Assault on the Temple Part 2
The Gang ran for the edge of a Cliffside where the balcony of the temple could be viewed from. The Situation was worse than they could have imagined debris of the temple laid scattered across the ground. Apes and any other dark creature lay dead around them. The Attackers were being met with a formidable defense. But it didn't mean that the battle was in their favor yet. With so many Dreadwings flying around in the sky a good number of them carrying bombs and bomb carriers full of apes to add to the battle the fight for the temple was still on.
As they ran the side of the temple was horrifying. With the structure so badly damaged it's a miracle it hadn't collapsed from the many bombs that were dropped on it or near it. It remained intact for now but more bombing runs could cause it to give way and anyone still inside could be buried underneath the collapsing rubble.
The Temple was their home as well as the Dragons sacred grounds and if it were destroyed it would be crippling blow to them all. They would have nowhere else they could possibly go and an important monument to all dragons would be gone. They couldn't allow this to happen. They had to stop this attack before it could get any worse and hopefully before even one of them or those they know would become a casualty.
They made it to the Cliffside and everyone's eyes went wide at what they could see. Out in the distance there were Dreadwings by the dozens flying around. Some of them were carrying bombs to continue their bombardment of the temple. Some were carrying bombs that were carrying more apes to drop into battle. They couldn't believe they were being attacked with such numbers. How could there be so many of them? With such an army attacking the temple it showed they had this attack planned for some time now.
There seemed to be no end to these apes. They attacked the temple without warning. They were determined to retake it if not destroy it and lay waste to all who inhabit it. They were not holding anything back.
But what shocked them more was upon the base of the balcony the Fire Guardian Ignitus was in the midst of defending the temple. The Only Ape that was alive on the balcony was snatched by the jaws of the red dragon and thrown off the side.
More Apes were dropped behind him hearing the blast of the explosions when the bomb carriers collapsed and unleashed six more apes the Dragon hoped turning to face them and unleashed a streak of flames from his mouth setting all the apes ablaze most of them dying within seconds as the fire consumed them.
One of the apes still partially alive, Ignitus swiped it with his front leg knocking it into the side of a beam. He looked up to see the many Dreadwings circling the temple. How could he never have remotely thought the temple would have come under attack by a force such as this since, Spyro and Adir freed Cynder from the darkness?
He watched one Dreadwing that remained close to the temple flying around the balcony. The Rider upon it watched the red dragon with frustration in his red eyes that partially glowed beneath the helmet that hid his face. The Dreadwing he rode upon was armored in some places on its body but this Dreadwing was different among the masses that filled the skies around the temple. This Dreadwing looked like it seen many battles. Its wings had a few holes in it but it was still capable of flying. Its skin was dark green and its mouth hung wide open revealing fangs that were the biggest to be seen on a Dreadwing.
The Particular Ape riding upon the unique Dreadwing was the head ape leading and coordinating the attack on the temple. He waved up his arms that had mounted blades upon them. With his size and choose of weapons he would fit the description of an assassin. He wore armor and a helmet with two horns on the right side while on the left side of the helmet was there were supposed to be another two horns were missing. This Assassin had much experience in battle and its steed had too seen much battle showing that with his experience he was the right choice in leading an attack on the dragon temple.
The Ape Assassin continued to wave at his forces in the air signaling them to drop more troops on the balcony. Ignitus watched as more Dreadwings came from both sides carrying fresh bomb carriers. Once the Dreadwings got close enough they let go of their loads sending the bomb carriers straight for the dragon.
Ignitus leapt up and flow just above the balcony avoiding the bombs as a group of apes came from them ready to face the dragon. However Ignitus send a ball of fire down upon the middle of the group making an explosion that killed most of them. He landed back down growling fiercely at two apes that avoided the blast by jumping from it but Ignitus sent them flying over the edge with a whip of his tail. However there was only one ape left of that group that was right behind him.
The lone ape knew it couldn't face the dragon allow and turned around but it was not retreating. The Ape was heading for the temple doorway that was still closed but it taken hits from the many bombs that exploded around it with hot shrapnel lodged or burned within it.
Ignitus was about to head up to stop the ape from getting into the temple but more bomb carriers were dropped in front of him with another group of apes blocking his path.
The Lone Ape was right at the temple and began clawing at it to get it open somehow. But as it clawed and pulled the door began to open. The Ape snickered thinking he got the temple open and with it he along with the rest of those that are still attacking the temple they could now get inside and take it from within.
But when the door opened up just enough for the ape to get inside he was met by something hard and strong colliding on its chest knocking it on his back breaking a good portion of bones within. It screamed in pain with its inner body broken but then terror struck the ape as a curved blade then came into its view that was fading away. The Blade raised high and the ape let out a terrifying shriek as the blade come down the middle of its face ending its suffering.
