FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Author's notes:

After last chapter long period of inactivity, I decided to write this chapter faster than last time. And here is it... and proud of it.

A little piece of good news to my readers, this is my longest chapter yet! Twenty-seven pages on word! OMG!

I hope you guys can help me a little bit. I have decided to make a... kind of inquiry out there. I always wanted to know what the readers think of my characters. So, I would appreciate if you tell me which is your favorite character I have come up with so far. If you want to explain your thoughts of them or any other character, be welcome to do so.

Disclaimer: blah blah blah....blah blah blah. All stuff and that.

Here is chapter 22...... enjoy!

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The Legend of Spyro: Origins_Chapter 22

"How is he?" Doctor Kelly asked as she arrived where Ramirez was.

Ramirez had fallen to the ground, causing a lot of attention to himself in the dining hall. He gave small shivers as he laid there, unaware of his surroundings as his consciousness passed away.

"He just lost consciousness" Parker answered.

Parker was the first one on the scene to offer help. Just after Ramirez had fallen, he had jumped from his seat and ran there as fast as the wind, trying to give Ramirez some assistance.

Spyro, Cynder and the rest of the group had also converged around Ramirez, watching with concern and expectantly to hear some good news. Many of the people who had been eating at the time had also stood up and had gotten closer to have a looked. Spyro didn't know what could have happened for Ramirez to collapse in such a way. He hoped he was okay.

"Let me see" Kelly ordered him as she leaned over the unconscious human. "I need some light"

Her request was met by a human who handed her a flashlight, very much like the one Spyro had seen the humans use earlier. Kelly took the device from his hand without a thank you and gave it to Parker instead.

"Help me" she ordered as Parker took the flashlight and turned it on.

Gently, Doctor Kelly pried open one of Ramirez's eye and Parker pointed light source toward it.

"Move the light away and into his eyes again every few seconds" she told Parker.

Kelly murmured to herself while she concentrated looking into the depths of Ramirez pupils. Parker kept doing the light show and provided assistance to the doctor.

"Okay, that's enough" Kelly told him to stop as she moved his hand toward Ramirez forehead.

Her eyes grew wide as her palm touched his skin.

"He's burning" she said gravely. "We have to get him to the hospital" she ordered with a tone that broke no argument.

Some humans stepped forward and picked Ramirez from the ground.

"You!" Kelly picked up a human soldier at random. "I want you to inform the hospital that we are going to arrive with Ramirez. Make sure to inform them of his condition and make sure they have everything ready!"

The young soldier only nodded before sprinting away as fast as his legs could carry him. He even completely forgot that he had a radio with the fast pace and the heat of the moment.

Parker turned toward his men.

"You have the rest of the night for yourselves" Parker ordered his men as moved to pick Ramirez up. "I suggest you have a long sleep also"

Then, the carriers lifted Ramirez from the ground and started to walk at a fast pace toward the hospital; Doctor Kelly tailing behind them.

Just before Doctor Kelly left the building, Spyro ran up to her, worried about his friend.

"Is he going to be all right?" he asked, his voice told how concerned and worried he was.

Doctor Kelly turned to look at him with eyes that seemed as worried as the tone of voice Spyro used.

"I hope so; but I'm going to make everything in my power to help him" she whispered loud enough for Spyro to hear before she left the building and followed Ramirez.

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Beside the situation that had occurred at the dining room, Spyro had an uneventful night. The happy mood seemed to have vanished after the incident. With no more fun to have anymore, everyone dispersed.

Since it was already night, Spyro and Cynder decided that they should call it day. Spyro bid Cynder a good night as he left her at the entrance of her room; then he went to his own.

He didn't have a very good sleeping session, since he was worried for Ramirez; but he didn't lose too much sleep over it. He had confidence that Kelly would manage to heal him. But then, that look on her face...

Deciding to get some breakfast, he got up and exited his room, leaving the still snoring Sparx on his makeshift bed. The sun was just beginning to rise above the horizon and the morning's chilly air still clung to the air, refusing to go. The streets and hall were

He found out that the eating area was fairly empty. Spyro had gotten up quite early and few people were in here at this hour. This was not the same place the group had eaten last night. Still, Spyro felt hungry and ordered some food. When he sat down, he started to eat without the enthusiasm not the eagerness he had displayed last night.

It wasn't long before Cynder arrived. At the sight of her, his spirits immediately raised a notch or two. He waved a wing to catch her attention. Cynder looked around the room and noticed Spyro was seated on a table by himself and was waving at her. She gave him a small smile and proceeded to get some food and sit next to Spyro.

"So, what are we going to do today?" Cynder asked once she had taken the first bite of his meal.

"I was thinking of continue asking questions around the city, looking for any information about the whereabouts of my parents" Spyro responded.

"Need any help?" Cynder asked with a knowing smile.

"Of course!" he replied with a goofy grin, knowing perfectly well that she was teasing him. "But first, I would like go to the hospital. I want to know how Ramirez is doing. I should check on Romeo and Incendio too, who are also there"

"Incendio?" Cynder asked, surprised that the fire dragon was in the hospital. "What happened to him?"

"I don't know. All that Doctor Kelly said was that he arrived very distressed a few days ago. He refuses to speak much, so we don't exactly know what's wrong with him. I just wanted to visit him; maybe it will raise his spirits a little bit"

The meal was a little bit awkward, yet pleasing at the same time of having each other's company. The two of them ate their food quietly, nor really wanting to talk much of what happened yesterday, nor of their search ahead nor of Incendio.

The meal passed quickly as the sun started to rise and heat the cool wind that ran thought the city. The city was beginning to stir and wake up in the face of the new day.

By the time people started to arrive at the mess hall and the place was starting to get a little bit crowded, Spyro and Cynder had finished their meals and left the place. They headed for the hospital, where they would make some inquires about their friends.

When the pair arrived, they didn't notice anything out of the ordinary. A female mole stood behind a desk, looking at some scrolls. Spyro noticed that it was the same mole that had received the humans when they had crashed in the city so long ago.

"Excuse me; I am looking for Doctor Kelly. Do you know where she is?" Spyro asked politely.

"She is somewhere back there doing who know what" she pointed a little annoyed and without looking up from her scrolls. Spyro snorted.

_'She is as rude as last time'_Spyro said to himself.

"Thanks!" Spyro replied politely again, although he wished to say something more inappropriate.

They traveled down the corridors of the building, looking at some passing nurses or healers of moles and humans, when they found the good doctor Kelly. She was stalking with some of her subordinates, giving orders or suggestions. At the sound of the claw of the dragons clicking on the stone floor, she looked in their direction. Recognition crossed her face.

"Keep an eye on him. I'll be there in a few moments" she said to the nearby human medic that was with her.

He gave a slight nod and an 'okay' response before going to do whatever he was going to. As he left, Kelly turned to look at the two dragons.

"Good morning" she greeted with a true smile. "What are you doing here so early in the day?"

"We have come to check on some friend"

"Incendio?" she inquired.

"Yes, also we wish to know how Ramirez and Romeo are doing" Spyro responded.

