I am going back to posting one chapter at a time, this will be the longest one so far and I will be introducing some new dragons in this chapter, read on to find them.
Ch6: Elorin Again
The group of dragons flying from the outskirts of the Silver River swamp wasted no time in the remainder of their flight back to Warfang. Since Vacu had arrived midway and gave them Ignitus's message, all three of them wanted to return to the city as soon as possible. Spyro had no doubt that once they returned to Warfang, the Arch Isle would be their next destination. The fact that the Chronicler himself was saying that they needed to return to Elorin was enough to predict something big was about to happen, though what it was, they were still in the dark.
Flying in a V-formation with Vacu at the head, Spyro on his left, and Cynder on his right, the Dragon City of Warfang soon came into view. Sitting atop his brother's head, Sparx cried out, "alright we're here!"
"Let's head straight for the temple," replied Spyro.
"Took the words right out of my mouth," added Vacu, "Master Terrador said the whole council would be waiting for us there."
They descended into the city flying over its protective walls, heading straight for the Dragon Temple that was easily identified by its tallest tower which stood alone with a domed cover. They flew along the street leading to the entrance and landed at its base before walking up the steps to the interior. As they trekked through the halls toward the main atrium, Spyro asked Vacu, "did they say where to meet them?"
"If not in the main atrium, then they definitely would be in the gem chamber," Vacu replied.
"Spyro! Cynder!" a booming voice ended their search prematurely, as Terrador called out to them from an adjacent hall to their left, "good to see you both back!"
"Vacu found us upon our return, and told us everything. We flew as fast as we could," Cynder replied.
Terrador nodded to her and then turned toward his pupil, "well done Vacu, on a mission accomplished."
"Thank you master," Vacu replied with a bow.
"Please, gather the other acolytes and fly out to the Arch Isle, we will begin preparations here before flying out to meet you," Terrador ordered his student.
"Yes sir," Vacu nodded back before leaving the guardian with the two young dragons and Sparx.
Spyro then asked Terrador, "Is it true what Ignitus said? Do we really need to return to Elorin?"
"Yes, it's true," said Terrador.
"Not that I doubt any of your words, but did he say why? What has he seen in the future for us to return there?" Spyro asked.
"I'm curious myself," Cynder added. Having to return to Elorin now at the request of the Chronicler usually didn't mean anything good, accounting tales of the previous Chronicler.
"You're right to have questions," Terrador said, "but I can only tell you what he has told me. Apparently, another battle is about to break out on our allied planet, at the forefront are a group of beings like none he has ever seen, or any of us."
"What sort of beings?" Spyro asked, showing concern, with Cynder and Sparx matching it.
"From what my old friend described, they are unknown to all of us in the Realms. Though from all the records he has collected regarding your previous experiences on Elorin, they bear a striking resemblance to what the humans call...robots."
"Robots?" Spyro questioned with a raised eye.
"Robots are machines made by humans," Cynder clarified, "are you saying there is another group on Elorin now trying to use another robot army to start a global campaign?" Her prediction unsettled her, considering the last army of robots they wiped out had helped destroy half of Haven City, following the orders of a madman who was now dead.
"That I don't know because not even Ignitus knows," Terrador said shaking his head, "the last thing he told me was that the humans will not be able to face this threat alone, they will need our help, specifically yours."
Spyro nodded in agreement, his mind already made up, "consider us there."
"Once we jump through the portal of course," Cynder added, giving Spyro a wry smile which he returned.
"I never doubted your resolve young ones, but if you are to go back, you will not go unprepared, nor by yourselves," Terrador stated, arousing curiosity within the young dragons.
The young dragons soon realized that Terrador meant the guardians would be going with them, along with three of their acolytes, just like last time. It would be the same arrangement, the guardians and their acolytes would be accompanying them to Elorin, while the other three would remain in the Realms as temporary guardians. However, those three acolytes didn't include the one addition that would also be accompanying them, a fire acolyte.
After completing Warfang's reconstruction, the guardian council was finally able to make progress in selecting fire acolytes to eventually take the open role of fire guardian with the next generation. Ignitus's new position had unfortunately left them without the primary teacher. However the silver linings of the dragon's return to Warfang had bore more fruit than just the survival of the royal family.
Within the returning dragons was someone the guardians never believed was still alive, Guardian Charvo, Ignitus's mentor and fire guardian predecessor, and the last one of his old council still alive. Reuniting with the old guardian before them warmed the current council's hearts, and gave them relief that the next generation of fire dragons still had someone to teach them. Currently, the old guardian and his fire pupils were stationed at the Arch Isle, awaiting the remaining acolytes and guardians.
Having already sent Vacu to collect the other acolytes within the city, Terrador took Spyro and Cynder to meet up with the other two guardians. After reuniting with Cyril and Volteer, all three dragon guardians outfitted themselves with their own burlap packs wrapped around their torsos, similar to the one Saphira had used once before. Spyro and Cynder each received their own, Cynder's was the same one she had taken to Elorin before, and Spyro received his own personal one gifted from the guardians.
The packs were meant to carry anything they needed for their trip, from supplies to personal belongings. The most important thing they put in these packs was a white gem shard from the cluster originally gifted to them by Ignitus. Terrador, Cyril, and Volteer each had a full shard to keep on themselves. Spyro and Cynder had also been given a new shard since they had gifted their original one to the precursors.
The young dragons broke their new shard in half and kept one in each of their packs to ensure either dragon would be able to regenerate their energy even if separated. Everything all set, the guardians led the young dragons and Sparx out of the Warfang Dragon temple and set course for the Arch Isle, where everyone awaited them.
After dismissing the council, King Arius had set himself on the palace podium. From here he could observe nearly the entire city, seeing daily events as they went on. He had watched as Vacu had returned to the city with Spyro and Cynder in tow, and then soon after that left the temple again along with all of acolytes still present in Warfang, and then later on after that, watched the guardians and heroic dragon couple leave the temple themselves following the acolytes direction toward the Arch Isle. Watching all this play out in response to a message from the Chronicler was most foreboding, and after what he learned from the guardians the last time it happened, King Arius was worried that history was repeating itself.
