Forgive me for not updating sooner but thanks to Hurricane Rita hitting my area and the damage and clean up that followed I was unable to update the series. Now, after a very long delay, I proudly welcome all of you back to Spyro: Dragon of Destiny. Here it is finally... Episode 7: The Dragon Rage SAGA: Part 4 of 4... It has been a long time coming but the series has resumed. UPDATE: This is a modified version of the recently posted episode 7. This version has a few new lines of dialogue and revised scene changes making the story a tad be understandable. Oh... and before I forget...
DISCLAIMER: I don't own the Spryo characters or their world. They are property of Universal Games. I only own the new characters and ideas that are being created for this series. Blah blah blah... Let's get this show on the road because that is what you guys have been wanting me to do for a long time...
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Reviews:
Venom: I am constantly experimenting with different styles in this series. Don't worry, I will be cutting down on the recaps of past episodes starting with this brand new episode. The Acts system was initiated in this four part episode saga because it just became so long. This was originally planned to be a three parter not a four parter but as the story progressed it got longer. This is the end result of the extended season one. Yes, this is only the first season of a planned six or seven season saga. This is not counting the upcoming future based series spin-off: Vanguardian Heroes: Team Skyler which is set to debut here later this summer.
Dragon482: Thank you for the comment and your wish is my command. Here is the final part of the Dragon Rage saga and trust me this is one episode that will keep you guessing what will happen until the very end.
BrandonLyNguyen: I know what you probably thinking... What is going to happen to Ember? Well keep reading because things are about to become very interesting for her and the rest of the cast.
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The tv viewers turn on their tv sets and change the channel until they come to a familiar logo. The viewer smiles and the expression on their face screams 'finally the show is back on the air'. They tune into the show... As the show starts it shows... A sleeping Flame and Ember on the beach at Dragon Shores...
The Viewer: What the... HEY! WAKE UP YOU TWO!
Flame: In a minute, mom... Zzzz.
Ember: Don't bother me! Let me... Zzzz
The Viewer rolls his/her eyes and picks up a cellphone and dials the network. A few minutes later he/she hangs up with a very evil grin on his/her face as Elora walks on the screen. She clears her throat as she looks out at the audience...
Elora: Just one moment... Hey, Bianca would you mind?
Bianca: (Off screen) No problem, Elora. Two rudely awakened dragons coming up.
Elora: Have fun. (She smiles as she wakes off screen and watches Bianca conjour up a thunderstorm.) Oh, this is going to be so funny.
"What is going to be funny?" Is heard off screen as the camera pans to Bianca and Elora's position on Hunter's newly built deck. Elora and Bianca turn to see Hunter walking out of the door wearing a Hawaian-type shirt. Both girls look at each other and point Hunter in the direction of Flame and Elora. Hunter sees what is going on and laughs.
Hunter: I hate to tell you but the joke is on you, Elora. I hope you have your insurance policy paid because you do know how much Ember hates to have her naps interrupted. (Elora and Bianca both pale slightly at Hunter's comment as they realize the mistake they just made.)
Both girls: Oh boy! (They hear two angry roars and in the next few seconds the deck shakes with the footfalls of a soaking wet Ember and Flame as they walk onto the deck. As water drips off of Flame and Ember they both look at Elora and Bianca with narrowed eyes before sitting down calmly. Hunter brings them both dry towels. They both take them and thank him. Before Hunter leaves, Flame takes off his wet jacket and tossing it to Hunter to take inside to dry by the fire. Afterward, both dragons turned their full attention on Bianca and Elora.) Hi! (Flame and Ember look at each other and then back at the two girls. Flame reclines back in his chair and doesn't say anything, however Ember does...)
Ember: (Clearing her throat as she lays the now wet towel down on the table.) Don't 'hello me'! (Ember pauses and takes a deep breath to calm herself before continuing.) Okay, who turned on the waterworks? (Elora grinned and pointed at Bianca. Bianca looked at Elora with a
'You traitor! Hey, it was your idea' expression.) So, Bianca it was you.
Bianca: Hey! It wasn't my idea, Ember. Elora wanted me to... (That was about all Bianca could say before Elora gave a 'if you say anything else I will hurt you' look.) Never mind! (Ember looked back and forth between both girls before looking at Elora. Elora saw the look in Ember's eyes and paled even more.)
Elora: Come on, Ember, it wasn't my idea. It was the network. They wanted you to introduce today's new episode after the long hiatus the show went on due to our vacations. I got the call and found both of you were sleeping so I... (At that moment, Elora knew she had said too much because Ember balled her paws up into fists as she gave her a 'I am so going to hurt you' grin.
Ember: (Smoke starts billowing out of her nostrils as she advances on Elora. Before she gets to her however she turns to the screen with a smile.) "Previously on Spyro: Dragon of Destiny: The Dragon Rage SAGA: Part 3 of 4..." (Then screen changes as the sound of Ember beating Elora like she stole something is heard in the background.)
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"...I got him back, Artimas. That is all that counts." Cale said as he looked at Artimas and Milo. He then looked at the screen and saw that the Portal Jumper carrying Spyro and his friends had landed. Cale sighed and said, "Looks like the war continues on. Time for me to get invovled and see if I can make a difference. I will not sit idly by and let Spyro go thru what I had to go thru. If there is a way to save Spyro's brother from the dark rage brewing inside of him then I will help Spyro find it. This war must end... enough is enough!" Artimas nodded in agreement as he and Cale prepared themselves for the storm that was about to come.
- Cale remembers his brother..., from the previous episode.
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"GREETINGS, I AM TALA OF THE VANGUARD GUARDIAN DRAGON CLAN. THIS PORTAL IS KNOWN AS THE DESTINY GATE." Spyro and his friends looked at the swirling portal in surprise.
"So, Tala, does this gate lead to the ruins of Vanguard Command?" Spyro asked as he stepped forward and stood face to face with Tala. Tala nodded silently. "How do we gain entrance to the gate?"
"YOU, DRAGON OF DESTINY, MUST FIRST FIND YOUR MISSING HALF. GO TO MIST VALLEY. YOUR OTHER HALF LIES IN WAIT THERE FOR YOU." Tala said as a new portal pathway opened in the wall to the left of Spyro and his friends. Tala then looked over at Ember and the others before returning her attention to Spyro. "ONCE YOU FIND YOUR OTHER HALF YOU AND YOUR FRIENDS MUST RETURN HERE. DON'T HESITATE OR YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO PASS THROUGH THE GATE." Spyro nodded silently and started to walk toward the other portal that would take them to Mist Valley. Right before Spyro reached the portal, Tala cleared her throat getting his attention.
"Yes, Tala, is there something else you want tell me?" Spyro asked. Tala's facial expression became one of sadness.
"BE CAREFUL, YOUNG ONE, FOR THE ROAD AHEAD WILL BE A DIFFICULT ONE. BELIEVE IN YOURSELF AND IN YOUR FRIENDS AND YOU WILL FIND THE KEY TO UNLOCK THE FUTURE. BUT BE WARNED THAT THINGS ARE NOT ALWAYS AS THEY APPEAR AND SOMETIMES IN ORDER TO GAIN SOMETHING PRECIOUS WE MUST FIRST GIVE UP SOMETHING EQUALLY PRECIOUS. NOTHING IS GAINED WITHOUT A SACRIFICE OF SOMEKIND. WHEN THE TIME COMES, SPYRO, YOU WILL HAVE TO MAKE A CHOICE OF WHAT IS TRULY IMPORTANT TO YOU. SO LISTEN TO YOUR HEART AND MOST OF ALL LOOK WITHIN YOURSELF TO FIND WHAT YOU SEEK. GOOD LUCK." After Tala said that her image vanished as the Destiny Gate shut down.
"Come on guys, let's get going." Hunter said as he jumped through the portal. Spyro and the others looked at each other, nodded and then jumped thru the portal. The portal closed behind them leaving an unseen cloaked figure behind watching everything with an expression of worry on his/her face.
"Be careful, Spyro." The cloaked figure said as he/she vanished into thin air.
- Spyro and company meet Tala and recieve a very unsettling warning and prediction..., from previous episode
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"How do we know we can trust you after what has happened here?" Hunter asked as he pointed his wrist bow at the cloaked figure. "For all we know you could be in league with this Galen fellow."
