Here I am again with this chapter. I have used a song from Disney which I do not own. I thought it would go well with the story but once again like with other songs I've used, I take no credit for it. Credit for this song goes to Disney and its songwriters. Enjoy it.

Thunderfall Part 2

"There's something you ought to know your majesty," Saleer spoke to King Viren. "Caldor placed something of huge importance in the vault,"

"What was it?"

"An orb of dark magic. Containing the spirits of four mages, the ones which your daughter worked with,"

"Mmmm…" Viren rubbed his chin, his mind tingling with thoughts. "Show me,"

Saleer led him down to the vault but to their horror, they saw bodies on the floor, doors busted, keys scattered, and a vault empty. "What the…"

Viren did nothing but frown. "Search the kingdom for anyone suspicious,"

Caldor drew pictures of this man. Saleer pulled out a scroll. "Ezran insisted that the kingdom be searched for him,". When Viren came closer, he frowned. And remembered. "We need to find out who he is. Send whatever guards we can spare to look for him. In the meantime, our armies will ride out,"

In the palace of Duren, King Ezran and his friends/protectors told Queen Aanya everything. How Lord Viren's treacherous act of murdering the king of the dragons behind his father's back, led to Moonshadow Assassins coming to Katolis to kill them. How he and his sisters discovered the Dragon Egg. How with their elven saviour and friend Raylan, they sought to bring it back to Xadia to bring peace. How it was Lord Viren who had cast dark magic to send those shadow assassins to attack the human kingdoms, including her own. How Saleer had conspired secretly with Prince Kasef and Viren to kidnap Willow to force him to submit his armies to join their cause for war. How they tried to have them both killed. And worst of all, they told her how he was planning to march into Xadia and forever destroy the only chances of peace the world had left to prevent everlasting war.

"I can't believe it," Aanya cursed the high mage. "He wanted war but I refused to send my people to their doom and so did the others,"

"What a snake he is to use dark magic to commit murder to sway people into doing what he wants," As he spoke Grark rubbed the side of his face which was marred by a black mark. Ezran realised at once that it was Viren's shadow assassins who had done this to him as he protected Aanya, risking his life to protect the only family he had left. His sister touched his arm in comfort, distressed by how she had nearly lost him too.

"That is why we need your help, Queen Aanya," Opeli said, placing a cup of coffee down. "We need your armies to stop Lord Viren from causing more pain and suffering than he's already done,"

"What do you know of where Caroline is now?" Aanya asked; she hadn't seen Caroline for months, having considered the adopted princess to be like a big sister to her.

"She and Raylan are hopefully close to the lair of the Dragon Queen," Ezran explained. "But they have no idea of what's coming so I sent Willow and our friend Caldor ahead to warn them,"

"You really trust that elf?"

"I do. He's saved our lives countless times. And he defended us from his people. Even though he couldn't save my father, he kept his word to him by protecting us. It was my father's dying wish for that egg to be returned to Xadia to restore peace to the world. Aanya…I'm sorry that you and Grark lost your mothers when you were both young,". Aanya clutched her flower pendant containing her ring whilst Grark approached her and held her hand tenderly. Both missed their mothers so much. "I've suffered losing loved ones just like you both have…but we need to stop Viren from succeeding. I know you guys have no reason to want to help Xadia,"

The queen and general were silent for a while. They thought of their dear parents who never got to see Aanya grow into the wise ruler she was. And Grark who had once again lost a family; he never knew anything of his birth family and it broke his heart more losing the mothers who loved him as one of their own.

"Actually…" Aanya spoke up after a moment of silence. "We do,". Their guests raised their heads, astounded by her answer. She whistled and in through the window came flying the beautiful little dragons. They landed gracefully around her and her brother. One purred under her hand, and one purred under his. Eran's mouth dropped.

(Four Months Ago)

In the courtyard, Carol was practising spinning he mother's spear. Felix watched amusingly. She always thought if she learned to wield her mother's weapon it would make her feel close to her. She tried to do a spin in the air and then catch it but she failed and it clattered on the ground. She huffed.

"Still can't do it can you," mocked Soren, a few soldiers behind him laughing out loudly. Felix barked at them.

She growled and picked up the weapon again. "Stop tormenting me!"

"You're so cute when you're mad!" he bullied. "Some warrior you'd make,"

Felix tried to bite at him but he pointed his sword at him. "I'll make a scarf out of you!" he threatened.