Kelly eyes widened a little bit when Spyro said that he also wished to know of the humans' state. Then, her expression returned back to normal and gave a slight smile before answering.

"We'll, Romeo is getting better and he should be out of the hospital soon. However, he should not overtax himself with physical burdens; else he will be back here in no time"

"How has it been for him here?" Cynder asked.

"He is desperate to get out" she laughed. "We try to entertain him somewhat, but his favorite pastime is to complain and pester the nurses... especially the women" she said that last with a snort.

"Does he bother you?" Cynder asked.

"He does, but I just simply ignore him"

"So, how is Ramirez?" Spyro asked; the memories of yesterday still fresh in his mind.

"He is very sick. His fever has stopped rising, but I guess that he will get worse. As to what is causing his sickness or how he came in contact with it, it still eludes me"

"Do you have any idea of what might be this sickness?" Cynder asked, concerned in her voice.

"I have my guesses; but I'm hope I'm wrong" she answered in a very serious tone.

Spyro caught that quick yet fleeting moment when Doctor Kelly's eyes showed more than she said.

"Can we see them?" Spyro asked.

"You can see Romeo. As for Ramirez; I'm afraid that we must keep him isolated and in constant observation"

"What about Incendio? Is he getting better?" Spyro asked.

"I'm afraid not" Kelly answered solemnly. "He still refrains from saying much" Then, she looked at the dragons. "Maybe you should visit him; stay with him for a while. It will certainly lift his spirits a bit. While you are at it, you might also try to understand what happened to him"

"Sure!" Cynder replied happily.

"Come on then! I'll get you to Romeo. Let's hope he is awake" Kelly said.

The two dragons followed Doctor Kelly though the hallways and passed through a doorway that seemed equal to all others. Inside, they found Romeo on his bed. He had some covers over his body and he seemed asleep.

"We'll, there you have him" Kelly whispered at the two dragons as he went to check on the patient.

Kelly inspected some kind of transparent bag with some strange form of liquid in it that hung from pole. This bag contained an also transparent tube that connected it to Romeo in his hand. Spyro watched how Kelly moved some strange equipment that seemed on the tube that connected the bag and Romeo.

"Going so soon darling?" Romeo said with his eyes closed.

Everyone gave a slight jump when he said this, his voice breaking abruptly the silence that was in the room

"I thought you were asleep" Kelly said.

"Nah! I have been awake for some time" Romeo said as he opened his eyes. "Nice of you to come by though. I was beginning to feel lonely"

"Well, good for you that Spyro and Cynder have come for a small visit" she pointed at the two dragons.

Romeo turned to look at them. Spyro waved his paw in greeting at the human, as did Cynder. Romeo lifted one eyebrow as he saw them enter the room and sit on the other side of the bed from where Kelly was located. Spyro guessed that he must not have been expecting them. However, his composure came back soon.

"What about you, dear? Come to visit me for a while too?" he said to Kelly with a grin that intended to be charming.

"Sorry honey, but I have work to do" Kelly shot back.

"A few minutes?" Romeo said hopefully.

This time, Doctor Kelly didn't answer.

"I promise that you won't regret it" Romeo said with a smile as Kelly turned to leave.

As he said this, his hand moved toward Doctor Kelly. It went toward her rear end, where hips met legs, and ended in her buttock. Once there, pressed it lightly against Kelly and he gave it a slight squeeze.

Doctor Kelly's reaction was lighting fast and completely unexpected, catching everyone by surprise. She turned faster that the eye could follow and she slapped Romeo. Her palm connected on Romeo's check with a loud 'smack' as his head jerked by the force of the impact.

With a loud yelp, Romeo's hand immediately left Kelly and went toward the spot where he had been slapped. His other hand also joined the other as he massaged the spot.

Spyro and Cynder watched in amazement at the actions of Doctor Kelly. Neither of them had seen Kelly behave like that and both of them were somewhat unsure and confused of what had happened.

Immediately after that, Kelly stopped her way out of the room without any other word. Romeo, still with his hand on the place where he was slapped, watched her go with some wide eyes. The dragons also eyed her as she left, amazed and somewhat frightened of her.

A few moments passed before Romeo or the dragons made any move, their eyes still on the place where Kelly had disappeared. Romeo finally removed his hand and revealed a big red mark with the shape of a human hand on the place where he had been hit.

Spyro looked at Cynder as she looked back at him. This visit had turned from a friendly visit into somewhat else entirely. Now, it didn't seem to such a good idea to be here.

"Hehehe, that's my girl!" Romeo whispered with a smile in his face.

Spyro shook his head lightly at Romeo's statement. By the looks of it, Doctor Kelly might have been anyone's, but not Romeo's.

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The visit with Romeo had been short and awkward. The incident with Kelly left the air feeling uneasy to the two dragons. It's true that they had started friendly relations with the humans, but there were some times when it was better to remain apart.

After they had left Romeo, much to his complaining, the next schedule stop was Incendio's room.

Both dragons made their way there, two or three rooms further ahead. Instead of having the traditional door, this room held a curtain to give a sense of privacy. The curtain was hanging from a metallic bar that crossed the threshold. It could be pushed opened or closed, whether the resident wished to have more privacy or allow anyone to see inside the room.

Right now, the curtain covered the entrance of the room, obscuring the view of what was inside.

Spyro and Cynder stopped just in front of it.

"Incendio? Are you in there?" Spyro asked, hoping to get a response, but there wasn't.

"Incendio?" Cynder asked this time. "May we come in?"

Sounds of something moving could be heard from the other side. As quickly as they came, they left. Spyro wondered if Incendio had stood up to come and greet them. But after a few moments, there was no indication the one inside the room was coming.

"Should we just enter?" Cynder asked with al low voice.

Spyro turned to look at her.

"I don't know"

"Maybe we can just look if he is in there" Cynder suggested.

Spyro didn't reply as he started back at the curtain that's separated them from Incendio.

Carefully, Cynder moved a paw toward the curtain and pushed it aside just enough to allow her head to enter.

"Incendio?" Spyro head her call.

Cynder watched the immobile form of Incendio. He was laying curled up on himself over some cushions. He seemed ragged, dirty, and thin. Whatever had happened, he was in a poor condition.

With concern for his friend, Cynder entered the room without saying anything further. However, she heard Spyro hiss her name as she was crossing the barrier that was the curtain.

Spyro, seeing that if Cynder had entered, felt that he must too go in. So in he went and followed the black dragoness inside.

Incendio looked bad. He seemed thinner than the last time he saw him standing up. His scales also seem to have lost the deep orange-red color that seemed to shine with the sunlight. Now, his scales looked dull and discolored.

"Incendio?" Spyro asked concern full in his voice.

The fire dragon didn't even acknowledge them.

"Hey... are you all right?" Spyro asked as he moved toward his head so he might see him.

As he entered the fire dragon's field of vision and Spyro had gotten closer, Incendio opened his eyes and moved them to watch him. However, Spyro noticed that they didn't seem to recognize him. They were red blood-shot from all the grief and crying that he had done. They looked were as if they were empty.

