Hi everyone. Sorry for posting this chapter so late, but this has been a rather busy week. Anyway this will also be the last chapter of the current schedule, since the next week I'm beginning university. Of course I'll keep updating the story, but do not expect a new chapter every Sunday. I'll be posting updates on my profile page and on the story info, if you're interested. Thank you for coming this far, have a good read.
-Azotac
He was walking slowly along a dark path. He didn't remember how he even got there as his mind was, once again, completely and utterly blank. He couldn't focus on anything if not on the lingering silence and obscurity that enveloped him.
He kept on walking.
Suddenly he saw, in the distance, a light. A spark of hope ignited in his chest as he began to run towards it. He ran and ran, as fast as his legs could carry him, but the more he tried to reach the bright escape, the more it seemed to get far away, like if he was running backwards. He despaired as the salvation disappeared from his now watery eyes.
"NO!"He shouted, forcing his limbs to go faster, but it was useless. The distant light suddenly spent and he was left again in the darkness.
He then fell.
His body was twisting on itself as he dived uncontrollably into the black void. He tried to open his wings, in attempt to slow his fall, but they seemed stuck or rather it was like they weren't there at all. Panic took control of him as he tried desperately to move, but in the end he braced himself for his fate.
All of a sudden, he wasn't falling anymore. He instead stood still, sat on a cold surface with the entrance of a cave in front of him. A strong, violet light, pierced his gaze as he forced his sight away from it. Soon after he moved, not by his own will, towards the entrance as the creepy purple brightness engulfed his form. As soon as he focused on what was before him, a terrible surge of fear coursed through his body making him shiver in dread and his guts clench in disgust. An enormous dark crystal stood before him, which extended by the full height of the cave. At his base there were laid four torn corpses, with streaks of crimson of blood surrounding them. The purple dragon felt his guts clench even harder at that sight. He wanted to run away from that place, but his legs weren't obeying him, as they dragged him closer to those carcasses. His eyes posed on the first one, his heart instantly crushed. Gaia's body stood in a utterly abnormal position, as if all her joints had been dislodged. Her eyes were closed, a puddle of blood formed under her head and mouth. Spyro hadn't time to react that his limbs carried him further on, to a couple of corpses laid near her. A white dragon stood over an azure dragoness, like protecting her with his body. His back and neck were torn from wide and deep gashes, his wing membranes completely destroyed as only small fragments were still attached to the skeletal form of his broken limbs. Under Auros's corpse, Nix stood with her spent eyes wide open, a single large gash across her throat. The young hero cried out loudly, as fear and despair were taking control of him.
"Please no! Make it stop!"He screamed.
His legs brought him, eventually, to the last body.
The black dragoness was covered in bruises and scratches, but it took Spyro a moment to see that her chest was completely crushed. From her mouth, a single line of blood dripped, shedding the liquid on the stony floor.
"NO! N-"Cried Spyro, before a surge of pain took away his breath. He gazed back at himself and noticed in shock that a deep wound had suddenly appeared on his right shoulder. Agony diffused in his body, as he cried in pain. Around him all went dark, as a pair of creepy yellow eyes flashed before him.
He opened abruptly his eyes, as he tried to scream with all his lungs, only to find his muzzle restricted by the rope. He never felt his heart beat so fast, it seemed that from a moment to another it would jump out of his chest. His temples pulsed painfully at the same rhythm. His breath was also quick and fatigued. He turned his head to his right shoulder, only to find the same wound, partially sealed like all the others. He dropped his head in exhaustion, as his heartbeat slowly died down into his normal rhythm. His mind, however, didn't slow down. He tried to shove away everything, but images of that nightmare came back infesting his sight. He then focused on those yellow eyes he saw a moment before waking up. His form unconsciously shivered only at their thought. In him a oddly sensation of familiarity was growing, like if he had already seen them somewhere. He eventually detached from that thoughts, as his broken body burned in pain.