Carol quickly picked up her spin and disarmed him, much to the surprise of his soldier friends. "Don't ever threaten my fox buddy again,". Her former childhood friend was scared by her threat. Even the soldiers were awestruck as well. The girl and the fox stormed off together, leaving the courtyard. Her siblings watched from the window. Growling at Soren, they grabbed apples and threw them down on them, angering him. She made her way through the forest to the Valley of Kings.

Raylan was completing the final phase of his training. He had become the best teenage warrior in the Moonshadow Forest. Even better than his former friend Marcus, much to the outrage of Lord Moono, who desired his son to be better. His fathers watched proudly from their home.

"We've raised him so well," Runaan said.

"And you've trained him so well," his husband kissed his cheek. "You really think he's ready?"

"I know he is. What troubles you?"

"I think about that night we almost lost him. Those mages…they're still out there. And I couldn't bear it if they tried to take him from us,"

Runaan embraced him, kissing his head. "That is why I trained him. Not just to protect our people. But to protect himself. There are times when we cannot always be around to keep him safe. And one day, when he has a family of his own, he will be able to take care of them,"

Once Raylan had finished, he sheathed his blades behind his back, raising his head to his fathers. They waved down and he waved back. He then walked off to have a private walk through the Silver Grove. He walked past the palace. When he made his way towards the fountain, he looked into the shimmering purple water at his reflection. He touched his mother's pendant still around his neck. "I wish you were here mum and dad. I've completed my training. I'm ready to be a warrior now. Just like you two," he chuckled a little, trying to imagine himself talking to them. But his smile dropped when he realised they weren't there. "I wish you were there, to have seen me grow up. Still, I hope that you're both proud of me,". Nothing seemed to feel real when he spoke these words. He sighed. He picked up a pebble and tossed it into the water, sending waves across the surface of the water. And for a moment, he thought he saw the images of his parents. And they were smiling at him. Their hands were on his shoulders and tears dripped from their chins.

"Well, well, well…"

Raylan was shaken out of his trance. He looked back into the water and saw it was just him. Alone again. He turned his head and saw some bullies approaching.

"Look at the abandoned elf staring in the water pretending his parents are there. When literally they're not. What do you think this is? A wishing well?"

"Just leave me alone!" Raylan growled, splashing water at them and storming off, but that only led to more laughing. Unable to spend another moment where he was, he quickly left the foundation, fled the village and chose to visit some cliffs overlooking some forest groves to think for himself. When he was staring out in front of a clear orange sky, he leaned against a tree, lamenting about his unhappy childhood of having no comfort or love except from the fathers who raised him and the parents who regrettably left him behind in order to serve their duty to protect Xadia's dynasty, to protect him.

Carol reached the statue of her mother. She looked at the spear in her hand. She wondered if she could ever be a hero like her mother was. She leaned it against the statue, then stared off into the distance at the sun.

"I have often dreamed of a far-off place
Where a hero's welcome would be waiting for me
Where the crowds would cheer when they see my face
And a voice keeps saying this is where I'm meant to be"

Years she had dreamed of being accepted by the people of Katolis or finding a place where she was greeted with respect and recognition. To be seen more as just as "step-princess" was her greatest desire of all.

I'll be there someday, I can go the distance
I will find my way if I can be strong
I know every mile would be worth my while
When I go the distance, I'll be right where I belong

Raylan had always wondered where the Silvergrove was where he belonged. Even with the love of his father, he had always felt like an outsider. He had always felt different from anyone else. For many reasons.

Down an unknown road to embrace my fate
Though that road may wander, it will lead me to you
And a thousand years would be worth the wait
It might take a lifetime but somehow I'll see it through

He ran to the edge of the cliffs overlooking the forests, feeling the energy of all the magic of the land flowing through his veins, giving him the courage he needed to go to great measures to discover who he was meant to be.

And I won't look back, I can go the distance
And I'll stay on track, no I won't accept defeat
It's an uphill slope
But I won't lose hope, 'till I go the distance
And my journey is complete, oh yeah

But to look beyond the glory is the hardest part
For a hero's strength is measured by their heart, oh

Carol knew that her mother became a hero because she was willing to give her life to ensure others could live; pure selflessness.

Like a shooting star, I will go the distance
I will search the world, I will face its harms
I don't care how far, I can go the distance
'Till I find my hero's welcome waiting in your arms

One day she would be reunited with her mother again, perhaps meet her birth father and when she did, she prayed they would be full of joy and happiness.

