OFF: Took a while but the next chapter is ready! Enjoy!
Chapter 2: Trial
Fate is a cruel host, quick to judge and smite. Only the truly strong will brave the Trial.
He didn't know how he managed to get back or why he did so. Frankly, he didn't care, not anymore at least. He was not even sure the original reason was real to begin with, considering how little of it he remembers.
All that he knew was that the night had erased all of his worries and the pain. In fact, it had erased the reality of the nightmare and he wondered if it had only been a taunt from the Dark Master. After all, ever since he went to Convexity, he sometimes had those strange visions, seeing this shadow that looked at him.
He remembered seeing a shadow last night... but he didn't remember too well. What he remembers is that it shocked him beyond belief and that he forgot all about it because he didn't want to remember. It was not horrible nor scary... it was just... he didn't remember.
So, there he is, after long hours of walking. He has braved the road that was once scary and unknown to him and in a way, was still fairly mysterious. All this time spent near the Dragon Temple and he had almost forgot about the vast expenses of swamplands that surround the Dragon Temple... the place that used to be his home.
In a way, nostalgia had a way of coming up regardless of age. Although he was young, he couldn't help but have a fuzzy feeling as he felt the touch of the humid ground, smelt the strange smell of the giant mushrooms, and was once again surrounded by the strange ethereal atmosphere of the swamps, spores and magical energies swirling freely into the air endlessly.
This was where he was born, where his egg had been found and had hatched. It was in those swamps that he spent most of his young life, playing with Sparx, living innocently.
In a way, he regretted it. He regretted leaving all of this behind.
Four months and he had already fought so much. The blood of so many were on his claws and although he found solace in the fact that he was protecting people and were destroying maniacal monsters, it didn't matter that no matter how insane the expressions of the Dark Ones were, the pain on their faces when he was killing them was genuine and real.
Do the Dark Ones have families? Can they love? Can they feel? Can they have friends? Do they think of something else than the Dark Master and mad plans of world domination?
Maybe he will never find out...
He stopped and looked around. He recognized the trees, the mushrooms, the hills. He was back home... back to the place he originated from.
...why did he come here? Why did he return? Weren't Sparx, Ignitus, Cynder, and all the others back at the temple? Wouldn't they need him?
He had a slight glimpse of a memory. He saw himself, slowly walking away, head hanging low, totally delirious. He saw unknown figures staring at him as he walked away. Half of them, the taller ones, stared at him in a disapproving way. The other smaller ones stared at him, their eyes filled with pity and sadness. Then, there was this single figure. A figure whose eyes only shown emptiness and a superficial disgust.
The memory was so vague and yet, stung harder than any known Dark One weapon.
He is Spyro, a purple dragon, a very special creature. He's also the Dragon of Prophecy...
But then, he had this strange nightmare. A "Trial" during which he had to use a weird breath attack involving a big gust of white wind... an attack he was not able to unleash. Supposedly, it proved that he was an imposter and was deeply evil.
He, deeply evil? Please! Didn't he, like, saved their necks so many times and because he wanted to, not seeking some silly rewards he wouldn't have an use for?
This was all so silly.
What is he doing here? Ignitus will probably scold him for going out on his own like this.
But on another hand... how long has it been, really?
He approached the trees, slowly stepping into the damp waters. He felt the murky waters up to his ankles. He felt the soft, warm mud under his paws and remembered. He brought his right paw out of the waters and touched the tree's base. How many times did he and Sparx play hide and seek here? He lost count so long ago...
Smiling, Spyro decided to turn back and return to the temple. After all, that truly wasn't his style. He sounds just like Ignitus right now with all of the recollecting and the drama and what not. Oh well...
He turned back and headed back toward the Dragon Temple. They're waiting for him...
"Aw man, can you just respond to even ONE reply? You're no fun!"
Astrial gritted his teeth. How did the imposter manage to endure that infernal insect was anyone's guess. The purple dragon guessed that this "Spyro" or whatever the usurper was named had been personally infused with pure patience or whatever by the Dark Master himself because that well, he couldn't imagine that anything less from the Dark Master's very poisonous power could create a creature insane enough to endure that dragonfly. It just wasn't possible.
