A second Chance at Love
Spyro re-joined his companions who were still waiting, eager to tell Spyro of their news.
"Spyro!" Charditus called out. "I've got great news that may help us."
"Not now, I still have one thing to do. Tell me later." Spyro grumbled. "Is she awake or at least made any motion what so ever?"
Charditus was thrown off his excitement at Spyro's tone, the harshness of it.
"No…" He hesitantly replied.
"That is too bad, we may need to leave her behind then if she doesn't wake up soon."
"Wha-what?" Saphira said shocked, she too couldn't believe what she was hearing. Spyro had just mentioned about leaving Cynder, he's one biggest desire; like a dead dragon.
"Enough questions. I'll be back again, when you ask I don't know but you will wait. If she isn't awake by then…well I will decide then." Just like that Spyro vanished again off in a different direction still with the book in hand.
A moment of silence, Saphira waited just out of ear shot before speaking.
"Was he this temperamental though? He just went, came back and suddenly he's like a different dragon…You don't suppose it's happening, do you?" Saphira asked unsurely.
Charditus didn't reply, instead he focused on his thoughts.
"You look like you want to say it, so out with it. It will be better before he gets back." Saphira insisted.
"You know about that?"
"I've heard your friends complain about too many times and I'm sure as hell not going to let it hinder me."
"Right, of cause."
"So out with it…do you think Spyros', you know…turning?"
"I hope not…but it's hard to tell whether it's his darker side taking over or side effects from being isolated. Though I grudgingly have a feeling which one it is." Charditus put it grimly.
"Then I suppose we shouldn't help him anymore, we both know what happened when Malefor finally turned…"
"Let's not be too hasty. I don't want to betray his trust just because we were wrong." Charditus assured.
"Alright. But we better not wait too long, there fact we are here of all places, there is way too much Deja vu."
"Agreed…"
Their moment of collaborating was interrupted though when a murmur of sound originated from the maw of Cynder. She was finally waking up again.
"Eurgh. Why do I keep getting knocked unconscious…? And why is it so damn hot here?" She spoke out loud, not caring who was around as she stood up again.
"Easy Cynder." Charditus ushered.
Cynder whirled around to see the two dragons watching her carefully. Though her mind was still a little hazy it was speedily fading unlike the time she had to recover from a month of being in a coma.
She was quick to note that they were no longer in Concurrent skies but instead in the burnt lands.
"What happened?" Cynder asked, perplexed how they seemed to of shifted terrain entirely. She was sure she wasn't unconscious for that long, was she?
"After Umbrafor knocked you out, a battle ensued where Saphira here to my left, defected and joint our side. We then retreated with your body into the tower where Spyro teleported us out of here."
"Teleported?"
"Yes, it seems Spyro has some abilities we previously did not know of."
"Okay…where is he?" Cynder asked eagerly.
"We do not know, he returned a moment ago but then disappeared again claiming he had some business to deal with. Though we haven't an idea what. So now we are just waiting here."
"I don't care I'm going after him."
Charditus and Saphira gave each other nervous glances. Perhaps that wasn't the best idea right now…
"Hold it Cynder, we don't want you going out only for Spyro to return." Charditus excused.
"Also, your powers haven't come back, we don't want you getting lost again. Just rest up and we'll simply wait. We can talk in the meantime and get to each other a little better without someone breathing down our necks.
Cynder gave a slight look of uncertainty and a little bit of disappointment. She is so close to him…even though she doesn't feel the longing that Spyro did she still felt the joy from when they saved the world. This gave Cynder a thought.
"In which case…could you tell me what has happened the last month. The truth this time if you don't mind." Cynder said, relaxing her underbelly onto the warm rock below. It was a lot cooler than when she and Spyro had last been here together, ever since Malefor was stopped activity here had also stopped. Meaning that the lava had been a lot less temperamental and thus a lot cooler.