I will search the world, I will face its harms
'Till I find my hero's welcome waiting in your arms

Raylan shed tears as he thought of his dear parents. He held his arms, imagining his parents embracing him tightly, telling him how proud they were of the man they had dreamed one day he would become. One day he would see them again and they would be a happy family once again.

In her part of the world, Carol held Felix embracing him tightly as he purred and licked her wet face. They stared into the distance, seeing the sun setting. And for a strange reason, they felt things were going to change. They then made their way back to the castle where they saw her dad waiting for them.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

"I'm fine," he wiped her eyes. "I just really wish I could be a hero. Like you and mum,"

"You may not know it already…but you are many things that a hero should be. Kind, generous, selfless…and most importantly a hero or heroine is defined by not what he gains but what he or she gives. I have no doubt that one day you will be one of the greatest heroes Katolis has ever known,"

"You're just saying that to make me feel better,"

"No, really it's true. And when you do, everyone will wish they were as fearless as you,"

"You think?"

"I know," his smile was bold. "Come on," he led her inside, not realising they were being watched by a very dark-faced Viren.

That night once the royal family had departed to bed. Viren snuck towards Caroline's chambers. He cast a spell to open the door. As he intruded into her room, he saw her fast asleep in her bed, Felix cuddled beside her. A creaking shudder stimulated Felix's ears.

Instantly Viren cast another spell and a cloud of purple glitter sprinkled over them. He tiptoed to the far end of the room where they saw her mother's spear leaning near the window. He took it. He snuck out, making his way to the next chamber. After knocking out King Harrow's bodyguards, he snuck into the king's bedroom, casting the same spell to keep him from waking up. He pulled out a pin, lifting King Harrow's finger from his blankets. He pricked it. A drop of blood fell into a vial. He quickly healed it. And then left again. He had everything he needed to slay the king of the dragons.

The king and his closest friends were amazed by the presence of the queen and her brother's loyal dragon companions. They were multiple colours and judging from the pictures that Ezran remembered from the stories his big sister used to tell him and Willow, there were five Dreamwhisper dragons and six Sparkdrake dragons.

"Oh my," breathed Opeli.

"Meet Lalaya, Ruvudad, Elarifa, Chilora and Mutheo," Aanya introduced the dragons in order of colour: silver, red, blue, amethyst, silver, and jade.

"And these are Maiugo, Clododo, Yihara, Naysabel, Chagila and Flighy," introduced Grark, pointing at the sparkdrakes in order of colours: ruby, amber, gold, yellow and black.

"They're beautiful," cooed Ezran. Lalaya bounded over and purred; he storked her. She purred. The two male Sparkdrakes: Maiugo and Flighy bounded over to Barius, sniffing him like dogs.

He stood on his seat in fright. "What are they doing?"

"They probably smell food on you," said Aanya. "I mean you are a baker after all are you not,". She whistled and they came back to her at once.

"How did these dragons come to be in your care?" asked Corvus.

"When we were younger, some powerful politicians were trying to usurp my throne. But they needed armies to try and force me off the throne. So, they sent poachers to unlawfully abduct dragons in Xadia and sell them to raise money and build an army. Luckily we managed to thwart their plans. When we intended to return the dragons, they didn't want to leave us. They had no homes and their families had been killed. So they chose to stay with us and we took care of them," explained Aanya. "They've stayed with us ever since. They've become like family to us," she stroked Chilora and Mutheo. "And a majority of people have grown used to them. The children of our kingdom especially love them. Raising them has helped us realise that there's more to Xadia than we realise. As much as we both hate how the king of the dragons took our mothers from us, Viren's actions have only caused more pain,"

"He's a maniac that has to be stopped," Grark stated firmly. "He has committed heinous acts just to get what he wants. And he must pay for it,". He glanced at his sister whose eyes were narrowed, all hatred in her heart aimed at the dark mage who dared to go to great lengths to accomplish his goals.

She stood up. "We will join you King Ezran,"

The entire group stood up. It was settled. And they had not another moment to waste.

The journey across the plains past the forest to the Storm Spire was long and silent. As they passed over the hill, they saw a thin peak with veins of blue electricity stretching up into the sky.

"We made it," Carol breathed. "We finally made it,".

