Second chance at Life
Charditus was happy to say the least, though he had only lost his friends earlier that day it felt like he lost them forever. Saphira could feel his excitement, seeing the odd creep of a smile tug at the edge of his maw every now and again like a young hatchling's hatch day.
They both remained close to each other, as Spyro remained a large uncertainty especially in this dark form, however since Cynder's life was on the line they were sure he would do anything to get her back. Or so Spyro wanted them to believe.
He had remained strangely quiet to himself though the darkness had slowly evaporated from him.
Regardless he didn't engage in conversation like he usually did, checking in on his allies every now and again. Perhaps he was just so focused on getting Cynder.
Even Saphira found it hard to strike up conversation and she was one that could make people talk. The atmosphere was simply so thick you could cut it with a talon. Thankfully though the awkward silence came to an end when Charditus announced they were here. In all fairness, they mostly followed the fire ring around the inside edges until they found terrain Charditus did recognise, the plateau in the middle of the lava lake. Then it was a simple case of following up the same path.
"We're here." Charditus proclaimed. Amazed at how intact the cavern was in. Sure, the lava below had risen but the opening was larger due to the rock fall earlier. This was a good sign.
Without ushering a word Spyro dove in, followed by the two unsure dragons. A minute of quietness passed.
"Chard, are you sure the golem is still even here?"
If one thing became apparent is that parts of the roof was now covered in random patches of crystal, most likely to prevent further cave in. It certainly was still here.
"I'm sure." He said, making himself loud enough so Spyro could hear, even if he wasn't listening.
"Okay…And considering you two have actually face golems before, even killing one… What can you tell me?"
Spyro was the first to speak, though it was more of a grunt he spoke in his fragmented voice "Weak spot in the head…"
Saphira gave an awkward stare, but then turned back to Charditus. "What can you tell me then Char."
"Well this Golem in particular appears to prefer being alone, so we won't have to deal with the other creatures we usually encounter, so that is useful. Not only that this golem seems to have a dislike to Ice, so you will be very useful in that instant Saphira, considering your ice is very potent." Despite not seeming much like a compliment coming from a dragon like Charditus it had its own charm. Saphira felt a little flutter from within.
Though it did have unintended effects Charditus did mean what he said, after experiencing it first-hand he would argue it was more dangerous than even Blizarus, though he might have some disagreement to that statement.
"Anything we should look out for?" Saphira asked.
"One thing for definite is don't get hit by its crystal breath." Though obvious Charditus couldn't stress enough how important this information was.
"Got it."
As she finished those words it became very apparent there was an even brighter light coming from in front. They turned a corner and to their dismay a curtain of lava stretched from one end of the wall to the other, creating a wall of impenetrable fire.
"Get close to me." Spyro ordered unhesitant, voice stern like iron.
Charditus and Saphira, cautious on not making him angry did just that, they hovered closer until they were almost within wing touching distance.
Spyro conjured convexity energy within himself and when he felt he had enough he expelled it, creating a spherical shield around the three of them. He didn't even offer an explanation when Charditus and Saphira stared at him in almost disbelief. Instead he moved forward towards the lava, and all inside moved with him. A second later they entered the lavafall and Charditus just continued to stare around. They were right underneath the lava, yet none of it broke through, like an air bubble in the ocean. Such mystery the element of convexity was, the power to destroy all that gets in its way, yet also the power to protects those from harm.
A moment of awe-inspiring beauty passed before they found themselves on the other side, and as soon as Spyro felt they were far enough away he dropped the barrier, watching it fade into nothing.
The air was warm and stale. But still breathable.
"How long until we are there?" Spyro coldly asked.
"Right around the corner."
Spyro didn't offer anything in terms of thank you but instead hurried off ahead.
There was an edge of calmness about his voice, something Charditus found suspicious. All three dragons turned the corner.
Saphira's maw dropped open even further at the beauty, the crystal blue floor casting blue light onto the cavern walls. The pillars reflecting the light into intricate and beautiful patterns flashed on the walls.
Even Charditus felt a small appeasing here. Though his focus though was with how clean the cavern was. It was just as he suspected, the Golem prefers to keep its habitat clean and boy it had been busy, even the hole it had once created was resealed. However, there was still no sign of it.
"Everyone be careful. This golem is a master of ambush…"
Saphira took these words to heart as she scanned her surroundings carefully. Spyro though was looking very expectantly at Charditus who took notice.
"Do you need something Spyro?" He asked.
"I'm waiting for you to show me where they are." Spyro bluntly put it.
"They…wait do he know? You know?" Charditus asked surprised.
"It wasn't that hard to guess Chard. Why, did you deliberately not mean to tell me?!" Spyro raised his voice, making Charditus give him a more unusual look.
