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So I've been working on this for a while. I made a old story but it immediately got scraped and re-designed. I hope to make this a three-part story taking place after the events of TLoS
Chapter 2
Two years ago the entire world stood on the brink of complete annihilation. Malefor, the dark dragon sorcerer sought to destroy all life in order to rebuild the world in his image. But his plan would never come to fruition. Spyro, a young dragon of prophecy would endure countless trials and triumphs beside his companions, friends and allies to thwart Malefor before all life could be extinguished.
That is where the story ends.....
Even after the great battles, the victories, the failures; the sun always rose and a new day would begin.
Civilization would begin again. People seek stability and order and before long the land of Avalar would be established as the dominant force in the region.
When Spyro, the champion of Avalar was offered great status among the ranks of the Council he refused like his compatriots and instead elected to a life outside, free and unfettered as before. Choosing to be the defender of the land and its people and answering to no one.
But Spyro is only one dragon.
In the wake of the devastation wrought by Malefor's dark legions the people of Avalar and elsewhere banded together to form the League of Light. Skilled and unique peoples from every race, creed and vocation. Barbarians and kings, knights and wizards all flocked to the League and hailed themselves as champions of the light. Routing sinister sorcerers and roaming warlords the League soon found itself with immense power and prestige in Avalar. What began as a humble order of do-gooders soon became a behemoth of military might, political prowess and limitless wealth.
Then-
“What are you writing Cynder?” Spyro asked me from his seat in the convoy. The purple dragon was nearly full grown but was of an average muscular build for our kind. He had the deepest purple eyes which complimented his light purple scales which legends credited great power to. His horns were bronze in color and dipped elegantly behind his head with small yellow spines from his forehead all the way to his tail.
“Nothing. Just, thoughts I guess. Two years later and I still can't even begin to really write our story.” I deadpanned spitting out the quill on the wooden floor as our carriage rocked back and worth.
“The better question is why couldn't we just have flown there? I mean, we all have wings right? Don't tell me they couldn't make us fly like the last game.” Sparx said. He was a dragonfly who grew alongside Spyro. Known for his mouth that ran incessantly spouting the weirdest commentary one could find.
“What are you talking about?” Spyro asked his adopted brother.
Sparx crossed his arms and shook his head. “I dunno. Just why do we have to ride this convoy to the new place?”
“The Council said this was a small gift and they're sending some finishing touches on this convoy too. It would be rude not to accompany them.” Spyro answered matter-of-factly.
What Spyro spoke of was the new temple that had been built for us by the Council since our old home had not exactly fared Malefor's near-apocalypse too well. Spyro had insisted at first on staying and repairing the temple in the far away swamps but upon realizing how far it was from Avalar he decided to take the Council's generous offer as it was just outside the border. I did not trust the Council anymore than I trusted any other government or king but I did trust Spyro enough and if he gave them the time of day I suppose I could be cordial.
The Council and the League, while adoring Spyro more often than not held me in a way of contempt or in the case of the League, open disdain. When Spyro's war with Malefor was only beginning I was a thrall to him and his useful slave who enforced his will on any and all who were brought under his rule. Even though it was I who led the armies in the early days I was still controlled vicariously through Malefor who had been seeking a way to escape his interdimensional prison and it was only when Spyro bested my corrupted visage in combat at the Convexity portal did Malefor lose his grip on my mind and body and when Spyro could have been calculating, cold or even cruel he showed me mercy. Mercy I find myself slow to say I would have shown if the roles were reversed. I had never served Malefor of my own free will, having been in his service since my birth until Spyro rescued me. Even though technically my actions then were not my own I still feel burdensome guilt in my heart and soul over the massacres and atrocities committed at my hand. I saw it too, the people were still afraid of me. While some knew I was no longer a force of evil many were too scared or weary to try. The Council knew I was free of Malefor's grasp especially since he was destroyed but grudges die hard and my past left lots of grudges in peoples hearts. The League however, pompous blowhards as they were, were almost openly hostile to me as their constant self-righteous affirmation from each other in their heavily armed enclaves dotting the land made known that I, while free from Malefor's control was still not to be trusted.
“Holy cow! Look at her!” Sparx sprang up and looked out the window, drawing me out of my gloomy reverie. We all huddled around the circle window and even I was shocked by what I saw.
The sun was setting on the plains painting the landscape in a warm orange hue and there was the new temple. It was humble in design but even from here I could sense something great to it. It was built almost in the shape of a horseshoe with an artistic blend of red brick, concrete and wood with multiple aeries around the outer walls for skybound creatures such as we to come and go with ease.
“By the ancestors.... didn't construction just begin two weeks ago?” Spyro regarded with the awe not disguised in the slightest.
“That's the Council for ya. When they put their minds to something they get results!” Sparx added bombastically.
“I wonder if Terrador and the other will be there.” I said.
“They should.”
Another ten minutes later after watching Spyro and Sparx wonder aloud about the temple and their room-calling. It was juvenile but I liked seeing them like the brothers they were, I chuckled to myself. Finally the beasts of burden that were pulling our cargo came to rest. The convoy guards began unpacking and bringing in what turned out to be furniture and I also spied some weapons and armor. Upon closer inspection of the temple we discovered that in the middle of the horseshoe design was a small lake with a gentle fountain. The place was stunning to say the least, the warm colors complimented by the setting sun only served to make me honestly want to crawl into bed and sleep a hundred years.
“This place is amazing. How did you build it so fast?” I asked one of the architects who was toying with a water pump. He was an ape, after the war it turned out many of the apes were pressed into Gaul's service under threat of a worse fate of torture and slavery. Once Malefor fell, they dropped his banner like a hot rock and fled to Avalar and have become an invaluable asset to the country.
“Ey wha' canna say. The Council gav' us the gold and says we's buildin a new home for Spyro his last one went and got exploded.”
“You must be Cynder.” A sweet motherly voice chirped my way. I turned and saw Spyro walking with a fox woman. Her paler coat indicated she was on the older spectrum. She wore a blue cape with the Avalar crest and a cyan dress. She poked her glasses and began to speak.
“I've heard so much about you. I'm Constance and I'm your official ambassador to the Council in Warfang. I can also act as a steward but you'll see you won't need me for that.” She spoke much like a grandmother would to her children despite us being eye level now.
“What do you mean? Do we have a steward as well? A seneschal?” I asked confused.
“Yeah you were being cryptic like that with me and Spyro too. What gives?” Sparx injected hovering to her face.
“Allow me.” She cleared her throat and clapped her hands. “MIHI!”
And a second later there was a gentle blue glow and it turned into a transparent visage of a blue fairy complete with skirt and wand.
“You called Ambassador Constance. How can I be of service?” She said in a hollow, robotic but still feminine tone.
“We... don't really do indentured servants.” Spyro remarked trying to be polite.
Constance raised her brows. “Oh heavens no. Slavery is illegal in Avalar. MIHI is a Magical Intelligence. She's not real. Observe!” The fox lady took her hand and brushed it through the visage. “MIHI stands for Magically Integrated Home Intelligence.”
“So.... she's a robot?” I said oddly creeped out.
“Correct Cynder. MIHI is an experimental prototype the League is creating. If MIHI proves useful here she can be replicated and will be used to control high-priority strongholds for Avalar.”
“Control? As in she runs everything?” Spyro admonished.
“Don't worry darling. MIHI only runs the automated services, security and communications hubs. We installed her because we did not think you would want a staff of caretakers living on grounds. But fret not, she's can't control any vital things. She's not going to lock you in your rooms until you starve or something.” Her sentence died into silence and I could see she regretted that last remark.
“But she can be deactivated?” Spyro asked after a pregnant pause.
“Why don't you ask her yourself?”
Spyro walked over to the fairy while me and Sparx watched intently curious.
“Umm..... hello?” Spyro began.
“Greeting Master Spyro. How can I assist you?” She chirped in her happy robot voice.
“What are you exactly?”
Her form glitched for a split second. “I am MIHI, Magically Integrated Home Intelligence. I am an enchanted intelligence tasked with regulating the basic system functions of the Temple. Including food production, communications in multiple languages, waste elimination, power conservation and feature multiple security suites should the Temple come under attack.”
“What do you have in security?”
MIHI was quiet. “Subjects clear Spyro-level security. I feature multiple security protocols inside and outside the Temple grounds including mines, shock traps and magically manned cannons.”
“Is this a temple or a fortress?” I remarked with an unsettled stomp.
“Do you have any non-lethal security?” Spyro asked shyly.
MIHI loaded her response. “This edition does not but non-lethal security can be requisitioned for future development.”
“Can you be deactivated?” Spyro asked her....it?
“MIHI can be deactivated in the enchantment laboratory but it is not recommended without sufficient staff.”
“You are dismissed MIHI.” Constance said with a waive of her hand.
“Farewell. Reminder: dinner will be prepared in one hour and forty-six minutes.”
Inside the temple was even more breathtaking. The rooms almost seemed to breath with their open spaces allowing sky-bound creatures such as myself to fly on a whim. The interior was sparsely decorated instead opting for a more minimal tone to the aesthetic matching the outside of red wood, simple concrete and so forth. From Constance's explanation we were in the West Wing or the horeshoe where we were greeted by Council workers who were unpacking the last of the cargo. The West Wing was where the training room, library, enchantment lab, armory, infirmary and security storage was located. What was in the security storage room eluded me much to my dismay. What exactly could there be stored? I resolved to ask MIHI when we were finally alone. The training room was admittedly impressive. Built specifically for dragons, the training room boasted a menagerie of spike traps, shock pylons and other arrangements. The library was the place I found most impressive. It was aesthetically much the same but with more soft lighting from the glass dome overhead. Shelves upon shelves of tomes, scrolls and tablets even. I could see myself spending much of my downtime seeing just what the Council had left us.
