Chapter 6: Bad Blood
Collette wanted to attack Wolfenstein but he didn't budge and just stared at her. Collette noticed it and relaxed a bit, though not entirely.
"What do you want here?" she asked in a soft growl.
"Oh nothing…maybe just the keys to the Sacred Room," Wolfenstein muttered.
"And you're not gonna attack me to get it?" asked a curious Collette.
"Look, I don't want to hurt you so just give me the keys and I'll be on my way," Wolfenstein said.
"Do you think I'm as stupid as to hand it over to you just like that? You must be working for that ape Argus," she growled.
"What if I am? It's not like you can stop me anyway," Wolfenstein grinned evilly.
Suddenly, the door clicked but before it opened, Wolfenstein leapt out the window and disappeared. Spyro came in with Cynder and both of them had curious looks on their faces.
"Collette, who are you talking to?" Cynder asked as she and Spyro entered the throne room.
"Wolfenstein, that bastard wanted to take the keys to the Sacred Room from me!" Collette said.
"He did? Where is he?" Spyro asked.
"He leapt out of the window," the vixen said while pointing at the window where Wolfenstein leapt out of.
Spyro cocked an eye ridge and went to investigate. After 10 full seconds of looking out the window, Spyro looked confused.
"Collette, you must be overworking. There is no way that Wolfenstein could've jumped out of this window," Spyro said.
"But my Lord, I saw him just now!" Collette insisted.
"Collette, listen…" Spyro started.
"My Lord, I'm not hallucinating. I did see him and he jumped out of that window," Collette insisted.
"Collette, please listen. There is no way anyone can survive. Look at this," Spyro said and gestured Collette to come take a closer look.
Collette came to the window and looked out of it. She gasped and backed a bit in fear. Out of the window was a 60 foot drop to the streets below and there was no way that anyone can survive that height.
"Collette…I'm worried about you. What is bothering you?" Cynder asked softly.
"W-Wolfenstein…he's haunting me. That creep is working for Argus," Collette said.
Cynder looked at Spyro and back at Collette again. She patted Collette's shoulder sympathetically like how a mother would comfort her child.
"Maybe you should take a day off or two. Just hand me the keys and I'll return it to you once you're feeling better," the dragoness said.
Collette took a deep breath and nodded. She handed the keys to Cynder and took off her prime minister's helm. She put it aside and headed for the door, looking rather weak. Cynder and Spyro looked at her walk away.
"My Lord, before I forget, I've conducted a search on the Ape Clan but found nothing suspicious besides and alter with a pentagram. Should I continue searching?" Collette asked.
"Let the humans handle with that. You go get some rest and recover. That orders to search the clan was a few weeks ago weren't it?" Spyro asked.
"Yes but I was due to give the report to you when you were attacked by Argus so I had to tell you when you're fine. As for investigating the Wolf Clan, I have no luck," Collette said.
"At least you tired. Go, take some time out for two or tree days," Spyro said.
Once Collette had left, Spyro turned to look at Cynder.
"Cynder, I don't know about you but something is not right and somehow our situation isn't going well," Spyro said.
"I know Spyro…I feel it too but there is something I can't put my finger into. Why didn't they trying to speed up the resurrection when the Sacred Room is still vulnerable?" Cynder asked.
"I don't know but whatever Argus is planning, it's never good. Cynder, if you hold those keys, you'll be targeted. I don't want that to happen," Spyro said.
"Spyro, I can defend myself. As long as you're with me, danger means nothing," she said and kissed him.
"You have ways of seducing people," Spyro said with a smile when she let go.
"That is to be expected from a former Queen of Darkness," she joked.
"C'mon, let's go somewhere to enjoy a bit. All this commanding a country is really getting into my head," Spyro said.
***
At the Valley of Avalar, the humans were having practice runs with the cheetahs. Both sides decided to stage a mock battle between the cheetahs and used rubber bullets while cheetahs used non-lethal sticks for arrows. Leading the human team was Lieutenant Sven Granger while Hunter led the cheetah team. Both sides had fought for 2 hours and both sides proved to be equally powerful. While the cheetahs have stealth and speed, the humans have better protection and heavy support. In other words, both sides are even. After half an hour, the two sides stopped to have some rest.
"That was a good workout," Sven said to Hunter.
"I agree it is. I'm glad to test my skills against opponents like you," Hunter said.
The fighters chatted among each other about their mock battle and exchanged tactics with each other to improve. They held many battles like this and that is why the humans and cheetahs always got along well.
"So, how are things in Avalar?" Sven asked as he munched on his sandwich.
"All peaceful at least but I heard that there have been some things going on lately…especially since the appearance of Argus, Gaul's son," Hunter said.
"Gaul…is he that leader of the apes during Malefor's reign?" Sven asked.