"Well no but…"
"Then show me where they are, we are wasting precious time!" Spyro interrupted impatiently.
"Wasting time for what?" Charditus thought. Regardless Spyro's stern frown shifted his thought. "Over here." He answered as he made way to the odd indentations in the floor. Saphira overheard the comments and gave Charditus a grim look.
Charditus headed over to the closest of the three – Blizarus. It almost forced him into tears seeing his friend, still eyes open and mouth opening, looking like he was about to yell another insult. But one problem remained that nearly made the whole journey pointless, getting them out.
However once more Spyro was prepared.
"You." He said pointing at Saphira, "Keep a watch out."
Saphira felt a little insulted that her name wasn't used but still she didn't complain and instead watched over the rest of the cavern.
"As for us we are going to get your friends out." Spyro instructed.
"How?" Charditus said.
"Do you know how to condense your flames?" Spyro asked.
"Condense them?"
Spyro rolled his eyes in frustration. "You know, by forcing your fire together. It will allow you to blow out extremely potent flames at the expense of distance, like a blowtorch." Spyro explained. This was a trick taught to him by Ignitus but never actually got to experiment with until now.
Charditus thought about it for a moment before opening his maw, and doing like Spyro instructed he bound his flames into one jet, and sure enough an extremely bright flame spurted from his mouth like a candle.
"There, now force that flame onto the surrounding crystal and it will melt." Spyro added.
"What about my friends?
"But what about them?"
"Won't they be hurt by my flames?"
"The crystal shouldn't get hot enough to actually do any damage due to their low boiling point. But if you still are unsatisfied then create a drainage system for the crystal to melt into." Spyro grunted. "I'm going to find Cynder." He further said off-tone as he looked around.
Charditus refocused on Blizarus still frozen and after taking a deep breath exhaled his blow torch breath again this time on the crystal, which after a short time begun heating up. Thankfully since Charditus was a pure fire dragon his fire was much stronger than Spyro's own.
Moments later the crystal liquified into a thick gloopy substance which lapped onto his talons, he pulled them away in fear of being burnt. But the temperature was surprisingly pleasant, like a warm pool of custard. He instead moved closer, placing both talons in the pool and brazing over more of the crystal, gradually turning it all into liquid. Blizarus's head was the first part to be unfrozen as Charditus swiftly moved his talon to catch his head before it flopped into the liquid. Gradually more and more of the encased white dragon began slipping free, first his front talons, then his body and lastly his talons, leaving a limp body lying in the puddle. For a moment, Charditus feared he was too late, but that thought quickly vanished when he felt his friend's heartbeat.
Blizarus almost startled Charditus when he broke into a coughing fit.
"Easy Blizarus!" Charditus eased, supporting his friend as he sat bolt up-right. Charditus could barely keep his relief when Blizarus's eyes shot open.
"Who? What? When? Where? Why?" He blurted out like someone just jolted him awake. He did however come to his senses when he saw his friend's eyes gazing upon him.
"Morning boss!" He grinned.
"Blizarus you clever son of a bitch." Charditus said through tears of over-whelming joy.
Blizarus in response gave the biggest and cheekiest grin he could muster at the time.
"You knew the golem's breath would keep you alive long enough for me to find you!"
"Like I said, I do use my brain!" Blizarus happily smirked.
"I hate to interrupt but now isn't the best time to converse." Saphira interrupted.
Blizarus turned his neck to the strange yet familiar voice that joined the conversation, his features faltered at the mere sight of her.
"The hell she is doing here?" He accused.
"Hold it Bliz. She is with us." Charditus informed.
"And here we go again, making decisions without the approval of the crew!"
Charditus wasn't sure if he was being sarcastic or serious, well until he saw Bliz's huge grin that was.
Blizarus then turned his grin to the rest of the cavern and saw the purple dragon scanning the crystal flooring. "Well at least you got one thing right." He commented.
"Let's go Bliz, we still got Volterra and Earthena to free."
"Now you're talking sense." Blizarus added as he shook the gloopy liquid from his skin in glops that splashed onto the floor.
Charditus moved to the next of the silhouettes trapped in the ice along with Blizarus. Saphira also walked backwards, more for personal comfort than anything. Caught in the ice here was none other than the Earth bound but warm hearted Earthena.
"How long were we out for anyway Chard?" Bliz asked.
"Only three hours, four at the most." Charditus replied in between blasts of fire.
"Seriously?!" Blizarus answered surprised. "Damn man you are efficient. I mean I've said it many times before but damn."
"What do you mean?" Charditus added.
"I mean you got Spyro here, and since your busting our arses out that Umbrafor has been killed off. Heck you even got one of them to help…she is helping us, right?"
"It…hasn't happened the way you just explained."
"What do you mean Char?"
"I'll explain when we got Earthena and Volterra out. But we still got a fight on our hands." Charditus explained.