"Prehaps my intentions need to be made clear." The stranger said as he/she nodded and raised a glowing staff into the air sending healing energies into Ember helping Amanda and Bianca to stablizer her. "Now, Hunter, son of Lord Kyle of the Willowbrook Kingdom Cheetah Clan, do you still doubt me?" Hunter's face took on a guarded expression that everyone noticed.
"Hunter..." Spyro said as he touched his friend's right shoulder. "How does this stranger know your name and background. I thought..." Hunter frowned and looked at Spyro and sighed as he shook his head before looking back at the stranger.
"I don't know how you know me, whoever you are, but I still don't trust you that mu..." Hunter said but Spyro interrupted him with a look that spoke volumes as he looked at Sparx who was speaking softly to him.
"Hunter, I don't care whoever this person maybe. Neither does Sparx. All that matters is that this person helped stablize both Ember and Lily. Do you honestly think that someone who was out to hurt us would help us out in anyway?" Spyro said in a tired hollow voice that surprised everyone. Spyro looked at the stranger and nodded his head in understanding. The cloaked stranger returned his nod and turned heading back toward the Destiny Gate.
"Follow me!" Said the cloaked figure. "I will show you the way to the Vanguardian Tower of Lore." Spyro looked at his friends and reached down taking the Shadow Dragon blade staff from Tobin. Hunter sighed and shook his head.
"Do you honestly think we can trust this one?" Hunter asked in a soft tone as he looked at Spyro. Spyro looked at Hunter and nodded as he attached the Shadow Dragon blade staff to the back of his white battle jacket.
"I don't think we have much of a choice in the matter. If we don't do something soon Ember will die." He said as he bent down in front of Bianca and Amanda and picked up Ember's motionless body up in his arms and walked after the cloaked figure.
No one said a word as they followed Spyro through the Destiny Gate to face whatever awaited them beyond...
Together...
- Spyro and his friends face the unknown to try and save a dear friend..., from the previous episode
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And now at long last the conclusion...
Present
Spyro ran as quickly behind the cloaked stranger as he could managed with Ember's body held tightly in his arms. Hunter and the others followed silently as they raced thru the multi-colored Destiny Gate portal. Soon they reached the exit to the portal on the other side. As they exited the portal they found themselves in a large corridor filled with debris and cracked mosiacs of battling dragons that lined the walls. Spyro and his friends looked around at the mosiacs and the debris that surrounded them.
"Man, this place is creepy." Hunter whispered as he looked around. Bianca grabbed onto Hunter's left arm and held it gently to keep herself moving forward because fear was starting to affect her and she wasn't the only one. Everyone was starting to feel a overwhelming sense of fear as they looked around expecting a trap or something else to jump out at them from the shadows of the wreckage. "Hey, Spyro..." Spyro kept walking
forward following their guide without stopping or looking back to acknowledge Hunter. Hunter frowned and decided to not say anything else because obviously Spyro had other things on his mind.
Hunter's assumptions about Spyro was totally correct as the purple dragon continued to walk silently forward following the cloaked stranger. Spyro's mind was so far away that nothing anyone would have said to him would have registered to him. Spyro glanced down at Ember in his arms and as he did his mind started flashing back to the past. He remembered all the times he and Ember had talked to each other. He had always usually ended up saying something stupid that made Ember mad. Oh, Ember, I am so sorry for being such a total idoit when it came to how I treated you. I was so inconsiderate to you and yet you always looked past that and saw the good in me. Tears started following out of his eyes. I never saw the TRUE you... "I am so sorry, Ember." Spyro whispered drawing the attention of the stranger in front of him.
"You care about her, don't you, Spyro?" The stranger whispered without turning around to face him. Spyro, hearing the stanger, sighed.
"Yes, I do." The stranger secretly smiled as he/she heard Spyro admit to his hidden true feelings, but said nothing as Spyro continued to whisper. "I have known Ember for a long time and in all that time I have never once told her how much I truly respect her. I..." Spyro trailed off and said nothing else as the group continued to walk forward thru the long corridor.
Soon the path came to an end at a large raised circular platform. The cloaked stranger turned to face Spyro and his friends. "Step up onto the platform and you will be taken to your destination."
"Thank you for helping us even though you don't know us." Spyro said softly in a tone of voice that spoke deep volumes of how he was currently feeling. The cloaked stranger turned to face Spyro.
"But I do know each of you. I wish I could tell you how that is possible but I can't... not now! One day..., in the near future, I'll tell all of you, but not just yet. However, you don't need to thank me for assisting you, Dragon of Destiny. I am honored to assistance you and your friends in any way I possibly can. Have a safe journey and I hope that in the end you are able to find the inner peace you have long searched for." The stranger said as he/she bowed. Spyro glanced at the stranger in surprise as he/she started walking away from the group. The stranger halted as he/she passed by Hunter who cleared his throat and gave the stranger a narrow eyed look. The stranger turned and looked at the cheetah and said, with a sigh, "Yes, Hunter, I am fully aware I owe you some answers to the questions you asked earlier."
Folding his arms across his chest, Hunter said, calmly with a raised eyebrow, "That would be nice. That is of course if you don't mind honoring me with some clear answers and not some mumbo jumbo nonsense that makes absolutely no sense at all?" The stranger nodded.
"I wouldn't mind answering all of your questions..." The stranger said.
Hunter smiled and said, interrupting the stranger, "Finally, I get some clear answers. Thank you." The stranger sighed .
"Excuse me, but I wasn't finished." Hunter's smile faded. "As I was saying I wouldn't mind answering all of your questions if I could however now isn't the time." The stranger said softly. Hunter's mouth fell open to say something but the stranger raised a white paw to silence him. "Please hold your tongue I wasn't finished... I can't give you THE answers you want right now but in time I will tell you when we meet again. For now I will tell you that I simply know you, Hunter. I am sorry but that is all I can say for now. Farewell..." As soon as those words were spoken the cloaked stranger seemed to vanish right in front of them leaving the gathered group more confused then ever. Hunter just stared at the place where the stanger had just been standing a few seconds ago before he/she vanished and shook his head with a irritated look on his face.
"Gee, thanks for nothing!" Hunter yelled as he walked up onto the platform with all his friends. Bianca rubbed his left shoulder calming him. Hunter sighed and gave Bianca a 'thank you' glance before he said, "If wanted to be more confused I would have gone asked the professor to answer my questions." Hearing Blink clear his throat made Hunter look over at the mole who was giving him the 'evil eye'. "Sorry about that, Blink, I didn't mean any harm." That response seem to make Blink calm down as the platform started moving up carrying the group of friends to their destination...
Screen fades to black
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'DRAGON OF DESTINY...' Echoes twice before drum beats start in the back ground
'SPYRO' A flame burns the logo into metal as it appears on the screen and then water is poured on the metal making it steam up and shatter like glass revealing different locations of the Dragon Realm, Avalar and the Forgotten Realm.
The New Song 'Moving on to a New Day' remixed version begins.
'Moving on to a New Day,
Moving on to the future.
No turning back.
Anymore... Anymore echoes once
Images doing a 24-like split screen of the sun rising showing a white jacket wearing Spyro and Ember sitting together looking up at the horizon with pictures of Hunter and Bianca sleeping in each other's arms on the beach at Dragon Shores. Elora is on Avalor training and pauses to look up at the rising sun with a smile. Sgt. Byrd with the Professor's help is tuning up his rocket pack while Sheila and Bentley talk and then pause as they look out the window of the professor's lab to watch the sun rising. Prince Lucas and Bandit glance up from their camp site at the rising sun. Bandit pours water onto the campfire. As the fire goes out smoke blacks out the screen briefly.
'Yesterday is gone,
Stand up and face the future.
With your head held high to the sky,
Nothing ever stays the same.
Anymore... Anymore...
Image of Flame and Spyro standing back to back as the screen goes into split screen mode. Flame is looking solemn with tears in his eyes while Spyro turns to face his brother and hugs him closing his eyes as tears fall from them and a gentle breeze blows around them both stirring up Spyro's white jacket and Flame's black jacket as their tears are carried away.
As we move on to a new day,
Everything changes more and more,
And that's truth.
Nothing stays the same.
As we move on to a new day. To a new day echoes
All my troubles will fade away...