"Hey!" Spyro greeted in a low voice once Incendio saw him. "Mind if we stay here?" Spyro inquired. "We can make you some company"

Incendio sighted lightly and closed his eyes, moving his head away. He did not answer.

Spyro looked at Cynder for any suggestions, who had watched the exchange... if it could be said that. Cynder only shrugged, not knowing what they should do. Spyro looked back at Incendio.

"Hey! Are you hungry? We can bring you a really good meat the humans prepared yesterday. It was delicious! Only by only looking at it, it can make your mouth water! And let's not even talk about the smell" Spyro said a little bit eagerly, trying to lift the mood.

Incendio only took a deep breath and released it all at once. His response shattered Spyro's eagerness. If it weren't for the sound of his respiration, one might think that the fire dragon was dead.

"Cynder?" Spyro asked out of desperation.

She came closer to Incendio and nudged him in his side.

"Come on! Today is going to be a fine day. We surely can find something interesting to do. It will be fun!" she said hopefully, but the result was the same. Then, Cynder tried a different approach. "Hey! We are all worried about you. We miss you out there. Why don't you come out and say hi to everyone?"

This time, Incendio moved. Both Cynder and Spyro looked at him expectantly, waiting fro him to say something. But instead of saying something, Incendio, moving slowly, turned his back on them and curled upon himself once more.

Spyro looked at Cynder, hoping she had any other idea. But Cynder was looking at Incendio as some tears were starting to form on her eyes as she saw how miserably Incendio was. Spyro turned back to look at Incendio and sighted in defeat at the effort of cheering the fire dragon.

That didn't mean that they just left. Spyro sat next to the fire guardian and started to tell the recent mission he did for the guardians. Cynder also put in her part. They also explained how the dragon-human relations were growing with each passing day. To all of this interesting news, Incendio didn't give any indication that he listened.

They spent nearly two hours, trying to make Incendio do something else that just lay there and brood. Short of insulting him or attacking him, neither of which was an option, Spyro didn't knew what else could be done.

With sadness on their eyes, the time came when the two young dragons left the downcast Incendio, lying upon the cushions.

"I'm worried!" Spyro explained as they made their way out of the hospital. "I know some people have their depressed moments, but this is way too much"

"I wonder what happened to him to make him feel so down" Cynder mused.

"I guess that only time will tell. I just hope that he doesn't end up badly" Spyro said.

Their visit to the hospital had not been such good as they had originally though.

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They had spent the rest of the day searching for Spyros' missing parents. They had nearly covered the entire city by now, asking questions about any indication of where Spyro's parents might be. But, no one knew anything about any group of dragonflies that have moved in these last years.

The night was catching the searchers in another fruitless search as the people were retiring to their homes. By now, it seemed that no one in Warfang knew where Spyro and Sparx parents were.

Spyro was feeling downcast, but he did not feel as down as a few days ago. He also felt somewhat grumpy, having made all that work for nothing.

"Well, we could try in the Valley of Avalar" Cynder suggested as she followed the purple dragon. She had helped him searching all the way along though this ordeal.

"I have already asked cheetah man to make some inquires there" Sparx explained the mission of their friend, Hunter. "He is asking questions in Avalar"

"Do you know when he will arrive?" Spyro asked.

"When he left, he said he would be back some days. Give it or take a few of them" Sparx answered.

Spyro sighted.

"What about the inquires the guardians made? The ones they said they sent to the other cities?" Spyro asked, feeling more useless by the moment.

"As far as they have heard from the few messages that they have received: nothing" Sparx answered.

"So, now what?" Spyro asked, frustration starting to get on his nerves.

"I don't know, bro" Sparx said, his demeanor like his usual self without the sarcastic part.

"So we just sit here and do nothing?" Spyro incredulously asked.

Spyro hated doing nothing when there was something really important going on.

"I'm afraid that we have done everything we could here, Spyro" Cynder tried to console him. "We can only hope word reach your parents that you are looking for them"

"And in the meantime?"

"I guess we wait" Sparx said as he lifted his arms in surrender.

Spyro sighted in defeat. They guardians said they take care to spread the word. However, who knew how long it would take to reach every city, town and village. Days? Weeks? Months? Short f flying out of Warfang and shouting their parent's names, there was nothing they could do. Now, the only thing left to do was wait.

"Come on. Let's get some sleep" Spyro said in a low voice and resumed their march toward their respective rooms to spend the night.

When they arrived at the town hall, where they had spent the night ever since they arrived at Warfang after Malefor's defeat, they encountered Terrador and a human Spyro didn't know. They were speaking in silenced tones, as if the conversation was meant to be kept a secret. They were sitting just in front of the door, as if waiting for someone.

"Spyro!" Terrador shouted a greeting as he saw them approaching. "How goes your search?"

"We haven't found anything" Spyro responded with a downcast voice.

Terrador eyed him with his good eye; studying him intently.

"Do not lose hope, young dragon" Terrador said as he saw how Spyro portrayed himself. "I'm sure something will come up soon"

Spyro nodded his head lightly at Terrador's pronouncement. His gaze then fell upon the human that was standing near. Terrador noticed the direction of his eyes and spoke up.

"This human here is Private Wong. He had come here to escort you"

"Escort me? Where?" Spyro asked. He was taken completely off guard.

"It appears that the leaders of the humans want a word with you and Cynder" Terrador said.

"And me?" Sparx asked, eagerly awaiting a good answer.

"I'm afraid they did not mention you, Sparx. Sorry" Terrador said with a smile, knowing well of Sparx delusions of grandeur.

"Hmph!" Sparx grunted. "Why would they want to see this fat lump of a brother? They have already spoken to him. Me, on the other hand, had not yet had the proper introductions of an important member of this city. If I recall correctly, it was me that led the people of Warfang to safety through the underground tunnel under Warfang. On the moment of their direst need, I came, when the world was being destroying"

"I... I'm sure we could arrange a meeting with them Sparx" Spyro said to his foster brother, with a small smile on his face. "My guess is that they could not have done so because they have their hand full. Are they not?" Spyro asked the human, who was looking with at the argument with a semblance of confusion.

"Uhh... yeah" Private Wong said, somewhat unsure of he had said the right thing.

"There, you see Sparx. They do not have a lot of time. But I can put a word for you in this meeting" Spyro said.

"Thanks bro. You are the best" Sparx said as he pointed at Spyro with a grin.

"So, what do Flanning what with us?" Cynder asked Terrador.

The guardian, in turn, turned to look at the human and gave him a questioning look. It appears that Terrador also didn't know the reason of these summon.

"I don't know" Wong replied. "I was just told to look for Spyro and Cynder and bring them back to headquarters"

"Very well then" Terrador said. Then, he turned to the young dragons. "I think you should go now. No point in keeping them waiting"

Spyro and Cynder gave a slight nod before Terrador left them.

They followed the human though the city streets. They didn't talked much, since the human took a fast, yet not running, pace. Whatever it was, it was important.

They arrived at the human 'section' of the city; where most of the humans lived. Wong led them to a building that was somewhat bigger than the rest of the lot, and he got inside. Inside, many humans were various activities relating to logistics, communication and everything else a base required to keep it running. Spyro and Cynder tried to take a closer look, but Wong did not allow it.

