Spyro: Dragon of Destiny: Rising Destiny

by jamieque

Spyro comes of age and discovers his true destiny in this epic saga of good vs evil. As he and his friends embark on one adventure after another they will discover ancient secrets long buried. The future begins now...

8. Chapter 8

Well, the Dragon Rage SAGA ended rather strangely with the previous episode. Let me explain why... When I original was developing the outline for season one of this series the Dragon Rage SAGA was much longer. I didn't cap the length off because originally the first season was going to be little over 26 episodes long but all that changed as I started going back thru the first season outline. The journey to the Shadow Realm, Flame's conversion into the Dragon of Chaos and Ember's death and rebirth were all handed very differently. The problem is that all this took 13 of the 26 episodes to tell fully. Yep, You think you waited a long time for part four to be written think about how long it would have took if this saga was 13 parts long! I had to trim the fat and condense some of the episodes. Remember how long each episode is... The first 13 episodes were compacted down into 3 and half episodes. Then the Dragon Rage SAGA had to be trimmed and that was a real time consumming exercise but I got it done... Not as well as I wanted to but still I got it done.

The episodes got much longer and more detailed due to the condensing. Originally, the episodes were very short and the plotline was even more twisted. I rewrote most of storyline to try and not be so cruel. This saga originally had a very different ending instead of my new version of Ember and Milo rushing off to the rescue of Spyro and company. The original ending of this saga would have ended... Well, just read this episode and you will hopefully see a slight glimpse of the original intended direction of the now ended Dragon Rage SAGA. Since the Dragon Rage SAGA ended rather strangely consider this episode the part 5 that never was due to the rewrite. This episode will have a twist that is literally out of this world. The ending will be a tear jerker so have your tissue ready. Now that I have rambled on long enough I think it is time to get to todays episode... Here is Episode 8... Enjoy, oh 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... Okay you guys get the point let's get this show on the road...
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Reviews:

BrandonLyNguyen: No, Brandon, Ember isn't evil. Let me explain what is going on... In the previous episode, Ember died and was reborn as the Trinity Dragon. Her new appearance aka the green eyes, white scales and multi-colored feathered wings are a result of her rebirth. Spyro and Flame are the same way as Ember. Spyro because of his death and rebirth. Flame's change was due to the dark gem energy that was infused into him. Flame has feathered wings while Spyro's wings have yet to change to their permanent feathered state. Ember has the ability to change her wing color depending on her mood or when she uses her abilities. Like Flame, Ember's eye color has changed due to her change. Both Flame and Ember due to the way they recieved their powers will have a hard time turning them on and off mentally. Spyro seems to have both of them beat for the time being because he has some limited control over his physical changes. Spyro's changes such as his gold eyes and increased abilities are still developing and he will become much more powerful as the series progresses. Ember and Flame also will grow stronger as the series progresses. However, remember that Celeste said that Ember would wake up and come to realize the gravity of what her choice was going to be. Well trust me when I say that Ember is about to discover just what Celeste meant during the events of todays episode.
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Megan the kitsune flips through the air and lands gracefully in front of the screen. She smiles and says, before backflipping away and disappearing: PREVIOUSLY ON SPYRO: DRAGON OF DESTINY: RISING DESTINY -

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 thier 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...
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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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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 this time 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 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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And now Spyro: Dragon of Destiny: Rising Destiny continues...

Underground Vanguard Time Core Facility

Skyler and his team sit around a table talking with Ryua. They had been discussing what to do since the night before. None of them had been able to come to a decision. However that quickly changed as they had watched Ember and Milo leave for the Dark Citadel.

"I think that you guys should report in with Ember and tell her what she already knows. Let her and Spyro decide what you guys should do." Ryua said as she gave each Team Skyler member a serious glance.

Skyler stood up and said, "I am sorry, Ryua, but we have to go assist Ember and Milo with their rescue mission. If we don't I don't think it will succeed." Skyler's team mates all nodded in agreement while Ryua sat back in her chair with sigh.

"Very well, go right ahead do what you want to do but don't screw up. The timeline must be preserved or else you know what will happened." She said with a frown. Skyler nodded and headed for the lift platform. His team followed after him leaving Ryua with a worried expression oh her face. As Skyler and his team exited the facility, Ryua stood up and walked over to the monitor to watch them take off. "Good luck, Skyler."
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Meanwhile

Ember and Milo, using the newly installed steath mode landed in the lower Jumper bay. As the silent light gem-powered engine turned off, Ember opened the door and stepped out with Milo following. As the two dragons looked around they sighed. "Ember, I still can't believe that this Citadel has the same layout plans as Vanguard Command had when it still existed." Milo whispered as they walked out of the bay and into a large lit corridor that curved around and went up at a steep slope.

"Milo, we should be at the entrance to the dungeon soon enough." Ember whispered. Milo nodded and followed her. Soon both of them arrived at entrance to the dungeon. Ember looked around and frowned as a bad feeling started to roll through her gut. Something is wrong. Me and Milo should have encountered some sort of resistance by now unless... Ember quickly grabbed Milo and pulled him down just bladed Shadow Dragon staff slashed through the spot where Milo's head had just been. Milo looked at Ember and frowned.

"Oh crap..." He said as another bladed staff slashed at him. He ducked and looked over at Ember and noticed that another blade was flying in her direction. "Ember, look..." Ember caught the blade with her right paw and spun it over her head bring it to rest in the floor. Milo cleared his throat as he made his way over to her. "Nevermind." He said as all of sudden four Shadow Dragons seem to come out of no where. Ember growled while Milo jumped into battle stance. "I knew something wasn't right here. This isn't going as we planned at all."

Ember growled as she clutched the battle staff in her right paw. "No kidding with you there, Milo."

"I was so hopping that we wouldn't have to fight. Unfortunately, it looks like we are going to have to if we hope to have any chance in rescuing Spyro and the others." Milo said. At that both of them heard a very familiar female voice laughing. Milo and Ember turned to the sound of the voice with a frown on both of their faces. Ryua smiled at both of them as her body grew larger overshadowing both dragons.

"Oh I wouldn't worry about rescuing your pathetic friends, fools, because you are..." At that moment a spinning ball hit Ryua upside the head knocking her back into and through the closed dungeon door which caved from her increased size and weight. Milo and Ember blinked in surprise as they both wondered what just happened. At that moment, the other four Shadow Dragons behind them swung their battle staffs at them. Ember and Milo spun around just as the blades on all four staffs collided with... metal..."

"Go and rescue your friends while me and my friend handle these four, Ember." Said the deep voice of large winged cat-like creature wearing metal battle armor.

"Who are you?" Ember asked as she looked at the back of the large winged cat. "How do you know my name?" The large winged cat turned his head revealing a silver beak instead of a normal cat muzzle. A gryphon! He's a gryphon! Ember thought as the gryphon's beak turned up in a smile.

"I am Lucas. Your friend Spyro told me about you and the others when he and I met a few years ago, Ember." He said as he ducked another blade swing and raised his right gauntlet covered arm into the air. The gauntlet started glowing with white light gem energy. After the gauntlet had charged enough Lucas swung his right around in the direction of another Shadow Dragon releasing a powerful beam of light gem energy at him. The Shadow Dragon scream as the beam hit him and sent him flying backward through the air and into one of his just arrived friends who went crashing through the corridor wall with him. Lucas sighed and turned back to Ember and Milo. He said with a smile, as he looked at Ember, "I thought you had died."

"I did but one of the Ascendants revived me..." Ember said before she noticed that another Shadow Dragon had shown up behind Lucas. "Get down!" She yelled pushed Lucas down just as bladed staff flew at him barely missing his head. Ember growled and using much of her strength tossed the battle blade staff she had in her right paw toward one of the Shadow Dragons that had tried to sneak up on them. The blade hit the Shadow Dragon in the shoulder going in half-way making him roar out in pain and fall to the floor grasping his shoulder in pain. Ember helped Lucas back to his feet. "How did you get here anyway?"

Lucas said, "Let's just say someone opened a portal from the Dragon Realms to here. My friend Bandit showed up and offered his assistance so we came here. I flew up here with Bandit on my back but we were attacked before we could get any closer. If not for a strange cloaked individual showing up I don't think we would have made it inside." As soon as Lucas finished speaking he looked around and noticed that more Shadow Dragons were starting to show up. He growled as he punched one of larger Shadow Dragons in the stomach hard with his large sharp taloned right paw. The Shadow Dragon growled and grabbed his stomach as he bowed over in pain. Lucas "Go and rescue Spyro and the others while me and Bandit take care of these creeps."

