Hey everyone! What do you know, me with a regular update? Who'd a thunk it?
Just to get it out of the way, I think this is the longest I've ever written for one chapter. Dang! :0
Well...I don't know if any of you are ready for what's coming in this chapter...but for now I'll let you read and find out.
I do not own the Spyro games or characters. They belong to their respective owners. I do however own Matt and Selema, my OCs. Alta and Saffron belong to Riverstyxx. Dax and Nightshade belong to Alec the Dark Angel.
The purple dragon couldn't help but look over the ballroom with sullen eyes. What had started with a night full of excitement and fun had turned into nothing short of a disaster in his eyes. From out of seemingly nowhere, what seemed like hundreds of Malefor's former army had led a surprise attack on the unsuspecting dancers.
Out of anger, he and Cynder had not hesitated to jump into battle in order to protect everyone. Several others had leaped into battle as well. Many had sustained heavy wounds, but Spyro had been relieved immensely that there were no casualties among the citizens. Still, it didn't do much to cause anguish amongst the people. After so much talk about peace, there was once again madness in their world.
Spyro felt a nudge come from his side. He turned to find Cynder next to him, several fresh battle wounds from her previously unscathed self, though he didn't her any differently. "Spyro…?" she asked. "Are you alright?" From her look, the question wasn't about his physical state.
Spyro shook his head. "How…how could this happen? I personally made sure that there was enough security around the Temple so this very thing couldn't happen." He then slammed his paw onto the stone floor.
Cynder sighed. "Spyro…it's because of your actions that it wasn't worse…"
"But it never should've happened in the first place…," Spyro exclaimed. "Why…why can't we just go about our lives in peace? Why can't for one day I don't have to look behind my back…?"
Cynder just looked at her partner and just shook her head, unable to come up with an answer of her own. "Come, Spyro…why don't we go and rest for now? We're both exhausted, and we need our rest in order to think straight after all this. Please…"
Spyro sighed and stared into her green eyes. "I guess…I guess you're right."
The two dragons then walked slowly from the wrecked ballroom towards their quarters. However, right when they reached the door, a voice broke them both of their silence.
"I'm afraid now's not the time to rest for you two…"
Both Spyro and Cynder immediately jumped into their stances. "Who's there?" Spyro asked. "Show yourself!"
Lurking out of the shadows of the hallway came a gray dragon that neither of them recognized. "Forgive me…this seemed to be the only way to make sure I could speak to you both in private."
Cynder tilted her head in suspicion, with neither her or Spyro giving the dragon an inch. "And just who do you think you are? Can't you see we both need to rest?"
The dragon nodded. "Yes…both you and the city have been through much this evening. However, I believe this information is something you'll find important."
"Oh, really?" Spyro asked. "And just what might that be?" The dragon then narrowed his eyes towards the purple dragon, a strange tint coming from his eyes that caused him to feel strange. "Wait a minute…you're him aren't you? The one who spoke to Matt before?"
"That is correct, Spyro."
"Then you're Alta, an oracle dragon." Spyro then bared his teeth. "You…you knew this would happen didn't you? Why didn't you tell anyone?"
Alta was silent for several moments. "I have my reasons…but it is because of your own sight that you were at least able to…secure things for the most part."
"That isn't good enough," Cynder exclaimed.
"Start talking right now…," Spyro replied. "If you know so much, then who was behind all of this?"
Alta stared at the two before speaking. "Very well…as for who was behind it all…well…I think you both already know."
Spyro and Cynder both shivered in their places, their eyes growing wide. "That's not possible," Cynder said with a cold tone. "He is gone, and so are Gaul and Malchoir."
Alta shook his head. "I'm afraid not. You see, from what I've seen, Malefor had ways of making sure he would stay alive in case he was ever defeated during his short reign."
"What kind of ways?" Spyro yelled.
"Through the dark crystals," Alta replied. "He was able to store some of his life essence into a scattered few…and that is how this all came to be. It seems that Malefor was able to get a certain dragon to…manipulate his actions that he could not do due to his lack of a physical body. I believe you know him as…Flame."
Spyro and Cynder both gaped. "Flame? But…but why him?" Spyro asked.
"To that…I am not sure…"
Spyro then remembered something. "Matt told me that you said that his friend Selema was in grave danger. What does she have to do with all this?"
Alta grinned slightly. "I was hoping you would ask. You see…the reason behind the attack in the first place was not an invasion…but a distraction." Spyro and Cynder froze again. "Flame's main task was not to destroy the city…but to capture Selema when she was most vulnerable."
"During the dance…," Cynder muttered.
"Precisely."
"What would Malefor want with Selema?" Spyro asked before realizing it. "Her powers…"
"Not exactly," Alta replied. "No…Malefor's endgame was far more devious than that."
Cynder then gasped and cringed in disgust. "An heir…Malefor wanted to create an heir."
Spyro gasped and grit his teeth. "That monster…"
Alta then chuckled before putting up a paw. "Do not fret though, Spyro. You see, while Flame did manage to capture Selema, Malefor still failed in his goal."
"How…?"
"Oh…a certain human with the Keyblade who you've befriended…"
"Matt?!" Spyro and Cynder asked loudly.
Alta nodded. He then explained to the two briefly about how Matt had succeded in stopping Malefor as a threat.
"So…," Cynder said with a small smile on her face. "It really is over then?"