The human led them trough halls and rooms until he reached a specific one. Hesitant, he knocked two times on the wooden door, indication that he was there.

"Come in" a voice replied for the other side.

Wong opened the door and walked inside. Spyro and Cynder followed the human soldier.

"Sir, I have brought the dragons" Wong replied.

Spyro and Cynder took a look across the room. Colonel Flanning and Doctor Maria Espinoza were seated across a large table that occupied most of the room. They had some serious expressions that gave indication that something was amiss.

At the left side of the table stood Lieutenant Parker and the rest of his team, minus Romeo and Ramirez who were on the hospital recovering. They looked somewhat confused, not knowing why they were there. As they saw the two dragons enter, their confusion grew even more.

"Thank you, Private. You may leave" Flanning dismissed the human soldier.

Making a sharp salute, the humans left the room.

"Colonel Flanning. Doctor Espinoza" Spyro greeted the human leaders nodding his head at each of them

"Spyro, Cynder. Glad you could join us" Maria greeted them.

"You have asked for us?" Cynder asked, voicing Spyro's question.

"Yes. I must beg you to wait for a few minutes. We are still waiting for one more to join us"

Spyro nodded his head and went toward Parker and his team. Spyro inquired about the reason of them being here, but the humans didn't know either. They also asked Maria, but she refused, saying it will be revealed in time.

So, they spend their time talking. They tell each other their doings for the last days for a few minutes before the last member of this assembly arrived.

The door burst open unexpectedly loudly, making everyone jump and turn toward the entrance.

Doctor Kelly entered the room in a hurry. She looked rather tired, indicated by how her eyes were half closed. Spyro also noticed that some dark making were under her eyes, making her look more tired yet. Yet, from all her looks, she moved fast and without any moment to spare.

"Well then. Everybody is here" Maria said. "Take a seat"

Parker group sat themselves in some chairs that were nearby. Kelly remained standing, as if she was in too much of a hurry or impatient to sit. As for Spyro and Cynder, they looked for some cushions to sit, but there were none. Snorting in amusement, the two dragons sat on their haunches on the spot.

Although humans and dragons were starting to get along, there were still many quirks one needed to learn from the other.

"You must be wondering why you are here" Maria said to Parker, his group and the two dragons. "The reason behind your summons is that we want information upon a specific situation. Ramirez situation to be precise"

"Is he all right?" "How is he? "What's wrong with him?" came the many questions from different mouths once she ended.

"I guess we should as the good doctor for that" Maria said in a calm voice as she turned to Kelly. "How is he?"

"Bad" Kelly reply was short and to the point.

"Would you care to explain?"

"His fever runs nearly at 41 °C (106 °F), and I fear it will get higher. He is sweating heavily, making him loose precious corporal fluids. He has some light coughing fits now and then; nothing really serious by itself. I have given him some intravenous therapy; making for the lost fluids of his body has lost due to the heavy sweating. He wakes for a few seconds only to fall back unconscious. He is also delirious. His physical strength, as well as his responses to physical stimulants, is almost none existent. I have also given him some antibiotics as well as some other medicines, but there is almost no effect"

Spyro tilted his head at all the technical stuff Doctor Kelly had just said. He didn't need to understand half of what she said to know that things were going very bad for Ramirez.

"What are we dealing with here doctor?" Maria asked, her face starting to contort with worry.

Doctor Kelly shrugged her shoulder and shook her head slightly.

"You don't know?" Flanning asked.

"We haven't got the finest of equipment it her, you know?" she asked sarcastically. "I have been awake since yesterday morning trying to figure out what exactly are we dealing with. I have also trying to figure how the hell did he get infected with this virus and how does it spread"

"And that is where you come in" Maria said to Spyro, Cynder, Parker and group. "We have reasons to believe that Ramirez contracted this sickness outside of the city. You were with Ramirez on that last mission"

"I need you to remember the movements that Ramirez did while on that mission" Kelly said. "It might give information of how he got infected"

"Well, he was most of the time with us" Douglas answered.

"Most of the time?" Flanning asked, raising an eyebrow.

"There were those times when we separated while on our search; but we went in pairs, and no one reported anything of importance" Parker put in. "Mike, you were with Ramirez on these excursions. Did you noticed anything out of the ordinary"

Mike pursed his lips and frowned in concentration. After a few moment of thinking, he shook his head.

"No sir. I don't recall anything apart from me twisting my ankle"

"And what about when he followed the apes? You know, when we were suddenly attacked?" Alec put in.

There was a moment of silence, considering what could have happened.

"I don't think so" Cynder said and everyone turned to look at her. "Apes may be smelly and dirty, but they do not use disease as their weapon. They prefer brute force as the dumb creatures they are"

"Besides, we have encountered apes before. Nothing happened back then" Douglas put in more information.

"And what about other things he might have encountered?" Flanning asked.

"Unlikely sir" Parker said. "We followed his trail and we found nothing out of the ordinary"

"Then how did he contract this sickness?" Kelly asked to the assembly.

The group remained silent for some minutes, thinking of any reason, any little piece of information buried in their minds that might explain Ramirez sickness.

Then, Jason, as if inspired by divine intervention, started to snap the fingers on both hands in realization.

"I know!" he shouted. "Just when we were leaving the nomad dragons, that... that little dragon, he sneezed on him!"

Long moment of silence filled the room as the revelation appeared itself before the assembly.

"Sneezed on him?" Flanning asked, somewhat unsure if this was some kind of joke.

"Yes!" Jason almost shouted.

"I remember now" Spyro put in. "Ramirez found Torch, the little dragon, rummaging through his supplies. When he got him out, he lifted him to his face and Torch accidentally, he sneezed on him"

Once again, silence seemed to be the only thing that could be heard.

"Contracting a disease form another living creature is highly unlikely" Kelly said.

"But is it possible?" Maria asked.

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Next day found Spyro being waked early p by a lot of shouting. Snapping his eyes open, he stood up immediately and proceeded to give a quick look at the room he was in search for any hostile enemy. His heart, that was beating really fast, slowed down when he noticed no enemies about to jump on him.

Just after his thoughts were clearing, the door of his room burst open. His heart rate went up again as he jumped to face the intruder, ready to fight if necessary.

Relief crossed his face when he saw that it was Cynder standing on the doorway.

"Spyro! Are you all right?" she seemed afraid and relieved at the same time.

"Yes. Are you?"

"I heard shouting! I thought there was some trouble" she confessed.

Spyro's felt warmth in his hear at the revelation that Cynder cared for his safety.

"I'm fine" he said. "And I'm glad that you are too"

"If you did not shout, then who was it?" she asked.

As if on cue, someone shouted from the outside, on the streets. "Out of the way!"

Spyro and Cynder turned to look at each other, confusion and curiosity at what all this racket was about. Both of them went toward the small balcony on the far side of the room. Both dragon stood on their hind legs and overlooked the rail.