"Umbrafor lives then? Sweet cause I don't mind bashing him around a little bit." Blizarus gloated.
Charditus simply rolled his eyes…it was good having him back, even if he was only gone for a few hours.
"Come on, I need you to catch Earthena's head when I free it."
"Got it." He chirped back, moving his talons in place.
Charditus swiftly worked around her body, careful not to burn his friend. A short time passed when her neck muscles loosened and her head was sent slumping into the liquid. But as he promised Blizarus caught the head and held it into resting position.
A mere few minutes passed when just as Blizarus was a moment ago Earthena was fully unconfined from the crystal's grasp as both dragons eagerly waited for her to come around. It didn't take too long thankfully. Her eyelids slid open gently to the welcome expressions of Blizarus and Charditus.
"Eurgh…" She groaned, arising and placing a talon to her sore head. "Next time Blizarus don't just stand around like an idiot.
"Easy Earthena you're okay." Charditus soothingly called.
"Okay? What even happened? One moment I was shoving bozo here out the way when everything went blank…" She groaned.
"It's over. The golem is gone." Charditus assured.
"We won?" Again, she asked, still not fully aware of her surroundings.
"That depends on how choose to see it. Did we get Cynder out of here, yes. Did we almost die in the process, yes as well?" Blizarus said without being of any actual help.
"What are you on about Blizarus? Charditus could you please explain." She said, finally coming around.
Though it almost pained him to relive those memories Charditus explained. "After you pushed Blizarus out of the way the golem got you. But unfortunately, Blizarus was still trapped and I couldn't do anything. So, I had to leave you and take Cynder."
"Then what?" Earthena asked, getting off her belly and standing up.
"In a moment, I already said to Blizarus I'll explain everything after we get Volterra out."
Earthena gave him a look of doubt before turning to Blizarus, who in response simply shrugged.
It was then she could take in more of her surroundings. At one end Spyro was 'examining' the crystal floor looking for something or someone. On the other-side Saphira gave a warm and sincere smile, but was only met with a frigid stare that immediately made her smile disappear. How long was she out for?
"Well can you at least tell me how long I was out for, because there is a lot for you to explain from the looks from it?" Earthena frowned.
"She is with us, I will explain everything." Charditus sensed her hostility.
Again, Earthena gave Blizarus the same confused expression but again she was met with a shrug.
"Now let's go, we still got Volterra to get out." Charditus added.
Now that she did understand, both she and Bliz dashed over to where Charditus had discovered the last outline plastered into the flooring.
"I'm here for you Volterra." Charditus eagerly thought, burning away at the crystal with zero hesitation.
The other three dragons awkwardly waited around as Charditus worked carefully on Volterra. Earthena felt something was wrong, she would occasionally catch Saphira glancing nervously at Spyro.
A few minutes passed.
"Bliz, need you again." Char called out. Who in response hastily hobbled closer talons outstretched.
Like before Volterra's head gently leaned downwards which was caught by Blizarus.
More minutes passed and the crystal slipped off the yellow dragoness, releasing her too from the Golem's frozen touch.
Charditus immediately picked the dragoness up in an upright standing position and took her into a tight embrace. It felt odd holding someone unconscious but he didn't care…he had her back.
Volterra awoke and all she saw was an empty cavern wall and red in her peripheral vision. She didn't need a hint to guess who that was. She wasn't sure of the circumstances or what happened but she willingly accepted and place her forelegs around his chest.
Her touch caused he heartbeat to soar. They were reunited and everything will be alright in the end.
The ancestors gave Charditus this gift of his friends and he sure wasn't going to lose them again!
Earthena tapped on Blizarus's hind leg to get his attention, and when he did turn she merely smiled and indicated to him to allow them some space. He complied and took a few steps back.
Charditus finally released and pushed Volterra back slightly so he could stare into her ocean blue eyes. She too stared into his, small red orbs that held a gentle light, like a warm log fire in a cabin one gentle cold night.
He then pulled her into another hug, slightly tighter than before. "I'm so glad you are okay…" She could hear him almost whimper.
She didn't understand why. But she held onto him as well. She could vaguely remember getting hit by the Golem's crystal breath and then nothing…but if that was the case…it meant Charditus had freed her.
For a moment, no one spoke. All relishing in the silence, the fact that they all will be alright.
But all good things must come to an end.
"Where is it!?" Spyro roared in frustration to no-one. This sudden outburst caused all five dragons to turn towards him.
Charditus let a nervous Volterra go and took a step closer to the purple dragon. Was it meant to refer to Cynder?
Spyro in turn faced Charditus, darkness beginning to once more descend upon him like a plague. "You lied to me Charditus! You told me the golem was here!" He spoke full of hatred, voice like broken glass.
