Chapter 6

The Odd Duet

He didn't have time for this, nor was he expecting it so soon. A human hid behind a tree in a snowy forest as bullets whizzed by, keeping him pinned. This wouldn't stand. The human was infuriated right now.

Peeking around the tree, he found his assailant with a standard colt pistol taking aim toward him. Throwing himself back behind his cover, bullets were fired, nicking bark off the tree. Seeing as he had no choice, he upholstered his own weapon and loaded a magazine into it. Cocking it quickly, he aimed around the tree and fired.

A curse was heard from his enemy, but it seemed he had missed his target. No matter, it was only a matter of time.

"I don't know where you got that weapon from!" the assailant exclaimed. "But I won't let you get away from me again Archie!"

Another bullet was fired as the human known as Archie ducked for cover. He growled under his breath as he peeked around the corner and noticed his assailant was moving forward. Quickly taking the opportunity, he reached his weapon around and fired.

A yell of pain was heard as the man dropped his weapon into the snow. Archie immediately jumped out of cover and sprinted toward his enemy. But he had different plans.

The assailant bared through the pain in his leg and snatched his weapon up, aiming it toward Archie. Before he could fire, a twig snapped from beside him. Quickly switching targets, he aimed his weapon, not toward Archie, but to a snow white dragoness with a light blue underbelly, darker blue wings, and sky blue fur running along her spine as well. She grinned as the human who aimed the weapon at her froze.

Before he could fire, Archie pulled the trigger on his own weapon, hitting the man's pistol square in the middle, knocking it out of his hand and destroying it in the process. He recoiled his hand in pain as Archie closed in, not letting his gun down for a moment.

"Kill me then," the man stated.

"Not before you tell me what's going on," Archie replied as the white dragoness took her place beside him. "Where did you get your own weapon from?"

"I'm not talking, kill me."

The dragoness growled toward him, but Archie dismissed it. "We've had out differences Wade, you know I'm not going to kill you. I just want to know . . . did they do what I feared they would?"

The man known as Wade sighed. The pain in his leg was still there, but he ignored it.

"They did, didn't they?"

Still nothing to say.

The white dragoness could tell by the look on Archie's face that he was flustered with the situation. "It's alright Archie," she assured in a soft comfortable voice.

"Damn it!" he shouted. The dragoness was almost shocked by the outburst. Even Wade seemed to be a bit surprised.

"You know," Wade began. "I've never thought I would actually hear that from you Archie. After all these years even."

"It makes no sense! Why?"

"You know why."

Archie sighed, he put his weapon away and dug in his coat pocket to pull out a wrap bandage. He silently tossed it to Wade, which he caught.

Wade looked at him questionably. "Now I have to ask the same thing."

"You know why."

Silently, Wade began unraveling and wrapping the bandage tight around his injured leg. Archie seemed to have intentionally aimed for the safest spot you could shoot a man apparently. It also seemed he was true to his word that he swore in the past.

Never kill a man with no good reason. It will haunt you in the future.

Wade slowly stood to his feet and looked at Archie one last time before limping away, using trees for support whenever he could. That man . . . it was tough to decipher the relationship between him and Archie. Some would say it was an impossible even.

The white dragoness turned toward Archie, "So what now?"

Archie turned toward the dragoness and set his hand in between her two tan horns. Her sky blue eyes stared straight back him the entire time.

"Everest. I think it's about that time. We need help."

"But humans aren't welcome in the cities, do you want me to go in instead?"

Archie shook his head. "Not this time. We need to send out a warning about the Ubiquitous Collection Agency. They're not going to stop now."

The two wasted no time to begin their walk. As they did, Archie pulled his weapon back out to unload and set the safety on it. After holstering it once more, he ran his hand through his short light brown hair, brushing snow from it away. Everest knew how Archie worked. That gun of his was always his last resort. Getting his ammo was a pain though, but it seemed like UCA was making a move considering Wade was armed now. Seemed as if they were starting to let weapons through. It wouldn't be long now.