A small plaza was just underneath the balcony, giving the resident of the room a nice view of it. Where it daytime, many creatures would be walking around, doing their business. This morning, however, it seemed a different story.

A congregation of creatures, mostly humans, was standing in a circle looking at something on the floor. Other people had also exited their homes to look or were looking from a window to see what was happening.

"Make way!" another shout came from beyond the mass.

Spyro saw Doctor Kelly running toward the congregation at a fast pace with other human medics behind hr carrying a stretcher.

The crowd parted as Doctor Kelly arrived. The people moved out of the way, almost as if it some magic was being done, leaving a way free of obstacles. That was when Spyro noticed the focus of all this.

Amidst the sea of people, a human was laying on the ground while another held his hand, giving him some kind of support. Spyro eyes went wide open when he recognized them.

It was Jason and Alec! Jason was the one on the ground, seemingly unconscious and shaking slightly, as if he felt cold. Alec was the one holding his hand and he seemed at a loss of what he should do.

Doctor Kelly arrived and somewhat roughly, shoved Alec aside as she knelt besides Jason.

Spyro saw hoe she touched his brow and flinched as she did so.

"We have to get him to the hospital!" she said to the ones who were holding the stretcher.

As ordered, those humans came forward and put the stretcher on the ground next to Jason.

"Come on" he urged Cynder. "Let's find out what wrong"

Spyro decided to find out how his friends was, jumped from the balcony and glided down, until he landed near the small crowd.

"Doctor Kelly!" he called for her.

The human healer turned at the mention of his voice.

"Spyro!" she seemed surprised by his appearance.

"I saw Jason was on the ground from above. Is he all right?"

"No" she said simply. "I'm afraid he has fallen ill"

"Ill? Like Ramirez?"

"Yes" she sighed. "Exactly like Ramirez" she said in a really tired and low voice.

By then, the two human medics had already put Jason over the stretcher. They lifted him up and without waiting for anything, they left. Doctor Kelly went behind them, leaving Spyro and the scene as quickly as she had come.

Spyro could not help find the resemblance of how Ramirez and Jason had been carried away. He felt that, whatever was going to happen was not going to be good.

The sun had begun to show it face above the horizon, giving the first morning rays to the city. Spyro, who by now was already wide awake, saw no point of going back to bed, and also because of what he had saw.

However, this time, Spyro felt no warmth emanating from the big star. It felt that the feeling of impending doom and pain had turned the sun cold.

****************************++++++++++1+++++++++++++************************

And thing got really worse for the humans; and rapidly.

By noon, Alec and Desmond had already fallen ill, and by night Parker's team and also become ill. Unlucky Romeo had come out of the hospital that very morning finally healed of his chest injury; only to return again, this time with an illness.

By next morning, another three humans had fallen ill and by nightfall another five.

By this time, some sense of fear was starting to spread among the humans. Maria ordered everyone to stay put in their own respective dwellings to avoid spreading this new illness. Only medical personal and some other essential for continuing operations were allowed to move.

Next day, a total of fifteen humans had also gotten ill. By now, there were a total of thirty two human ill in a matter of a few days. But things kept going wrong.

Fifty six, eighty nine, one hundred and twenty three.... the numbers kept growing at an alarming rate. The hospital was starting to get full again. It hadn't been like this since the siege, and Spyro wished he would never have to be so again. That's why a provisional hospital was starting to be put up.

And thinks kept getting worse.

Doctor Kelly was running from one hospital to the next, trying to help anyone who needed her. A team of other healers followed her wherever she went to provide assistance. But no matter what she did, the treatments she provided didn't have any effect.

Dragons, also tried to heal the human in their own ways, as well as the cheetahs and moles. Each of them tried to give their knowledge of medicinal herbs and plants and other things. But, as the human medical treatments, the results were null.

As well as helping everyone she could, Doctor Kelly worked double time in trying to find out a cure for this illness. Of everyone in this city, she was with the most knowledge and experience in such things. She claimed that she was beginning to find out what it was this illness, so she could counteract it.

Then, disaster struck. Doctor Kelly became sick.

And the number of humans that were sick kept growing by the minute. At the seventh day after the entire human population was sick. Only a few individuals that were fortunate enough to be immune were spared from this disease.

"We must do something!" Spyro said rather loudly in a small meeting he, Cynder the guardians and the most prestigious healers of the city had to offer were having one morning.

"We are trying, Spyro" Terrador said.

"We must try harder!" Spyro exasperated.

"Calm down, young dragon" Cyril urged.

"How can I calm down when people are sick and nothing we do is working?"

"Spyro" Cynder said in a low voice. "We are trying out best"

Spyro took some deep breaths, concentrating so he could calm his nerves.

"Sorry guys" he apologized. "It's just that being useless get on my nerves"

"We understand, young Spyro" Terrador baritone voice replied as he looked at him with his remaining eye. "We all are frustrated with the lack of success at our attempt to heal the humans. But Volteer here has been looking for any information that might help"

"I have been in the library, looking in our vast collection for any reference concerning the classification, use and locations of any medicinal plants we have ever encountered and recorded" Volteer supplied. "In addition to medicinal plants, I have also included in my search for any healing potions. I have been reading every parchment, scroll, book and note I have come across in my search and I have acquired several that might be of use to the humans, although I still ignore wherever it shall have any result at all with this treatment"

"I never thought that I would say this, but it appears that Volteer's brain and quick reading is of great use under such circumstances" Cyril said with a little hint of annoyance in his voice.

"I shall be glad to provide each of you with a list of the specific specimens of flora and ingredients that we must acquire in order to create a proper healing potion" Volteer replied.

"That is better than anything!" Spyro said.

Before they had a chance to leave, the door leading to the meeting hall where they were located opened. Hunter came in walking at a fast pace, much to the surprise of everyone's present.

"Hunter!" Terrador voice boomed as he greeted the cheetah.

"Terrador!" he called back. "I heard the news of the humans. Is it true?"

"I'm afraid it is" the guardian said with a sad tone. "What brings you here?"

"I thought our tribe could offer some assistance" he said as he stepped sideways.

Behind him, a second cheetah stood. Spyro managed to recognize him as Meadow, the cheetah with the twisted ankle he and Cynder had helped.

"Meadow here is out tribe's healer" Hunter introduced him. "He has a lot of knowledge in the art of healing. I thought that he might be useful"

"Your help is most appreciated" Terrador said with gratitude.

****************************++++++++++1+++++++++++++************************

Incendio was lying down on the same mattress he had been for days. He had not yet risen from it since that day, when he arrived at the hospital after the guardians offered him the position of the Fire Guardian. He had been very depressed with the death of the last member of his family and the late Fire Guardian, Ignitus.

At first, when he heard the news of Ignitus demise, he had tried to remain calm and serene; not showing despair or grief. He did it because, at that moment, the city was under siege. For Incendio to lose his head at that moment would have been a blow to the morale, since people looked up at him a lot.

But after the siege ended and the remaining guardians offered him the position of his uncle, the weight he had been carrying upon his shoulders, the grief he had been repressing for his uncle's death, finally gave way and came crashing down upon him. And it had been so much that he broke. He had fled the scene after the guardians offered him the position of Fire Guardian; ran away from it while tears of sorrow and loss left his eyes.

