FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Author's notes:

Not much to say. This and the next chapter and more comical and relief chapters... meaning, they do not have any action or adventure. Still, there are some parts that will play an important part on the story.

Anyway, enjoy.

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The Legend of Spyro: Origins_Chapter 28

Spyro had woken up after a long sleep. He had fallen to slumber even before the sun set thanks to Gale's exploration of the city and because he had not yet truly recovered from the long and tiring journey. He stretched like a feline would ad he gave a huge yawn, showing his pointy teeth.

He had slept in the still under reconstruction temple. Terrador had said it was used before the one in the swamp. Then, the temple was moved... as well as the Guardians.

His room was very much like the one he used to sleep back in the old temple. The room was spacious, but it held notching except some straw under a blanket that served as a bed. The guardians had promised him that they would get a real mattress for the next day. Spyro did not mind the humble bed, having been raised by a humble family of dragonflies. Still, it would be nice to add some more things to make his room look more like a bedroom. Perhaps a bookshelf to put some books and scrolls? A desk would offer him a place where he could write and read properly. A chest would be nice too since it offered a place where he could store his possessions; not that he had any at the moment.

Anyway, that was a long way off yet.

He left his room to start this new day. He arrived at the large entrance where the other sections of the dormitories extended. There was also a stair leading up to a second floor one leading down. A fountain stood in the center, which produced a calm and natural music of moving water.

Spyro went past a huge double doorway, enough for two dragons to pass quite comfortable, and into the pool of vision. Spyro walked toward the pool and saw over the edge stared at the almost mirror like water. He felt nostalgia as he saw his own reflection; since it made him remember his time in the temple. He also remembered how Ignitus used to spend hours looking at the pool, trying to catch a glimpse of some information that could help him in his quest.

He missed Ignitus, he missed being in the old temple, he missed his parents, he missed his old life. But some good things also had come along way... that being Cynder. He had also acquired new friend. He would not have those if he had stayed in the swamp. Still, he still ached over the loss of those he cared about: namely Ignitus and his parents.

He then went to the training area. It was a large open area without a roof. He stepped into the yet cold sands that consisted in the fighting arena. It was spacious so several dragon could train a bunch of younglings in different areas without disturbing the other group. Around the training area was some space where visitors could come and see the training.

He continued his exploration of the temple, but most of it had extreme signs of decay. Those sections were cut off and reparations were being made. It would be a while to see the temple completely renewed.

Spyro knew that the temple was huge, but only a fraction of it was habitable. The other things he could access apart from those that visited were a few other rooms where the rest of the occupants were sleeping, that being Gale, Shockwave the Guardians and Cynder.

When he returned back to the pool of vision, he found the guardians sitting around the mirror like water.

"Spyro, my boy" Cyril greeted him. "How are you in this fine morning?"

"I am fine" as he nodded at the Guardians in greeting.

"Exploring the temple, are we?" Cyril asked with a knowing smile.

"I am" Spyro told them. "It brings back memories of the time I spent at the Swamp Temple"

The Guardians gave a sad smile as they looked at Spyro.

"We know what you are talking about" Terrador said wisely. "We also see memories from our time at the Swamp Temple when we sit here"

"We all remember such times, Terrador" Volteer said. "Very good times they were"

They remained silent for a few moments, each of them in their own thought.

"So... what now" Spyro asked.

"Now that many dragons have returned to the city, we are seeking reinstate the Council" Terrador explained.

"A council? You mean they will rule instead of you?" Spyro asked, surprised at this new turn of events.

"Yes young dragon. The Council of Elders is the one responsible for the day to day running of the city" Terrador explained.

"So you the Guardians are not the leaders of the dragons?" Spyro asked.

"More or less" Volteer explained. "In theory, the Guardians do not have authority above the Council in what respect to the city. But given the wide range of responsibilities they carry, the high esteem and reputation they have amongst the dragon population, they can assume command over a city. However, such practice is very rarely used and only in the absence of the Council or in extreme cases, do the Guardians rule over the city"

"But if the Guardians have that amount of power, then why a council?" Spyro asked.

"The needs of the citizens must be heard, even a commoner would know that" Cyril explained. "Someone who lives in the city, someone who knows those who live in said city, someone who experiences what problems face the city would be better capable of doing the job of ruling. It would be much better than someone who lives far off on who knows where and do not have experienced the cities need first handed, not to mention the chaos it would entail the long range courier service to carry out the orders"

"Besides, Guardianship encompasses many responsibilities" Volteer continued. "They range from being ambassadors to other cities, to moderators, diplomats, negotiators, warriors, generals, leaders, peacekeepers, teachers and many other things. With so many responsibilities, the Guardians do not exactly have the time to run a city, let alone many. That is why each dragon city has their own Council made by dragons that actually live in the city"

"Still, Guardians can participate in the Council if the wish to do so" Terrador continued. "What they said carries heavy weight. In few words, the guardians could be considered the leaders of dragon kind, but not the city"

Spyro thought about it for a few moments and slowly nodded his head in understanding. They spent a few moments again in silence before they were interrupted by the sound of claws hitting the floor. As they turned to look, they saw Gale entered the pool of visions, giving a huge yawn as he came.

"Morning" he said, still sleepily.

"Good morning, young dragon" Cyril welcomed him. "I trust that your accommodations were to your liking?"

"It could use some more personal touch" Gale said, making the guardians chuckle.

"Indeed, young dragon" Terrador agreed. "So... what do you think of the city?"

"It is fantastic!" Gale exclaimed. "It is so big and there is o much to see. There are also many strange creatures I have never seen before"

"Warfang is a big and bustling city, young Gale" Cyril explained. "It is a center of education, art and commerce. It bounds to have many people come from distant land"

"Wow...!" Gale examined.

"Speaking of education, I would like to see Gale demonstrate his use in the wind element" Volteer suggested.