Charditus finally understood. Cynder wasn't here. Spyro came for the Golem.
"Spyro listen to me. You can fight the darkness!"
Saphira hurried to Charditus's side.
"Resist it Spyro! You need to!" She yelled.
The other three wasn't sure what was truly going on but the one thing they did understand was that Spyro was conflicting with his dark side.
Blizarus charged forward as well, joining Charditus. "Dammit Spyro you better listen to us, if you're really as strong as they say you are then you can damn well beat this!"
Earthena too went to Saphira's side. "Fight it Spyro! You can do it!"
Volterra was the last to run in, squeezing in between Charditus and Blizarus. "Please Spyro. You can fight it!"
Dark Spyro simply watched them with amusement…and laughed, it started out as a simple laugh before bursting into a maniacal crackle. Charditus gritted his teeth. This was new. But he knew what it meant. He shook his head disappointedly.
"It's too late… he is too far gone." He regretfully spoke. "We need to take him down before he can cause any harm!"
Charditus broke into a sprint, as did Dark Spyro. The other four 'sentinels' too charged forward. Even Volterra the most anti-violent of them launched forward with the same commitment as her team mates. They clashed in the middle.
Charditus feinted a leap which Dark Spyro bought and leapt in the air. Charditus instead went under, twisting his body in a way that allowed him to dig his talons into the soft underbelly. But too his dismay all he left were three deep scratch marks. Sure, they bled but what Charditus did should have dealt a lot more damage. Dark Spyro growled in pain but still followed through with his attack. He quickly pushed his wings out and distanced himself as Dark Spyro landed.
Dark Spyro barely got a chance when a spit of ice from Blizarus encased his foot and immobilised him, followed by a swift side slam from Earthena's tail that broke the ice and sent dark Spyro sliding across the ice. The broken ice cut into his scales and the thick clubbed tail left a bruise on his side.
Despite the numerous injuries dealt dark Spyro got up and acted as if no damage was dealt. Though on the inside he knew he was suffering.
Volterra unleashed a torrent of electricity that struck through dark Spyro's entire body, causing him to tense up paralyzed for a moment and collapse to the ground in a howl of agony.
Saphira finished off the relentless assault by firing a single ice spike that embedded into the ceiling above. A moment later it exploded, dislodging some of smaller rocks that fell on top of dark Spyro. One rock slammed onto dark Spyro's wing just as the electricity began fading, trapping him in place. He continued howling in the most horrendous cry ever, even worse than that of dreadwings.
Dark Spyro tried struggling but Charditus moved quickly and pinned down his talons.
"This is your last chance Spyro! Fight back or we'll have no choice but to put an end to you. You can win against the darkness!" Charditus screamed in plea and determination.
Dark Spyro calmed down slightly, and instead stared Charditus in his eyes… "You really think the darkness is to blame for this?" he grinned maliciously. Dark Spyro forced the shadows from his eyes, revealing the lilac irises beneath. "Look me in the eye and tell me this is the darkness."
Staring him in the eye was like staring into the heart of evil itself. It was horrifying, it was filled with hatred and joy of fighting. He truly was like Malefor now…
Charditus closed his talon up and started beating the dragon relentlessly. Blow upon blow rained on the black dragon until blood purred from his snout.
Five…six…seven…ten punches Charditus counted before eventually stopping, his red talon was covered in Spyro's blood. But still he wasn't dead and instead continued grinning.
"Ancestors those punches hurt!" He taunted. "Maybe you are worthy than I thought. Let's find out if you can take pain as well as you can dish it!"
Dark Spyro pulsed out an aura of invisible energy, lifting him, Charditus and the large rock into the air. They remained there for a moment before Spyro throw Charditus and the rock away across the crystal towards Charditus's friends.
Dark Spyro merely waited for his adversaries to recover and rally themselves once more.
Charditus shot two fires balls, but instead of finding their mark Dark Spyro twisted his body in a way that allowed them to sail passed him. Dark Spyro retaliated by charging forward like a speeding bullet, striking his heavily in the chest with a comet dash that sent Charditus sprawling once more across the floor. Charditus was left with a slight burn mark on his chest but that was it.
"No one treats my friend like that!" Blizarus roared as he leapt at Dark Spyro claws outstretched. Unfortunately for him though Dark Spyro simply disappeared and reappeared behind him, striking Blizarus in the back with an ice ball that thumped Blizarus onto the ground. "How the hell did he do that?" He blurted out.
"Remember he has abilities no one else can wield!" Charditus called out.
Earthena managed to sneak above Dark Spyro and was preparing for a devastating rock ball fall. She encased herself in rock and immediately plummeted back down. Dark Spyro though was aware and instead leapt to one side near a cavern wall. Earthena smashed onto the floor leaving a large indent, though wasn't done and proceeded to instead crush Spyro up against the wall.