Images of Reeco sitting at a monitor and looking bored at the display of Spyro and Flame hugging before he stands and turns it off and looks at a picture of his younger brother Cael with tears in his eyes. Ryua walks around the Citadel and goes out on the balcony to look at the moonlight with an sad smile expression on her face.
I know it is not easy,
To move on to the future now.
To let go of all that you are,
And become what you are destined to become,
No turning back, No turning back...
Image of Flame roaring as Hunter and the others run away from rushing river. Flame dives in front of the large wave of water and begins to spin as his feathered wings glow red and he becomes a flaming tornado of fiery energy stopping the wave. As his friends make it to safety, Flame flies toward them and lands giving them a smile. From a distance Galen looks on with narrowed glowing black eyes.
Moving on to a New Day,
Nobody said that it would be easy,
And I know it in my heart and soul.
Know in my heart and soul. echoes once
That's the truth.
You will see the truth...
Hold on.. echeos once
Images of Ember and Spyro flying together in the moonlight. Hunter on Avalar helping his old childhood friends rebuild Willowbrook with Bianca using her magic to lift a large rock up to repair the palace. Once the rock is in the right place, Hunter uses his gauntlet bow to fire some fire bows to melt the rock in place. Jordan, Chrisitan and Crystal pat Hunter on the back as Bianca smiles and wipes the sweat from her brow. A stranger looks down at Hunter from on hill above. Hunter glances up and sees the stranger just he/she vanishes.
But with my friends by my side we'll make it to,
To a new day.
To a new day,
We will make it to a new day together,
Images of Spyro and Flame with their mother and father celebrating with everyone. Artimas flies and lands as Milo crashes into Ember. Everyone laughs as Milo runs and Ember runs after him. Amanda smiles as she and Tobin sit together on a bench watching the party. Elora sits by herself as Spyro walks over to her and sits down giving her a smile as he gestures for her to join everyone else at the party. She smiles and together with Spyro join the party.
As we all move on to a New Day,
We mustn't forget yesterday.
All we lost and gained,
Has made us who we are today.
As we move ahead,
To the future with hope in our hearts.
Final Image of Spyro and his friends, old and new, all standing in action poses against a Huge Dark Dragon that stands before them. Spyro's eyes turn gold as they charge at the dragon. White feathers fill the sky and float around spinning as the image of Spyro and all his friends appear on the screen freeze in a photo style as the final Drum beats sound and then stop.
Dragon of Destiny moving on to a brand new day,
Spyro: Dragon of Destiny
Episode 7: Dragon Rage SAGA:
Part 4 of 4 - Colliding Destinies and Fates
ACT TWO:
PRELUDE TO BATTLE & LEGENDS REVEALED
Meanwhile
Silvia and her sister Celeste sat at a round table waiting for Lord Silvermane. Good grief, thought Silvia as she sat back in her chair, how much longer is Silvermane going to make us wait for him to get here? Silvia crossed her arms across her chest and looked over to her sister. Celeste sat quietly meditating. "Celeste is Silvermane coming or not?" She asked as she stood up and started pacing around the table impatiently. Celeste opened her eyes and sighed as she watched her impatient younger sister.
"Silvia, Silvermane is coming, so just be patient." Celeste said as she sat back in her chair and flexed her large silver feathered wings. At that moment the sound of large feathered wings could be heard in the secret meeting room as the large double doors opened allowing the entrance of two large silver cloaked figures into the room. Celeste smiled and stood up bowing in her flowing white robe to the regal lord of the Sky Gryphons. Lord Silvermane pulled back the hood on his cloak revealing his sharp yellow eagle beaked face which was creased in a smile as he returned her bow of respect with one of his own. "Welcome, Lord Silvermane, it is good to see you again after all these years."
Silvermane nodded and opened his cloak revealing his muscular lower lion body wearing a blue battle vest. "I agree, Celeste," Silvermane said in a deep rich voice. "I am truly honored to be in the presence of both of you. I have to admit that I was a tad bit surprise to hear that you guys needed us. My people have been in hiding for ages since the Dragon Clan Wars of the past." He said as he took a seat at the round table in front of Celeste. His companion remained standing drawing the attentions of both dragonesses.
"Lord Silvermane who is your traveling companion?" Silvia asked as she studied the cloaked figure. She could tell that Silvermane's companion was also a gryphon by glancing down at the muscular lion legs. Silvermane smiled and turned his head to nodded at the cloaked figure.
"Lady Silvia and Lady Celeste I would like to introduce you to my son, Prince Lucas Stormdancer. Son, I would like you to meet my Ladies Silvia and Celeste. Both of them have been my friends for years."
Silvia laughed and said, in a humor-filled voice, "We aren't your ladies, handsome birdy. Why is it everytime we have met like this you have to say that." Silvermane chuckled as his son, Lucas removed his hood with two gold taloned, gold scaled paws.
"I see what you mean now, father." He said as his silver beaked face came into view of both Lady Silvia and Celeste. Both dragonesses gasped in surprise when they saw him. Prince Lucas was a very tall handsome young gryphon with black tiger stripe markings that covered his lower gold fur colored body. His white furred chest was muscular and very broad like his father's was and he wore a multi-colored light gem amulet around his muscular neck. As he took the cloak totally off his body, both sisters noticed that he also wore two rare gold light gem battle gauntlets on his arms. The gold light gems encrusted in both gauntlets glowed faintly in the meeting chamber light. Prince Lucas looked at both sisters and smiled as he respectfully bowed to both of them. "Both of you are as charming and as beautiful as my father said you were. It is truly a great honor to meet both of you. I understand that you contacted us because of a problem a certain dragon has been causing for both of you." Lucas said as he took a seat at the round table. Silvia looked at Celeste who nodded her head before looking back at Lucas.
"You are correct, Lucas. Unfortunately, it seems that Galen, one of my shadow dragons that you and your father know very well, has been up to his scheming ways again." She said with a frown. Lucas looked over at his father giving his sire an expression of anger as both male gryphons frowned. Silvermane stood up slowly and started pacing around the table. As he paced his angry expression changed to one of worry making him sigh.
"Silvia, if I may ask...?" Silvia nodded giving Silvermane permission to continue. "Why have you not taken care of Galen by now? He has always been a trouble maker and he will always continue to be one." Silvia sighed and looked sadly at Silvermane and his son.
"I have always asked myself that same question and I can't seem to come up with an answer that makes sense. Galen has been trouble for ages but I can't bring myself to kill him." Lucas sighed and sat back in his chair as a look of irritation appeared on his face.
"Forgive me, Lady Silvia, if this sounds a tad bit rude but not dealing with Galen is a bad idea. His power and scheming mind makes him extremely dangerous. He must be dealt with before he does something that endangers everyone. I am sorry but there is no other way." Silvia stood up and growled as her green eyes glowed and a thin trail of smoke rose from her nostrils for a minute before Celeste grabbed her arm getting her, as well as everyone elses, attention.
"How dare you tell me that I am wrong, hatchling. I have dealt with Galen many times and I will deal with him..." Silvia said but was stopped by Celeste gently rubbing her arm in a soothing manner.
"Calm down, sister." Celeste said softly. Silvia sighed, closed her eyes and slowly sat back down. Celeste sighed and said, "I apologize for my sister's behaviour, Prince Lucas, she tends to get upset when someone says she is not being a responsible leader of her clan." Silvia snorted and sat back in her seat with her arms folded over her scaled chest. Lucas nodded and smiled.
"Forgive me, Lady Silvia, I meant you no disrespect in any way, shape or form. I just thought that it was my responsiblity as a future leader of my own people to warn another leader of potential problems that one of her troublemaking subjects may cause to her rule if not dealt with properly. If I have offended you then I sincerely apologize." He said as he sat back in his chair. Silvia bowed her head in respect to the young gryphon prince and smiled.
"Don't worry about it, Lucas, my sister is right about me getting upset at times. I understand perfectly what you are saying. I plan to deal with Galen very soon. I have just been letting him think he is getting away with his plans. He will soon discover that the ground he has been walking on is actually ice and that it is melting under his feet." Everyone at the table nodded.
