YEAH, I'M FINALLY BACK WITH A NEW CHAPTER! To be honest, I can only imagine how many people actually gasped seeing this finally update after God knows how many months, haha! Anyway, though, yeah, I'm finally back after that long writer's block stall on the story. Now I'm hoping that this will be the ONLY time this happens in the "EOD" series, but I make no guarantees. But enough of that, I'll let you all get to why you're all really here. Enjoy ; )

Scorch turned to the purple dragon. "My grandmother was a wind dragoness known as Spirit. Daughter of Inferno, sister of Pyro, mate of John, and original Wind Guardian."

Flame gazed at Scorch with much curiosity, as did the others; they all understood the implication. "…So, wait… That means you're half human, half dragon, then. Right?"

Scorch merely nodded as he gazed at everyone. "The third to be born half human, half dragon."

Leaning forward, he picked up a remote off the glass table in front and pressed a button, turning on the TV. "Now, if that's all the questions you have, then I'm going to be relaxing for the rest of the day."

Nick leaned his head closer to mine and whispered, "Not very social, is he?"

My gaze shifted towards the TV. "Yeah…not really," I answered quietly.

XXX

Over the course of the next few hours, we all just watched TV—well, at least Scorch, Nick and I did. The others simply walked around the suite and explored it curiously, frequently walking over to the glass doors of the balcony to stare outside. Whenever they stared out the glass doors, I couldn't help but grin. I could tell by their expressions that they were anxious to go out and fly around, wanting to explore the new and unfamiliar area.

Then, after a while, Flame let out an annoyed groan as he stared outside. I couldn't help but let out a silent laugh. Starting to lay down, he let out another annoyed groan.

Ember looked at Flame with a confused expression. "What's the matter with you?"

He let out a deep sigh. "I want to go outside," he said with another moan.

"Yeah, not happening, sparky," Scorch responded bluntly, still staring at the TV and flipping its channels.

"Sparky?" Flame questioned in confusion, shifting his gaze to the human on the couch behind him.

Scorch only sighed in disbelief. "Really, how does he not get the reference?"

Hearing that, I couldn't stop myself from grinning.

"Even here there are lights at night."

Turning back towards the glass doors, I saw Krystal sitting next to Cynder. Both were staring outside curiously. Finally deciding to get up off the couch, I went over to the two dragonesses to see what they were looking at.

"Find something interesting?" I asked, looking outside at the dark as well.

Using a claw, Cynder pointed down towards the street lights. "Why are there so many in a straight line?"

"It's for when people drive vehicles on the road at night. The street lights help them to see the road," I answered.

"That truck we were in; I'm guessing that was a vehicle?" Krystal asked, now gazing up at me.

I simply nodded. "Yeah, that was a vehicle."

Cynder tilted her head in question. "How many types of vehicles are there?"

Lifting my gaze upwards, I began to think for moment. "Let's see, ah…" I tilted my head in confusion. "Yeah… I honestly have no idea. Sorry."

"It's fine. No one knows everything," she replied reassuringly.

I sighed. "Anything is possible."

XXX

For the most part, everyone was quiet after that. And since it was dark out, Scorch eventually decided to order dinner to the apartment. It took only fifteen minutes for the food to be delivered, and I was almost drooling at the smell that came from behind the door. We honestly hadn't had any real meal all day, and now we would probably fill ourselves until we dropped in exhaustion.

As Scorch walked in with the huge kart, I couldn't help but stare at the number of platters that were on it. In total, there were eight huge silver platters and, judging from the smell of the food, it was all the same dish. Spaghetti and meatballs: a meal that was fit for a king. Well, for me at least.

Taking one of the platters on top, Scorch grinned as he inhaled the smell before taking off the top and placing it on the counter. "Nothing beats good old pasta with meatballs," he remarked before digging into the food.

Taking a platter along with everyone else, I immediately removed the top and placed it on the counter before stabbing it with a fork. I couldn't help but make a face as I ate.

This meal is a gift from the angels…

Alright, so maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration, but let's face it. Not one of us had had a single decent meal all day, and the fact that it was one of my favorite meals just made it all the better.

Moving myself over to the counter, I set down the platter and inhaled the entire dish within five to ten minutes. Once finished, I let out a satisfied sigh before glancing back to the others. As my gaze fell upon Spyro and the others, I couldn't help but let out a small snigger at the sight of them with sauce all over their muzzles.

"Hmph…"

I turned to Scorch; he was also staring at the dragons with an amused grin. I had a sudden sneaking suspicion. Why do I get the feeling that's the real reason you ordered this...?

Within minutes, the others had finished their dishes as well. Using their forelegs, the dragons cleaned their muzzles.

"I have to say, that really wasn't half bad," Cynder remarked as she stretched, yawning.

Spyro gazed at her, surprised. "Tired as well, Cynder?"

She merely nodded. "Yeah. I don't know why, though."

"Well, considering the fact that you guys are usually active and we haven't done anything all day... Really, I'm not all that surprised," I reasoned.