Dark Spyro waited for the opportune moment and just before Earthena flattened him Spyro summoned two earth pillars from the walls that impaled directly into Earthena's sphere, causing it to collapse on itself and sending Earthena sprawling right into front of Spyro. Who grinned wickedly at her. She tried flying away, but Spyro had anticipated this and just as she left the ground a third pillar appeared and struck her underbelly, sending her cart-wheeling. Thank fully though Saphira was ready and caught the dragoness in mid-flight, easing her descent onto the ground below.
Volterra took control of the situation by sending zagged streaks of lightning at the purple dragon and to be sure He simply couldn't sneak up on him she had set up an electrical barrier around herself so if he were to get near he would get shocked.
Though faced with a somewhat tricky situation Spyro knew exactly how to deal with this. He first sent in a sphere of his own electricity that merger with her own shield, cancelling it out temporarily. He then tapped into his dragon-time powers and slowed time down to a snail's pace.
Dark Spyro then proceeded to slip underneath the venerable Volterra who despite showing fear knew she couldn't do anything. Spyro hoisted her clear into the with his horns before reappearing in front of Volterra in nothing but a blur, who's face now turned from fear to complete horror as Spyro unleashed another ball of thunder aimed at her underbelly. At that moment, the ball struck her Spyro released his grip on dragon time, time resumed as Volterra screeched across the ground in terrified pain at normal speed right in front of where Charditus and the rest of them had regathered.
The sight of her in such pain made Charditus furious inside. Even though he knew Spyro was not to fault for this the fact he hurt her in such as a way made him bare his teeth. Though they had only been hit once Charditus knew they couldn't take another barrage like that.
To his relief though Volterra got back up, still groaning and having a slight limp but she was ready.
Spyro waited the other side, gesturing with his talon for them to make the next move. It was an odd way to battle, but Charditus knew he was merely taunting them.
"Is that how you really fight Spyro? Without honour, through the manipulation of time and space?!" He roared.
"I never said I would fight fairly, now would I?" He grinned back through malicious teeth.
"Still I would've thought that you didn't use those abilities on Malefor you wouldn't use it on us." He yelled.
"Malefor was weak! He could never master these abilities…but I guess it would be poetic to kill you all with your own elements, now wouldn't it? Alright I shall give you one final wish. Now come at me! Show me your strength! Show me all of it!" Dark Spyro arrogantly roared.
"You heard him. Emerald squad, time to unleash our trump card." He inspirational yelled. "Saphira stay back." He whispered to her without even looking. "Go!" He yelled.
Volterra snapped her electric vision on and stared directly in Dark Spyro's own. The sudden and unexpectedness blinded Dark Spyro has he hissed and turned away…not only that but he found his other main sense; hearing thrown off as well. As he heard a thundering sound of a herd of elephants charge towards him.
It reality it was only Earthena charging forward clad in her infamous rock armour. Volterra's vision simply disorientated Dark Spyro that badly. So, before he could react what felt like a rhino surged directly into him, sending him flying across the room in what would've of bone breaking if there was a solid wall behind him.
Spyro slammed into the ground but quickly got back to his feet and shook himself out of his daze, that hit certainly hurt... Right in front of him though stood Blizarus with a big cheeky grin. Dark Spyro growled before lashing out with his claws in anger. But he quickly found himself more sluggish, most likely from the impact.
Blizarus smoothly avoided the angered dragon, leaping over his head and releasing his own ability of the ice screen, shrouding both in a large thick icy mist. Blizarus quickly leapt out and re-joined Volterra and Earthena who were now awaiting their leader to finish the job.
Dark Spyro could barely see a foot in front of him, it was as if a blizzard struck out of nowhere and concealed everything from view.
He then heard closing wings from above but before he could respond Charditus pinned Dark Spyro to the ground, flattening himself upon Dark Spyro.
Then he unleashed his own ability. A huge powerful flare emitted from him, directly on top of Spyro. His anguished cries were smothered out and extreme heat rippled through his body. Then nothing.
It took a short time for the smoke, steam and mist to fade but when it did…Charditus remained on top of the black dragon…unmoving. It was by far his most powerful, almost taking all his energy.
He stumbled off the fallen dragon. He wasn't sure why…but he felt a little remorse. Sadness that it had to come to this… But deep down he knew he didn't get a choice…
He limped to the front of the black dragon, eyeing him in pity…
Then he struck.
Volteer and Cyril were huddled around the pool of visions, both with stern faces that hid fear of impending doom. They seek answers from the pool but nothing ever came for neither of them could receive such visions. If anyone truly understood what they were doing they would too would know the despair and desperation they were masking. When they had heard that the ring of fire was reactivated it meant only one thing. Spyro was ready.
