Hey everyone! I'd go on a rant apologizing for another long wait, but I doubt that's what you're here to see. Let's just say this chapter gets a little interesting towards the end. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own the Spyro games or characters. They belong to their respective owners. The OC Saffron belongs to Riverstyxx. Matt and Selema belong to yours truly.

Matt awoke to find himself tied down by his hands and wrists while secured to a wooden post in a campsite. He looked up wearily to find himself surrounded by apes, all with a bloodthirsty look in their eyes as they stared him down.

"What the…?" he asked himself. This scene looked all too familiar.

Matt then heard a cry for help. "Matt!" He gasped as he recognized Selema's voice calling to him.

"Selema!" Matt screamed. "Where are you?"

"Matt! Please! Help me!"

Matt's whirled around in search before he finally found her, only what he saw made him nearly faint from shock. The pink dragoness was covered in various cuts and bruises, with a rather nasty gash above her right eye. Her wings had been bent in several awkward positions, rendering them useless. Selema's blue eyes stared at him full of terror.

"Selema!" Matt grunted as he struggled against his bonds, desperate to break free. " her go right now!"

The apes around him simply laughed at his pleas. They then seemed to break off and form a line that allowed a straight path between Matt and Selema. Into the middle stepped a rather large ape, only he was brandished in dark fur and his eyes glowed green.

Matt's jaw dropped in realization. "Gaul? B-but that's impossible! How are you still alive?"

Gaul only sneered at the human before turning his attention to the pink dragoness, unsheathing a long sword from his waist.

"Leave her alone, you bastard!" Matt screamed. He tried to summon his Keyblade, but it was no use for some reason. It wouldn't come to him! Panicking, Matt flailed against his bonds in desperation as Gaul inched closer and closer. "Selema!"

Gaul laughed as he stood in front of a shaking Selema. Matt couldn't understand why she hadn't used her powers to escape.

"Matt…," she said with tears in her eyes. "Why? Why won't you help me?"

"I'm trying!" Matt yelled. "I-I can't break free!"

Gaul turned back towards him as he held his sword high before he swiftly brought it down towards Selema's neck, causing Matt to scream in terror…

"NOOO!" Matt's eyes shot open as he shot upwards in his chair. Panting heavily, he quickly stood up and peered into Selema's room. The pink dragoness was still snoozing peacefully on her bed, safe and sound.

What a dream… Matt thought as he breathed a sigh of relief before slumping back into his chair. It was still somewhat dark outside, meaning the sun hadn't risen over the horizon just yet. Knowing he probably wouldn't get back to sleep, Matt leaned back and stared at the ceiling, alone with his thoughts.

Meanwhile, deep in one of the various homes within the city one dragon was wide and fully awake. With all the curtains drawn and all light within extinguished, the dragon slowly chanted a small spell to a larger than average crystal in the middle of the room. Within seconds, the crystal started to glow a dark purple. It beat several times before finally cackling brightly with dark energy.

The dragon looked up from under his cloak to see a pair of big yellow eyes that had formed near the crystal's middle.

"Speak…," said a cold voice that could make even the bravest of warriors shake in their boots.

"Everything is going according to plan, Master," the covered dragon replied. He then grinned widely. "The city of Warfang has no idea what's about to hit them."

"And the girl?"

"She will be at your disposal soon, Master. The protection around her will be at its greatest weakness when I commence the attack. "

"Excellent. Make sure things stay that way."

"Of course. However…there is one thing that may complicate things…"

An annoyed growl bellowed from within the crystal's walls. "If you're talking about the purple dragon…"

"No, Master. He won't be a problem. It's just…in the last few days I noticed a strange energy enter the city, almost on par with thepurple dragon's strength."

"Yes…I have sensed this as well. Who or whatever this power may be, I don't want it interfering with what I wish to accomplish. Find this power if you can and make sure it doesn't get in your way."

"I will, Master."

"Do not fail me, you worthless being. I do not take failure kindly." The yellow eyes flashed loudly with those words before they faded out of sight and back into the crystal once more.

