Author's Note: Sorry for being so late with this chapter.
Chapter 4: The Hammer
The morning was young the sun just peeked over the horizon and the temple was quiet. That did not mean everyone was asleep in fact a few unlucky individual students who slept near Terrik and his brother's rooms were rudely awoken by a frustrated roar. Everyone awoken left their rooms including Terrik who smiled when he found the culprit. His brother Fracture a dragon two years older than him was practically steaming. Nearby Fracture was Fira who was giggling at Fractures reaction as the furious dragon stormed off down the hall towards the training rooms. Fira walked up to Terrik and nuzzled him.
"Good morning." She chimed.
"Good morning to you." Terrik replied as he licked Fira's forehead.
Everyone else dispersed to their rooms as there were a few hours until they had to be anywhere. Fira and Terrik however began walking through the temple tails entwined.
"So you decided to tell him?" Terrik asked.
"I could not resist seeing his reaction." Fira answered with a smirk.
A door nearby opened and Spirit stepped out from her room.
"What was with all the shouting?" Spirit asked tiredly as she rubbed sleep from her eyes.
"Fracture found out Cynder has out done him." Terrik answered.
"He never likes being beaten." Spirit said with a snicker.
"At least it was not as bad as when Spyro smashed his record." Fira stated. "He would not let that go, hours of training but to no avail."
The three dragons snickered as they continued walking down the hall. They met up with Spyro who was already wearing his golden armor, Flame and Frost when they turned a corner. Spyro and Frost were awake and alert but Flame was trying to fight off sleep.
"Hey." Spyro said casually gaining a chorus of "hey" in return from the other dragons.
"Were you coming to get us?" Fira asked.
Spyro nodded.
"The guardians want to see us." Spyro answered.
"So they are giving us another assignment." Spirit sighed.
Spyro nodded.
"Well we had best not keep them waiting." Spirit stated.
The group then proceeded to the temples meeting room. Inside the four guardians were waiting for them along with Cynder. Flame gave a confused expression as he approached the massive round table in the center of the room.
"What's she doing here?" Flame asked curiously.
"We will get to that later." Cyril stated. "I guess Spyro already told you that we have a mission for you all."
Volteer who was on the young dragons left opposite to Cyril and closer to the group then Cyril moved a large map of the Central province of the dragon realms which was made up of the city of Warfang and several villages and towns of varying size. Near the closest town to Warfang, a town which was labelled as Varskar lay a location labelled as slaver camp which had a circle. Volteer pointed to the circle
"This is a small Ape encampment which is used as a staging point for Ape slavers and raiding parties." Volteer stated. "They conduct raids and take prisoners here before shipping them into ape territory to either become labour or if you're a dragon that has shown considerable resistance to the apes they take you away to be used in tests with synthetic spirit gems."
"Synthetic spirit gems?" Flame asked.
"Where ever the apes go spirit gems seem to disappear." Volteer stated. "There only speculations on why and these range from the apes dark influence to the ancestors intervening, we don't know the truth behind them though."
Cyril then butted in.
"So the apes studied what little they found of real spirit gems and created synthetic ones to let their weapons use elements." Cyril stated. "Additionally it seems to have an effect on dragons similar to narcotics used by the apes."
"You mean it has side effects if used by dragons?" Fira asked.
"According to those we have recovered from ape capture synthetic spirit gems are extremely addictive, apes commonly use them to subvert dragons and turn them into more militaristic labor." Cyril replied.
"I get it the dragons are loyal to the apes as the apes are their supply of more synthetic gems." Spyro stated.
Volteer nodded.
"And before you ask about just resisting the gems addiction, having observed a patient undergo withdrawal of synth gems, I can tell you that the torture withdrawal is was enough to make me cringe and just thinking about being subjected to those *shivers* vile stones makes my scales crawl." Volteer stated.
"I-is there any way to recover from it." Spyro asked in a hopeful voice.
Volteer knew exactly why Spyro asked.