"That is a good idea" Terrador said before looking at Gale. "What do you say? Could you show us something?"

Spyro eyed Gale. The white dragon had dropped his cheerful expression and had been replaced with that one of sadness.

"I... I can't" Gale stammered.

"And why not?" Cyril asked.

"I... I cannot control the wind" Gale confessed.

"You cannot?" Volteer asked quite surprised. "But I thought that you were a wind dragon"

"I am a wind dragon! It just that I cannot use my elemental power" Gale sighed in sadness.

"Oh...!" Cyril examined as what Gale was trying to say dawned on him.

A few moments were spent in silence as the group looked at Gale. Spyro felt sorry for his friend, it knew the fact hurt him. He wished he could help him.

"Do not worry Gale... it will come" Spyro assured him as he patted his friend on the shoulder.

"The fact that dragons cannot control his element is extremely rare" Volteer said.

"Master Volteer, do you think Gale will be able to use his element?" Spyro asked.

"It is very probable" the Electric Guardian answered. "A dragonet usually starts using his element control from the age of seven to ten, although some dragons tend to have problems in awakening their elemental control. However, we have record of dragons awakening their element at a much later age. I remember I read of one who breathe fire for the first time at the age of thirty two"

"There... you see Gale" Spyro gave a grin at Gale; "It will turn out all right"

Gale immediately brightened up and was bouncing with excitement.

"I can't wait to use my wind for the first time! Is there something to help me awaken my powers sooner?" Gale asked.

"There are" Volteer said. "It mostly consist in meditation as well as making certain exercises, but having a fit body is said that also helps"

"Could you help me awaken my elemental control?" Gale asked unexpectedly.

The sudden question caught the Guardians off guard. They looked at each other as they conferred.

"Should we?" Cyril asked.

"We are pressed with everything that must be done" Terrador pointed out.

"But it is quite simple really" Volteer said. "And besides, we could do something else apart from what we have been doing so far"

"But we are not even his element!" Cyril pointed out.

"Of course, he will require tutelage in the art of controlling his element" Volteer said. "I am afraid that we cannot help him in his area due to not having a Wind Master. But at least we could help him in the part of awakening his elemental control and also the training in the art of combat. It should be quite simple doing those things"

"I agree" Terrador said. "We could teach him... after all, isn't that an important purpose of a Guardian? Teach?"

"You are absolutely right Terrador" Cyril said. "It is our duty to ensure the well being of the next generation by teaching them"

"Then we agree" Terrador say. "We will help him awaken his power, but once he does, I'm afraid he will be on his own as to learn how to control it" Then the Earth Guardian turned to Gale. "Very well young Gale. We will help you"

"Great!" Gale exclaimed in triumph. "I can't wait to begin"

Spyro suppressed a smile when he heard Gale's statement. If he only knew.

If Spyro knew anything about training with the Guardians, he knew the training they gave was anything but easy. He remembers that he spent hours training under their watchful eyes each day while he was at the Swamp Temple. The training sessions usually ended with Spyro on the floor and hardly being able to move because of all of his muscles ached... and having the dozens of bruises he got didn't not help either.

"Well... I guess I'll just be... around" Spyro said as he tried to retreat in case the guardians thought of extending the training to him also.

Those days were long and full of suffering. He was glad it was over and in no hurry to go over it again.

"Oh... and Spyro..." Terrador called him. "Now that Gale brought the subject of training, I would like you and Cynder to continue your training"

_'Talking about suffering'_Spyro thought grimly as he stopped mid-step.

"We are going to put you and Cynder in advanced training" Terrador told him.

"Advanced training?" Spyro asked with slight confusion.

"We are going to teach you advanced elemental control" Terrador said with a faint smile as he eyed him with his remaining eye.

"All right!" Gale exclaimed. "We will be partners!"

Spyro sighed in defeat. There was no way out of this now.

"When do you want to start, young dragon?" Terrador asked Gale.

"Right now!" Gale said with a smile.

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Incendio slowly started to regain consciousness and upon noticing this fact, he grumbled.

"Argh! I fell asleep" he growled.

He had been keeping a vigil over Doctor Kelly for a long time. Although he felt tired and his eyes were closing every few moments, he managed to remain awake for hours. In the end, he his exhausted body won the battle and he did not remember when he fell asleep.

He tried to lift his head, but an awful discomfort was felt in his neck. He opened his eyes and saw that he had rested his head atop the night stand while he slept.

"No wonder my neck aches. Must have slept in a wrong position" he grumbled as he started to slowly massage some section of his neck with he managed to reach with his paw.

He then turned to look at the bed where Doctor Kelly lay.

Only thing was... she was gone.

It took less than a moment before he jumped from where he stood.

"What?" he half roared in his surprise. He got next to the bed and started to shift and shake the bed coverings, as if somehow that action will make her magically appear or reveal her hiding from beneath the coverings.

"No! Where is she?" he asked to himself desperately.

Had she died from the illness? Had he been too late to save her? Had the medicine not worked? Had someone taken her body away while he slept?

His throat started to choke him and panic started to settle in.

"Kelly!" he yelled at the top of his lungs as he went to the door entrance and nearly smashed it open.

Many pair of eyes turned to look at the sudden disturbance. Incendio snapped his head to one side of the hallway and to the next several times. Without thinking, he grabbed an unfortunate mole that happened to be in front of him.

"Where is she?!" he asked as he started to desperately shake the poor mole. "Where is she?!"

The mole could not respond due to him being shaken. Thankfully, a nearby dragon healer came running to aid the rodent.

"Calm down! Let him go!" he commanded Incendio. After the fire dragon released the mole he continued. "Who are you looking for?"

"The human that was in this room" he said, slowly calming himself after his outburst.

