Another Road
Sinrah Wyrm VI: We shall see just what the Omni-Temple is for!
The Order
Darkness filled the basement save for the lone flicker ofcandle light coming from the stairs. Genya Arikado walked down the ten steps that turned at the bottom. Elora and Spyro were following right behind him with nervousness and uncertainty. "Come. We're almost there." They continued to follow him through the cramped room cluttered with dust and cob-webs, rats could be heard scampering around in the corner. Arikado approached a wine rack that seemed no different than the others. "Remember how to do this, you two. I won't repeat it for you." The female faun and the purple dragon watched closely as he removed two bottles from opposite corners and put them in each others' slot, then he took another bottle from the far left of the middle collumn and placed it in the center of the bottom collumn, finally he took the two bottles he switched earlier and switched them back. They all heard a click and the entire section of wall that held the rack lifted and slid high up until the rack bumped against the ceiling. "Right this way." Arikado ducked under the raised wall and the others followed. Spyro only had to lower his head slightly to get through.
"Just what is so important that you had to wake us in the middle of the night anyway?" asked Elora who was still in a night gown. They all had to huddle together in the small hall way with barely enough room to open their arms.
Spyro didn't mind being this close to Elora to be honest. He enjoyed her company. Not to mention he was walking right behind her. "I don't know. I'm actually enjoying the view."
"Excuse me?" Elora stopped walking from hearing this comment.
"Oh shit, was that out loud?" Spyro asked.
Arikado shook his head. "If you two are done, can we please keep moving?" Spyro and Elora both kept walking, all the while blushing madly. At the end of the hall was a wooden door. Arikado knocked and paused for three seconds.
They all heard a voice from behind the door. "Glare of the Day can be Fair enough to Play."
"The Light of the Night shine's just as Bright," Arikado responded.
The door was opened by Soma Cruz. "We're glad you could make it. Please come in."
The three entered a large round stone room with a radius of fifty yards. (If you can't do the math, from one end to the other is the length of a football field.) The two newcomers were in awe at the sight before them. Many corridors led out of the room, possibly to other entrances. The center of the room was many levels down, with stairs leading up to the outer portion of the room. The room had eight levels from the outer-most section to the center, with seats and tables at each level save for the outer-most level. There must have been at least one hundred people here, everyone sitting on different levels of the room. Julius, Nocturnal Serenity, and Yoko sat on the second lowest level along with a few others. Soma walked down the stairs to join them. Mina and others sat on the fifth level. Everyone on the eighth level had to stand. The three Watchers all sat at level one at the bottom. "What is this place?" Spyro and Elora asked at the same time.
"This is the Chamber. Members of the Order of Balance gather here once every ten days for meetings."
"Order of Balance?" Again they both spoke at the same time.
"The Omni-Temple is the bridge between all worlds and is required to keep the worlds at balance. The Order of Balance is made up of agents who serve the temple and make sure it's purpose is fulfilled."
"How come we haven't seen most of these people before?" asked Elora.
"Yeah, wouldn't we have seen them around?" Spyro asked.
"Most are usually out on missions due to every thing going on. The only reason we were around was to make sure you and your friends were comfortable. But when we are at peace, everyone can rest in the Temple until we are needed again. It's a small price to pay."
"Why does every floor seem more nice than the last?" Spyro asked.
"There are eight positions. The higher your position, the lower you sit, that way more people can see you. On this top level we have the associates, level H. The Night Hunters are level B and the Watchers are level A."
"How long does it take to go to a higher level?" asked Elora.
"However long it takes for you to prove you are worthy of promotion. As for the Watchers, only three people may be Watchers at one time. When the time comes for a new Watcher, the person is chosen among the Night Hunters via popular vote among levels C through H."
Spyro was truly amazed. "Wow... So why did you bring us here?"
"Because we have examined the two of you. You both have strong hearts and are capable of handling yourselves. Sparx and Mr Tumnus do not possess the will to be members." Arikado lifted one side of his lip, which is the closest thing to a smile you'll ever get from him. "Spyro, Elora, we envite you to join the Order of Balance."
They both gasped at the opportunity. "You mean I can help save the world?" Elora asked in amazement.
A member overheard. "Save the world? Are you kidding? You're going to help save the universe!" The woman had a unique appearence. She appeared to be a middle-aged human except that she had a strange pattern on her face and instead of hair she had long striped tendrals. She had tan skn and wore a red tube top, a green skirt, and brown boots. She carried a strange rod in her hand. "Hi. My name's Ahsoka Tano, Rider, level E." She shook Elora's hand and Spyro's paw.
"Hi. I'm Elora."
"I'm Spyro. What are you?"
"I'm a Togruta. My world was known as Shili."
"Was?" asked Elora.
"There are other threats besides the Dark Master. I was once a Jedi warrior until I was almost killed by my master. His name was Anikin. He was supposed to be a hero, then he turned and tried to rule the galaxy. He created a weapon capable of destroying entire worlds within seconds. He eventually redeemed himself and died a hero."
"What's that thing in your hand?" asked Spyro.
"Oh this thing?" She pressed a button on the rod and a beam of light came out with a whoosh, startling the newcomers. She then took an apple from her pocket and tossed it in thre air, slicing it in half as it fell back down. "Lightsaber. It can cut through anything."
"That's cool!" said Spyro.
"But wait..." said Elora. "How does the stop like that? Shouldn't it keep going for etern-"
"Don't ask questions," Ahsoka defended. She walked down to the fourth level and sat down.
Arikado grabbed Spyro and Elora by the shoulders. "If you two are done conversing, please come with me." They walked with him down to the bottom level where the Watchers sat. "Watchers, I have brought to you the newcomers for the Order."
"We've met them before, Genya, you don't have to introduce us," said Itrenore.
"Shush, Itrenore," said Ashkor. "Why can't you behave like your brother? Thank you, Arikado. You may take your seat."
"Thank you." Genya Arikado sat next to Julius with the Night Hunters.
"Spyro and Elora. You are worthy of joining our Order," said Ashkor. "For your heroism in defending the realm of Cyrocia from Cynder, you shall be placed in Level F, the Barbarians."
"Elora," Itrenore began, "you shall be placed among level H, the Associates."
"Wait! What?" said Spyro. "We can't be in the same group?"
"I'm sorry, but Elora has not proven herself worthy to be a Barbarian," said Itrenore.
"It's okay. I understand," said Elora.
"No! I'm sure if you give her a chance, Elora can show she has what it takes!"
Both female Watchers looked at Ortinbras. He gave a simple nod.
"Very well," said Ashkor. "You shall duel one of the Raiders of level G. If you succeed, you shall be a Barbarian along with Spyro."
"But if you fail," said Itrenore, "Spyro will be demoted and you shall both be Associates!"
Elora closed her eyes and sighed. "I accept."
Sinrah Wyrm VI: Let's hope Elora can prove herself!
Stephanie Wyrm: Hmm... Did you use this chapter to say you're better than me?
Sinrah Wyrm VI: What do you mean?
Stephanie Wyrm: I'm talking about Ashkor's first line of dialogue in this chapter!
Sinrah Wyrm VI: Uhhhh... Run for your life!