"Yes there is after undergoing the first withdrawal which takes the form of aggressive convulsions, giving them actual spirit gems and exposing them to anything familiar to their life before exposure to synthetic gems will help lead them on the path of recovery and then all that's needed is their own will power and spirit gems." Volteer answered. "and don't worry your father has a will that is stronger than Terrador's, he would not break easily to even the most vile of ape torture methods."
"Everyone has their limits." Spyro muttered.
"Attitude like that does not help." Fira growled.
"When the hell did you become a pessimist." Flame growled.
"Sorry." Spyro replied apologetically. "I just don't feel cheerful right now."
Cyril coughed.
"Onto the next thing." Cyril began. "When Cynder arrived we decided to test her and after seeing her performance and with Spyro's recommendation, we have decided that she will join you all on missions."
None of the dragons objected to this.
"I take the silence as no disagreements?" Volteer asked.
"I think we are all good with it." Spirit stated while Frost nodded.
The other dragon all nodded as well and the guardians smiled.
"With that settled I think we better get back on the track of the mission." Ignitus stated.
"We did rather drift off from the main point." Volteer replied.
"Anyways." Terrador butted in having thought that the conversation had sidetracked enough. "We need you to go to this camp and rescue any prisoners you find, if there are any dragons there that are under the effects of these synthetic gems subdue them and only kill them if there is no other choice, we will have a team ready to retrieve the subdued dragons."
"What about any apes that may be present?" Frost asked.
"They are free game." Ignitus stated. "I recommend you take as much time as you need to get prepared but it would be best if you are on your way some time after midday today, off you all go."
A while later Cynder was walking through the streets of Warfang along with Spyro and the rest of the group.
"So you are usually sent on missions?" Cynder asked.
"Yeah." Spyro answered.
"Why?" Cynder asked. "Shouldn't the adults be going on missions we are still young."
"But we have training and experience." Fira answered.
Cynder just sighed.
"I understand your concern but it is fine." Spyro stated. "They never send us on suicide missions."
"Where are we going anyways?" Cynder asked.
"We need to get you outfitted so we are going to the blacksmith." Spyro answered.
"I also need to get some replacement armor after that last fight." Frost stated. "Don't think I have enough though."
Spirit turned to Frost and pulled a purple gem out of her satchel.
"Here." Spirit chimed. "Get yourself anything you like."
The rest of the dragons stopped and turned.
"Thank you." Frost replied as he accepted the gem.
Spirit and Frost went back to walking leaving everyone else confused.
"What?" Fira asked.
"I have no clue." Terrik answered.
"With that odd moment aside shall we catch up with them," Spyro suggested.
"Something is going on though." Terrik stated as the group began walking again.
"We can think on this when we get back though we have a mission to prepare for right now." Spyro stated.
"You can't tell me you are not curious." Fira exclaimed.
"I am but this can be discussed when we have the supplies we need." Spyro replied. "You can ask them about it while we fly to our destination."
"Fine then." Fira huffed.
Terrik just smiled and nuzzled Fira.
"We can question them later Fira." Terrik stated. "Why not just enjoy the time we have before we are stuck in another fight for our lives."
Fira just gave a depressed sigh. Cynder turned to Spyro with a curious expression.
"They are commonly like this before going into battle." Spyro stated. "I guess there is a chance that we will not survive which causes stress and increases tension between us and those that are at odds."
"So Spirit and Frost are more irritable towards each other before mission?" Cynder asked.
Spyro nodded.
"Though what just happened between them was odd, I have never seen them willingly cooperate like that." Spyro stated.
"What about Fira and Terrik?" Cynder asked.
"They will commonly get anxious as they worry for each other." Spyro answered. "If you haven't noticed already they are courting."
"I gathered that much." Cynder replied.
Flame who had just been silently following the group finally spoke up.
"So are we just going to cruise along or are we going to catch up with them?" Flame asked impatiently.
"We will go at our own pace if you want to progress faster go ahead." Spyro answered.
Fira and Terrik who had gained a little headway on Spyro and Cynder stopped when they noticed that they were ahead. Flame however picked up his pace and trotted down the road past Fira and Terrik with the intent of catching up with Spirit and Frost.
"Something bothering you two?" Fira asked.
"No I was just answering some questions Cynder had about our team." Spyro answered. "It would be better she knows about us."