"Your mean Doctor Kelly?" he asked with hint of surprise. As Incendio nodded, he continued. "She left a couple of hours ago saying she must do something"

_ 'So she was still alive. Thank the ancestors'he thought as he sighed in relief. Then he looked around and saw many eyes till looking upon him. Many of them were human. _'So the flower actually worked! That is good!'

Then looked at the mole he had shaken. He dipped his head nearly to the floor and muttered an apology. Thankfully, the nurse forgave him for his outburst. After than he hurried out of the hospital and started to look for Kelly.

Incendio was unaware that a pair of human eyes had watched his outburst.

Incendio ran all along the way, hoping to find her; however, he did not have the gripping fear that made him do rash actions.

He eventually found her in the mess hall amidst many humans. After their long fasting period, it was no wonder they were desperate for food. Strangely, she was serving food to all the other humans. He tilted his head quizzically when he saw the small amount of food she was serving; much to the displeasure of the starving humans.

_'She must have her reasons'_he thought.

Taking a deep breath, he strode forward toward her.

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"Spyro!" Cyril called for him one day.

"Yes Cyril, what is it?"

"The humans are having a ceremony for their deceased from their latest illness of theirs later today. Whatever strange and pointless customs they may have, we Guardians have thought that it may be good for relation if we attend" Cyril said somewhat annoyed that he was forced to attend.

"So you want me to go?" Spyro deuced.

"You along with along with those who helped in ending this calamity" Cyril said.

"Okay. I will attend" Spyro promised.

That afternoon, Spyro found himself, along with Cynder, Shockwave, Gale and Incendio, in the ceremony the human had prepared. The Guardians were also present in a show of respect, along with Hunter, Meadow and several other dragons, cheetahs and moles. Everyone that wanted to pay some respect.

As for the humans... all of them were present with a few exceptions. They all tried to keep a normal expression, but Spyro could see in many of them the sadness of losing a friend.

Maria Espinoza stepped into a hastily made podium to she could overlook at the crowd. She, like everyone else, was trying to hold back the tears that were begging to be set free. But she was the leader and she must show a strong face.

"Today we gather here to show or respect to those that have gone. Today we gather here to honor those that have gone. Today... we gather here to say our final farewell to those that have gone" she said in a strong voice. "This illness that plagued us recently claimed the many lives. Three hundred and seventeen lives. Each one of them was a friend amongst us"

At the mention of friend, some of the humans could hold no longer and tears started to fall from their eyes.

"I show sincere condolences to those who were close to those we have lost. I know words stay short from what each of you must be feeling, but we all knew that this endeavor could be a one way trip. We knew that there was a chance we would never return home and we all took that risk. We all took that risk in the hopes that this endeavor could yield something to the benefit of humanity. The only thing we can do now to honor those who have felled in this journey, is to make sure we find it"

Some humans here and there nodded at the words that were just being spoken, their mood lifting a little bit. Maria continued saying something, but Spyro did not really paid attention. She looked at all the casket in which the bodies were.

"So many" he said out loud.

"It is not your fault" Parker said as he suddenly appeared next to him.

Spyro didn't want to ask it, but he had to know.

"Who... who did you lost?" he asked hesitantly. "You don't have to answer if you don't want to"

"I lost Alexander and Mike Steel" Parker said somberly.

"I'm sorry" Spyro said as he lowered his head.

"You did not cause this" Parker said.

"But I could have ended it sooner" Spyro said. "Had I been faster..."

"I just know that you must have done everything in you power to save us" Parker interrupted him, ending whatever thing Spyro was going to say.

Spyro noticed that the ceremony had ended and humans were lifting some casket and taking them someplace.

"Where are they taking them?" Spyro asked.

"To their final resting ground" Parker answered as he walked into a casket that contained a body.

Spyro saw that several other humans he knew from their mission to Shockwave clan were helping lift the casket. Then, they started marching. Spyro followed along with the rest of the group.

Their made their way outside Warfang, where humans were digging holes in the ground and placing the bodies of the deceased in the wrapped in white sheet or in the wooden casket next to the holes. Other humans were stacking several pyres of wood, where thy placed body lay atop.

Nightfall was starting to arrive when the frit pyre was lit. The huge flame licked the body of the deceased, consuming its flesh until it turned into ash. Other humans placed the body of their friend in the deep hole they had excavated and started to bury them.

There was also some sort of sign atop the tomb. There most common of it was a cross, followed by a six point star. There was a few with a shape of half a moon and other with a simple tombstone.

Spyro noticed some humans going to their knees and, with their hands clasped together, started to mumble under their breath. He noticed others kneeling on some sort of carpet and bending until their head toughed the floor. He also noticed the military saluting those who had died.

"Unusual" Terrador said as he appeared next to him.

"How so?" Spyro asked.

"Only fire dragons, amongst all the species, use the practice of burning their bodies when they pass away. The rest of us prefer to be buried" the Earth Guardian said.

Spyro turned to look at the hypnotizing flames from the funeral pyre as the wood slowly cracked and the smoke drifted away.

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In the following days, Gale found himself training under the Guardians. He, along with Spyro and Cynder, trained in the arena of the still under restoration temple. Spyro and Cynder did combat training as they practiced their elements, combat moves and teamwork against the dummies. Gale found immense amusement at seeing the dummies move and fight as if they were real. He even was more amused when Spyro and Cynder made them burst in showers of straw and wood.

Spyro and Cynder were sometimes pit against one another in a wrestling match. Sometimes he won and sometimes she won. Gale saw in their faces that they both liked to be pit against one another in a friendly fight. By afternoon, their training was usually over and they were given free time.

Gale, on the other hand, was not allowed to have free time. He started with a ruthless physical training to enhance his stamina that left him with all his muscles aching. The first day he had trouble getting back to his room as his overused muscles ached. Sometimes he wanted to sleep just right where he finished his training.