"Well I am glad to hear that," Silvermane said with a relieved expression on his face. "Now, I guess you are about to tell us about the real reason you contacted us." He sat back in his chair as Celeste smiled and waved her clawed right paw in mid-air over the round table. The table lit up as a light gem powered holo-display appeared in the center of the round table. The pictures of a small group of young dragons appeared on the screen. Silvermane and Lucas both gasped in surprise as they looked at each young dragon. "So," Silvermane said, as both gryphons got over their initial shock at the revelation of a new generation of chosen. "I take it that these dragonlings are this generation's chosen warriors and protectors.
"Yes they are," Celeste said as they all continued to look at the pics in front of them. Lucas sat up in his chair and studied each picture very closely before his green eyes widened at the picture of the purple dragon. Silvermane noticed his son's expression.
"What is it, Lucas? The way you are looking at that dragon it seems you have seen him somewhere before." Lucas looked at his father and nodded. "Well, my son, who is he and when and where did you see him?"
"His name is Spyro and he and I met two years ago purely by accident. Father, remember that week when I went on border patrol duty to make sure no one found the entrance to our realm." Silvermane looked at his son and nodded. "Well, I was..." Lucas said as his memory of the past flashed before his eyes.
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Two Years Ago
I was patroling around the Meadowlands looking for intruders and stumbled across a sleep purple dragon under the largest apple tree in the meadow. I shook him but he refused to wake up so I dragged him down to the river and tossed him.
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"Did that work?" Silvermane asked as he sat back in his chair. Silvia and Celeste glanced at each other and rolled their eyes because they already knew the answer and it was a rather funny one too.
Lucas laughed and said, as he ran his paw through his mane in a manner that said that volumes to those gathered, "Oh yeah, dad, that definitely worked, but I will never again do something that stupid or potentially life threatening..."
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The cold water woke Spyro up right away and made him jump out of the water. Once he was on the shore he looked at me and stood up dripping water off his scales and the robe he was wearing. He pulled the wet robe off and looked at it with a growl and as he did I swear his body started to steam as his body heat caused the water on his scales to evaporate at a rapid rate. Once he was dry he folded up the still wet robe and laid it on the ground. I was at that moment slowly backing away from him but I didn't get far because the next thing I knew he was behind me. I turned and looked him in the eye trembling a tad bit because everyone knows how dragons hate to have their sleep interrupted. I mean geez even I had heard the old saying about 'never disturb a sleeping dragon or you tend to end up regretting it.' Anyway, I held out my paw in friendly attempt to avoid the trouble I knew was coming. "Sorry about that... uh..."
He folded his arms over his chest and rolled his eyes before he unfolded them. I gazed at him because he was smller then me but that didn't matter much considering the fact that he was a dragon. Anyway, he gently pointed a single white clawed paw finger in my chest and said, in low calm tone of voice which suprised me, "I'm Spyro. I'm on vacation and you just..." He paused and it seem that calm disappeared into a poof of smoke as he grabbed the open chest jacket I was wearing at the time and picked me up over his shoulders. "Listen," He growled as he carried me over to the river, "I am a nice guy but I still tend to get cranky when someone INTERRUPTS MY SLEEP!" As soon as he said those words a thought ran thru my head. It said, You are so screwed. The funny thing is I usually never pay my thoughts any mind but considering the current situation at that moment I totally agreeed with what I was thinking. Spyro growled after he said that and tossed ME into the river. As I hit the water I started sinking like a rock...
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Silvermane looked over at Celeste and Silvia and sighed. Lucas paused his story recount and looked at them. "WHAT IS THAT LOOK ALL ABOUT?" Silvermane started laughing and so did the two dragonesses.
"Let me guess," Silvia said as she continued to laugh, "the great and powerful young gryphon prince... never... learned... how... to... swim... ha ha!" Lucas blushed in embarrassment as his beak did its best interpretation of a sheepish grin.
"Uh... yeah, I am embarrassed to say that yes I never learned how to swim, but that was then and this is now so..." Lucas said but everyone continued to laugh making him sigh. Silvermane and Celeste noticed and stopped laughing while Silvia continued for little longer before Celeste tapped her and she noticed that Lucas was getting irritated.
"Sorry about that, Lucas," Silvia said as she sat back calmly in her chair, "please continue your story and we promise to try and not interrupt it again." Lucas smiled but he did roll his eyes as he continued..
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Anyway as I was saying... I started sinking like a stone. Spyro watched from the shore and yelled, "Don't ever do that again... uh... uh."
Between struggling to stay on the surface and gasping for air I yelled, "I am Lucas and I need some help."
Spyro looked at me and rolled his eyes. "What is wrong, Lucas. Don't tell me you can't swim?" As soon as he said that I started going down again.
"I CAN SWIM BUT I TEND TO GET SICK IF I GET TOO WATERLOGGED..." Spyro groaned and just shook his head.
"If you can't swim please just come out and say it." He said as started walking back over to the edge of the river.
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Silvia cleared her throat and calmly said, "Sorry to interrupt you again but let me guess that now is about the time that you started crying like a little school girl. Am I right?"
"Heh heh, yeah that is about right..." Lucas said as he blushed. Silvia leaned forward on the table and grinned.
"That is what I thought..." She said as she fought hard to keep a straight face as she sat back in her chair. "Please continue..."
"As I was saying, I tried to deny I couldn't swim to preserve some of my dignity but considering the fact I was starting to sink faster and faster as my fur soaked in more and more water making me heavier and heavier I decided that surviving was more important then my dignity..."
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I started crying like a little school girl and Spyro ran over and jumped into the river. Just as I was about to go down Spyro grabbed ahold of me and started dragging to the shore. As soon as I was on shore I heard laughter and looked over at Spyro who was laughing. "What... what... you think it is funny to throw someone into a river who can't swim."
Spyro stopped laughing but he kept a grin on his face as he stood up and looked down at me. "No, I don't think it is funny, Lucas, to throw someone who can't swim into a body of water. However, you did deserve it for doing what you did and you know I am right." He reached his left paw down and as I took it he pulled me to my feet.
"Thank you for saving me, Spyro. I thought I was going to drown." I said as I offered my left paw to him again. He took it into his right paw and shook it.
"No problem, Lucas, when you are me saving people in trouble sorta comes with the job description." He said casually as he sat down on the ground. I sat down next to him in the warm sunlight looking at him.
"What do you mean by that?" I asked. Spyro looked me in the eye and sighed.
"Do you have time to hear the story of my life, Lucas?" He asked calmly.
"Sure, I would like to know more about my new friend." I said with a grin. Spyro grinned and started telling me everything about himself. His trials... his problems... his friends and everything else. I sat there quietly and listened to him. As I did I realized just how truly lucky I was to be hearing the Dragon Guardian of the Realms himself tell me about himself. I admit I had heard about the Dragon Guardian of the Realms but I never knew what he or she looked like. My father had told me everything he knew about the dragon who went around the realms protecting the inhabitants and maintaining the delicate balance of order in the realms from the dark forces of those who wanted to caused them nothing but harm. I even remembered, as I sat there listening to him, the recent scary events that had happend a few years eariler.
Three years earlier... dark gems had started showing up in our realm tainting everything and everyone that they came in contact with. No one knew the source of the dark gems or what to do about them. We all feared that soon our realm would be overrun by the dark tainting effects that the gems were causing, however the spreading dark gem threat suddenly halted and started to reverse until they disappeared all together. The taint was left behind but without the dark gems that taint gradual vanished and it wasn't long before the beauty of our home realm was restored. I asked my father about that later on and he said that he had heard from the armdillo tribe in the eastern realm that the Dragon Guardian and his allies had fought and stopped those who were responsible for spreading the taint of the dark gems to the other realms.
I smiled as he finished his story and he returned the smile as he said, "Well..., that is my story. Thank you for listening." He stood up and so did I. He started to turn and walk away but I put my paw on his shoulder stopping him. I bowed to him as he took a slight step back confused by the gesture. "Why are you bowing to me. All I did was save your life. I don't think it is worth a bow."
"I am not merely thanking you for saving me but for what you did five years ago. This realm was almost destroyed when the dark gems started appearing here. If not for you and your brave friends I don't think my clan and I would still be around today. Thank you, Spyro."
"So you know who I am? Don't you, Lucas?" Spyro asked. I laughed and rubbed the back of my head with my right paw.