The curved blade was part an axe as its wielder charged out of the partially open door. It was a man holding the massive axe that looked it would be needed to be held with both hands but this man's buckish figure made it simple for him to wield it.
"Sid!" Adir cried astonished that his cousin came out from the temple. Sid looked to the sky seeing another Dreadwing drop more bomb carriers with a group of apes.
Sid snorted tightening his grip on the axe taking a battle stance. He was enraged! The Temple came under attack while they were all sleeping and still not having forgotten what the apes did to him and his family putting them through slavery and ruining their old lives this was the perfect time for payback.
"COME AND GET SOME!" Sid shouted at the many apes in front of him issuing his challenge at them. The Apes appeased him and charged at him. Sid was not helpless this time. During he and his family's enslavement he couldn't do anything without putting the family at risk of punishment. Any defiance or act of aggression would result in torment. A Lesson he had to learn once with whip marks that left scars on his back. Now it was his turn to make the apes pay.
He swung his axe at one ape slicing through it like a knife through warm butter. With their weeks of training and preparing in the temple the weapons they confiscated from the dead apes that still riddled the temple were kept sharpened and ready for use. They all had hoped there would be no need of them due to the victory Spyro and Adir achieved but they along with the Guardians knew this was far from over and they had to be ready but the current attack on the temple was something they did not expect to come so soon. Now every one of them had to take up arms to defend it.
Sid sliced down another attacking up and when another leapt at him he caught it by its throat holding it in the air. The Ape tried to break free but Sid's great muscle mass kept his grip as tight as a snake after it coiled its prey. He then slammed it down hard knocking the wind out of it and finished it off with a boot to its face crushing its skull.
"You go, Sid!" Rai cheered from the edge of the cliff getting Sid's attention.
"Rai!?" Sid then looked to see that Molly was with him along with Spyro, Adir and Sparx. "Where have you guys…" Sid was interrupted with a punch to his face forgetting there were still apes in front of him. He was unphased by the sudden blow and returned the favor with punch back at the nearest ape knocking it back and causing it tumble down balcony.
"Never mind that! Just get down here!" He shouted as the apes attacked him again. This time the odds were against him. Three apes attacked him from the front and both of his sides. He had the strength to deal one but his reflexes were not as toned. He swung his axe at the first one that came close but it dodged it and came out him grabbing his arm. The ape at his right side took the occasion to grab Sid's other arm. The Ape directly in front of him charged him with its fists clenched ready to pummel the temples defender.
Sid was not so easily subdued. His arms may have been held but the apes were nowhere near as strong as him. He grunted drawing up his strength and threw the ape holding his free arm right into the ape in front him before it could strike knocking them down sending them both rolling down the balcony path and then he grabbed the other ape that held onto his axe wielding arm dropping his weapon and with both hands lifted the ape and hurled it over the edge.
Adir's cousin was fighting remarkably well but the situation was still dire. Ignitus was still dealing with many apes at the base of the balcony. He handled the latest group with more swipes of his front legs and tail but a much larger group was dropped behind him. He turned to face them.
Sid ran up to the front of Ignitus to help him but now got nervious. He had been defending the temple since the attack started having possibly killed a couple dozen apes by now but most of them were either alone or in small groups of two or three. There had to be two dozen of them in front of him. Ignitus shot out flames from his mouth at the ones that began to advance but his power was waning. He had used his power of fire so much by now that he could send out a small streak that only ceased the advancing apes for a couple moments. He began to back up and Sid did the same there were far too many in front of them they had retreat back onto pathway to avoid being surrounded. This was the apes chance to press the attack and all of them charged at once.
"Ignitus!" Spyro cried out fearfully as the many apes started to pile onto the dragon. Sid managed to knock some back and even kill a couple with his axe but the apes were relentless.
The Fire Guardian heard the cry of the purple dragon and looked to see that Spyro along with Adir and his two siblings along with Sparx on the Cliffside. "Get down here, young ones!" Ignitus ordered throwing an ape off his head. "We need your help!"
"Right!" Adir nodded as they had been on that cliff long enough observing the battle before them. Adir hopped on Spyro for they had to fly to the balcony as the cliff was too far to jump from leaving Rai and Molly on the cliff as they along with Sparx following went to help Ignitus and Sid.
"Hey! How are we going to get across?" Molly called but then more Dreadwings came down from the sky having heard the shout coming from the edge near the temple. With more bomb carriers they dropped two squads of apes near Molly and Rai. They readied their weapons and began to defend themselves. They would not be able assist their friend and brother and the others for now as they retreated back into the mushroom forest for fighting the apes on the Cliffside would not be wise.