"I'll give it too you short since I'm not sure when Spyro will return." Charditus complied. "Little after a month ago Spyro returned to Warfang…which unfortunately due to the after effects of Malefor's work levelled the city…killing many of the inhabitants."
Cynder gave a look of shock.
"That isn't all, natural storms and other disasters have also been cropping up daily, with most locations reporting a thick overlay of black clouds."
Cynder couldn't even begin to imagine, let alone put it into words. "So, in basic principles…the world is in ruins?"
"It is not all bad though, there is still a large population of Warfang who at this very moment in time are trying to repair the city."
"That's a relief at least…" Cynder sighed.
"Shortly after Spyro returned, a celebrated hero, as Warfang also eagerly awaited the return of its heroine." Charditus added, gesturing to Cynder.
Cynder gave a soft smile at the comment.
"But…that was where the good news ended. That's when we foolishly stepped in. Umbrafor stepped forward and spoke what many were fearing, he manipulated them against Spyro. Then one day a mob attacked him. Your Guardians though allowed Spyro to escape, where he then spent a month on the run around Warfang looking for a way to solve our current situation…and looking for you because he was the only one who didn't believe you were gone."
"He was looking…for me?" Cynder dreamily thought to herself.
"Umbrafor managed to propaganda his way to becoming the new elected leader of Warfang after the city banished the guardians. He then spent three weeks trying to earn the full support of his city without anyone learning of his true plan. He had also sent squads of guards out to find Spyro and kill him on a daily basis. Meaning he constantly had to evade capture and death, he did this, all without killing." Saphira added. "But even then, I don't think he succeeded as much as he wanted them to, many citizens grew unrest under his rule, saying he put himself before the city. Some even wished the guardians would return for that reason."
"Thank you Saphira for that part. But unfortunately, things didn't go so well with Spyro…yesterday he stated he had lost his brother."
Cynder's eyes grew wide once more. "Sp-sparx?!" She uttered.
Charditus gave a solemn nod.
Cynder could hardly believe it…sure the dragonfly was annoying at times and Cynder did like teasing him but she didn't hate him, and to know that he was gone... "But how…Spyro would not allowed such a thing to happen would he?"
"Were not sure either…but we would agree with you on that part. What worse that Spyro claims he was accused of the murder." Charditus described.
"Poor Spyro." Though Cynder felt sorry for the dragonfly her thoughts rested upon Spyro. To have gotten through all he had done so far only for that to happen…
"But he is a strong dragon, he was forced to put that aside and continue on his mission." Charditus assured.
This didn't sooth the dragoness, instead made her angry Unlike Charditus and Saphira she knew what Spyro has suffered, having to give up everything to save the world and yet still scorned for it.
"The events of today though you already know." Charditus concluded.
Cynder simply ignored the last part as she decided what she felt needed to be done.
She stood back up.
"Where did you say he went?" Cynder asked again.
"That way." Charditus said, extending out a claw. "Are you going then?"
"Yes." Cynder replied determined.
"But remember what I said before, your powers haven't returned and you would be putting yourself at risk." Saphira tried to reason.
"That doesn't matter, Spyro has put himself in harm's way more times than people can say Malefor and no one has ever done him something in return. That's why I'm going to be the first." Cynder countered moving further away.
"He just needs some time alone. It's what I do when I feel down, I mean he has gotten this far doing it hasn't he, even after all he has given up." Saphira continued.
"No, don't you get it. Spyro had to give those things because he had no other choice. You may think you know what's been through but in truth you don't. Spyro has given up more than you would ever believe, his home, his family…his brother. I'm going and you're not saying otherwise." Cynder defiantly replied, more harshly than she meant.
"Well said Cynder." Charditus complimented.
"Wait you're agreeing with her?" Saphira asked, not disgusted or anything but more confused.
"You go on Cynder, I think you'll do some good for him, I'll explain to Saphira for us." Charditus insisted.
"Thanks." Cynder opened her wings out and for the first time in over a month took to the skies. Saphira waited a moment before conversing back to Charditus.