"Not at first..." I said embarrassed. "I thought you were just a trespasser here to take my clan's food and cause trouble, but after you saved me and told me your life story I figured out you were the Guardian of the Realms. My father told me what he knew about the Guardian but I never knew that he was young like me and had problems like..."
"Everyone else," Spyro said finishing my sentence for me. He bent down and picked up his still wet robe. "Everyone has problems, Lucas, even me. I never expected at first that being who I am was going to be so hard. Protecting people from danger and preserving the peace isn't as easy it seems." I nodded.
"Believe me, Spyro, when I say I do understand what you are saying. I am the future leader of my clan. I have tried to live my life and be a positive strong gryphon that my people can look up to, but at times I find myself wondering how long will it be before I screw up and do something stupid." Spyro nodded and dropped his head slightly.
"Yeah, the weight of leadership is indeed a very heavy weight to bear. I may not be a leader myself but being the Guardian and trying to be ever vigilant is hard as well." He paused and gave me a look that spoke volumes to me. Even though he and I were both pretty close in age he seemed much older to me... much wiser.
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"Wiser... Spyro!" Silvia said as really had to struggle to keep her face straight. "Child, I don't thik that is one word I would use for the Guardian." Lucas smiled and nodded.
"I know, Silvia, but I seriously think many people underestimate Spyro. He told me about himself remember and I am fully aware of his flaws of character but I am also aware that despite those flaws there is more to him then meets the eye." Silvia and Celeste looked at each other and then back at Lucas.
"Please continue, Lucas." Celeste said as she sat foward. Lucas nodded and continued...
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Spyro said, "Let me give you some advice, Lucas, don't try and be a good leader only because that is what people expect you to be. Be a good leader because you want to be." He pointed at my heart and said, "People will always have high expectations of those who lead them but I have learned over time that it is not about them. It is about you... what you think about yourself and how you live your own life. You have a good heart, Lucas."
"How do you know? We just met not too long ago." I said. Spyro grinned and started walking away holding his robe in his paws. He turned and looked at me.
"I just know, Lucas. You care about your people. You want them to be happy and safe. You already have the qualities to make a great leader. All you have to do is just stop being so hard on yourself and you'll be fine. Always remember to listen to your heart and I know you will do what is right. Take care."
"Wait!" I said but by then he was gone. I watched him fly off and smiled as I turned around headed back home. As I walked I thought about the good advice he had given me and told myself I'd always remember his words.
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Lucas smiled as he finished his story. "I haven't seen him since that day, but I will always be thankful for that chance meeting. He made me realize that I was trying to hard to be a good leader when I already was one. All I had to do was believe in myself and do my best to protect and lead others. As long as I did that I didn't need to try and be the future leader my people wanted... I could be the leader they needed... A leader with a good heart."
Everyone at the table stared at Lucas in surprise over what he had just said. Celeste smiled while Silvia just sat back in her chair with a dumbfounded expression on her face. Silvermane gave his son a glance of fatherly pride as Lucas sat back in his chair. "Well," Silvia said as she recovered from what Lucas had just said, "that was quite a story. I must admit I had my doubts about Spyro being a worthy of being chosen to be the Dragon of Destiny." She glanced over at Celeste who had sat back in her chair and calmly fold her arms in front of her chest. "Celeste... you chose wisely."
Celeste said calmly, "Of course I did, sis. However, I wasn't the one who first thought Spyro should be the one."
"What do you mean?" Silvia asked in surprise. Celeste grinned.
"Tala was the one who suggested I should chose Spyro and I am glad she did." Celeste said. As soon as she said that Tala came running into the chamber with Crystal in tow. As they arrived they attracted everyones' attention at the the round table. Celeste stood up as Tala and Crystal halted bowing to her. "What's wrong?"
"You need to come with us at once, Celeste. There is a very important matter that you most attend to." Crystal said sadly as tears started rolling down her cheek. Celeste looked around the table and sighed.
"It has happened hasn't it?" She asked sadly. Tala and Crystal both nodded. "Fine," she said before she turned to her sister, "Silvia its time for me to go." Silvia nodded sadly.
"I understand," She said as she glanced at Silvermane and Lucas, "I am afraid this meeting is over guys." Silvia stood up and started to follow her sister out of the chamber.
Lucas looked at his father and quickly stood up from the table. "Wait, what has happened? Please tell me." Silvia looked at Celeste and Celeste sighed.
"One of Spyro's close friends is about to die and I have to leave to prepare for what is about to happen." She said.
"Who is it?" Lucas asked. Silvia dropped her head.
"It is Ember..." As she said that it seemed as if time froze for everyone present. Lucas and Silvermane closed there eyes and dropped their heads while Celeste and Silvia quickly exitted the chamber with Tala and Crystal in the lead.
Silvermane looked over at his son and said, "So it has come to this." Lucas nodded sadly. "Lucas, I want you to leave at once for the Artisan Dragon Realm. Spyro will need all the help and comfort he can get from his friends." Silvermane stood up and started walking out of the chamber while Lucas sighed.
"Oh, Spyro, my friend, I am so sorry that this had to happen." He said as tears started falling from his eyes.
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At that very moment the platform arrived at its destination inside the Vanguadian Tower and Spyro and his friends stepped down. Just as they did, Ember's heart stopped beating and Spyro looked down at her. "Ember..." He shook her gently but got no response. He looked up and saw the open doorway at the end hall. He glanced back at his friends who noticed that he had a look of panic on his face.
"What's wrong, Spyro?" Hunter asked but Spyro didn't answer because he was already running toward the open doorway. "SPYRO!" Hunter yelled as he took off after his friend with everyone else in tow.
No no no no ran through his thoughts as he entered the room and found three dragons talking. They stopped talking as they saw Spyro standing in the doorway holding Ember. Both dragons sighed sadly as one of them stood up and walked over to him. At that moment Hunter and the others showed up. Hunter growled and aimed his left arm crossbow at the strange old dragon.
"Who are you?" Hunter asked as he noticed that Spyro seem to just wonder forward toward the strange dragon. "Spyro, Spyro... stop you don't know..." At that moment Spyro handed Ember over to the stange dragon who gently took her and walked over to a bed laying her down gently. Hunter dropped his arm back by his side before walking over to Spyro. "Spyro..." he said softly as he put his paw on Spyro's shoulder. Spyro was shaking and that made Hunter frown. Bianca, Tobin, Blink and Elora all went over to check on Ember. Flame remained standing in the doorway sensing that something was horribly wrong. Hunter started rubbing Spyro's shoulder gently. "What's wrong, pal?" As soon as he asked that question Spyro turned and gave him a look that made Hunter back up a step. Flame saw Spyro's expression and so did the rest of his friends. The expression on Spyro's face was not his typical one. No it was one that was broken... shattered... empty and also at the same time one full of deep pain. In other words, it just didn't look right on Spyro's face. It was wrong... all wrong and as Hunter stepped toward Spyro again he knew he was seeing some new raw emotion and it disturbed him. He glanced over at Bianca and she shook her head. Hunter looked back at his sobbing friend as tears started falling from his eyes. Now he knew what was wrong and he didn't like it. Hunter tried to reach for his friend again but that is when Spyro snapped
Spyro growled and punch the nearby wall using all his strength to put a dent in its surface. That action shocked Hunter and all his friends. Artimas and his son just sighed and closed their eyes as tears started to gather in them.
Spyro started sobbing and hit the wall again and again. Hunter got worried and grabbed him. "STOP, SPYRO, BEFORE YOU..." Spyro turned and glared at his friend and Hunter noticed that Spyro's tear-filled eyes were shining gold. Spyro's whole body started glowing white as he raised his fist and started to aim it for Hunter when he just paused and dropped his arm back by his side. Hunter had back up when saw Spyro start glowing with energy. The one thought that ran through his mind was oh crap my friend is going to kill me. Hunter closed his eyes prepared himself for the end but when the end did come he opened them and noticed that Spyro had halted his action. He was breathing hard and shaking "Buddy..."
Spyro dropped to his knees and covered his eyes with his paws as he cried, "No no no no! This can't be happening! Ember can't be dead. This can't be happening!" He kept repeating those same lines over and over again as his friends and brother stood where they were in complete shock unable to move or do anything for him. None of them had ever seen Spyro go so totally to pieces like that before and it scared them because each of them considered Spyro the leader of their group. He was always the strong one. He never let fear stop him from doing what must be done. He always fought the hardest and even when times got rough he always kept a smile or smug grin on his face. He was their rock and to watch as the strongest member of their group go to pieces in front of them was shocking and scary.