After he finished whatever the Guardians had deemed him to do for the morning, he passed into a series exercises that supposedly would allow him to awaken his powers. Some of them were moving in slow and rhythmic motions for many hours. These were a relief for him, since it allowed him to rest from all the tiring work. Other times, it was meditation where he was not allowed to move. He even once had to go and release his wastes, but he was told to stay put. Other times, he was put to do some strange exercises that Gale failed to see the point of it.

However, it was only a matter of time to advance to training.

"Well young Gale, now I believe it is time for you to show us your combat abilities" Terrador said. "You will be paired with Cynder in a wrestling match"

"What?" Gale jumped in fright. "You mean fight now? Aren't you going to teach me first?"

"I have to have to see how much you know in order to see where to begin" Terrador said. "Also, there is no better way to lean than in true fight"

"Uh... okay" Gale said in a subdued tone as he walked into the arena.

Cynder was already there. She was standing in the middle of a circle drawn into the sand. Terrador and Spyro looked attentively at the match. Since the Guardians were too busy with the city's need, only one of them was sent to teach them. Now, it was Terrador's turn to oversee their training.

"Your objective, Gale" Terrador started to explain, "is either force her out of the designated area; or to subdue her. Pin her down and force her to surrender when you have a position that gives you the advantage. Remember, neither elements nor biting is allowed. The rest is valid. You may start"

Gale looked with wide eyes at Cynder, who sat in front to him with an evil grin. Gale gave a slight tremble as he started to remember the way Gust used to pick on him. Worse, he started to imagine what was going to happen.

"Uh... Master Terrador" Gale turned to look at him. "Shouldn't we..."

He was cut short as Cynder suddenly talked him. Poor Gale never saw it coming since he was looking at Terrador. The force of the blow made him tumble backward and fall on his back. Cynder immediately took the chance and pinned Gale to the ground.

"Rule number one: never turn away from your opponent" Cynder said with a serious tone at the wide eyed white dragon.

"Cynder is quite right, young Gale" Terrador said. "Never turn away from your opponent in a fight. This will leave you open and vulnerable for an attack. Had this been more than just a training exercise, you would have been killed most likely by an attack at the throat by your opponent's teeth"

Cynder gave a toothy smile to show her pointy teeth. Gale looked at Cynder and made and audible gulp as the lesson sank deep.

"Again!" Terrador told them.

Cynder left Gale stand up as she moved away to start again. Cynder crouched and stood in position. Gale too crouched and stood in position, although somewhat reluctantly.

"Begin!" Terrador said out loud.

Instead of rushing like Gale had suspected, Cynder stood there, unmoving wit that evil grin. She hardly blinked an eye... and that made Gale nervous. Gale started to breathe faster, waiting nervously for the attack that was not coming.

Gale jumped in fright when Cynder started to move. Instead of moving toward him, she started to walk to one side. Gale compensated so that he could face her. She moved in a slow circle around Gale, her eyes never leaving him. Her calculating eyes were waiting for an opportunity to strike. Gale saw those eyes and he knew that Cynder was the predator and he was the prey... not a really encouraging thought.

Cynder continued to circle Gale in a slow walking. Gale always faced her, but the waiting was driving Gale insane! He was panting not in exhaustion, but in fright.

Suddenly, there was loud boom on to his side. Gale turned to the direction in surprise and saw Spyro had destroyed a small dummy. Straw flew everywhere as the explosion resounded across the area. He also saw Terrador; but contrary to looking at the source of disturbance, he looked attentively at the match that was happening.

That was when Gale realized his mistake. He tried to turn his attention back to Cynder, but he was already too late.

He felt the air in his lungs as Cynder head butted him in the chest. He lost his footing and fell to the side, where Cynder once again pinned him.

"Once again Gale, you failed to put face your opponent" Terrador said as he shook his head. "You gave Cynder the opening she needed to attack you without her coming to harm. Do not get distracted from the situation at hand!"

Cynder stepped away from Gale and he stood up.

"But Master Terrador, what if someone was creeping up to me in a battle?" Gale could not help but ask.

"We are not in a battle" Terrador said.

"What if we were?" Gale asked. "What if indeed another opponent was coming to strike from behind?"

Terrador though the answer for a few moments before answering.

"Your questions are valid. A disturbance like the one I made Spyro do was to teach you several things" Terrador said. "First, know the situation at hand. If you know that it is a one on one battle, there is no need to look for a different foe. Second, know your surroundings. During a confrontation, there will be many things happening around you; but if you look at your surroundings and learn what is happening, you will be able to ignore discretions that you knew will happen"

"I'm not sure I understand"

"Let's take a full battle for example. If you know behind you stand your allies, then when you hear footsteps coming from the rear, you know that it is not a foe, but rather your allies. If you are surrounded and you know it, then the sound of footsteps coming toward you from behind will most likely be an enemy, and thus you can turn to face the threat. Know who and what is around you at all time"

"So I must understand what is happening around me? Study my surroundings?"

"Precisely! For example, Cynder knew that Spyro do something distract you. She knew before hand something was going to happen. She did not expect a loud noise, but she knew something would happen"

"So this was a test?" Gale asked. "Cynder knew?"

"Yes young Gale" Terrador said with a smile. "She knew because we told her that we were going to do something. Notice the difference between your reaction and your own"

Gale thought for a few moments about his reaction. He nodded slowly as he understood.

"And last, but not least" Terrador said, "keep your head cool at all times. You were very nervous back there. Do not let fear or nervousness control you since it will only make you an easier target. Always remember these lessons: do not turn away from your opponent, know the situation at hand, know your surroundings and keep your head cool"

Gale looked at the ground and revised in his head the very important lessons he had just learned.