“MIHI.” I said to the ether. Just when I felt like a fool for talking to the air the visage of the young blue fairy manifested with a ginger smile.
“Yes Master Cynder, how may I be of service?” She chirped.
I confess I was.... surprised by how easy it was to summon her. I composed myself and asked. “Why did the Council give us all these books? We didn't own these before. No disrespect of course.”
MIHI hovered for a second. “After Council forces salvaged what was left of the Warfang libraries the surviving pieces were kept underground while the city was being rebuilt. When the League came in to possession of the archives it was decreed that many of the books were too explicit in dark rites and magic practice. Instead of being destroyed the Council managed to convince them to relocate the books to this temple instead of incineration.”
“See Cynder. They trust us with the old spooky books.” Sparx remarked announcing his boredom with the library. We carried on around the other amenities until we reached the armory when we met a familiar face.
“Hunter! What are you doing here?” Spyro exclaimed in excitement. Hunter was an agent for Ignitus who rescued us before our final war with Malefor. Hailing from a tribe of nomadic cheetah-people, Hunter boasted extreme agility although his reserved personality made him difficult to really know.
Hunter, now in casual clothing shook Spyro's paw and nodded at me. “It has been sometime. I hope you fared well enough.”
“Things have been hectic with all the reconstruction. Feel like I haven't slept in a normal bed in the two years since the Malefor War.” Spyro answered. He was correct, our lives had been... chaotic after Malefor. Rebuilding, funerals, the founding of the Council, the birth of the League. Only when Spyro spoke of these things did I really feel the fatigue of events.
“Yes things have been erratic all around. We're still clearing out rubble out of Warfang. While it has been difficult I still thank you three for returning to us. Avalar, while no longer under the threat of Malefor needs a hero- a symbol to rally behind now more than ever. If not for the three of you I fear many people would give into the chaos and despair still currently plaguing us. As much as the Council would like to give off the impression of stability it is just that: an impression. Truth is the Council is just barely keeping the people in some semblance of order. But when the people see or hear of Spyro and Cynder-”
“And Sparx-!”
Hunter corrected, “And Sparx- they remember that you would not approve of further chaos.”
Hunter, for all his stoic ramblings was correct. The Council was just barely keeping the chaos at bay and if I had my way me and Spyro would have flew off to parts unknown leaving everything behind. It was a vexing time for all of us. I felt our time in Avalar had concluded but Spyro insisted and I could not leave him. Sure Spyro was naïve and honestly a headstrong dork at times but that's what I love about him and when he decided to return to Avalar I had to relent and return with him. For better or worse.
“There's just so much to rebuild. Do you honestly think we'll ever get it all finished?” Spyro asked glumly with a lowering of his wings.
Hunter crossed his arms. “I don't think it's about rebuilding what was lost but instead saving what remains and taking it to the future with us. We might not see Warfang restore to it's former magnificence but our children or their children might. Live for the future Spyro, not the past.”
“Are you waxing philosophical again Hunter?” A female voice singsonged. We all turned and there in the door to the other part of the armory was a faun woman. She looked a bit more ragged as though she had been toiling all day long with her auburn hair, that matched the fur on her goat legs, pulled into a ponytail. She lowered a box a crate of scrolls and joined us.
“Ah, Elora. You're just in time to meet Spyro, Cynder and Sparx.” Hunter gestured at us with a waive of his hand.
Elora smiled. She removed her gloves and greeted us. Her personality already lit up the room. “Hi guys! I'm Elora. I'm the chief engineer for the temple.”
“You designed all this?” I wondered aloud.
Elora shrugged and picked up a scroll from her crate. “Yes ma'am. Most of it anyway- MIHI and her systems was made by the League but everything else was designed by me. I knew some dragons before the war so I know they need lots of aeries and the like. I hope everything is to your liking.”
“You're beautiful- I MEAN it's beautiful!” Sparx slipped out and tried to correct himself blushing.
Elora giggled. “Oh Sparx you are too sweet.”
“In all seriousness though this place is stunning. How did it get built so fast though?” I asked.
Elora shrugged and leaned against a wall. “Well you didn't hear it from me but I had made the final blueprint for this place almost a year and a half ago when the Council finally gave me this project. Don't let anyone tell you this was overnight. I just thought I'd be honest with you guys.”
Me and Spyro exchanged glances. Two weeks my tail! “And what do you make of MIHI?” I said.
Elora sighed and wiped some loose red hairs from her eyes in contemplation. “If I'm still being honest with you guys, MIHI creeps me out. Something about... her. I feel like she's watching me. The surveillance.... it just ain't right. There's a pipe in the closet in the East Wing bedroom. If I were you I would take it and deactivate her the old fashioned way. Things like that just don't 'turn off'...”
“So you don't trust MIHI?” Spyro deadpanned.
“I don't trust her because I did not make her. Halfway through construction the League barges in with MIHI and says I have to let them program her into the building and you know..... you don't tell the League no.”
An awkward pause smothered the conservation as Elora realized she almost began ranting. “Apologies guys.... this project had just been.. demanding. I look forward to sleeping in a real bed again when I return to Warfang. I have a workshop there in fact, mostly intact too of all things. If you're ever in the city please stop by.” The faun woman spoke as she gathered her crate back up and bade us farewell. Once she had walked beyond our sight Constance returned from speaking with a group of workers before we continued our tour now with Hunter in tow.
Constance led us down the hall which began to curve meaning we where in the bend of the horseshoe. She was talking about the basement floors but I paid her little mind. Instead, I wanted to talk to Hunter.
“Elora really does not like the League-” I whispered in a hushed tone to the cheetah warrior.
Hunter nodded and rubbed his furry chin. “It would appear so. Though I suppose her mistrust is not unfounded. Many distrust the League but few are ready to come out and make it public.”
“Do you not trust the League?” I asked lowering my voice. I knew not to trust the League mostly because they never bothered being hospitable with me first.
“There is an old cheetah saying: love many, trust few but always paddle your own canoe.” He answered with a mystic glare.
“So you don't trust them either?”
“I mean that trusting anything besides tested companions is foolish. I trust that I cannot trust what does not trust me. True the League does some good things but I am not going to.... how's the saying go..... 'sell the farm' just yet.”
We both perked up when the herd came to an abrupt stop at a larger door that screamed significance. Constance whirled around and primly declared. “And this the pièce de résistance- you are looking at some of the most advanced arcane technology current existing!”
The fox woman opened the doors and slid them back into the walls. Inside was a large antechamber. The circular room was almost conical in shape becoming narrow towards the ceiling. The room was terraced with multiple rows of what I plain seats so anyone regardless of species could sit relatively comfortable. At the bottom of the room was a pool of thick green water... or something like that. It swirled and spiraled with a low humming.
“A very dirty pool?” Sparx quipped in confusion.
Constance again turned back around when a new, very masculine grumble stopped her. “No.” He said unamused. On the far side of the room, he, descend the stairs and stood before the strange pool. It was none other than Golan, the Seeker of Light. I had heard of him but never met him until now. There, in brilliant armor adorned with suns and phoenixes, was a sullen faced gorilla man but far too young to have ever served in the dark mast- (I refused to call him the 'dark master') Malefor's armies. Stories of Golan's prowess were as many as varied as they were many. I had heard the stories. After the Council had barely been established he and his ilk landed on the southern shores of Warfang and pledged to defend the Council and the Avalari citizenry from all maleficarum- dark mages, warriors, spirits, demons and as time progressed- anyone who questioned the League.
As for Golan himself if the more fantastical stories were to be believed you would think he ate undead samurai for breakfast and shot lightning out of his eyeballs. Truth was he was not to be underestimated. However young, he was a force of nature on the battlefield and knew just how to rally the masses to his banner with the fear of dark lords to spur them. One instantly noticeable thing about him was his right arm- as it was missing, replaced by bronze metal arm from his shoulder down that was always polished to a shine. Nobody knew how he lost it or what creature was powerful enough to take it from him and if it still lived.
We're not good friends.
“G-Golan. I was not expecting you-” Constance said and gave an unsettled curtsey to the League's Supreme Leader.
“I do not make my location known to anyone Mrs. Fox. Better to keep potential assassins guessing.”
Constance Fox swallowed hard. “Of course m-milord I was not being crude. Only surprised is all.” Me and Spyro exchanged unimpressed glances watching Constance grovel.
The young gorilla man ignored further conversation with Constance and walked closer to us around the pond. Me and him locked eyes for one terrible moment that felt like years but in fact it had only been a fraction of a heartbeat yet I felt his eyes pierce my soul.
“This is not just any pool Sparx. This is a portal.” He approached a small altar and removed a stone slab from a shelf and beheld it to us.
“How did you know my name?” Sparx said and crossed his arms.
Golan ignored him. Instead choosing to emphasize on the symbol on the stone slab. “This portal is the only one in Avalar but with these runestones you should be able to travel to several points in Avalar almost instantaneously. This runestone will take you to Warfang. When you put the stone on this altar the portal will correlate to the stone and all you need is to submerge yourself in the pool and should you have no need of a portal just remove the stone. Our enchanters are working on other stones as we speak but if you wish to try your paws at runesmithing do be our guest.”