"What are you doing letting her go like that? You know how Spyro's…mood has been a little off." Saphira complained.
"Which is why now is the perfect time. You sure how determined Cynder was, and if anyone can get through to Spyro its her. We need to try and bring Spyro back in case he is descending down the dark path."
"Oh…" Saphira realised Charditus's thinking.
"All I can hope is that she can do it."
Spyro gazed upon the ridge line he was on. A large lava lake stood before him with several spear-like rocks piercing out of them. Every now and again the lava would bubble and release a disgusting squelch.
In the distance Spyro could spot the odd Wyvern slithering through the air but they didn't seem to pay him any heed. However, something Spyro found strange was a lone Orc standing on one side of the ridge line watching Spyro carefully. It wasn't moving or anything but still it was strange. Spyro decided it must simply be curious and thus no threat at this angle.
Even though no one could see it…Spyro let loose two singles tears from each of his eyes. He had temporarily deserted the book behind him open on a page with different drawings, instructions more like. Spyro had spent a little more time examining the book, carefully decoding the drawings and learning how Malefor managed to do things like manipulating a Golem to his will and creating the fire wall. But this wasn't he's real reason he was here.
In front of Spyro laid a small mound of rocks, and even though there was no one to speak to Spyro still spoke like there was, for this was the memorial for his fallen brother.
"Hello Sparx…" He whispered softly. "Look at me…" He laughed dryly. "talking to myself when I constantly joked at you for doing the same. But thinking about it you probably ashamed at me for taking this road…but know I am doing this for you…for people like you who are suffering because of the greed and lies of others. Since your passing I had learnt the reason why I am a purple dragon. It's not too simply destroy this world…but to do what is best for it. Which ironically right now is to destroy the world. The world has gone corrupt and there is no saving it…not anymore. Well I know this was short but I can't afford to waste time. I shall be seeing you soon brother…" Spyro simply stared on, waiting…waiting…waiting…
This moment of motion had appeased the dragon slightly, bringing him back just that little bit closer to reality.
"I know who that is for…" A new female voice spoke, a very welcoming voice indeed.
Spyro twisted his head to the voice, and there she was standing, not contained in a crystal, not clutched in the hands of his enemy, but free! He turned the rest of his body around.
"Cynder…" Spyro spoke with an overwhelming sense of joy.
Cynder returned a soft smile and stepped forward. Spyro too took a step forward. They both broke into a light jog and ran into each other's arms, hugging tight and not letting go. They stayed in their embrace for the best part of a minute, both trying their best to not cry.
"It's so good seeing you well Cynder…" Spyro whimpered gleefully.
"And you too Spyro…" Cynder replied. She was the first to let go. As both stared lovingly into each other's eyes. "I can't believe it Spyro…we…you saved the world!" Even though it was old news for some like Cynder it was unbelievable.
However, those words brought a negative reaction, immediately at those memories Spyro's face faltered.
"Hey it's okay Spyro…I understand. Sparx was an amazing dragonfly and more importantly an even better brother."
"No Cynder you don't understand." Spyro argued. The memories of Spyro pulling back the planet only hurt Spyro. Simply because what he was about to do would undo everything he has originally done. He so wanted to tell Cynder the truth. But he simply couldn't…
"I'm here Spyro…" Cynder whispered caringly, holding Spyro close to her. He felt and looked thinner than she remembered, but still it was him. While she held him though her eyes fell open the open journal.
"What's this?" She asked. Before Spyro could answer she had let go and moved closer to the open journal. "Their expressions were priceless." She read out loud.
"You can read that?" Spyro asked surprised.
"Malefor forced me to learn it...back when I was his puppet." Cynder replied.
"I would then highly recommend you don't read it." Spyro warned. Spyro's eyes grew wide at this realisation and quickly reacted. trying slowly to get around and close the book.