"You may leave now" Terrador said. "Gale, be sure to get some rest because tomorrow, we are going to start combat training"

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Gale, Spyro and Cynder got out of the temple to enjoy the rest of the afternoon. They walked in the streets of Warfang, looking at the working citizens as they lived their lives in the city. They also watched as some of the buildings that were damaged during the siege were still being repaired and rebuilt.

Warfang was regaining its former glory as the city was repaired and more dragons started to arrive from hiding.

Gale, with his insatiable curiosity, went this way and that looking at everything. Of course, he did not really have free time before with the training. Now, he was making use of his free time in exploring the city. He went this way and that, looking and poking his snout in everything. He looked with avid curiosity at the products the dragons and moles offered in the marketplace, he gazed at the tall and imposing building in the city with an open mouth and he smelled at the flowers in the park only to sneeze a second later.

In few words, he was having a great time.

Those who had been in the city when it had suffered the attack gave a slight bow in respect as both heroes walked past... much to their embarrassment. Gale remained ignorant to this however; he was too immersed in his exploration.

Many dragons did a double look in Gale's direction. With his white scales, he was as much as a strange dragon to the residents of Warfang as a purple dragon was.

But not all dragons were as polite. Many of the newly arrived dragons looked at Spyro with wonder, to Gale with surprise and Cynder with anger. They did not take any action besides looking the other way or giving and ugly look her way. They must have known that she lived in the city and of her actions to defeat evil. They tolerated her but they did not like it.

The group decided to go to the human section of the city to see how they had been recovering after their illness. Gale, as curious as ever, was happy with any opportunity to learn new things, so he decided to go as well.

"Hey down there!" someone called from above as they were walking down the street.

Spyro, who was walking next to Cynder since Gale had ran ahead, looked up and saw Shockwave lying down in a roof of a building with one of his paw dangling down. He had some sleepy expression on his face and his body posture showed that he had been comfortable up there for quite a while.

"Shockwave, what are you doing up there?" Cynder asked in surprise at the relaxing dragon.

"Nothing" the electric dragon answered with a yawn. "I decided to take a small nap on a sunny spot where I could see people move about. So have you finished your training already?"

Got bored of doing nothing and decided to take a nap on a sunny spot as I watched people move below.

"Yeah! We have free time now. How about you?" Spyro answered.

"I have had free time since I got here" Shockwave answered as he rolled on his back and stretched his paws to the sky as he kept looking at his friend below. "I have nothing to do around here. So... where are you going?"

"We are going to see how the human are faring. Want to come?" Spyro asked.

"Sure. Haven't seen them for a while" Shockwave replied as he turned upright. To get down, he jumped from the roof and glided down until he touched down next to Cynder. "Let's go!

"I haven't seen you guys for a while" Shockwave said somewhat accusingly. "Nor Incendio. Have you guys seen Incendio lately?" Shockwave asked.

"Sometimes" Cynder replied. "He has dropped his duties he held during the siege. He comes from time to time to the temple in order to help the Guardians with something, but I do not know what he is doing the rest of the time"

They continued walking toward the human section of the city, occasionally yelling at Gale not to go too far away. It took them some time, but they eventually got there.

"Get moving you MAGGOTS!" someone shouted.

Spyro and group stopped at an intersecting street and were surprised as they saw a long procession of humans trotting though the streets. Unlike their usual attire which was either military uniform or white robes for doctor or scientist, with a few exceptions, they wore really short upper and lower coverings.

"What are they doing?" Shockwave asked as he eyes the passing humans.

Then, the dark skinned Sergeant Jackson appeared.

"Come on! My grandma runs faster than you!" he admonished everyone with his hard voice. One human fell and Jackson was beside him in an instant "Mendoza! I did not order you to fall! Now get back in line and continue running"

"Sarge..." Mendoza panted as he tried to catch his breath.

"Private; I don't care if you are out of breath from this little run. I want you to get up and finish the morning run!" Jackson shouted in his face.

"Morning run? But it is afternoon already!" Spyro said out loud confused by that statement.

"Sir... we have been running... since dawn. We need a break" Mendoza complained as he tried to catch his breath.

"Quit your whining! If you can't handle this little morning run then you do not deserve to be in the Marine Corps! So are you going to finish like a true marine or are you giving up?"

"Yes... yes Sarge" he said in a low voice as he slowly stood up. "I'm good to go"

"That is what I like to hear" Jackson said quite please but with his still hard and angry voice. "Now you get back in line and finish the run and I want you to do it with a smile on your face!"

"Yes sir!" Mendoza said as he continued to run. Forcing a smile.

"Romeo! Stop flirting with that girl and continue your run, God damn it!" Jackson found another prey to unleash his fury on.

Spyro and group looked as the human continued trotting past. Spyro saw the last of the humans coming. Behind everyone came Lieutenant Parker came in last, encouraging those that were lagging behind.

"Come on now, we are nearly there. After that you can have a nice long and cool bath followed by free time to do whatever you want" Parker encouraged.

Parker turned to look at Spyro and group and shook his hand in greeting, but he did not stop running. He went past the dragon group without further comments.

"Well, looks like someone's busy" Shockwave said as he turned to look at Spyro and Cynder.

"Yeah" Spyro replied. "The human military must be training"

"I guess so" Shockwave acknowledged. "Maybe we should wait for them when they finish"

"Good idea" Cynder agreed. "I'm not too keen on running around. Hey... where's Gale?"

The group looked around to find the white dragon only to find him running after the humans that had just passed moments before.

"GALE!" the three dragons shouted as they went after him.

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

After they finished their exercise, the some humans literally fell on their butts and sat as their legs could no longer support them. Everyone was breathing rapidly as they tried to catch their breath.

Spyro and group were also out of breath after they went after Gale who was following the humans. Unfortunately for them, Gale seemed to have enough energy that if he spared some of it to his friend, he would still have enough to do whatever he wished. And of course, Gale was using that energy to find out everything he could about the humans.