"She could ask us at any time and we would tell her about ourselves." Terrik stated.
"I was just giving some small details." Spyro replied.
"Now is not the time for me to be asking your life story." Cynder exclaimed. "Perhaps after the mission so can we just drop it and get on with our preparations."
"That sound good besides the blacksmiths is just ahead." Fira stated.
Most blacksmiths would be a rather plain building but this one seemed to give off the vibe of a very successful and wealthy business. The stone building had red banners lined with gold on the front of the building. The door was a standard wood door like most other shops in Warfang but this one had a carving on it. The carving was not definitive and was more of just a bunch of lines and curves making a symmetrical design. They were greeted by an eccentric looking mole upon entrance.
"So the purple dragon races us with his presence once again." The Mole chimed. "To what do I owe the pleasure this time?"
"We need some armor for her." Spyro answered while pointing at Cynder.
The mole turned his attention to Cynder before rushing through a door behind the counter leaving the dragon alone in the Blacksmiths main room. Cynder took this time to inspect the armor that was on display. Most of it was for adult dragons or other species but there was one set that was their size. A suit of polished bronze that seemed like it was for someone of Flames build.
"You think a place like this would have something more regal." Flame stated bluntly.
"There are more regal pieces here but that is just common armor." Spyro stated. "This place does not serve only the elite they serve travelers, mercenaries, and caravan guards all of which are rarely bringing in heaps of gold or gems."
The door behind the counter opened and the Mole returned followed by another mole holding a few long strands of measuring tape and two fire dragons one was an adult and one was late adolescence. The adult dragon stood back while the moles and the adolescent dragon approached Cynder. The moles began measuring Cynder while the adult dragon looked Cynder over. The adolescent however began asking Cynder questions.
"Is there any defining marks or designs you want on your armor?" The adolescent dragon asked.
Cynder turned her head and looked at Spyro.
"Don't worry Cynder we don't have any special symbols or anything just choose a design you like." Spyro stated.
"I'm not really sure so surprise me." Cynder stated.
The red dragon nodded and a glint of inspiration appeared in his eyes causing the adult dragon to laugh.
"My apprentice enjoys making his own custom details." The Fire dragon stated. "Don't worry you won't be disappointed."
The adult dragon turned to his apprentice.
"Forge if you have the armor visualised you can get to work now." The fire dragon stated.
The adolescent fire dragon nodded and left for the back.
"Forgive me for not introducing myself earlier, My name is Furnace." The adult fire dragon stated before turning to face Spyro. "I have not seen your friends before Spyro why have you not introduced me."
Everyone else minus Cynder turned to Spyro.
"You know Furnace." Flame stated so obviously. "And you never told me."
"I kind of forgot." Spyro said dismissively.
Flame snorted in annoyance causing Furnace to laugh.
"I had no idea I was so famous." Furnace stated.
"You are the best blacksmith the dragon realms that is still alive." Fira stated in an awestruck voice.
Furnace stared at Fira.
"Have I really out done my master that his work and reputation have been forgotten?" Furnace asked his voice holding a bit of concern.
"Who was your master?" Flame asked.
"Magmus, the Hammer of the forge." Furnace answered.
Even Cynder turned and stared in awe this time as during her younger years tales of Magmus were told to her by her parents. The only one not in awe was Spyro who had talked to Furnace about this earlier.
"The Hammer." Flame muttered.
"Everyone heard he took an apprentice but most doubted it and believed he took his secrets to the grave." Furnace stated. "But he believed that regardless of his reputations secrets should be passed on and for as long as the technique still lives so does the creator's legacy."
"And you are passing it on to your apprentice?" Fira asked.
Furnace nodded.
"I believe that my master is correct and so I will pass on everything I have learned and anything I have added." Furnace answered.
"And so the Magmus's legacy continues." Spyro stated.
"Hopefully for a couple hundred years." Furnace added. "Anyways Forge should have the armor done in about a half an hour, is there anything else you need?"
"I need replacement armor." Frost stated.
"I will show you what we have already made and if you don't like them I will craft a new set for you." Furnace stated.