Time passed and the two companions barely talked about the situation. Nothing needed to be said. They both knew the reasons of UCA's actions. However, that needed to be explained to the authorities instead to each other.

It took nearly four hours to reach their destination and Archie would be telling nothing more than a lie if he said he wasn't tired. But there it was. The city of Warfang waited ahead of them. Now came the hard part. Getting inside without being attacked. Of course, Archie's clothing didn't help either, but he wasn't expecting to be doing this so soon. He was sure it was more unusual than what these dragons were used to see what humans were wearing. Polyester wasn't exactly modern in this place.

But before he could proceed, he heard growling behind him. As soon as he turned, he was looking at the purple dragon himself. It was quite the surprise.

"Well," Archie muttered, running a hand across his hairless face. "Hello Spyro. Didn't expect to run into you honestly, but it's more favorable than just walking inside I guess."

"What are you talking about?" the purple dragon asked, keeping his guard up. Cynder stood behind him, also curious of what this human was saying.

Archie smiled. "Let's just say I'm here to help. I'm sure you wouldn't mind knowing that some other humans, besides myself, was planning to destroy your forests and all things around it?"

That seemed to get his attention. The purple dragon's curiosity was now peeked. "Is that so?"

"Yes, it is actually. So before you maul my face off or whatever, how about taking me to the higher ups and I can explain from there?"

"What about your friend here?"

"You mean Everest? Pft, she's fine, wouldn't hurt a bunny. But pretty much everything else is fair game."

Everest only sighed in reply.

"I'm just being cooperative," Archie explained, "You asked and I told."

The purple dragon gave it some thought as he looked back toward Cynder. The two were quiet for a moment before Spyro turned back toward Archie, then nodded. "Alright . . . but don't try anything or I'll toast you myself."

Archie held up his right hand, "Archie's honor . . . and Everest too," as he nudged her in the side.

"You're going to get us killed," Everest muttered.

"Naw."

"Naw? That's it?"

"That's all that needs to be said my dear Everest."

"Alright," Spyro interrupted, "Instead of being the odd siblings we should get going before I change my mind about all this."

"Lead the way then fly-boy."

Cynder cocked an eye, "Fly-boy? I'll have to remember that one."

Spyro only made a discontented sigh as he took lead toward the near entrance to the city. "Weirdo."

"Feelings," Archie pouted.

Spyro led the strange man to the nearest entrance to Warfang, being sure to keep an eye on him the entire time. He seemed so . . . nonchalant about the whole situation. The other one, Everest as Archie called her, didn't seem as concerned as Archie either.

As they neared the gate, Archie began whistling an annoying tune. After a few moments, before Spyro could say anything, it seemed Everest was one step ahead.

"Are you sure now's the time for that Archie?"

"Anytime is a good time for catchy tunes," the man simply replied. "Doesn't help that my phone died weeks ago. I had some good stuff on that I would have played."

Spyro nor Cynder said anything. Disregarding the nonsense that this human uttered seemed to be the best of ideas for the time being. As they passed the guards into the city, Spyro and Cynder were let through, but not without questioning for the human's presence. It didn't take much to let them all through. The purple dragon's reputation was too overwhelming to question his judgment.

The Elder Hall wasn't too far but took longer to arrive than Spyro had hoped. The amount of passerby's that felt threatened or at unease as the human passed by was many. Some even had the courage to ask straight out the reason for his presence. Most of the answers given was by Archie himself which included being on business, on vacation, visiting relatives, or looking for a wall plug for his phone. Whatever that meant. Spyro had a hard time trying to put this man together.

Spyro and Cynder had no opinion on Everest though. She remained quiet and was just a mystery for the moment. From what they could put together, the two of them had known each other for quite a while now. Hopefully some answers would be given as soon as they gave Archie what he wanted.