When Matt couldn't find the will to fall asleep again, he decided to quickly head back to his ship before returning. He was lucky enough to let himself without disturbing Selema.

It took him about a half hour to make it back to the ship on foot. As he treaded through the woods, Matt kept wondering about what was making Spyro have those nightmares and if anything would go wrong at the city-wide festival that started today. The Keyblader was still determined though to make sure that his friends dream's wouldn't come to pass.

Speaking of dreams, Matt could still hear Selema's screams echoing throughout his head from that powerful nightmare. It was one of few those dreams that Matt could remember almost every detail, and he wished more than anything he hadn't at all.

Matt growled to himself in frustration. "No…I'll be damned if I let that happen."

When he arrived at the ship, Matt checked to make sure everything was in top shape, not wanting the mishap that had occurred during his last visit. Neo had already chewed him out enough for having been so reckless with such a priceless vehicle. Once Matt had completed the inspection, he grabbed a few items he'd need before heading back towards the city once more.

The sun was just peaking over the horizon as the Keyblader slipped through the door once more before he slipped back into the seat he'd been snoozing in just hours before. It was only minutes before Selema started to stir from her slumber, her eyes blinking several times before she yawned loudly. Matt watched as she stretched herself out, slinking her back upwards like a cat. The young human couldn't help but smile for some strange reason.

"Morning," Matt exclaimed.

"Morning to you too," Selema said. "Have a good sleep?"

The Keyblader feigned freshness. "Sure did. I was out like a rock."

Selema giggled. "Good, because something tells me you'll need that rest for today."

Matt nodded. "Yeah…I know. When does all the fun start?"

"I think Saffron said all the festivities would start around mid morning." The pink dragoness paused. "Um...what were you planning on doing?"

Matt thought for a second, but then grinned. "Well…I guess I was planning on doing whatever you were planning on doing…if that's OK with you?"

Selema smiled, her blue eyes flashing radiantly. "I'd like that."

Matt breathed a small sigh of relief to himself, especially now that he could still keep an eye on Selema if something went wrong. "Yeah, I don't even know what Spyro or Cynder are going to do. They're probably too busy with everything to bother them anyway, huh?"

Selema shrugged. "Well, all of this is mainly for them and all they've done. Besides, it's a chance for us to hang out together, right?"

Matt nodded, not one to argue with that logic either.

After the two had a small breakfast and washed up, they left Selema's house and decided to walk to the main square. Selema wore her satchel bag around her neck, allowing her to keep her money safe. Matt had brought some fresh clothes over from the ship. He now wore a new pair of jeans along with a black t-shirt underneath a brown cloak he'd managed to procure from his travels. It would probably help somewhat with him trying to blend in with the crowd. Also, he brought along some of his own money with him, though he wasn't entirely sure that it would be excepted.

"So…what should I expect to see?" Matt asked curiously.

"Well…uh…I'm not really sure," Selema replied honestly. "I've never really been to one before, so I'm really excited to find out what it's like."

"Well, if it's anything like the fairs back home than you're in for a treat." Matt went on to describe some of his favorite things from home, including his favorite rides, games, and food.

Selema's smile somehow got bigger. "Now I really can't wait!"

Once the two arrived at the main square, Matt and Selema gazed with wide eyes at how packed the city was already. Matt watched as hundreds of dragons hustled and bustled their way through the streets. From what he could tell, there were a substantial amount of booths and tents that lined the street as far as the eye could see. The young human also picked up several enticing aromas, making his mouth water at the thought of food. Also, to his great surprise, Matt could hear music playing from afar. To him, it sounded a bit like a combination of classical and jazz.

"Wow…," Selema simply exclaimed.

"No kidding," Matt replied. The two turned to each other. "Well, what are we waiting for?"

"There's so much! I don't know where to start!" Selema exclaimed.

Matt extended his right arm and leaned forward slightly. "Lead the way."