Spyro approached the drenched in sweat Parker to ask how they had been doing.

"Well..." he started, "we are starting to get back in shape after the illness. Colonel Flanning ordered the military forces to get back into top shape; that is why we are training hard. Some other members of the expedition are taking it a little more lightly"

"Is running part of your training?" Spyro asked.

"Yeah" Parker groaned. "It enhances our endurance. We usually get up before sunrise to do a morning jog around the city before continuing some other type of training. Then, we do other things that are not related with training"

"I heard Jackson say that this was the morning run, yet it is afternoon. What does that mean?"

"It means we have been up and running since before sunrise" Parker chuckled. "Not exactly the most popular of ideas, but it does wonder to increase stamina"

Spyro gave a slight chuckle as he remembered how he had suffered the same training under the Guardians, the same training Gale was having now.

Sergeant Jackson suddenly came from the side.

"Well Lieutenant... it seems my boys loved the morning jog and are eager to continue" he said proudly and with a smile on his face.

At that statement, many of the humans that were nearby groaned at the mere idea of having to continue running. Other seemed horrified at the idea.

"I think you are right Sergeant; they seemed to have liked the small morning run that they may like to have another one" Parker answered with a serious face. This made the soldiers look at their Lieutenant in horror, hoping that they do not have to repeat their ordeal. "However... eager as they might be to repeat the process, we must look after them Sergeant. We have to make sure they do not overtax themselves with their overeager training and injure themselves. So, I would suggest that we finish the training for today" Parker finished.

The humans left huge sighs of relief at the decision was made.

"Right you are sir!" Jackson agreed.

However, being Jackson, he needed to make someone miserable. He spotted some unfortunate souls that were smiling as they reclined against the wall of one building. He immediately went his way next to them.

"Hey boys! Enjoyed the exercise?" he asked with a sarcastic voice and with a proud smile.

The soldiers were surprised by the sudden appearance Jackson, immediately nodded to appease their superior.

"Really?" Jackson asked with a mischievous smile and with a glint in his eye "Well, in that case, I got reserved for you two some very special training tomorrow since you liked this one so much"

Both soldier eyes turned to horror as the Sergeant pronounced their 'reward'. But he was not done yet. One of the humans gave a slight chuckle at the situation both of his companions found themselves in.

"It seems that Mendoza find the idea appealing as well" Jackson looked at the human that had chuckled. "It would only be polite for him to join us as well" Jackson extended the 'reward' to him as well.

"Why does he do that?" Spyro asked with some shock as he saw the Sergeant. "It seems that he is always is pushing those under him around. I even heard some things she said to the humans when we were running"

"Jackson is no fool, Spyro. Well... maybe a little bit" Parker answered. "You see... those three soldiers are the ones that seem to have more trouble regaining their endurance after the sickness. He will continue the training with them until they get back in shape"

"But why like that? I even heard him shout some nasty things to others when we were running, even those that were on the verge of collapsing"

"We got a saying, Spyro; the more you sweat in training, the less you will bleed in battle. That saying is true although somewhat cruel. That is why, when in training, we try to reach the limit of someone's endurance. However, sometimes you think that you have reached your limit but in reality, you have not. Jackson knows how to detect that. He pushes those around him to give everything they have, and there are many ways to bring forth that limit. As for how Jackson decides to voice it... well, I guess that is just him"

Spyro turned to look at Jackson. He seemed to be enjoying torturing other soldiers by suggesting more training.

"Although sometimes he liked to tease and push everyone" Parker added as he too watched Jackson.

Just then, Gale caught Spyro's attention as he got closer to one human who was resting his back against a wall. Like every other new creature Gale had seen, he needed to get closer and inquisitively looked over the human at close range. The unfortunate soul was too tired to push Gale away, so he left the dragon to sniff him all over. When he finished his exploration, he took a step back.

"He stinks!" he said as he wrinkled his nose in disgust.

Spyro opened his eyes wide as Gale said the inappropriate and rude comment. Sure; Spyro knew he was right that the humans smelled bad, but he wouldn't say that; much less in front of them! Gale, however innocent and honest his intentions might be, he didn't know when he must refrain from saying things. Spyro looked with some fearful eyes at the human that the insult had received the insult.

To Spyro's surprise, the human slowly started to chuckle.

"I know we do" he said with a chuckle. "With all the training we have been doing, we are drenched in sweat. It's no wonder we stink"

"I think that we should take a bath" Parker said in a whisper to Spyro. The dragon looked up at the human and, hesitating a little, nodded his head. "HA!" Parker laughed. "Of course we do! Listen up men!" he shouted to the troops. "We are hitting the showers for a nice warm bath" The men gave a half hearted cheer in appreciation. "And then... a nice meal" The troops cheered even more.

The humans got up and separated, each of them going to their respective sleeping quarters to take a bath and to change into clean clothes.

"Hey, Spyro" Parker called before he left. "Would you like to join us for dinner? We would like to hear your adventure in the mountains. Oh! By the way... thank you for bringing the cure to our illness" Parker said.

"You are welcome. And sure; why not? We would like to join you" Spyro said with a smile.

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

It took an hour before the humans had finished their bath. The frit comment Gale said after he smelled one of them was that they no longer smelled. Once again, Spyro rolled his eyes at Gale's brutally honest and innocent personality. But... he had to agree with him, the humans no longer stink; which was very good.

Spyro, Cynder, Shockwave and Gale followed the Parker after we bathed into one of the places where humans ate. The place was half full since it was still too early for dinner; but this particular group that was somewhat numerous had skipped lunch because of their training, so they were hungry. And as usual, the humans were talking excitedly.

Parker went toward the serving line and grabbed some food. The rest of the dragons followed Parker's example and got in line.

"Ha... le client spéciaux!" Bouvier explained happily once he spotted Spyro.

"Huh?" Spyro tilted his head in confusion.