“What about traveling back?” Spyro asked aloud before adding, “Sir...” It made me hate Golan all the more seeing how he browbeat everyone into submission.
“A fine question.” Golan grumbled. “As Mrs. Fox said it is new technology so it is still being worked on so return-teleportation is still in its infancy.”
“Thank you Golan.... this is very...”
“Generous.” I finished for Spyro, making sure my lack of affection for him was acutely apparent.
Golan was quiet and just gave an unsettling cynical grin. “Of course. Anything for the Champion of Avalar and his mate.” He cooed with a wave of his robotic arm. Something in me told me this house was like getting a gift from the devil.
“Now, if you'll excuse me. I have business I must attend to in Warfang. Until next time...” Golan placed the Warfang runestone on the altar. The pool swirled faster and I swear I could see the visage of Warfang on the water. Golan leaped in and made no splash. I snorted and unceremoniously removed the runestone. The water returned to normal or as normal as it could be.
“Ancestors I hate that guy....” I confessed in a low grumble.
Constance regained her ladylike composure. “Golan has just been through a lot in his young life. Please don't judge him too harshly. His supposedly cruelty is only curt resignation for seeing so much in so little time. Like an old soul so to speak....”
I wanted to tell Constance she was just stringing random big words together to make excuses. Golan was a bully. A bully who flew the flag of 'the Light' whatever vapid and nebulous term that may be. But I relented and decided not to embarrass the old fox woman no more than she had embarrassed herself.
We were walking along now to the East Wing. Throughout our walk I noticed multiple aeries where us winged creatures could simply fly to the other wing instead of walking. The East Wing somehow felt 'homier' if that was a word. Constance was more reserved now after her meeting with Golan.
“Why do you cower at Golan like that?” I remarked to Spyro who raised his brow in shock.
“I did not 'cower' I just.. well no one really has commanded any emotions like that since before I trained with Ignitus. But he doesn't make you want to be under him like Ignitus.... Golan just makes you feel... frightened.” Spyro lowered his head, no doubt missing Ignitus. Ignitus was the fire guardian who first met Spyro when he took the first steps of his quest... and back when I was Malefor's pawn. Before our final battle with Malefor, Ignitus gave his life so we could get into Malefor's citadel. Ignitus had been like the dragon father Spyro never had and the little time I had known Ignitus he had shown me care and concern too.
“What a jerk. I'm sure he's just the life at parties.” Sparx said not noticing we were speaking. I released Spyro's attention so he could remark with his brother.
Spyro let out an uneasy chuckle. “Yeah I bet his social life is amazing heh.”
“Last but not least, the living quarters. With all the luxuries and finery of the realm.” Constance declared with fake gusto. Most rooms were built for dragon visitors but there were stations for bipedals to sleep as well but they were more sparsely designed. Sparx's room was more like a glorified child's dollhouse, a miniature room in a room. I chuckled to myself at the thought of a little dragon girl playing with Sparx like a doll.
“What?”
“-Nothing!”
Finally, our room. The master bedroom was very warmly designed with several oval windows and a personal aerie. Our bed was large, circular with creamy eggshell colored blankets and a dozen of pillows ranging from big to small and several shapes. I don't know if dragons used blankets but it appeared the architects think so. Admittedly it was heavenly to the touch. The cynic in my mind waited to see MIHI pop up from the bed and start elaborating how she could watch us sleep- I tried to push that thought to the back of my mind by promising myself to shut her down ASAP.
“I sincerely hope you all find your new accommodations worthy.” Constance cooed with her hands clasped.
“This place is amazing-” I said trying to be polite. Once we got rid of MIHI and maybe destroyed Golan's little portal then maybe it could be home.
“I am so very glad you like it. It is the least we can do to thank you three heroes. Perha-”
MIHI's blue visage came to life in between us. The young transparent fairy chirped. “Dinner is served in the banquet hall!”
- - -
The basement level was an obscure way of saying 'second floor'. A level underneath the main temple house the dinner hall, an expansive rectangular hall with matching aesthetic of red woods and stone with low hanging lights. In the epicenter of the room was a long burgundy table with chairs and pillow seats for four-legged ones such as myself to sit comfortably. But that was far from the most surprising thing that greeted us.
“Cyril, Terrador, Volteer!” Spyro barked in elation and his demeanor instantly rose.
The trio of older dragons were the elemental sage guardians such as Ignitus when he was alive. Cyril, the eccentric dragon was the master of the elemental power of ice and his scales reflected his wintry alignment with light ice-cyan colors. Volteer, the yellow dragon, naturally commanded the elemental power of lightning and his brain was just as fast and erratic as the electricity he commanded, always being one logical step further. What we thought of as goofy in him he must see in us as being slow or dim witted. Last but not least was Terrador, the most mature next to Ignitus. Terrador the earth guardian was a muscle-bound beast of a dragon, a warrior by nature but long since retired from battle in his older age. Unlike Ignitus however Terrador did not match the former fire guardian's stoicism or conventional wisdom which almost made him more akin to us younger dragons.
“Ah yes Spyro how wonderful to see you again. I do apologize for how scarce our visits have been.” Volteer chirped from his seat. While we all fought together when Malefor threatened us with doom we had admittedly drifted apart after the war. The rebuilding of Warfang demanded their attention while Spyro and I debated wether or not to leave everything for the Unknown Regions....
I hope you all have been well. It would seem the Council has built a new temple for you Spyro.” Terrador said in his -no pun intended- gravely rumble of a voice.
Spyro lowered his wings in muted shame. “Believe me Terrador if I had a say I would have used them to rebuild the old temple but I had no-”
Terrador smiled at his young ex-pupil. “Do not apologize Spyro. I know you had no say in where the Council spent their resources. Besides, the old temple had served its purpose. To cling to it pass its usefulness would be unbecoming of the guardians. Everything has a beginning therefore it must have an end, as all things do. Even one day this temple will be a ruin- perhaps where another hero dragon will train one day.”
“Cheery as always dad.” A feminine tone chided. I looked and from another doorway walked a younger green dragoness. She was me and Spyro's age easily- maybe a little older but not much. Her earthy scale tone betrayed her relation before she even spoke.
Terrador quickly changed his tone from fatalistic sobriety to a more fatherly one. “Ah yes- I almost forgot to mention, my daughter Cree will be joining us tonight.”
“Whoa I didn't know you had a kid Terrador?” Sparx proclaimed, speaking what we were all thinking.
She... Cree, I mean, walked over to us and sat on her haunches and extended a scaled paw. If Terrador's bulky earthen form was symbolic of the worlds ruggedness then Cree was symbolic of a more tamed land. While lacking the girth of her father she did not look to be a weakling by any definition but I could tell she would grow to be only a fraction of her father's size. Her eyes were also amber where Terrador's were green however she did boast his style of horn and spines.
“Like he said, the name is Cree, Terrador's daughter and all that jazz. You must be Spyro- I've heard a LOT about you.” She said with a tilt of her head.
Spyro stammered and smile. “All good I hope...”
“I hear you're the reason we're not dead or slaves to Malefor so yes I would classify that as good.”
I stifled a snort. The way she was looking at him- no- I was not THAT petty.
“W-well I mean I had a lot of help from Cynder and the others. Besides, Terrador never mentioned he had a daughter.”
“Heh, you never asked.”
“We could have used another earth dragon while we were fighting Malefor. Where were ya?” Sparx said with cross of his arms.
“Lost.” Was what she answered. “I was young during the early stages of the war when Cynder first came to the scene and she started abducting the guardians to haul them off.”
I felt myself shrivel up inside as Cree elaborated. I had scarcely reflected on what tortures I must have inflicted on Volteer, Cyril and Terrador while they were captive and I was Malefor's thrall. I wondered if they remembered it when they saw me.... I just wanted to slink into a corner of the room and never come back.
“And then after the Battle of Griffon Wake, Cynder had taken Terrador. Dad had not let me be present for the battle so when news came to me had had been taken I set out in search of him.... only to end up going in the wrong direction. It was only last year when father located me. I thought he was dead and when we came inches away from the apocalypse I thought I was too but thanks to you.... that never came to fruition.”
“Why do you keep referring to Cynder in the third person? She's right there y'know.” Sparx quipped and notioned at me. In embarrassment I unconsciously raised my wings to somewhat shield myself from what must have been Cree's disdain.
“You're Cynder?!” Cree asked in shock and glanced at her father who nodded. “But you're.... my size.”
I couldn't bring myself to speak whether out of guilt or shame or even fear of whatever reprisal she may have waiting for me. I just squeaked and slunk backwards.
“Yeah... that's me..”
“Cynder was not in control of hersel-” Spyro began to Cree when he picked up on my trepidation only to be interrupted by her.
“Terrador told me about that. You were taken by his minions as a baby and forced to be his slave. I just did not know YOU were Cynder.”
“Ha. Cree thought you were the help Cynder.” Sparx chortled.
“So....” I dared. “You don't have some kind of vendetta against me?”
Cree sat back on her haunches. “No. Terrador explained everything to me and if he trusts and forgave you then I can follow suit. Malefor deserves my ire, not you and since he's dead well there's not much to do anymore but move on with our lives.”
“To new beginnings?” She said and extended her paw.
Hesitantly I reached out my black paw and we slowly shook on it. "A new beginning."
“See. We are just one big happy family. All I need now is a jukebox to hit and we can be a sitcom.” Sparx thought aloud.
“What's a sitcom?” Cree asked us.
“Just ignore it.” Spyro said.