"If I may lighten this dreary mood Volteer, I have sent word to all of our comrades in Warfang about the other issue and already we have been given replies." Cyril spoke wearily.
"How in the ancestor's appellation is that…an enlightening subject of discussion Cyril you insolent pompous…You know exactly what I'm trying to describe and suggesting the very idea of handling children into the clutches of a tyrant is not a pleasantry subject at all! Volteer snapped.
Not even the remark managed to trigger a reaction within Cyril, his pride and ego simply wasn't there at the moment. But Volteer was right…and Cyril simply slumped all the more. It was pathetic seeing these two once proud guardians wallowing in their own misery…but everyone was feeling it.
"But what did they insinuate then…?" Volteer asked anyway.
"Well…we got seven yeses', four nos' and 2 maybes'…still waiting to hear back from the rest…."
Silence felled like a thick fog.
"We can't just lounge around forever Cyril." Volteer spoke, breaking the insufferable silence.
"But what can we do. We searched through your entire library and found nothing. Our only chance was with the book, and he's got it." Cyril bleakly put it.
"We must try to penetrate the veil Spyro has enveloped himself in!" Volteer tried sounding hopeful, but even his unsilenced voice felt otherwise.
"With what I dare say? We haven't been able to beat it before."
"We need to at least try…otherwise we are without doubts what Spyro detailed us as."
"What in the devil blazes are you talking about?" Cyril argued back.
Before they could continue their argument though a little furry mole hurried into the room. But quickly regretted his decision when he was met with two furious faces.
"What is it?" Cyril asked.
"Dragons…from Warfang!" He squeaked.
Cyril and Volteer exchanged confused looks. They weren't expecting dragons nor did they want any in the fear that Umbrafor tracked them down. Regardless it would be rude not to at least see what they wanted. Both dragons, both guilt ridden about postponing the task at hand left the room, where three large dragons, two females and one male stood patiently.
"Quakedor?" Cyril asked surprised.
"Master Cyril, Master Volteer, it has been a long time." Quakedor commented. "But now is not the time for pleasantries. We got a problem on our hands and we need your help."
"Our help?" Volteer asked.
Quakedor nodded. "Me and my assets here travelled here because we need you back in Warfang. The fire barrier. Has been reignited."
"We are aware of the situation and were currently planning a strategic counter attack."
"Very good, in which case consider Warfang once more an ally of you."
"An ally? What in the unfathomable name has happened to make these unlikely circumstances occur?! Volteer asked.
"Volteer is correct…in some part. Does Umbrafor not still control the people?" Cyril casted doubtfully.
"Not anymore, that coward has deserted us in a time when we need dependable leaders, when we need you. You helped pull us through one war and unfortunately we need to rely on you to help us through the next."
Volteer and Cyril swapped glances, this was certainly an unexpected turn.
"I've already given the order for those unable to fight to seek shelter amongst the ruins and for those who can to prepare. No doubt Spyro will attempt to strike soon so we need to be ready for it." Quakedor spoke.
The name still caused a twinge amongst the guardians. The idea of Spyro turning out like Malefor still hadn't sunk in…not after all the faith they rested on him and all that he had done…but still it had to be done…"
"Very we, we shall disembark as soon as we pack up here." Cyril stated.
"Forgive me for speaking out of place but we do not have time for that, we can always send more dragons to gather everyone here and your possessions but we need you in Warfang now!" Quakedor insisted.
"Very well then…let us embark on this perilous journey. First though we really should tell the rest of these poor souls what we are doing, hmm? Now shouldn't we."
"Affirmative sir, I shall leave one of my colleagues here to oversee the movement of the residents here." Quakedor said, turning to Beartha and Zinnia.
Zinnia gazed at Beartha who pretended not to notice, but when Zinnia's gaze did not shift she gave in.
"What?" She burst out.
"You know…" Zinnia replied smirking.
"Do you really insist on making a move this early. Now isn't really the best time for that kind of thing." Beartha groaned.
"Oh, come on Beartha, you know they say love is best made in the forges of battle, and besides I don't see how you will use the time productively otherwise." Zinnia countered.
"Alright fine…I'll overlook the people here and make sure they get to Warfang safely." Beartha sighed.
"Thanks!" Zinnia cheerily replied.
"Thank you Beartha, I'll be sure to have a warm meal ready for you to return."
Beartha nodded back in appreciation, before turning and heading for the mess hall.
"Alright, now we have to leave." Quakedor ordered. As the four dragons exited the temple.
Charditus eyes broadened in horror, exactly what Dark Spyro wanted. He glared Charditus right into his eyes and emitted a see-through pulse.
Charditus felt his entire body go stiff as he hovered in the air for a moment. Darkness flooded his body and mind, enveloping his being in a thick shadow, his pupils turned pure white. He constantly grunted in pain and this…evil invaded his mind.