"I mean special guest has arrived!"

"Special? What makes me special?"

"Because you were the first dragon ever to share a meal with a human" the cook told Spyro with his French accent as he gave him a plate full of food.

"First one?"Spyro asked.

"Oui" Bouvier said. "The first dragon... but not certainly the last. Every few days, a new dragon comes. And all of them have returned at some point at all it appears that more and more dragons come to eat here"

"Really?" Spyro asked. "How many have come?"

"Many. Every time a new one comes est une odyssée!"

Spyro wondered what he meant with that... but he could make a fairly assumption. He picked up his tray with thanks and went to the table where Parker had sat. Parker sat next to the men he commanded and Spyro recognized some of them as the ones that had gone with him in the mission to locate Shockwaves clan. He placed his food on the table. Since the table was too high for him to eat while sitting on the ground, the humans had devised a place for him to sit comfortable to eat.

Since they were too hungry, they started to eat immediately.

"Delicious!" Gale proclaimed as he started to eat.

Spyro only shook his head in amusement as he continued eating. As usual, the human food was strange and delicious. Gale ate his food at such a rate that Spyro began to worry that he might choke, so it was no wonder he finished first. Spyro, although more slowly, ate it all until he left the plate clean. But the human ate slower than dragons, so they waited for Parker to finish.

Spyro took the time to see who was around. Shockwave and Cynder were next to him, barely finishing their meals. Gale had stood up and left to watch other humans eat and see other types of food. He noticed some humans he knew too. Romeo, talking with a female Romeo's best friend Jason was next to him, shaking his head in embarrassment. Douglas, as usual, was having a loud discussion with a companion and both of them were nearly was yelling. The medic Carlos Miller, the field medic, was seated in the same table as Spyro, remaining concentrated in the food in front of him. Jackson was forever next to parker, helping him with whatever he needed. But there was one missing.

"Where is Ramirez?" Spyro asked as he looked around.

"In the kitchen" Jackson replied. "He didn't want what was being served and he wanted something different. I told him that if he wanted something else, he should prepare it himself. And to think that the bastard actually went to the kitchen to cook his meal"

"So... Spyro..." Parker began, "who is your friend"

"Who?" Spyro asked.

Parker pointed at someone behind Spyro. The dragon turned and found Gale and he noticed that he was watching intently at a plate a human had. It was stuffed with food and Gale was looking at it with hungry eyes.

"That is Gale" Spyro turned to look at Parker. "We found him... or rather, he found us when we were in the mountains"

"Well... he is sure a strange dragon" Parker said as he lifted an eyebrow.

"You have no idea" Spyro said in a confidential voice before he turned to look at Gale. He found that the white dragon was munching something with a smug look on his face. Spyro then looked at the plate he had been so intently watching and saw that it held considerably less food.

"So... would you care to enlighten us on your lasts adventure?" parker asked with a semi formal question.

So Spyro began telling the adventure to get back the plant. He mentioned the travel and the perils of the mountains, the near death of one of their members, the almost fate like path-crossing they had with Gale and the extraordinary city he lead them to, the revelation they found on the city and their journey back with a new member.

During the tale, Spyro heard a disturbance behind him. He turned and found Gale running away from a table that held a very surprised and dumbfounded humans staring at his suddenly empty plate. When Gale was sufficiently away, he would stop and swallow the prize he had acquired. Then, he proceeded onto another table.

"So... does your friend is always like that?" Parker asked as Gale started stalking an unsuspecting human that was talking avidly with his friend at the table.

"He came from an isolated world, so everything is new to him" Spyro explained.

"Well, he should be careful" Parker said as Gale extended his head and stole a large chunk of meat from the unsuspecting human, much to the amusement of his friends that were watching the dragon. "One day, his curiosity will get him more than he bargained for"

"I get it" Spyro said with a nod. Gale was too curious for his own good.

"So, what have you been doing?" Parker asked.

"The guardians are training us at the temple"

"Training you?"

"Yes. I still have much to learn from elemental control"

"I thought that you knew everything there is to it" Shockwave said quite surprised.

"There is much more than simple attacks it seems" Spyro said somewhat pensively.

"So... what are they teaching you?" Shockwave asked excitedly.

"Somewhat about advanced elemental control, but we haven't gotten to that part yet, but Terrador said that we would begin tomorrow" Spyro explained.

"Hey Spyro..." Shockwave said in a low voice. "Think I could join you in your training with the Guardians?"

"What?" Spyro asked suddenly. "Why?"

"Several reasons. First, it would be an honor to be under their tutelage. Second, I'm bored and I want something to do. Third, if I will go with you in your crazy adventures, I need to know as much I can learn" Shockwave explained.

"He got a point there Spyro" Cynder put in.

"Well, I'm afraid that you will have to ask the guardians about this" Spyro told him.

"I will talk with them tomorrow morning and see if they will take me" Shockwave said determined.

Before another topic could be said, a new voice joined in the conversation.

"Hey! What did I miss?"

"A lot Ramirez" Parker told him. "Spyro just told us about his adventure"

Spyro turned to see Ramirez had finally appeared and was staring to sit in the table they occupied. He placed a plate with some strange food he had never seen before. He also placed and a small glass container that held some kind of red thick liquid.

"You mean the one he did to the mountains and find the cure?" Ramirez asked quite uninterested as he poured his drink. "I already knew that one"

"And you know this... how?" Jackson scoffed.

"Sarge... I know everything that is going around. That is my unofficial job; and it's one I like and I'm really good at" Ramirez told him with a mischievous smile.

"Your job is to be a soldier" Jackson said quite seriously.

"And part of job of being a soldier is gathering intelligence" Ramirez countered.

"And how will 'this' intelligence help us?" Jackson asked.

"You never know how something will help" Ramirez ended the conversation with a smug smile, making Jackson growl under his breath.

