Terrador read over the report Volteer had just handed him. The recon team was almost to the encampment. Only, to witness it's devastation at the hands of an unknown fire master. They also rescued a hatchling in the process. He was currently resting in the temples infirmary. Volteer could only wait for him to ask a question. He had to lie a little in the report. But, who would believe that a hatchling destroyed an ape camp. He still didn't believe that was what transpired. But, here they were.
"We're there any other survivors?" He asked.
"No, Terrador." He replied sadly. "I'm afraid he was the only one."
Terrador nodded and sighed sadly before turning towards a map. He raised his paw towards the image of a camp and scratched it out. There were five other camps with similar scratches. Two of them were circled and had a number beside them. One had the number five. The other the number two.
"Have the other search parties reported back yet?" Volteer asked.
"No." Terrador answered. "Yours was the first one back." He sighed again. "I hate to ask this my friend. But, is it possible for you and your team to go to this camp here?" He pointed at a camp far west of the city.
Volteer smiled and nodded before he walked up and hugged him. He hugged him back before he turned and exited the guardians chamber. They had started doing that since Ignitus had passed. All three of them were in their golden years now. Although, they were still guardians. They were far from immortal. Each of them knew the risks of each mission. For, all they knew it could be their last. As the door shut Terrador rested at his desk. He unrolled a scroll and amended the report on it. It was the cities population report. It had been raised by one.
0-0-0
Star monitored its partners vitals and collected amazing data. The crystal that Von had been placed by was healing him. This was an amazing discovery for science. But, that was not what interested it. No, what was interesting was all the information stored inside the crystal. That was why it was currently inside it. It had access to information from thousands of years ago. Information that it was processing at a fantastic rate. In a nanosecond it had learned of the creation of the dragons. It also learned how they were connected to the elements. That, was how it was able to help it's partner learn to use the fire element. But, it regretted using the advanced bleeding program.
"I'm sorry, Von." It truly felt sorry for putting that much strain on his mind and body.
The advanced bleeding program allowed the AI to assume full control. Not, only that it allowed their partner to learn skills, moves, styles. It allowed them to learn anything in just a few short seconds. But, it was also a dangerous program to activate. It not only put a terrible strain on the brain. But, it also affected the body horrible. Instant lethargy, severe dehydration, fantastic migraines and loss of hunger. The worst of them being coma and death. It was a high risk program to run. But, it was also a very fantastic reward.
It shifted it's focus to more recent history of the dragons. It noticed a pattern in the ages. Every new generation a purple dragon was born. A dragon who could learn all four elements. It was an odd mutation that affected the dragons. The purple dragon was treated as a peace keeper, a beacon of hope and the master of masters. But, a purple dragon caused the destruction of the world and the devastation of their population. There was also mentioning of another species of dragon that learned dark elements. She was the only one of their kind. A black dragoness called Cynder. It tried to find out more; the problem was this crystal was limited on information. It did have some knowledge of another element. The element of ice. It studied on it and learned a good amount of Ice attacks.
"I'll have to inform Von to keep an eye out for crystals like this." It spoke to itself as it started to finish up.
The door to the infirmary opened and it quickly left the crystal and reentered it's partner. It watched as the very black dragoness entered. She didn't seem to threatening. But, she was still intimidating. Her claws and tail blade looked metallic. And, her body was slim. It would be a good assumption that she moved fast in battle. Plus, she had four dark elemental attacks. Given her size she was possibly a teen. She was maybe in her late teen years.
Cynder looked over at the young hatchling and walked over to him. She looked at him with a sad gaze. He was so young and so little. And, like so many others he was a victim of a war. A war she blamed herself for. Although, the guardians made it clear that she was accepted. She noticed how the other dragons tended to ignore her. Or, how they would say hurtful comments behind her back.
"Hey." She greeted him softly. "How are you doing?" She lowered herself to his height and gently rubbed the back of his head. She smiled when she heard a gentle purr come from him. "You don't have to worry about the apes anymore. You're safe now." She continued to pet him.
"Well, well, well look who's in here." Another dragoness spoke as she entered the room.
Star focused on the dragoness who had just entered. She was a medium built dragoness with blue scales. Her horns were curved back like a rams and her tail blade looked more like a small boulder. Given the color of her scales; she was an ice dragoness.