The pink dragoness was more than ready, diving right into sea that was the crowd with her human companion hot on her tail. Selema first decided to look at what some of the various shops had to offer. As Matt expected, there were various items up for sale from numerous merchants looking to sell their craft. Selema's eyes shined at some of the jewelry that was on display at one store, but her face fell forward knowing she couldn't even think to afford some of it. She also spent several minutes looking over several different figurines and other various artwork.

Matt also couldn't help but take a look at some of the various armor and weapons offered by one trader. While in his heart he knew that he couldn't ask for a better weapon than the Keyblade, Matt couldn't help but wonder what he'd look like in one of the helmets or armor suits.

After about an hour, Selema stopped in front of a vendor selling numerous plants and vegetation. The pink dragoness couldn't help but fawn over a couple of different flowers with shades of blue and purple that she thought both looked and smelled beautiful.

"Umm…," she exclaimed to the vendor, a young cheetah female. "You wouldn't happen to have any seeds for those would you?"

The female cat nodded. "Yes, I do. You have a keen eye. Most of my customers want the flowers themselves, but they don't realize it's far cheaper to grow them on their own."

Selema laughed and nodded. "I couldn't agree more."

A few minutes later, Matt followed Selema as she placed the bags of both seeds in her bag for safe keeping.

"You know," Matt exclaimed. "I never really asked before, but when did you start taking up gardening?"

Selema looked to the sky and sighed. "Oh, it wasn't too long after you'd left. I guess I always loved playing and looking at flowers whenever I was out in the woods with my mother, so I decided to give it a try."

"So you've got a pretty green thumb then huh?" Matt asked casually.

Selema raised a brow. "Huh? What's that?"

"Nothing…"

The two continued on the path of the street before they found a small crowd gather around what looked like an aged grey dragon. In front of him on a table was an old wooden cup, where a crystal lay underneath. After saying some babble, he lifted it to reveal the crystal had disappeared.

"You know I could do some real magic right?" Matt asked with his voice low enough for only Selema to hear.

Selema laughed. "Oh, I'm sure you could, but why not someone else enjoy the spotlight for once." Matt couldn't help but grin at his dragoness friend for that comment, as he knew too well what fame could do to someone.

As the two moved on, Matt could still fee the constant eyes on him from various dragons and other inhabitants of the city. He didn't blame the people for it, but it still didn't make him feel any less uncomfortable.

Eventually, both Matt and Selema felt an all too familiar growl in their stomachs. Combined with all the mouth watering smells that filled the air, the duo quickly decided to stop for something to eat. As with most items during the festival, there was a wide selection of meats and other foods to choose from. Selema offered Matt the chance to choose as she really didn't have much preference. The warrior's eyes scanned the selections before he finally something he found familiar enough to go with.

"We'll have two of those," Matt said, pointing to several large turkey legs that were hanging on one of the racks. After paying for the meat as well as two containers of water to drink, he and Selema navigated through the busy crowd before settling down on one of the various benches that dotted the streets.

It didn't take long after that for Matt to rip into the meat with his teeth. The warrior issued a groan of delight at the taste. "Daths goooodd," he managed to get out between bites.

Selema couldn't help but roll her eyes as she watched him. "So was there a reason you chose these in particular?"

Matt swallowed another large bite before answering. "Yeah, turkey legs are a major hit at the state fairs back home. You couldn't walk two feet without seeing one in somebody's hands. I actually never had one of these before today, and I kinda regret not having one before."

"I see." Selema then took a bite of her own leg, smiling happily at the savory taste as well. She was always glad to hear things about where Matt came from, and was a little surprised to hear about a common a delicacy as turkey could be so popular.

After several minutes of eating hearty, Matt managed to finish his turkey leg first with only the bone remaining. Unfortunately, the juices and sauces covering it now covered his hands. Matt sighed before getting up. "You know a place I could wash this stuff off, Selema?"

The pink dragoness nodded. "There should be a fountain not too far from here." She pointed her claw in the direction she figured it'd be in.