Alta looked at them both before shaking his head. "Don't let down your guard yet. Matt may have stopped Malefor for now…but I'm afraid he isn't finished quite yet. Also, I think you should both go and see Matt and Selema at their separate abodes. By now…they should both have returned." Alta then turned to leave. "I'm afraid that's all I have to offer. The rest is up to the rest of you."
Spyro then growled. "Wait a minute, Alta. We're not done here yet."
Alta then simply shook his head and sped off faster than both dragons could anticipate.
Both Spyro and Cynder then turned to each with looks of anxiety on their faces, unsure of what to say or do next. However, a certain dragonfly then interrupted their thoughts.
"Hey, hey! Spyro! I got something to tell you! It's about the kid and Selema!"
"We already know, Sparx," Spyro replied.
"Yeah," Cynder added. "Just a little bit late there."
Sparx then growled and put on his best pouty face. "OH…no fair! And I had made up the best story too! But still, we gotta go help the kid out!"
"He's alright, Sparx," Spyro replied. "In fact, from what we've been told, both he and Selema are safe."
"B-but…no rescue mission?"
Cynder shook her head. "Sorry, Sparx."
Sparx then pouted again and sped off, grumbling about being underappreciated.
Spyro and Cynder looked at each other again and simply shook their heads. "We probably should get the whole story from Matt and Selema themselves before we do anything."
"Didn't Alta say thought that they were at separate places?" Cynder then asked. "I figured they'd be together."
Spyro shrugged. "Either way, I suppose we'd better split up just in case. I'll go to Matt's ship..."
"And I'll go see if Selema is home," Cynder added. She then kissed Spyro on the cheek. "Don't worry, Spyro. I know we'll figure something out."
Spyro then nuzzled her back and sighed. "I hope so, Cynder. I really do…"
Meanwhile, within one of the many homes, a young electric dragoness was lying upon her family's couch. A young hatchling, Dax, had finally gone to sleep some time ago. Saffron had done a lot of convincing in order to get the little dragoness to rest, but exhaustion had taken it's toll.
Even now, there were bags under Saffron's eyes as she waited for her parents to return…if they returned. Saffron couldn't help but wonder if something had happened to either one of them, capable dragons as they were. She didn't want to think that way, but she just couldn't help it. The fact that she hadn't gone to the dance at all made her feel all the worse.
Finally, after what felt like ages of waiting, her front door finally opened. Saffron's heart stopped momentarily before she saw a shade of green walk in. "Mom…?" she whispered.
The adult walked in and nodded, relieved to see her daughter was safe and sound. "It's alright sweetheart…I'm here."
"Wh-where's Dad?" Saffron couldn't help but ask.
Mia sighed and trotted over to rest near her daughter, her hide now covered in various grime and dirt from the fighting. "You're father's just fine. He got a nasty little cut on his leg that the moles felt needed looking at. He just wanted you to know that, ok?" Saffron nodded. "And who do we have here…? Isn't this Nightshade's daughter?"
Saffron nodded again. "It's…it's a long story, Mom." She then went on to explain how Matt had dropped Dax off at their home during his search for Selema. "Have you seen Dax's father? Was he at the medical ward?"
Mia sighed. "I'm afraid not, honey. Everything was in such chaos that I didn't really have time to take in the details."
Saffron's next question held in her throat for a few moments. "Did anyone…?"
Mia shook her head. "There were some of those in critical condition…but no…everyone is alright."
"Ok…," Saffron replied weakly. "But…but I'm worried about Selema and Matt. Wh-what if something happened to them?" The yellow dragoness hadn't forgotten her last words to her friend.
Mia leaned in and nuzzled her daughter affectionately. "I'm sure that they're both just fine, Saffron. You remember what Matt was able to do. If he did find Selema, I'm sure she's in the best of hands."
Saffron smiled weakly. "I guess you're right. He is pretty good."
Mia smiled. "In the mean time, why don't you go and rest dear? I'll stay with Dax. We'll find Nightshade when you awaken."
Saffron nodded and let out a huge yawn. "O…ok." She then rested her head against the cushion. "I love you…"
Mia beamed and gave her daughter a small peck. "I love you too, sweetheart," Mia whispered. Within seconds, Saffron had fallen asleep.
It was around the middle of the day by now, but it didn't matter to the young Keyblader as he layed down on his cot within his Gummi Ship. His torn and battered clothes worn earlier were now all scattered across the ship, leaving him in nothing but a pair of undershorts.
By all means, Matt was flat out exhausted. It had been one of the longest nights of his life, from the dance of his life, to the search around Warfang, before one of the toughest fights of his entire life. However, Matt was still unable to completely drift off, sleeping for an hour or so at a time.
His mind kept thinking about the look that Selema had given him before she'd taken off without any explanation after he himself had risked his life to save her from a maniac. Matt had never been so confused…or depressed.
Suddenly, Matt heard a knock coming from the ship's door to interrupt his thoughts. He didn't bother getting up, thinking it was just another animal messing with the ship.
"Matt? Are you in there? It's Spyro." Matt still didn't answer. "Matt? Could you please answer me? I'd rather not have to break this door down to make sure you're not in there."
Matt sighed in defeat. "Hold on…," he groaned. Matt then reluctantly got to his feet and threw on a white shirt and black shorts. He then pressed the button to open the door. None other than Spyro was standing at the entrance.
