Chapter 35: Wounded

Rift peeks his head in and looks in Silver's room. Seeing no one there, he covers the entire room with popcorn.

Rift: There we go. Silver doesn't own any of the Spyro characters or story, only his own OCs and storyline. I belong to RiftyAgon. If you don't like the story, take a few steps back and smack yourself.

Silvus' POV:

I woke up with the sun shining through the hole in the wall. I stretched like I normally do in the morning, popping my joints into place. I finished with a sigh.

I always enjoy doing that.

I looked around, studying my surroundings. It took me a moment to realize that Kafto was no longer in bed. Trak was gone as well.

Was that night a dream?

My question was answered when the door swung open to reveal Void. "Get up! There's trouble." He said, causing me to jump.

I got up immediately, thinking that it was Kafto that was in trouble. Instead of going straight into the cooking room, or the other room where we had Kafto last night, Void went straight out the door. I followed without hesitation, but with some confusion. We went outside to see Rift and another dragon.

Rift skid on his side into a wall, groaning in pain. A dark burgundy hatching of the same age walked to him, snarling in annoyance. "Even when I'm attacking you, you won't fight back. Pathetic, the guardian's son is nothing but a wimp."

Rift pushed himself up. "Please stop Keltin, I don't want to hurt you. Leave me and Kara alone."

Keltin laughed. "You know how to stop it. Fight me so I can prove that I'm to be the next Fire Guardian." He charged at Rift.

The orange hatchling sighed and closed his eyes, dodging out of the way as Keltin crashed into the wall. Rift looked at his torn up wing and shook his head. "I needed this like I need a hole in my chest."

Void stepped in between them. "Keltin, go home. I will not continue to tolerate you bullying my son or his friend. Rift, I keep telling you to fight back if he hits you."

Rift shook his head. "He wasn't putting me in any life threatening danger. I'm scared that I'd really hurt him if I did fight. Remember that I accidentally burnt down half the village when I unlocked my element."

Void sighed and looked at me. "Can you get him in the house and bandage him up for me? I need to have a chat with Keltin's mother."

I nodded, still a little shaken up from my morning scare. Still, where is Kafto and Trak? I thought about that as I walked to where Rift stood. I had him put his injured wing across my back for support so that it wouldn't drag across the ground.

"What was that all about?" I asked the fire drake beside me. We began to walk up the steps to his house.

Rift looked at the ground. "My village chose me to be their pick for our generation's Fire Guardian. Keltin keeps wanting to prove that he's better by trying to fight me. I won't do it, so he beats me up alot."

He explained all this as we walked through the halls of his house. I brought him into the room where we tended to Kafto and noticed before I walked in that he was in the cooking room, eating something. I breathed a sigh of relief at the small sighting.

"Is he better?" I asked as I set Rift down on a pile of cushions. "Also, where is your medical kit?" He pointed under the table where they had tended to Kafto last night.

I took a look underneath the table and brought a tray of medical goodies. A couple red gems won't be able to regenerate the torn wing membrane. That's one of the first things that Gabriel taught me. Instead I used whatever herbs that were in there and crushed them. I spread it out on his wing to relieve the pain and to speed up the healing process. Then I took some gauze from the kit and started to wrap it around his wing. While doing this, Rift gave his answer.

"I don't know… my dad had me up before them to get supplies. But then Keltin showed up."

We were silent for awhile. Rift just sat down as I bandaged up his wing. This Keltin character must be a bully around here. Rift is probably more powerful then him but he isn't fighting back. From what little I know about him, I'd say that's a good thing.

I gave a pat on his head once I finished bandaging his wing. "You're doing the right thing by not fighting back." Giving a small smile

Rift sighed. "I just hope he doesn't hurt my friends. There was another bully that hurt Kara once. I kinda lost it and…" He mumbled.

I put a paw on his shoulder as I sat next to him. "Everyone loses it once and awhile."

Rift teared up. "I tore his wings completely off. He's never going to be able to live a good life, all because of me!"

This information was surprising. I didn't expect that. I hope I never lose my wings. I shouldn't think about that, don't look down at others. I reminded myself.

"You lost it, you made a mistake. What's important is that you learn from that mistake. You have guilt and remorse for bad things you've done, that's makes you a good dragon, Rift. The most important part about forgiveness not only that the person forgives you, but that you forgive yourself." I said. Where did that even come from? I didn't know I had it in me to say words like that. I'm better at this then I thought I was.

Rift wiped his eyes and hugged me. "Your friends are probably waiting."

I hopped off the elevated cushion that we were sitting on and looked up at Rift. "Why don't you meet the dragon you saved." I said.

Rift pawed at the ground. "It was my friend, Kara, that did that. I just dragged her over."

I sighed and shook my head. "You helped. That's saving in my book. I owe you one, remember that. Now come on." Gesturing for him to come along.

Rift nodded. "Hey Silvus, have you ever like liked a girl?" He asked as he got up to follow me.