"That's true," Krystal agreed. "I mean, most of the time we're usually training or walking around the Dragon Temple."

Flame groaned. "Yeah… Being cooped up here sucks."

"For once, I agree with Mr. Complainer," Ember remarked.

"Relax, kiddies," Scorch said with a sigh, tired of the complaints. "Tomorrow I'll reserve the hotel pool for us."

Nick leaned back against the couch he was on. "Sweet."

I couldn't help but grin slightly in agreement. Today, honestly, was boring, but maybe that would change tomorrow.

XXXXXX

"Look out!"

Even with the warning, I couldn't avoid the blast fired at me. As it made contact with the ground, I was thrown into the air by the shockwave. Screwing my eyes shut in pain, I tensed for the ground to break my fall. Instead of land, though, I struck water and it began to surround me from all sides until I was completely submerged. Opening my eyes, I found myself sinking to the bottom of what appeared to be a pond. With each moment that passed, the light near the surface became darker and blurrier.

I'm sorry I couldn't have been of more help, guys… Forgive me…

Accepting the inevitable, I began to close my eyes, only to look upwards to find a black figure spinning towards me. As it got closer, the water surrounding it began to form a spiral which grew larger and larger. Finally, it reached me, and I felt two paws wrap around me securely.

XXX

"GAH!"

Leaning forward, I breathed heavily as sweat dripped down from my face onto the bed covers. Looking around, I let out a sigh of relief. From what I could see, everyone was still asleep. Tossing the blankets off me, I proceeded to get out of bed and walked out of the room.

Entering the kitchen, I gazed over at the stove clock. It was only four in the morning. Raising my arm, I proceeded to wipe off any remaining sweat. "I need some air…"

Walking over to the balcony glass doors, I slid them open and stepped outside. Leaning against the hand rails, I closed my eyes as I felt a light cool breeze go past. Slowly opening them again, I stared into the sky. It was a clear night full of stars. "Just need to get my mind off of it…"

"Mind off of what?"

Startled by the voice, I turned around to see Krystal walk through the open glass doors before shutting them behind her with a paw.

Jumping up on one of the chairs, she gazed at me in concern. "Are you alright?"

I gave a reassuring smile before looking down at the streets below. "Yeah, fine, just a bad dream."

"You want to talk about it?" Krystal asked.

I sighed. Maybe it would do some good to talk about it. After all, it wasn't like the dreams had been easing up any. "The dream I had... I've been having it for a while now."

Krystal gave me a curious look. "What do you mean?"

"I had it yesterday as well, and a good few times while staying with Scorch for training. Even before I first came to Avalar, I had it a few times. For the most part, it's been the same every time. I start out struggling to move forward on a battlefield, only to collapse because my leg broke or was sprained or something. When I look back, I see dragons fighting other dragons. But because I feel exhausted, all I'm able to do is lay my head down on the ground. Then, a moment later, I hear someone cry my name. I turn, but a blast of energy hits me instead, causing me to fly through the air and land in a pond where I sink as darkness begins to consume me. However, since last night, it has extended slightly. Now, as I sink and begin to lose consciousness, a black figure spirals towards me and grabs me. The dream ends after that."

I gazed back at Krystal to see her hop off her chair and stand next to me. She rubbed her head against my side.

"Well, I can see why that dream would cause you to feel uneasy," she remarked before gazing up at me. "But, even if something like that were to happen, don't forget that you have all of us, including me. If something were to happen to you, be assured that we would fight to protect you. We know you would do the same for us."

I couldn't help but smile at that, my uneasiness about the dream abating. "Thanks, Krystal. I honestly feel better after hearing that."

She yawned before giving a reassuring smile. "Anytime, Haze. I'll always be here if you want to talk."

Sitting down on one of the balcony chairs, I looked up once more into the starry sky.

"You like stargazing?" Krystal asked, giving me a curious look.

I nodded. "Yeah, haven't done it in a long while, but I do find it calming whenever I actually do it."

Krystal smiled, hopping up onto a chair once more. She gazed back up at the sky as well. "I know what you mean; I always thought the stars were beautiful."

I smiled lightly in agreement. "I wonder how long before Scorch takes us to the hotel pool. I mean, if anything, it should keep us entertained for a bit until we figure out where we're going next."

"I've been thinking..." said Krystal as she shifted her gaze to me, looking concerned. "If all we're doing is waiting to hear about Archer and Reaper's whereabouts, will we ever catch up to them?"

I gave her an unsure look. "Truth is, I really don't know. I've been wondering the same thing but, at the same time, we need to keep you and the others safe while you're in this world. Because God only knows what would happen if other humans found and caught you. But yeah, it definitely is concerning."

Moments later, Krystal jumped off her chair, walked over and leaned against my legs. "You don't really speak fondly of your own species. Are most of them really that bad?" she asked, slight worry in her voice.

I sighed. "It's not that most are bad, but I don't find us to be the most intelligent when it comes to things we don't understand. It's just better for us to play it safe, just in case of the event that we are caught and something does go wrong."