Adir and Spyro watched as the two humans were into battle with more apes. Spyro looked at Adir who was very worried as they flew towards the balcony.
"They'll be okay, Adir. They can handle themselves." Spyro assured though he too was worried for them as Adir was but for now they had to help Ignitus and Sid.
Adir nodded and hoped that Molly and Rai will be okay. He made out flashes of yellow coming from the mushroom forest meaning that Rai was again using his newfound electric power against their attackers. He smiled slightly believing now that they would be okay turning to the front as he rode on Spyro coming upon the balcony.
Once they were just over Ignitus, Adir swiped his sword at one ape that was on the fire guardians head and Spyro let loose flames from his mouth at the apes in front of his mentor and Sid setting most of them on fire and causing some of them to back off. Once over Ignitus Adir hopped off of Spyro planting his feet upon the balcony and turned to see his cousin was covered with apes all of them beating down on him.
"GET OFF OF HIM!" Adir yelled turning his single sword into two short swords and charged at the apes. They were all so busy trying to take down the large human they had managed to pin due to their number they failed to counter the young samurai that charged from behind.
Adir with his quick reflexes and the use of his two swords he took care of the apes with a series of swift movements of slashes and thrusts that crowded upon his cousin. The Apes with their focus on trying to kill the large human that had pinned on the ground they had no chance and could not defend themselves from attacked in the rear nor could they avoid the swings of the samurai's short blades. It was finished. Adir had killed all the apes that had his cousin pinned and one of the dead apes's collapsed onto Sid and he shoved it off of him and smiled up at, Adir. He had saved him and finally got to truly see what his young cousin was capable of. He was very impressed as well as thankful.
"Thanks, Adir." Sid thanked. Adir smiled at him offering a hand after he turned his swords back into a single sword. Sid kindly took the gesture helping his cousin back onto his feet.
"Don't mention it, Sid." Adir smiled glad to see his cousin okay. But it was far from over. More dread wings came down from the sky with bomb carriers. Adir caught eye on one of them were heading straight him, his cousin and Ignitus.
"LOOK OUT!" He warned jumping and rolling towards the balcony base as Spyro landed next to him and Sid and Ignitus back up in time to avoid the blast as more apes emerged and started to move towards The Red Dragon and large human. However with the Purple Dragon and the Purple Dragon Samurai now out in the open there was a chance to end the prophecy. The Ape assassin flew his Dreadwing over his troops.
"Focus your attention on the Purple Dragon and the Samurai!" He ordered in muffled voice due to his helmet. Though his voice was mumbled his troops understood their leader's orders and turned towards the human and purple dragon in the middle of the base on the balcony.
More bomb carriers were dropped behind the two on the balcony with a good number of apes. They were completely surrounded. Adir and Spyro backed up and stood back to back so all their surroundings were covered. However with so many apes they would get overrun.
Ignitus gasped at the sight with so many of the dark master's forces bearing down on Spyro and Adir. Sid tried to fight through the apes to help his cousin and friend but those in front of managed to hold him back having the advantage in numbers.
Ignitus summoned up every bit of power he had left in him. Flames began to form around him catching the eye of the humans, apes, dragonfly and purple dragon. The Fire Guardian let out a thundering roar sending out a fiery shockwave that blasted across the balcony sending every ape flying off it screaming as they all plummeted to their deaths.
"Way to go, Ignitus!" Sid cheered rubbing his eyes as the shockwave didn't affect him nor Spyro, Adir or Sparx only leaving them momentarily blind. But the shockwave rocked the balcony and agitated some of the damaged structures and caused a décor structure on the sides of the balcony to collapse. Separating Spyro and Adir from Ignitus and Sid.
The Purple Dragon and Samurai turned around seeing more apes and some of the surviving ones that managed to catch the side of the balcony when they were blasted off. Spyro and Adir readied themselves they charged at their attackers going through them with ease. With the apes coming at them only one at a time and not allowing them to grow their numbers they had a chance.
When they killed the last two apes with Adir thrusting his sword into one of them and Spyro knocking the last one into the air and sent it hurling over the side of the balcony they heard a loud screech turning to see it was the very ape that was leading the attack standing upon his Dreadwing hovering a short distance from the balcony.
"You're on your own with this one guys." Sparx trembled.
"This one?" Adir asked staring at the dragonfly with his head cocked. "How's this different from the last one?"
"Or the one before that?" Spyro added.
"PREPARE TO DIE!" The Assassin yelled incomprehensibly
Adir scoffed a bit amused by the head apes inability to speak properly.
"What he say?" Spyro asked
"He said something about preparing to die." Sparx replied confused. "Either that or…he wants you to repair a pie…um…no, yeah."
With a loud shriek the Dreadwing came down on them with its claws open. Adir ducked under as Spyro flew up. Sparx hid down in some of the rubble for cover as he watched Spyro and Adir battle the ape assassin.