The sound of a familiar voice from below broke him from his worried thoughts. He looked down and smiled with pride seeing his daughter walking in front of the palace atrium escorting through the city what appeared to be a group of moles wearing hats, better known as manweersmalls. Apparently some new arrivals had come seeking asylum, and he then decided to go meet them in person.
The Dragon princess was a tan scaled dragoness with a golden underbelly and of the same age as the acolytes. Her overall color was a much lighter tone then her father, and her gentle voice brought comfort to her new audience as they nervously made their way through the unfamiliar city streets, "I'm honored you and your people chose to make Warfang your new home sir, and I can promise you'll flourish here."
The taller mole creature with long whiskers and a sun hat walking next to her spoke on behalf of the 2 dozen of his kin walking behind him, "We thank you Mademoiselle, for allowing us sanctuary within your fabled city. I'm still surprised that fellows like ourselves can be admitted here."
"This may be the Dragon City, but I can assure you Sir Mole-Yair, this city is everyone's home, should they choose to make it so," the princess answered him.
"Much obliged your ladyship," Mole-Yair said with a bow, his compliment making the princess blush.
"I see you're still busy with newcomers Viola," the voice of her father caused her to turn around to see him standing at the entrance before walking towards her.
"Father," his daughter said, smiling with adoration.
Mole-Yair beckoned to his kin, "my fellows it's the king!...show your respects." They shuffled for a moment before bowing their heads.
King Arius respectfully said, "you may rise little master, those showing humility to fellow leaders have my respect."
Mole-Yair lifted his head before Princess Viola spoke again, "Father, Mole-Yair is the leader of a clan of manweersmalls, they've been wandering the lands since before the war ended, trying to find a permanent homestead, which is what led them here."
"When we heard about the majestic Dragon City, we could think of no safer place to ask for refuge," said Mole-Yair.
"We're honored to hear that, you need only ask, and we can set accommodations up for your people within the week," said King Arius.
"Wonderful, though I should inform you that there are other clans of manweersmalls on the way, my brother Ex-Humor is leading them as we speak," Mole-Yair added.
King Arius nodded and replied, "Then when the time comes, we'll welcome him and his kin all the same. In the meantime, I trust my daughter can escort you to temporary quarters?" His gaze turned back to his daughter asking her.
Viola smiled before saying, "We're on the way there now Father. What about you though? How did the meeting with the guardians go?"
"Ended early unfortunately, they were called by Ignitus for an emergency matter," he told her discreetly, given their unfamiliar audience. While Mole-Yair and his kin seemed harmless enough, discussing matters beyond the Realms remained known only to a select few.
Princess Viola understood his undertone and responded, "I see, is there anything we need to do?"
"Terrador has it handled, and he's already informed Spyro and Cynder about it," he answered.
"Spyro?!..." Mole-Yair cut in upon hearing the purple dragon's name, getting the royals attention, "did you just say Spyro? As in Spyro the purple dragon?!"
"Yes, you know him?" Arius asked with curiosity that the princess matched.
"Haha! Of course! We're old friends, he's helped me and my people several times before!" Mole-Yair cheerfully replied.
"That sounds like Spyro," Viola nodded to her father.
"Is he here? I'd love to catch up!" Mole-Yair asked with hope.
"I'm sorry Mole-Yair, but he's left for now on an important mission, but he will return," King Arius assured him.
"Ahh...well until then I suppose," Mole-Yair said, tapping his walking stick.
"We'll be sure to reacquaint you when we can, in the meantime, just follow me sir," Princess Viola said to him before continuing on their way. Her father watched her leave as she escorted the manweersmalls away, before turning back to the sky wondering what awaited in the future as Spyro, Cynder, and the guardians made their next journey to Elorin.
…One Hour Later…
Currently, at the Arch Isle, Vacu stood watch outside the partially restored temple with his four fellow acolytes awaiting the arrival of their masters. Having been sent ahead by Terrador, the elemental acolytes passed on his message to the isle's current guardian. Charvo, still being new to the Union Alliance with the humans, was mainly concerned that it was originally set in motion by the Chronicler himself.
The old guardian was more familiar with how the original stories of the Chronicler were always intertwined with ill tidings in the previous era. After learning that his successor had now assumed the legendary position, he had hoped those rumors would change as well, though it seemed nigh given what Ignitus had predicted now.
Charvo then divided the acolytes up, bringing Saphira, Zaxto, and Pulster into the temple with him to begin preparations below, while the rest of the acolytes stood guard outside. The Arch Temple had undergone great restorations over the past months due to its newfound significance, and was now more aesthetically pleasing as well as structurally sound then when it was first discovered by Spyro and the council.
Of course that meant nothing to Vacu at the moment, who decided to voice out his discomfort, "why is it no matter what, I always seem to end up on guard duty?"
"Maybe because you always seem to turn simple tasks into personal issues?" Chloro retorted from his right, on the opposite side of the temple entrance, irritated by Vacu's transparent impatience.
"Well I never understood how anyone can do this, standing around doing nothing while being vigil for something that may or may not happen? It's crazy!" Vacu argued.
"Oh it's easy!" Chloro exasperated.
"Really? Well then tell me Mr. elemental prodigy, how do you do it?" Vacu asked back.
"Simple, I pay attention to the world around me, taking it in with all my senses and lose myself in analyzing it, and sometimes, I even play an old song in my head for entertainment," Chloro answered.
"Well, aren't you so special?" Vacu dryly remarked.
Chloro was confused, "What's that supposed to...oooooohhhhhh...really? You're still all bitter because you missed out on going to Elorin before? For goodness sake Vacu, you need to grow up!"
"Maybe you need to back off!" Vacu shouted back.
Chloro retaliated, "Or what? You'll?…"
"ENOUGH YOU DOLTS!" Jace shouted, turning around and walking up to them from the front, his own patience being tested from hearing their argument, "keep it up, and I'll freeze your mouths shut and your feet still right where you stand."