"Why?" Cynder joked, thinking it was nothing but an old novel Spyro had found. She continued reading. "A 'little' army of dragons moved to engage me from Warfang…dang that city to Convexity! However, to their scared looks an impenetrable wall of fire burst upwards into the sky. It was a complicated spell, to make it not burn me or my orcs and only my enemies."
As more and more words were spoken and the picture seen Cynder's playful mood seemed to have melted away. She gave a nervous glance up at Spyro and his expression seemed to have darkened. He almost looked angry.
"Spyro…what is this?" She spat defensively.
Spyro threw his arms out in attempt to snatch the book but it was too late. Cynder snapped the book shut and hugged it too her chest, taking a few cautious steps back.
"Tell me Spyro why you have this!" Cynder uttered, her voice quivering in fear.
Spyro could feel his anger feeding his darker side, reverting him back to his hateful self.
"Give me the book Cynder!" Spyro ordered.
"No Spyro! Tell me why…why are you doing this."
"You wouldn't understand!" Spyro yelled, shadows begun seeping from his skin, turning his glorious indigo scales black.
"It was also at this moment Spyro felt an energy tug at his finger, and him looking down also caught Cynder's attention.
"Is that…is that my ring?" She jittered out.
The apparition of Malefor appeared in the ring as he took in the surroundings, taking on the bleak surroundings.
"Oh? Did I come in at the wrong time?" Malefor taunted. Spyro however had more pressing issues.
"You're working…with him!?" Cynder whimpered. Everything was hitting her like a tidal wave.
Spyro leapt forward, but Cynder made a quick dash under him causing Spyro to over reach and crash into the ground behind. Cynder sprinted over to the edge of the lava lake and dangled the book dangerously over the edge.
"Stop Spyro! Please just stop!" She begged, tears streaming from her eyes.
"Cynder for the last time give me the damn book! I'm doing what is best for the realm! Spyro roared.
His voice sounded like a hundred angry serpents ringing in Cynder's fragile mind.
"Doing what's best for the realm? Since when is destroying the realm best for it!" Cynder screeched, her voice breaking.
Spyro approached further.
"Not another damn step forward Spyro or I will drop it." Cynder shrieked.
Spyro stopped momentarily. "I have had enough of this childish behaviour." He growled disapprovingly in his mind.
Instead he focused his energy. A single bright flash followed as Cynder and the book disappeared. A moment later the book flashed back in front of him. Cynder on the other hand could be anywhere, all he knew was she was still in the burnt lands somewhere.
"Well that escalated rather quickly." Malefor sneered.
Spyro stared spitefully into the ring. "What…do you want now?" Spyro snarled still in his dark form.
"Well I was just going to check on how you were doing, but it seems I came at the wrong time…or the right one depending on how you view it."
Spyro was in two-minds right whether to get rid of the ring or not. Though Malefor's untimely pop-up didn't help the situation Spyro had no doubts this event that had just occurred would have happened regardless.
"Just leave me alone!" Spyro roared.
"Alright I will…" Malefor sighed. "But…before I go there is one more thing I would like to say…It's a shame what happened to your brother it really is…especially to be murdered by a girl such a Grace…"
Spyro's ears perked up at the mention of that name. "How do you know that name…" Spyro spoke dangerously close.
"Your brother Sparx? Oh, you mean the dragoness…Poor thing lost her parents all because of you." Malefor grinned.
Spyro just rolled his eyes. Malefor was simply yet again trying to get under his skin for personal amusement.
"All it took was a little persuasion. Broken souls really do make the best slaves. She clung to that ring…my voice so dearly. Thinking of me as a friend who she didn't even recognise…"
Spyro's head glared slowly down upon the ring in cold hatred. His brow lowered in pure anguished fury.
"This entire time…It was YOU, who caused the death of my brother?!" Spyro roared.
"Perhaps…It does sound that way, doesn't it?" Malefor contemplated carelessly.
Spyro unleashed a truly terrible howl, one who would've caused even Hunter's scales to stick on end had he heard it, this effect was only multiplied has his distorted voice echoed from seemingly everywhere.