Spyro stood awake for another indefinite amount of time, not daring to close eye. Suddenly his tormenter made its return once again. The grublin unsheathed the dagger and prepared to stab the youngster. The purple dragon closed his eyes, clenched his teeth and braced for the hit, which oddly never came. Instead he heard an high pitched hiss, then a low sound coming from beneath him, with it, also the noise of something glass-like shattering. He finally heard something that he would never expected to hear. Someone calling for his name. However he wasn't sure if he was just a trick of his failing senses. He eventually felt himself slipping away once again, as he dropped his head down.
"Spyro!"Said Cynder running towards him, with Sparx on her tail. The dragonfly flung himself onto the purple dragon's muzzle, hugging it as tightly as he could.
"I can't believe we found you. You made me worry sick, you purple lump!"He said, with watery eyes. However, the purple dragon didn't answer.
"Spyro?"Said Sparx, moving away from his brother. His golden light illuminated dimly his body, as soon as he saw his state, his little guts squirmed in disgust. Hunter came soon after, with his now lit torch, driving away the darkness of the cave. He got closer to the black dragoness and the dragonfly before him. Cynder focused her sight on Spyro and gasped in viewing what she was in front of, horror gripping her at her very core. In an heartbeat, she began breaking the metal restraints which held him. Spyro's body fell limp under its weight, Hunter caught it before it could touch the ground. The dragoness flung herself by his side, holding the purple dragon head in her paws. She cut away the rope blocking his maw, she grasped his neck in search of his heartbeat and after some long and extremely painful seconds she felt it. A feeble and weak pulse coursed through his body, as his wounded chest slowly raised. She exhaled heavily in joy, tears coming down from her emerald eyes.
"He's alive!"She said, commotion clearly audible in her voice. The other dragons got closer to him, while Hunter used the torch to illuminate better Spyro's body, however at the sight of what was before them, their hearts completely shattered. Several gashes were marking his chest, in addition to the multiple stab wounds and cuts scattered on his body, the more serious being the newest one on his right shoulder. His muzzle was severely worn out by the rope, as well as his ankles, wrists and tail, since those metal restraints were so tight that they almost blocked the blood circulation. He seemed also to have lost a lot of weight probably due to being left completely without food for days. She posed her forehead over his, tears falling on his muzzle.
"What have they done to you…"She whispered. Suddenly Auros moved by the purple dragon with a little bag in his mouth. He posed it near him, and opened the lid. Instantly several crimson gems floated out of the container and flung to Spyro's body, dissipating instantly at the contact. Some wounds began to seal, but his general condition remained still dire as before. Cynder after few moments did the same with her red gems and soon also the other two dragonesses used their crystals to heal their friend. His pulse was getting stronger, his breath more stable. The black dragoness gently caressed him, under the concerned eyes of their friends.
"C…Cy-Cynder…"Spyro whispered. She gazed stunned at him, while his eyelids began to flicker, like he was beginning to wake up.
"Spyro! Yes, it's me!"She answered, in joy. She held him strongly, as he managed to lift his forepaw and pose it over hers.
"I… I missed you…He said, barely moving at all.
"Me too, we too"She replied, holding firmly his paw, while keeping caressing him on the forehead.
There was a sudden silence in the cave, as they all watched concerned the purple dragon, which was breathing slowly.
"I'm sorry to interrupt, but we need to get him out as soon as possible and give him the cures he needs. We don't have much time."Said Hunter, posing his paw on Cynder's shoulder.
"If you want, I can carry him."Offered Auros. The others watched each other silently, before nodding to the white dragon. Cynder knew in fact he was probably the best choice. She would have loved to carry her Spyro to safety, but she was also the most skilled fighter in the group and she couldn't let herself being hindered by an overweight. She hated herself for thinking about Spyro as a burden, but in that case it was the bitter truth. Finally Auros lowered to ground level while Cynder and Hunter posed the young hero on his back. They placed the purple dragon in between his wings and knotted with a string the violet youngster forearms to Auros's neck. Auros stood up, flinching a bit for the sudden strain, then exhaled heavily and began to walk towards the entrance of the cave.
"You're sure you can handle this?"Asked Cynder.
"Yes, I have to. Now let's go."He reassured, smiling. The rest of the group nodded and began to walk along the tunnels.
