By popular demand, I've been asked to continue this story. But before I do. It's been 3ish years since I wrote something. You guys and girls deserve to know why. So, life is never straight forward. There are corners and obstacles that you have to get around and over to continue. Unfortunately for me, I've seemed to crash at every single one. My motivation for writing has never been good enough to continue the story that I left after I finished Chapter 4. Even with the promise that Chapter 5 would be up, I could just never bring myself to finish it off. It's just sat there. However, I owe it, both to you and everyone reading this to continue, and with luck finish this story. I don't know if I will, but I promise to at least try. So with all that said and done, here is the 3-year overdue Chapter 5: When New Dragons Emerge Part 2.
Awoken by the sound of one of the large horns used to give signals throughout Warfang, Spyro found himself slumped on the floor, having rolled away from his collection of cushions fashioned by the moles. Taking a yawn, followed with a deep breath, he stood himself upright and looked out of the balcony. As the sun creeps up into the sky, the dragon statues reflect some of the light, brightening the city in an incredible display. Below, he could see the training ground being prepared. Moles bringing out all manner of obstacles, straw dummies and movable targets, all for the survivors. For the first time, Spyro felt tranquil in his surroundings.
This state of peace however was abruptly disturbed by quiet but consistent knocking on his door. Bit too quiet for any dragon to be knocking though.
"Master Spyro, are you awake. I have urgent news." Drem called out, the mole frantically knocking on the door, his little hands hitting as hard as they can.
"Come in Drem, I'm awake, no need to keep knocking" Spyro replied, as Drem quickly bursts through the door, almost tripping over the cobblestone floor. Regaining his balance, Drem rushes onto the balcony to greet Spyro. "What's going on, are the survivors here?" Spyro questioned, eager to find out if these new dragons are here.
"Not far Master Spyro, they've been spotted at the southern gate, high in the sky. Mistress Cynder has already left to meet them with the guardians. Also, I've been informed to tell you Ignitus's ceremony will take place at dusk, in the training grounds. If you hurry, you may make the gate before they arrive. I'm sure they would be honored to meet the purple dragon that saved the world." With those words, Spyro leapt off the balcony, spreading out his wings as Drem watched in amazement. The purple dragon banked right, towards the southern gate. From up here, he could see numerous flying creatures approaching Warfang, as well as a caravan on the ground. At the gate, Cynder was patiently waiting, intrigued by the speed these moles were prepared the gate to be opened, food and water laid out in perfect order for the survivors, on top of several moles dressed in a white tunic laced with brown velvet stripes. These moles were guides for the survivors to explore Warfang, as well as acquaint themselves with their new shelter. Spyro's eyes locked onto Cynder, nose diving from above followed by leveling out to avoid hitting the ground. She turned around to see him land only a little behind her.
"I was wondering when you were going to arrive. You almost missed the new arrivals. We're to greet them then follow to the Dragon Temple for the guardians to see them." Cynder smiled, turning her head back towards the gate. The metal bars unlocking one by one, finishing with the main bar in the center. As the doors swung open, the caravan approached, led by a grey scaled dragon, with dulled white horns protruding from the back of his skull, and a sharp bladed tail clearly used recently. Behind him was a large wooden caravan, carrying not only moles, but an injured dragon. In the skies, dragons of all colors descended, landing around the caravan.
"Welcome, all of you, to Warfang. My name is Spyro, this is Cynder" nodding his head towards the black dragon next to him. The dragons all around started bowing their heads as the grey dragon rose up his head to speak.
"Thank you, Spyro and Cynder. I wish we could exchange more pleasantries, but I must seek medical attention for this young dragon. We were ambushed by some of Malefor's remaining apes that didn't get the message about his defeat. Can one of these moles please direct us to the closest medical area". he said, glancing back at the caravan before turning to a mole sprinting up to him.
"Right this way, we have a medical area for dragons in the academy. Drem, you're the fastest here. Send word to the staff to prepare for wounded." With those words, Drem pivoted and sprinted towards the academy, followed closely by the other mole with the dragons. Some of the dragons eyed up Spyro and Cynder as they past, all heading to the Dragon Temple while the grey dragon and caravan diverted to the academy.
