveries is none other than Malefor's Journal. Oh, I could spend a millennium studying that." Volteer said excitedly.
"His journal? I didn't even realise he had one." Spyro said surprised.
"Oh, yes we were surprised as well. Shortly after your reappearance we delved into the heart of the burnt lands and discovered an ancient room dating back to the time of our Ancestors. We believe it was where Malefor resided during his time banished, all remarkably intact despite all the recent calamities, disasters, catastrophes that had befallen us. From the technical point, we depict this was a room which housed a brilliant source of untamed energy." Volteer explained.
"Why were you in the burnt lands?"
"Well it was only natural for a projects the sizes the Malefor's would require a substantial amount of energy. Perhaps even harnessing a Dynamo capable of replacing energy exerted as rapidly as it depletes it like a never-ending battery. I was just so eager to examine such energetical marvels. Perhaps even find a way to harness them for ourselves. But instead we only found the room and his Journal." Volteer said, almost dreaming of the endless possibilities.
"And what was in his journal?"
"Most of it was inscribed in a longstanding language, the language of our ancestors. Even with my vast amount of unimaginable knowledge I could only translate an ever so slight portion of it. From a rough estimative calculation though it fore-mentions of how Malefor spent the last three years experimenting on a device so advanced it could grant the user's wish. Though Malefor cursed such a creation with his evil endeavours and dark plots. Using it only to fuel his malicious intents."
"Wait you said it could be used to grant any wish. Does it mean this device could be used for good?" Spyro asked eagerly.
"In theory, yes. If what this journal says is in the slightest bit correct then under the precise circumstances I don't see any reason it cannot be used for virtuous deeds. However, abused and the entire machine could simply collapse under its own power and create a black hole… But that's only theory of cause." Volteer replied surprised.
"Does it mention how to use it?" Spyro finally asked.
"No, it doesn't. Those long-forsaken secrets I yean for perished along with Malefor."
"I think that's enough debilitating such unnecessary subjects now Volteer. We do not need to give him any outrageous thoughts now do we?" Cyril intervened from behind Spyro. Clawing slowly to make his presence known. "And where are your bodyguards Spyro? They were not due to be off duty for another three hours. And I despise shirkers."
"I dismissed them. I felt it was highly unnecessary for our acquaintance to be constantly bothered by guards. It was highly lavish in my opinion. Spyro as stated can take care of himself." Volteer countered.
"…Very well, though if I feel we're threatened again which I'm sure to be the first to make sure Spyro is guarded twenty-four seven. Now Spyro since you have gotten a bit more leverage for yourself somehow, I suggest you make yourself scarce. I require to speak with Volteer. I hope you know how to react properly tonight young dragon after the stunt you pulled." Cyril spoke with slight hostility towards the purple dragon.
Spyro felt slightly offended but he could guess why. "Maybe Cyril isn't taking it as well, me rejecting his cousin like I did…"
"Cyril that childish attitude is not tolerated here." Volteer pointed out.
Spyro decided now was a good idea to depart. So, with slight haste he scuttled out of the room behind Cyril. He was about to go the pool of vision when he heard his name mention again from the two guardians.
"Cyril, you know Spyro is honest, so why must you continuously aggravate him with such preposterous idea." Volteer blabbered.
"Volteer I only do it because some of our tenants here feel insecure around him. Now what it is you needed to see me about?" Cyril added.
"I am just inquisitive as to where you procured the letter from is all." Volteer simply said using fewer words than he usually uses.
"From one of our spies in Warfang of cause. They procured it from that pompous fool Umbrafor's stash and delivered it straight here."
"It is a shame what is to come… but it is unfortunately a detriment needed. This is an enemy most dubious and a few sacrifices of our strongest every fifty years is healthier than total war with uncomprehensive and utter annihilation of an entire continent." Volteer breathed unhappily.
Spyro only listened up to the where the other creatures inhabiting the temple feared him, that comment threw his train his attention out of the window as he secluded to his inner-thoughts.
"They're afraid of me?... I guess I can only earn their trust once more. But that has to wait." Spyro headed for the front entrance, realising the guard mole had fell asleep, making Spyro smirk a little without slowing his pace. He had gotten halfway before a familiar voice caught his attention FROM THE direction of the mess hall.
"Hey…err, Spyro. Can I speak to you for a moment?" It was Eliza and she was closing the gap between the two.
Spyro was surprised, he was sure he had scared her off, not purposely but it would've made things simpler.
"I'm sorry I don't think I got your name…last night." Spyro admitted.
"Eliza." She spoke, now directly in front of Spyro.