After some time they managed to return to the great cave they beheld before, however they noticed that something was not right. The grublins that they saw lurking around the lava and in the stony walls had suddenly disappeared. The cave was silent, as only the noise of the seething molten rock and the low hiss of the dark crystal echoed in the emptiness.
"That's strange…"Murmured Cynder.
"Why bother, less problem for us. Am I right?"Replied Sparx.
"She's right. There's something wrong, but now let's focus on getting our young friend out of here."Added Hunter, before keeping on going down the stairs.
The others followed him suit soon after. Cynder walked beside Auros, always keeping an eye on Spyro, which laid silently on his back. She wasn't sure if he was sleeping or if he had lost his senses. In any case it was better than keep him awake, as he would only suffer more because of his injuries.
"I hope that Terrador and Cyril are fine, at least."She thought, exhaling heavily.
The late afternoon sun was barely visible trough the sky and a cold wind coursed trough the air, carrying black clouds and moving the dead and dry grass of the tundra.
The two guardians and the soldiers were waiting in front of the opening in the mountain wall in which the youngsters had disappeared. They had set up a small camp defended with a series of makeshift barricades erected with Terrador's earth power. A couple of guards were sent in the exploration in order to find some red gems, just in case any of the young dragons needed it, even if they hoped not. Another soldier instead was sent to scout the surrounding area.
The environment around them wasn't particularly friendly, as the low and dry grass of the tundra permitted to have a great view of their surroundings, but also forbid any kind of natural shielding from the impervious weather that was coming towards them.
Terrador, Cyril and Baldur were carefully studying the map in order to prepare a safe route towards Warfang.
"I hope our young ones are fine. They've been inside for quite sometime now."Said Cyril worriedly, turning his gaze towards the entrance of the tunnels.
"It was a bad idea let them go all alone. We could have figure out something else-"Added the ice guardian, which was, however, interrupted by his earth colleague.
"They're all strong and clever young dragons, you saw them in training. Plus there are both Cynder and Hunter, which have great experience and skills in fight. I'm sure they'll come back soon with our Spyro."Reassured Terrador, while Baldur remained silent.
"Yeah…"Murmured Cyril.
They continued with their work and after several minutes of discussion they eventually came out with two suitable routes. The first one was much longer but safer, because it directed towards the Great Dam and went along the seaside, approaching the capital from south-east. It would be also easier to rest since the risk of an ambush would be reduced to zero. However it would require them at best two full days of flight. The other one took half of the time but it passed directly over the heart of the Burned Lands. It was definitely more risky but if the necessity required it, they would have to take that path. The main variable in their planning was Spyro. The elders hoped with all their hearts that the poor youngster would come out unharmed by this whole situation, but they also knew that it was highly improbable. Soon after the ending of their discussion, the two soldiers sent to look for some red gems returned with a bag full of crimson shards. They posed it near the Guardians and left bowing their heads.
Suddenly someone broke the apparent calm of the camp.
"Master Guardians!Captain!"Shouted a voice. The three dragons raised their head at the calling and saw a wind soldier coming quickly in their direction. They stood up promptly, while the guard arrived in front of them. His greyish scales were covered in dirt and his armour was battered in several parts, with some arrows implanted in the metal.
"Private Lance, what happened?"Asked the earth captain, worriedly.
"Grublins, sir. They're coming in great number towards our location."Reported grimly the soldier. The guardians instantly frowned at the news.
"Baldur, gather your soldiers and prepare for the battle. Cyril and I will reinforce the barricades."Ordered Terrador. The captain nodded, then moved towards his other soldiers, followed closely by the wind guard. The earth guardian walked toward the makeshift walls of rock that jutted out of the earth forming a sort of semi-circle around the entrance of the cave. Cyril used his ice power to conjure a series of ice shard on the stone, making the barricades a deadly measure of defence. Soon after, the soldiers returned fully armoured and ready for the incoming battle. The guardians then wore their suits of armours and placed themselves aside their soldiers. Their gaze fixed on what was before them. The wind hadn't ceased down since their arrival, its coldness making lightly shiver the soldiers. In the air the distinct smell of the filthy enemy approaching. Few sun rays filtered trough the dense black clouds, creating a surreal, yet beautiful landscape in front of the elder dragons. The team admired the stunning view with a glint of sadness. They just hoped it wouldn't be their last one.