Milo turned and looked around them. "Bandit? Who the heck is Bandit?" At that moment both of Ember and Milo heard the sound of a gun go off and a Shadow Dragon fell to the ground with a loud 'thud'.

"Did someone mention me?" Said a large hat wearing armadillo who adjusted his battle jacket over his hard shelled body. As soon as he said that two Shadow Dragons threw their battle blade staffs at him. Bandit jumped up as the blade staffs flew under him. On the way down he grabbed both staffs spun around and tossed both staffs back to the owners. "I believe these staffs belong to you and your friend." Both Shadow Dragons dived out of the way of the flying staffs and afterwards both dragons decided to wisely not try and counterattack the armadillo. Bandit turned and winked at Ember. "Me and Lucas have your back, darling. Go save your friends." Ember smiled and nodded.

"Thanks, Bandit. Let's go, Milo!" Ember said as she jumped over Ryua who growled as she slowly stood back on her feet. She tried to grab Ember's as she flew through the air but missed due to Milo kicking her in the back of the head which sent down to the floor again with a crash. Ember landed in the dungeon and looked around trying to find Spyro and the others. "Spyro, where are you and the others at...?" At that moment a sharp pain rain through Ember and she fell to one knee grasping her chest with wide eyes. Milo landed next to her and gently touched her shoulder.

"Ember, what's wrong!" Milo asked as he helped her back to her feet. Ember looked at him with wide eyes filled with pain and fear.

"Milo, we have to hurry and go to the main chamber upstairs. Spyro... oh god... they are doing something horrible to Spyro!" She screamed as she quickly turned and headed out of the dungeon. Unfortunately, they ran into a recovered Ryua who smiled at them as she looked down on them.

"Sorry, but you are too late to help your pathetic friends." Ryua growled as she stepped aside to let Ember and Milo pass. Ember stepped pass Ryua given the Shadow dragoness a narrow-eyed look.

"What is your brother doing to Spyro, you..." Ember growled but Ryua held up her right paw as she started fading into a shadow.

"You'll see soon enough... ha ha. Trust me... you will see!" Ryua said as the sound of Spyro screaming in pain suddenly was heard coming from farther up in the citadel. "Ahh, music to my ears! Looks like my brother's planned worked out perfectly after all." Ryua expression took on a sadistic edge. "You better hurry, Ember or your dear Dragon of Destiny will be no more! And my my would that be such a pity... ha ha ha ha!" Ember looked at Ryua and gritted her teeth as Ryua faded completely into the shadows.

Ember growled in anger as she turned to Milo. "Blast, Ryua and Reeco planned this. How could they have known we were coming unless someone told them. Ryua was stalling us with diversion why her brother carried out his no good deed. Milo let's go!" Milo nodded in silence as he followed her out into the main corridor to find Bandit and Lucas wearing worried expressions on their faces as looked in the direction of main chamber. They turned just as Ember and Milo ran past them. Ember glanced back at them and the look on her face told them all they need to know as both briefly glanced at each other nodding before they started running behind them.

Please dear god let us not be too late! Ember thought as they ran up the rising corridor to their destination...

Screen fades to black
--------------------------

'DRAGON OF DESTINY...' Echoes twice before drum beats start in the background.
'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: Rising Destiny

Episode 8: The Day Destiny Shined

Meanwhile

Spyro growled in pain as dark gem energy was fed into his tortured body for the third time as Reeco and his 'guest' watched him suffer. "Enough for now." Reeco said with a grin as the machine deactivated and the straps holding Spyro up on his feet released. Spyro's purple eyes gazed upon on Reeco and his 'guest' with deep anger. Reeco sighed and said, "I don't understand! Why is the dark gem energy not affecting him like it should. The energy has weakened him... yes, but it isn't corrupting him. Why?" His guest walked over to Spyro and bent down to Spyro's head level. Spyro lifted his heavy head and gazed into the face of...

"GALEN... I KNEW SOMETHING WAS FOWL AROUND HERE BESIDES REECO!" Spyro growled as he tried to stand up and do something... anything besides kneeling in front of the one dragon besides Reeco that he considered was scum. Galen growled and raised his paw in front of Spyro using the dark energy he possessed he picked Spyro up without even touching him and threw him through the air across the room into wall on the other side. Spyro roared as he collided with the wall and tried to move but found he was unable to move. "What are you doing to me?" Spyro asked as grunted as pain seem to flood his body suddenly.

Galen smiled and said, "Why it is simple, my boy. I am BREAKING YOU!" He tossed Spyro up into the air and then slammed him down to the floor so hard that the tiles on the floor cracked. Spyro growled in pain as he felt something crack. Galen laughed and started to repeated the attacke when someone spoke up behind him.

"STOP... PLEASE STOP, GALEN! IF YOU CONTINUE TO DO THAT TO MY SON YOU WILL KILL HIM!" Screamed Sky. Galen halted and turned to the imprisoned Peace Keeper and her cellmates.

Galen rubbed his chin in thought and said, "I hate to do this but..." Galen smiled and walked over the cell where Spyro's parents, old enemies and friends were all being currently housed together. He stopped in front of the cell looking all the angry prisoners in the eye. "...I am afraid that I must. REQUEST DENIED!" He said with a laugh as he started to head back over to Spyro and continue. Stryker growled getting Galen's attention.

"YOU NO GOOD SCUM! YOU ARE A PATHETIC COWARD, GALEN! WHY DON'T YOU FIGHT AGAINST SOMEONE WHO CAN AT LEAST PUT UP A DECENT FIGHT! MY SON IS IN NO CONDITION TO FIGHT YOU AT THE MOMENT AND YET YOU CONTINUE BEATING HIM! YOU SIR HAVE NO..." Stryker said but was stopped when Galen sweep his paw in a sweeping motion tossing Stryker against the wall knocking the breath from his body. Sky rushed over to her mate and helped him back to his feet as both of them turned and gave Galen a look that said exactly what was on their minds. They were angry and they were not alone. Flame, Hunter and the others were as well. Flame was so angry in fact that his eyes were gold as dark energy started flowing into his tense body.

"GALEN, I WILL MAKE YOU PAY FOR HURTING MY BROTHER!" Flame growled as he ran against the energy bars that surrounded him and the other prisoners. Galen smiled and laughed but however that laugh soon changed as Flame walked through the bars.

"HOW THE HELL DID YOU...?" Galen started to say but at that moment he felt bolt of powerful energy hit him sending him flying across the room and into the wall. Galen looked over in the direction of where the bolt of energy had come from and his eyes opened in shock at the white dragoness who entered the room with her three companions. "It can't be...! YOU...! How did you survive! You should be..." He growled out but the dragoness stopped him.

"...DEAD! IS THAT WHAT YOU MEAN TO SAY, GALEN! SORRY TO DISAPPOINT YOU BUT I AM VERY MUCH ALIVE AND I AM HERE TO KICK TO RESCUE MY FRIENDS! IF YOU, REECO OR ANY OTHER SHADOW DRAGON GET MY WAY I PROMISE YOU THAT YOU WILL REGRET IT!" Ember said as everyone in the room stared at her in shock. Flame walked over to Ember and gently touched her shoulder trying to make sure he wasn't dreaming. Finding her shoulder solid he smiled.

"You're alive!" He said. Ember looked at him and nodded noticing that he looked like someone had beat him up. His black jacket was missing both sleeves and had claw marks on it. The metal buckles were also broken exposing his gold scaled chest. His metal arm gauntlets had cracks running along their surface and that was just what he was wearing. He had a black eye and his black feathered wings looked ragged. Ember growled in anger as she looked back at Milo. "Get our friends out of that cell." Milo nodded and headed over to the cell. Reeco got in the way and suddenly Ryua appeared with ten Shadow Dragon guards holding bladed battle staffs.

"Sorry..." Reeco said calmly folding his arms over his chest. "But you'll have to go through all us first." He smiled at the Sky Dancer. "Well, I can't believe your clan survived. I thought we wiped them out during the Dragon Clan Wars ages ago. What a pity ha ha ha..." Milo tensed at hearing Reeco's comment and he wasn't alone. Lucas, Bandit and the other prisoners also tensed. Milo growled as his white fur stood on end.

"What a pity! Your clan tried to wipe us out of existence and you have the nerve to say... WHAT A PITY! You arrogant bas...!" Reeco growled and rapidly punched Milo in the chest sending him flying backwards five feet. Milo bent over gasping his chest trying to regain his breath as he looked up at Reeco. Reeco walked calmly over and grabbed Milo by the throat spinning him around and slamming him into the nearest wall. Flame growled and so did the rest of his friends as they tried to think of a way to turn the situation around in their favor. Reeco tightened his hold on Milo's throat making Milo gasp for air.