"Here we are," Spyro began, stopping in front of a large building with many windows to be seen. It looked much different from the other building's they came across during their way here. Even the front door looked a bit larger than the residential homes. "The Elder Hall. Relic should be inside, if not I'm sure one of his assistants would be willing to let us know where he is."

"Excellent," Archie said, a smile plastered on his face. "Well let's go then."

"No funny business," Cynder threatened from behind.

"Absolutely boss, lead the way."

Cynder remained in the back however and let Spyro go on ahead, being sure to remain behind Everest's feathery ended light blue tail. From what she could tell, Everest was a different species of dragon known as a Baron Dragon. They were fairly rare and didn't originally come from around the area of Warfang itself. Much like two of her friends, Everest had knowledge of two elements. Cynder was sure of it.

Making their way down the hall, Archie seemed to marvel at build of the interior. Marble floors, expensive looking carpeting, and glowing tubes or sticks emitting a bright enough light to lead the way through the hallway. As they passed by several doorways, Spyro turned into one room in particular. Archie followed closely behind.

"Relic," Spyro began, getting the Elder's attention. He seemed to be looking at something on his desk until he was interrupted.

"Spyro?" he replied, looking up to see it was none other. He noticed the human as well. "I suppose you have good reason for letting this human pass all the security?"

The purple dragon nodded immediately. "Yes, he claims you knows what the other humans are up to and wishes to share their plans with us."

Relic slowly nodded in understanding, also taking notice of the snow white dragoness in front of Cynder, who seemed to be blocking the doorway to prevent any escape. "And what of the baron here?"

"That's Everest sir," Archie spoke officially. "She's with me and will be no trouble."

"I see, well then, you have my attention and curiosity. You're obviously a brave soul to march into Warfang after what your species have done to us in the past. So let's have at it, what is the reason for you being here?"

Archie relaxed a little. "I've come with a warning."

"A warning?"

"Yes boss. I'll try to explain as best as I can. The Ubiquitous Collection Agency is a group of humans who came here seeking resources to mine and take for themselves. At first, they kept to themselves and only took from area's that weren't inhabited by life. It didn't take long for them, without finding results, to move around. As such, hearing rumors wasn't difficult. One rumor was about six ancient fragments that was said to keep the wild's in check. I honestly don't know what that means exactly but that was how I heard it."

Giving them a moment to process the information so far, Archie continued. "These fragments once formed a powerful stone but was broken into six chunks and spread across this region. We don't know why exactly, but the temptations was too great for my former employees. I've recently learned that they begun making a move for them, even going as far as using a Bravo Gate."

"What's a Bravo Gate?" Spyro asked.

"It's a portal that connects you're world to another. The UCA has been using it to bring weapons from their home to yours. They plan on taking those stone chunks by force if needed."

"What kind of weapons?" Relic questioned.

Archie then opened his coat and pulled out his own pistol. He set it on Relic's desk, who studied it for a moment, unsure of what he was looking at.

"It's unloaded and safe to handle," Archie assured.

Carefully Relic picked it up and examined the strange device. "What does this do exactly?"

Archie then pulled the clip for it out his pocket and set it on the desk. "It fires these bullets into projectiles, fast enough to easily puncture skin and quite possibly a dragon's scales. It's capable of cutting clean through a human's body and keep going with some momentum left. Might I add, this is only a pistol, the weapons the UCA are bringing in can fire bullets rapidly."

"Would an earth shield stop bullets?" Spyro asked.

Archie nodded. "I have no trouble believing it would. Or any kind of solid elemental shield for that matter. Ice could work, strong winds could blow bullets away or off their paths. Water can work as well assuming it's dense enough. I doubt fire would work though."

It was a lot of information to take in, but at least they were able to get the idea of what this UCA was capable of. Relic put the pistol back down on his desk and looked toward Archie with concern. "And for what reason do you have to tell us this?"

For the first time since he entered the room, Archie looked back toward Everest for a few seconds. The room was deathly quiet as the two just stared at each other. Spyro looked at Cynder, unsure of what was going on.