Cyril coughed the fake cough that is actually meant to muster our attention. “I'm glad we have this heartwarming reunion but I am sad to say our arrival is not without news from Warfang.”
“And there is the... other matter, Cyril.” Volteer added.
- - -
Not long later we were all sat around the long table when one of MIHI automatons exited the kitchen. It was a crude machine the size of a trashcan, made of bronze and alloys with spinning gears that sputtered as it brought multiple trays out to the table. I was not ungrateful per se for this new stellar home but MIHI's insistence that her presence would offer more utility and isolation for me and Spyro in that we would not need an array of staff and workers to keep things functioning here but somehow the lack of people and abundance of machines made the place feel almost sterile. But if anyone else shared those thoughts, they kept them to themselves...
“Please enjoy your meals” The MIHI visage said in its feminine-robotic voice and gave a respectful bow before disappearing.
I had to admit the food was pretty decent, good even. I knew not how MIHI could cook and part of me was afraid to ask but the food was edible! It had been a while since I had a proper meal. Really made me reflect on the past two years of flying rubble out of Warfang to drop in the ocean while eating miserable little meals passed out by the Council forces in those desolate refugee camps. I wondered what they were eating right now...
“How is Warfang?” I spoke up feeling a bit too guilty to eat now.
Volteer swallowed his bite. “The renovations are just about done. Demolition teams are removing the bigger rubble with timed explosives and now with the League dispensing their own engineers things should be nearly back to normal. Remove what we can and build over the rest.”
“Are they still finding bodies?” Cree asked next, casting a gloomy shadow over the conversation.
Volteer, never one to short on his words answered immediately. “Statistically the odd body will be uncovered every now and then but for the most part most of the dead have been found and due to the lack of room many of Warfang's citizens elect for the burial at sea.”
“Oh boy the dinner talk here is ten outta ten.” Sparx whispered to me sitting... or floating in his chair next to a tiny plate.
“I guess that makes sense. It'd be foolish to believe that defeating Malefor would also undo the destruction he wrought.” Spyro added to Cree and Volteer's conversation.
Terrador finished his plate before he spoke up next. “It is regrettable so much was destroyed but that is with any war that you will find desolation. You'll find anyone can fight in battle but few can pick up the pieces once the fires go out.” He bellowed
“Speaking of picking up the pieces Terrador.....” Cyril said and notioned towards Spyro.
The bulky earth dragon nodded. “Yes Cyril you are correct.”
“What's wrong?” Spyro said.
“Nothing is “wrong” just so much as something needs to be put right Spyro. With Ignitus gone we are missing a guardian of fire, the circle is incomplete. When a guardian dragon passes on to the next life they usually pass their mantle to their apprentice like how Ignitus' master, Emberina the Trailblazer passed the mantle to him centuries ago and so forth. Spyro, we think you are the most suited candidate for being the next guardian. You're affinity for fire is unmatched.”
I had stopped eating, stunned by Terrador's proposal. Spyro, a guardian, he was so young though! What would that even entail?
Spyro was quiet, sitting in deep contemplation, brow furrowed. “That... sounds like a bigger undertaking than just 'becoming the fire guardian' what does that even mean? Besides I'm not a red dragon...”
The guardian elders exchanged glances with one another before answering Spyro. “Your scales do not prohibit you from becoming a guardian, it is what is in your heart.”
“Yes Spyro, Emberina was pink. My former master, Joule was blue!” Volteer added.
“Volteer speaks true Spyro. We've all discussed it and if you wish, we can lead you down the path of fire mastery. As a guardian your duty will be to preserve and dedicate yourself to the magics and knowledge of fire and those masters who came before you. It won't be easy but we think you are the most suited.”
Spyro gulped and rubbed his head. “That sounds like a great undertaking but if Ignitus would have wanted then I...” Spyro trailed off. I had never seen him so.. unsure of himself. Almost scared really.
Terrador waived a beefy paw. “Don't worry Spyro. Even if you accept we still must take you on pilgrimage to the Temple of the First Flame- where every would-be guardian goes to see if the First Flame deems them worthy. It is a lonely place on Mount Slaughter at the north pole. Traditionally the master takes their apprentice on this pilgrimage but seeing as Ignitus is no longer around the three of us will take you and hope that is enough for the First Flame.”
Spyro's worry seemed to abate when Terrador mentioned this 'First Flame'. “Okay. I'll do it.”
“Please Spyro, if this is your genuine choice then we shall help you but make sure it is what you truly want. If the First Flame finds you... inadequate, well... Just make sure this is what your heart is telling you. If it is not where you think your destiny lies then tell us, we shan't think any less of you.”
“He's right Spyro. You are under no obligation.” Terrador rumbled.
Spyro and I exchanged quizzical expressions before he spoke once more. “I.. I don't know if it's my destiny but I'm willing to try. For Ignitus.”
“Very well young dragon. I guess we'll be setting out in say tomorrow possibly?”
“Oh c'mon Spyro! We just got the killer digs for a few hours and it's off to trekking to some wasteland full of soulless demons or metallic undead spider bears that spit lava or-” Sparx was whining.
“You don't have to come this time Sparx. In fact, it might be best if someone was here to watch the place.” Spyro said.
Sparx stopped mid-complaint. “-well uhhh. Honestly I wasn't expecting you to go it alone....”
“The guardians are accompanying him Sparx, he'll be in good hands” I reminded the bright yellow dragonfly.
Sparx scratched his chin nonchalantly. “Okay... cool. Guess I'll have to call up some of my old friends which totally exist. I definitely won't be here alone with Hal the whole time.”
“MIHI you mean?”
“Whatever!”
- - -
The day was winding down and coming to an end. The three guardians had elected to room in the guest rooms while me and Spyro retired to ours. Likewise Sparx had a, for lack of better terms, miniature house built into the wall down the hall. Honestly I saw it and could only think of a dollhouse a child would use but I did not make that thought known. I had no desire to possibly offend or shame Spyro's brother. But I would be lying if I said I still did not chuckle to myself at the thought of a little girl using Sparx like a doll for that house.
Our room itself was sparse save for a few seats, shelves and the large circular bed naturally. Most impressive was the large window that let me see miles across the plains as they were painted bright red by the sun as it began to fall below the rise promising nightfall. The world seemed somehow peaceful here as though the troubles of Avalar could not reach us in our seclusion.
“Quite the view huh?” Spyro said relaxed and leaned on the window seal. Bathed in the warm colors of sunset as he was it was not enough to bury the look of anxiety he got when he knew he was about to undertake something.
“You're worried.”
Spyro sighed. “Am I that obvious?”
“I know you Spyro.”
Spyro sat up and stretched his wings. “I guess I am a little nervous. Going out with the others again on some quest. I don't know why I feel so...”
“Apprehensive?” I offered.
“Yes! Like, when I set out to stop Malefor, I had worry\ied about Sparx and Ignitus and later you naturally. If I failed then you would all suffer. But like, it wasn't this.... debilitating. But now, for some reason I feel this ominous feeling in my gut about doing the same again. Like...”
“You're afraid.” I said almost mechanically.
Spyro swallowed hard and shook his head. “No- n-no I'm not afraid it's just... maybe I am. But I don't know why.”
I sat closer to the young purple dragon and draped my red-webbed wing over his back. “Shhhh I didn't mean to offend you. You're afraid of death- that's natural.”
“Why do you think that?”
I thought to myself. Spyro, for all his bravado was not a master of his own emotion and his heart, while golden was often in flux. “Well I mean think about it. When the world was falling apart, we almost died. It may be possible you are just now coming to terms with how close we came to dying.”
“-And you think this fear might be what's paralyzing me.” Spyro finished my thought. He was not a fool by any means- he inferred my hypothesis.
I thought of my words carefully, not because I feared offending him but because I did not want to compound his fears. “It makes sense. The constant fighting, so close to dying. Healthy people don't just walk away from those things. Mental trauma is real Spyro.”
Spyro clenched his eyes shut and held his face as he shook his head. “I just feel so scared sometimes Cynder that I don't want to leave or do anything. Back in Warfang those few months back, I wasn't exhausted- I started panicking when they were firing the storm drums for the victory march. I hid under the blankets for hours!” I remembered that time. The League was holding an annual victory march for Malefor's defeat. Sparx and I attended but Spyro said he was ill and tired...
“I feel lucky to have survived Malefor's apocalypse and that if I try anything again I won't get so lucky. I'll die and that'll be it!” I looked at him, my heart was breaking. I noticed small streams of tears sneaking down his cheek from under his hands covering his eyes.
For all we've seen and done, I had never seen Spyro cry so... so broken like this. My heart melted at the sight. I did not know what to tell him or if there was anything one could tell. When words fell short I gently wrapped Spyro in a loving embrace. I held him tight and tucked his head under mine. His whimpering and hushed sobs sputtered before they lightened.
“I- I'm sorry I can't be strong for you Cynder.” Spyro managed between pitiful sniffles.
I gently caressed his back, cooing. “No one is strong all the time Spyro. We're gonna get through this. I'll be by your side every step of the way.”
Spyro sniffled again but sounded to be regaining his composure however shaken. “But how? This isn't something we can just punch and kick until it's right or cast some spell. I can't fight it because it's just me-”
I held Spyro tight. “We'll find someone who can help. There are doctors I think. We'll go to Warfang.”
“And Cynder... promise you won't tell anyone about this please.”
“Of course Spyro.”