"Ok. I'll be right back then. Sit tight." The Keyblader then disappeared into the crowd in search of the water fountain. It took him about a minute to find it, being situated next to one of the various latrines situated on the street. Cringing his nose at some of the unpleasant smells, Matt quickly washed his hands before shaking them dry. However, as he turned to leave, a familiar voice entered his ears.

"Matt?" The warrior turned to find a familiar electric dragoness exiting the female latrines.

"Hey, Saffron. How are you doing?" Matt asked.

"I'm good, just spending some quality time with my parents. I gotta admit, Warfang sure knows how to celebrate."

Matt nodded in agreement. "Can't argue with you there. Selema and I are hanging out together right now. I just needed to clean up real quick before getting back to her."

"That's right. Selema did say she wanted to spend today with you last night. Do you mind if I come with you real quick and say hi?"

"Sure. No problem. Just this way." Matt and Saffron then began making their way back through the crowd.

Meanwhile, Selema continued to wait for Matt while finishing her turkey leg. Luckily, she was able to simply lick off whatever stains she'd missed. The pink dragoness sighed in content as to how well her day was going and how it could only get better from here on out.

Unfortunately, this wasn't the case.

"Well, well, well," came a pompus, sneering voice from Selema's side. The pink dragoness cringed before turning to see the last person she wanted to interact with whatsoever. She soon found herself staring into the green eyes of her not so secret admirer.

"Nice seeing you here, Selema," Devron spoke up. "I was wondering when I'd find you hanging around here."

"Hello, Devron," Selema replied reluctantly.

The earth dragon slowly walked up and creeped one of his wings around Selema. "Why are you all alone, sweet thing? If you wanted me to keep you company, all you had to do was ask."

Selema huffed and closed her eyes. "I'm just fine, thank you very much. You don't have to worry, Devron."

"Oh, but I must my little pink flower. You see, I have a problem that only you can help me with."

Selema sighed and turned back towards the earth dragon. "And that might be?"

Devron grinned widely. "I need a date for the ball, and I'm afraid only a fine feminine specimen like yourself can qualify for the job." Devron slowly inched his face towards Selema's own. "So what do you say, Selema?"

Selema narrowed her eyes. "I say…no thanks." The pink dragoness then turned to leave, but Devron quickly forced himself into her path.

"Now, now, Selema," Devron exclaimed. "Think this through."

"I already have," Selema repied as she tried to move around the larger earth dragon. "And I'm not changing my mind."

Devron could only laugh. "Oh, Selema. I hope you understand I'm not taking no for an answer, and I'm not leaving till you say yes."

Selema growled. "Read my lips, Devron! I am not going with you! Get over it!"

It was Devron's turn to growl, his green eyes narrowing into slits. He took a large step forward, causing the earth to tremble slightly at his touch. "You're coming with me…and that's final!"

It was about this time that a small crowd had gathered around the young dragons, anxious to see the end result. Within seconds, Matt and Saffron managed to make their way back.

"Huh?" Matt asked. "What the heck is going on here? Who is that?"

Saffron groaned. "Oh no…it's Devron. He's been trying to get Selema to go out with him for months to no avail. I don't know how she puts up with him as much as she does."

Matt narrowed his eyes at the sight of the earth dragon backing Selema into a corner. Without wasting another second, he pushed his way through the remaining crowd in front of him and sprinted in front of the pink dragoness.

"Matt?" Selema exclaimed.

"Hey! Why don't you leave her alone?" Matt yelled.

Devron growled, baring his teeth. "Back away small fry. This has nothing to do with you. This is between me and Selema."

Matt gritted his teeth in anger. "Selema's my friend, so it most certainly means something to me. Now why don't you do us all a favor and leave quietly?"

Devron remained in his place. "I already told Selema that I wasn't leaving till she accepts my offer. Unless you're willing to try and stop me, I suggest you get out of the way."

"Matt…," Selema said. "You don't have to…"

However, Matt stopped her before the pink dragoness could finish. "It's ok, Selema. Don't worry about it."

"But, Matt."

Another loud grunt from the earth dragon grabbed their attention once more. "I thought I told you move, unless you want me to pummel into the ground."