She sighed and turned to face her. "Hail, a pleasure to see you again. " Her voice was filled with hostility.
A laugh came from her. "Already trying to give another hatchling nightmares." The statement made Cynder growl at her. "You remember the last time a hatchling saw you right?"
How could she forget? The hatchling in question was one she had rescued from the wilderness. She was passed out and severely malnourished. She was able to get her back to the temple in time. But, when the hatchling regained consciousness, it recognized her as the one who killed her parents. She never knew a hatchling could scream that loud.
Star watched as the dragoness continued to approach her. Reminding her of her treacherous actions. She was correct with all the accusations. But, there was information that she was leaving out. How she was taken before she hatched. How the dark master brainwashed her and controlled her. How she helped save her kind. There was about to be a fight in this room. It ran the healing program.
Cynder moved away from the hatchling and backed over to the wall. Hail was softly growling at her and she could see a faint glow behind her teeth. She was one of the few dragonesses that had a problem with her. Not because of what she did in the past. But, because of who she was with.
"I don't want to fight, Hail." She stated. "This is the infirmary and there's a hatchling in here."
"The why don't we take this outside." She suggested only to unleash a ice attack.
A large icicle flew through the air at Cynder. She could dodge the attack without any problem. But, if the shard impacted the wall; it would send out multiple shards in all directions. Shards that could hit the already injured hatchling. She braced herself for the impact.
The hatchling suddenly jumped in front of her and unleashed a torrent of fire. The fire melted the ice without any problems. Both dragonesses were stunned by the sudden action of the hatchling. Hail was more shocked than Cynder. The hatchling growled at her and he was glaring at her.
"Leave her alone." Von growled at her while Star suggested another attack for him to use.
Cynder broke from her stupor. "Hey, don't do this. You need to rest." She was worried about him. Just because he woke does not mean he was completely healed.
"I'm fine." He replied as he took a quick look over his shoulder. "But, she's about to get the third degree if she doesn't leave." He just said what Star was telling him.
Hail growled at the hatchling. "Third degree, huh?" She charged another attack.
Before she could finish her threat he suddenly charged her. His body was engulfed in fire; making him look like a fast moving fireball. He struck her square in the chest. Not only did he knock her over and leave a good burn on her chest. But, he also knocked the wind out of her. Cynder was shocked by what she was seeing. A hatchling just knocked a dragoness twice his size over. On top of that he just used an advanced fire attack. Who was this hatchling?
"Leave." Von growled as he glared at the dragoness.
Hail left the infirmary a whimpering mess. She had never been attacked like that before. Von continued to stare at the door. The moment Star told him she was gone he calmed down. He then turned and faced Cynder. She was staring at him in slight awe. She never saw a hatchling fight like that.
"Hi." He greeted with a smile. "I'm Von."
She was caught off guard. "Oh, um, my name's Cynder." She smiled back at him. "Nice to meet you Von."
"Nice to meet you, Cynder." He looked back at the door. "Who was that by the way?"
"That was Hail." She answered. "She usually tries to give me hell." She smiled at him. "Thanks for the help by the way."
"No, problem." He smiled back at her.
"If she asks you where you learned to fight. Just tell her your parents taught you." Star instructed as it continued to keep an eye on her. She didn't appear to show any signs of hostility. But, it had to be sure she didn't suspect anything.
"Easy for you to say." He thought. "You're not the one talking to her." He continued to keep solid eye contact with her.
"No, look around!" It instructed and he did as told. "Now, ask her where you are."
"Where am I?" He asked. "I remember falling asleep in a field. How did I get here?"
"Volteer and team found you." She answered. "I heard that you were saved by another dragon before they found you." A curious look came upon her face. "But, seeing how you just fought."
"Oh no! What do I do now Star?" He asked while he wondered what she was about to ask.
"It appears that this Volteer has assumed we had no help." It stated while it came up with a response.
"I did have some help." He lied as he looked around the infirmary. "Hey, where is he?"
"He?" She questioned. "So, there was another dragon with you?"
"Yes." he nodded his head. "He protected me from the apes with his amazing fire powers." He frowned. "I hope he's okay."