"You wouldn't dare," Vacu replied.
"Yeah? Try me, I'll even have the other two thaw you out afterwards for laughs," Jace finished.
"Hey! Leave us out of this," a new voice said behind them. Stepping up behind Jace were two new dragons. On the right was a dark red dragon with a yellow underbelly and wing membranes and on the left was an orange dragon with red underbelly and wing membranes. These were the two chosen fire acolytes, currently under the tutelage of Guardian Charvo.
"Phastus and I aren't here to be your babysitters, so drop it," said the red yellow dragon.
"Oh come on Sephpyr (sep-purr), I'm diffusing the situation, and was just asking for some support here," Jace said to the red yellow fire acolyte.
Sephpyr responded, "as much as I enjoy a good fight, I prefer to only resort to it when it's absolutely necessary, save for training. Besides, we were entrusted to keep watch out here for Spyro and the other guardians, and that's precisely what we'll do."
Jace huffed, knowing the fire acolyte wouldn't be deterred in any way. Like most fire dragons, Sephpyr had a fiery attitude and passion for battle. However, he also held an overwhelming sense of responsibility given all the years spent in isolation away from the Great War, and upon emerging realized how much of an impact it really had on their kind.
Phastus on the other hand, was a complete contrast to Sephpyr, he was quiet and reserved, and only spoke when something needed to be said, quite an oddity among fire dragons. Though as the old saying goes, watch out for the quiet ones, because behind the orange-red dragon's reserved attitude was an elemental prodigy like Chloro. His use of fire outmatched Sephpyr's despite never saying it aloud. Guardian Charvo believed he could match even his former pupil Ignitus. Between Phastus's elemental mastery and Sephpyr's sense of responsibility, he believed he could have no finer pupils to train for the next generation of fire guardian, like Ignitus before them.
"Ugh, your overbearance is exhausting, you could give Pulster a run for his money," said Vacu.
"Because like myself, he understands our status and what we represent now," Sephpyr commented on his fellow acolyte, "we are not hatchlings learning to walk or taking our first elemental breaths anymore, we are elemental acolytes training to be the new guardians of the next generation, and after everything our species has endured in the past era, we're more vital now then ever."
Vacu relented knowing the fire acolyte's argument was sound, and he fully agreed with it, "Sigh...that I am fully aware of, believe me."
"Good, then start acting on your beliefs, and the sooner the better for all our sakes, including your own," Sephpyr concluded.
Vacu merely grunted off to the side, while Chloro and Jace watched the commentary with silent amusement. Despite the fact that Sephpyr hadn't been an acolyte as long as they had, he had no trouble in reprimanding ill behavior among the rest of them, it was gutsy. The other fire acolyte soon caught their attention…
"My fellow students...they are here," Phastus spoke, surprising the others as he rarely spoke unless deemed necessary. Following his line of sight, they could see why considering who was approaching.
Their flight across the sea to the isle was fortunately uneventful, but soon enough the Arch Isle came into view. All five dragons looked down from their high vantage point among the clouds to see the full body of the island, having flown at a higher altitude to let the tailwinds carry them with less effort. The guardians led the flight with Terrador in the lead and Cyril on his left and Volteer on his right. Spyro and Cynder flew near the back with the purple dragon on right and the black dragoness on the left. As they drew closer to the temple's location, they could make out the collection of colors below showing the acolytes were all gathered outside waiting for them.
"Let's begin our descent, follow me," Terrador instructed. They immediately started their dive toward the isle's southeast side, where the Arch Temple was located. The acolytes moved closer together in a line outside the temple facing them, as the guardians and the heroic trio landed in front of them.
"Welcome Masters," Chloro said, bowing to them from the far end of the line, along with the other acolytes to his right, Vacu, Jace, Sephpyr, and Phastus.
"Thank you Chloro, I see you've all been waiting for us," Terrador said.
"Indeed Master Terrador," Sephpyr spoke to the guardian leader next, "since Vacu's group arrived with your earlier report, Master Charvo instructed us to watch for you and escort you in upon arrival, he and the other three are currently preparing inside."
"Then I say we shouldn't keep them waiting," Spyro said, walking up catching everyone's attention. Sephpyr gave the purple dragon a respectful nod. Spyro and Cynder had only met the fire acolytes and their teacher once before, and it had been both a pleasant and extensive one.
Spyro was enthralled learning that Charvo was the old teacher of his mentor and father figure Ignitus. Conversing with the old guardian was almost like talking with Ignitus face to face again, and Spyro hated when their last talk had to end.
"I concur Spyro, young ones, lead the way," Terrador said to the acolytes. Chloro and Vacu led the way into the temple down the stairs to the Arch chamber, with Jace, Sephpyr, and Phastus right behind them. Spyro and Cynder along with Sparx walked in between the acolytes in front and the 3 guardians behind them. They soon arrived in the familiar chamber room, which had become a bit more populated since the last time.
A group of 3 moles and 3 cheetahs were working alongside one another as acting guards and caretakers of the Alliance Arch. Some supply crates could also be seen on both sides of the Arch chamber. More importantly, the three dragon acolytes, Saphira, Pulster, and Zaxto stood near the center of the chamber discussing details with Guardian Charvo himself, along with a cheetah and mole most were familiar with, Hunter and Mason.
Saphira turned around to see the arriving party, "well look who's here, we were wondering when you'd all arrive." The rest of her group turned around to see the approaching party before being greeted by her best friend.
"Always great to see you Saphira!" Cynder said cheerily, before addressing the cheetah and mole next to her, "Hunter, Mason, great to see you both as well, I didn't know you were stationed here."
Hunter walked up to his old friends before explaining, "You as well Cynder, and it was Prowlus's request, as my people's official ambassador, it was only right that I be here for another portal activation."
"Also, as Warfang's Chief Engineer, I'm here to make sure everything stays intact! Can't have the bloody place collapse in on itself, now can we?" Mason explained while gesturing to the ceiling above, showing how he and his mole workers had secured the ceiling and walls surrounding the Arch with scaffold reinforcement.