"Listen Eliza. I'm sorry for refusing you last night. I just couldn't accept you or Grace…" Spyro admitted sorrowfully.
"Don't be, I'm sorry for trying to force myself upon you. Even I admit I'm glad we didn't, well you know. I understand Cynder means a lot to you and what me, Grace and even the guardians at that tried to do was just cruel."
"I guess that makes us even? Regardless I just feel bad, the guardians gave me direct instructions and even everything I needed to accomplish it yet I failed."
"Will you stop being silly. This wasn't you fault. Even Volteer understood that when I told him. Listen though, if there is anything I can do to make it up for you just say, anything and anytime, I'm flexible." Eliza offered.
"Thanks. One last thing though. Any idea where Grace is? I need to go apologise to her too." Spyro asked.
"No idea, haven't seen her since yesterday. Strange considering the small size of this place." Eliza admitted.
"Thanks, if you do see her can you tell her I'm looking for her." Spyro answered.
"Sure thing, just be careful though with what you say." Eliza warned.
"Why?"
"She may be easy going at times but she isn't afraid to speak her mind, so expect her to disrespect Cynder some more…Though to be honest she has been a lot more forceful recently. Not sure what it is though."
"Okay, thanks for the head ups though." Spyro added.
"No problem, we should head to lessons now, Cyril is teaching us and you know how snappy he can be. Do…you want to walk with me?"
"Lessons? The guardians didn't mention anything like that to me."
"They didn't huh. Maybe they're giving you time to adjust and recover. You have spent a long time out there so it would take time to readjust. And hey, if you need anyone to talk to…I'm here…sorry I didn't mean like that. Just well, stuff." Eliza apologised, realising what she had just said and turning a light shade of pink
"Right, thank you anyway but there is something I need to do first, so I will talk to you later maybe?"
"Right." Eliza turned and bounded for the training hall, to make sure she wasn't late. But before she did she stopped and looked back over her shoulder to call back to Spyro. "Friends?"
Spyro smiled and nodded "Friends."
With that Eliza dashed off.
"Right, now I can go use the pool." Spyro thought to himself as he strode onto the vision room. Now he was alone he could feel and focus on the energy resonating from inside the chamber. The homely feel. The swamp may be his first wall less house but this is his home.
"This better work. Volteer may know a lot but somehow even I doubt he could do what he said. Though I don't even know if I can use the pool…" Spyro said, staring into the heart of the mystic green swirling liquid. "Well no time like now, here I go."
Spyro slid his eye lids shut and focused on the aura he felt around him. What he saw next…overwhelmed him in force. Events, prophecies, future telling's rushed past him so fast he barely got a glimpse at what they were. So much information crushed into a single wave of thoughts. He didn't know exactly what to do but had an idea, a plan. Then everything slowed down and Spyro felt his heart beat increase and breathing slow. Through a fragment of a window he could see…Concurrent Skies…more specifically the section above where Spyro and dark Cynder first faced off before finishing their fight in Convexity.
Spyro was then shaken out his vision. A pounding headache rippled through his mind. After a moment though the pain subsided, allowing the dragon to recollect his thoughts. "I didn't see Cynder…but I bet what I saw is going to lead me to her…" Spyro then shook his head clear. "I'll talk to Volteer about though to see what he thinks."
Spyro turned and headed to the classes Eliza mentioned before. He couldn't find Sparx and he didn't have anything else to go so it was his safest bet, plus if Cyril was teaching the dragons id meant Volteer was free, possibly still experimenting.
"Spyro is that you?" A female voice called from behind.
Spyro turned and it was Grace standing in the entrance of the old training room. She looked flustered and in a panic.
Grace then dashed over. "Thank ancestors I found you. Please I need your help." She spoke quickly, grabbing Spyro by his paw and begun tugging on it.
"What is wrong Grace?" Spyro asked surprised.
"No time to talk, just come with me please!" Grace ordered.
Spyro followed the freaking dragoness into the old training room and half the statue until they were the far end of the room. Grace was slightly ahead, bounding ever slighter further and further ahead.
Grace then came skidding to a halt, as did Spyro. She then begun snickering, not a constant string like she found something very funny. But the kind that sounded like she knew something he didn't, which was exactly why she was giggling.
"What is wrong Grace? Why are we here? Didn't you need help?" Spyro asked, confused.
"Oh Spyro…sweet...naive…Spyro. How did someone as predictable, easily manipulated and careless as you save this world, yet also destroy it at the same time…" Grace sighed carelessly, starting to circle the purple dragon.
"What? What are you talking about Grace?" Spyro inquired, taking into note her tone which turned much darker.