"Are you done yet, Sky Dancer, because I am sick of hearing you gripe. I think my clan did yours a favor. There were too many weaklings in your clan. All they did was preach peace but none of them were willing to back up their words with any kind of action or resistance whatsoever! How pathetic...! Your clan was and always will be weak and pathetic... just like you! By the way how is your old man doing, Milo!" Reeco sneered. As soon as he said that something seem to snap in Milo as he looked up at Reeco with narrowed eyes. Reeco smiled and said, "Ah, what's wrong, Milo? Are you going to cry for mercy just like your weak mother did before my father killed her. At least she tried to fight which is more then I can say for your old man. Some leader your father Artimas is! He couldn't even protect his mate or his son!" Milo's roared and it seemed like time slowed down as he grabbed Reeco's wrist snapping it like a toothpick. Reeco gritted his teeth in pain as his eyes opened wide in shock at Milo's action. "How...!" He said but Milo cut him off as he grabbed Reeco by the throat spun around and tossed him across the room into Galen knocking both of them to the floor.

Milo's white fur stood on end as he balled his clawed paws into fists. "How what? How did I do that? Well here is your answer, Reeco!" Milo body seemed to blur as he ran over and grabbed Reeco off of Galen and proceed to beat the hell out of him by kicking, punching and striking him down into the floor with lightning. Every Shadow Dragon in the room stared at Milo in shock and surprise so did his friends. Flame looked at Ember as if to ask her a question but kept his mouth shut as he turned and watched Reeco try and pull himself up out of the floor. Milo stopped him by grabbing him and body slamming into the floor again. Reeco try to stand up and Milo pressed his clawed foot down on Reeco's chest making him gasp for air.

Ryua screamed, "Noooo, stop! You're killing him!" Milo looked at her and just pressed down harder on her brother making him gasp louder. Ryua looked into Milo's sky blue eyes and saw no compassion present in them. There was nothing but burning rage and anger in them. And there was also another deep emotion she saw there... hate. He hated them for what they had down to his clan.

Milo growled as he calmly said, "So you want me to show your brother mercy when your father showed none for my mother, Ryua?" Ryua stood frozen looking into his eyes. "My mother was a hyrbrid Vanguardian/Sky Dancer and that is why your father, Drake, killed her with his own claws. He saw her as an abomination and ordered that all such hybrids like her were to be terminated onsight without mercy or compassion. My father tried to stop him but Drake nearly killed him. The only reason he survived was because of my mother's courage and strong spirit. She used all her power to protect me and my father." Milo paused as tears started falling from his eyes. "She was pregnant at the time with my unborn sister. They both died! Your dear father killed both of them!" Milo said. "You may find this hard to believe but I was just a dragonling at the time the war happened! However, I do remember my mother's face! I remember the peaceful look on her face when she turned and looked at me with those beautiful eyes and smile. I screamed out her name and she shook her head as tears filled her eyes. In that moment, I knew she was going to die. She had used up all her life energy to power her attacks and protect me and my unborn sister! Do you have any idea how it feels to watch your own mother die in front of you. Obviously neither of you do!" Milo wiped his eyes and looked down into the stunned face of Reeco. "She told me to live and be happy and then she died right there in front of me. My father, with my grandfather's help, managed to somehow get me out of there alive. The Vanguard showed up but by then my clan was nearly gone. That bloody battle has come to be known as Javor'chi Covar or the 'Battle of Endless Tears' by the remaining members of my clan! I found out later on that my older brother who was the heir to the leadership of our clan had also died during the fight as did my grandmother! Your beloved father tried to commit complete genocide on my clan, because of..." He paused and looked at Galen. "YOU! I saw you there talking to Drake! You had your paws in this massacre just as much as Drake did! My sister's egg had to be removed from my mother's cold body! She almost died! I almost lost my whole family thanks to both you and Drake!" Milo looked down at Reeco with narrowed eyes as he put even more pressure down on his chest. "Your... father... is... a... hypocrite, coward and murderer, Reeco! He also is a fool for letting Galen manipulate him just like he did you!" At that moment Galen released a powerful energy bolt of dark energy that blasted Milo off of Reeco and into the wall.

"ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!" Galen roared. Galen started to say something else but a tap on his shoulder made the words catch in his throat. He turned and saw Spyro standing behind him. "Well... well... well! I am surprised to see you back on your feet, hero. Let me get through dealing with your friend first and then I'll be more then happy to pick up where I left off with you!" Spyro growled as his eyes flashed gold and he spun Galen around and gave him a poweful uppercut punch that sent the older dragon flying up into the air.

Spyro smiled and said, "YOU'RE RIGHT, GALEN! ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!" He opened mouth and blasted a powerful stream of fire at him as he fell back down toward to the floor. As soon as Spyro did that Flame looked at Ember and nodded as he ran over and unlocked the prison cell. Ember went over and helped Milo to his feet before turning back to Lucas and Bandit.

"Time to take care of business!" She said. Bandit and Lucas looked at each other and smiled as they nodded and charged into the battle.

Reeco pulled himself up out of the floor and growled, "I don't care what my father did in the past. The past is the past!" He started glowing with dark energy as he smiled. "Now is now and I have no intention of losing this battle. Shadow Dragons... ATTACK!" The other Shadow Dragons charged and the battle started...
----------------------------------------------------------

Meanwhile in a unknown location...

"So, Galen is making his first move." Said a deep voice.

"Yes, sir."

"What do you predict the outcome of this battle will be?"

"We can't predict an outcome for some reason, master!" The master smiled as he adjusted his robes.

"That is as it should be. The outcome of this battle rest solely in the paws of Spyro and his allies. What they chose to do will determine what the path the future takes." I only hope that they chose wisely. He thought as he and the others watched the battle from their viewpoint.
------------

Flame unlocked the prison cell letting Hunter and everyone else out. Flame tossed Hunter his wristbows. "Here you go, Hunter." Hunter smiled as he caught both bows and rapidly lock them to his gauntlets.

"Thanks, Flame." Hunter yelled as he ran jumping into the air and pointing one bow at Reeco and the other at Galen. As he fired them releasing powerful lightning arrows, he said, "Payback sucks doesn't it!" The bolts knocked Reeco into Stryker's arms. Stryker smiled as he threw Reeco to Flame who punched him in the face sending him flying backwards into the wall. Ryua saw that and growled as she jumped into the battle and tried to strike Flame in the back with her blade staff. Ember and Elora stopped her. Ember grabbed the staff and yanking it out of her paws while Elora back kicked her in the face. Ryua head flew back as she roared in pain. She growled and shook her head and looked at Elora and Ember. The kick the Elora had just deliever had given her a black right eye.

"Give me that!" Ryua screamed as she threw a series of powerful black beams of energy at Ember and Elora. Both girls grinned. Ember spun the staff around in her left paw blocking each beam that can in her direction. Elora backflipped and ducked and dodge each beam that came her way. Ryua growled and charged into Ember grabbing the staff and spinning Ember around into the air. Ember refused to let go. "Let go, princess!"

Elora grinned and said, "You really shouldn't have said that."

"Why?" Ryua asked as she gave Elora the 'evil eye'.

"Because Ember is going to kick your collective ass that's why." She said calmly as she crossed her arms over her chest and stepped back. Ryua looked back at Ember and noticed that she was smiling it wasn't a very friendly smile either.

"OH CRAP!" Ryua growled.

"OH CRAP IS RIGHT! NO ONE EVER CALLS ME PRINCESS!" Ember growled as her paws glowed with fiery energy melting the staff. Ryua jumped back and Ember followed her punching her with her blazing hot fists making Ryua roar in pain as each hit connected with her burning her. Elora just watched as Ryua bent under one of Ember's punches and gave Ember a powerful uppercut sending Ember up into the air. Flying up into the air, Ryua spun around and gave Ember a powerful kicked that sent her crashing through the wall and out onto a balcony. Ryua landed in front of the opening and laughed.

"You really shouldn't have done that, Ryua!" Elora yelled.

"Why not, faun!" She asked with a growl. Elora shook her head.

"You'll see soon enough! Trust me!" She said. Ryua laughed and turned back to the hole. The laugher died in her throat as she noticed a very pissed off Ember glaring back at her.

"Oh no!" She yelled just as Ember blasted her backwards into the waiting fist of Sky who KO'ed her lights out. Sky looked down at Ryua and snorted.