Chapter 2
Two years ago the entire world stood on the brink of complete annihilation. Malefor, the dark dragon sorcerer sought to destroy all life in order to rebuild the world in his image. But his plan would never come to fruition. Spyro, a young dragon of prophecy would endure countless trials and triumphs beside his companions, friends and allies to thwart Malefor before all life could be extinguished.
That is where the story ends.....
Even after the great battles, the victories, the failures; the sun always rose and a new day would begin.
Civilization would begin again. People seek stability and order and before long the land of Avalar would be established as the dominant force in the region.
When Spyro, the champion of Avalar was offered great status among the ranks of the Council he refused like his compatriots and instead elected to a life outside, free and unfettered as before. Choosing to be the defender of the land and its people and answering to no one.
But Spyro is only one dragon.
In the wake of the devastation wrought by Malefor's dark legions the people of Avalar and elsewhere banded together to form the League of Light. Skilled and unique peoples from every race, creed and vocation. Barbarians and kings, knights and wizards all flocked to the League and hailed themselves as champions of the light. Routing sinister sorcerers and roaming warlords the League soon found itself with immense power and prestige in Avalar. What began as a humble order of do-gooders soon became a behemoth of military might, political prowess and limitless wealth.
Then-
“What are you writing Cynder?” Spyro asked me from his seat in the convoy. The purple dragon was nearly full grown but was of an average muscular build for our kind. He had the deepest purple eyes which complimented his light purple scales which legends credited great power to. His horns were bronze in color and dipped elegantly behind his head with small yellow spines from his forehead all the way to his tail.
“Nothing. Just, thoughts I guess. Two years later and I still can't even begin to really write our story.” I deadpanned spitting out the quill on the wooden floor as our carriage rocked back and worth.
“The better question is why couldn't we just have flown there? I mean, we all have wings right? Don't tell me they couldn't make us fly like the last game.” Sparx said. He was a dragonfly who grew alongside Spyro. Known for his mouth that ran incessantly spouting the weirdest commentary one could find.
“What are you talking about?” Spyro asked his adopted brother.
Sparx crossed his arms and shook his head. “I dunno. Just why do we have to ride this convoy to the new place?”
“The Council said this was a small gift and they're sending some finishing touches on this convoy too. It would be rude not to accompany them.” Spyro answered matter-of-factly.
What Spyro spoke of was the new temple that had been built for us by the Council since our old home had not exactly fared Malefor's near-apocalypse too well. Spyro had insisted at first on staying and repairing the temple in the far away swamps but upon realizing how far it was from Avalar he decided to take the Council's generous offer as it was just outside the border. I did not trust the Council anymore than I trusted any other government or king but I did trust Spyro enough and if he gave them the time of day I suppose I could be cordial.
The Council and the League, while adoring Spyro more often than not held me in a way of contempt or in the case of the League, open disdain. When Spyro's war with Malefor was only beginning I was a thrall to him and his useful slave who enforced his will on any and all who were brought under his rule. Even though it was I who led the armies in the early days I was still controlled vicariously through Malefor who had been seeking a way to escape his interdimensional prison and it was only when Spyro bested my corrupted visage in combat at the Convexity portal did Malefor lose his grip on my mind and body and when Spyro could have been calculating, cold or even cruel he showed me mercy. Mercy I find myself slow to say I would have shown if the roles were reversed. I had never served Malefor of my own free will, having been in his service since my birth until Spyro rescued me. Even though technically my actions then were not my own I still feel burdensome guilt in my heart and soul over the massacres and atrocities committed at my hand. I saw it too, the people were still afraid of me. While some knew I was no longer a force of evil many were too scared or weary to try. The Council knew I was free of Malefor's grasp especially since he was destroyed but grudges die hard and my past left lots of grudges in peoples hearts. The League however, pompous blowhards as they were, were almost openly hostile to me as their constant self-righteous affirmation from each other in their heavily armed enclaves dotting the land made known that I, while free from Malefor's control was still not to be trusted.
“Holy cow! Look at her!” Sparx sprang up and looked out the window, drawing me out of my gloomy reverie. We all huddled around the circle window and even I was shocked by what I saw.
The sun was setting on the plains painting the landscape in a warm orange hue and there was the new temple. It was humble in design but even from here I could sense something great to it. It was built almost in the shape of a horseshoe with an artistic blend of red brick, concrete and wood with multiple aeries around the outer walls for skybound creatures such as we to come and go with ease.
“By the ancestors.... didn't construction just begin two weeks ago?” Spyro regarded with the awe not disguised in the slightest.
“That's the Council for ya. When they put their minds to something they get results!” Sparx added bombastically.
“I wonder if Terrador and the other will be there.” I said.
“They should.”
Another ten minutes later after watching Spyro and Sparx wonder aloud about the temple and their room-calling. It was juvenile but I liked seeing them like the brothers they were, I chuckled to myself. Finally the beasts of burden that were pulling our cargo came to rest. The convoy guards began unpacking and bringing in what turned out to be furniture and I also spied some weapons and armor. Upon closer inspection of the temple we discovered that in the middle of the horseshoe design was a small lake with a gentle fountain. The place was stunning to say the least, the warm colors complimented by the setting sun only served to make me honestly want to crawl into bed and sleep a hundred years.
“This place is amazing. How did you build it so fast?” I asked one of the architects who was toying with a water pump. He was an ape, after the war it turned out many of the apes were pressed into Gaul's service under threat of a worse fate of torture and slavery. Once Malefor fell, they dropped his banner like a hot rock and fled to Avalar and have become an invaluable asset to the country.
“Ey wha' canna say. The Council gav' us the gold and says we's buildin a new home for Spyro his last one went and got exploded.”
“You must be Cynder.” A sweet motherly voice chirped my way. I turned and saw Spyro walking with a fox woman. Her paler coat indicated she was on the older spectrum. She wore a blue cape with the Avalar crest and a cyan dress. She poked her glasses and began to speak.
“I've heard so much about you. I'm Constance and I'm your official ambassador to the Council in Warfang. I can also act as a steward but you'll see you won't need me for that.” She spoke much like a grandmother would to her children despite us being eye level now.
“What do you mean? Do we have a steward as well? A seneschal?” I asked confused.
“Yeah you were being cryptic like that with me and Spyro too. What gives?” Sparx injected hovering to her face.
“Allow me.” She cleared her throat and clapped her hands. “MIHI!”
And a second later there was a gentle blue glow and it turned into a transparent visage of a blue fairy complete with skirt and wand.
“You called Ambassador Constance. How can I be of service?” She said in a hollow, robotic but still feminine tone.
“We... don't really do indentured servants.” Spyro remarked trying to be polite.
Constance raised her brows. “Oh heavens no. Slavery is illegal in Avalar. MIHI is a Magical Intelligence. She's not real. Observe!” The fox lady took her hand and brushed it through the visage. “MIHI stands for Magically Integrated Home Intelligence.”
“So.... she's a robot?” I said oddly creeped out.
“Correct Cynder. MIHI is an experimental prototype the League is creating. If MIHI proves useful here she can be replicated and will be used to control high-priority strongholds for Avalar.”
“Control? As in she runs everything?” Spyro admonished.
“Don't worry darling. MIHI only runs the automated services, security and communications hubs. We installed her because we did not think you would want a staff of caretakers living on grounds. But fret not, she's can't control any vital things. She's not going to lock you in your rooms until you starve or something.” Her sentence died into silence and I could see she regretted that last remark.
“But she can be deactivated?” Spyro asked after a pregnant pause.
“Why don't you ask her yourself?”
Spyro walked over to the fairy while me and Sparx watched intently curious.
“Umm..... hello?” Spyro began.
“Greeting Master Spyro. How can I assist you?” She chirped in her happy robot voice.
“What are you exactly?”
Her form glitched for a split second. “I am MIHI, Magically Integrated Home Intelligence. I am an enchanted intelligence tasked with regulating the basic system functions of the Temple. Including food production, communications in multiple languages, waste elimination, power conservation and feature multiple security suites should the Temple come under attack.”
“What do you have in security?”
MIHI was quiet. “Subjects clear Spyro-level security. I feature multiple security protocols inside and outside the Temple grounds including mines, shock traps and magically manned cannons.”
“Is this a temple or a fortress?” I remarked with an unsettled stomp.
“Do you have any non-lethal security?” Spyro asked shyly.
MIHI loaded her response. “This edition does not but non-lethal security can be requisitioned for future development.”
“Can you be deactivated?” Spyro asked her....it?
“MIHI can be deactivated in the enchantment laboratory but it is not recommended without sufficient staff.”
“You are dismissed MIHI.” Constance said with a waive of her hand.
“Farewell. Reminder: dinner will be prepared in one hour and forty-six minutes.”
Inside the temple was even more breathtaking. The rooms almost seemed to breath with their open spaces allowing sky-bound creatures such as myself to fly on a whim. The interior was sparsely decorated instead opting for a more minimal tone to the aesthetic matching the outside of red wood, simple concrete and so forth. From Constance's explanation we were in the West Wing or the horeshoe where we were greeted by Council workers who were unpacking the last of the cargo. The West Wing was where the training room, library, enchantment lab, armory, infirmary and security storage was located. What was in the security storage room eluded me much to my dismay. What exactly could there be stored? I resolved to ask MIHI when we were finally alone. The training room was admittedly impressive. Built specifically for dragons, the training room boasted a menagerie of spike traps, shock pylons and other arrangements. The library was the place I found most impressive. It was aesthetically much the same but with more soft lighting from the glass dome overhead. Shelves upon shelves of tomes, scrolls and tablets even. I could see myself spending much of my downtime seeing just what the Council had left us.