"My parents are what I'm talking about. Before, everyone here believed you were this hero. They all talked about how you were this or how you saved them. It made me sick…" Her force turned from humour to disgust. "What they all had forgotten was those who died, those you didn't save like my parents."
"I'm honestly sorry. I did try saving everyone I could." Spyro sighed.
"Oh, so you do care now? Well it's too late. Caring doesn't bring back the dead. And now because of it everything I loved, my family, friends and my home are gone. Only happy memories and a crushed soul remain…and that equals madness." She finally said, dragging out the final part.
"Please, just let me help you." Spyro tried soothing.
Grace merely laughed. "Oh, I'm sorry about that, just needed to get that off my chest for the last month. Now back to the subject at hand. For the last month, I had to put up with these squabbling where the very mention of your name scorched my mind. Now of cause, I couldn't say anything, I was dragged here by my uncle, forced to do his bidding and never allowed to speak my true mind. Well until I found a friend here at least…"
Spyro started looking around, expecting a grand entrance by someone. "Who?" Spyro asked accusingly. Spyro realised by now there was no reasoning with Grace at this point, he needed to find a way to calm her down.
"I see you're looking for this friend. Don't worry they're not here right now, the only person I will miss…Honestly though, I don't know who they are, I simply encountered them by chance and they shared my views about you. Now onto the next topic. I obviously didn't bring you here to tell you how I felt. No I needed a plan, something else I needed you here for, and this is where my friend had a play in." Grace whispered menacingly.
"How can they not know this person if they've met them or at the very least seen them." Spyro scrambled his brain trying to find the loophole in Grace's statement.
"And so, I'm sure you know very well the only thing to do with a plan is to execute it...the first phase was rather simple. Discreetly getting everyone to change their opinions of you, this was simple enough, spread some lies and watch it catch around like the flu. Within a week, I could already tell the atmosphere darkened when your name was brought up. Sure, there were the more stubborn ones like my own uncle but even I saw some change in their attitude."
"What…so all that nervousness I've seen on them was because of you?" Spyro asked accusingly.
"Who else. Then comes the second part…which admittedly didn't go as well as I hoped, with you refusing my advances, like the true coward you were. So, I had no choice to advance onto the final phase…breaking you…" She grinned.
Spyro tried stepping back, but some unseen force compelled him to stay stuck. Was it fear? Or anticipation that kept him glued there. Whatever it was it felt…looming.
"Now of cause, I know next to nothing about you apart from the same repetitive positives from those incursive fans of yours. But…I say but because my friend of mine held the information I needed, and last night only confirmed that. You are driven by a sense of family and friend, they are what give your strength. You couldn't care less if you lost a limb, but if someone was to lay a finger on Cynder or even your so 'precious' brother well, let's find out. In fact, let's go all the way to let's say…murder." Grace hummed.
That last word caught Spyro in the heart, realising what she meant. "Where is he? Where is Sparx!?" Spyro said raising his voice and roaring.
"Oh, I may have a clue. Perhaps you should look down at your feet…"
Spyro's heart jumped, daring him to look down. He creaked his down to the floor…a set of four wings lain strew on the floor in a small pile.
"And now I finally get to watch the infamous dragon break, first losing his little girlfriend…then his popularity of his fans and now his own brother as the grand finally. But my god what a loudmouth he was with all this big talk…" Grace sugared the final part in a very fine bitter sugar.
"No…it…it can't be." Spyro uttered, staring at the pile in disbelief, anger melted into horror. He checked each and every aspect of the wing patterns, hoping for a small chance they weren't Sparxs'. But there was no denying it, that very intricate yet simple design, now dulled without their golden glow. There was no sugar-coating it. Sparx was gone…
Spyro just stood there, mixed feelings of despair and anger. As he gazed upon the last remains of his brother without ushering a word.
A dark black hue begun leaking from the purple dragon's skin.
"Good, let this rage envelop you like it did to me. Let it manifest into hatred. Reveal the beast inside to the world! Then I will have finished my vendetta." Grace
"Sparx…" Spyro murmured, his voice distorting and multiplying. He shut his eyes in remorse as two tears fell and tapped the floor. He then slowly raised his head towards the murderer Grace and his eyes flashed open, pure white orbs glare into her soul. By now his body was enveloped in shadows and darkness, lifted into the air by forces unseen.
"You know what you want to do, so do it. I'm ready…but are you?" Grace laughed.
"No…Spyro, don't lose control…it's what she wants…you can't…but…she just murdered Sparx… and this feeling…can it be…control? That is what I need to do."
Spyro gave into the darkness and let it corrupt his mind like an infestation.