"Come on in," Matt said blankly.
"Thanks," Spyro replied as he walked into the ship. "I'm glad to see you're ok."
"You too…how's Cynder?"
"She's fine…in fact…everyone at the dance managed to survive last night's attack."
Matt nodded weakly. "Ok…"
Spyro couldn't help but notice the sullen and exhausted look on his human companion. It wasn't hard to tell there was something bothering him. "May I sit down?" Matt nodded and allowed him in.
It was silent between them for a few moments before Spyro broke it. "So…are you alright, Matt?"
"I'm fine," Matt muttered. "I mean I'm not dead…"
"No, it's a good thing you're still alive," Spyro said as he shook his head. "But if you were fine, you would have come up to the Temple to regroup with us." Spyro paused. "Matt…I saw Alta. He told Cynder and I what happened last night. Did you really fight Malefor and win?"
Matt nodded again. "Yeah…it was Flame all along. He was spying on us, but Malefor used his body to try and…and…" Matt couldn't bring himself to speak the words.
"I understand…," Spyro replied. "Matt…I can't thank you enough for what you've done."
"You don't have to," Matt replied.
"Yes, I do," Spyro exclaimed. "Though I'm sure Selema is the one who is most appreciative."
Matt hesitated a little at the sound of Selema's name. "Is…is she alright?"
Spyro just stared back at him. "I…I think so. Why…wouldn't you be the one to know?"
Matt grit his teeth and turned away. "I…I would assume she's fine. I mean…she didn't look hurt or anything before…before…"
Spyro tilted his head in curiousity. "Before what?"
Matt closed his eyes and just shook his head. "After we escaped…I…I asked her if she was alright. And then…Selema…she ran away. She left me behind…"
Spyro's eyes widened in surprise. "She what?!"
"Yeah, I don't know why. She looked at me as though I was a threat or something…and she's never looked at me like that before." Matt ran his hands through his hair. "I just don't understand…why would she be afraid of me?"
Spyro sighed. "Hmm…I don't know..." He paused for a moment. The purple dragon was absolutely clueless to Selema's actions. Why would she run from her savior of all people made no sense to him. However, one thing he knew for sure was that Matt was very upset about it, to the point of isolating himself from his friends. Maybe this was why Alta had pointed him in this direction in the first place.
Spyro then remembered his talks with Cynder about how close Matt and Selema really were. Maybe…maybe now was a good time to find out for sure. "Hey, Matt?"
"Yeah…"
"Do you trust me?"
"Of course I do…why do you ask?"
"Because I'm going to ask you a question…and I want you to be completely honest with me. Can you do that?"
Matt looked up at his friend with concern. He knew Spyro had to be serious if he was being this straightforward. "Alright…what is it?"
Spyro took a deep breath. "Well, here it goes. Cynder and I have been thinking lately about you and Selema."
Matt raised an eyebrow. "What about us?"
"Well…it's pretty obvious you both are pretty close."
"Well, yeah. She and I are friends. We've always been close."
"But…the thing is…"
Matt tilted his head. "Spyro…?"
The purple dragon then looked him dead in the eye. "Matt…how do you really feel about Selema?"
Matt looked to the side again. He got up and walked towards the window. "Can I tell you something?"
Spyro nodded. "Of course."
Matt then lifted his shirt, showing the faint scar of where he'd been impaled just hours before. "When I was fighting Malefor…he…he managed to get to me. I remember it was so cold…like I was really going to die. But then…something happened." Matt then went to his chest. "I was told to look deep within my heart…in order to find…what I needed in order to protect her…"
Spyro looked on with wide eyes. Could it be…?
"You know…even after I left the last…after all that time away from Selema…I never really stopped thinking about her…even when I was halfway across the universe. Whenever I felt down, I could just look at my wristband and I would feel better because I knew that Selema was ok. I…always wondered what she was doing at that moment." He turned back to Spyro. "And sometimes…sometimes I would even have dreams about her…about the two of us being together again. I'll tell you what…I never wanted those dreams to end. Ever"
Matt continued. "When you and Cynder asked me to come back, I was so excited to see her again, you know?"
Spyro nodded. "Matt…she never stopped talking about you, and she never took off that wristband you gave her."
Matt chuckled a little. "I had a feeling she wouldn't…"
Spyro decided to push on even further. "What about last night at the dance? Sparx told me how you looked at her…"
"I don't know…," Matt shook his head. "Selema just…she looked so beautiful. I couldn't take have taken my eyes off her if I tried. I've never been so nervous around someone before…" Matt's eyes fell to the floor. "Spyro…what's happening to me?"
Spyro sighed. It was just as he thought. "I think you already know."
Matt looked back up. "No…I can't…I can't be…"
"Matt, it's ok to say it," Spyro replied. "You're in love with her…aren't you?"
Matt closed his eyes and curled his lips together. He wanted to tell Spyro he was a fool for saying that…but then again…
"But, Spyro…I can't …it's stupid…"
"What's stupid? If you really feel like this about Selema…"
"But I can't!" Matt burst out loud. "I can't for more reasons than I can count…" He buried his face in his hands once more. "Spyro…you know what it's like…having people look to you for answers." Spyro nodded back to him. "Well…I don't have one right now. What am I supposed to do? I'm not sure I can ever face Selema again…not after the way she looked at me. And if even if I did, what am I supposed to say? I can't sat that I..might be…"
Spyro then let out a loud snort, getting his friend's attention quickly. "Listen to me, Matt. Sooner or later, you're going to have to face Selema. I know deep down your heart won't allow you to just ignore her the rest of your life. What you say or do when that happens is up to you. I sure can't tell you how to do it."