"For the last time, I am NOT a public entertainer. Now, I apologize if I sound rude but I will ask you to SHUT IT while I'm trying to fulfill my duties as the Dragon of Prophecy! Geez!" almost barked Astrial, his left eye twitching a bit.
"Hey! No need to get all worked up! Besides, not my fault if you're like, as interesting to watch as grass! I mean, come on!" Man! Does that stupid bug EVER shut up? He just tells him to shut it and there he goes, moaning and whining all over again!
"ENOUGH!" Astrial yelled.
Sparx fell silent, the only sound being heard at this moment being the cries of birds in the distance that flew away, scared by Astrial's sudden scream of rage.
"The only reason I even TOLERATE your presence is that the great Ignitus asked me to! If it was just from me, you shouldn't even be here! You are a dragonfly, not a dragon! You belong among other dragonflies, not among my proud and mighty people! So, please stop raping my poor ears at once!" Sparx just hovered there, arms crossed, eyes narrowed, largely unimpressed by Astrial's outburst.
"Hmph. Fine, miiiiiister "Dragon of Propheeeeiceeeey"!" replied Sparx, more annoyed than anything else.
"DRAGON OF PROPHECY! Not "Prophacy" or "Propheicey"! Prophecy! PROPHECY!!!" yelled the purple dragon, his nerves obviously snapping.
"Fine fine! Calm down! What did they feed you this morning? Enraged Charge Beast meat? Sheesh!"
With this said, the two continued on their way. Sparx did not understand why Astrial even bothered. The Sign of Whatever is scrapped and the Dark Master has now no way of returning to life... well, last he knows. So... why are they out there?
Besides, Astrial has a very different style and well, that's not for the better. Spyro was maybe a bit too much of a savior boy but at least, he made a good conversation and well, he was entertaining. He maybe didn't have a "perfect" fighting style but he knew how to improvise and every single foe he finished off, he gave it his personal touch. Astrial? You saw him beat up one Dark One, you saw him beat all of them. Furthermore, wherever Spyro was curious, searching every nook and cranny as he walked around, Astrial was completely focused on the set, beaten path and even went as far as ignoring blatantly suspicious alternate paths and caves. Even without such things, Spyro's usual blunders and misadventures were more than enough to keep things unpredictable. Astrial was about as predictable as they come. All in all, Sparx wasn't joking; watching Astrial at work is about as interesting as watching grass grow.
Heck, he couldn't even make fun of Astrial's SOLE interesting point, his funny way of talking, without causing Astrial to become enraged and throw a tantrum until he agreed to shut up.
Oh well...
More boredom, more walking, more wondering why the heck he agreed to follow that Astrial dude...
But then, a pleasant sight came to enlighten Sparx's day.
A runt of a purple dragon walking down the path... a 'lil runt Sparx would recognize any day!
"Hey! Spyro!" called happily the dragonfly.
And then, for once, Astrial did something he had not predicted. However, at this moment, he wished he hadn't.
Spyro indeed noticed Sparx and went to wave at him when Astrial pounced and placed himself just in front of the smaller purple dragon, right claw pointing at his throat.
"You will not make even one more step, exile!" said Astrial.
Spyro couldn't help but sweatdrop, wondering why the other purple dragon was doing that.
"HEY! What is that for? That's Spyro, my old bud!" said Sparx, visibly upset at the turn of event.
Astrial remained silent for a moment before speaking up.
"It doesn't matter. He is the imposter, a threat to us and the world. He is the fake brought forth by the Dark Master to doom the world."
While all of this was going on, a realization finally struck Spyro and slowly, a feeling of horror rose back in his mind.
So... it had not been an illusion nor a nightmare. The Trial really did happen and he really did lose. He had really been labeled a monster and banished from the Dragon Temple.
...and after everything he did for them and for everyone. After all the efforts, the pain, the suffering... this was how he was thanked.
Because he lost a single contest.