"Sir," Archie began. "Let me ask you a serious question." Spyro was taken aback. He changed his moods so quickly, it was just surprising. "If you had a chance to make up for the evil of the world, even with the smallest of gestures, would you?"

That was a no brainer.

"Of course," the oversized green dragon replied, completely sure of his answer. "But in the experience of dragons humans have next to no redeeming qualities. We've learned to not trust them with very few exceptions."

Archie was quiet as he still looked at Everest in her bright blue eyes. He slowly turned back toward Relic without any smile this time.

"If that is all, you may take your leave."

"Archie sir. My companion is Everest."

Relic nodded. "I thank you personally for the warning Archie. If you come across anything that could be useful to prevent this catastrophe, please come to me. I'll let my guards know that your presence is welcome here."

With nothing else to say, Archie turned and made his leave for the exit. Cynder stood to the side, letting him and Everest move along.

"Sad," Archie began, sorrow in his voice. "Hard to believe how hated we are here. I don't blame you for that decision though. I would do the same." He began his walk down the hallway as Everest walked alongside him. "I may already do."

The guards closely watched him as he exited the building. Archie didn't seem to mind. He would have felt like a trespasser if someone wasn't watching him.

Before him and Everest could take make a move, Spyro and Cynder emerged from the building as well. It didn't surprise him.

"Spyro," Archie began.

"Look," the purple dragon began. "Personally, I know humans are capable of good. You seem to be one of them. It doesn't mean you can come in and out as you please considering how unfamiliar the citizens are of you. But Relic is going to let the guards know that you're welcome here so if you get any new information you can pass it on without trouble."

"It's just the citizens I should be worried about then?"

"I'm afraid so," Cynder added. "We'll escort you back out the city if you're ready, but if you need to get back in afterward you'll be on your own I'm afraid."

"I understand," Archie responded, sighing shortly afterwards.

"What will you do in the meantime?" Spyro asked.

Archie shrugged as he looked toward Everest once again. "Whatever Everest wants to do is fine by me."

"It sounds like you two have been through a lot together," Cynder indicated, engrossed by the response they were given.

Spyro silently agreed. Archie's expression was blank as he turned toward the street and began taking his first few steps. Everest silently followed.

"You have no idea."

"The last words as you walk away again Archie?" Everest grinned.

"Because it's cool," he quickly replied wearing that same grin he had before. "I lost my sunglasses so I have to make up for it."

Meanwhile

The snow was beginning to melt into slush as Cosmo, Isis, and Orion made their way across an open field. There wasn't much to look at for scenery though. Grass was beginning to show as the snow melted, but still had a little ways to go until it was completely free to soak up the sun's rays. There were a few trees here and there, but the path they were walking on seemed to be leading them into another forest. Not as dense as the previous one, but still prevented them from seeing completely through it. Orion had taken refuge in Cosmo's bag he still had attached to his back, probably deciding to finish off the fruit him and Isis ate a few minutes earlier.

"Not too much further," Isis said, "We'll head into the woods up ahead, but we'll see Warfang before you know it. I just hope you don't plan on doing anything rash when we get there."

"I just want to see if Kali is doing okay, then we'll go," Cosmo assured. Regret was clearly in his words.

When they finally entered the woods, all became quiet. Snow crunched under their feet as they made their way through the trees, but slowed down the deeper they got. Something was off. There was no wildlife, no birds chirping, just nothing.

"Do you hear that?" Cosmo began, looked toward Isis.

"You mean the literal nothing other than the trees swaying in the rare breeze?"

"Exactly."

Apparently Orion had heard the question as he popped his head out Cosmo's bag. He swiveled his ears around, then perked his head upwards.

"I hear rumbling," Orion answered.

Cosmo stopped upon hearing that remark. "Rumbling?"

"Coming from . . . over there I think," the canid replied, pointing with his paw toward the right of the path they were on. "It's still going too."