Matt clenched his fist, unwilling to give in to the temptation of a fight in a crowded area. "I'd like nothing more than to teach you a lesson, Devron."

Devron's eyes lit up momentarily in surprise before they narrowed once more. "That's right…you're that human this city keeps talking about right? The one who can even hang with Spyro? Well, let's find out how tough you really are. I challenge you to a duel!"

Several members of the crowd gasped, including Selema from behind Matt.

"No way!"

"Devron just challenged a human!"

"He can't be serious, can he?"

All the while, Matt looked around from side to side. By now, he knew the situation had just gotten even more serious.

"That's right, human! You and me!" Devron exclaimed. "And to make things interesting, I'll make a wager with you. If you win, I'll leave Selema alone. However, if I win, then she comes with me to the ball. So what do you say, human?"

All heads turned towards Matt's way as he pondered his decision. The Keyblader then shook his head several times. "If you think I'll actually agree to those terms, then you're an even bigger idiot then I thought." He turned to Selema. "C'mon, let's get out of here." The pink dragoness didn't hesitate to follow.

Devron smirked. "Ha! I knew it! The human's a coward! He won't even stand up to defend his little dragoness." Matt and Selema were still walking further away, leaving the earth dragon to resort to more desperate measures. "It doesn't really matter if we fight or not, Selema belongs to me! She's just like all the others…and just as weak!"

Suddenly, Matt stopped in his tracks, his right fist clenched and trembling furiously.

"Matt?" Selema asked as she watched him turn around and walk hurriedly back towards the larger dragon.

Matt then stared up into Devron's eyes. "I don't really care if you talk bad about me…but when you start badmouthing Selema or anyone of my friends…that's when it gets personal." Matt then narrowed his eyes even further. "If it's a fight you want, then it's a fight you're going to get."

Devron chuckled to himself. "Good…now we're talking."

Matt grunted. "Still, when I win, you have to stick to your word and leave Selema alone."

Devron rolled his eyes. "Tch…whatever. Just be at the arena tomorrow at noon. Your hurt starts then."

"You wish…," Matt said before both turned and left the other's presence. The crowd then began buzzing over the exciting matchup that had just occurred. Soon the entire city of Warfang would know that a dragon would fight the human hero.

Matt walked back over to Selema, but to his surprise she didn't have a pleasant look on her face.

"Why, Matt?" Selema asked angrily. "Why did you have to do that?"

"Don't worry about it, Selema," Matt replied. "By this time tomorrow, you won't ever have to worry about him again."

Selema then growled in frustration. "I didn't need you to help me there you know! Devron is my problem, not yours!"

Matt's brow narrowed. "I'm your friend and your teacher, Selema. Of course it's my problem! You didn't think I'd just let that jerk harass you like that?"

"No…," Selema mumbled while shaking her head. "But that doesn't mean you have to rush to my rescue all the time. I can take care of myself."

"I know that…"

"Apparently you don't!" Selema then grunted before pushing past Matt and sprinting off in another direction.

Matt reached out towards the pink dragoness. "Selema, wait!"

"Just leave me alone!" The pink dragoness shouted before she jumped into the air and disappeared from sight thanks to her time power.

"Selema!" Matt cried. "I'm sorry! I…I…" The Keyblader then sank to his knees before running a hand through his hair. A cold feeling ran throughout his entire body. Selema had never snapped at him like this…not since they were in the past and she yelled at him for not believing she could use her powers.

Matt sighed. "Oh man…why do I keep getting myself into situations like this?"

Little did he know, a dragon hidden in the shadows watched the Keyblader from afar, having spied on both Matt and Selema the entire day. "Hmm…interesting."

Well, there you have it. The gauntlet has been thrown down with authority. That's right, an actual fight! :) Who will win?

Also looks like a little tension between Matt and Selema. Can they figure things out? Also, who could possibly be plotting behind Spyro and co's bck and spying on our heroes? All answered next time!

Peace out!

Biz

Wel