"But…but…"
"Cynder and I have faith in you, Matt. I never told you this, but one of the things that I admire about you the most is that you listen to your heart and that do what you feel is right. Whatever you decide to do, just know that we'll support it one hundred percent."
The young human was slient for a few moments. Now that he was actually giving in to these feelings…he still didn't really know what to think. For now, the support of a friend was what he needed.
"Thanks, Spyro," Matt said. "You're a good pal."
Spyro smiled. "Anytime…anytime…" Sensing that his work was done for the moment, the purple dragon turned for the door. As he exited, Spyro turned back momentarily. "Don't take too much time to decide…we might still need you. For now though, get some sleep. You look like Sparx on a bad day."
Matt chuckled. "Ok…" The Keyblader then watched Spyro go before returning to this cot once more. As he pondered his next move, he slowly drifted off towards yet another restless slumber…
Meanwhile, in the city of Warfang, a young pink dragoness was lying in her room. She, too, was exhausted from all the events of the night before. Selema layed down on her bed, her head resting on her pillow. Even though the sun was shining through the window and the bed felt warm, she couldn't help but feel cold.
The young dragoness had a hard time getting any sleep during the morning hours. No one would blame her after what she'd been through once more. However, if anyone knew what was really on her mind, they'd be surprised to find that the ordeal with Malefor was the least of her worries at the moment. No matter how hard she tried, the dragoness just couldn't get Matt off her mind. She hadn't really been thinking when she'd left him on the side of the mountain after they'd escaped. In fact, Selema hadn't been thinking at all. It was more of a reaction…out of panic.
And now…now Selema just felt plain awful about running away. How could she have done that to her best friend? Her savior?
My hero… she thought. The time was passing slowly as the dragoness continued to brood. What is the matter with me? Why do I feel like this? Why can't I stop thinking about…about him…?
It was then a knock came on Selema's door. She was too lost in thought to even acknowledge her guest.
"Selema?" It was Cynder's voice. "Are you there? Please answer me. I just want to talk, that's all."
Selema looked to the door. "Hang on…" she mumbled. She started to get up from the bed, but was surprised to find Cynder was already in the bedroom thanks to her shadow power.
"Sorry," the black dragoness said. "I didn't want to intrude on you without your permission…"
"It's alright," Selema replied. She layed down against the pillow once more.
"Are you alright, Selema?" Cynder asked. "You don't look so good."
Selema wanted to lie and say she was ok, but she also knew that there was no point in hiding it. "I don't know…I've been better I guess."
"We were worried about you…Spyro and I know what happened last night." Selema groaned and didn't answer. "That's fine. Trust me, I understand what Malefor was like…" Cynder stared off into space. "He messes with your head to make you forget yourself…and about those you care about. I guess it was a good thing Matt came when he did, huh?"
Selema flinched at the sound of his name. She blurted out the question without thinking. "How's Matt doing? Is he alright?"
Cynder looked down. "Well…Selema…Matt hasn't come back yet…"
Selema's eyes widened. "What?! Where is he?"
"Spyro thinks Matt went back to his ship…he's checking there now just in case…"
Selema buried her face in her paws. "Oh no…"
"What's wrong?" Cynder asked.
"Cynder…I…I...I…" She couldn't take it anymore and she flung herself at her friend. Selema buried her face into Cynder's chest. "He's gone! It's all my fault!"
Cynder tried her best to calm her friend down. "Tell me what happened…"
Though it was difficult for her to do, Selema explained to Cynder about what happened after they escaped from Malefor.
"I don't know why I did it," Selema bawled. "I was just…afraid…"
"Afraid of what?" Cynder asked. "Afraid of Matt? Why? You two are the best of friends."
"That's just it, though!" Selema cried. "Why does he have to be the one to save me all the time?! Why does he always risk himself for me like that?"
Cynder nodded and sighed. "Is it obvious, Selema?"
"What is…?"
"Matt cares about you. In fact, he cares a lot about you. He was willing to fight Malefor himself just to make sure you would be safe." She paused a moment and lifted Selema off of her so they could talk face-to-face. "Selema…do you care about Matt?"
Selema sobbed before composing herself. "Of course I do. He's my best friend. I'd do anything for him."
"Then why did you run away from him after he risked his life just to save you?"
"Because…because I was afraid that…that…"
"It's alright. You can say it."
Selema took a deep breath. "I'm afraid…that I may be…in love with him."
The room was silent for a few moments. Cynder nodded. She and Spyro had been right all along.
"Cynder...how did you know that Spyro was the one?" Selema asked suddenly. "The one you wanted to spend forever with?"
Cynder closed her eyes and smiled. "You know about our history together, right?" Selema nodded. "Well…ever since he saved me from Malefor's clutches, I started caring about him deeply…and I knew he felt the same. I just never thought he'd ever fall for someone who was once his enemy."
Cynder continued. "No matter what anyone else said about me, Spyro never treated me any differently. When Matt and I fought his Heartless, I was never so afraid before in my entire life. It took me finding what was in his heart to know that I never wanted to lose him again…and I never will either."