Without hesitation Spyro ripped the ring off his finger and flung it onto the ground where he released a beam of convexity upon it, disintegrating the jewellery to ashes. All that remain was a smouldering crater. Spyro was free from Malefor's influences. He then twisted his wicked gaze upon the orc that had been Spying. Of cause that's how Malefor knew to intervene on that specific moment. Before the Orc could react Spyro freed another beam from his mouth that struck the orc heavy in its chest, turning into a steaming pile of charred stone.
But unknowingly to Spyro the damage has been done. Rage pulled him left and right and swirled around his head in inextinguishable fury. Malefor had achieved his plan so that no outside sources can restore Spyro's former self.
However, despite all this Anger a small part of Spyro remained rational, working away at his thoughts and putting together his next move. So, after a moment of heavy breathing Spyro turned and retrieved the book and held it in his clutches and started wondering back.
As he moved though he paused, giving the small memorial he made one final look, before heading back off into the ash-filled sky.
Meanwhile somewhere else in the Burnt lands; frightened, lost and feeling sick from the sudden teleportation Cynder herself was breathing heavily from the events.
She zipped her head around automatically swearing a moment ago she was next to the lava lake. Then it struck her that Spyro must have used his new power on her.
"Dammit!" She cursed, she quickly flew up to a nearby plateau in the vain hope of finding Spyro or anyone for that matter, a sign pointing to where they were. But much of the uneven terrain looked the same, making it extremely difficult to finding anything remotely familiar. Eventually she gave up and slumped on edge. Her thoughts strayed back to Spyro.
"Why Spyro…" She softly whimpered. "What happened to you…"
The way he acted, the hate he spoke with…reminded her a lot of Malefor and that truly scared her. She burrowed her head into her paws truly to block out his hateful tone, trying to bring out the memories of their good times. But every time she did Spyro's voice would twist and his form darken.
Did she truly lose Spyro back when he pulled the world back together?
She replayed the events over and over in her mind, trying to make sense of them, but nothing explained his sudden change from a caring nature to his descent into the darkness, nothing until Cynder read the book that was.
But then a revelation hit Cynder. His caring nature… What he shown before was true genuine affection for the dragoness. Which meant the real Spyro was still in there somewhere.
Cynder suddenly stood up straight. There was still a chance to bring the old Spyro back. She turned her gaze to the distant volcano that acted as the centre point of the Burned lands. It was then she noticed odd stone buildings hidden behind some dead trees far in the distance. Odd stone looking structures. She didn't know why, but gut feeling told her there was going to be her best bet of finding Spyro.
She more determined. No…more than determined to bring him back and even though she didn't realise it, the fate of the realm resided on her shoulders. Regardless she will win Spyro back.
Spyro hurried, still in his dark form towards his two 'allies'. When he emerged within eye sight of the two dragons patiently awaiting hopefully positive results.
They both hurried opened their eyes wide when they saw the purple dragon in his dark form and remained motionless.
"Spyro, where's Cynder?" Charditus urgently asked.
"The Golem has got her!" Spyro lied furiously, but his dark aggressively tone masked this lie.
"The golem?!" Saphira almost squeaked.
"You!" Spyro pointed at Charditus. "You have been to its lair before and are going to take me there so I can get her back." Spyro ordered.
Without saying a word and though Charditus was in mixed minds he was sure Spyro's fury was directed at the Golem hence his anger. Besides he never told Spyro he wanted to go back to the golem's cave and they were heading there anyway.
Saphira also had mixed feelings on the situation. She was happy for Charditus sure, but something about Spyro's actions put her off the idea regardless she will go.
However, her eyes widened even more when she saw a truly terrifying sight coming from the north.
Umbrafor and his goons had found them again, and they were closing in fast.
Though the sight nearly-made her throat choke up she managed to get the words out. "Umbrafor! He's coming from the north and he's coming fast." She yelled in almost despair.