"One good turn deserves another. You had that coming to you for a very long... long time, Ryua!" Sky said as she turned to greet both Ember and Elora as they both walked calmly over to her. "Well done, Ember and Elora." Both Ember and Elora smiled and looked down at Ryua before looking at each other.

"We make a good team. Don't we?" Elora asked. Ember nodded as she gave her a high five. Ember glanced at Sky and grinned.

"You did good too, Sky." Ember said as she looked over into the cell and noticed that Spyro's old enemies were just sitting down not moving. "What's up with them?" Sky looked over at them and shook her head.

"Reeco and Ryua drained them of their energy." Sky said. Ember looked at them again and noticed them glancing over at the unconscious former elder dragon, Red. Sky looked in the direction of Ember's glance and frowned. "Ryua hurt Red very badly. I have been trying to keep him alive but his life signs have been steadily fading no matter how hard I try. I don't think he is going to make it, Ember." Ember nodded and walked into the cell kneeling down on her left knee as she touched Red's chest gently. Looking back at Sky she waved her over.

"I'm going to see if I can heal him. I don't know if I will be successful but I have to try. Please go get Amanda and Bianca and tell them to come over here. I may need their help if this doesn't work out." Ember said. Elora bend down next to Ember.

"What can I do to help out, Ember?" She asked.

Ember looked at her and said, "Pray... pray that I don't screw up and make his condition worse." Elora nodded. Ember then closed her eyes and started chanting. Sky nodded and ran over to where Bianca and Amanda were fighting one of the Shadow Dragon guards.

"Come with me, both of you." Sky said.

"What about helping Spyro and the others?" Amanda asked as she kicked the Shadow Dragon guard in the groin making him scream and fall over rolling in the ground in pain.

"My sons and your friends will be fine, Amanda. Right now Ember needs both you and Bianca to help her save Red's life." Sky said as she walked back over to the cell. Amanda and Bianca nodded as they followed Sky.

Meanwhile, Stryker and Spyro were punching and kicking Shadow Dragons left and right while Hunter spun through the air in series of acrobatic flips and spins firing at Shadow Dragons that came at him or his friends. "I hate to say this, pal, but we are getting a tad bit overrun here!" Hunter growled as he spun out of the way of a blade staff that came within a hairs distance of hitting him. Flame saw the shadow dragon who had attempted to hit Hunter and dived at him hitting him in the chest with his body. Hunter noticed and smiled giving Flame a thumbs up. "Thanks for the assist, Flame." Flame smiled and nodded as he knocked the dragon guard out.

"Your welcome, Hunter." Flame said as Reeco grabbed his tail and spun him around tossing Flame into Bandit who flew back into Lucas. The big gryphon grunted from the impacting bodies but he stayed in one place.

"Are you guys okay?" He asked them as he helped them both up. They nodded and together all three of them ran toward Reeco body slamming him across the room and out a window. All three of them smiled and high fived each other. Milo walked over to them.

"Well done, guys." Milo said as he heard a body come flying their way. "Get down, guys, we have incoming!" They ducked as Galen flew over them and through the wall. Spyro and Stryker walked over to them breathing hard. Milo smiled and patted Spyro on the back. Hunter landed near them and took a deep breath. Milo looked around the room seeing the Shadow Dragons crawling and dragging their unconscious friends away to recover. "Looks like this fight is almost over." At that moment they heard laughter as the floor beneath their feet heaved upwards tossing all them back into the wall near the cell. "Looks like I spoke too soon." They all gave him a 'you think' expression as they rolled their eyes.

"What the... hello...! Oh crap!" Spyro said as Reeco, in his warrior form, rose up from the hole in the floor. Reeco grinned as his nostrils flared and dark smoke billowed out.

"Now you all will die!" He roared as he stood towering over all of them. Spyro growled and stepped in front of him. All the other Shadow Dragons seem to quickly vanish when the warrior form Reeco showed up.

"So you do have some honor after..." Spyro said but paused as Reeco shrunk back to his normal size still wearing that same grin. "...all. Hey, what are you doing! Didn't you just say we were going to die."

"I did indeed!" He said calmly.

"Well, I don't know how you are going to accomplish that, Reeco. At your current size me and my friends have nothing to worry a..." Spyro paused as Galen rose up out the hole in the floor laughing. He was bigger then Reeco's former warrior form was before.

"You were saying!" Reeco asked as he folded his arms over his chest. Spyro gave him a dark look.

"I hate you." Spyro said with narrowed eyes.

"I know because I hate you too!" Reeco said. Reeco turned to Galen and said, "Have fun crushing them." He then stepped aside.

"I will!" Galen said with a smile as he started glowing with a level of dark energy that made Milo's white fur stand on end. At that moment, Tobin showed up with his father Titan and Nestor in tow. Both elder dragons saw Galen and nodded at each other. Titan closed his eyes and transformed to his warrior form. Once the transformation was complete he charged slamming into Galen's massive body. To everyone shock Galen didn't move an inch. Titan lunched a series of powerful punches, kicks and claw swipes. Nothing seem to affect him at all. Titan growled, "This isn't looking good at all." At that moment Sky in her warrior form showed up and unleashed a massive amount energy that knocked Galen's head back. Galen growled in anger as he looked at Sky. She tried to repeat her previous attack but Galen was ready for her this time.

"How dare you attack me you stupid female!" He roared as he punched Sky so hard that it sent her flying into the floor next to Spyro leaving an imprint of her body as part of the floor tiles. Sky groaned holding her head as her body shrunk back to normal and she tried to get back up. Spyro and Styker reached down and helped her up to her feet.

Titan called down to her, "Sky, are you alright!" She nodded. Titan gave Galen a fang bared growl and said, as he charged, "You will pay for attacking one of my clan members, Galen, I promise you that!" Galen grinned.

As Titan charged, Sky screamed, "Titan, be very careful! He's much stronger then any dragon I have ever fought before!" Titan slammed into Galen and unleashed a series of powerful breath and physical attacks on him. Nothing seemed to work on him.

"What the hell is it going to take to beat this guy!" Titan growled as he punched Galen in the face knocking his head back. Galen smiled at Titan as he brought his head back foward dark eyes now glowing.

"Ah, was that your best attempt at trying to inflict pain on me? HOW PATHETIC!" Galen raised his left paw and unleash a hair-raising level of dark energy that slammed Titan across the room and three feet into the wall above Spyro and the others leaving an imprint. Titan groaned as he shrunk back to his normal size and fell to the floor landing flat on his face dazed next to Nestor.

Nestor bent down and pulled Titan to his feet. "Are you alright?" Nestor asked him. Titan nodded his head.

"I am fine but that still doesn't change our current problem. How are we going to beat this guy?" Titan turned to Sky. "You were right, Sky, Galen isn't a push over. I haven't seen a dragon this powerful since..." He looked at Nestor with a frown as Nestor nodded.

"Since when!" Spyro asked.

"Since the Dragon Clan Wars..." Nestor said with a frown. Spyro looked at his friends with a frown. Galen raised both his paws in their direction.

"Game over, Hero! Now you and your friends will die!" Galen said as he unleashed a dark wave of energy unlike anything Spyro or his friends had ever seen. Spyro stepped forward in front of his friends glancing at all of them as time seem to slow down.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mysterious location...

"Sir, Spyro and his friends are about to die. We must intervene on the behalf of the Dragon of Destiny. We can't let Spyro die!"

"No, we will not interfere! Spyo must face this threat on his own otherwise he will never become what he was destined to be. He may have been chosen to be the Dragon of Destiny by the Ascendants but that doesn't mean anything if he doesn't fully embrace his true power."

"But sir if Galen kills him then it is all over for everyone!"

"Please master let us help him in some way!"

"No, Spyro will either live or die by his own choice. We can't protect him from his destiny or his fate. He either rises to the challenge and become the Dragon of Destiny in more then name only or he and those he love will die. I know it is harsh and I hate to say it but it is time for him to make his choice. Will he embrace his destiny and by doing so save himself and his friends or will he let his inner fear of the unknown prevent him from seeing the truth."

"What is the truth, sir!"

The master smiled as he said, "The truth is that his power is only limited by his own lack of faith in himself. If he truly embraces his power without fear then he will be ready to learn the real truth about himself."
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Song 'I want to believe' playing in background

I want to believe in myself and in my destiny
I have faith and I see the light...

Why was I chosen to be what I am...
Someone please tell me what my true destiny...

Sombody ecohes twice show me... ecohes twice
I want to believe... lyrics repeats

Spyro raised his paws in front of him as his mind remembered the last conversation he had between himself and Cale before they had left to the tower to come here.