“MIHI.” I said to the ether. Just when I felt like a fool for talking to the air the visage of the young blue fairy manifested with a ginger smile.
“Yes Master Cynder, how may I be of service?” She chirped.
I confess I was.... surprised by how easy it was to summon her. I composed myself and asked. “Why did the Council give us all these books? We didn't own these before. No disrespect of course.”
MIHI hovered for a second. “After Council forces salvaged what was left of the Warfang libraries the surviving pieces were kept underground while the city was being rebuilt. When the League came in to possession of the archives it was decreed that many of the books were too explicit in dark rites and magic practice. Instead of being destroyed the Council managed to convince them to relocate the books to this temple instead of incineration.”
“See Cynder. They trust us with the old spooky books.” Sparx remarked announcing his boredom with the library. We carried on around the other amenities until we reached the armory when we met a familiar face.
“Hunter! What are you doing here?” Spyro exclaimed in excitement. Hunter was an agent for Ignitus who rescued us before our final war with Malefor. Hailing from a tribe of nomadic cheetah-people, Hunter boasted extreme agility although his reserved personality made him difficult to really know.
Hunter, now in casual clothing shook Spyro's paw and nodded at me. “It has been sometime. I hope you fared well enough.”
“Things have been hectic with all the reconstruction. Feel like I haven't slept in a normal bed in the two years since the Malefor War.” Spyro answered. He was correct, our lives had been... chaotic after Malefor. Rebuilding, funerals, the founding of the Council, the birth of the League. Only when Spyro spoke of these things did I really feel the fatigue of events.
“Yes things have been erratic all around. We're still clearing out rubble out of Warfang. While it has been difficult I still thank you three for returning to us. Avalar, while no longer under the threat of Malefor needs a hero- a symbol to rally behind now more than ever. If not for the three of you I fear many people would give into the chaos and despair still currently plaguing us. As much as the Council would like to give off the impression of stability it is just that: an impression. Truth is the Council is just barely keeping the people in some semblance of order. But when the people see or hear of Spyro and Cynder-”
“And Sparx-!”
Hunter corrected, “And Sparx- they remember that you would not approve of further chaos.”
Hunter, for all his stoic ramblings was correct. The Council was just barely keeping the chaos at bay and if I had my way me and Spyro would have flew off to parts unknown leaving everything behind. It was a vexing time for all of us. I felt our time in Avalar had concluded but Spyro insisted and I could not leave him. Sure Spyro was naïve and honestly a headstrong dork at times but that's what I love about him and when he decided to return to Avalar I had to relent and return with him. For better or worse.
“There's just so much to rebuild. Do you honestly think we'll ever get it all finished?” Spyro asked glumly with a lowering of his wings.
Hunter crossed his arms. “I don't think it's about rebuilding what was lost but instead saving what remains and taking it to the future with us. We might not see Warfang restore to it's former magnificence but our children or their children might. Live for the future Spyro, not the past.”
“Are you waxing philosophical again Hunter?” A female voice singsonged. We all turned and there in the door to the other part of the armory was a faun woman. She looked a bit more ragged as though she had been toiling all day long with her auburn hair, that matched the fur on her goat legs, pulled into a ponytail. She lowered a box a crate of scrolls and joined us.
“Ah, Elora. You're just in time to meet Spyro, Cynder and Sparx.” Hunter gestured at us with a waive of his hand.
Elora smiled. She removed her gloves and greeted us. Her personality already lit up the room. “Hi guys! I'm Elora. I'm the chief engineer for the temple.”
“You designed all this?” I wondered aloud.
Elora shrugged and picked up a scroll from her crate. “Yes ma'am. Most of it anyway- MIHI and her systems was made by the League but everything else was designed by me. I knew some dragons before the war so I know they need lots of aeries and the like. I hope everything is to your liking.”
“You're beautiful- I MEAN it's beautiful!” Sparx slipped out and tried to correct himself blushing.
Elora giggled. “Oh Sparx you are too sweet.”
“In all seriousness though this place is stunning. How did it get built so fast though?” I asked.
Elora shrugged and leaned against a wall. “Well you didn't hear it from me but I had made the final blueprint for this place almost a year and a half ago when the Council finally gave me this project. Don't let anyone tell you this was overnight. I just thought I'd be honest with you guys.”
Me and Spyro exchanged glances. Two weeks my tail! “And what do you make of MIHI?” I said.
Elora sighed and wiped some loose red hairs from her eyes in contemplation. “If I'm still being honest with you guys, MIHI creeps me out. Something about... her. I feel like she's watching me. The surveillance.... it just ain't right. There's a pipe in the closet in the East Wing bedroom. If I were you I would take it and deactivate her the old fashioned way. Things like that just don't 'turn off'...”
“So you don't trust MIHI?” Spyro deadpanned.
“I don't trust her because I did not make her. Halfway through construction the League barges in with MIHI and says I have to let them program her into the building and you know..... you don't tell the League no.”
An awkward pause smothered the conservation as Elora realized she almost began ranting. “Apologies guys.... this project had just been.. demanding. I look forward to sleeping in a real bed again when I return to Warfang. I have a workshop there in fact, mostly intact too of all things. If you're ever in the city please stop by.” The faun woman spoke as she gathered her crate back up and bade us farewell. Once she had walked beyond our sight Constance returned from speaking with a group of workers before we continued our tour now with Hunter in tow.
Constance led us down the hall which began to curve meaning we where in the bend of the horseshoe. She was talking about the basement floors but I paid her little mind. Instead, I wanted to talk to Hunter.
“Elora really does not like the League-” I whispered in a hushed tone to the cheetah warrior.
Hunter nodded and rubbed his furry chin. “It would appear so. Though I suppose her mistrust is not unfounded. Many distrust the League but few are ready to come out and make it public.”
“Do you not trust the League?” I asked lowering my voice. I knew not to trust the League mostly because they never bothered being hospitable with me first.
“There is an old cheetah saying: love many, trust few but always paddle your own canoe.” He answered with a mystic glare.
“So you don't trust them either?”
“I mean that trusting anything besides tested companions is foolish. I trust that I cannot trust what does not trust me. True the League does some good things but I am not going to.... how's the saying go..... 'sell the farm' just yet.”
We both perked up when the herd came to an abrupt stop at a larger door that screamed significance. Constance whirled around and primly declared. “And this the pièce de résistance- you are looking at some of the most advanced arcane technology current existing!”
The fox woman opened the doors and slid them back into the walls. Inside was a large antechamber. The circular room was almost conical in shape becoming narrow towards the ceiling. The room was terraced with multiple rows of what I plain seats so anyone regardless of species could sit relatively comfortable. At the bottom of the room was a pool of thick green water... or something like that. It swirled and spiraled with a low humming.
“A very dirty pool?” Sparx quipped in confusion.
Constance again turned back around when a new, very masculine grumble stopped her. “No.” He said unamused. On the far side of the room, he, descend the stairs and stood before the strange pool. It was none other than Golan, the Seeker of Light. I had heard of him but never met him until now. There, in brilliant armor adorned with suns and phoenixes, was a sullen faced gorilla man but far too young to have ever served in the dark mast- (I refused to call him the 'dark master') Malefor's armies. Stories of Golan's prowess were as many as varied as they were many. I had heard the stories. After the Council had barely been established he and his ilk landed on the southern shores of Warfang and pledged to defend the Council and the Avalari citizenry from all maleficarum- dark mages, warriors, spirits, demons and as time progressed- anyone who questioned the League.
As for Golan himself if the more fantastical stories were to be believed you would think he ate undead samurai for breakfast and shot lightning out of his eyeballs. Truth was he was not to be underestimated. However young, he was a force of nature on the battlefield and knew just how to rally the masses to his banner with the fear of dark lords to spur them. One instantly noticeable thing about him was his right arm- as it was missing, replaced by bronze metal arm from his shoulder down that was always polished to a shine. Nobody knew how he lost it or what creature was powerful enough to take it from him and if it still lived.
We're not good friends.
“G-Golan. I was not expecting you-” Constance said and gave an unsettled curtsey to the League's Supreme Leader.
“I do not make my location known to anyone Mrs. Fox. Better to keep potential assassins guessing.”
Constance Fox swallowed hard. “Of course m-milord I was not being crude. Only surprised is all.” Me and Spyro exchanged unimpressed glances watching Constance grovel.
The young gorilla man ignored further conversation with Constance and walked closer to us around the pond. Me and him locked eyes for one terrible moment that felt like years but in fact it had only been a fraction of a heartbeat yet I felt his eyes pierce my soul.
“This is not just any pool Sparx. This is a portal.” He approached a small altar and removed a stone slab from a shelf and beheld it to us.
“How did you know my name?” Sparx said and crossed his arms.
Golan ignored him. Instead choosing to emphasize on the symbol on the stone slab. “This portal is the only one in Avalar but with these runestones you should be able to travel to several points in Avalar almost instantaneously. This runestone will take you to Warfang. When you put the stone on this altar the portal will correlate to the stone and all you need is to submerge yourself in the pool and should you have no need of a portal just remove the stone. Our enchanters are working on other stones as we speak but if you wish to try your paws at runesmithing do be our guest.”
“What about traveling back?” Spyro asked aloud before adding, “Sir...” It made me hate Golan all the more seeing how he browbeat everyone into submission.