"Char!" Volterra Screamed, running forward.
"Not another step!" Dark Spyro warned, opening his maw, threatening to release a taste of convexity.
Volterra halted, fear and worry plastered on her face.
"You sick bastard!" Earthena yelled. "Let him go."
"If you're worried about your friend then don't. He isn't in any pain. I'm merely altering his views to something more aggregable." Dark Spyro grinned. At that moment Charditus's body collapsed to the ground, where he remained motionless for a few seconds before pushing himself off the ground.
"Char?" Volterra asked nervously.
Charditus didn't respond, instead walking over to Dark Spyro's side. So instead of one dark dragon there were two.
"I have had a change of heart you see. What you had demonstrated to me was true power…You are no ordinary dragons are you? It would seem such a waste to kill you now. No…instead you will join me in creating a new world, a world where there is no suffering, no lies and no more wars." Dark Spyro said more seriously.
"You're insane, you're just like Malefor and Umbrafor! What you are going to do will kill everyone!" Blizarus Howled.
"But by doing that would I not end the suffering of everyone. Surely you seen the pain, the anger everyone has even to their own friends."
"Well yes…but that is why we need to rebuild, we all make mistakes that anger others…but being angry and blaming others only makes you forget there are those who still care." Blizarus said solemnly, remembering what Charditus had said.
Earthena was amazed, never had she heard Blizarus speak with so much passion before. What amazed her even more was how Dark Spyro appeared to be considering these words carefully.
"No…" Dark Spyro finally spoke. "I have travelled these lands for too long to believe your lies. You are the only source of true happiness and trust I have seen. For that you shall be spared, I shall give you the task of refilling the new world with hope. Now I know in your current position you won't comply, so I will have to do to you what I have done to Charditus."
"Over my dead body!" Blizarus shouted, charging the black dragon.
"Bliz, wait!" Earthena tried to warn. But it was too late. He catapulted into the black dragon and pinned Dark Spyro onto his back, raising his left talon ready to strike. He glared one more time into the dragon's eyes…bad mistake.
Dark Spyro seized the moment and stared back at Blizarus, doing the same thing he did to Charditus.
"Bliz!" Earthena shrieked.
"Two down, two to go. What is your choice…Earthena is it? Do you submit to me or go through the same useless attempts as your friend?" Dark Spyro questioned.
In answer Earthena simply stood her ground, still clad in her impenetrable rock armour she hunkered down.
"Very well…" Dark Spyro sighed both amused and annoyed. He knew that it was pointless to try and break rock this thick with more rock, and physical attacks were an even worse idea. "Well I'm not sure you can hear but these two beside me not only don't want to stop me anymore, but they now also obey my every command without fail. Charditus, Blizarus, retrieve Earthena for me."
Both dragons took off and looked down upon the indestructible fortress. Blizarus fire off several ice spikes, which shattered harmlessly upon the top into little crystals. Charditus then breathed a constant flame that melted said ice into water, which seeped into the tiny gaps in the rock. Charditus then stopped his, only for Blizarus to fire below zero air upon the rock.
As well know, water expands when it freezes. Cracks started appearing in the rock, when out of nowhere is simply exploded, chunks flew everywhere revealing Earthena. She gazed up in horror as the entire top of her armour literally vanished. But to her dismay Dark Spyro was there and waiting.
Just like the others she too turned. Eyes pure white and scales blacker than darkness. Through-out the ordeal Volterra remained motionless, but when Earthena fell she snapped her eye lids shut. Never had she seen anything so horrifying or ghastly, her friends turned into murky black mindless slaves. She was paralyzed there, out of fear for what would happen to her. But one thing she will refuse to do is open her eyes, for if he she did, then he would gain control of her, and then there would be no one left.
"Look at her, an electric dragoness paralyzed in fear." Dark Spyro taunted, making sure she could hear.
"Want me to 'persuade' her out of it?" Charditus grinned, though his voice was indeed fractured it still sounded like Charditus.
"No need. she is scared and thus very easy to break. Perhaps you can talk her into opening her eyes though."
The three dragons walked casually to the shut out Volterra.
"Come on Volterra, it isn't that bad." Earthena assured through both a comforting and edgy voice.
"Yeah Volterra, we can't do anything until you join us." Blizarus added, circling the other way.
She tried very hard to shut the voice out, but even then, they sounded like they were softly swimming around her head, coaxing her… "No!" She stubbornly spurted out.
"But Volterra…we need you, were a team and teams stick together." Charditus whispered calmly. His voice out of all of them was the hardest to resist. "All you need to do…is open your eyes."
"No!" Volterra once again refused.