I felt Krystal's tail wrap around my leg in response.

"I wouldn't worry about it, though. As long as we stay with Scorch, we'll be fine," I assured her.

XXX Five Hours Later XXX

"Alright, everyone, here we are."

Entering the hotel pool room, Scorch immediately went over and lay down on one of the tanning benches, or whatever they're called. I gave him an unimpressed look. "You know, I'm noticing a trend with you…"

Closing his eyes, Scorch merely shrugged. "We all have our ways of relaxing and killing time; this is just my way."

And Mom thinks I'm a couch potato because of video games. He just does it to do it…

"Ten feet deep, not bad," Nick remarked as he walked around the pool, checking it out.

Considering it's a five-star hotel, that's not really surprising.

The pool itself rested in the middle of the room, surrounded by tanning chairs on the left, right and far side. Because there were window panels on the ceiling, the water shimmered as the light shined from above it. All the way on the other side, past the pool and tanning chairs, were glass doors that led to a balcony.

"We really have this place all to ourselves?" Cynder asked, gazing over at Scorch.

Too lazy to do anything else, Scorch merely lifted up a hand and gave a thumbs-up.

Moving to Cynder's side, Spyro looked at her playfully. "Race you!" he said before running towards the pool.

"Head start, much?" Cynder replied playfully as well, chasing after him.

I watched as both dragons jumped into the water and began splashing about. Unfortunately for them, they failed to see Nick approaching them from the side. They didn't know he was there and he planned to take full advantage of it.

"Cannon ball!" Nick shouted before jumping into the water, splashing it everywhere.

Being the skilled dragons that they were, both Spyro and Cynder raised their wings over them, which shielded them from the incoming water.

"Seriously?" Cynder questioned as she lowered her wings back into the water.

Spyro put on a playful smile. "At least he knows how to have fun."

Shifting her focus to Spyro, she put on a devious smile. "Oh, you're going to regret that, purple boy!"

Without warning, Cynder pounced on top of Spyro, dunking him under the water as far down as she could. After a few moments, he managed to pop back up again, gasping for air.

"Oh, I'm going to get you for that!" Spyro warned, immediately giving chase after her.

"Not before I dragon-pile you first!" Flame shouted as he ran towards the pool, leaping into the water.

"Flame, dragonesses first!" Ember moaned as she made her way over, also jumping into the pool.

For about the next minute, I merely watched as they all just splashed around in the pool like little kids. I couldn't help but smirk at the sight.

Krystal giggled in response. "What, too old for this kind of stuff, Haze?"

"No one is ever too old for any kind of fun. I just honestly find it more entertaining to watch," I replied, continuing to stare as the four dragons began to dunk Nick.

Walking around to my front, Krystal shot me a curious look. "So, you're not going to go in?"

"Probably will, just a bit later," I answered before redirecting my focus to Scorch. "You go on ahead, Krystal; I'll join in a few minutes."

She proceeded to join the others in the pool while I made my way over to Scorch.

"Need something?" he asked.

"Yeah," I answered, gazing back to the others. "This morning when I was chatting with Krystal, she reminded me of an important point. Archer and Reaper are constantly a day, if not more, ahead of us. If things keep going the way they are, how are we ever going to catch them?"

Scorch merely looked at me, unconcerned. "Just like a treasure map, getting to the place where the treasure is buried is easy. The hard part is finding that treasure once you've reached the destination. That's when we'll catch them."

"Can't help but wonder where they are right now, though..." I replied.

XXX Three Days Earlier XXX

Coming out of the portal and landing on hard ground, a gray dragon gazed around, checking out his new surroundings. In every direction he looked were buildings ranging from large to small and little else. Then, from the open portal, another dragon landed on the ground behind him.

"I have to say, before coming here, I never expected the human world to be so similar to our own. Their structures may not look like ours, but the thought that another world might be even remotely similar to ours isn't even considered in our minds. What do you think, Archer?" the gray dragon asked.

Archer merely looked at him coldly, still angered by what he had done earlier. "I could care less for sightseeing. The sooner we get what we came for, the sooner we can leave. So no detours. Got it, Reaper?"

Reaper only sighed with an amused grin. "Yeah, I hear you, but relax, alright? Once we get what was stolen from the Original, you won't have to worry about feeling guilty anymore. In fact, we'll probably be praised as heroes."

Just going to say right now, no amount of words can describe the joy I feel at finally having completed this chapter. While I'll admit that writer's block did play a huge role in the beginning, I must also admit that, as time went on, I began over thinking about what everyone should say and do. But now with that over with, we shall see what Archer and Reaper have been up to ever since coming to the human world.

Few last things to note:

Thank you River for beta(ing), I apologize if this chapter was a mess XP

This may be the last chapter of 2014, not sure

If you want to find out about future updates for this story, check my bio, it's updated frequently

For more information about what my current plans are in terms of writing, please visit my deviant art, a new journal will be posted in a few days (Link will be in my profile)