“A fine question.” Golan grumbled. “As Mrs. Fox said it is new technology so it is still being worked on so return-teleportation is still in its infancy.”
“Thank you Golan.... this is very...”
“Generous.” I finished for Spyro, making sure my lack of affection for him was acutely apparent.
Golan was quiet and just gave an unsettling cynical grin. “Of course. Anything for the Champion of Avalar and his mate.” He cooed with a wave of his robotic arm. Something in me told me this house was like getting a gift from the devil.
“Now, if you'll excuse me. I have business I must attend to in Warfang. Until next time...” Golan placed the Warfang runestone on the altar. The pool swirled faster and I swear I could see the visage of Warfang on the water. Golan leaped in and made no splash. I snorted and unceremoniously removed the runestone. The water returned to normal or as normal as it could be.
“Ancestors I hate that guy....” I confessed in a low grumble.
Constance regained her ladylike composure. “Golan has just been through a lot in his young life. Please don't judge him too harshly. His supposedly cruelty is only curt resignation for seeing so much in so little time. Like an old soul so to speak....”
I wanted to tell Constance she was just stringing random big words together to make excuses. Golan was a bully. A bully who flew the flag of 'the Light' whatever vapid and nebulous term that may be. But I relented and decided not to embarrass the old fox woman no more than she had embarrassed herself.
We were walking along now to the East Wing. Throughout our walk I noticed multiple aeries where us winged creatures could simply fly to the other wing instead of walking. The East Wing somehow felt 'homier' if that was a word. Constance was more reserved now after her meeting with Golan.
“Why do you cower at Golan like that?” I remarked to Spyro who raised his brow in shock.
“I did not 'cower' I just.. well no one really has commanded any emotions like that since before I trained with Ignitus. But he doesn't make you want to be under him like Ignitus.... Golan just makes you feel... frightened.” Spyro lowered his head, no doubt missing Ignitus. Ignitus was the fire guardian who first met Spyro when he took the first steps of his quest... and back when I was Malefor's pawn. Before our final battle with Malefor, Ignitus gave his life so we could get into Malefor's citadel. Ignitus had been like the dragon father Spyro never had and the little time I had known Ignitus he had shown me care and concern too.
“What a jerk. I'm sure he's just the life at parties.” Sparx said not noticing we were speaking. I released Spyro's attention so he could remark with his brother.
Spyro let out an uneasy chuckle. “Yeah I bet his social life is amazing heh.”
“Last but not least, the living quarters. With all the luxuries and finery of the realm.” Constance declared with fake gusto. Most rooms were built for dragon visitors but there were stations for bipedals to sleep as well but they were more sparsely designed. Sparx's room was more like a glorified child's dollhouse, a miniature room in a room. I chuckled to myself at the thought of a little dragon girl playing with Sparx like a doll.
“What?”
“-Nothing!”
Finally, our room. The master bedroom was very warmly designed with several oval windows and a personal aerie. Our bed was large, circular with creamy eggshell colored blankets and a dozen of pillows ranging from big to small and several shapes. I don't know if dragons used blankets but it appeared the architects think so. Admittedly it was heavenly to the touch. The cynic in my mind waited to see MIHI pop up from the bed and start elaborating how she could watch us sleep- I tried to push that thought to the back of my mind by promising myself to shut her down ASAP.
“I sincerely hope you all find your new accommodations worthy.” Constance cooed with her hands clasped.
“This place is amazing-” I said trying to be polite. Once we got rid of MIHI and maybe destroyed Golan's little portal then maybe it could be home.
“I am so very glad you like it. It is the least we can do to thank you three heroes. Perha-”
MIHI's blue visage came to life in between us. The young transparent fairy chirped. “Dinner is served in the banquet hall!”
- - -
The basement level was an obscure way of saying 'second floor'. A level underneath the main temple house the dinner hall, an expansive rectangular hall with matching aesthetic of red woods and stone with low hanging lights. In the epicenter of the room was a long burgundy table with chairs and pillow seats for four-legged ones such as myself to sit comfortably. But that was far from the most surprising thing that greeted us.
“Cyril, Terrador, Volteer!” Spyro barked in elation and his demeanor instantly rose.
The trio of older dragons were the elemental sage guardians such as Ignitus when he was alive. Cyril, the eccentric dragon was the master of the elemental power of ice and his scales reflected his wintry alignment with light ice-cyan colors. Volteer, the yellow dragon, naturally commanded the elemental power of lightning and his brain was just as fast and erratic as the electricity he commanded, always being one logical step further. What we thought of as goofy in him he must see in us as being slow or dim witted. Last but not least was Terrador, the most mature next to Ignitus. Terrador the earth guardian was a muscle-bound beast of a dragon, a warrior by nature but long since retired from battle in his older age. Unlike Ignitus however Terrador did not match the former fire guardian's stoicism or conventional wisdom which almost made him more akin to us younger dragons.
“Ah yes Spyro how wonderful to see you again. I do apologize for how scarce our visits have been.” Volteer chirped from his seat. While we all fought together when Malefor threatened us with doom we had admittedly drifted apart after the war. The rebuilding of Warfang demanded their attention while Spyro and I debated wether or not to leave everything for the Unknown Regions....
I hope you all have been well. It would seem the Council has built a new temple for you Spyro.” Terrador said in his -no pun intended- gravely rumble of a voice.
Spyro lowered his wings in muted shame. “Believe me Terrador if I had a say I would have used them to rebuild the old temple but I had no-”
Terrador smiled at his young ex-pupil. “Do not apologize Spyro. I know you had no say in where the Council spent their resources. Besides, the old temple had served its purpose. To cling to it pass its usefulness would be unbecoming of the guardians. Everything has a beginning therefore it must have an end, as all things do. Even one day this temple will be a ruin- perhaps where another hero dragon will train one day.”
“Cheery as always dad.” A feminine tone chided. I looked and from another doorway walked a younger green dragoness. She was me and Spyro's age easily- maybe a little older but not much. Her earthy scale tone betrayed her relation before she even spoke.
Terrador quickly changed his tone from fatalistic sobriety to a more fatherly one. “Ah yes- I almost forgot to mention, my daughter Cree will be joining us tonight.”
“Whoa I didn't know you had a kid Terrador?” Sparx proclaimed, speaking what we were all thinking.
She... Cree, I mean, walked over to us and sat on her haunches and extended a scaled paw. If Terrador's bulky earthen form was symbolic of the worlds ruggedness then Cree was symbolic of a more tamed land. While lacking the girth of her father she did not look to be a weakling by any definition but I could tell she would grow to be only a fraction of her father's size. Her eyes were also amber where Terrador's were green however she did boast his style of horn and spines.
“Like he said, the name is Cree, Terrador's daughter and all that jazz. You must be Spyro- I've heard a LOT about you.” She said with a tilt of her head.
Spyro stammered and smile. “All good I hope...”
“I hear you're the reason we're not dead or slaves to Malefor so yes I would classify that as good.”
I stifled a snort. The way she was looking at him- no- I was not THAT petty.
“W-well I mean I had a lot of help from Cynder and the others. Besides, Terrador never mentioned he had a daughter.”
“Heh, you never asked.”
“We could have used another earth dragon while we were fighting Malefor. Where were ya?” Sparx said with cross of his arms.
“Lost.” Was what she answered. “I was young during the early stages of the war when Cynder first came to the scene and she started abducting the guardians to haul them off.”
I felt myself shrivel up inside as Cree elaborated. I had scarcely reflected on what tortures I must have inflicted on Volteer, Cyril and Terrador while they were captive and I was Malefor's thrall. I wondered if they remembered it when they saw me.... I just wanted to slink into a corner of the room and never come back.
“And then after the Battle of Griffon Wake, Cynder had taken Terrador. Dad had not let me be present for the battle so when news came to me had had been taken I set out in search of him.... only to end up going in the wrong direction. It was only last year when father located me. I thought he was dead and when we came inches away from the apocalypse I thought I was too but thanks to you.... that never came to fruition.”
“Why do you keep referring to Cynder in the third person? She's right there y'know.” Sparx quipped and notioned at me. In embarrassment I unconsciously raised my wings to somewhat shield myself from what must have been Cree's disdain.
“You're Cynder?!” Cree asked in shock and glanced at her father who nodded. “But you're.... my size.”
I couldn't bring myself to speak whether out of guilt or shame or even fear of whatever reprisal she may have waiting for me. I just squeaked and slunk backwards.
“Yeah... that's me..”
“Cynder was not in control of hersel-” Spyro began to Cree when he picked up on my trepidation only to be interrupted by her.
“Terrador told me about that. You were taken by his minions as a baby and forced to be his slave. I just did not know YOU were Cynder.”
“Ha. Cree thought you were the help Cynder.” Sparx chortled.
“So....” I dared. “You don't have some kind of vendetta against me?”
Cree sat back on her haunches. “No. Terrador explained everything to me and if he trusts and forgave you then I can follow suit. Malefor deserves my ire, not you and since he's dead well there's not much to do anymore but move on with our lives.”
“To new beginnings?” She said and extended her paw.
Hesitantly I reached out my black paw and we slowly shook on it. "A new beginning."
“See. We are just one big happy family. All I need now is a jukebox to hit and we can be a sitcom.” Sparx thought aloud.
“What's a sitcom?” Cree asked us.
“Just ignore it.” Spyro said.
Cyril coughed the fake cough that is actually meant to muster our attention. “I'm glad we have this heartwarming reunion but I am sad to say our arrival is not without news from Warfang.”
“And there is the... other matter, Cyril.” Volteer added.