The group stared at their destination. Raylan felt his heart rising up into his throat. He had always wanted to visit the Storm Spire as a child, to visit his parents. For a moment he began to imagine that they were actually there, waiting for him…but it faded away when he remembered their mission. Ethari clasped his shoulder comforting him. "Your parents would be so proud of you,"

He smiled. Then he smiled at Carol who took his hand.

"Come on. Let's finish what we started," he said. "You're almost home now Zym!"

Zym flapped his wings for joy. He and Felix jumped around in circles together. They decided to walk the rest of the way to give their steed a rest. Carol had tried to fly with wings but for some strange reason, the wing spell hadn't worked like before. But the closer they got to the spire, the more tragical another sight awaited them. Above them towered a mighty being of stone. A claw reaching out to the spire. A wing was broken. "Is that a statue?" asked Carol.

When Ethari and Raylan looked up, sympathy filled their faces. "No," her boyfriend answered. That's not a statue," he said grimly. And he was right. A spear was sticking out of the chest of this mighty creature. It was King Avizandum.

Zym was frightened seeing his father as stone. I'm scared. He whined.

Carol picked him up, embracing him tightly."It's all right Zym," she soothed. "You're safe. You're safe. We're here with you,".

Raylan stroked him as well. He noticed Ethari was looking out. "Ethari?"

"We've arrived at the Storm Spire and there's no sign of the Sky Patrol," his adoptive dad remarked. "It's very, very strange,"

"Perhaps they're with the queen,"

Felix purred and Carol genuflected with Zym in her arms. "Do you guys wanna play together? There are some things I need to think about and you'll feel better Zym,"

I'd love that. Zym was desperate to get away from the state of his deceased dad. As she placed him down, Felix nuzzled him.

It'll be okay. The fox said. Come on. The duo and the Adoraburrs went off to the play leaving the three to look at the statue of the once mighty king of the dragons. By the outreach of his paw towards the Storm Spire, it seemed like after being struck in the heart by Viren, he had been trying to get back to his home, to be with his mate and their unborn child. But he had turned completely to stone unable to see his baby even once.

"He took my mother from me," she said, her voice full of hatred. "Looking at him, seeing him like this…it makes me sad, and angry, and…" she sighed. "Confused,"

Ethari placed a hand on her shoulder. "You have every right to feel that way lass. I'm so sorry for your pain,". Her wet face met his apologetic expression and she pressed her hand over his, smiling at him for comfort before he gazed up at the statue again. "I still don't understand. Why wouldn't your father kill him when he had every reason to?"

"Because I told him it wouldn't bring my mother back," said Carol; her words surprising the elves. "Revenge doesn't make anything feel better. It leads to nothing but more killing, which is what Viren unleashed on my dad, which I told him would happen if he did it himself. Was it wrong to not want him dead?" he glared up again at the statue.

"Pain is so powerful it makes you want revenge," Ethari comforted. "Sometimes revenge is necessary whilst at times of great war it makes things worse. But either way, it doesn't make anything better. If anything, it makes the pain all the worse, knowing that you took a life in retaliation only to not get what you wanted in the end," his hand slipped off her shoulder.

She looked up again, pointing at the weapon that had killed him. "That was my mother's spear. Should I be happy that he's dead? Or is it wrong that I feel…regretful?" she looked down at Zym, the Adoraburrs and Felix playing with each other. "Because that was Zym's dad,"

Raylan came over and slipped her fingers between his. "We're going to break the cycle of revenge. And when we do…everything will be just as it should have been all those centuries ago,". They stayed that way, watching as the baby dragon was cheered up with joy and happiness.

"I need a moment alone," she requested. The two elves nodded and walked off, leaving her to stare up at the spear, her mother's which Viren had stolen from her. She raised her hand, closed her eyes, and drew a ruin. "Ventum Magneticus," opening her eyes, channelling the spell, she saw the wind gusts flying around the spear and then in a flash, the weapon was pulled magnetically out of Avizandum's chest of stone and right into her hand. She caught it. The black unicorn horn tied to the top dissolved into black ash and the end was gold and gleaming again. She looked into her reflection and stroked it. "I miss you, mum. I've missed you every day. I can't forgive him for how he took you from me. But I won't become like Viren. We're gonna end this war. And create a better future,"

Once again I do not own the song. It belongs to its songwriter and Disney. Hope you all enjoyed it. What did you all think? Get ready for the next thrid of this episode and then it's three more to go for this story. See you all soon.