"Cynder, follow the remaining dragons and moles. Inform the guardians of what's happened. I'm going to see if I can be of any help, as well as learn about this grey dragon. Have you ever seen a grey dragon before?" Spyro's expression was one of intrigue. Grey is a color almost as rare as purple, with the exception of The Chronicler, who appears grayish-light blue in color. Cynder did not say a word, simply shaking her head as she leaped up in the air to catch up with the other dragons. Spyro turned and took off to catch up with the caravan, spotting it not too far ahead of where they were. He softly landed next to the grey dragon, glancing into the caravan to spot the injured dragon. She was a Cyan scaled dragon, with blood stains across her body. One of her wings had been torn slightly and some scales were missing. The grey dragon did not turn towards Spyro, but knew he'd approached him.
"She and I were defending the caravan from the apes. They put up more of a fight than expected, and she got caught from behind. I only just reached her before they could finish her off. The sooner she starts getting healed, the better" His voice was shallow with concern, worried if she'd be ok. Spyro remained silent though, not sure what he could do to help the grey dragon or the female.
As they entered the infirmary, moles scurried around with lights and tools. The grey dragon lowered his head to the injured female, and lifted her onto his back before laying her back down on a sleek black marbled table large enough for even the fattest of dragons. The grey dragon placed his paw on top of her head, before the moles kindly approached him.
"May we ask you and Master Spyro leave the room. We will do everything within out power to help your friend, but we need all the space we can get." spoke one of the medical moles, dressed in a pure white coat with yellow laces on the button and waistline.
"Of course. Just please help her" The grey dragon left, followed by Spyro. He took one final look before the door shut closed. Quietly, he could hear the moles reassuring the dragon as they start trying to repair some of the damage caused. The whirring of machines and feet cluttering about. The grey dragon let out a small sigh before turning towards Spyro.
"Who was she?" asked Spyro, curious to know as much as he can not only about this grey dragon, but also the injured female.
"Her name is Glace. You should meet her when the moles are finished. Come, we must attend this meeting with the Guardians I was informed about." he replied, following Spyro as they leave the academy and take flight towards the Dragon Temple. As they arrive, Cynder is sat just outside the door, smiling as Spyro and the grey dragon arrive.
"They're just about to start. They wanted to wait for you and your friend before starting introductions and such." Cynder walked over to Spyro's side, as all three enter the temple.
Inside, Volteer, Terrador and Cyril are stood on a slightly higher platform from the ground, overlooking all of the dragon's present. There was small chatter between the dragons, whispering to each other about numerous different topics. Spyro, Cynder and the grey dragon approached the guardians from the side of the crowd. Terrador gave a small grin, before giving his speech.
"Alright, now that everyone is here, we may begin. Thank you for your patience. As was said at the southern gate, welcome to Warfang. I know a lot of you have questions. All the answers to those will become clear, maybe not today in this room, but soon enough. Firstly, to introduce the Guardian Dragons. This is Cyril, The Guardian of Ice." Terrador lifts his paw to Cyril, who straightens himself proudly in front of everyone. Lowering his paw, Terrador now lifts the other paw up towards Volteer. "Volteer, The Guardian of Electricity." Volteer seems muttering himself, before clearing his throat and smiling gently. Lowering his paw, Terrador continues, "And my name is Terrador, I am The Guardian of Earth. Ignitus was our previous Guardian of Fire, but he sacrificed himself to get Spyro and Cynder through the Belt of Fire to save the world. Spyro and Cynder faced Malefor, and together defeated him forever. But not only that, Spyro saved the entire world. I ask you show kindness and respect to this purple dragon, as we would not be here without him." Slowly, all of the dragons dip their heads to Spyro, as a sign of respect. Spyro dipped his head in return, bringing a smile to Cynder. "And now, I pass over to someone you are more familiar with." He exclaimed, turning to the grey dragon.
"Almost all of you know who I am, but for those who do not, my name is Arcanimus. Our journey has been long and brutal. If it were not for dragons like Spyro or Glace, we may never have come to be here. They show the courage and determination all dragons should strive to have. Never forget that. Terrador has asked I inform you of where you will be staying. The academy has plenty of dormitories outfitting for our arrival. Should you require the Guardians, they will be here for any and all questions you may have. Please, take the time to adjust to Warfang. It is our new home." Arcanimus turns back towards Terrador, nodding his head to show he has finished speaking.
"There will be a ceremony for our fallen Guardian Ignitus at dusk. All of you are welcome to attend this ceremony to honor his sacrifice. That concludes this meeting. You may leave now". Terrador, Volteer and Cyril all smile, before leaving through to Terrador's quarters, with the dragons exiting and flying off to the academy. Arcanimus, Spyro and Cynder exited the main room, leading to the front of the Dragon Temple.