- - -
Not long later we were all sat around the long table when one of MIHI automatons exited the kitchen. It was a crude machine the size of a trashcan, made of bronze and alloys with spinning gears that sputtered as it brought multiple trays out to the table. I was not ungrateful per se for this new stellar home but MIHI's insistence that her presence would offer more utility and isolation for me and Spyro in that we would not need an array of staff and workers to keep things functioning here but somehow the lack of people and abundance of machines made the place feel almost sterile. But if anyone else shared those thoughts, they kept them to themselves...
“Please enjoy your meals” The MIHI visage said in its feminine-robotic voice and gave a respectful bow before disappearing.
I had to admit the food was pretty decent, good even. I knew not how MIHI could cook and part of me was afraid to ask but the food was edible! It had been a while since I had a proper meal. Really made me reflect on the past two years of flying rubble out of Warfang to drop in the ocean while eating miserable little meals passed out by the Council forces in those desolate refugee camps. I wondered what they were eating right now...
“How is Warfang?” I spoke up feeling a bit too guilty to eat now.
Volteer swallowed his bite. “The renovations are just about done. Demolition teams are removing the bigger rubble with timed explosives and now with the League dispensing their own engineers things should be nearly back to normal. Remove what we can and build over the rest.”
“Are they still finding bodies?” Cree asked next, casting a gloomy shadow over the conversation.
Volteer, never one to short on his words answered immediately. “Statistically the odd body will be uncovered every now and then but for the most part most of the dead have been found and due to the lack of room many of Warfang's citizens elect for the burial at sea.”
“Oh boy the dinner talk here is ten outta ten.” Sparx whispered to me sitting... or floating in his chair next to a tiny plate.
“I guess that makes sense. It'd be foolish to believe that defeating Malefor would also undo the destruction he wrought.” Spyro added to Cree and Volteer's conversation.
Terrador finished his plate before he spoke up next. “It is regrettable so much was destroyed but that is with any war that you will find desolation. You'll find anyone can fight in battle but few can pick up the pieces once the fires go out.” He bellowed
“Speaking of picking up the pieces Terrador.....” Cyril said and notioned towards Spyro.
The bulky earth dragon nodded. “Yes Cyril you are correct.”
“What's wrong?” Spyro said.
“Nothing is “wrong” just so much as something needs to be put right Spyro. With Ignitus gone we are missing a guardian of fire, the circle is incomplete. When a guardian dragon passes on to the next life they usually pass their mantle to their apprentice like how Ignitus' master, Emberina the Trailblazer passed the mantle to him centuries ago and so forth. Spyro, we think you are the most suited candidate for being the next guardian. You're affinity for fire is unmatched.”
I had stopped eating, stunned by Terrador's proposal. Spyro, a guardian, he was so young though! What would that even entail?
Spyro was quiet, sitting in deep contemplation, brow furrowed. “That... sounds like a bigger undertaking than just 'becoming the fire guardian' what does that even mean? Besides I'm not a red dragon...”
The guardian elders exchanged glances with one another before answering Spyro. “Your scales do not prohibit you from becoming a guardian, it is what is in your heart.”
“Yes Spyro, Emberina was pink. My former master, Joule was blue!” Volteer added.
“Volteer speaks true Spyro. We've all discussed it and if you wish, we can lead you down the path of fire mastery. As a guardian your duty will be to preserve and dedicate yourself to the magics and knowledge of fire and those masters who came before you. It won't be easy but we think you are the most suited.”
Spyro gulped and rubbed his head. “That sounds like a great undertaking but if Ignitus would have wanted then I...” Spyro trailed off. I had never seen him so.. unsure of himself. Almost scared really.
Terrador waived a beefy paw. “Don't worry Spyro. Even if you accept we still must take you on pilgrimage to the Temple of the First Flame- where every would-be guardian goes to see if the First Flame deems them worthy. It is a lonely place on Mount Slaughter at the north pole. Traditionally the master takes their apprentice on this pilgrimage but seeing as Ignitus is no longer around the three of us will take you and hope that is enough for the First Flame.”
Spyro's worry seemed to abate when Terrador mentioned this 'First Flame'. “Okay. I'll do it.”
“Please Spyro, if this is your genuine choice then we shall help you but make sure it is what you truly want. If the First Flame finds you... inadequate, well... Just make sure this is what your heart is telling you. If it is not where you think your destiny lies then tell us, we shan't think any less of you.”
“He's right Spyro. You are under no obligation.” Terrador rumbled.
Spyro and I exchanged quizzical expressions before he spoke once more. “I.. I don't know if it's my destiny but I'm willing to try. For Ignitus.”
“Very well young dragon. I guess we'll be setting out in say tomorrow possibly?”
“Oh c'mon Spyro! We just got the killer digs for a few hours and it's off to trekking to some wasteland full of soulless demons or metallic undead spider bears that spit lava or-” Sparx was whining.
“You don't have to come this time Sparx. In fact, it might be best if someone was here to watch the place.” Spyro said.
Sparx stopped mid-complaint. “-well uhhh. Honestly I wasn't expecting you to go it alone....”
“The guardians are accompanying him Sparx, he'll be in good hands” I reminded the bright yellow dragonfly.
Sparx scratched his chin nonchalantly. “Okay... cool. Guess I'll have to call up some of my old friends which totally exist. I definitely won't be here alone with Hal the whole time.”
“MIHI you mean?”
“Whatever!”
- - -
The day was winding down and coming to an end. The three guardians had elected to room in the guest rooms while me and Spyro retired to ours. Likewise Sparx had a, for lack of better terms, miniature house built into the wall down the hall. Honestly I saw it and could only think of a dollhouse a child would use but I did not make that thought known. I had no desire to possibly offend or shame Spyro's brother. But I would be lying if I said I still did not chuckle to myself at the thought of a little girl using Sparx like a doll for that house.
Our room itself was sparse save for a few seats, shelves and the large circular bed naturally. Most impressive was the large window that let me see miles across the plains as they were painted bright red by the sun as it began to fall below the rise promising nightfall. The world seemed somehow peaceful here as though the troubles of Avalar could not reach us in our seclusion.
“Quite the view huh?” Spyro said relaxed and leaned on the window seal. Bathed in the warm colors of sunset as he was it was not enough to bury the look of anxiety he got when he knew he was about to undertake something.
“You're worried.”
Spyro sighed. “Am I that obvious?”
“I know you Spyro.”
Spyro sat up and stretched his wings. “I guess I am a little nervous. Going out with the others again on some quest. I don't know why I feel so...”
“Apprehensive?” I offered.
“Yes! Like, when I set out to stop Malefor, I had worry\ied about Sparx and Ignitus and later you naturally. If I failed then you would all suffer. But like, it wasn't this.... debilitating. But now, for some reason I feel this ominous feeling in my gut about doing the same again. Like...”
“You're afraid.” I said almost mechanically.
Spyro swallowed hard and shook his head. “No- n-no I'm not afraid it's just... maybe I am. But I don't know why.”
I sat closer to the young purple dragon and draped my red-webbed wing over his back. “Shhhh I didn't mean to offend you. You're afraid of death- that's natural.”
“Why do you think that?”
I thought to myself. Spyro, for all his bravado was not a master of his own emotion and his heart, while golden was often in flux. “Well I mean think about it. When the world was falling apart, we almost died. It may be possible you are just now coming to terms with how close we came to dying.”
“-And you think this fear might be what's paralyzing me.” Spyro finished my thought. He was not a fool by any means- he inferred my hypothesis.
I thought of my words carefully, not because I feared offending him but because I did not want to compound his fears. “It makes sense. The constant fighting, so close to dying. Healthy people don't just walk away from those things. Mental trauma is real Spyro.”
Spyro clenched his eyes shut and held his face as he shook his head. “I just feel so scared sometimes Cynder that I don't want to leave or do anything. Back in Warfang those few months back, I wasn't exhausted- I started panicking when they were firing the storm drums for the victory march. I hid under the blankets for hours!” I remembered that time. The League was holding an annual victory march for Malefor's defeat. Sparx and I attended but Spyro said he was ill and tired...
“I feel lucky to have survived Malefor's apocalypse and that if I try anything again I won't get so lucky. I'll die and that'll be it!” I looked at him, my heart was breaking. I noticed small streams of tears sneaking down his cheek from under his hands covering his eyes.
For all we've seen and done, I had never seen Spyro cry so... so broken like this. My heart melted at the sight. I did not know what to tell him or if there was anything one could tell. When words fell short I gently wrapped Spyro in a loving embrace. I held him tight and tucked his head under mine. His whimpering and hushed sobs sputtered before they lightened.
“I- I'm sorry I can't be strong for you Cynder.” Spyro managed between pitiful sniffles.
I gently caressed his back, cooing. “No one is strong all the time Spyro. We're gonna get through this. I'll be by your side every step of the way.”
Spyro sniffled again but sounded to be regaining his composure however shaken. “But how? This isn't something we can just punch and kick until it's right or cast some spell. I can't fight it because it's just me-”
I held Spyro tight. “We'll find someone who can help. There are doctors I think. We'll go to Warfang.”
“And Cynder... promise you won't tell anyone about this please.”
“Of course Spyro.”
Category Story / Fanart
Species Western Dragon
Gender Multiple characters
Size 82 x 120px
Listed in Folders
Just bumped into this and am enjoying it so far. Pretty sure cynder is going to be attacked or something when everyone is gone, considering common tropes... Just a guess tho.
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