"This place couldn't be in better hands with the two of you," Spyro complimented his two old friends. The cheetah and mole nodded in thanks as the guardians along with the rest of the acolytes walked up behind the purple dragon. Upon seeing her guardian teacher again, Saphira bowed in respect, "Master Cyril."
"Good to see you again Saphira, you and Jace both, though I'm sure you were under good care here," Cyril said while turning to look at the Senior guardian who had now stepped up to the group.
Guardian Charvo was a fire dragon with red scales that had faded with age, and a gray underbelly and wing membranes to match. His tired scarlet eyes held great wisdom that was always shown whenever someone spoke with him. It was clear to Spyro where Ignitus had learned everything he had once taught him. Unlike the other guardians, Charvo wore a dark blue cloak around his torso leading down his legs, a sign of his status as the senior guardian; it was quite similar to the cloak his former student Ignitus now wore as the Chronicler.
"Nothing to worry about Guardian Cyril," Charvo spoke in a raspy yet respectful tone, "I may be old, but I still know a thing or two about caring for young pupils."
"Of course Master Charvo," Terrador spoke in respect for the most experienced guardian present, "but tell me, how much more versed are you on the matters of the Union Alliance now?"
Charvo answered Terrador's question, "All of your students have been most informative, especially young Zaxto, Chloro, and Saphira given their shared experiences with you on this 'allied world'. In simplicity, I am familiar now with all the head figures of this newfound communion, including the ones named Ashelin, Sig, Seem, Torn, and of course Jak."
"Naturally sir, for if not for Jak and Spyro together, this Alliance wouldn't exist," Chloro interjected.
Spyro used the interruption to speak to the elder guardian himself, "Have you heard that we are about to journey there again, at Ignitus's request?"
Charvo turned to the young purple dragon and said, "Indeed I have young dragon, and even after all these years, my protege never ceases to astound me, or surprise me out of thin air!"
Everyone chuckled, acolytes and guardians included, and then Terrador interceded, "I presume you know the roster who will be going to Elorin, including one of your own?"
"Indeed, and I have faith young Sephpyr will not disappoint as your newest member," Charvo said, turning to his newest aforementioned pupil who bowed in respect with a wide grin. When asked about the opportunity to journey to a far off world, Sephpyr was thrilled to be given the opportunity, and grateful to hear that Phastus had allowed him to have it without any arguing, unlike Vacu and Chloro. Between the two fire acolytes, Sephpyr was more adventurous whereas Phastus was more of a homebody.
Cyril also had something to add, "not just Sephpyr Master Charvo, we were hoping you would join us on this venture as well?"
Charvo's eyes lit up in surprise, as did Spyro and Sephpyr's as well, in delight that the senior guardian would come with them to Elorin as a full guardian roster, though Charvo was skeptical, "Me Guardian Cyril? What about the Realms? Surely at least one guardian must stay behind to look after everything here."
"We entrusted our acolytes with our positions the last time we made the trip Master Charvo," Terrador reminded, "they proved themselves capable then, and we have no doubt that they will again. Pulster, Jace, Chloro and Phastus together will be acting guardians on our behalf while the other four will journey with us to Elorin."
"Trust me Master Charvo, this trip will be worth your while, and I know for a fact our human allies would delight in meeting you, so what do you say?" Spyro asked the senior guardian with a warm grin. Cynder matched it as she along with everyone else awaited Charvo's response.
"I say…I think I have one last adventure left in me," Charvo answered with a grin back.
With that, final preparations were now underway, as the group broke off to complete necessary tasks. Terrador prompted Pulster, Jace, Phastus and Chloro about their duties as acting guardian heads. Cyril aided Saphira, Vacu, and Sephpyr with preparing their satchels with all their provisions and supplies.
Volteer discussed with Zaxto about all the documents they would be bringing in their assigned satchels as the dragon's official knowledge couriers. Finally, Spyro, Cynder, and Hunter together with their full shared experiences on Elorin, filled Master Charvo in further detail about what to expect upon passing through the portal. The next activation of the Alliance Arch was in the homestretch.
After finishing her discussion with Samos and Onin, Keira left her father's hut to return to the city through the New Haven lock. She zoomed her way to her mechanic garage just outside Freedom HQ. She was glad for the short trip, due to the fact that both destinations were only two blocks away from the North Wall Lock. Inside, she was greeted by an old friend.
"Hey Keira, welcome back!" A female ottsel waved from the back wall tool bench, dressed in her original human clothes downsized to fit her new form.
"Hey Tess, real quick can you open a link to Alliance HQ?" Keira asked quickly.
Tess was confused from her hussle, "umm...sure?"
"Sorry for the abrupt reply, it's just father and I had a talk with Onin, she said something real big is coming, like war conflict big."
"Ohh! Ok then say no more, I'm on it!" Tess headed straight for the radio communicator stationed at the very end of the bench. She quickly set the channel to Union Alliance headquarters secured frequency. Once she passed the internal firewalls on screen, the call was sent through. The two girls waited until Striker's face finally appeared.
"This is Captain Striker of the Union Alliance, respond…"
"Hello Captain, it's Keira, can you hear me?"
"Loud and clear Keira, if you're calling about Jak, he, Daxter and Calidan are currently out on a mission."
"Appreciate the update, but I have urgent news to share with you. I just received intel that something big might be happening soon, have you heard or picked up any unusual readings lately?"
"As a matter of fact, yes we have. In fact Jak and his group's current mission is investigating a meteor strike near the Brink."
That caught the girl's full attention, "really? What did the scans say about it?"
"Inconclusive right now, we hope to learn more when they get back. If you'd like, you can come over here yourself, you'd be a big help."
"We're on our way Striker!" Tess answered for both of them.
"Appreciate it Tess, though Jak and Daxter's mission isn't the only thing…I just received a transmission from Seem in the Wasteland Temple, she said we'll be activating the Arch again today, and you know what that means?" He asked with a raised eye and slight smirk.