Selema sniffed. "That's so…so beautiful. You and Spyro were meant to be. I just know it."
Cynder chuckled. "I couldn't agree with you more."
Selema then looked back to the gound. She suddenly remembered the day Matt left to go back on his journey and how miserable it was to see him go. She thought about how she had wanted to go with him, but he wouldn't let her for her own safety.
Throughout the day, she had been thinking of all of the time she'd spent with Matt, before and after he'd returned. The time they spent training, their journey to stop Gaul, and reuniting with him were just a few.
But the one she couldn't stop thinking of most was the dance they shared. It was without a doubt one of the happiest moments of her life. Selema then remembered how it felt when she thought that Matt had been killed, and how she thought her world had ended.
You've always been there for me, Matt. She thought. You've always made me feel special…and…I…I…
Selema looked at Cynder. She didn't know why, but she said it as soon as she thought. "I do love him…" she mumbled.
"What was that?" Cynder replied as her eyes began to widen.
"I love him…," Selema repeated. She fell backwards on her bed and rolled to her side. "Oh my gosh…I love him..." She groaned in embarrassment. "I'm in love with…with Matt…"
"Selema…," Cynder replied.
"You must think I'm insane, don't you?" She slowly started to tear.
"Why would I think that?"
Selema began to cry a little harder. "Because…you know…," she sobbed. "…we're not even the same. It would never work between us…no matter how much we care for each other."
"Well…what are you going to do?"
"I don't know!" Selema screamed. "What am I supposed to do? What am I supposed to say to him?" A few of her tears found their way into the sheets beneath her. "I can't just ignore this…"
Cynder just stared at her friend. She knew that Selema cared about Matt, but not this badly. Not once had she ever heard of a dragoness falling for another creature or the other way around. The idea was strange to her. However, she also had never seen two people happier together…
However, Cynder narrowed her eyes. "Selema…I think you should tell him how you feel."
"What? No! I can't!"
"Why not?"
"Because…we can't be together like that..."
"I'm not saying that you should have to be together. I'm just saying that you need to tell Matt how you really feel. Take it from me, Selema, if you don't tell him, you will regret it. And it won't just be a temporary feeling either. You'll go on to regret it for the rest of your life. That wouldn't be fair to you or Matt."
Selema looked back at Cynder, a few tears in her eyes. "But…but what if he doesn't love me back? What if…what if he feels so disgusted with me that he never speaks to me again?"
"Then at least you'll know. Besides, I'm sure that Matt will never leave you for good. You're both in each other's hearts…and it would take more than saying you love him to make him go away."
Selema gasped. She looked down to her chest and placed a paw over her heart. She closed her eyes and breathed deeply. "You're right," she said. "Thank you, Cynder."
"That's what I'm here for," Cynder replied.
The black dragoness then offered to stay with Selema for the time being, but the pink dragoness decided that she still wanted to be alone. Cynder nodded and promised to keep Selema's feelings a secret from everyone except Spyro, to which she took her leave.
Selema then layed back down and sighed deeply. Now her head was filled all sorts of fantasies about being with Matt, both of dread and happiness. She held her wristband close to her, noticing the crystal was still glowing bright enough to where she knew Matt was at least still on the world.
"What am I supposed to do?" Selema asked herself, to which she could not answer.
To Matt, the rest of the day dragged on, yet he found himself still stuck inside the Gummi Ship. No matter how hard he tried, he just couldn't get his mind off of Selema. Time and time again, he'd find himself just staring at his wristband, wondering where she could be at that exact moment.
Matt pondered a while as well about whether or not he should go and help out with those in need, though he didn't necessarily feel like it due to Spyro's lack of urgency. He even thought about maybe going and making sure Dax and Saffron were alright too. He definitely owed the electric dragoness for watching Dax on such short notice.
Just around sunset, Matt's conscience got the better of him as he decided to go and make sure of it. He quickly summoned his dragon blade and made the journey back to Warfang. As he floated over the dragon city, he saw that the wreckage wasn't as bad as he originally thought. There were several chunks out of a few buildings here and there, but it didn't look like the overall damage was too disastrous.
Within fifteen minutes, Matt arrived at Saffron and her family's home. Curiously, he slunk his way to one of the side windows and decided to take a peek inside to make sure someone was home. He found that Saffron and her family were all there, as Jaden looked to have a large bandage on his right hind paw that suffered last night. However, Matt's attention was more focused on the fact that none other than Nightshade himself was laying on the family's couch, little Dax curled up in her foster father's lap and resting peacefully at his side. The black dragon had several bandages across his body, including what looked to be a torn wing membrane, but from the look on Nightshade's face he couldn't care less.
Matt couldn't help but smile at the scene. He then turned away and jumped back into the sky, not wanting to disturb the happy reunions inside. Instead, he decided to fly up to the city's highest tower to sit for a while and think. He almost half expected Selema to be there, but when he arrived there was no sign of the pink dragoness.
Matt sat upon the ledge of the tower for an hour or two pondering his next move. He stared off into space for what seemed like ages, the cool breeze whistling in his face as he sat in thought. It took him some time, but in the end he came to a difficult decision over his next plan of action.