Spyro spoke with a voice of distorted fury. "You murdered my brother to unleash the beast inside. Well here I am, and here I hunt you down…" No remorse, no care for his now deceased brother just pure cold hatred. He then struck back down onto the sandstone floor, creating tiny cracks under his wake.
"You think I would just allow that to happen, I didn't push you over the edge so that only I saw." Without hesitation Grace opened her maw and released a piercing yell of distress, followed by a very loud plea of help. The shriek she produced forced dark Spyro to cringe slightly.
"Help! He-he just murdered his own brother! And, and he's now coming for me. Help!" She screamed, cowering in fear.
Dark Spyro barely had time to recover from the ringing in his ears as the sound of thundering feet rumbled through the temple and the shattering of the door that once concealed the two dragons from sight. Spyro awaited the arrival of the two guardians and dozens or moles as they rushed around either side of the looming statue of Malefor, looking like he had a big menacing smile carved into his stony features.
The sight that beheld the guardians was nothing short of revulsion. Spyro plagued by dark powers while Grace cowered away crying. She dashed over to her uncle and hid behind his thick icy clue legs.
"He…he just disintegrated…his…his brother…with this beam!" Grace whimpered, 'clearly' going into a meltdown.
Cyril glared up at Spyro, while for once in his life Volteer couldn't speak, only babbled noise and sheer shock plastered on his face. All the little moles got into formation and directed their spears up to Spyro, in response ascended into the air once more.
"What Grace says are lies. Surely if you truly knew me you would know I would never harm my brother, now would I?" Spyro spoke harshly, bitterness swam in his mouth. But still an edge of his former self within.
In response Cyril released a Blizzard of Ice that completely enveloped the darkened dragon. Freezing Spyro completely frozen around in a foot of ice like a giant stalagmite.
"Are you alright Grace?" Cyril asked softly.
"I am now Uncle, thank you." Grace replied.
"Okay good. I never would've of thought something barbaric and evil would arise from young Spyro, even with these poposterous romours…-" Cyril admitted before getting cut off. Tiny cracks begun appearing in the snowy prison. Moments later shattering like glass sounded through the room as ice chunks and tiny fragments sprayed everywhere causing the guardians and moles to raise their hands and wings in protection from the tiny cold shards. Dark Spyro emerged from the destruction like a bat, slowly flapping his maleficent wings.
"So, It's just like that? Not even a single regard or care in case the real 'Spyro' is still here? Is it like that everything I've done, all the times I've proved you wrong for the so called better, all for nothing. Am I now just Malefor incarnated to you?" Dark Spyro hissed.
No one dared make a move, not while he was speaking.
"Normally I despise this form, the evilness and hate that came from it. But now I share its thoughts I understand things better now. It gives me the confidence my normal self would otherwise not dare say and the power to resist you. But regardless of which form I undertake the outlook would be the same, I would be despised, hated and shunned for being a purple dragon. Maybe there are some of you who at first thought otherwise. But look now, one look at me and you attack without hesitation, what kind of guardian goes straight for their weapon instead of reasoning at first? And what kind of guardian would fall straight into the hands of the enemy? You are no different than those you separated from. You're are violent, corrupt and easily manipulated. I bet all this time I was nothing but a tool, you needed a purple dragon to defeat a purple dragon. and once expended all there was to do is kill me? You couldn't defeat Malefor because like a coward he hid behind his fire walls and dark armies, but me? I am surrounded and backed into a corner, easy prey to finally be rid of the purple dragons? What is most disappointing it's how you taught me it doesn't matter what colour dragons are, it's the actions they take that define a person, yet here you are being hypercritical… Ignitus and Terrador truly believed in me, they deserved to be guardians because they died for what they believed in. Yet here you two are scuttling in the walls waiting for the opportunity to come to you so you could claim an easy victory? Because that is what you do, leech of others like myself and Ignitus so you could have an easy life respected and a figure to everyone else.…I could go on but I got a Destiny to fulfil. Malefor may be mad but he was a genius with a vision and he was not afraid to achieve it. And now I too have seen the truth, I share this vision because it's what you forced me into… Soon enough the past will come up to catch you and it will be by my hand. How does it feel to know that despite every little sleazy trick you pulled to prevent a second Dark Master you only ended up tripping over your own feet? I never thought I would say this…but I guess I am now carrying the torch."
Ouch. The Guardians really screwed up this time. They have unleashed the fury of Spyro, who fuelled by the death of his brother and the betrayal of those he once considered his mentors has turned to the dark, all because of one girl. But what do you guys and gals think? Leave a review with your suggestions, thoughts or anything. And if you haven't already and are enjoying the story why not slap that follow/favourite button. It really helps me and the story progress and is what fuels it.