Both girls were bombshelled, knowing full well it meant they would soon be reuniting with their Dragon Realm friends again! After signing off with Striker, Keira and Tess made their leave to Freedom HQ, and after making the request with the commanding officer in charge, took their leave in a Freedom Cat and flew out over the walls to pick up some additional passengers before flying to Alliance HQ.
While Jak and Cal were flying toward the Brink in one Freedom cat, and Keira and Tess were taking off in a second one from Freedom HQ, Torn and Ashelin were flying their own toward Alliance HQ. Following their leave from the Power Room, they received another transmission from Striker saying that Seem and King Sig would soon arrive to activate the Arch again due to a request from the Dragon Realms.
The aircraft made its last pass over a mountain ridge where Union Alliance HQ came into sight, and Ashelin pushed a button on the console to establish contact, "This is Governor Ashelin, party of two requesting permission to access Alliance Outpost Omega-1."
"Welcome back Governor, we just received your signal and code, you are clear to enter."
The Freedom Cat flew within the Headquarters perimeter and into the hangar bay outside the main hub. The Cat came in to descend and landed, allowing the Haven leaders to dismount.
Captain Striker walked up and saluted them both, "Sirs!"
"At ease Captain," Torn said, allowing him to relax.
"General Torn, the Alliance system has been scanned and secured, we're ready when you are," Striker said.
"Then by all means," Ashelin said, pulling out a small metal metal stick from her side pouch which was really a solid-state drive, the temporary house of their old friend's virtual essence, "Let's not keep him waiting any longer."
The trio walked up to the hub's main console, and the officer on duty pointed out the data socket, where Ashelin inserted the data stick. The console screen came alive with a blue screen of streaming data, it stayed there for 30 seconds before returning to its previous screen.
"Finally!...aahh, until now, I never realized how claustrophobic I could really feel from being stored away!" Vinn's voice sounded from the speakers as his digital head appeared on the center holograph.
"Well we're here now Vinn, Union Alliance Headquarters, your new home," Ashelin said.
"What do you think?" Torn asked.
Vinn answered, "huh...well it certainly has more space than the station, that's for sure…maybe I'll like it here after all."
"Good to hear, and having you around here will only help make this place, and the GEM grid safer," Striker added.
"Naturally, I'm nothing if not overcautious!" Vinn assured, his statement making the others lightly laugh. After all, if there's one thing Vinn was known for, it was safety protocols.
Officer 1 looked up to the console screen again, "Sirs! We have another incoming Cat on approach."
Torn, Ashelin and Striker turned around to see, and Vinn said at the same time, "hey! I see it too, your South side cameras have it on sight!"
"Can you put it on screen?" Torn asked.
Vinn twitched for a second and said, "Done."
The screen showed the Freedom Cat and its passengers approaching from the south. They smiled upon seeing Keira piloting with Tess on her shoulder, Samos in the passenger seat, and Packer and Onin in the turret hole while flying towards them.
The expected request came through, "this is Keira, party of six requesting permission to land."
Ashelin did a quick head count before granting access, "you're clear Keira, though what do you mean six? There's five of you."
"Onin didn't want to leave Robin, he's hiding in the turret hole with her."
Looks of realization washed over them, though Torn was silently frustrated hearing that Calidan's wildcat was with them. The shields were deactivated allowing Keira to pass without alarm. She flew her Freedom Cat over to the hangar bay and descended to land near Ashelin's.
The General, Governor, and Captain together walked out to them as the second party descended. Keira walked out with Tess on her left shoulder, and Samos floated down while using his eco powers to levitate Onin out and hover next to him while Packer just flapped in place next to him. Robin jumped out and settled near Samos and Onin.
"Glad to see you're all here," said Ashelin, "I'm sure Keira's updated you on what's going on."
"Yes, and after what Onin has foreseen and told us, I'd say we shouldn't waste a second in opening the Arch again," said Samos.
"We know, but we have to wait for Seem and Sig to arrive, only then will we open it, as we all have agreed to," Ashelin said, which Samos acknowledged with a nod.
Keira then asked, "Any idea when they'll be…"
"Sirs! I just picked up another transmission from the Wasteland, King Sig and Ambassador Seem are ready to arrive!" Officer 1 exclaimed.
"They must have read your mind," Torn said to Keira.
"Let them know they're clear, and we're waiting," Ashelin ordered as the computer officer sent out the message. A few minutes passed as they waited by the Wasteland Warp Gate for their desert friends to arrive. The gate soon pulsed in its usual manner, and two familiar bodies jumped out of it and landed on the headquarters platform with them.
Sig helped Seem straighten up before turning to his old friends, "Hey everyone, it's good to be back."
"Welcome to Union Alliance HQ, your highness," Ashelin addressed him by title with a teasing tone.
It wasn't lost on Sig who said, "hearing that from you just doesn't sound right, compared to back home."
"Ignore his discomfort, his majesty is far too modest," Seem said to the group, her dry retort made them chuckle, "nonetheless we are grateful for your summons Governor."
Ashelin acknowledged her with a nod, "Well Ambassador, we all are clear on why we are here. So are we all in agreement to move forward with opening the Arch?"
"Yes, though where is the Heir of Mar? Isn't his presence required to open it?" Seem asked, noting his absence.
"Jak's out on an important assignment right now, fortunately, we have a contingency to open the Arch in his absence from our end," Torn answered before turning to walk up to the center holograph where Vinn was watching the meeting from. He pressed a button, opening a hidden drawer in the console. Out of it he pulled a small metal box, and upon opening it, Sig and Seem gasped at the contents.
The purple glow of the dark eco crystal illuminated them as Torn said, "it wasn't easy, but we've secured a small supply of these crystals to activate the gate if need be, so are we ready?"