The Assassin leapt off his Dreadwing landing the balcony and readied his two wrist blades. He came at Adir and began to swing his blades at the young samurai. Adir did battle with the Assassin deflecting his attacks and then went on the counter attack against the assassin exchanging blows with the ape who to Adir's surprise was a skilled fighter.
As Adir battled the Assassin Spyro was in the air fighting the Dreadwing. This Dreadwing was far more fierce than the others that he had encountered. Spyro shot fireballs at the large winged beast but it was far too fast for him as its movements were swift and with its cold eyes locked on the dragon it would not be caught off guard. Spyro used his dragon time ability but it could only work for only a few moments giving him a chance to connect one of fireball against the Dreadwing.
It screeched in pain when its side was singed by the fire blast but it was not finished. Spyro flew towards Dreadwing with his horns straight out but the Dreadwing spun itself around collided its wing upon the purple dragon sending him straight onto the balcony with a loud thud. Spyro for the moment was down.
Adir continued his fight with the assassin. The Ape was remarkably quick. Every time Adir swung his sword the ape deflected and countered. Adir kept vigilant and tried to find the right moment to strike but when he heard a loud thud close by and saw Spyro had crashed he hesitated and looked up to see the Dreadwing coming down on the dragon ready to finish the fight.
Spyro was temporarily incapacitated. His body ached from the impact and for the moment he couldn't move. He groaned trying to stand back up but it took longer than it would due to the pain he felt. He watched with horror as the dreadwing was nearly upon with its claws opened ready to pierce through him. It couldn't be! How could he have allowed this to happen? He was Spyro the purple dragon of prophecy and having defeated so many of the dark forces and having once saved Cynder from the Dark Master that controlled her he was about to meet his end.
The Young samurai had to act fast before Spyro could get clawed. Deflecting another attempted slash from the assassin, Adir kicked the ape back with his right foot after dodging a thrust by the ape sending it back causing the ape to loose balance and fall on its back. This was the opportunity to finish the assassin but Adir prioritized his best friend and the one he called a brother had to be saved over the chance of killing the leader of the attack. Charging up a ball of fire in his hands he took aim and shot it at the Dreadwing hitting it on the side just before it could reach the purple dragon causing it to move over and land sharply on the left side of the dragon barely missing him as it screeched in pain with the fireball having hit an exposed part of its body with tiny flames trickling on where the fireball hit.
The Assassin was enraged at the harm its steed had taken. Disengaging from the fight with the Samurai it hopped back on the Dreadwing looking up at the sky to see most of his forces have either gone or been killed. The Attack was a failure but this would be the only time.
Spyro finally recovered taking a quick moment to eye Adir with a thankful smile. Adir returned the smile and pointed at the assassin and its Dreadwing silently telling him to finish the fight. Spyro flew back up into the air and headed for the Dreadwing from the right side of it. Adir too attacked from the left side leaping up into the raising his sword high to strike down on the assassin.
The Ape deflected the attack from Adir while Spyro managed to hit the Dreadwing from the side and then bit onto it. The Dreadwing wailed in pain trying to shake off the dragon. Spyro eventually let go rolling to the side. Adir got next to Spyro and readied to continue the fight but the assassin pulled on the reigns of his Dreadwing making it fly away. He turned and hovered a distance from the balcony eyeing the ones responsible for his humiliating defeat.
"You haven't seen the last of me!" He called out before turning to leave sending a signal to all the remnants of his forces in the sky to withdraw. Soon they disappeared into the night leaving behind a temple that was partially ablaze in flame and in ruin. They may not have killed the purple dragon or the dragon samurai but they left a mark that would not soon be forgotten.
"I'm just going to assume he said it was great meeting you and have a nice evening, in which case we thank you." Sparx misinterpreted.
Spyro and Adir shook their heads. This was not a time for Sparx's foolishness but in all cases they had won. They drove the apes. They protected the temple. Turning around they looked at the damage. It almost didn't seem like a victory at all however.
The Temple was still inflamed in some areas. Parts of the walls were ruined and some of the roofs had collapsed from bombardment. Taking a sigh of relief it could have been much worse. They only hoped that everyone else was alright. They took a moment to catch their breath before they headed up the balcony pathway climbing up over the rubble and headed for the doorway where Ignitus was waiting for them.
"Is everyone alright?" Ignitus asked.
"Yeah, a little banged up but I think we are good." Adir replied
"More than banged up if you ask me." Sparx murmured folding his arms.
Then a look of concern crossed Ignitus's face. "Where's Cynder?"
Spyro and Adir cast sheepish glances. They couldn't decide who was going to tell him the news that Cynder had run away out of shame and guilt.