Flashback...

"Destiny is a strange thing isn't it, young one." Cale said calmly as he sat down.

"What are you talking about?" Spyro asked Cale as he sat down at the table facing the older dragon. Cale looked down at Spyro and smiled sadly.

"Spyro, do you think that being the Legendary Dragon of Destiny is a great honor or a curse?" Cale asked as Spyro looked at him with narrowed eyes that opened wide at hearing the question being asked to him. Spyro dropped his head and closed his eyes as he sighed before looking back up at Cale.

"At first, Cale, I thought that this great power was a great curse to have but as time went on it seemed to be more like a sort of honor... even if it tended to be a burden I didn't even want... but." Spyro said as he turned his head to look over at Ember's dead body lying down on a bed of glowing light gems with tears in his eyes.

"But what do you think now, Spyro?" Cale asked as he got the younger dragon's attention back. Spyro turned his head back to look at Cale and smiled sadly.

"Now, Cale, I see that perhaps I was destine to be chosen. I have always known I was different from the other dragons but I could never figure out why. Being able to use multiple elemental attacks, abilities and powers has always made me curious as to my true origins. I have always asked myself why am I different. The question has always bothered me until now." Spyro said with a sigh as his tail moved back and forth. "Do you understand, Cale?" Cale nodded.

"I understand how you feel, Spyro. I always seem to have questions that I can't answer about myself and the history of our clan." Cale said. Spyro nodded.

"Cale, I learned about our clan past history, but my memory of the knowledge is blurry. I believe I finally understand what Celeste was trying to tell me without telling me. I have gone through my own life doubting myself at times. I never admitted this to anyone but I am deeply afraid of failing. That is why I lost it earlier when Ember died. I just couldn't accept the fact that someone I cared so deeply about was dead and I failed to..." Spyro's voice caught in his throat as he wiped the tears from his eyes. "Cale, I felt fear and self doubt like never before. If you hadn't acted when you did I might have hurt myself or one of my friends in my moment of grief."

Cale smiled and said, "No, you wouldn't hurt your friends. You stopped yourself from killing Hunter. Let go of your fear and believe... truly believe in yourself and the power you have. A time will come Spyro, I don't know when, but a time will come when you will be faced with a choice. It will be a hard choice and the outcome of a life or death situation will ride entirely on how you chose to face the situation. Don't let fear and doubt control you, Spyro. Master the fear and banish the doubt and you will finally learn the truth."

"What is the truth, Cale," Spyro asked. Cale smiled.

"I can't tell you because each of us has to discover the truth for ourselves. All I can do is give you advice. The rest is entirely up to you." Spyro nodded as he stood up bowing to Cale.

"Thank you, Cale. Oh before I go someone I met in the realm of the Ascendants, before me and Flame returned here, told me to tell you that: 'Never give up hope in the impossible. Tell Cale... Thank you for not giving up on me.'" Spyro said softly as he turned and walked away. Cale bowed his head.

"No, Spyro, thank you for giving me the peace I have long sought." Cale said as he glanced up at the Tapestries showing his brother's name. He smiled and said, "I am glad you found the peace you could never find in life, Deon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I want to believe in myself and in my destiny
I have faith and I see the light...

Spyro closed his eyes and for the first time fully focused deeply on his power. Spyro's eyes shot wide open as he felt for the first time a change come over him. His eyes flashed gold but this time his purple iris remained instead of vanishing. Spyro's body began to glow as it started to grow.

I finally believe in myself now...
And I know who I truly am...

Spyro roared as his body continued to grow and change. Gold markings started appearing on his face. His gold scaled chest grew outward as new muscles filled it. Spyro's purple scales darken slightly to a darker shade of purple and with a bright gold flash his wings changed from their normal form to their larger gold feathered form. Even after the changes that had already occured the energy within Spyro continued to grow and he felt it.

Embrace the power deep within...
The time has come... finally come...

To see my true destiny...
The time has come... ecohes twice

Spyro growled in a much deeper voice, as his eyes flashed, "CELESTIAL BARRIER!" And with that he released his energy forming a protective barrier in front of Galen's attack. The dark beam hit the barrier and bounced back. Galen's eyes widen in horror.

I believe... (Lyrics repeats)

"NOOOoooo, this isn't possible!" He roared as the beam hit him with the force of a mach truck sending him flying backwards through the wall and outside of the Dark Citadel. Galen growled as he flapped his large black feathered wings and regained control before he would have fallen to the ground. Galen flew back up and landed inside the Citadel. Galen's eyes widen in shock and amazement when he saw Spyro. "This can't be happening!" Spyro walked forward each footfall causing the Citadel to shake slightly. All of his friends and enemies gazed at Spyro's new form in amazement. Ember stepped forward and glanced up at Spyro.

"Spyro, are you alright?" She asked softly. Spyro looked down and smiled.

"Yes, I believe for the first time I truly am. I am glad to see you, Ember." He said with a smile. Ember grinned and nodded.

"You too!" Ember said. Spyro's friends all smiled and nodded too. Spyro nodded and turned just as Galen slammed into him. Spyro moved his right wing hitting Galen in the face making him stumble back. Ember said, "Be careful, Spyro. Galen is extremely powerful. Don't underestimate him!" Spyro nodded and ran into Galen pushing him into the wall. Galen growled and pulled himself out of the wall and wrapped his large tail around Spyro's waist squeezing him tightly. Spyro gasped and growled as he flapped his new more powerful wings lifting off with Galen in tow.

At that moment Ryua woke up and saw a sight that made her eyes widen in shock. She turned her head to Reeco. "Brother, don't tell me that pathetic dragonling misfit actually learned how to use the warrior form." Reeco sighed and nodded as Spyro's wings started glowing and pulsing with radiant energy.

Galen growled as the energy Spyro's wings was generating started hurting him so he let go. "What are you doing, hero?" Spyro grinned.

"Oh nothing just kicking your scaly hide that's all!" Spyro said as he blurred into a streak of golden energy. Galen's eyes widen as Spyro attacked him hitting him from multiple directions all at once. He tried to block each attack but Spyro anticipated his moves and adjustd. Galen growled in pain as Spyro gave him a powerful uppercut that sent him flying through the ceiling. Galen flapped his wings and rubbed his chin just Spyro showed up in front of him. Galen swung his fist at him and Spyro ducked under fist. Spyro grinned and said, "If I were you I would brace myself because I promise you this is going to hurt." Spyro backflipped using his wings to aid him. "Eat this!" Spyro raised his right paw to the sky concentrating. His paw started pulsing with energy, Galen grinned and Spyro noticed. "Why are you grinning?"

"Because you should have listened to your female friend about not underestimating me." He said as he faded away. Spyro sensed Galen behind him and grinned spinning around avoiding the dark energy blast Galen sent his way point blank. Galen's shocked expression was so priceless that it made Spyro laugh. "How are you doing this! There is no way you could have mastered the Time Manipulation technique this quickly. Unless... oh no!" Spyro nodded with a grin.

"Oh yes." Spyro unleashed his power punch into Galen's chest sending him flying. Spyro yelled, "Heads up guys!" Galen turned his head as his body spun upward and with wide eyes saw Flame and Milo balling their fists waiting in their warrior forms with grins on their faces. Wait, how can the Sky Dancer have a warrior form...? Unless... oh crap. Galen thought as he turned his head and glanced at Spyro who folded his arms over his chest. "Oh yeah I know you are going to feel this!" Galen turned his face around and growled as he tried to adjust his uncontrolled flight. Unfortunately, it didn't work and Galen's face collided with Milo and Flame's fists as they both punched him hard in the face at the same time sending flying backwards dazed.

"Mom and Elder Titan its your turn." Flame yelled. Titan and Sky nodded and launched their lightning breath attacks hitting Galen sending a powerful jolt of energy through his body making him roar out in pain. The shock to his system made him stop flapping his large black feathered wings and he started falling back towards the ground. Flame noticed and yelled, "Hey, Hunter, Bandit and Lucas go for it!" At that moment, Lucas zoomed up tossing both Bandit and Hunter up into the air. Both Hunter and Bandit looked at each other and nodded with a grin as they pulled out their prospective weapons.

"Eat this, Galen!" They both yelled as they unloaded a series of lightining arrows and bullets into his chest greatly accelerating his fall. Hunter and Bandit looked over at Titan and Sky.

"Hey, Sky and Titan now would be a good time to catch us!" Hunter yelled as he reorientated himself in the air. "Because even when I land on my feet I am going break something from this height." Bandit nodded.