She frowned also at the sight of the sad hatchling. She lowered her head and gently nuzzled him. He giggled a little; didn't know his neck was that ticklish. He started to purr. Cynder smiled and moved away from him. She turned and started to approach the door. She turned and looked at him before motioning for him to follow her. He nodded and started to follow her.
They entered the hallway and she start to lead him to another area. As they walked he looked around in wonder. It was like they were inside a castle. He recognized the layout from some games he used to play. Star continued to gather information about the place they were in.
"Star?" Von thought as they turned down another hall.
"Yes, Von." It replied.
"How was I able to do all that back at that camp?" He asked. "I don't even know how I did all that."
"I activated the advanced bleeding program." It answered. "I saved a video of the ordeal. If you want to watch it. I can take over walking while you review it."
That suggestion got an immediate response from Von. He said yes and it took over following Cynder. While Von watched the fight he had with the apes. The video started playing and it showed him being held in the grasp of the ape. It then showed him using a powerful fire breath; before he ran out of the cage and stopped dead center of the camp.
0-0-0
"Activate fire profile!" Von shouted.
Von gasped as he felt a surge of enter his body. He dodged a spear thrown at him. He then focused on the ape that threw the spear. He took in a breath and concentrated his power. He imaged a spear of fire forming in his mouth; while at the same time he built up pressure deep inside his throat. He then exhaled sharply. The spear of fire flew through the air like it had been shot by a ballista. The ape had no time to react as it pierced it's abdomen. The heat cut through it's body like butter. The top of the ape fell to the ground; while it's lower half fell backwards.
"No!" One of the apes shouted. "You'll pay for that!" It raised it's axe and charged forward.
He turned to face the ape and charged it. As he ran his body began to heat up. He ran harder and faster at the ape. His body then burst into fire. The ape froze in fear as it watched the hatchling charge at him like living fire. He then jumped and bit down into the apes throat. The fire cut through the apes flesh. It's eyes melted from their sockets and its head was cleaved off. The fire continued to spread through the apes body from the neck down. He landed and spat the head of the ape out of his mouth. The flames around his body faded and he glared at another ape.
It was charging towards him with a shield and sword. It roared it's battle cry as it charged him. Like the other two it was cut down by him. With no hesitation, he faced the beast and readied another fire attack. He concentrated his magic inside his tail blade. It began to glow a burning white. The edge glowed a little brighter. He charged the ape and met it in the middle. They didn't lock swords. His superheated tail blade not only cut through it's blade. But, it also sliced him halfway through the middle. It stopped at his abdomen, leaving it halfway split.
He looked around at the other apes that were surrounding him. They were standing on the walls of the camp. All of them had bows in their hands and they had their arrows drawn back. Any dragon would see this as certain death. But, he felt calm. Everything around him seemed to slow. He began to take in a breath of air. He breathed in deeply; concentrating his magic inside him. The fire on the torches around the camp flew towards him. His body began to glow. It started off as a low red glow. It got brighter eventually turning into an orange color. He continued to channel the magic inside of him. It was building up and his scales turned into a bright yellow. The apes fired their arrows at him. But, the arrows burned to ash halfway through their flight. The light changed from blue and then into white. His eyes snapped open and unleashed his fury. The camp was splintered and left into a smoldering mass of ash.
0-0-0
"Whoa." He commented as the video ended with him passing out in the field. "Was I able to do all that because of you?"
"Yes." Star admitted. "We're here now."
"Where are we?" He asked as control of his body was given back to him. They were standing in front of a large door.
"We are about to meet the head guardian, Terrador." It answered as the door opened. "Don't worry. From, what I've been told he can be trusted."
Cynder looked back at Von and motioned for him to enter with her. She entered the guardians chamber. He followed close behind her. The room was large and filled with scrolls and various books. He noticed some bedding that had been set up inside the room. He also noticed the large green dragon sitting at a desk. He looked intimidating and very strong. Yet, there was a gentle energy coming from him.
"Good, to see you're awake." He greeted him as he walked around his desk. "I was told you would be out for another day." He smiled at him. "My name is Terrador."
"Von." He introduced himself with a bow. "My name is Von."
"No need for that Von." He chuckled. "Care to tell me a little about yourself?"
"I will tell you what to say." Star spoke.
"Okay." He replied. "I was born in a colony near mount Boyzitsbig."