"Yes, that one. It's rather unexpected to see him have a son but his intentions are rather clear: Argus wants to continue his father's ambition but they are virtually powerless…unless they get help from the Dark Master himself," Hunter explained.
"I thought Malefor died," Sven said.
"Yes but that doesn't mean the apes will try to resurrect him. After all, Malefor's soul is intact and that is all he needs to resurrect even if his body is corrupted. I've never seen a Resurrection Ceremony myself but I only know the incantation. It goes like this: sha ri la de roh, ha kri zu ha re, ru zu qui kro des. I don't know what it means but it sounds rather funny," Hunter said with a small chuckle.
"Sounds like ancient draconic to me. I've studied the history of draconic language back at St. Rivera but I never cared to master it," Sven said.
"Too bad, I thought maybe you could help interpret the words," Hunter said with a shrug.
At that time, Spyro and Cynder came by. Everyone quickly stood straight and saluted.
"That's no need for that. I'm just here for a walk," Spyro said.
"So, how is the training?" Cynder asked.
"We're enjoying it and it seems like each day, we always fight better," Sven grinned.
"Glad to hear that. Listen, Sven, I may need your help in investigating the ape and wolf tribe but I can't seem to trust my people in doing that right now so can you help?" the purple dragon asked.
"Yeah…I heard news about that. It's always ugly business when you can't trust your own people in doing something important for you. I wish I can help sir but that is for the president to decide, not me," Sven said while shaking his head.
"Can you ask him then?" Spyro asked hopefully.
"Well…I can't do that but I can tell the General and he will tell the president," Sven offered.
"Thank you Sven, we appreciate your help," Cynder helped Spyro say.
"No problem, it's the best we can do to help an ally," he said casually.
The burly soldier picked up his assault rifle and slung it on his shoulder. At the same time, an armored personal carrier arrived and the passenger compartment door opened.
"Well, my training here is done and my ride's here. I'll give you the answer once the president has approved of it," Sven said smilingly and waved goodbye as he headed for the carrier.
The other soldiers followed him and entered the carrier. After it was full, the door closed and the vehicle sped away and back to the Separation Wall checkpoint. Spyro smiled and looked at Cynder.
"Why are you smiling?" she asked.
"Oh nothing, that guy somehow reminded me of Morpheus. Sven has the looks and demeanor of Morpheus and it was so prominent that I can't help but think about him," the purple dragon said.
"Maybe his soul is actually Morpheus," Cynder said.
"How I wish. I really miss that guy," Spyro said.
"Ah Spyro, I seldom see you out of Warfang. What's the problem?" Hunter asked.
"I just need a little walk with my beloved here and where better place to go than a place called Avalar?" Spyro said.
"Anything wrong going on in the castle lately?" Hunter asked.
"Not much…Collette is delirious, Wolfenstein is acting strange and intrusions are getting more frequent. Something tells me that Argus has stepped up the efforts," Spyro said.
"Well, he is Gaul's son after all and you know the saying: like father like son or chip of the old block or…I have nothing to say," the cheetah said.
"Whatever it is Spyro, we better search for Argus before he causes more trouble," Cynder said.
"Hmm…Cynder, what month is it now?" Spyro asked.
"February," Cynder said.
"February…oh no, we only have 4 months left before the planetary alignment," Spyro gasped.
Hunter and Cynder looked at him with confused looks.
"Why is it so significant?" Cynder asked,
"I have a revelation from Ignitus and he told me that Argus will raise Malefor during the planetary alignment because he believes that the power of the aligning planets will energize the ceremony and give them power 5 folds more than even the most powerful dragon. If they get all the required things for the ceremony, Malefor will surely rise," Spyro said.
"What can we do?" Hunter asked.
"Do? We can only keep an eye out for the items they are after and capture Argus when we have the chance. If we can delay it or even stop it completely, we should be safe," Spyro said.
***
At a remote location near the legendary Waldriech Monutains was a small village of apes. Argus entered his house by pushing aside the doors roughly and sat down on his chair, looking rather angry.
"They've stepped up security and there is no way any of my minions could get pass those pesky Overwatch and human guards. I must find a way and quick," he said to himself.
He drummed his fingers on the table to his right and stared blankly at the flower vase in front of him. He was so close to getting all the things he need and he needed at least one month to prepare for the ceremony. That means he has another 3 months to prepare for Malefor's resurrection. Just as he was thinking about smashing the table, Malefor's face appeared in the magic mirror he had with him. That mirror enabled the user to see the dead ones they desired to see and that was also stolen from the Sacred Room a few years back.
"So, Argus, I assume that things aren't going well for you," Malefor said in a deep and hollow voice.
Argus took out the mirror and he looked at Malefor straight in the face.
"If you knew, why bother stating the obvious?" Argus growled.
"I thought I get you worked up so you can strive to do better. If not, you'll be like your father, a failure and a fool," Malefor said.