Unconsciously he had sought any form of comfort he could get. He had gotten to the hospital without his thinking. He has been there ever since. Many people had come to try and cheer him up, but he was just too depressed. Several had also tried to figure out what exactly had happened, but he refrained from saying. He was just too depressed.

'I don't want that position' he thought. 'I don't want to erase the last think Ignitus have in this world'

Ignitus...

He continued there, small droplets of tears falling from his eyes.

A soft rubble from his belly indicated that his body demanded food, yet he remained still, not wishing to move from his position. Time passed and the growling of his belly became more frequent; and yet he not moved from his place.

Strangely, he began to feel that things were somehow wrong. Initially, he put the feeling in the back of his mind; not considering it. But the feeling retuned. He felt like things were out of place; as if it was not complete; as if it was missing something. He just couldn't put his paw on what it was.

Once again, he ignored that feeling.

Time passed and his hunger became more noticeable. The feeling of an empty stomach was beginning to make its prescience known; and no matter how hard tried to ignore it, the hunger just wouldn't leave.

'Kelly should get here soon with some dinner' he thought he once again went to his brooding and depressed state.

He would be in worse shape had it not been for Doctor Kelly. She had been coming to see him several times during the day. She had tried to make him speak, he brought his meals, she spoke of the occurrences of the day, and she caressed his head when he got into a particularly bad depression mood. Her continuing presence had been the only good thing he had in his stay, the only comfort he received. She seemed to radiate calm and a sense that everything was going to be all right.

He knew not how long time passed when he was in the parts of his mind that held the past, but once again, his stomach growled, making him aware of the present.

He looked around the small room, searching for any kind of food. He had hoped that Kelly might have come during his period of brooding and left some food, yet it appeared that she had not done so.

He gave a small sigh in disappointment and turned to look at the window and the sky that could be seen through it. He saw how the crowds moved in the winds. He saw how some birds that lived in the city flew past the window. He saw how the sun was slowly making his way towards noon. He saw...

'Wait... the sun has yet to reach the zenith?' he thought in confusion as he looked once again at the sun in surprise.

He confirmed what he saw. It was yet to be noon.

'Impossible! Last time I saw the sun was just past noon, and Doctor Kelly was with me!'_he tough with surprise. _'But... she didn't come to say good night. Did she?'

Incendio clock was Doctor Kelly. She came every morning saying her usual 'good morning' speech and saying how she hoped he get better this day. She also came every night, to say 'good night'. Every single day he had spent here.

_'Did she forgot?'_he thought again.

No. It would be very unlike her to skip one visit. She might have skipped one because of an emergency, but two? But even if she had an emergency, she would still return and she would bid him good night.

Now, he understood the earlier feeling that something was wrong. She hadn't come for some time now. Even when she was hanging back inside his room, he felt her presence. She had not come since yesterday... or was the day before yesterday?

Whatever the answer was, Kelly didn't come; and that cause alone was enough for Incendio to worry.

'What if something bad happened to her?' he thought with a sudden stab of fear.

If something bad should have befallen her....

'NO!' his mind denied rather forcefully. 'I should not think like that; of course she is fine'

But the doubt and worry would not leave. He must be sure she was all right.

For the first time since he had dropped his body in this pile of cushions, he moved; he really moved. Incendio put his legs underneath him and stood up. Once he reached his normal height, his legs started to wobble. He had not used his legs during all the time he spent in inactivity, and they were weak, as if they could not hold the weight above them.

Slowly, and with shaky steps, he walked slowly toward the curtain that separated his room with the rest of the hospital. As he reached it, he moved his paw toward is, pushed it aside and stepped out of the room he had been for so long.

His first impression was that there seemed to be a lot more activity than normal. Moles and cheetahs were going this way and that in a hurry.

He was confused by this, but he remained with his goal of finding Kelly clear in his mind.

He stopped a mole with his paw as it was passing before him in a hurry.

"Excuse me" Incendio said with a hoarse voice from many days of remaining silent. "Do you know where I can find Doctor Kelly?"

"Pass the waiting room and on the third doorway on your right" the mole said in a hurry as he left.

"Thanks" Incendio said, but the mole was already gone.

As he walked toward his destination, he noticed that there seemed to be only cheetahs and moles in the hallways. There were no humans present. Last time he checked, there were a lot of humans in this hospital as staff.

He found it odd as he continued; his steps became more confident as strength returned to his limbs.

Then, he arrived at the waiting room. He was greeted by an unexpected scene.

The waiting room was full. But there were no one waiting; instead it was being used to accommodate humans. They had cleared the lace of any furniture and placed bead and cots so a human could rest.

_'What happened?'_Incendio could not help but think.

He stood there, in surprise and shock at the scene. There were a lot of humans in this place, none of them were standing. He noticed that many humans were moaning and trembling lightly. Some of them were having a fit of coughing. Many of them just lay there, sweating profoundly.

The place reeked of sweat, spent energy and despair. The mood was gloomy and full of hopelessness.

Incendio could not stay in there for long. He crossed the waiting room in a hurry, wishing to spend as little time as possible in there.

As he entered the hallway across the waiting room, Incendio gave a deep breath, as if the air behind had been tainted. But he focused once more on his mission. Find Kelly.

He went toward the third door on his right and stood in front of it. He sat in front of it and knocked lightly.

"Doctor Kelly?" he called tentatively.

There was no answer so he slowly he pushed the door open and entered the room.

Inside, Incendio saw a bed that was occupied by, no doubt, a patient of the hospital. And Doctor Kelly was not in sight. However useless the action was, the dragon walked further into the room and looked around, hoping to catch a glimpse of Kelly in the small room.

But she was not here.

The mole had said that she was supposed to be here. Perhaps he had outdated information? He seemed so sure of it that she was located here. It was unlikely that Kelly had left this place during that time; he would have a direct line of sight and would have seen here if she had.

With a sigh, Incendio turned to leave. And that was when her scent hit him.

It was recent, so she must have left this room just moment ago. In fact, the scent was so strong that he could swear that she was next to him.

With a start at the sudden realization, Incendio turned to the only other person inside this room.

_'No... it can't be'_he whispered in the farthest corners of his mind.

With shaky steps, he walked the small distance that separated him from the bed. He approached slowly, his mind refusing to believe what his nose had told him.

Then, he could see who was lying in the bed.

A gasp shallow escaped Incendio when he saw the occupant of the bed as his windpipe closed in his throat, choking him momentarily.

His heart seemed to have skipped two beats when he saw the one on the bed. His heart seemed to have shrunk when he saw the state that the occupant was in. His heart fell like a stone in the deepest and coldest pond one could ever find at the revelation of who was in front of him.

"K...K... Ke... Kelly..." he managed to barely whisper across his constricted throat.

Doctor Kelly lay in the bed that was in front of him, taking small and shallow breath with great difficulty. She was shivering intensely, as if she was feeling coldest weather this world had to offer. Sweat was continuously falling in small drops from his forehead, making a small wet patch in the matters she laid.