"My mother and father were struck down by apes." It continued. "Since, then, I've been on my own."
"There is no way they are gonna believe this." He though.
"They will." It tried to assure him. "I've always felt like I've had some kind of guardian watching over me."
"I've always felt like I've had some kind of guardian watching over me." He finished hoping that he would believe him.
Terrador looked at him for a moment before nodding. He turned back to his desk and picked up a scroll. He then walked back over to Von and handed him the scroll. As he took the scroll; he noticed Cynder was smiling happily at him.
"What is this?" He asked as he looked at the scroll.
"An application." Terrador answered. "For you to enroll at our academy."
"Academy?" He questioned.
"This is a very good outcome." Star commented. "This will allow you to integrate into their society better."
"It also means that you can apply to serve under a mentor." Cynder added causing him to look at her. "It's something new the guardians have started."
"Cynder, speaks the truth." He commented. "We've lost many in the war. Now, us guardians need as much help as we can get." He gazed up at a portrait of him and his friends. "We've been looking towards the adolescent to teach our young."
"I recommend applying to be taught by her." It suggested. "She's already seen your powers. She also has a connection to these other elements."
"Can I choose who to be taught by?" He asked.
"Yes." He smiled happily while looking at her. "Do you already have someone in mind?"
Von nodded and looked at Cynder with a happy smile. She returned his smile with a smile of her own. Terrador was proud to see something like this. She had come a long way since she first arrived her. Although, she still faced spite from her fellow dragons. She pulled through and continued to show her strength.
"Cynder, can you please show him to a vacant room?" He asked.
"Yes, master Terrador."
He chuckled and shook his head. No matter how many times he told her; she always referred to him as master. Cynder motioned for Von to follow her. He did so and they exited the room. Terrador sighed happily and returned to his desk. Another one saved. One more to restore their race. But, now came another question. Who was this mysterious dragon that had been watching over him.
0-0-0
Von followed Cynder as they walked through the halls of the temple. He noticed her looking around as they walked. He was tempted to ask her something.
"Follow me." She suddenly instructed and they started to lead him down another hallway.
He did as he was instructed and followed her. She lead them down two more halls; before they came to a stop at a large door. She pushed the door open and they entered a large room. It was spacious enough to fit at least ten fully grown dragons. He wondered what this room was.
"This is our training hall." She suddenly spoke.
"Training hall?" Von questioned.
"High probability of combat." Star warned. "Be ready to spar."
"Spar!" He thought. "Can't I just decline?!"
"That is an option. But, I do not recommend it." It replied. "I recommend sparring with her. It can allow you to form a bond."
"I know your wondering; why did I bring you here?" She turned to face him. "Well, there's something that I need to know." A sad look came upon her face. "I need to know for his sake."
"She appears curious about our combat style." It noticed. "If we fight with her. She'll see that we have a different fighting style. One that she doesn't assume we're similar too."
"Well, she's not the one with an AI in her head." He thought as he looked at her.
"Do you want to spar with me?" He asked her.
"You're a fast learner." She smiled and got into a fighting stance. "I'll go easy on you."
She didn't have a chance to finish. He had already sent three large fire balls at her. She dodged the first one and used her wind element to blow the others off track. She sent him a daring smile before using her shadow element. She turned herself invisible and began to move about the training hall. She gasped as he used a move she'd never seen before. He charged a fireball in his mouth and shot it up into the sky. It glowed a fantastic light; it blinded her for a moment. She gasped when she saw her shadow on the floor.
He charged at her with his horns ablaze. She was nearly struck by him. But, she saw her opening and took it. She hit him with a powerful gust of wind. He yelled out in surprise as he was thrown backwards. He landed a little hard on the floor.
"Oh, no." She gasped as she ran up to him. "Are you okay?"
"That was fun!" He said happily. "Can we do that again?"
"Maybe, another time." She giggled as she helped him back up. "For, now let's get you to your room." She lead him out of the training hall.
"Hey?" He questioned causing her to stop for a moment. "Did you get the answer you need?"
She frowned and shook her head. He picked up on her mood and stopped herself from asking anymore questions. Instead, he continued to follow her through the temple. He couldn't lie to himself; he was a little eager to start at the academy.
0-Ending Disclaimer-0
I own nothing from The Legend Of Spyro.