I gave a chuckle. "No I have not."

Rift nodded slowly. "Kara kissed me last night and I liked it…"

I gave him a little shove on the shoulder. "I think you're a little young for romance little buddy." I said playfully.

Rift blushed. "Dad did always say I was a charmer…"

That was the last thing said before we walked into the cooking room to see Kafto and Trak sitting at the small table. Both looked at us upon see us. I immediately ran up to Kafto and gave him a hug. Upon contact, he winced in pain.

"Sorry." I muttered. I could see that all his wounds were bandaged up, but Kafto looked really tired. "I'm so glad you're okay."

"We both are." Trak said who was sitting beside him.

I broke the hug and immediately dragged Rift into the room. "Kafto this is Rift! My cousin! He helped save you!" I said excitedly.

Rift quickly hid his tail spade, likely to reduce any bad memories Kafto had. "H-hello, i-i'm Rift."

Kafto sat there staring for a few moments before he slowly stood up on shaking legs. Trak immediately stood up to help him. Kafto walked up to Rift and put a paw on his shoulder and spoke in a raspy voice. "I don't know a single hatchling who is able to superheat their tail blade. Ignitus would likely want you to be his successor, It's nice to meet you Rift." Then he leaned against Trak.

Rift squirmed. "Mr. Kafto, how do you know my dad? He acted as if you were friends or something." He looked a little nervous.

Kafto looked like he was about to pass out and unable to answer. Trak saw this and answered for him, guiding him back to a sitting position. Kafto gave him a thankful look.

"Kafto used to pass through here a bunch when he first became a messenger." Trak said and Kafto nodded in agreement. Even that simple motion looked difficult.

Kafto looked over his bandages, probably for the hundredth time since waking up. He didn't look like he had memories of the pain last night, then again, I cannot see inside his head.

Rift whimpered while looking at Kafto's condition. "In all honestly, you were very unlikely to survive that attack. You'll be lucky if that's the only thing you're struggling with. Your back won't be able to support long flights anymore."

Trak looked sadly at Rift. I didn't know what the sadness meant, but Trak gave an answer. "You are correct, but that's not the only thing. He won't be able to do anything physical, let alone move a bit, for at least 6 to 8 years."

Rift lowered his head. "I am so sorry…"

Kafto was able to answer for himself at this point. "Don't be." He said. Then he turned to me. "W-where….is m-my armor?" I didn't have an answer.

Rift points at Kafto's back. "If anything touches that wound, the pain will be unbearable."

Trak nodded in agreement then looked at Kafto. "Even if we had your armor, you won't be able to wear it." Kafto opened his mouth, but no words came out. Trak seemed to understand what he was going to ask. "It got ripped off by your attacker. It's all gone...I'm sorry..." Kafto looked down to the ground sadly.

Suddenly, I remembered my satchel and what it contained. "Not all of it." I said running out of the room and into where I slept. I flipped open my satchel and took Kafto's helmet out of the bag.

I ran back into the room holding it with one paw. I walked up to Kafto with it and held it out to him. The helmet had two symbols on it. One symbol for fire, and one symbol for family. He took it with shaking paws.

"Thank you Silvus." He said quietly and said nothing more.

Rift looks at it curiously. "May I see that?"

Kafto stared at the helmet and slowly nodded his head, but made no move to give it. I stood up, noticing the problem, and retrieved the helmet and put it in Rift's little paws.

Rift set it down and raised a claw, which began to glow a soft orange, marking a third symbol into it. "He fits this well… Survivor."

I was about to stop Rift from marking the symbol, but Kafto gave a light nod of approval, and I returned to my place.

"Survivor..." I heard Kafto say while looking at his paws. "Am I a survivor?"

It wasn't a question. I knew he referred to the injury to his back that prevented long flights, and maybe even flying in general.

"A survivor from a dark dragon." Trak said from behind him. I looked over at the pair suspiciously.

"Tell me, do either of you know who did this." They could obviously hear the edge in my voice.

I will find the dragon responsible for this, and I will kill them.

Rift yelped as he tripped, falling face first to the ground. Somehow, he managed to fling the helmet onto Kafto perfectly. Causing him to flinch in pain.

The fact that happened hardly fazed me. My gaze was fixed solely on Trak and Kafto. The two stared back, unanswering. I knew they were keeping this from me, and I want to know what.

"We don't know." Was the answer. I saw right through the lie.

I sighed angrily and moved towards Rift to help him up after his little fall. I tried my best to hide my annoyance and I pulled Rift up.

"Thank you Rift." Kafto said in a low tone as he looked at the newly carved symbol in the helmet, though it was a little messy it still looked good.

Rift took the distraction and shoved something sweet into my mouth. I was about to shout at him before the confection began to melt in my mouth. Rift giggled and gave more of the strange food to Trak and Kafto.

"Have some chocolate." He said.

Somehow the..chocolate... caused me to calm down. I let out a content sigh. "I feel better." Whatever was in there apparently can change mood. "How does that work?" I asked Rift.