"If you don't join though Volterra…then we can't spread joy in the new world, and if we can't spread joy Spyro has no use for us, he would kill us. Please don't let us die…or worse leave me in a world without you Volterra." Volterra could feel this enticing force pulling stronger and stronger with each word, but still she didn't budge.
"Volterra…I love you…love you more than anything. I want you." Charditus admitted.
Those three words 'I love you', It was just too tempting. Did he really mean those words? She just had to peek, a tiny crack to see if he was really telling the truth…No!
"No!" She once more refused. "The real Charditus would never be this open with his thoughts. And he would never want me to join the dark side.
The three dragons then backed off as Dark Spyro approached.
"My your will is strong. In fact, you remind me a lot of myself. There were several times I was afraid…where I would rather submit and give up all because it hurt to resist, but never because I knew if I did others would die. For that I applaud you. But as we all know there is more than one way to 'convince' someone. You may resist temptation…but can you resist betrayal. Charditus if you will, beat her into submission." Dark Spyro ordered.
Volterra's heart missed a beat. Surely Charditus would never hurt her, surely after all they had been through he could fight this mind control. she was proven wrong as someone or something collided into her, carrying her across the floor but still she refused to open her eyes.
"Open your eyes Volterra!" Charditus harshly ordered.
"No…please Charditus…don't do this." Volterra begged, her voice weak and broke
She felt vicious cold talons lightly rake her side, causing blood, but no lasting damage.
"This will all end when you just open your eyes Volterra!"
"Eurgh…" She grunted once more as she felt the claws of her lover pierce her side once more.
"Please Charditus… I know you are still in there there…please fight it!" She pleaded.
Once more pain raced down her body as Charditus's tail took her feet from under her.
"Then at least fight for what this Charditus believes in."
Volterra ignored him. "I know the real you is still in there, the one who cares deeply for me. Please Charditus…come back…I really do love you…"
She anticipated for the next blow, she knew her words where futile now but she had to get that off her chest, before she lost everything. A second of hysterical silence passed when she felt something touch her, more than that it took hold her. Warm and comforting…was it a hug? She dared not open her eyes though.
"I love you too…that I did mean." She heard the voice call softly. No doubt about it, it was the real Charditus. But…what if this was another trick? Designed to get her to open her eyes.
"Don't open your eyes." Charditus warned.
"What is this now, reverse psychology? No, I will never open my eyes." Volteer thought.
Charditus gripped harder and rested his neck on hers. This was certainly more passionate than anything before, but it still had an edge of Charditus in it, the real Charditus. It was then Volterra was sure Charditus had freed himself from the curse.
Spyro watched in slight amusement. "You really do remind me of myself back when me and Cynder stopped Malefor. What strong passion."
"Don't listen to him Volterra, don't listen to anything he says."
Those words struck a chord with Spyro…those words. He had act now.
"Just don't open our eyes. Don't let me be your last sight. Remember the good times we have shared and most importantly – don't let go."
"Enough, your amusing acts have run my patience out now, you are now only prolonging the inevitable. We have a duty to attend to and Fate must not be ignored. Earthena, Blizarus force them, but do not hurt them anymore." Dark Spyro ordered.
As commanded the duo of dark dragons took hold of either dragon still clinging onto each other and begun pulling.
Charditus though held on, he refused to be separated again and loose Volterra the same way he lost Blizarus and Earthena. But the bonds of love are only limited to the physical strength of the dragon, and Earthena was stronger. He felt his talons slipping, and through his own pained growls he could hear soft groans from Volterra, who also was slipping. Dark Spyro waited impatiently only a mere foot away.
One final mighty tug though and they were ripped apart from one another. Even though Charditus told her over and over not to open her eyes his flung open as did hers. It was too late to try and close each other. Both dragons stared each other in the eyes once more before Dark Spyro's influence overtook. Their last sight in their own bodies were of each other changing.
Dark Spyro waited patiently. All four dragons were under his control and Cynder had no idea where or what he had planned. Even if she did know they could easily overpower her and Dark Spyro could force his influence upon her.
But he wasn't done here, he still needed the Golem.
"Charditus…how long until the golem returns would you estimate?"
Charditus spoke through a cracked tone. "Not long I would say. We simply have to be patient…master."
Hey all, next chapter here. I've decided to break this chapter up into two, due to how long it would've been otherwise. But things have certainly heated up. What with Dark Spyro finally making a move on his 'friends.' With Cynder finding the Dream Caster, what will she do, will she stand up to Spyro, or will she join him? Also, how will the guardians get through the barrier?
The story is reaching a climax. But if you are enjoying the story then why not hit that follow/favourite button. All it takes is ten seconds but it means the world to me. :) Also, if you just got that little bit extra comments and criticism is welcome, but leave out the hate comments (like as if anyone here would).
With that I leave you with another chapter.