"Dusk is coming soon. I must see the other dragons are able to settle in, as well as check up on Glace. Spyro and Cynder, it's a privilege to meet you both. Take care now." Arcanimus smiles, then leapt off the stairs, extending his wings to glide towards the academy, leaving just Spyro and Cynder alone.
"Well, that went better than I thought it would" Cynder smiled, nudging Spyro slightly. Spyro's concentration on Arcanimus broke, smiling back and returning the nudge she gave.
"By the time we reach the ceremony, Dusk should've hit. C'mon, it's not far from here." he said, stretching out his wings, feeling the wind glide under and over. Spyro took a small run up then dived down the staircase, claws barely above each stair. Cynder followed his glide closely. As they reached the bottom, Spyro pulled his wings upwards to soar directly to the sky, performing an aerial roll to level himself off. To catch up, Cynder used her wind element to generate a gust of wind just as she pulled up, skyrocketing into the air at incredible speed.
After a few minutes of gliding over the city, Spyro noticed a large congregation of moles and dragon's alike heading to the training grounds of the academy. Landing just outside, all the moles were holding candles, while the dragons kept their heads low. In front of them, a large wall, using a material unlike anything used in Warfang stood. It was a gold-ish color, but underneath that layer, a bright light emanated. The Guardian's then emerged, alongside Drem wearing a red tunic and holding a blue flamed candle. Terrador stopped just in front of the wall, with Cyril and Volteer slightly behind him.
"Thank all of you for attending this ceremony" Terrador exclaimed, clearing his throat in the process. "This wall is our Wall of Remembrance. The stones you see before you are an ingenious design by our mole friends. They named it Ignerite. I couldn't tell you the process of making it, but I can show you why it's so unique." A few of the moles dragged out a rock made of Flamestone, the same material used in the Dragon Temple walls. Terrador took in a deep breath, then dug his claw into the stone, molding the stone around his claw. Removing his claw, now covered in hardened Flamestone, he approached the wall and carved Ignitus into the wall. The name instantly like up like fire, with tiny flames keeping the name lit up. "This wall changes the name to the element of the dragon who we write upon it. Ice, Fire, Earth, Electricity, even Aether. Words cannot describe Ignitus. So I ask simply for a moment of silence." Terrador, Cyril and Volteer lowered their heads. Spyro was about to do the same when he noticed Arcanimus on the other side of the grounds, assisting Glace in maintaining her balance. Her wings were scarred, but the flesh itself had been repaired. Her missing scales had been patched up and colored to blend in with the scales she already had. He smiled seeing Glace and Arcanimus here, as he lowered his head. After the moment passed, everyone started leaving the grounds. Spyro and Cynder were about to leave when a young dark green dragon ran over to them. His posture was very stable and solid, instantly giving away his element as Earth. His tail was shaped like the end of a club, with several protruding spikes aligning it, making it not only a blunt weapon when striking, but sharp enough to thrust.
"Ah. The purple dragon of legends. At last I catch you, if at a bad time. Apologies. Arcanimus sent me over to fetch you. He'd like you to meet Grace before he takes her back to the infirmary." spoke the dragon, his eyes studying Spyro carefully, observing every scar, horn, spike, any detail about him.
"Thank you...uh, what was your name?" Spyro asked. He'd never seen another earth dragon other than Terrador. There was defiantly a resemblance.
"Forgive me and my manners. My name is Avantador, one of the new dragons that arrived. I'll also be one of the new students here learning under dragon's such as yourselves" he smiled
"Well, Avantador, myself and Spyro hope you enjoy your time here. We'll head over to see Arcanimus, but with luck we'll see you around" Cynder responded, curling her tail around Spyro to pull him away. They approached Arcanimus, who had sat Glace down on the ground. He waved over Spyro and Cynder who picked up the pace while Avantador flew off, still with a smile on his face.
"Ah. Spyro, Cynder, please let me introduce Glace." Arcanimus smiled as the Cyan dragon role her head and fully opened her icy-blue eyes, gazing at them.
"So, the purple dragon of legend, and Cynder, former Terror of the Skies, now companion. Sorry if I brought a bad memory, I wasn't sure what other title to use. It's an honor to meet the pair of you at last. I wish I could be doing it in better shape" she said softly, chuckling at the end. Cynder lowered her head slightly, with Spyro draping a wing over her.