Incendio could not move. He stood there, having difficulty trying to get air past his constricting throat where his lung demanded air. His feet were firmly rooted to the ground and his body gave small shivers as he saw her in this state. His mind was completely blank from the shock he had just experienced. More than shock, he felt as if a physical slap had been delivered to him.

He knew not how long he stood there; how long time passed until his mind once again began to formulate thoughts and regained control of his body.

"Kelly?" he whispered, wishing he would receive any form of answer.

He took small and shaky steps toward Kelly, his body trembling all along the way. He arrived at the side of the bed where Doctor Kelly was. He looked her over in search for any sign that she had been injured. But there was not a wound upon her body.

Incendio looked at her face and began to stare. Kelly had stopped shaking, but her eyelids remained twitching. Incendio didn't need to even guess that something was wrong, very wrong.

"Kelly..." he whispered once again.

Tears were staring to form on his eyes, watching the state that she was in. The usual cheerful, strong and full of energy Kelly now laid on a bed unconscious and weak. When once she spread a charming, pacifying relaxing aura, now spread fear, weakness and dark feelings.

"Kelly..." Incendio whispered once again as he moved forward to give a slight push with his nuzzle on her face, hoping for any reaction.

Doctor Kelly moaned briefly as he touched his face, but otherwise remained motionless, ignoring that Incendio stood just a few centimeters away. She remained ignorant that he was trying to bring her back to consciousness.

"No..." Incendio barely managed to whisper.

She had healed him when he was on death's doorstep in the Siege of Warfang. She had accompanied him during his recovery, making him feel better. She had been there when his depression was at its lowest. She had been there when he needed someone the most. She had always been there for him.

When has he been there for her?

Incendio inclined his had as tears started to flow out freely from him.

****************************++++++++++1+++++++++++++************************

The sun was setting and night was approaching. The guardians, along with Spyro, Cynder, Meadow and some healers from different species, had another briefing of the current situation of the humans.

"Master Volteer" a mole healer said. "The remedy you gave us did not had any effect"

"Maybe it requires a constant dose for a longer time" a green dragon said.

"The book from which this remedy was taken from stated that large and/or continuous doses of this brew could bring further illness" Volteer said.

"And it also said that the effects should have been apparent by now" a cheetah said.

"So what now?" Spyro said with a tried voice.

He had spent the day running around the city thanks to Volteer's errands and search for some ingredients for his remedy.

"We can leave the humans and allow their own body to fight this illness" another mole said.

"That could work. The body always knows what is best for the body" the green dragon that spoke earlier replied.

"Even if we do not know human anatomy, the diseases do not last this long" Terrador said. "Their state has degenerated further instead of improved with the passage of time. I'm afraid that assistance is required"

"What about the human medicines? Their medicines are more advanced than ours it is already proven that they can take it" the green dragon said.

"That is not possible" Cyril replied this time. "Even if we could read human script, their medicines are not perfect. A large dose or a combination could prove equally fatal as our own. Besides, they have already tried their own medicines. It didn't worked"

The doors suddenly shot open, gaining everyone's attention. Everyone turned to look and saw a small mole running toward them at a fast pace. He stopped near the group that were holding the meeting and knelt.

"What is the meaning of this?" Terrador said somewhat annoyed at the sudden interruption.

"Apologies Mater Terrador" the mole said as he panted from all the running. "But I have news"

"Out with it then"

"Sir, one of the humans have died"

Silence filled the room as the words escaped him. Every member of this assembly looked at each other, unable to utter any word at this new turn of events.

"Was he one of the few that we applied with the remedy?" Terrador asked.

Hope seemed to fill the room. Perhaps he died because of the remedy and not the illness itself. The body might have had a secondary effect that proved fatal because of the treatment.

"No sir"

The hope seemed to vanish in the air as silence followed once more.

"What do we do?" the green dragon that have many ideas, said in a low voice.

"Well, we could always look further inside the library. There is still a lot of wealth of information it can provide and we have barely began our enterprise. We can make a thorough search amidst its books" Volteer suggested.

"There is no assurance that whatever we give to them will further harm them" Cynder said.

"And it could take ages to search that library" Spyro complained. "The humans do not have that time"

"I'm afraid we have no choice. Apart from looking into the library, I do not see a way we can help the humans" Volteer said.

"There is a way" Meadow suddenly said as he spoke for the first time in this conversation. "There is a way they can be healed"

All eyes turned to him.

"Well then, care to explain?" Cyril said, prompting him to reveal what the cheetah had in mind.

"A long time ago, I was I was still young, an old cheetah arrived at out tribe. His healing abilities were extraordinary and I decided to learn from him. I became his student. For years, I learned form him all plants and tricks that could be used to heal someone. When I grew up and mastered the healing arts, he had become really old. And he imparted his final lesson. He spoke of a flower that could heal even the worst sickness. He called it, the Sky Flower"

"I think I have also heard the name of such flower. It is said to possess extraordinary healing properties" Volteer said, suddenly interested.

"Yes. So my master told me" Meadow acknowledged.

"So, where does this flower is located" Terrador asked.

"Before my master died, he told me its location. They are located in the deepest reaches of the Kalakean Mountains"

"What?" Terrador suddenly asked in a surprised voice. "In that mountain range?"

"I'm afraid so" Meadow said.

"Terrador?" Spyro asked; worried of the face Terrador bore.

The Earth Guardian turned to look at him with a serious face.

"The Kalakean Mountains are a long range of mountains that are located on the mainland; across the ocean to the southwest. They are probably the highest mountain in our world"

"Okay... but I don't see any problem with that" Spyro said, still confused.

"That range is an impassable obstacle that goes east to west and that divides the land in two. If we are to go to the other side, we have to go around them" Terrador further explained.

"Why don't you go though them?" Cynder said,

"Many have tried, hoping to find a path" Cyril responded this time. "All of them have returned in failure; if they return at all"

"Those mountains are treacherous" Terrador continued. "The high altitude makes the air thin, making breathing difficult. The high altitude also makes the land be covered in an eternal snow; so it is very cold and that few things live up there. People die because of it. Avalanches happen frequently, trapping those unfortunate to be in its way. The wind is unpredictable. It changes directions unexpectedly and in strong bursts, making flight dangerous. Narrow ravines fill that mountain, not allowing free movement in case of danger. I tell you Spyro, those mountains are very dangerous"

"But this flower is there, is it not?" he asked, turning to look at Meadow.

"So my master told me" Meadow answered. "He said that it was located in the deepest parts of that mountain range. I have never been there, and I do not know how the flower looks like"

"Few who venture into those mountains ever return" Terrador warned.

"But this flower will heal the humans! They need it!" Spyro protested.

"And we do not even know if this flower even exists! It might be a fool's errand. It is suicide to go in there" Terrador warned once again.

"I believe my master when he told me that such flower exist" Meadow said.

Spyro remained silent for a few moments, considering all the things he knew. That mountain was very dangerous it seemed that take his life in the errand. That flower might not even exist, whatever Meadow says. He might go there for nothing. To make things worse, he knew not exactly where in this mountain range to look for this flower.