"He's right. I don't feel like visiting a hospital at the moment!" Bandit yelled. Titan and Sky smiled and flew down catching both of them on their prospective backs. "Thanks, Titan." Bandit said. Hunter nodded as he held onto Sky's back. Both dragons flew down and landed on the outside balcony of the Dark Citadel. Ember ran out to join them.

"Now it's up to Lucas, Spyro and Styker." Ember said. Lucas at that very moment slammed into Galen gritting his silver beak as his light gem gauntlets glowed transfering the energy to his claws.

Swiping his glowing claws at Galen's unprotected back he roared, "SAVAGE CLAW!" His claws sliced into Galen's back like a hot knife through butter makng him roar out in pain as black blood started flowing from the deep cuts. Lucas didn't stop attacking his back. He unleashed a quick series of powerful jabs into his back that increased Galen's pain sending him flying upwards where the final two players in this combination plan were waiting patiently to end the battle. Lucas flapped his powerful wings and spun away from Galen. "SPYRO AND STRYKER FINISH THIS CREEP!" He roared as he flew down and landed on the balcony next to Bandit. Bandit looked up at his friend and smiled.

"Nice work there, Lucas." Bandit said. Lucas' silver beak creased in a grin as everyone turned their attention to the sky and watched as Spyro and Stryker both waited for the flying Galen to reach them.

Spyro and Stryker both grinned at each other as they balled their paws into fists. Both dragons started glowing with energy. "Ready, son!" Styker asked. Spyro laughed.

"I was born ready, dad!" He said. "Let's finish this!" Styker nodded.

"That's my boy," He said with pride as Spyro went straight into a dive grabbing Galen spinning him around and tossing him skyward. Spyro flapped his wings hard and flew upwards quickly slamming into Galen shattering his right wing bone. Galen's eyes went wide in horror and shock for the first time as he turned his head to gaze into Spyro's face as the young purple dragon flew up and hovered at his eye level.

"This... isn't... over..., hero. I... promise... you... I.. will.. be... back!" He growled with narrowed eyes as he coughed up a little blood.

Spyro sighed shaking his head. "I know... I know, Galen! You evil types always will say that no matter what happens. You know what, Galen? I can't bring myself to hate you. I just can't. Instead, I feel sorry for you." Spyro said calmly. Galen's expression took on one of surprise.

"Why!" Galen growled. Spyro's gold eyes narrowed and Galen noticed that his eyes were not filled with hate or anger. They were filled with pity and sorrow as well as an emotion he had never seen before in the young dragon's eyes... peace. Realization suddenly dawned on Galen as he realized that Spyro had indeed changed. It wasn't merely his transformation into his warrior form that made him change. It was a deeper spiritual change...

"Because you are a reflection of what any of us could be if we chose to walk down the the path of darkness and despair. I almost lost my brother to the darkness but thanks to a miracle my friends and I saved him. The same thing could have easily happened to me. I could have let the power I possess dominate me and become the very opposite of who I am. However, thanks to a very good friend of mine who made me realize that to truly know yourself you must master yourself I avoided that mistake. Obviously, you never learned that lesson and embraced your power for all the wrong reasons. Prehaps, during the time it will take you to recover from this battle you will learn that lesson. Even you can change your life if you choose to do so. It is entirely up to you. I however finally know what my choice will be. I choose..." Spyro's face seem to relax as years of pressure, pain and the need to be the best seem to vanish as he finally let it all go. "...to be what I was born to be. Not because others want me to be but because I truly choose to be." Lucas smiled as he heard Spyro speak the same words of advice he had given him years ago. Spyro then glanced at his father and calmly said, "Dad, let's finish this." Stryker nodded as he took a deep breath and fired off a large stream of fire. Spyro join in on the attack as his paws glowed with electric energy. Spyro swung his paws forward unleashing a powerful electric beam that combined with Stryker's stream of fire. The two attacks slammed into Galen and sent him flying straight through one of mountain peaks of the Skull Mountains destroying that peak. Galen's collision with the peak didn't slow him down at all as he continued to plummet to the ground going so fast that as soon as he hit the ground it shook for miles lifting dust high into the air. Spyro and Stryker looked at each other and then down at Galen as the dust cleared revealing him laying on his back on the ground. He had shrunk back to his normal size and was unconscious. Spyro looked down at his friends and smiled as he and his father landed returning to their normal size as they did. Ember ran into Spyro's arms hugging him tightly.

"Thank god that is over. How did you do that!" Ember asked. Spyro glanced at her and smiled.

He tapped his head. "Let's just say that Milo and I worked out a strategy with Lucas and Flame's help." Lucas and Flame both grinned and high fived each other. "Well done everyone. There was no way I could have defeated Galen if not for all of you helping me." Everyone nodded as Spyro turned with Ember in his arms to face Stryker and Sky. Nestor glanced over at Flame as he stepped forward to stand next his brother and Ember. Spyro's friends all stepped back to let the long overdue family reunion happen without any interference. Ember let go of Spyro as he walked forward with a slightly upset expression on his face. "Mom... dad... I don't know what to say. Nestor and Sandra took good care of me and Flame. What you guys did was wrong but..." Stryker and Sky turned their heads away as tears started to fall from their eyes.

"Spyro... Flame... we are so sorry that we let our work keep us away from both of you." Sky said softly. "We both would understand if neither of you want to have anything more to do with us." Styker nodded in agreement.

"Son, your mother is right. We had no right doing that to you and Flame." Styrker turned his head and glanced over to Nestor with a sad smile. "Thank you, old friend for caring for my sons. You and Sandra raised them well. Me and Sky are forever in your debt." Nestor nodded. Styker and Sky knelt down to Spyro's and Flame's height. "Can you find it in your hearts to ever forgive us for what we have done?" Stryker said softly. Everyone held their breathe as Spyro and Flame looked at both of their parents and then at each other nodding. Spyro and Flame turned back to face their parents.

"Mother... Father..." Flame said softly, "me and Spyro are angry with you but..." Flame looked at Spyro. The purple dragon grinned.

"...we understand why you did what you did. Thanks to Nestor." Spyro looked over at Nestor bowing his head to the elder. Nestor closed his eyes as he returned Spyro's bow with one of his own. Spyro looked back at his parents. "Dad, you and mom may have not been there for me and Flame when we were younger but you were here when we needed you... when I needed you. That is all that truly matters to us." Sky and Stryker looked at Spyro with expressions of surprise on their faces. Spyro and Flame stepped forward and wrapped their arms around their parents in a group hug.
----------------------------------------------------------

Meanwhile... back in the control room of the Vanguard Command Beta Timecore

"We have incoming!" Tobin yelled over his communicator from his control panel as the time gate opened. Spyro and Ember looked up from their holographic displays in the control room upstairs. Ember tapped her communicator making the her mic extend to her mouth. Spyro did the same.

"We're coming!" Ember said as she and Spyro stood up grabbing their staffs as they ran out of the control room. As they came down the stairs the door on the floor level opened as Hunter, Bianca, Reeco and Spyro's mother and father entered. The time gate portal opened as the Team Skyler time jumper came through and landed in front of the gathered party. The jumper powered down and the door opened letting Skyler and his friends exit as Tobin activated the retraction gear that connected to jumper and lifted it back up into the ceiling. Ember smiled and hugged both Skyler and Blaze. "Welcome home."

"Thanks, mom." Skyler said softly. Ember backed away from him and raised an eyebrow in surprise. Blaze also looked over at her brother in surprise.

"When did you start calling me mom again? The last time you called me mom was when you were still a hatchling running around my feet." She said with a grin.

Skyler smiled and said, "I guess it was the personal nature of this mission. It made me realize that their is nothing more important then family." Skyler glanced around spreading his arms wide. "And good friends."

Reeco smiled and looked over at Spyro, "Yep, he's just like you. A sweet talking sap. Let's go Yua before I choke. See you later, Spyro." He turned and walked away. Yua grinned and joined her father. Bianca and Hunter watched Reeco and his daughter leave.

"Reeco may have mellowed over the years but he is still that annoying arrogant streak in him that tends to show up at the oddest times." Hunter said.

"I heard that, kitty kat. I dare you to come and say that to my face." Reeco said from the hall. Hunter laughed.

"That won't be necessary, Reeco." Hunter said. He turned to Bianca. "Let's go before I put my foot in my mouth and say something else stupid." Hunter turned to his son and daughter. "Have fun at the party and don't stay out late." Khan and Tina grinned and started to cheer when Hunter cleared his throat. "I wasn't finished..." Khan and Tina's grins vanished.