It was no surprise he had found them fast, not while he had his psychic abilities.
Umbrafor was due to arrive in less than a minute.
Spyro wasted no time as he bolted for the ground just in front of where the Fire barrier used to be. He hastily slammed the book on the ground and flickered through the pages hurriedly.
"Whatever you're going to do Spyro you had better hurry, we got about thirty seconds!" Charditus yelled, getting into battle stance.
Spyro slammed his talon on the page he was looking for, swiftly skimming through the pictures illustrating instructions.
"Twenty!"
Spyro got into position and uttered a few words, a large suction pulled energy out of his body and vanished into the ground around him.
"Ten!"
Charditus could see the neutral look plastered upon the face of Umbrafor along with the eagerness of his followers.
Boom!
A fifty-foot wall of crimson red flames exploded from the ground high into the sky, quickly spreading along either side of the dragons, soon the circle would be complete again.
Umbrafor and the rest reared up in alarm as the unexpected flames towered over the room.
"Everyone get the hell back!" Umbrafor roared. As lava spat out at them. All eight dragons quickly moved back.
Meanwhile Charditus just in both awe and fear at this sudden unexpected turn.
"How…did you do this Spyro?" He stared at the dragon who seemed unaffected by this sudden outburst of huge power. "When Malefor did the same thing he apparently was left weak."
"Malefor didn't have this infernal darkness to give him power." Spyro bluntly put it, picking the diary up.
"What about the barrier, will it hold them?" Charditus asked.
"Do not doubt my powers. It held everyone else out before. Now we move. We are getting Cynder."
Charditus, as grudgingly as it was obeyed, getting ready to take off as well.
Saphira though was hesitant, of which Charditus noticed.
"What's wrong Saphira?" Charditus whispered.
"There is something off Charditus. I don't trust him anymore. I refuse to work for another tyrant." Saphira admitted.
"I agree…but what choice do we have right now. He is leading us to my friends…he can help free them. We just gotta stay loyal till we get them back then we can see."
"understand they mean everything to you…but just don't let it blind and get yourself killed over it. I doubt you friends would appreciate it." Saphira sighed sadly.
"I won't." Charditus assured.
"Enough whispering. We are leaving now! Charditus you are leading the way." Spyro called out, taking to the air without hesitation.
Charditus and Saphira exchanged one more glance before taking after him.
Umbrafor was cursing. He was so close, only for the damn purple dragon to use their tools against them.
They all had landed, left gazing on the intimidating wall of fire.
Glaze tried hard to douse the fire but her ice never even touched the flames.
"You're wasting your breath you imbecile." Umbrafor growled.
Glaze lowered her head in meek shame. They were all exhausted, all this flying and fighting and barely a break, many were on the verge on collapsing but refrained from doing so in fear of being yelled at.
Umbrafor forced his life force upon his ring, trying to get a reaction. At last Malefor appeared from within it.
"Master. Disable this barrier now. They are right there!" Umbrafor demanded.
Malefor snickered a little. "I couldn't simply do that if I tried. And besides, there is no need."
"What do you mean you cannot disable it?" Umbrafor up roared in outrage.
"Our friend has used his life energy to reignite the barrier. I cannot simply override his energy with my own. Its more complex than that."
"We cannot just lie around! We need to get in before that wretched being ruins everything."
"Still being as blind as ever. Don't you see this reignition of the Fire is a sign. A sign that the dragon is following my route? You need not worry about him. I made sure he wouldn't want to turn back."
"How…" Umbrafor breathed, still burning from anger.
"I may have pushed…a few buttons. He even turned on the traitor Cynder." Malefor gloated.
Umbrafor's features softened a little, but he remained unconvinced.
"Convinced now?" Malefor asked.
"If this is the case…our work is done. Our services to fate are completed and so…all we have to do is wait?"
Malefor gave a slight nod in response, before fading from sight.