With a heavy sigh, Matt stood up from his place. "Alright…here goes nothing," he said to himself as he leaped into the night…
Selema had stayed home all day, unable to find the energy to get around or do anything. She found eating anything helped a little, but didn't completely dull the throb in her gut. It was that twinge that kept edging her to go and do something, yet Selema just couldn't find the will to do so.
The pink dragoness had spent almost the entire day wondering about her human companion and her newfound feelings for him. She had to admit that she thought that Matt was attractive even for a human in more ways than one. He was smart, brave, funny, and kind. She and Matt had also risked their lives for one another more times than she could count. What more could she ask for? Then again…Selema had also thought those same things about Flame when she accepted his date proposal.
Selema then groaned at her own lack of judgment. She still hadn't forgiven herself over the mishap with Flame, the fact he was working with Malefor not making her feel any better. It had damaged her friendship with Saffron, as well as her pride in some ways.
I wonder what Matt felt when he found out… Selema thought. Had he been envious? Jealous even? Selema wasn't sure.
It was then Selema remembered her moment on the balcony with Matt, and how special she'd thought it was. The pink dragoness smiled at the memory of dancing with him in his own way, finding it awkward yet compassionate.
Selema then sighed deeply. "I can't take this anymore…,"she muttered to herself. She needed to talk with him, or at the very least apologize for abandoning him on the mountainside. Selema slowly strided over to her door and reached for the handle…only to be met by a knock on the door.
Selema gasped sharply before pulling back. "W-who is it?"
"Selema…it's me." The pink dragoness froze in her place. It was him. The very person she needed to see at that moment.
"Come in…," she replied.
Matt slowly turned the knob and stepped inside, finding Selema waiting there for him. "Hey…," he said.
"Hey," Selema replied.
The two stared at each other in silence for a few moments before Selema broke it. "Um…do you want to come and sit down.
Matt nodded briefly. "Uh…yeah. That sounds good, thanks."
Both Matt and Selema slowly walked over towards two different chairs laying in her living room and sat down. They both looked at the floor before Matt spoke up.
"So…," he said. "How are you holding up?'
Selema nodded. "I'm fine, thanks." She then took a deep breath and looked up. "Matt…I…I'm so sorry for what happened earlier. I didn't mean to hurt you."
Matt looked back up and smiled weakly. "I know," he replied. "But…why did you do it the first place?"
Selema opened her mouth to answer, but found herself incapable of speech. How could she tell him the reason she'd run from him on the mountain? How could she tell him about how she really felt?
"Selema…?" Matt asked when she wouldn't answer. "Can you tell me…?"
"I…I…," Selema replied weakly. "I don't know why, Matt. I just…did."
"Oh…," Matt replied, hoping for more of a specific answer to say the least.
"Matt…what about you? Are you alright?" Her eyes trailed the spot on his stomach where the Keybalder had been pierced.
Matt nodded. "Yeah…I'm ok. A little sore in a few places…but not too bad."
"I don't know how you were able to do what you did back there…but…I thought it was the most amazing thing I've ever seen."
Matt cringed a little at the mentioning of the battle. Spyro was the only one he'd shared to what really happened…and where he'd really found the strength. "Don't mention it…"
"No, I mean it," Selema exclaimed. "Matt…you saved my life. If it wasn't for you…I…I don't even want to imagine what would've happened."
Matt chuckled. "Well…I did promise to always look out for you, didn't I?" Selema nodded. "And Selema…I don't plan on ever breaking that promise." He then paused hard, gritting his teeth. "Selema…there's something I have to tell you."
The pink dragoness felt her heart leap from her chest. Was he going to tell her what she wanted to hear? No…what she needed to hear. Selema trained her eyes and ears to make sure of it. "W-what is it?"
Matt took a deep breath before looking back to her. "Selema…I…I've decided that I need to leave the Dragon Realms."
Selema's heart quickly fell back down her throat, her gut tightening at those very words. "W-what? You're leaving?! But…but why?! I don't understand!"
Matt smiled weakly, wishing he could tell her the real reason he couldn't stay.
Selema…He thought. I wish I could stay with you…more than you'll ever know…but I can't. I won't let you suffer anymore because of me. I won't put you through the hardships of being with a human…or a Keyblader nonetheless. You deserve a normal life…and that's something I can never give you. I care about you too much…I'm so sorry.
"Well…," Matt then spoke out loud. "I guess I just don't want to cause any more trouble here, Selema." He chuckled weakly. "It always seems that whenever I come here there's always an evil nutcase trying to take over or destroy the Dragon Realms. Maybe…maybe I just need to get away from here for a while."
"Matt…," Selema pleaded. "No one here thinks like that and you know it. It's not your fault that bad things happen here, really."
Matt still shook his head. "Maybe…" He found his lower lip was trembling. It was taking most to all of his willpower not to break down. "But I still think that I need to leave. Malefor's gone for now, so I doubt I need to stick around for that reason."
Selema tried her best to fight back the tears building in her eyes. "W-when will you be back?"
Matt bit his lip again. "I-I don't know really, but I'll let you know for sure, Selema."
"Matt…," Selema started to whimper. "I…I don't want you to go. Please…won't you stay…just a little bit longer?"
Matt put his head down and stood up. He couldn't bare it any longer. He had to leave now before the ache in his heart became too great. "I'd better go and get ready," he said blankly. He felt himself move away, unable to look back at her. "I'll see you tomorrow…good night, Selema."