The strange dragon came over and grabbed Spyro. Hunter tried to stop him but Artimas shook his head. "Let Cale handle this, Hunter." Hunter nodded sadly as he walked over to join the rest of his friends gathered around Ember.
"Spyro, I am sorry but she is gone!" Spyro kept sobbing and screaming. The elder dragon slapped Spyro hard in the face snapping him out of his shock. "Spyro, Dragon of Destiny, snap out of it!" Spyro looked up into Dragon Elder Cale's eyes as he nodded slowly. Spyro slowly stood with help from Cale. "Spyro, I am sorry I had to hit you like that but you were..."
"I understand, Cale." Spyro said calmly... too calmly. Cale raised an eyebrow in surprise.
"You are angry that I didn't try and do something to save her aren't you?" Cale asked softly.
Spyro said, as he looked up at Cale with gold eyes, "No, I am not angry with you. I am angry with myself. I was responsible for protecting Ember. Nestor and Sandra entrusted their only daugther's safety and life to me and I failed them."
"Listen to me, Spyro," Cale said, "it is your fault or anyone's fault. You did your best to protect her and everyone else. Ember didn't die for nothing. She died fighting to help you save your beloved brother."
"It still isn't fair." Spyro said. Cale nodded.
"No, it isn't fair, Spyro that you have to loss one friend just to save another. Nothing about this is fair but this is life." Cale said and as he said that Spyro looked at him as new tears fell from his eyes. "Spyro, Ember knew the risks and yet she came anyway. Flame maybe your brother but he also is Ember's best friend. She couldn't just turned a deaf ear to the cries for help from a friend. She made her choice and now you must complete the mission that all of you came here to do. You must save Flame. The taint of the dark gems is still present in Flame but he is fighting it. You and your friends are the only hope he has."
"I don't understand why you care so much." Spyro growled as he backed away from Cale. "It's not like he's your brother!" Cale sighed and dropped his head.
"No, he isn't my brother but he reminds of the brother I lost years ago." Spyro's anger faded as he looked at Cale.
"What happened?" Spyro asked.
"My brother was seduced by the dark power of the Fallen. I am sure you and Flame have already met Galen." Spyro and Flame's faces darken at the sound of that name as they nodded their heads. "Galen is one of seven agents that work for the Fallen."
"Who are the Fallen?" Spyro asked.
"The Fallen," Cale said, with a frown, "are a mystery. Some say that they are the ones responsible for causing most if not all the problems in the realms. I think they are a destablizing dark force, but I know that there is more to it then that. I do know that they are responsible for the existence of the dark gems. However, like I said before, not all of them are evil or tainted by darkness. Some walk the narrow line between the light and darkness."
"What role do we play in all of this." Flame asked as he walked over to stand next to Spyro.
"You and Spyro are considered to be mortal agents of both sides. You, Flame are the agent of chaos. The Fallen chose you by manipulating the Shadow Dragons to do their dirty work. Spyro is an agent of peace. He was chosen by the Ascendants to preserve the balance of the realms and maintain peace and order."
"So..." Spyro said with a frown, "Me and my brother are nothing more then puppets to these higher beings. So all that has happened. Everything was all because of a game. My friends were put in mortal danger all for a game... a pathetic game. So Ember..." Spyro caught himself as his eyes narrowed with anger. "Ember died all because of some stupid power game..!" As soon as Spyro said that he collapsed and so did Flame leaving everyone including Cale stunned.
"What the..." Hunter started to say as someone else spoke.
"They will be alright. Rest now and prepare for your real journey has only just begun." Hunter and everyone present fell to the floor right where they were standing fast asleep...
While they all slept, Spyro, Ember and Flame were somewhere else learning a few things that would serve them all well in what they were about to face.
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Shining Star Palace of the Ascendants
Ember groaned as she sat up and rubbed her head with her left paw. Afterward she looked around and said, "That was definitely not a very pain free exprience. I wonder where I am? This doesn't look like the Dragon Realms or the Shadow Realm."
"That is because this realm isn't either of the ones you are familiar with, young one." Ember quickly jumped to her feet as she turned and looked back at the one who replied. Ember gasped at the sight of the white dragoness. "Welcome to the Ascendant Realm, Ember. Don't worry we will answer all your questions." She said as she noticed that two other dragons were standing next to her. The two other dragons walked toward Ember. Ember smiled as she noticed who it was.
"Spyro... Flame..!" She yelled as she hugged both of them. Spyro and Flame both grinned and then all three young dragons turned and looked at the silver winged dragoness. "Who are you?" Ember asked.
"My name is Celeste," Celeste said as she turned to Spyro, "and I believe I owe all three of you answers as to what is really going on, Spyro. That way you won't think that this is simply just a 'stupid game'." As she said that her left eyebrow raised making Spyro's mouth fall open as he realized Celeste heard his previous comment.
"Sorry about that, Celeste," Spyro said embarrassed, "I meant no harm I was just angry that I..."
"You didn't fail anything, child," Celeste said. "What happened was not your fault or your brother's fault."
"But Ember died because of..." Spyro said as he dropped his head before turning to Ember. "I am so sorry I failed to protect you."
"What happened wasn't your fault, Spyro." She said as she hugged him. Spyro blushed. "I wanted to help you save Flame. It was my choice to come along." Celeste cleared her throat getting the three dragons' attention.
"Please, young ones, come with me. Time is very short and there is much I must tell you." Celeste said as she walked up a set of gold stairs. Spyro, Ember and Flame looked at each other and then followed Celeste up the gold stairs.
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Nexxus Realm - The Dark Tower
Galen's eyes glowed as he walked down the corridor to the Crimson Guards main meeting chamber. As he finally arrived in the chamber he noticed that Megan was already present. The black Kitsune sat on the floor in a crosslegged position meditating. "Give it rest please, Megan. I don't think meditating is going to make much of a difference in our current situation."
Megan open one green eye and yawned. "Yeah, like your underhanded schemes have worked so far." She said with a grin. Galen rolled his eyes and sat down next to her. Glancing over at him, she said, "Galen, none of the other Crimson Guard members are coming today."
Galen sighed and said, "I know. I just wanted to talk to you about the plan." Megan sighed and stood up flexing her body and five tails before sitting down on the bench next to Galen.
"You know the plan. We discussed it enough times to do it in our sleep. Why on earth would you want to talk about that again." Galen blushed and opened his mouth to say what was on his mind but Megan pressed a single clawed finger of her right paw over his mouth. "Sorry, big boy, but you are not my type. Besides you are the leader of this group. I don't think dating between members would be a good idea." Galen sighed but understood that her heart already belonged to someone else.
"Oh well, I had to try. You are the only one on this team that I tend to get along with so I thought... Never mind. You are right a relationship between us would only get in the way of our jobs." Megan grinned.
"Exactly... I am glad we have an understanding." She said as she stood up and headed out of the chamber. "Don't forget the next meeting is next Monday." Galen waved and sighed.
"Ah, what's wrong boss, having woman problems?" Galen growled at the sound of the friendly teasing voice.
"Don't you things better to do then to bother me? Go away and leave me alone, Jordan." Galen growled as the shadows seem to melt away revealing a tall muscular black panther. The panther walked gracefully over to Galen with a smile on his face that started to drop at the sound of Galen's angry growl.
Jordan pouted as he adjusted the black metal buckles on his jacket and said, as he turned to leave, "You are no fun." Galen heard Jordan and it made a sadistic grin appeared on his face.
"Oh, Jordan, how would you like to go fetch something for me from your old home?" Galen said as a nasty plan formed in his mind. Jordan turned and looked at Galen narrowing his blue eyes.
"Why on earth would I even want to go back to that graveyard? Nothing remains there but ruins and sadness. Please send someone else." Jordan said with a tone of sadness and irritation in his voice as continued walking toward the door. Galen growled and glared at the panther.
"Don't give me that crap! I want you to go... besides I have a feeling you will find the peace you seek once you reach your destination."
"But, boss, it will take me two months to get there with the portal network to that location being all screwed up. I'll miss the Monday meeting if I leave now. You know how much I hate missing important meetings." Jordan said as he adjusted the metal daggers on his jacket. Galen grinned.