Keeping the crystal in the box, everyone followed the Freedom League leader over to the elevator, which lowered down to the level of the Arch tunnel. The anticipation built as they approached the familiar structure. Torn walked up to the Arch's left leg while the rest of the group kept their distance outside the tunnel. Remembering the instructions, Torn used a pair of tongs to bring the dark eco crystal into contact with the leg which opened the drawer.
Then in a repeat of the last time it was opened, Torn dropped it in and watched it close up. The Arch came alive with a HUM, as blue lightning streaks ran along its radius. It was a spectacle most of them were familiar with, yet still watched in awe like it was the first time. The lightning met in the middle as a portal began to form.
Spyro was currently in a discussion with his step-brother, regarding his recent decision which surprised him, "you're sure you don't want to come this time Sparx?"
"Positive," Sparx nodded, "believe me, it wasn't easy to decide, but I think my services are better off here."
"What about your declaration of looking out for me until I can stand on my own four feet?" Spyro asked with slight jest.
Sparx replied back, "have any of our past experiences since we first left the swamp taught you anything? You've proven you can handle anything several times over, and besides, if there is another war about to happen, I'm not exactly the kind of guy to ask to fight in it, right?"
Spyro nodded in agreement, for the last thing he wanted was for his dragonfly step-brother to be caught in the crossfire of battle.
"Besides, I'm leaving you in the care of four dragon guardians, four dragon acolytes, our Elorin buddies, and your kickbutt girlfriend, who could ask for more protection than that?" Sparx remarked, gesturing to Cynder who stood next to them, and giggled at his comment.
Spyro grinned before saying, "Alright then, we'll see you when we get back. Just stay out of trouble, ok?"
"Please, you know me," Sparx folded his arms.
Cynder raised an eye wryly saying, "that's the point." The dragon couple lightly laughed at the scowling dragonfly's expense while the audience outside the Dragon Realms Arch Gate were tending to their final tasks, until they were interrupted by a familiar sound…
...HUMMM...
Cheetahs, moles, dragons, and the lone dragonfly froze where they were standing before turning to the gate. The sight of the glowing Seal of Mar prompted Terrador, "it seems our Elorin friends are ready for us, places everyone!"
Mason and Sparx went off to the far side with the cheetahs and the other moles. Pulster and his group of acolytes went off to the opposite side. Last but not least, the four guardians stood alongside their designated acolytes in a box formation behind Spyro, Cynder, and Hunter. They were all in position as the portal came alive with blue light once again, before settling down and melting into a clearer picture as the master control took effect.
Spyro was starting to point out bodies on the other side, although the background was a lot darker than the last time it was activated. He would soon realize why once they passed through. Before taking the first step, he said aloud, "Let's go."
On the Elorin side, everyone waited outside the Arch tunnel for the picture to settle. They could see an array of colored bodies on the other side, no doubt a mix of the Dragon guardians and their acolytes. A purple mass was growing larger as it walked closer to the portal. The humans grinned, as they knew it could only be one dragon.
Spyro stepped past the threshold first, casting a warm grin to his old human friends. He saw who was present in a line, left to right. Sig, Seem, Torn, Ashelin, Samos, and Keira stood on what appeared to be a metal platform leading to an open outside area. This clearly wasn't the Monk Temple, though he remembered how they talked about relocating the Arch before their last departure, and apparently they had succeeded. Soon enough he was joined by Cynder on his left and Hunter on his right.
Keira waved to her old dragon friends while Cynder warmly responded with a wing wave back, and the three of them continued walking. The rest of their group followed suit. Terrador and Vacu were the first after them, then Cyril and Saphira, then Volteer and Zaxto, and finally, Charvo and Sephpyr, who were both in awe of the wonder of the Alliance Arch, and the world that awaited them on the other side. The whole dragon group gathered together within the tunnel, which had been built larger than the Arch's original chamber to accommodate them.
"Hey everyone, it's great to see you again," Spyro greeted first.
"You as well purple dragon," Seem replied, "your timing is impeccable, as is that of the rest of your kind apparently."
"Hehe, well Ambassador, it certainly helps having a mutual friend who's a master of time," Terrador added.
"Here! Here!" Samos agreed which made both groups laugh.
The humans escorted their visiting friends to the elevator so they could commingle on the main level. Vinn greeted all of them from the holograph, shocking the majority of dragons who were not familiar with the virtual entity. Spyro and Cynder eased their kins nerves before introducing their virtual friend to the lot of them, who were glad to see him again.
Final greetings were made all around from the Alliance humans to the dragons they remembered from before. The dragons in turn introduced the three new faces for them, Vacu, Sephpyr, and Guardian Charvo. Each was met in a different manner.
"So your Terrador's other student?" Samos asked the light green dragon.
"Yes sir," Vacu replied with a nod, "I've heard a lot from both Chloro and Master Terrador about you, Master Samos. It's an honor to finally meet you."
"Likewise, and please just call me Samos, I've never held such titles," Samos said.
"Oh, okay then, Samos it is," Vacu said with confusion which made Samos raise an eye toward his mentor Terrador walked up with a chuckle to alleviate his pupil from further embarrassment.
"Hehe, you'll have to forgive Vacu my friend, he's not used to meeting established individuals without formal addressment," Terrador explained.
"A lesson well learned I'm sure," Samos added with Vacu nodding back.
While the three green colored figures were becoming acquainted, Torn, Ashelin and Keira were getting reacquainted with Spyro, Cynder, Hunter, and the other acolytes. Warm greetings had been given to the two they were already familiar with, Saphira and Zaxto, and it ended with the new fire one in their ranks.
"It's an honor to meet all of you," Sephpyr greeted with a bow, "Spyro, Cynder and my fellow acolytes have spoken highly of you all, and your planet."
"Glad to hear it kid, we hope despite the circumstances, your time here will be enjoyable as well as successful," said Torn.
Sephpyr nodded back and replied, "General Torn, I assure you that I will do everything in my power to help you defend your home as much as it were my own."
Ashelin turned to the two young dragons she was most familiar with to comment, "I like his attitude."
Spyro chuckled and said, "one doesn't become an acolyte by taking responsibility lightly."