Rift shrugged. "Sugar, I use it to make Kara feel better when she's moody."

"Speaking of Kara." Trak said. "How old is she? I've never seen such amazing skill in healing, especially from a hatchling."

Rift nodded. "She's four and a half."

Trak looked surprised. "Why does every hatchling seem to act older then they are!" That caused everyone to laugh a bit. Even Kafto, who seemed like he couldn't do a thing.

Rift pawed at the ground. "I've just always been more serious. Kara does when she needs to."

"Yeah, but all three of you aren't even adolescents yet. Ahh, the good old days." Trak said wistfully to Kafto as if he was remembering something.

Those two most certainly have a past together.

"We have a reason for acting like this." I said looking at Rift then shaking his head. "Well at least I do."

Rift looks back. "I kinda have to help defend the village."

I nodded at Rift. "Yeah, my reason is different."

"I understand that you have to defend the village, but why bring hatchlings into it?" Trak asked, raising his paws up for effect.

Rift sighed. "I'm seen as one of the best here with using my element. We've run low on guards as of recently."

"Ah, I see." Trak said. "You are one of those dragons that has been trained since birth."

Throughout this conversation, I was just unconsciously pawing at the ground. Anyone would look at me and think that I wasn't paying attention to anything, though they were wrong.

Rift looked at me and sighed. "I'm sorry, I know you have places to be and I'm holding you back."

At that I looked up at Rift. "You aren't holding me back Rift. My friend over there needs recovery and I'm not just going to leave him until I know he is better. To top it off, I just found out that I have more family than I realized." Gesturing to him at the word family.

Void suddenly opened the door and stepped into the cooking room and sat down with a huff. "That boy is gonna be the death of me. How is my son's wing?"

"He's all bandaged up Uncle Void." I said, already accustomed to calling him uncle.

Void thanked me and looked at Kafto. "I imagine you're pretty ready to go home."

Trak answered for him. "He can't maintain flight but Warfang is a two weeks walk from here." Looking at Kafto. "We'll be out of your paws within the day."

Void chuckled. "I love visitors, but I know you messengers are a busy bunch. And while normally it's a long trip, my name isn't Void for nothing."

Trak looked at Void with one scaly eyebrow raised. "What do you mean." He asked the rest of us equally curious.

Void closed his eyes and took a deep breath. With a ear bursting roar, he released a stream of turquoise flames at a wall, forming an oval shape. "Void portal. . ."

I had no words for what I just witnessed. I never knew fire dragons could do that. My surprise contained my words, rendering me speechless.

It would be awesome if I can make portals.

"No wonder you were almost chosen for Fire Guardian." Trak said, staring at the portal.

The fire dragon rubbed his neck and panted. "It's a Void exclusive, but it really kills my magic. One of a few moves that I'm not going to teach Rift for his safety." He said, looking at his son for the last part.

Trak gave a sigh while standing up. "Well, we should get to Warfang."

Void patted his back. "That portal will take you to the temple. I wish you could stay, but I see Kafto as a nephew. I know he needs rest."

"Where better to rest then the comfort of your own bed." Trak said helping Kafto to his shaky paws.

"Void...Rift." Kafto looked at them. "You have my thanks." His voice hoarse, like he hadn't talked in ages.

Void nuzzled him. "I care for you, just try not to get hurt again."

Kafto gave a nod, wincing while he did so. Trak walked beside him, letting Kafto use him as a crutch. The pair stopped a moment before the portal.

"Whenever we come back, one of us is always hurt in some way." Trak said. "I wonder what they're going to say about this one..." He muttered before both he and Kafto walked through the portal.

I gave the portal one look. I can't, no matter how much I want to see him through.

"I need to fly to my destination." I said, turning towards the pair of fire dragons.

Rift and Void both hugged me, Rift fighting to hold back tears. "You be safe cousin. I want to see you again."

"I'll come by to visit after my training." I said before walking towards the door. "Thank you and goodbye."

I grabbed my satchel before I left the house. I took out my map just to be sure I knew where I was going. With one last look at the house, I took off flying in the direction for Shimmering Shores.

Silver walks into his house after a long day. He goes into the fridge to get some water, or at least something to drink. With a sigh he went upstairs to his room.

Silver: I wonder if Rift did anything this time.

As he opened the door a wall of popcorn comes crashing into him.

Silver: Of course.

He easily walked through the mountain of popcorn to find the dragon responsible for this, only to find him eating some of it while sitting in his chair.

Silver: Rift, why in the Ancestors would you cover my entire room in popcorn?

He merely shrugged without saying a word.

Silver angrily sets down his glass of water on his popcorn covered desk.

Silver: You're lucky I like popcorn. You better help me clean this up.

Rift smirked and jumped into the middle of the sea of popcorn, disappearing underneath it.

Silver: (Sigh) See everyone next week. Give some feedback if you want a bag of popcorn.