Simply because he couldn't muster the power to do that single little breath attack, he is a spawn of the Dark Master, an enemy of the world? Because of this, his friends must disown him? No... this is ridiculous, unheard of! He shall not take it this way. He refuses it!
"You are wrong," he replied to Astrial's accusation.
Astrial glared at him. "What did you say?"
Spyro shook his head, feeling the horror give away, replaced with motivation. He doesn't care if that Trial labeled him as an imposter! He is the true Dragon of Prophecy! He is the one that repelled the Dark Master! He is the one that fought for everyone's sakes! He doesn't care if a little test says otherwise! He will protect his friends no matter what.
"You are wrong. I am the Dragon of Prophecy. I have repelled the Dark Master, protecting my friends from his evil influence. I'll keep on doing so as long as there is life inside of me! I don't care about what you think or say!"
Astrial's expression changed to a deep frown. "What? How dare you! You imposter! Spawn of Dark Master!"
"Give it up, Astrial! Spyro has been fighting all this time while you've been hiding in that 'lil statue of yours and even with the exile status, he'll keep on truckin'. You can't keep him down, face it!" said Sparx, smiling before turning to his adoptive brother. "Come on, Spyro! You've been missing for a day and already, the temple's all bleak. I'm sure Cynder will be glad to see you and that Ignitus will find something for you to do!"
"The imposter's lies does not fool me! The Prophecy does not lie. I am the Dragon of Prophecy and you, Spyro, are the imposter! The imposter will do great things, the Prophecy says, but in the end, his true loyalty lies with the Dark Master! I will not be fooled!" Astrial's speech caused Sparx and Spyro to both roll their eyes, both of them sighing at the same time.
"Look... I--" Spyro could not finish his sentence however.
SLASH!
"OW!"
Astrial had swiped at Spyro's face with his claws and then, after that, things went very quickly.
SLASH!
SLASH!
SMACK!
SLASH!
BAM!
"OOOOOW!"
BAM!
Astrial executed the finishing blow of his combo, sending Spyro slamming straight into the nearest tree. Sparx hovered there, eyes widened, unable to believe that Astrial had actually dared attack Spyro despite him repeating that he didn't mean any harm and only wanted to help everyone.
Although the world spun quite a bit, Spyro managed to shake off most of the dizziness away and then, got back on his feet. That had hurt quite a bit to be sure. He knew that the other purple dragon's claws had made clean cuts on his left cheek and that he was bleeding. He could also feel his side hurting from being sent slamming into the tree. Still, he had suffered worse.
As he got up, the hatchling turned to see Astrial standing there in a battle stance, waiting for him to charge. As if he was there to fight him...
"Hey! What was that for? What's your problem, dude? He wants to help and that's how you answer?" Sparx said, visibly upset about the issue. Spyro couldn't blame him. Sparx had a reason to be upset after all.
Astrial remained silent, staring intently at Spyro. The way he looked at him... it was not one of hatred nor arrogance. It was just the calmness of a serious warrior, one whose feelings were not linked to his battle skills. Well, Astrial will be disappointed.
"I'm not here to fight you, Astrial. If you take it this way... then so be it. But I want you to know that I will not stand idle. I won't let the result of a test dictate what I can and cannot do and believe in. Goodbye, Astrial."
And with that said, Spyro turned around and left the scene quietly. Sparx watched, an awful feeling creeping up on his soul as his brother left.
"Hmph! The coward runs away. He shouldn't imagine that he will get away so easily however! Good shall triumph! The imposter shall be smote in the name of the Ancestors!"
Astrial's final reply as Spyro left made another awful feeling rise within Sparx: Burning, boiling anger!
"Man! Don't you understand ANYTHING?!?" spat Sparx, throwing his arms up in despair and annoyance. "Pfft! You're SO lame! I'm going with him!"
Astrial glared at Sparx angrily. "If you do so, I shall burn you into a little pile of ashes, traitor!"
Sparx crossed his arms, obviously not believing Astrial. But then, his expression quickly changed into a nervous smile upon seeing Astrial's own expression. He seemed dead serious on top of being deathly annoyed.