"Yeah, dad, what else did you want to say?" Khan said. Hunter rubbed his son's head fur.

"I want you and Tina to be ready for your training tomorrow. I know you and your team mates officially start your vacations tomorrow but you still have to keep in shape. You never know when something will come up." Khan groaned while Tina nodded. Bianca kissed both her children on their left cheeks.

"Have fun." She said and with that both of them left. Khan grumbled while Tina rolled her eyes. At that moment Milo entered the room with Vicky in tow. Khan saw Vicky and turned to look at Tina who was smiling and holding out her left paw.

"Remember our bet, Khan. Pay up!" Tina said with a grin. Khan mouth fell open as he groaned louder.

"Noooo, this can't be happening. Why must life be so cruel to me!" Khan whined as he ran from the room with Tina chasing after him. Tina stopped by the sun-colored dragoness and gave her a high five.

"I owe you one, Vicky." Tina said as she ran after her brother. Vicky grinned and nodded as she watched her friend go. Then she walked over to Skyler wrapped her arms around him as she laid her head on his shoulder. Spyro and Ember grinned as they turned and left the two lovebirds.

"Wait up, dad." Skyler said. Spyro turned to Skyler.

"What is, Skler?" He asked. Skyler looked down and then back into his father's purple eyes.

"I almost messed up by trying to rush to mom's aid. I didn't know if things would work out without us helping out. Then when you guys called and told us to return home immediately I didn't listen. I am really sorry I..." Spyro put a single right finger clawed paw on Skyler's mouth silencing him.

"You didn't know, Skyler. Besides, there is nothing to appologize for. You and your team did very well. Just remember to be cautious before you act and you will be fine." Skyler sighed but Spyro grabbed him in a tight bear hug. "Don't be hard on yourself. No one's perfect. All you can do is do the best you can. Besides, I knew you would do the right thing." Skyler stepped out of his father's hug and grinned.

"Thanks, dad." He said. Spyro nodded, turned and walked away leaving Skyler, Blaze and Vicky alone in the room with Tobin and Milo and their sole remaining team member Sean. Tobin smiled and left the room while Milo glanced at Vicky.

"Have fun, Vicky." Milo said before he turned and looked at Skyler. "And you, young dragon, better treat her well." Vicky laughed and patted Milo on his left shoulder.

"Don't worry, uncle, I'll be fine. Skyler will be a perfect gentlemen. Just tell my mother I'll see her tomorrow. Tonight, me and Skyler have some partying to do." Vicky said with a grin. Milo gazed at her before he grinned.

"Have fun you two and don't do anything I wouldn't do." Although I have a feeling you will do it anyway. Oh well at least Christine won't get on my case about her daughter. If Vicky does anything then Christine will handle it.

"I'll see you two later." Sean said as he left.

"Finally, we are alone," Skyler said as he wrapped his arms around Vicky. "So what do you suggest we do first?" Vicky grinned as she locked her muzzle with his in a deep kiss. Skyler mumbled, "Nevermind!"
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Back in the past...

"Come on, Spyro, it's time to go. We're going to have to come back later for your parents. The Portal Jumper just doesn't have enough power to make two trips." Ember said. Spyro turned his head and looked at her with a sigh as he turned to look at his parents. "I'm sorry, Spyro, but we'll have to come back for your mother and father later." She said as she wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug. Spyro nodded as he returned her hug.

"I don't want to leave without them but your right, Ember." Spyro whispered as his eyes teared up. He turned Sky and Stryker. "Take care of yourselves, mom... dad."

Stryker smiled and nodded. "Don't worry about us, Spyro. We'll be fine. Just take care of yourself, Flame and your friends." Sky nodded as she hugged Flame.

"Be careful my little flame. Don't worry we will find a way to reverse what Reeco did to you one day." Sky said. Flame nodded and entered the jumper. Nestor and Titan carrying Red on a stretcher followed him. Lucas and Bandit high fived Hunter as he walked by them.

"So how are you two going to get back to the Dragon Realms." Hunter asked. Lucas grinned and raised his light gem gauntlets.

"Cale made some adjustments to my guantlets. I can use them to open portals now. Don't worry about us. Me and Bandit will see all of you in a week." Hunter nodded and picked up Bianca and carried her into the jumper. Elora waved as she followe her friends. Lucas turned to Tobin and Amanda. "Are you two sure you want to stay here?"

Tobin said, "The Portal Jumper is already pushing its weight limits. Besides I have some questions to ask Cale. And I know that Amanda is interested in working with Sky on translating some of the ancient Vanguardian knowledge. Don't worry, Lucas, we'll be fine and very busy."
--------

Inside the control room of the Portal Jumper, Spyro sighed as he leaned back in his chair. Ember, who sat next to him looked over at him with a worried look on her face. "Are you alright?" Spyro looked at her and shook his head sadly. "Then what is bothering you?"

"It's my parents, Ember. I just found them and now..." He frowned as sat up in his chair to check a strange reading on his side of the holographic console. His eyes widen as he saw that a small group Shadow Dragons were approaching. I should have known that Reeco wouldn't let us go without a fight. Spyro thought sadly. "Ember, tell everyone to get out of here now! We are about to have some unwelcome company." Ember nodded as she stood up and ran to the back telling the other passengers as she exited the jumper. Stryker and Lucas noticed Ember's paniced look.

"What's wrong, Ember!" Stryker asked with an expression of worry on his face.

"Reeco and a small group of his Shadow Dragon warriors are coming this way! All of you have to get out of here now!" Ember yelled. Lucas and Stryker both nodded and told everyone that it was time to go. Lucas looked back at Ember.

"Get going! We'll be okay!" He yelled. Ember nodded and turned around running back inside the jumper. Ember ran into Spyro who was trying to exit the jumper to go after his parents. Flame grabbed him and hit the button marked 'CLOSE' on the holographic console near him. The door started closing but Spyro kept struggling. Flame glance over at Ember who rolled her eyes and swiftly punched Spyro in the gut. Elora made ready to move but one look from Ember made her stay in her seat.

"I'm sorry, Spyro, but I can't let you leave." Ember said as Flame let go of Spyro letting him fall into her arms. "I love you too much to let you risk getting hurt or getting killed. You parents and our friends will be okay. Besides you used up most of your energy during your fight with Galen. There is no way you could fight Reeco in your current shape." She whispered into his left ear. Elora's ears twitched as she heard Ember and she sighed sadly.

Spyro looked up into Ember's face and saw the tears that were forming there in her eyes that said she was riding on nothing but hope. "But, they are my parents and our friends, Ember." Spyro gasped as he tried to struggle free from Ember's grip, but failed because the transformation he had undergone inside the citadel had robbed him of most of strength. "Ember, PLEASE... let me go and help them get to safety." Spyro pleaded. Ember looked into his eyes and sadly shook her head.

"I am sorry, Spyro, but I can't let you go. We have to get back to the Dragon Realms and see if Nestor and the other elders can heal Red. Let's also not forget about Flame. Look at him..." Ember said as she gently grabbed his head and turned it in the direction of the the worn out battle-beaten black striped crimson gauntlet-wearing dragon sitting down next to Nestor and Titan. Both dragon elders were keep a watchful eye on Red who was still unconscious. Red laid on the medical bench in the center of the portal jumper passenger bay breathing shallowly. Ember had managed to stablize him with Bianca and Amanda's help but he was still in danger. "Spyro, at the moment Red and your brother needs our help. Please let's help them first and then we can come back here later to check in on your parents and our friends. And least I forget, your old enemies as well..." Spyro looked at Ember as the realizaion hit him that the fan girl she use to be was gone forever. She was now a lovely young white scaled dragoness who had become so much more complex since this journey had begun with his premature death and rebirth. Her own death and rebirth had also brought new level of changes to her. She certainly wasn't the same Ember he had started the journey with and neither was he or the rest of his friends. They had all been forced to change and quickly adapt to the current situations as they encountered them.

He sighed as Ember let go of him and he warily stood back up straight. "I understand, Ember, but I still don't like it." He looked at her and smiled even though he felt more sad then happy. As he turned to walk up to the front of the Jumper, Ember grabbed him and wrapped her arms around him in a comforting hug. Instead of pushing her away like he would have once did not that long ago he returned her hug with one of his own, pulling her gently into his gold scaled chest. "Thank you, Ember." He said in an emotion-filled voice that made Ember look at him in surprise as the continued to make their way to the control room.

"For what, Spyro? There is no need to..." Ember started to say but Spyro placed a taloned fingered paw on her lips to silence her.