Selema could only watch as he moved towards the front door. Her mind was racing, with thoughts and memories of Matt flashing before her eyes. Her body shook with fear and anxiety. If she was going to do or say anything, it would have to be now. Otherwise, it would be too late for both of them. There would be no turning back.
Cynder's words echoed throughout her mind. If you don't tell him how you really feel, you'll regret it for the rest of your life.
Selema took a deep breath. Placing a paw over her chest, Selema could feel her heart pounding harder than ever before.
Then and there, Selema made her decision. "Matt! Wait!" she cried out to him.
Matt stopped in her tracks. This was becoming more and more difficult by the minute. He sighed, then reluctantly turned to face her again. "I'm sorry Selema, but I…"
What happened next was something so unexpected, that Matt wasn't prepared for it. In a matter of seconds, Selema had leaped off her seat and rushed over to him as he turned around. She lifted herself off her hind legs and rested her front paws on Matt's shoulders, giving them both the ability to see each other face-to-face…and eye-to-eye.
Matt had almost fallen over as the young dragoness stared into his eyes for a moment before she moved her face closer to his. He knew instantly what she was going to do, but found that for some reason he couldn't move an inch. Matt could only close his eyes as he felt her lips press against his own.
For a second, Matt had thought for sure that time had stopped then and there, and he had no idea whether it was Selema's doing or not.
It was only the two of them in that moment…together. No one else.
As he stood there, Matt couldn't think. He couldn't move. He couldn't even breathe. His entire being could only feel one thing…and that was the embrace of a certain dragoness.
Selema's lips were soft, which was much more than he had anticipated. A warm sensation slowly began to fill his soul. His heart started to beat a little faster with each passing second with several small beads of sweat falling from his forehead.
Inside his mind, a part of Matt wanted to shove Selema off of him in defense. His logic was telling him that he needed to stick to what he had wanted to do in the first place. However, the young human couldn't hear that voice. Instead, he was hearing a louder one that came from somewhere else. And this voice was telling him something completely different…
Before Matt could say or do anything further, it was over. Selema pulled back from him and exhaled deeply. They both opened their eyes at the same time.
The room was silent for a few moments. It had happened so fast that Matt was still comprehending what had just occurred. His expression remained the same even after they had broke contact, which was his mouth hanging wide open in shock. He could only stare at her, wondering what he could possibly say.
"Se..le…ma?"
The young dragoness nodded. She looked at him with a passion in her eyes that he had never seen before. "Matt, you've always told me that I needed to follow my heart…and now…I've realized it was trying to tell me something for a long time. I just wasn't listening hard enough. This…was the one way to know if what I'm feeling right now is true..."
Matt still stood with his arms limp at his side, focusing entirely on Selema. He trained his ears to listen to nothing but her voice.
"Ever since you came back, I've been doing a lot of thinking lately…about all of the times we've had and all that we've been through together." She paused. "When Malefor was about to…claim me, the only thing I could think about… was how much I wanted to see you one more time...because then everything would be alright again. You've always made me feel safe. Then…then I thought I'd lost you forever…and it was something I couldn't bear."
Selema's paw came to his face and her lips started to tremble. "It shouldn't matter if we're not the same, Matt. I know deep down that no dragon or any other being would ever care for me like you do…and I know now that I feel the same way."
A tear slowly trickled down her cheek. "There's a place in my heart that only you can fill Matt, and I can't just let you go without you knowing the truth…about how I really feel. " She paused again for a moment, gathering the courage she needed, taking several deep breaths.
"What…what are you saying…?" Matt managed to say. His hands were shaking uncontrollably at his sides. Somehow…he already knew.
Selema looked at him and nodded sofly. "I love you, Matt. I love you with all my heart and soul…I always have…" She then pulled him closer and rested her head against his neck. "…and I always will for as long as I live."
Matt stood frozen in place. When she was finished, his head began to hang. His eyes stared at the floor. He now knew how she really felt about him…and it was more than even he had possibly imagined. He tried to ponder how to reply to what Selema had just confessed, but Matt was finding the task nearly impossible. What could he say back to her?
Selema sensed the hesitation, and had been ready for it. She then put her mouth to his ear. "Matt…it's alright if you don't feel the same way about me…," she whispered. "…because if you don't, I understand. You and I can be best friends forever…and I'll always be there for you if you need me. I promise." It was all Selema could to maybe help him, feeling the internal struggle within him.
Matt's eyes widened. He couldn't believe how brilliant Selema was. She knew exactly like he did what she was getting into. Now if he chose it, they could be just friends and her heart wouldn't break as hard. She wouldn't be completely hurt if he rejected her…
It was so perfect…too perfect…
Taking a deep breath, Matt looked back into Selema's eyes once more. He knew she was anxious to hear what he had to say, positive he was doing the right thing.
For some reason, though, Matt remained silent. His gaze was focused on her deep, blue eyes. For as long as he could remember, Selema's eyes were full of light and hope. Whenever he had looked into them, he felt at peace. Memories of Selema flashed in his mind, from the first time they'd met up till now. Suddenly, a simple question emitted loud and clear.
What am I thinking? She loves me…and… I…I….
Matt began to pant. His felt himself come to tears and hang his head forward once more. His knees started to buckle, before finally he had to give in and kneel on the floor. Before he could stop himself, tears were tricking down his cheeks uncontrollably.