"I am not lying. If you turn your back upon us and join with the Dark Master's spawn, you shall suffer the same fate as he."
Although Sparx considered telling that Astrial dude to shove his stupid opinion where the sun doesn't shine, the fact that this crazy purple dragon would fry him for it was a fact not to be ignored.
But still... he couldn't leave Spyro like that.
...who is he kidding? Spyro is not going to give up that easily. He's sure he'll run into him again eventually.
"Ignitus shall hear about your hesitation, dragonfly! You can be sure he will know of your shaky loyalty to the Ancestors!"
Oh great. Not only is he stupid but he's going to rant on.
"I'm going back to the temple."
With that said, Sparx decided to fly back toward the Dragon Temple before the urge to punch that purple jerk in the snout overwhelmed him. That jerk can stay outside and be a bully all he wants! One thing is sure and it's that he wants nothing to do with it! That Astrial is even worse than those Dark One freaks! Geez!
Anger clawed at Spyro's heart, leaving him with a feeling of his entire body burning. He just kept moving farther and farther from the Dragon Temple, going nowhere... not that he cared.
He couldn't believe this. This Astrial dragon, judging him like this after all he did... He claims to believe in Ignitus and what he says... and yet, he still label him as an enemy, even after he saved the world from the Dark Master countless times? Not only that but he doesn't even give him a chance to see his friends? What kind of monster is Astrial?
Astrial... the more he thought of him, the more he felt the anger rise up... but also other feelings.
Dark Ones rose... and as usual, they pounced, pointing their weapons at him.
Spyro usually felt a mix of fear, excitement, confidence, and all other feelings when the time to fight came but for some reason, the appearance of the ape-like creatures brought forth none of those feelings. Rather, he felt a strange calmness, a fake calmness. Inside him, an inferno raged and demanded, screamed for blood.
He felt so strangely calm despite it all... but when the Dark Ones came in range, he suddenly exploded.
The hatchling roared with more rage than he had thought he could and his body almost moved on his own as he proceeded to tear through the Dark Ones.
He did not simply kill his foes as usual... no... he slaughtered them.
He clawed at them and gripped at their innards, digging into their flesh with incredible ferocity. Usually, the thirst for blood would be quenched quickly enough after battle had begun... but in this case, he only felt himself become more and more berserk.
Yet, killing those foes gave him no satisfaction. In fact, it was even worse. The inferno within him left him with a hollow, unbearable feeling and gave way to frustration, making his rage grow.
The more enraged he felt, the more violent the deaths he gave to his foes... and the more violent he became, the emptier he felt. It was an infernal, unbearable vacuum of rage... and of another feeling. He knew for her felt them... the tears that escaped his eyes and clouded his vision even further.
He didn't know how long he fought but when he was done, his scales had basically changed color, painted crimson from all the blood of his fallen enemies. That was not new to him but what felt new was the total despair and horror that filled him. When he finished killing his foes and found himself alone, he finally realized that he was completely, totally alone, that Sparx wasn't there, that Ignitus wasn't there, that Cynder wasn't there, and that they would not come.
He was alone and he felt so lonely...
It had been only a short while true but... just the fact that he would never be allowed to see them ever again because Astrial was the "real" one dug into his heart and made it hurt to such a degree that it was unbearable.
Because of that stupid Astrial. Because of that stupid Prophecy.
It didn't matter if he had done so much, it didn't matter if he wanted to help. It was all in vain...
"S-S-S-Spyro..."
The voice... ever since he returned from Convexity, he had heard it.
Was it... truly him? Was it truly... the Dark Master? The one he is supposedly destined to serve, now that he is nothing more than a copy?
"S-S-S-Spyro..."
That stupid Dark Master! He hates him! Him and all of the darkness he brings to the people! It's because of him that the world suffers and that people like Astrial can get away with what they do! It's because of him that the world needs a Prophecy!
Spyro wiped the tears and stood tall above the pile of fallen Dark Ones, his eyes glowing in both hatred and sorrow. Yet, he wasn't going to snap. May he suffer a thousands tortures! He will NEVER serve that monster!