"Or so we've been told," Cynder added, seeing as how Spyro and her were never technically acolytes considering their status.
Keira smiled and said to the fire acolyte, "it's great to meet you as well Sephpyr, and we're glad to see that your council was able to fill their open position."
"Only temporarily," Sephpyr informed, "Master Charvo has said himself his guardian days are over. It's only due to his successor's noble sacrifice that he now holds it, until I or my rival take up the mantle."
The Elorin group nodded as they remembered the story Spyro told them of Ignitus's final act in the Belt of Fire. Speaking of Charvo, the elder guardian was currently being introduced to the Alliance Ambassador and Spargus King by Cyril and Volteer, who flanked the senior guardian.
"From the Dragon Realms to your world, I bid you all greetings," Charvo said with a bow.
"Welcome to Elorin, Guardian Charvo," Seem replied with a bow and Sig matching it, "we are most pleased to see that your council's vacant position of fire guardian has been filled."
Charvo replied, "only until either one of my new students assumes the mantle. I honestly never expected to hold it again, nor would I have to journey to another world at the beckoning call of my successor, now the Chronicler!"
"Hehe, well I never expected to take up the role of King in my desert city," Sig added in, "but I guess we were both forced into roles we never anticipated."
Charvo nodded to the king before saying, "Young Spyro and Cynder have told me of your newfound position Lord Sig, as well as what befell your predecessor. You have my deepest sympathies, having been through similar pain myself."
"Thank you," said Sig appreciatively, "though no one took Damas's death harder than his own son."
A moment of silence was heard amongst the entire group for the grief they shared months ago before Spyro asked, "speaking of Jak, where is he? I thought he would be here to greet us as well?"
"Prior to your call, I sent him and Cal out on a mission to investigate a meteor strike that hit earlier," Torn clarified, "they should report back soon."
Cynder smiled hearing the shortened name of the desert rogue who was their group's latest recruit, "Cal? As in Calidan? Hehe, so he made it through your training here after all."
Captain Striker responded, "yes he did Cynder, I should know seeing I trained him myself. Though Commander Jak deserves as much credit, having played a major role in his recruitment."
"Commander?" Spyro raised an eye to Jak's apparent new title, a surprise his fellow kin shared in.
Torn said with a shrug, "since I was promoted, someone had to take my old position, and he's more than earned it." The dragons all grinned and nodded in full agreement to that truth.
Further discussion was cut short when Officer 1 shouted for their attention, "General Torn! I just received a signal from Commander Jak's fighter, they're returning!"
"What's their ETA?" Torn asked while walking up to the console, knowing all eyes were on him.
"At their current speed, they should be here within five minutes," the officer replied before continuing, "there's more, their signal has an attached message, and video!"
Torn, Ashelin, and Striker's eyes went wide, sending attached files within signals was restricted only to urgent matters! All three knew Jak well enough to know he wouldn't do this unless it was serious.
Torn finally ordered, "play the message, then open the video." The computer officer did as requested, and everyone present gathered around to hear Jak's voice through the comm…
"Alliance HQ this is Commander Jak, we succeeded with our mission objective of locating the crashed meteor, but what we've found is beyond comprehension…we're currently returning to base, but before we arrive I request that you see for yourself, as the video can show you better than I can explain it, Jak out…"
All were surprised by the disbelief that was within Jak's tone, but they followed through with his request. The officer opened the file on the main screen, and then played the video that Calidan had started recording after his return to the Freedom Cat. It started off showing Jak running toward the Cat out of the forest behind him, and what was shown after, shocked the whole Alliance, human and dragon to their cores.
"What the?!" Sig gasped.
"Woah…" Keira muttered, with her father and Tess wide eyed silent.
"What is this?..." Terrador asked in disbelief, his fellow guardians and their acolytes were just as surprised.
"Good thing Sparx decided not to come after all, he'd probably faint from seeing this," Spyro said in utter disbelief, with Cynder slowly nodding next to him.
During their return flight back to Alliance HQ, the mission trio discussed what they had witnessed, starting with Cal, "Did you hear what that thing was saying back there?"
Jak replied, "not really, I was still in the shock of the moment, though it really didn't say anything, it just let out a few beeps."
"That's what I mean, it was telling you to get in and fly away," Cal interpreted, which made both Jak and Daxter turn to him like he had a second head.
"Wait, are you saying you could understand it?" Jak asked in disbelief, which Cal nodded to.
Daxter then added, "since when do you speak alien?!"
"I don't know, I just understood it," Cal answered, also surprised that he could interpret the alien's unusual language.
Daxter then whispered to Jak, "Are we sure he's not an alien? We did find him in a hole after all."
Jak just sighed exhaustively as the Freedom Cat passed the final mountain peak outside Alliance HQ with the base in sight. Hoping that his recent message went through, Jak turned on the comm to send out a landing request, "this is Commander Jak, party of three requesting permission to land at Alliance Outpost Omega One."
He received a quick response from the control officer, "permission granted Commander, we're waiting for you, and I mean ALL of us."
They all bore looks of confusion at that last statement, but once they passed through the shield and came around the final bend, they smiled at seeing who was present. The whole group of dragons stood behind the human officers below on the platform adjacent to the hangar platform. Among them were the two dragons the trio was most familiar with. Calidan brought the Cat down and landed the craft on the hanger platform, and everyone walked up as they dismounted.
"Well look who's here?!" Daxter greeted joyfully, "And all the way from the Realms? How's biz?"
"Haha, always a pleasure Daxter," Cynder greeted back before saying to the other two, "Jak, Cal, so great to see you two!"
"Back at ya Cynd," Jak replied.
"Ditto, welcome back," greeted Cal.
Upon seeing the guardians and acolytes behind them, Jak continued, "wow, we didn't expect all of you to be here, not that we're not glad to see you of course!"
Spyro then interjected, "we were surprised ourselves, but we were given some 'incentive' to return, not that we minded. Though before sharing notes, I think congratulations should be given to both of you, one for passing his enlistment, and the other for his new rank."