"What you did for the other dragons more than makes up for any of it Glace. We're all glad to see you're ok and recovering well." Spyro exclaimed. "As for this amazing dragoness here, while her past is not as pleasant as we wanted it to be, she turned out to be the best thing to happen to me." Cynder's head perked up, eyes watery with tears.
"Exactly. While I know some dragons here who may be resentful at first, they'll warm up to you. The past is a difficult experience to let go off, and we must be very careful to not let it cloud our judgment." Glace's voice was quiet, either for comfort or just not having enough strength. Cynder let out a couple of tears as Spyro pulled her in closer.
"Anyway, I hate to be the one who cuts this short, but you, Glace. You need to get back to the infirmary so they can make sure you're ok to spend the night outside of there. Thank you for taking the time to meet her Spyro and Cynder, I appreciate it" Arcanimus stretches himself out a bit, then lowers his neck for Glace to put most of her weight on. Slowly and steadily they make their way off the grounds and back towards the infirmary.
As night approached, Spyro and Cynder made their way back to the dormitories. A lot of the previously empty rooms were now filled with all manner of dragons. Approaching Cynder's door, Spyro's smile slightly dropped. He didn't want to spend a moment away from Cynder.
"Well, I better get some rest, as should you. Mr. "purple dragon of legends"." Cynder playfully mocked, giggling quietly. Spyro stared at her, his eyes completely locked on her every detail. Cynder blushed lightly, entering her room. "Goodnight, Spyro" she said softly.
"Goodnight Cynder, sleep well" he replied, finally breaking eye contact and slowly walking down the hallway, Cynder's gaze lingered on the purple dragon. She wanted to just tell him she loves him, but she can't even work out if he loves her back. Frustrated, Cynder flops onto her bed, almost letting tears out from her eyes. Spyro entered his room, laying down and staring at the ceiling. Before drifting off into another slumber.
Spyro's dream traveled back to just after Malefor's defeat, with Cynder and Spyro landing on the Purple core of the world as it breaks apart around them.
"Spyro, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry" she said, regretfully looking at the ground as the world breaks apart around them. Spyro turns to her. His facial expression is blank, but inside he was denying any notion of Cynder even possibly being responsible.
"Don't be. It's over now" he replied, now fully turned to Cynder. They'd defeated Malefor. Even if the world broke apart, that victory was something to hold onto.
"So this is it?" Cynder looked around at the world she knew, cracks spreading out in patterns as far as the eye can see. Meanwhile, Spyro felt a presence, something calling out to him. He closed his eyes, and listened, concentrating on making a connection. In his mind, an image of Ignitus appeared, the Guardian of Fire who perished getting them through the belt of fire.
"Spyro. When a dragon dies, he does not truly leave this world. His spirit lives on, binding itself with nature, offering hope for the future". As the image fades away, a thought suddenly sprung into Spyro's mind. His destiny is not to destroy the world as Malefor predicted. It was to SAVE the world. He knew what needed to be done. Opening his eyes, his first thought was of Cynder.
"I know what I need to do. Just get out of here Cynder" Spyro's voice had taken a very serious tone, almost as if he was ordering Cynder to leave. He didn't know if this would even work, let alone if he and Cynder would live through it if she stayed.
"Spyro, No! You don't have to do anything, let's just go" Cynder said defiantly. She wasn't about to abandon Spyro, especially at a time like this. In her eyes, he'd already done enough stopping Malefor, believing in her, turning her away from the darkness when she needed him most.
"Where Cynder? There'll be nothing left. The world is breaking apart! But I think I can stop it... I think I'm meant to." he had realized what his true destiny was, but he couldn't bring Cynder down with him if this failed. Spyro just stared at Cynder. The dragon he had fought for almost his entire life. Cynder started back, realizing that he was right. Whatever he had planned, it was the only way to save the planet from total destruction. She took a long pause, as it could have been her last moment with Spyro.
"Then I'm with you" she responded. Spyro's eyes widened slightly, before closing them and lifting up, his body emitting a bright purple light as a pulse emits from his body. Cynder took one last look at the purple dragon. If she was going to say anything, now could be the last time to ever say it. She took a deep breath, before whispering to Spyro three words. "I love you".
And that's it for this chapter. I'll be honest, I don't know if I'll even get the next one out in the near future. Like I said, motivation is so difficult for me to muster to write this, not because I don't enjoy writing this story. It falls down to my depression and anxiety just getting the better of me. But I'll do my best to get this story done however and whenever I can. But, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Please let me know what you think, I know a lot of you have been waiting years. Well, till the next chapter. Baiii :P