"Don't worry about it. We won't be discussing anything new. Besides you know the plan by heart already so there is no need for you to be present." Galen said. Jordan sighed.
"Very well, boss. I'll leave at once." Jordan said, bowing before turning to exit the meeting chamber.
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Outside the chamber in the long corridor, Jordan ran into Megan who was leaning against the wall with closed eyes. Jordan smiled and leaned against the wall next to her. Megan open one green eye and looked at Jordan. "So you are going back after all."
Jordan sighed and ran his left paw through his head fur as he said, "Yeah, the boss wants me to go fetch something from the ruins." Megan growled as she pushed herself off the wall and spun around to face him.
"Don't go, Jordan, I have a bad feeling that you want come back this time." Megan said as she grabbed him in a hug. Jordan gently wrapped his strong arms around Megan..
"Don't worry, Megan, I'll be back. I always come back." He said. "Besides, I made a promise to you years ago that you and I would be mates. I don't intend to die and break my promise." He bent down and both of them kissed. Galen stood in the shadows watching the two lovers and knowing full well that Jordan was right about his annoying habit of always surviving. The blasted black cat always seemed to survive somehow. However if my plan goes exactly like I want it to then he will not be coming back ever again. The dark thought made Galen grin. Galen had no intention of letting Jordan live long enough to regain his lost memories. If Megan tried to get in the way then he would deal with vixen as well. As long as he succeed in his quest nothing else matter... no one else matter. Not even the members of his own team...
Jordan and Megan broke the kiss. "Take care of yourself out there, Jordan." Megan said as she back away from him with tears her eyes. Jordan gently touched her cheek as he smiled and nodded.
"I will, darling, and you hold down the fort here while I am gone." He said. Megan nodded and watched as he walked away. Once Jordan was out sight and hearing range Megan turned and looked Galen dead in the eye with narrowed eyes.
"He better come back alive from this crazy mission of yours for your sake or I promise you I will make you regret ever sending him." Megan said with a growl as she turned and walked away. Galen sighed and shook his head sadly.
"Looks like I am going to have to think of way to get of rid of you also, my dear. What a pity considering how well we have worked together over the years. Oh well, easy come easy go." He said as he turned into mist and vanished.
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Shining Star Palace of the Ascendants - Library of Ancient History
Spyro and Flame sat down quietly reading books on the history of the Shadow Dragons. Ember sat quietly next to Spyro as he read:
"Shadow Warriors - Shadow Realm - Solid Black dragons of powerful dark magic. They are strong and very skillful. They are capable of making very detailed battle plans and strategies and attack their enemies with little to no mercy."
"Nice description," Flame said as he fold his arms across his chest. "Reeco and his bunch matches it perfectly." Spyro nodded in agreement as he continued reading:
"History - This clan of once noble warriors was banished by the first elder dragons for their war-like, dominating ways when they became corrupted by dark gem energy. This clan tried to conquer the Avalon Kingdom/Realm aka the later renamed Forgotten Realms and failed thanks to the Vanguard Guardians and Peace Keepers. The Vanguard Clan was nearly wiped out during the Dragon Clan War. The remaining Vanguard Clan members decided to break the clan up and become members of the other remaining clans so they would survive. This saved the remaining members but resulted in the destruction of the the Vanguard Guardian Clan. The clan has become nothing more then a Peace Keeper legend. The Peace Keepers have continued their duty as the only remaining loyal protectors of the Dragon Clans. The Shadow Dragons have been banished to the Shadow Realms and thus aren't protecting the other clans anymore.The Peace Keeper and Vanguard Guardians are two Clans that were once very close and they still feel the lost even to this day."
Ember sighed and said, with narrowed eyes, "So the Shadow Warriors are also responsible for bringing the the evil Sorceress to the Forgotten Realms during the War. She was their ally until they betrayed her and sold her out. After the war ended, She got even by banishing all the Dragon Clans, that she could find, to the outer realms to die. This lead to the birth of your saga, Spyro. So all our troubles were because of the Shadow Dragons!" Ember growled.
Spyro glanced at Ember and said, "Calm down, Ember. I am not happy learning this fact either but it is the truth. Apparently..." He paused as Flame cleared his throat getting his attention. "Yeah, Flame, what is it?" Flame smiled and waved a large book in his face. Spyro took the book and glanced at it. "This looks interesting..."
"What is it, Spyro?" Ember asked as she laid her head on his shoulder to see the writting. "What the..."
"Yeah, tell me about it." Spyro said. Glancing up at his brother. "Nice choice, Flame." Flame smiled as Spyro started reading the book loud enough for Flame and Ember to hear.
"Vanguard Guardians - Avalon Kingdom/Realm - This Ancient Clan was considered to be the greatest and most elite warriors in the history of the Dragon Clans. Always distinguished from the other clans by being frequent Realm travelers, warriors and having an adventurous spirit. These dragons were allies and and some believe cousins to the Peace Keepers Clan due to their shared traits, their dedication to their duties as protectors and close family ties Many also claim they also possessed great elemental abilities and powers. No one knows for sure. Some legends say that many of the Dragon Kings and Queens came from Vanguard bloodlines but no one knows for sure if this is true or not. The clan was wiped out along with many of their historical records before the dragons were banished to what became the Dragon Realms. Despite this fact there are legends that say that the Vanguard Clan will one day be reborn to guide the other Clans into a new age of peace and prosperity for all." Spyro paused and dropped the book in shock. "No way."
"Spyro, whats wrong?" Ember asked but then she thought about what she had just heard and her mouth fell open. "Wow!"
Flame blinked once, twice and then said, "May I see?" Spyro handed over the book to Flame. Flame read the information:
"History - These Dragons were the first to find the Shadow Realms. The Realm was given the name Avalon Kingdom/Realm and in this realm they built a magical floating city powered by light gems and gave it the name Vanguard Command. They made the beautiful city their home base. Vanguard Command was a training, research and home base to many Vanguard dragons. This base served as not only headquarters for both Vanguard and Peace Keepers during the Dragon Clan War but home as well. When the war ended the remaining Vanguard decided to turn the VC over to the Peace Keepers. The name Vanguard Command was kept by the Peace Keepers as a way to honor their fallen brothers and sisters.
The one who made this decision was Cale, the young gold dragon leader of the Vanguard Guardians..." Flame trailed off as his eyes widen and he dropped the book. Spyro caught it while Flame sat down next to Spyro in shock.
"I don't believe it... Cale. That old dragon we just met in the Vanguardian Tower was the last leader of the Vanguard Guardian Clan. Do you know what this mean, Spyro?"
Spyro sighed and said, "Yeah, Flame I do. The answers I have long sought are within my reach now. All I have to do is ask Cale." Flame nodded in agreement. Spyro opened the book back up and continued reading where Flame had stopped:
"Who was Cale? No one knows what Cale looked like but many of the ancient Peace Keeper legends say that he was special. Also, according to legend, Cale survived along with the remaining members of his clan after the war. He became a dragon elder and was the leading dragon who was responsible for the banishing of the Shadow Warriors to the now lost ancient realm known as the Nexxus. Afterward, Elder Cale disappeared never to be seen again. It wasn't long afterward that the Sorceress got her revenge and banished the Clans to the outer and at the time hostile Outcast Realms to die. It wasn't long after the banishment that the Shadow Warriors attacked the VC with the intention of getting revenge for their banishment. The Peace Keepers reluctantly decided to abandon the base but before they left they crashed the floating base into the mountain range that became known as the Skull Mountains. The crash destroyed all portal access to the newly founded Dragon Realms and trapped the Shadow Warriors in the Shadow Realm. The Peace Keepers managed to take some of the Vanguard Clan records with them but not all of them. The rest were lost in the crash of Vanguard Command. At least that is what they think.
All that remains to the VC by the time of Spyro: Dragon of Destiny is known as either the Tower Ruins, Tower of Lost Ages or The Vanguardian Tower of Lore and Knowledge. The Shadow Warriors have been trying for ages to unlocked the secrets of these ancient Vanguard Ruins but fortunately they have been unsuccessful." As Spyro finished reading Celeste entered the library.
"Now you know, children." She said sadly as all three dragons looked up from the book at her. "History is full of tragedy and strife." Spyro stood up and sighed.