"Stop calling to me! I will never serve you! NEVER!!!" he screamed at the top of his lungs, voicing it all out.
... and with that out of his mind, all of the walking and fighting that he went through finally caught up with his body and slammed into his mind like an one ton weight. Growling a bit, Spyro felt all strength leaving him and slowly fell off the pile of corpses, eyes closing, drifting into the world of dreams before he had even hit the ground, an impact which he never actually felt.
Slowly, Spyro opened his eyes. His throat still felt dry and he still felt awful but at least, his heart was okay and he was no longer tired. It wasn't much of a consolation but well, that was how it was.
And then, at this moment, Spyro did something that was quite unexpected.
He laughed.
He just lied down there, laughing.
Not because of pain or anything dramatic like that. He just laughed. Why?
Because he realized how stupid he had been.
Good thing Sparx hadn't been there! What a drama trip that had been! He had acted like a total idiot, taking it all so seriously.
Truly, what was he thinking?
As if he had lost his friends! It was not because Astrial was paranoid that all of his friends would suddenly start calling him an enemy! He truly doubted that Ignitus would truly, genuinely dismiss him as "the imposter" after all he did, too.
Speaking of Ignitus... he remembered his face when he pronounced the judgement of exile. He remembered his sadness and well, that is not something he liked.
He is the Dragon of Prophecy, that is sure. All that he has to do is find a way to prove that the results of that little contest didn't mean anything.
...but how?
Cynder was turned back to normal months ago and the Dark Master's masterplan is foiled so, what can he do?
...there are still a lot of Dark Ones around, all of them just as fanatical as the next. Surely, the Dark Master must have more than just one general. Cynder mustn't have been the only one. Besides, someone must have led the Dark Ones before Cynder was corrupted. It was just common sense.
If he could find that commander and drive back the last of the Dark Ones, it would ensure peace for the world. Finally, everyone would be able to live without fear of the Dark Master, his forces finally gone and all chances of him returning gone.
The purple dragon got up, a mischievous grin on his face. So, Astrial thinks he can keep him down? Well, so be it. He doesn't need his approval to do as he will.
The time for the end of the reign of terror has come. He shall seek out the evil one and take him out.
...but first, he needs to figure out who and where he is.
Well, Ignitus has the ability to have visions, isn't it? If only he could get the elderly Guardian to do this for him...
...but then, why would Ignitus refuse to do such a thing?
It's no use in assuming things. He will return to the temple and worry about how it will go later.
Sparx hovered near the middle of the room, staring at the four Guardians. He had absolutely no idea why they remained like this, silent for who knows why. All of them had this blank, stupid expression on their face except for Ignitus who sat in front of the weird green glowing pond in the middle, staring down at it. His expression was that of pure, sheer horror. Why so? What was he saying? Of course, no one answered him, busy as they were. After all, staring blankly into space is suuuuch an important thing to do!
But well, he won't give up! That big lizard saw something in that pond and he'll make sure he spill the beans!
"So... why the long face? Saw somethin'?" sure, it was not the grandest nor most attention-grabbing line ever but well, he was not the type to throw super super lines at people. He just spoke his mind out, that's all... and well, that felt appropriate at the time.
And then, at long last, after nearly a hour of staring, Ignitus finally turned to Sparx.
"Good! So, why do you seem as if you had seen some kind of monster in there? What did you see?"
There was silence. Great, more silence. And for a moment, he hoped that...
"I saw... the final Prophecy fulfilled."
Huh?... ha! Finally, something to work with! Final Prophecy!
"So... what's the final Prophecy? I mean... is it showing Spyro coming back to the temple? The Dark Master's booty kicked? That stuck-up Astrial shown who's boss? The world at peace or something?"
Ignitus closed his eyes, as if thinking. What was wrong with him? Wasn't the Prophecy a good thing? After all, Spyro was a part of it and he was destined to beat up all the bad guys so... why did he have the face that he usually had when he was about to give them bad news?