He nodded to both Cal and Jak respectively as he said it, who nodded back in thanks. The trio's greetings from the dragons continued with the guardians, including Terrador and Jak who reacquainted. The council then introduced them to Guardian Charvo, whom all three gave a respectful bow, and the senior guardian replied saying it was an honor to finally meet the 'Famed Hero of Elorin' which led to everyone laughing at Jak's discomfort.
The senior guardian concluded by introducing Sephpyr, to whom Jak, Daxter, and Cal just said hello. Hunter shook hands with both of them upon their reunion, though Cal was still stunned to be conversing with a walking talking feline. The trio then proceeded to reacquaint themselves with Zaxto and Saphira, before ending with Vacu…
"NO WAY! YOU'RE HERE TOO?!" Daxter exclaimed, pointing at him.
Vacu just rolled his eyes and snorted at the annoying little animal he remembered who had initially greeted him with such 'propriety', and dryly said, "long time no see furball."
The humans, save for Jak, were stunned to see Daxter react like this to the acolyte, clearly something had gone on between Daxter and Vacu that didn't end well. Cal on the other hand chuckled, thinking he was gonna like the earth dragon, for anyone who could get under Daxter's skin was alright by him. A thought secretly shared by Samos, who had dealt with Daxter's annoyances for as long as Jak, and secretly delighted watching him cringe. Most of the dragons kept indifferent expressions, clearly not interested in getting between this.
Terrador then interjected, "Vacu, remember what we agreed upon prior to coming here, NO quarrels."
Vacu acknowledged and said, "I wasn't even considering it Master, I was just saying hello." He finished smirking at the ottsel who could only sneer at him. Daxter couldn't believe his luck, he was at first delighted to hear from Spyro that Sparx had stayed back home on his world, only to find out the annoying earth acolyte from before was taking his place?! This was even worse! At least he could match Sparx size for size, but this was a bloody dragon for crying out loud! This on top of the alien robot death brawl he had just escaped from, was it too much to ask for a calm adventure, just once?
Seem cleared her throat to regain attention, "Ahem, if we can return to the matter at hand. I believe we had information to share, and questions to ask you, Heir of Mar, upon your return."
Jak picked up the context and replied, "I'm guessing you saw the video?"
"Saw it, still working on believing it," Torn replied.
"If anything, it proves what Ignitus warned us about is now happening," said Spyro. Prior to Jak and Cal's return, he and Seem had shared what Ignitus had told them and the guardians about an upcoming attack by robotic beings.
"Well I can assure everyone here that us planet natives are as shocked as you are, we have never seen anything of this make before," said Sig, his fellow humans agreeing with him.
"So these machines, they are not made on your planet?" Terrador asked aloud.
"Most definitely not, we saw the space pod ourselves," Jak said while gesturing to Daxter and Calidan, "and to further verify it, as soon as we found it, another one hit just outside the impact zone, which is where the silver robot that tried to kill us came from."
"So the yellow one came from the first one you found?" Cynder asked, which the trio nodded to.
Cynder continued, "so, what exactly was it doing? From what we saw, it seemed like it was helping you."
Cal nodded, "that's precisely what it did, it came out of nowhere and protected us long enough for us to get out of there."
"Interesting," said Cyril, "it seems something new is occurring here that both of our worlds are currently ignorant about, and it clearly revolves around these…giant robots, whatever they are, and their apparent conflict."
"It may not just be conflict Cyril," Samos interjected, "from what Onin has seen through her visions, these machines may bring yet another war with them." He turned to the soothsayer by the console who was sitting in a meditative state with Robin by her side, her presence now gaining everyone's attention.
Charvo, having only just learned about Onin from Spyro, Cynder, and Hunter, had to clarify, "I've heard that despite her blindness, that Seer Onin's clairvoyant capabilities are second to none, though have her visions always come to fruition?"
"Every time, just not always in the way we expect," Keira nodded, agreeing with her father.
"What does that even mean?" Vacu asked confused.
"It means Vacu," Terrador answered his student, "that predicting and seeing the future is never clear, no matter what gifts may be granted to those who can do such feats, for the future is never set in stone, until it actually happens."
Vacu nodded having fully understood him, which allowed Ashelin to cut in, "regardless of how this all started, we should be focusing right now on what we do know. Right now, we know for certain that there are two unknown robotic space entities currently running around somewhere on our planet, and while it's unknown if there are any more of them, it's more than likely to suspect that they will cross paths again. Given what we saw in the video, they aren't allies to each other, and one of them is clearly not friendly."
Spyro remembered a familiar saying, "as I've always believed, the enemy of my enemy is my friend, that's how I've made allies in the past, including all of you."
Jak, Keira, Samos and Sig nodded in agreement, until Cynder cut in and asked, "I'm guessing you're suggesting that we should at least go and find this yellow robot? See if it's really an ally…or could be?"
"That's the idea," Spyro replied.
Striker now interrupted, "we may not have to find it at all." Everyone turned toward the Captain who was staring at the console screen.
"What do you mean?" Torn asked.
"Because it already found us," he replied, standing aside to show a camera feed from just outside the facility. Everyone gasped, for on screen, standing just outside the perimeter of the base's shielding, was the yellow alien robot from the video. It was standing upright staring into the south side camera with its blue light eyes giving an expression that almost seemed curious. Everyone was stunned silent from the image until Daxter decided to break it, "uhhh, you think he at least comes in peace?"
I hoped you like my four new dragons, Viola, Sephpyr, Phastus, and Charvo.
Princess Viola's name is a parody of the string instrument my significant other used to play in her youth.
The name Sephpyr came from combining the root Latin words 'Seph' and 'Pyr', which means Dark Red Fire.
The name Phastus is a parody of the name of the Greek God of Fire.
Finally, Charvo's name is a rendition of the original Fire Pokemon from the Kanto series, who was always my favorite fire pokemon, and when fully evolved becomes a dragon like pokemon!
Happy Leap Year everybody!...2/29/2024