"My father was a great man Malefor so show him some respect! It was that pesky purple dragon who sent him to the Realm of the Dead and I swear by his name that I'll avenge his death and fulfill his ambition," Argus said angrily.
"Then why are you so frustrated when your soul is filled with the fire of hatred and vengeance? Don't tell me you've gone soft," Malefor mocked Argus.
"I'm never soft! I'm Argus, son of Gaul! Being soft is the worst we can do!" Argus yelled at Malefor angrily.
Malefor only laughed and that made Argus even angrier.
"Instead of giving advice, you laugh at me? Now I know why people hate you," Argus said.
"And I have no reason to be upset about it. Besides, I feed on hate and the more you hate me, the more I feel happier. Hate is darkness and I am darkness," Malefor said.
Argus could only growl but Malefor wasn't bothered by him.
"If you really want help that much, go to the catacombs of Waldriech Mountains that is located at the base of the second mountains. Since you learnt necromancy from the Book of Necromancy that the humans left behind many centuries ago, you shouldn't have problem summoning an army of undead warriors," Malefor said.
The Book of Necromancy was picked up by Argus after the events of the Epicenter and the destruction of Kharnak. He found it at the former site of the Epicenter and it was inert so the book had no control over his mind. Using it, he studied the art of necromancy and learnt how to raise the dead. Though he was skillful at that, he never thought about raising an army since it drained a lot of his powers to do that.
"What do you have in mind Malefor?" he asked the dragon.
"If you can't get past the locks and keys of the Dragon City, why not try raising an army of undead and attacking them with brute force?" Malefor asked.
"I tried but summoning more than 10 of them will render me weak. Only a dragon can do that because they have more magical energy in them. Are you trying to make a fool out of me again?" Argus asked with a scowl on his face.
"You wanted me to be helpful so I'm giving you some advice. If you don't want it, leave it," Malefor said.
"You're a wretch Malefor. I wonder why I'm helping you in the first place," Argus muttered.
"And you're just like your father. All you do is rely on a powerful dragon to give you powers when you are not doing what you're supposed to do. How can I award you with my promise when you can't even keep your own promise and oath? I wonder if you even keep promises to your late father," Malefor shot back.
"That is for me to know and not for you to stick your pointy horns in. Even if I can't get help from the dead, I have the necessary equipments and weapons to deal with Warfang and her defenses. Those human syndicate groups are really greedy people and we appreciate that attitude. They will do just about anything to gain an extra dollar, even if it means supplying us with their weapons and vehicles," Argus said as he picked up an M-16 assault rifle and pulled the cocking lever.
Malefor had an interested look in his eyes and he smiled a dark smile at Argus.
"So you're confident that you and your band of quarrelsome cohorts can take on an entire city that has been fortified and armed? I can only say good luck to you. You'll need it," Malefor said and his spirit disappeared from the mirror.
Argus put the mirror down on the table and smiled evilly.
"No, I don't need luck, the purple dragon does," he said darkly.
Argus went out from his house and yelled something to his comrades to get their attention.
"Listen up brothers; I'm not thinking for another way to sneak! This time, we stomp them into a bloody mess no matter what! If they won't let us steal it, then we'll take them by force!" Argus yelled.
"Hey boss, aren't we a little underpowered? We have not enough equipment for a direct assault on Warfang!" one ape said.
"I don't want excuses from meddling whelps like you! I want that Sacred Room open even if it means blowing the door to smithereens! If you stand in my way and give me excuses, I'll hex you!" Argus said while pointing his bony finger at the ape.
The apes knew that Argus' hexes were rather effective and fatal and none of them liked it when they get hexed. Just a few months ago, one rebellious ape was hexed and the others swore that his mind was never the same again.
"Anyone here has any objections?" Argus growled.
The apes looked at each other and screeched and jumped about while waving their weapons. That was a sign that they are ready for a battle.
"I didn't think so. Load up the tanks and artilleries and make sure you bring enough ammunition for the assault! Tomorrow night, I want blood spilt in the Dragon City and I want to see death in everyone's eyes, including the humans!" Argus yelled a battle cry.
He closed his eyes and smiled as his brethren got busy preparing for the assault by stockpiling weapons and ammunitions and conducting checks on their tanks.
"And there will be no one to stop us from getting to our goal," he said darkly and opened his eyes, revealing a pair of bloodshot eyes with yellow pupils.
"Warfang will fall and I will be happy to witness this glorious city crumble into ruins. Like Trilith, the inhabitants will meet the same fate as the humans did centuries ago."
A/N: Seems like everyone loves attacking Warfang eh. I'll let you on a little secret about the Waldriech Mountains: there is a desecrated temple up there and there is where the ritual will be. However, you'll have to wait a bit before I reveal the history of that temple and why I will make it an important place. Please R&R.