And then, Ignitus begun to shake his head, as if deciding against something before turning to Sparx.
"Sparx... the gate to the Dark Realm will open very soon and the Dark Master will return. The time for the final battle has come. The Dragon of Destiny and the Dark Master will fight one last time and the fate of the world will depend on this battle's outcome."
Ha, well, that explains it. Ignitus was not known to be a very optimistic dragon, that's for sure! He's just worried about it all...
...so, the time has come to fight the Dark Master. Sounds fun! Really, he should be terrorized and well, frankly, he's feeling his entire body freezing with terror at the idea of finally seeing the Dark Master in the flesh but well... he was alongside Spyro the whole time when he confronted Cynder and then later, that crazy sheep robot! He's used to it... sorta.
"We must call Astrial and tell him of this. The Dragon of Prophecy must know." said Terrador, the Guardians suddenly coming to life.
Astrial, always that stupid Astrial! Sparx was sick of that moron already!
"Indeed we must..." said Ignitus slowly... but then, at this moment, he moved closer to Sparx...
"The mountain of Malefor to the north-east of here, in the corrupt swamplands. The gate is within the Temple of Souls located in the caves under the mountain. Please tell Spyro this... and tell him that I... I believe in him."
For a moment, Sparx was surprised. Did Ignitus just faked out looking at the ceiling as he sometimes did for apparently no reason in order to whisper to him, telling him to tell Spyro, whom he banished himself, that he wanted him, not Astrial, to face the Dark Master?
Sparx was shocked and hovered there for a moment... but then, he finally managed to get ahold of himself. He should have known it! He knew it that it was weird of the Guardians, who had been saved by Spyro, respected him, and all that to suddenly turn their back upon Spyro!
Although Ignitus should have maybe, you know, not banished Spyro rather than do this, he guessed it will have to do.
Smiling, Sparx slowly hovered away from them and then, flew away quickly. Guess it's now time for the final journey...
"S-S-Spyro..." a mysterious voice echoed in Cynder's head as she saw Sparx zoom by in the next room. She knew where he was going... and she had this feeling that she had to follow him.
Sparx did not notice Cynder following him. Neither of the two noticed Astrial watching them as they left the temple either...
Slowly, the sun begun to set, the darkness of dusk beginning to rise, progressively covering the world in a blanket of darkness...
Sparx, Cynder, and Astrial had already left.
The Guardians' task was finally done. All that was left was for them to watch destiny be fulfilled...
Yet, Ignitus was not at peace. He sat near the entrance of the temple, looking into the horizon...
Slowly, Volteer stepped out of the temple and sat next to his old friend, smiling. He stared at the red dragon for a while before turning to the horizon.
"There is no use in worrying, Ignitus! His failure in the Trial was nothing but an effect of unpredictable, irrelevant factors. Spyro has made this far, Ignitus. He has overcome foes which we, ourselves, had believed to be invincible for so many years. I do not doubt one second that he will overcome the Dark Master and bring order to this world."
Ignitus slowly turned and listened silently as Volteer spoke and then, when he was done, he slowly turned back to the horizon...
"Maybe so... but it is the Prophecy itself that worry me. Its final part... we were never able to decypher it properly, the last part of the Prophecy writen in such a way that none of us could never even get an idea of what it meant."
"I know, I know! Much theories and interpretations about the final part! Everything will be alright, believe me! The chances of Spyro succeeding are significantly greater than those of him failing!" replied Volteer, remaining optimistic.
Yet, Volteer's reply did not calm the elderly red dragon. He just watched the sunset, wondering about the Prophecy and its true, final meaning...
"I know... I just hope that... he will come back alright."
Volteer became silent as the red dragon said that one last line. That sad, lonely expression on Ignitus's face... an expression that he hid from the other Guardians and all the others. He knew why he had this face and to what memories this expression was linked...
"I'm sure she is watching over him even now..." said Volteer absentmindedly.
The two dragons stood there, watching the night come over to them. This will be a long night. They just hoped that it wouldn't be Spyro's last.
TO BE CONTINUED