Isis looked over towards the direction the fox pointed, but couldn't make out anything. She turned toward Cosmo, wondering if it was worth checking out.

"There's a reason there's no animals around here. I think it's worth checking out."

The fur dragon nodded. "I think so as well."

The two dragons changed direction to where Orion pointed and began walking in the direction. As they walked, Cosmo slowly began to hear what Orion had heard earlier. There was indeed a slight rumble, almost as if some machine was up and running in the distance. But last he checked, dragons weren't quite capable of building machines. Maybe it was something else.

Then Cosmo saw an opening in the woods, but it didn't look like it was made by natural causes. Trees stumps decorated the ground here and there was well as disposed logs of wood that was just left for some reason. It was up ahead that had the his and Isis's attention though. From what he could see, there were tents pitched up in an opening.

"What is going on here?" Isis quietly asked.

"Maybe dragons from Warfang are out here collecting wood," Cosmo suggested. "But I wouldn't mind being sure on it. Let's check it out."

Staying near the trees that weren't cut, the two dragons made their way around the long way to prevent from being spotted. Orion stuck his head out to see for himself, but didn't seem interested in what was going on for the moment. Luckily the edge of the woods they were using for cover seemed to stretch behind the campsite. Getting closer and a better view, Cosmo was able to see the campsite better. He was immediately surprised at what he saw.

A walking bipedal made its way out of one of the tents and toward what looking to be a hole in the ground. It wore a hard hat, carried a clipboard, and wore black pants and a lab coat. As it descended into the gap Cosmo turned toward Isis.

"Humans," Isis plainly said in a whisper.

"Not just any humans either," Cosmo added, turning his attention back toward the site. "Did you see what he was wearing?"

"It looked modern to the world we left."

"This deserves investigation."

Slowly making their way to the campsite, Cosmo kept his eyes on the tunnel that human walked into. He hoped him being a dragon and all would scare any human should they be seen. Hiding behind the nearest pitched tent, Cosmo and Isis peeked around, spotting no humans in sight. Quietly, the two of them made their way toward the tunnel, looking around to be sure there was no one is sight. Orion quickly scampered out of Cosmo's bag and onto his head, now curious of what was going on. The fox hopped down on the ground and began looking around on his own.

The two dragons and canid looked down into the tunnel to see it was fairly larger than Cosmo had anticipated. The sounds of machinery was unmistakeable. There was definitely something going on down there.

Before they could do anything, Cosmo heard some noise coming from their left. Turning, Cosmo's heart dropped as he noticed a human who was staring right at him and Isis. The man wore a fuzzy coat and black pants. On his leg Cosmo saw he had a bandage tightly wrapped around it with blood seeping through.

"Who are you?!" the man asked in an assurtive tone.

Isis looked toward Cosmo, unsure of what to do.

"Answer me or I'll report you to security."

"Cosmo," he finally answered. "And this is Isis. We're not here to cause trouble, we were curious of what humans were doing here."

The human looked at the two dragons for a moment before sighing in defeat.

"Are you okay?" Isis asked, referring to the mans leg.

"I've only been shot thanks for asking," the human bluntly said in a sarcastic tone. "Not that you dragons would even know what that means. So primitive you're kind is. You're lucky everyone seems to be underground right now otherwise you would have been killed on sight."

"So what's keeping you from doing that?" Cosmo began. "Something is going on here. You humans aren't looking exactly modern from this world."

The man cocked an eye. "Well why don't you find out for yourself?"

Before anything could be said, Cosmo felt something hit him in his side. He looked over only to see a tranquilizer dart sticking in him.

"Crap," Isis plainly said. Cosmo also saw a dart in her as well.

It didn't take but a few moments for Cosmo to begin to grow woozy. His eyes began to grow heavy and he tried to flee, but his legs weren't obeying him.

"You should have really kept your eyes on the tunnel where humans come in and out at," the man said. "Send them to the brig. I'll deal with them soon enough."