Soon after the earth began to slightly rumble, as the first holes in the terrain began to appear outside the barricades. Terrador created the defences in order to deny the underground passage of the enemies, since he had hardened the earth beneath the walls.
A loud shriek elevated in the air, followed by a shower of elemental attacks to any kind of enemy that passed around the barriers. The dragons fought side to side, tail to tail against that foe, using all they had to counteract them. They managed to held back the grublins for several time, standing still in their position and wiping out every trespasser. However they were forced to low their rhythm as they were beginning to tire and the spirit gems released by the enemies weren't enough to replenish there magic reservoir. The foes caught the occasion and managed to split their ranks, separating the small squad into two groups. Surrounded by all sides, Cyril unleashed a whirlwind of ice, which stroke directly a big group of enemies, freezing them in place. He then coated his tail in ice, creating a light but deadly frozen blade with which he severed many grublins, their dark blood staining the earth beneath. Terrador did the same with his tail mace, smashing and crushing all the enemies it encountered, alternating with powerful earth shots and devastating earth missiles. Then, in a surge of anger, he prepared to unleash his final attack.
"Brace yourselves!"He roared, before enveloping his body in green energy. A spine-chilling roar coursed trough the battlefield as all around him came destruction. His fury wiped out most of the closer enemies, leaving him and his squad few precious seconds to reorganise and recuperate their breath, before the arrival of next wave. With a rapid glance, he inspected his soldiers. Few of them were slightly injured but nothing too serious. In their eyes a sparkle of determination shone, as the sun began to set behind the mountains. Another loud noise came from before them. The next swarm of enemies approached.
Meanwhile, the underground tunnels rumbled, as small clouds of dust came down from the stony ceiling.
"What was that!?"Asked Nix, getting closer to the white dragon.
"I don't know, but it doesn't seem very reassuring."Stated Hunter.
"Amazing, we're all gonna die buried in this freaking mountain!"Said Sparx,
"Let me check."Said Gaia, stopping in her tracks and closing her eyes. Her forepaws began to glow eerily with green earth energy. In her face, a focused frown appeared as the others watched her curiously, waiting for an answer. She then opened her eyelids, glancing quickly the others.
"It was an earth fury. There was a sudden surge of primal energy coursing trough the terrain."She stated.
"Why should anyone cast an earth fury, if not in-"Hunter was interrupted by Cynder.
"Combat…They're being attacked! That's why the grublins weren't there before."Said the black dragoness.
"If it is the case, we must hurry."Answered the cheetah, taking the lead. The others followed him suit. Nix moved to Auros right side.
"Are you ok?"She asked, with a caring tone.
"Yeah, Spyro isn't heavy as his brother pictured him. I'm just a bit worried for him and for all of this situation, that's all."He replied, his gaze meeting with hers.
"Ok, just…Tell me if you need anything."She finally said.
"Thank you, I will."
That said, the dragoness licked swiftly his cheek, then moved on with Gaia and Hunter. Cynder however remained by his side, as she kept watching on Spyro. Her eyes drifted to Auros's neck and she cringed as soon as she saw the still well visible bruises on his throat. She exhaled heavily.
"Auros?"She called him.
"Yes?"He replied, turning his head.
"I know that I've already told you before, but I want to know that I'm really, extremely, sorry for what I've done to you. I was blinded by my emotions and I didn't figure out that you were just trying to help me." Said the black dragoness. The white dragon smiled gently in response.
"No need to be sorry. To me, that's water under the bridge now. Now let's focus about getting out of here alive, shall we?"He said.
"Yeah…Anyway…"Continued the dragoness.
"You two look nice together."She stated, glancing to Nix.
"Uh…Thanks."Replied the white dragon smiling.
The group kept on going for quite sometime until Sparx broke the silence with one of his usual shouts.
"Guys! I see light at the end of the tunnel!"He said excited.