"So... Ramirez... what did you prepared himself to eat?" Parker changed the subject quickly to stop Ramirez poking.

"This, my friend... are quesadillas!" Ramirez said as he looked at his food quite hungrily. "Added with some beef that was a left over from yesterday"

"And... the sauce"

"Freshly homemade Habanero sauce" Ramirez said with a smile. "Wanna try?"

"I pass" Parker chuckled.

"What is it made of?" Spyro asked.

"It is made with water, tomatoes, salt and two Habaneros peppers" Ramirez explained quite happily.

Spyro had in his mind taking a small taste, but he noticed Parker shake his head in a semblance of warning. Spyro also noticed that Parker eye were somewhat fearful. Spyro guessed that there was more to this sauce than Ramirez let on"

"I think I'll also pass" Spyro decided finally.

Just then, Spyro noticed that Gale was coming to their table and he stopped just behind Ramirez.

"You don't know what you are missing" Ramirez said as he pointed a finger at Parker and Spyro. "Believe me when I tell you... this is the most delicious sauce ever made by man" he said as he pointed the red sauce. "It's a God send. It is just MMmhhh" he seemed to be flavoring it already.

Spyro noticed that Gales flashed in hunger when Ramirez said this.

"And I believe you" Parker said.

"Sure you do. Now... donde hay una cuchara?" Ramirez turned around and stretched to get a utensil the humans used to eat from another table.

That was when Gale struck. He extended his neck forward a struck out his tongue into the sauce. He lapped the sauce several times in quick succession, and with each one the container became emptier until nothing remained.

Spyro looked at the humans that were near and saw that they were looking in stunned surprise; but he also noticed that the beginnings of a smile were beginning to creep into their faces as they looked at Gale.

By the time Ramirez started to turn forward with a spoon in hand, the container was empty. Ramirez turned around with an enthusiastic smile, only to discover that the container that held the sauce was empty. His happy demeanor turned to that of surprise and confusion.

"Pero que...?" he asked out loud.

He looked around as he tried to find the guilty one. It took less than a second to find him, as the white dragon was licking his chops with a smug look.

"You didn't!" Ramirez said with a serious and accusing tone as he looked at Gale.

Gale gave him a smirk, but it was soon replaced to one of confusion. Spyro saw Gale started to pant, slowly at first, but increased the speed by the second. Gale struck out his tongue as he groaned. And then... he started shouting.

He shouted in a semblance of pain. In his desperation, Gale started to run around in circles with his tongue hanging out of his mouth. By this moment, everyone in the mess hall was looking at the white dragon.

"WATER!" Gale roared as he looked around frantically.

When he spotted a jar, he launched himself toward it. People jumped away from their chairs as Gale came toward the table they were sat in. The white dragon picked the jar and started to gulp the water as fast as he could; not without spilling a lot of it in the process.

When he finished, he dropped the jar and looked around frantically as he searched for more. Spyro noticed that his tail was lashing while as his pants were quick and regular. Spyro started to worry about what he had ate would be harmful.

"GALE... OVER HERE!" Ramirez shouted.

Without saying anything else, Gale ran toward him.

"Don't move!" Ramirez ordered.

Taking the dragon tongue in his hands, Ramirez started to put some sort of finely white powder the humans used on their food. Gale's body was shaking as Ramirez started to do this. His rear foot was stamping on the floor and his tailed lashed uncontrollably. He was also panting very hard. But a few moments after Ramirez started his treatment, Gale's desperate breaths were starting to calm down.

"Better now?" Ramirez asked as he released the dragons tongue.

Gale nodded his head, his tongue still hanging outside his mouth. Spyro also noticed that his eye were almost completely red blood shot. Whatever Gale had eaten, it was powerful.

"Gale, are you all right?" Cynder asked with concern.

The white dragon nodded without saying anything. Just then, Spyro started to hear laughter. He turned and saw than many humans were starting to laugh at what had just happened. Whatever had happened, Spyro felt glad that he had headed parker's warning.

"Do you feel anything?" Shockwave asked Gale.

"My dongue hurdz" Gale said with his tongue still hanging.

"What happened?" Spyro asked as he turned and faced Ramirez.

"El baboso se enchiló! Podría haber pedido un poco, pero Noooooooo... tenía que meter la lengua!" Ramirez lashed out angrily.

"English Ramirez" Parker ordered.

"The fool had to stick his tongue into the sauce! His tongue should have felt like it was on fire"

"Yeah... thadz how it feld" Gale tried to say while he nodded.

"Gale... why did you ate that thing without ever knowing what is was?" Cynder asked.

"He said thad id was dedicious" Gale pointed at Ramirez. "And he was righd! It was dedicious!" he said with a smile.

"You better start thinking before your curiosity get over you" Cynder scolded.

"Well... at least he has a good taste" Ramirez proclaimed before turning to look at the empty container. "Oh man... now I have to prepare it again"

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

Author's notes:

First... the temple. I always wanted the dragons to live in the temple, yet I did not put in before. That is why; I made them move in into the old temple they used long ago. With a little bit of cleaning and some repairs... it will look as new.

Also, it appears that someone is starting to notice Incendio's concern fro Doctor Kelly.

The burial. I put it in so I could show how many humans died with the deadly disease. Also, I tried to show several religions (being Christian, Jewish and Muslim) and a show of respect for their death. I put several religions because I want to enforce that this is a multi nation expedition. And it represents humanity working together. I hope I did not offend anyone with the simple or inaccurate or in any form with the burials and religion. If I did, then I apologize since it was not my intention and declare myself ignorant on other religions beside mine.

Also I wanted to have some human-dragon interaction. With the always grumpy Jackson yelling and cursing at his troops, the honorable Parker and the loose cannon that is Ramirez... I hope I did well.

Anyway, hope you enjoyed it and leave a review.