The strictness seemed to melt from Umbrafor as he returned his stare back to his loyal followers.
"Everyone relax. Our work is done." He softly commented. While some of the sentinels simply flopped onto the hard dirt other stared at him confused.
"But master… we need to get Spyro and kill those traitors." Infernius argued.
"Not anymore, there is no need wasting energy on pointless tasks when it will only achieve the same effect. Spyro will take it from here. There is no stopping us now."
Infernius was still confused, but regardless tried to settle down.
Umbrafor watched the flames carefully, he didn't know why…but still. Though he wasn't entirely thinking of it he was but a little sad he didn't get to utilise his Sentinels to the intended purpose. To help kill those who dared to oppose them. But now Spyro were on their side, making things a lot simpler and quicker than many more years of war.
But now all that wasn't needed as he watched the flames.
The other dragons had begun settling down. The twins wasted no time in sleeping in each other's company, getting a few lost hours in. Boldor was torturing some poor ants he had found scuttling across the earth. The three fire dragons were also in tight huddle, too energetic to sleep. Instead they talked about their thoughts…dark thoughts.
This left Infernius on his own. He constantly turned his gaze between the different groups of dragons. Umbrafor wasn't saying much on the current situation and plus was watching Infernius like a hawk so trying to warm up to him would not be a good idea. He could've easily stopped thinking and gone back to his group. But a single thought was still gnawing at him…Saphira. Why did she betray the sentinels? The more he thought about the more he questioned it and everything. Despite all their arguments he only ever saw it as competition unlike his actual hate of Emerald squad. In anything he trusted her as much as his squad. What was it that caused her to join them though? This sudden turn had made Infernius think about the things he wouldn't even dare question.
"Yo boss!" One of his friends called over, snapping him out of his train of thought. "You gotta hear this, this Bozo here just told his darkest secret."
"Later you, numbskulls! I'm thinking." He growled back.
A single Earth dragon gazed upon the horizon dreaming his wife and daughter and brothers were with him. He was a rugged and scarred dragon but not old. He was one of the few who was continuously on the front line when Malefor attacked, and though the constant threat had been mind-numbing it was nothing to soul-crushing of the loss of his family. But when he saw the flames jump high into the air he knew he needed to act.
Warfang had erupted into a frenzy of nervous chatter and uproar. Talks about the fire wall reigniting had caused somewhat of a frenzy. A few dragons searched desperately around for Umbrafor. But by then the news of Umbrafor's abrupt disappearance was old news, though most dragons didn't really care.
In the weeks leading up to this Umbrafor rarely involved himself in the important decisions the city needed to make despite being the leader. This lead to many citizens to have given up on their leader, taking decision into their own hands. There were even those quiet beings who wished the guardians were and even some who re-established silent contact with them. For at least they knew how to run a city effectively and cared for the people.
Umbrafor's enforced beliefs had also worn off, many of the citizens simply ignored his ramblings at the evil of Spyro, the evidence was simply lacklustre, more believing Umbrafor had exaggerated the actual truth because he simply hated the purple dragon. Most dragons and moles didn't really hate the purple dragon anymore, merely simply holding a mistrust at him.
Quakedor the male earth dragon trudged hurriedly through the crowds pushing back against him in the desperate attempt to see whether the rumours were true.
He found his way to a more open section of the city of tents, many scatters of moles and dragons nervously discussed the happenings. Perfect, a crowd who will listen to him.
"Everyone! Everyone gather around and listen to me!" He bellowed to his peers. Many of them ushered their conversations and turned in his direction of the unexpected interruption. "These events that are happening, it's a sign! The purple dragon known as Spyro has made his move! He aims to complete what the previous purple dragon has started and our leader has abandoned us. It's time…it's time to call back the Guardians!"
Some of the people broke into an angry pandemonium, accusing the dragon of blasphemy.
"Why should we let them back in when they themselves let to the dragon go in the first place!?" One dragon roared.