"Let's just hope to find another creepy cave with dark crystals and other nightmarish stuff."Added Gaia, ironically. They speeded up for the last meters of their daunting journey inside those damned tunnels. The group exited quickly the cave, as a strong and disgusting smell of blood and burned flesh infested their senses. Dusk was leaving place to the darkness of the night. A starless and moonless night. Around the narrow opening from where they exited, patches of dried grass were burning, shedding their light and illuminating the surroundings. Several grublin bodies were scattered to the ground and impaled to ice shards fixed on some makeshift barricades. Dark blood drenching the dull earth. All of a sudden an ear-shattering roar split the sky, soon followed by a great noise and a surge of energy. The group directed quickly towards the source of the sound, which came from their right. They saw the elders completely surrounded by a great number of enemies, their back against the stony walls of the mountains. They all looked pretty tired, several of them seemed to be wounded.
"We need to help them!"Shouted Gaia. The others nodded and began to charge the enemies, in order to clear the path for reaching the soldiers. The guardians smiled fondly at their arrival, nodding at the youngsters. Auros moved to the middle and gently posed Spyro on the grass, before returning to help the others. The now whole team kept on fighting those monstrosities, repelling them we all they had. However, again, the enemy always seemed to return more and more numerous, forcing the dragons to slowly back up towards the mountain wall.
In that moment Spyro regained his senses. It took him several time to focus on the environment around him, as his sight wasn't yet used to the fire light surrounding him. His hearing was dulled, since he couldn't hear nothing more than muffled sounds and explosions. His body was sore, even if his wounds were almost all sealed and his head was spinning. The purple dragon tried to stand up, but a surge of pain came from his right foreleg and he fell back to his original position. He laid on his right side with his face posed over the dried grass, when his vision began to clear. Before him, he glimpsed several dragons. They seemed to be fighting something, their bodies were sore and wounded, just like him. He then noticed that one of them laid motionlessly to the ground with something protruding out of his flank. A surge of fear coursed in him, slapping the dragon out of the dizziness he was experiencing. Adrenaline rushed trough his body, making him standing up, not caring of his limbs screaming in pain.
In front of him there were his friends and they needed his help.
He felt a familiar energy flowing in him. It was utterly different from the usual magical power which had been completely sapped out of his body during his imprisonment. No, this felt like the power of the time and earth itself coursing trough his veins. With it, he felt the nature around him, the soil, the mountain, the sky, the clouds. Everything was giving him energy. Spyro eagerly tapped in this power, as around him all became frozen. He dragged his aching body near his friends. He happily noticed that nobody seemed to be severely hurt, apart for that poor soldier laid on the ground. He then released his hold on time, as his paws began to glow in green energy. Around the group of dragons the earth began to tremble and the sky covered in dark clouds. It took a long moment to his companions to figure out what was happening. Cynder turned around and gasped at the sight of the purple dragon, standing tall and glowing with green and yellow. His eyes completely white.
All of a sudden the soil began to split and sky boomed with thunders. Enormous cracks coursed the terrain around their enemies. The grublins didn't have time to react before they got swallowed deep in the chasms created under their feet. The few which managed to escape where hit straight with tens of lightning falling from the dark sky. Earth and Sky were united under his fury, spreading death and destruction around the purple dragon. Meanwhile the tunnels and caves inside the mountains began to collapse and deep in the heart of the peaks the dark crystal began to shatter. It was only matter of few seconds, before it completely crumbled under the extreme weight of the surrounding mountain. A massive magical shockwave generated from the breaking of the crystal, which invested even the dragons outside, as a dense column of dust elevated in the nigh sky.
An eerie silence fell on the battlefield.
Spyro was having difficulty to breathe, since his whole body was contracting in fatigue. He suddenly felt his head go lighter, as his limbs failed under his weight. The purple dragon collapsed on the grass, his vision becoming more blurred by each moment that went by. Around him everything faded. His consciousness slipped, once again, into the void.
Thank you for reading, hope to see you next time!
I'm also happy to announce that this is the last part of the "Echoes of Darkness" sequence.