"There is a catch to all this isn't there?" He said. Celeste dropped her head. "That is why you showed us these books." Celeste looked Spyro in the eye.
"Your right, Spyro, there is a catch. Everything you have learned here you will forget when you wake back up in your mortal bodies." She said. Flame groaned.
"Why can't we keep the knowledge we learn here, Celeste?" Flame asked. Celeste opened her mouth to speak but Spyro beat her to the response.
"Because, Flame, this was all a lesson. Knowledge this important can never just be handed to you without working for it." Spyro stood up and handed the book to Celeste. "I understand why we were brought here. You wanted us to learn not to ask questions whoms answers we were not ready to accept. I am right aren't I?" Celeste took the book from Spyro.
"Yes, you are correct, Dragon of Destiny. I know you want to know the truth about the powers you and your brother possess but... the time has not yet come for you to know. You and Flame are not ready for the truth yet." Spyro dropped his head and closed his eyes.
"I understand. Come on Flame its time to go. See you around Ember. Take care." Spyro said softly as he walked out followed by Flame. Ember stood up and started to follow her friends but Celeste placed her paw on Ember's right shoulder and shook her head.
"No, Ember, you must remain here for the time being." She said. Ember sat back down and dropped her head.
"Why can't I go with them?" She asked even though she already knew.
"You are dead and they are not, Ember. If we send you back you will not be who you once were. All your memories and feelings will be different. You will be different. Still you must go back." Ember glanced at Celeste with a stunned expression.
"But Spyro died and he came back with all his memories intact. Why must I be the one to pay such a heavy price. I don't want to forget who I am, Celeste." Ember said as tears started falling from her eyes. Celeste wracked her brain for a solution and came up with a compromise.
"Ember, I can't promise you anything but there is a way send you back with your memories and personality partially intact." Ember looked at her in surprise.
"Tell me. Please tell me what I must do." Ember said. Celeste closed her eyes and dropped her head sadly. "Celeste, what's wrong?" Celeste looked at Ember.
"Ember, if you choose to do this then you will be like Spyro and Flame. You too will have to bear the wait of great power on your shoulders as the embodiment of the elements." Ember's mouth fell open in surprise as she thought about it. Celeste stood up and started to leave. "Chose very carefully, Ember because each choice has its on price you must pay." Ember nodded
"Celeste," Ember said softly, "I choose to bear the power." Celeste looked at her for a moment.
"Are you sure about this Ember because once you chose to walk down this path there is no turning back. You will be taking on the role of the Trinity Dragon of Elements. You will never again be the same dragon you are now. This is essentially a rebirth...
Ember stood up slowly and said, "Before I choose may I ask you a question. You don't have to answer it if you don't want to but I would like to know if you don't mind."
Celeste said, "Yes, young one, I will answer your question."
"Who is the current Trinity Dragon?" Ember asked. Celeste sighed sadly.
"There has never been a Trinity Dragon. Only one other Dragoness came close to being chosen but she was killed before she her time came." Celeste said.
"Celeste, by chosing this what role will I play in the grand scheme of the realms?" Ember asked.
Celeste smiled and said, "Ember, if choose this path then you will be the final piece to restoring the true balance of all the realms. I wish I could tell you more but you will have to discover the true answer on your own. So, Ember, what is your choice?"
Ember smiled and said, "I choose to do my part and help Spyro, Flame and my friends bring peace to the realms. I'll be the Trinity Dragon, Celeste. Send me back." Celeste smiled and placed her paws on Ember's shoulders.
"Close your eyes, child." Celeste said. Ember obeyed the order as Celeste started chanting. As Celeste chanted she glowed. As her chanting reached the end she said, "Good luck, child." She kissed Ember on the forehead. Ember sighed and fell backwards but she never hit the floor instead she fell down... down... and she kept falling until she arrived home. Celeste smiled as she turned and left the library. She got her wish to return but when she wakes up in the morning she will realize the true gravity of her choice.
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Vanguardian Tower - Next Morning
Cale walked into Ember's room to check on her body and found the bed empty. He looked around the bed and only found multi-colored feathers. "What the...? Hey Artimas where is Ember's body!"
Artimas yelled, from the enclosed balcony, "Um, Cale, I think you better come see this." Cale ran out to the enclosed balcony.
"What is wrong, Artimas?" Cale asked. Artimas pointed over to the other side of the balcony. Cale glanced over in the direction Artimas was pointing and saw... Ember... no this Ember had multi-colored feather wings and white scales that seem to glow. Cale whispered, "What is she doing?"
"Chanting." Artimas said. "Don't ask because I don't have an answer for this. Ember died yesterday and yet this morning I found her out here on the balcony meditating." At that moment she stop chanting, opened her now green eyes and looked over at both Artimas and Cale.
"I must go to the Dark Citadel right now! Spyro and the others are in great danger." She said as she stood up gracefully adjusting her wings as she walked passed Cale and Artimas who stood where they were staring at her in shock. She turned to them and sighed as she said, "Hey, snap out of it guys I am alive! How isn't important right now. What we must do right now is focus on what must be done now to help our friends! I can't do this alone so please help me." Cale and Artimas looked at each other then back at Ember who had folded her arms across her chest. "Well..."
"Wait a minute...! How do you know that Spyro and the others are in danger anyway?" Artimas asked. Ember sighed.
"I can't explain how I know... I just know." She said as she
"Okay, tell us what you need us to do." Artimas said. Ember smiled.
"Please tell me, Artimas... Cale all both of you know about the Dark Citadel." She said as she bent down and picked up a black bag.
Artimas glanced over at Cale as he raised his right eyebrow and said, "Ember, the Dark Citadel is a dangerous place to go even with a group of friends at your back. To attempt to infiltrate that place by yourself is pure suicide. You can't do this alone."
Opening the bag and pulling out a black battle jacket, Ember said, with a serious slightly irritated tone of voice as she slipped on the black battle jacket she had brought with her when she had made a trip back to the Portal Jumper for supplies."I never said I was going alone! Did I?"
"Ember..." Cale started but she cut him off.
"No, Cale, I am going. Either tell me what I need to know or not but that still doesn't change what I am about to do. I am going to use the Portal Jumper to get me inside that Citadel. And once I am in there I am going to rescue my friends. Now tell me what you know!" She said as her multi-colored feather wings turned totally red before fading to white.
"Okay, its obvious you have already made up your mind what you are going to do." Cale said as he reached into his open robe and pulled out glowing red gem. He gently placed the gem in her right paw. "Here you go."
Ember glanced at the gem and back at Cale with a smile as she slipped the gem into her right jacket pocket. "Thank you for your help."
Cale grinned and said, "Put that gem in the data reader inside the Portal Jumper. It will give you the info you require."
"Thank you, Cale and Artimas. Wish us luck." She said. "Now all I need is..." At that moment Milo strolled into room wearing a black battle vest. Artimas noticed.
"Milo... I don't think..." He started to say but Milo stopped him by gently placing the clawed finger of his right paw on Artimas's mouth.
"Don't worry, dad, I promise I'll be careful." Milo said with a smile as he hugged Artimas. "Take care... See you later!" With that said, Milo and Ember headed off together for the secret launch bay where Milo had moved the Portal Jumper to the night before.
Both Artimas and Cale watched from the enclosed glass balcony as the Jumper lifted off the ground from the underground launch bay platform. The Portal Jumper circled around the tower before turning and flying off in the direction hovering Dark Citadel. As the Jumper became a speck on the horizon, Cale turned to Artimas and said, "You do know that there is a very slim chance of success."
"You know that too, Cale and yet you still gave Ember that data crystal." Artimas said with a grin. Cale grinned.
"I have faith in both of them. I believe they will succeed." Cale said. "How about you, old friend. Do you believe?" Artimas nodded as he folded his arms over his chest.
"You don't even need to ask me. You know I believe they will succeed. But it never hurts to wish them luck." Artimas said. Cale nodded in agreement.
The End of the Rage...
But not the adventure...
To be Contnued...
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The Dragon Rage SAGA has ended but Spyro and his friends are still in the Shadow Realm. As Ember and Milo rush off to their rescue what will happen...? Will the rescue attempt be successful or will the attempt end in disaster. Find out next week.
Sorry, but there is no sneak peeks this time around. You will just have to wait till next week.