Frost gave an appreciative smile and followed Furnace into the back leaving the rest of the group to just sit there and wait. Once they entered the back Frost noticed several armor sets that were already prepared. The on that stuck out the most to him was a set that almost shone like silver but it was more of just a shiny grey, it had engravings that matched the elements of ice and lightning which trailed all across the armor and even melded with each other at the center of the helmet where a blue gem was placed.
"Interested in the Storm armor?" Furnace asked.
Frost nodded and held out a purple gem. Furnace stared at him before laughing.
"You paying for two suits?" Furnace asked as he calmed down.
"Is this too much?" Frost asked.
"yes." Furnace answered.
"Sorry I have never seen a purple currency gem before my friend Spirit gave this to me." Frost stated.
"This suit is worth just a bit more than half the value of that gem." Furnace stated. "Pay me with that and I will give you free repair and replacement of any damaged parts."
Frost gave an appreciative nod before turning to the armor forge where coincidentally the young fire dragon named Forge was creating Cynder's armor. Using his own paws he pulled the helmet out of the forge and placed it on an anvil and used his fire breath, paws, and tail to refine its shape. Frost watched with admiration at how this young dragon moved quickly and efficiently to finish the helmet. Once Forge was completed he used an ice elementally charged gem to carefully cool the still helmet.
"How does that work without compromising the helmets structural integrity?" Frost asked.
"You gently apply the crystal and do not leave it on the helmet for more than a second." Furnace answered.
Frost returned his focus to the armor he had just bought and decided to try it. It was quite easy to put on and like other dragon armor the places that held the armor on were in places that were easy for the wearer to reach.
"Looks quite good on you." Furnace stated. "Why don't you go show your friends?"
Frost went back to the main area of the store where his friends were still waiting patiently. When they noticed him enter their reactions were all similar. Each one looked over the armors design and Spirit whistled.
"stylish." Spirit stated.
Frost turned to the side a bit and made a heroic pose which caused the dragonesses to giggle.
"I am going for a walk to get a feel for this armor." Frost stated.
"I'll join you, there are a few things we need to talk about anyways." Spirit stated.
Frost smiled and nodded.
"Fine by me." Frost replied.
The two left the blacksmith and set off through Warfang with no particular destination in mind.
"So what did you want to talk to me about?" Frost asked.
"Us as friends." Spirit answered.
"That we are Spirit I am done with my rude behaviour." Frost replied. "I saw you as a spoiled prissy sad excuse for a dragoness but now I see you have a heart of gold."
Spirit blushed.
"Thank you Frost, that means a lot to me." Spirit stated.
"I still need to pay you back for the armor but that will take a while." Frost stated.
"You owe me nothing." Spirit replied. "The gem was a gift."
Spirit smiled at Frost.
"It's my way of saying thanks." She stated. "For being nice to me and no longer insulting me."
Frost lightly nuzzled Spirit causing her to sigh. They came to the end of the block and decided to turn back to the store.
The dragons were still waiting around for Cynders armor to be finished. Flame was pacing rapidly while the rest sat there with bored looks on their faces. Finally the door to the back of the building opened and Forge came through with Cynders armor.
"Stand up please." Forge stated calmly.
Cynder complied and Forge began to put the armor on. The armor was Silver with a red trim painted on the edges the patterns carefully chiselled into the armor formed black lines that went from the forehead of the helmet to the base of the tail plating. Cynder smiled at the admiring looks her teammates were giving her.
"You really put dedication into your work." Flame stated.
"When you have a teacher like Furnace and a passion for your craft you learn to do stuff like this." Forge replied.
"What's the cost?" Cynder asked.
"Normally forty blue gems but it's free because that is the first custom design I have made in a while." Forge answered.
"Thank you." Cynder chimed.
Forge bowed his head respectfully. Spirit and Frost entered the building and noticed Cynder's armor.
"Nice." Frost commented.
"Thank you." Cynder replied.
*transition*
The group left the blacksmith and head back to the temple so the rest could collect their gear so they could set off from Warfang. With all their gear ready the group set off on a day's flight towards the ape camp with the guardians Intel as their only advantage.