"Ember, you deserve to be thanked for your kind heart and deep caring. I know I have been a jerk to you many times and..." He paused as he closed his eyes and bowed his head before he said, "I am sorry! I am sorry that treated you so badly. You didn't deserve to be treated like that. I did realize that until I almost lost you forever when you died. I felt horrible because I figured since I failed to protect you from harm I would never get the chance to apologize to you for being such a fool. I..." Ember silenced him with a kiss that surprised the purple dragon. He hadn't expected this reaction or bold move from her and it made him feel a deep feeling of contentment that lasted about ten seconds... Ember and Spyro broke their kiss and looked at Hunter with narrowed eyes. He had been laughing softly but had unfortunately been caught. As he noticed both Spyro's and Ember's irritated look he grinned.

"Sorry about that." He said as he sat back in his chair. Both Ember and Spyro rolled their eyes as they looked back at each other with a grin.

"Let's go home, Spyro." Ember said. Spyro nodded and both of them quickly made their way back up to the front of the jumper. As they entered the small control room they quickly sat down and started the engines. The Portal Jumper rapidly rose off the ground and headed up into the dark clouds. Ember took control of the holographic controls and started searching the entrance to the portal network. The console stated flashing red as it detected that they were being followed. "Oh crap, we have unwelcomed company closing in on us from behind rapidly."

"What's wrong, guys?" Hunter asked as he entered the control room. He took one look at the holo display and growled. "Never mind! Why can't Reeco take a hint and leave us alone for a change!" Hunter ran to the back of the jumper and opened the door a crack.

Spyro looked back and saw what Hunter was doing. "What the hell are you doing, Hunter?"

Hunter strapped his right writstbow to his right arm gauntlet and pointed it through the small crack and closed his eyes. "I AM BUYING US TIME TO GET OUT OF HERE, SPYRO! Please don't try and stop me." He said as he focused his mind as he had never done before. Come on Hunter I know there has to be some energy left that I can use to protect us. Please let there be some energy left. Hunter thought. He found no energy left. His reserves of energy in the bow were depleted. NO no no no, I have to find something to use. Hunter's eyes suddenly snapped opened as he looked through the crack of the door and saw that Reeco and his guards were almost to them. He started sweating as his face took on a look of desperation. His eyes narrowed angrily. I don't want to die here. He quickly glanced over into Bianca's eyes. Bianca... oh Bianca my love I can't let you die. I want my friends to live. I want Bianca to live. Damn it I don't care what it takes... there... just... has... to... be... a... WAY! At that moment Hunter felt something happen. He found himself floating in the same river of energy that he had nearly drowned in before the reborn Spyro had pulled him out. A river of energy that flows into a great ocean of energy. Hmm, that's it! If I could only channel that energy into my bow then I could buy us the time we need to escape! He thought as he focused deeply on the ocean surrounding him. Suddenly he felt the ocean start flowing through his body. He gasped as pure energy poured into him and his eyes shot open. At that moment the wristbow started glowing and pulsing with energy that made everyone near him glance at him in surprise.

"Flame open the door a little more." Hunter said. Flame nodded. The door opened a tad bit more. "STOP! That is enough." Hunter aimed his wristbow right at Reeco and released a ball of white energy instead on a normal energy arrow. The energy ball hit Reeco and his guards sending them screaming as they flew backwards and slammed into the ground far below. Spyro came running to the back and looked at Hunter.

"What did you do, Hunter?" He asked with a look of concern. Hunter glanced at him dazzed and smiled.

"I bought us enough time to get out of... here...!" He said as his eyes seem to roll back into his head and he fell to the floor. Bianca eyes went wide as she stood up from her seat and knelt down by Hunter.

"HUNTER... HUNTER! ARE YOU OKAY!" She yelled. Hunter didn't respond. She looked at Spyro with a look of fear on her face. Spyro checked Hunter and his purple eyes went wide when he realized Hunter wasn't breathing.

"Oh god no... Hunter...!" Spyro yelled as he started shaking him. Bianca started crying and placing her paws over her face. Spyro yelled, "Don't you dare die on me!" He slapped Hunter's face and at that moment a strange blast of white energy threw him back into the wall of jumper. Everyone looked at Spyro and then back at Hunter who took a deep breath and sat up looking around with a puzzled expression on his face. Spyro picked himself up off the deck floor of the jumper and crawled back over to check on Hunter. "Hunter are you okay?" Spyro asked as he shook his head to clear the cobwebs.

Hunter looked around the jumper at everyone again before he slowly stood up on his feet. He looked at Spyro and asked, "What just happened?" At that moment the Portal Jumper entered the Porta Network. Ember put the jumper on auto-pilot and walked into the back to find out what all the commotion was about. She found Hunter standing up gazing around the passenger bay with a strange expression on his face. She walked over to stand beside Flame.

"What the hell just happened back here?" She asked everyone.

Spyro looked at her and with a shake of his head said, "We don't know, Ember. Hunter did something. He fired a large white ball of energy from his bow at Reeco and his guards. The ball knocked them to the ground. I asked Hunter what he did and then he crash to the floor unconscious. I checked him and found out that he was not breathing. It was like he was..."

"...I was dead." Hunter said in a calm voice as he grabbed his head. Bianca grabbed his left arm and helped him to his seat. Hunter looked at Spyro and said, "I don't know what happened. Something strange happened to me and I can't find the right words to describe it. Spyro, do you remember that vast ocean of energy I was drowning in when you died?" Spyro nodded. "It was the same ocean Spyro only this time I was drowning in it I was floating on its surface. I felt... I felt totally at peace. It was like all my doubts... my fears faded away to nothing leaving me in a peaceful state. I have never felt like that in my whole life. Also, I felt something else." Hunter looked up and Spyro followed his gaze. "Spyro, there is more going on here then we know." Spyro looked at Hunter in surprise.

"What do you mean, Hunter?" He asked. Hunter only sat back and closed his eyes.

"I don't know, pal. I just have this sense of dread that things are about to get much worse. It's like I can see things so much clearer now and I don't know or understand why. Oh, Spyro, pal what has happened to me? I feel like myself and yet I know that have changed in some way."
-------------

The unknown chamber...

"Master, he has become aware."

"I know... I know!" He said as he adjusted his red robes.

"How is this possible? How can he possess such a power. I thought Galen wiped out all those who had the Seer ability."

"Apparently, Galen's plan failed." He said as he stood up.

"Sir, where are you going?"

"I am going to see an old friend of mine."

"You mean she still lives. I thought she died years ago."

"She did but her granddaughter lives. She bears the gift as well. It is very important that I contact her as soon as possible." The chamber doors opened as robed female walked into the chamber.

"There is no need to contact me because I already know what is going on. So... he has awakened at last..." The master nodded.

"Yes, he has and his potential at this point is unknown..."

"So, the pieces of the puzzle of destiny and ultimate fate are beginning to assemble. What of Spyro, Ember and Flame? Do they know just what they are?"

"I don't know, but suspect that now that he has awakened they will learn the truth..."

"...And that truth will either set them free or destroy all of them utterly..."

The End...Or is it just the beginning of something else? Stay tuned and find out...
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End Credits... Song: 'Reflections'

Reflections of the past come and go...
Memories fade away...
Seasons come and seasons go...
But as long as we remember who we were...
We'll carry on... (Echoes twice)

An image flashes on the screen showing a black and white picture of all the characters as they once were and then vanish as a reflection of Spyro staring down into a clear lake. His facial expression is one of peace as a gentle breeze blows his white jacket gently. The frame freezes. He turns and smiles as Ember walks over to him. Together both of them walk over to the campfire where Hunter and Bianca sit talking.

Reflections... Reflections of who we are...
Who do you think you are...
Search out and find out for yourself...
I am watching you...

An image of Hunter strolling through the forest alone with an expression of peace that changes to a troubled one as he glances around him. A stranger watches him from a distant tree before jumping down and running away.

Reflections... Reflections of the way things once were...
How time flies so fast...
Nothing last... forever
Forever...

Image of Ember as she stands surrounded by memories that flow around her as the camera pans around her in a slow 360 degree turn. The camera zooms back away revealing a stranger watching her from afar. A cloak covers his whole body but his face is partial visible. Tears are rolling down his cheek as fades away.

Reflections of the past come and go...
Who am I...
Where are we going...

It is like dream...
Sometimes I feel like I am living in a dream...
When will the dream end...
When will I awake.

Reflection... Reflections of a memory...
Never forget who you are now...
The truth lies within your reflections...
You will see... (Repeats twice)