"Because they at least know how to stop a crisis! Umbrafor has abandoned us and it has become clear he cannot be relied on anymore. Unlike the guardians who stood by us even when the city fell and only left when WE threw them out." Snowil countered. Many of the dragons exchanged uncertain glances, just like Quakedor they too had hoped the guardians would return…and all it took was the one voice to surface those feelings.
"He is right!" A sturdy female earth dragoness guard called out from the front of the crowd. "The guardians are the only ones who can help!"
"But they support the purple dragon! And look at what he is doing now!" The same dragon argued.
"I highly doubt the guardians would support him after this!" Another dragoness, further back in the crowd. "Guardians for Leaders! She added.
As seconds passed murmurs of indecision rose all around. the first dragon though silenced himself when he realised these whispers weren't in his favour.
Quakedor could hear, the voices were indeed in his favour. He pressed the advantage.
"So, what do the people say? Do we let the guardians back in? For I say we do!"
In one roar, they all yelled yes back, only the few true Umbrafor believers remained sourly quiet.
"Then hear is what we shall do! For the next few hours will be crucial. The purple dragon known as Spyro may be planning an assault. We must prepare! Anyone unable to fight take the children and the elderly into the ruins, they must be kept the safest. Everyone else though you need to prepare, Spyro could attack at any time and we need to be ready to defend. I and a few others will accompany to the where the guardians reside and convince to re-join our city."
Quakedor's brotherly connection to Terrador had ensured he remained in close contact with the guardians, updating them on the city's status, and as such he was entrusted with the knowledge of the guardian's whereabouts.
There were mixed reactions. Some roared in happiness, they had finally found a proper purpose. While others though the wiser ones…didn't like the prospect of a second war. However, they all had a job to do and eagerly and determinedly they set about to their roles.
"One final thing! Spread the word, the city needs to know to avoid confusion." Quakedor added.
The two females from earlier that had spoken up on Quakedor's behalf, the female earth guard and a yellow sleek and tall dragoness were already approaching, ready for orders.
"Zinnia? That, was you who spoke up? I thought I recognised your voice." The female guard asked.
"Of cause Beartha. You know I would speak up for the guardians any chance I can…and the other thing with Volteer." She sneakily added, emphasising a wink. There was a confidence with her mixed with a little mischief but no arrogance.
Beartha simply burst out laughing, leaving a Quakedor with a puzzling look.
"I'm supposing you two are the ones I need to thank." He spoke.
"No need to thank us, were just glad someone managed to talk some sense into these people." Beartha.
Quakedor nodded, "What do you two plan on doing then."
"Whatever you need us to do." Beartha replied, resisting a salute as she would normally do to those of higher rank than her.
"I'm not a leader though. Besides, that why I am heading to the temple now to talk to Master Volteer and Master Cyril." Quakedor replied surprised.
"Are you sure about that?" Zinnia playfully replied. "Because you sure acted like you were a moment ago. That and the guardians aren't here yet."
Quakedor sighed…Even he did have practice, leading was always more his brother's thing. "Alright. I suppose I shall act as stand in leader. And as my first action I shall go get the real leaders that we need. But to do so I would rather have some people accompany me."
"You're looking right at them." Zinnia answered.
Quakedor turned his gaze to Beartha, who in response nodded sharply.
"Very well, we shall leave once we have gathered some provisions. We should however be as quick as possible about this."
Heya all. I know this chapter isn't if previous ones but I decided unless I cut at some point this chapter would be far too long.
So, it seems the city is finally taking some action. How will Spyro react to it? Will he even realise? And what about Cynder, she had witnessed first-hand the darkness that is controlling Spyro. Will she ever be able to return Spyro to his former self? And what about Umbrafor…
I would just like to thank all of you so far who have left positive reviews and who have either followed and favourited my work. Your continuous support really does motivate me to keep writing. For those of you who are new or even long time readers then why not hit that follow button, it takes two seconds and means the world to me.
But enough gibberish. Until next time all. :)