Selema went down as well and kept her arms firmly wrapped around him. She didn't know what to think at his reaction, having it come so unexpectedly. "Matt…? Oh no…I'm so sorry…I didn't mean to hurt you."
But Matt still continued to bawl, his tears splashing down on the stone floor.
"Please," Selema whimpered. "Say something…anything…talk to me…" She couldn't stand watching him like this, and she started to sob as well.
Finally, Matt was able to speak again. He said the words that kept throbbing in his mind. "I…can't…" Selema felt her heart begin to sink, but not before he could finish. He gulped and looked back up into her eyes again. "I can't say that I don't feel the same way about you."
Selema gasped. It was her turn to be frozen in silence. She felt Matt put his hand on her cheek.
The words suddenly became easier for him to say. "Selema…I wanted to believe that you could only be my friend…and it's because I didn't want to see you suffer anymore. But the truth is… you're more than a friend to me. You always have been."
Matt put on a big smile. "I've known since the day we met that we've shared a powerful bond, and you know what? This bond was stronger than either one of us thought. Even if we were separated, it continued to grow until…until…"
Matt paused. Selema's eyes were drenched with tears…tears of joy.
"I realize now…that I don't feel for anyone the way I feel about you, Selema," he said softly. "Back when I thought I was going to die…I found the strength to keep going from within my heart. I don't know how…or exactly when…but somewhere along the line…I…I fell in love with you."
"You did…?" she asked.
"Yes…. I'm truly…and deeply…in love with you."
"Oh, Matt…," she whispered.
Without wasting another second, Matt and Selema wrapped themselves around each other in a full embrace. Their bodies were fastened to each other as they rocked back and forth in each other's arms, neither wanting to let go again.
"It's not fair," Selema whispered.
"No, it isn't," Matt said back. "It never is."
Selema sniffed hard. "I don't care what the Guardians or anyone else say…I choose you, Matt. No one else."
"I don't care either. I want you in my life, Selema. I need you."
"What are we going to do, Matt? What are supposed to do?"
"I don't know," he replied. "But I do know that whatever happens next, we'll face it together."
After a few moments passed, they looked in each other's eyes once more. Before Matt knew it, he had offered his hand to her.
"You know…we never finished that dance…" he said even though there was no music playing.
Selema looked at his hand for a moment, then fixed her gaze on him once more. She nodded her head slowly and took it with her paw.
The dragoness then returned to her position with her front legs on Matt's shoulders, except they were now wrapped around his neck. At the same time, he rested his hands on Selema's hips just below her wings.
Matt and Selema rested their heads against one another. With him leading, they slowly began to sway from side to side. Selema then wrapped her wings around him as far as they could reach, embracing her lover even closer. Matt also noticed her tail swayed in rhythm with their movements as well.
For the next several minutes (at least it seemed like minutes), both Matt and Selema continued to dance. The only source of light available was the moon shining through her window, but they didn't care. If there was one thing they wanted more than anything at that moment, it was to share this dance for as long as possible…no matter how awkward it looked in another's eyes.
After what seemed like hours, Selema finally broke the silence. "Matt…?"
"Yeah…?"
"Will you stay with me…?"
Matt grinned. "If you want me to, then yes." He then reached down and picked up his new love in his arms, with her paws still wrapped around his neck. She was a little heavy, but he couldn't really feel any less weak at that moment. He carried her back to her bed and placed her down gently. He then took off his shoes and layed down on his back. She crawled over top of him and rested her head on his chest, her forearm draped over his body.
"I…I'm sorry about the kiss earlier," Selema suddenly exclaimed. "I…I just couldn't think of a better way to show how much you mean to me."
"Don't be sorry," Matt replied. "To be honest, I thought it felt…weird at first." He chuckled a little. "But I still thought it was pretty neat."
Selema beamed up at her newfound love and giggled. "You really think so?"
Matt nodded. "Yeah…"
With that, Selema pulled herself closer and looked him in the face. "Then you won't mind this…" Without hesitating, she pressed her lips against him again, her arms pulling him closer. This time though, he allowed her in and kissed her back. The warrior put his arms around her back, her wings resting against them.
There was no doubt that the action was strange and different in both of their minds, but at the same time it also felt right. A warmth filled both human and dragoness from their heads to their toes. Matt began to slide his hands up and down Selema's body, massaging her. She sighed with pleasure.
They continued to embrace and kiss for several minutes, not caring what each other really was. The only thing that they focused on was showing their true affection for one another. When Matt and Selema parted their lips again, they stared into each other's eyes.
"I love you, Matt…," she whispered.
"I love you too, Selema…," he whispered back. "More than you'll ever know…"
With that, they both gave in to their exhaustion of the long day. Both human and dragoness clung to each other for dear life. Even though they had no clue what was coming, life couldn't get any better than that moment.
...
Well...there it is. I know what some of you are thinking...and I don't blame you. I'm just going to ask you this once...please...please don't flame this story because of me putting Matt and Selema together.
There you go...the scene I'm sure a number of you were dying to see. Yes, I've always had it planned that Matt and Selema would get together for the longest time. I don't know how you feel about it...but it's just the way I wanted to write these last few stories.
I would at least hope that a lot of things make sense now because of it.
So now what? Well...let's just say that this story isn't over quite yet. I decided on an interesting plot twist which i think you guys will love.
Well...go ahead...hit me with your best shots on what you thought of it.
Peace out,
Biz