Also, the trip was very long. It would take some time to get there, time he could spend here, searching in the library where a cure was sure to be found; but how long until it is found?

"I'll go" a new voice said.

All eyes turned to look at the new person in the room and gave some of them gave a few gasp in surprise.

"Incendio?!" Terrador asked, surprised at is sudden appearance.

"I will go" Incendio repeated as he approached the gathering.

Spyro was surprised at the sudden appearance of the fire dragon. Last time he had seen him, he was so depressed that he seemed that he could not even lift his weight off the ground. To see him here was... well, quite a surprise.

Spyro gave a look at him as he came closer. His eyes were bloodshot and half closed, as if exhaustion filled his being. Nevertheless, his steps were determined and full of strength. He moved with purpose.

The fire dragon went next to Spyro. He threw him a small glance before sitting next to him and fixed his eyes ahead. A few moment of silence filled the assembly at the arrival of the unexpected Incendio. No one really knew what to say.

Spyro wanted to ask him how he felt, what had happened to him, what had made him get up so unexpectedly. Before he could voice his question, Terrador spoke.

"Incendio, I..." Terrador began in a low voice.

"Don't!" Incendio cut him off, making a few of the healers give a small gasp at his actions. "Please..."

Terrador eyed Incendio for a few moments before slowly nodding.

"Very well" The earth dragon said.

Hearing Incendio short Terrador and his short and blunt answer, Spyro double thought his intention of asking him how he felt. It was obvious that Incendio didn't want to be asked.

"Were is this flowers located?" Incendio suddenly asked. He took no roundabouts.

"In the Kalakean Mountains located southwest of here, across the sea" Cyril responded.

"You stated earlier that you wanted to go, is this true?" Terrador asked.

"Yes!" Incendio replied with a fiery determination. "If there is a remote possibility that such flower exists then I will go for it; no matter the danger"

"It's dangerous, Incendio. Going alone could spell disaster"

"Then I'll go too" Spyro said. "Incendio is right. If there is a possibility that such flower exist, we should not waste more time here. We should go and search for it"

Incendio turned to look at him with those bloodshot eyes. Although his expression was serious and unexpressive, his eyes shone briefly, giving Spyro a small form of thanks though them.

"If Spyro goes, then so do I" Cynder also said.

Terrador looked at the three young dragons, pausing momentarily on each of them.

"Very well" He said at last. "Seeing that you won't be deterred from this course, you shall go to the Kalakean Mountains in search of this flower. The rest of us will remain here, trying to find a cure that is sure to be somewhere in the library"

The three dragons gave a slight nod at this.

"We leave immediately" Incendio said as he began to stand up.

"No!" Terrador ordered him. "The way across the ocean is a long one. There is no land where a dragon can rest from his flight. It had to be done in one trip. You must rest to ensure that you have enough strength to get across safely"

Then, he looked up toward the assembly once more.

"This meeting is over"

****************************++++++++++1+++++++++++++************************

The sun rose in a cold morning. Those resident that had to rise early decided to remain a while longer inside their houses where it was warm and drinking hot tea and waiting for the sun to warm things up. Few people were up and moving in the streets.

Such as the expedition team that was just about to leave.

"Those mountains are dangerous so be careful out there. Do not take any unnecessary risks and watch each other's backs" Terrador lectured the young dragons.

"Yes, Terrador" Spyro replied, eager to be leaving.

Some moles were attaching to their bodies some sort of bags. The bag itself was located in front of them, where they could pry it open more easily and put in the flowers they collected once they got there. They were made out of tough leather to be able to withstand a rough terrain.

They needed to hurry. Word has just reached them that another human had died in the night, prey of this unstoppable illness. Time was of the essence.

"And where do you think you are going without me?" a new voice said.

Spyro turned to look at the newcomer.

"Sparx!" he greeted with happiness.

"Spyro, I'm starting to think that you actually wanted to leave me behind, since this is the second time you have forgotten about me. I thought we were brother and brothers always stick together"

"Heh... Sorry Sparx. I just forgot. It has been hectic this last week" Spyro apologized.

"Forgot...ha! That's a good one. I almost went for that one... excuse, excuses. You just don't want me to go"

"I... I would like you to accompany me Sparx, but it's too dangerous"

"As dangerous as going against an evil-psycho-she-dragon that controlled the land with an iron fist, was bent on controlling the world, having a lot of power and was big enough to swallow me alive? Come on bro, I have been through worse"

"And do not forget about me" another voice said.

"Shockwave?" Cynder asked surprised.

Shockwave was walking in front of Hunter of Meadow, stepping purposefully toward them

"Yes, me!" he replied smugly. "When I left my clan, I did it so I can hang out with you two, guys. Also, I felt that that I was part of this, whatever that may be. So here I am!"

Spyro smiled at the explanation of Shockwave. He was eager enough to accompany them, ignorant of what dangers they might face.

"Spyro" meadow caught his attention. "I know not how this flower looks like, but my master told me that it is located in the deepest parts of those mountains. So be careful"

"Thanks for reminding me. And could you do me a favor?" Spyro asked.

"I shall do it if it lies within my power"

"Try and figure a way to heal the humans while we are gone"

"I promise" Meadow replied with a smile.

And they were ready to leave.

"Come on!" Incendio called for their attention. "We have no time to waste!"

Before anyone could say anything, the fire dragon launched himself into the air and started to beat his wings, heading southwest. Cynder and Sparx followed him once they saw that he was already leaving. Shockwave jumped immediately after Cynder had done so.

Spyro prepared to take into the air when a voice stopped him.

"Spyro!"

He turned around and saw Hunter was walking toward him.

"What is it, Hunter?" Spyro asked, confused.

"I wanted to tell you..." Hunter stalled.

"Spyro looked at him confused, not knowing what the cheetah wanted to say.

"I... I wanted to tell you to be careful out there. There are people here that care for you" Hunter finished.

Spyro gave a small smile. "Thank you Hunter. I will retuned"

And with that, Spyro jumped and brought down his wings. He rose into the air an followed the other that were some distance away.

****************************++++++++++1+++++++++++++************************

Hunter saw the young dragon slowly leave; their forms were becoming smaller as they put distance between them. The cheetah pointy and sensitive ears caught the thuds of heavy paws coming from behind.

"That was not what you really wanted to tell him, did you?" Terrador baritone voice asked from behind.

"It can wait until he returns. He has a lot on his mind right now" Hunter relied as he turned and walked away from the departing point.

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Author's notes:

The human population has fallen completely ill and people are starting to die because of it. Incendio have finally come out of his depression only to find more grief, but he also found strength and purpose. Another dangerous search awaits our heroes.

What will happen? And what did Hunter want to tell him? You have to wait for it to find out.

Well, here it was. Hope you liked it.

I hope you guys can help me a little bit. I have decided to make a... kind of inquiry out there. I always wanted to know what the readers think of my characters. So, I would appreciate if you tell me which is your favorite character I have come up with so far. If you want to explain your thoughts of them or any other character, be welcome to do so.

As always, comments, critics and suggestions are appreciated.