Episode 2 - Reunions, New Rivals and Revelations
#3 of Spyro: Dragon of Destiny - Season One - Rising Destiny
The story continues... Episode Two - Reunions, New Rivals and Revelations Previously on Spyro: Dragon of Destiny - "Thank you, Reeco." Ryua said as she looked over at the red dragon with an expression of irritation. "Although, I still don't know why we even bothered to release this old fossil of a dragon from his prison. He was defeated three years ago by a mere dragon child who had no magical powers whatsoever! How pathetic!" As she said these things, the older red dragon growled angrily and dropped his head in shame. "Now now, Ryua, I know this dragon may have lost but we still need him." Reeco turns his gaze from his sister to the red dragon. "Well, Elder Red, I see that my sister was successful in returning you to your normal size." Red growls and looks at the younger dragon in disgust. "Yes, Reeco, your sister did okay." 'Although I could have done much better by myself.' He mumbled to himself as he glanced around the corridor. "Well, now that I am free, I want revenge. I think I'll return to my lab and..."
- * "Wait one minute, Reeco, I never agreed to work with you, Shadow Dragon!" Red growled angrily, spitting out the 'Shadow Dragon' remark like it was something that tasted foul and disgusting to him. "I have my own plans and they are all that matter to me at the moment." Red started to turn to walk away from Reeco and his sister. Unfortunately, he found that he couldn't move. "What the..!" Reeco laughed as he stepped close to the stunned elder dragon again. "Oh no, Red, I think it is you who don't understand!" Reeco's green eyes began to glow blood red as he roughly grabbed Red and held him with his clawed paws. When Reeco spoke again Red's eyes went wide in shock. Reeco's voice had deepened greatly and taken on a darker more sinister quality. "You owe us more than a simple 'thanks'!" Reeco's claws suddenly lengthen and dug into both of Red's shoulders. "You owe us your life!"
- * Red looked at her and then her brother and a thought came to his head that he really didn't like. Was it really so bad to be stuck in that jar? He saw Reeco smile again and came to the realization that the young dragon was indeed quite insane. 'What have I gotten myself into?' Red sighed. "I understand, Reeco. Who do you want me to contact?" 'Well, at least I'll get to take care of Spyro. I don't mind assisting Reeco with his plans if it helps me accomplish my own.'
- * Now... 'Spyro will die...!' Red thought as he went about his task of gathering all the old foes who had fought the little purple dragon and lost. As he smiled at the thought of seeing Spyro dead at his feet he began to worry. 'I want my revenge on Spyro, but is it worth the cost.' He thought as he saw Reeco and the Shadow Dragons ruling over all the dragon clans in his head. The sight made him frown. 'I think I just made a deal with the devil himself. Too late now.' He had already contacted Ripto, Grendor and the Sorceress and told them of the plan that Reeco had and they had agreed without much hesitation. Now, all he had to do was talk to Gnasty Gnorc and he would be done. "Gnasty, I need to talk to you!" Red yelled as he walked into Chasm Cavern where Gnasty now lived. Red had heard that Spyro had requested the Dragon Elders force Gnasty out of his original home: The Dragon Junkyard for the safety of all dragons, a year after Red's defeat and they had done so without question. 'Good grief,' Red thought, 'who else has that purple pest annoyed over the years? I still can't believe that the other elders would listen to anything that child has to say. Spyro, you have no idea how much I want you dead. You ruined my plans and stood in my way when no other dragon would dare too. After Gnasty had been shipped here the Dragon Junkyard had been completely cleaned up and a new school had been built for Mrs. Shoutfire. Oh god,' Red thought as he remembered the pink dragoness. 'I really don't like that female. She is bossy and never knows when to shut up. I can't believe I had to grow up with her.' Red cringed at the memories of his childhood. Sandra aka Miss Shoutfire had been one of the most tomboyish females he had ever met back then. She use to follow both Nestor and Red around on all their duties and tasks. 'Sandra never acted like a proper female. Maybe that is why she and Nestor feel in love because they both were and still are busy bodies.' Red frowned and whispered to himself, "I can't believe those two had a child together. At least I can see where Ember got half of her personality from." Red thought about the Year of the Dragon festival that had happened thirty-six years earlier. 'That was around the same time that Spyro was born. His egg took six years to hatch. I wish that little pain had been stillborn.' Red growled in anger as he entered the main hall of Chasm Cavern. The main hall was huge and had large windows that allowed light to filter in from the hot, deadly surface of this realm. In the chamber, sitting in a large silver chair was Gnasty Gnorc. He was eating and drinking and hadn't noticed that he had a visitor. Red walked up to the eating Gnorc leader and cleared his throat. Gnasty stopped eating and quickly turned to face Red. Seeing who it was made Gnasty growl. "YOU! What the hell do you want, Red? Why are you even here? Go away! I don't want to have anything more to do with you... you two timing snake!" Red's face creased in an angry frown as struggled to hold back a growl. 'How dare this low life call me a 'snake'!' "Gnasty, I don't like you much either so I'll make this quick. Do you want Spyro dead or not?" Gnasty stopped growling and gave Red a look that told him that he was interested and that he would listen. Red bared his fangs in a malicious smile. "From the look on your face I would say that is a yes." Nasty growled. "Get on with, Red! What are you proposing?" Red looked Gnasty in the eye and said, "I am not proposing anything but Reeco is! You do know who he is?" Gnasty frowned and his face paled slightly. "REECO! You are talking about the leader of the Shadow Dragon Clan aren't you?" Red nodded and Gnasty stood up and began to pace the floor back and forth with his hand on his chin. "Red, do you have any idea what kind of dragon you are dealing with?" Gnasty noticed that Red's expression changed from a smile to one of fear. "Oh, you do. I see." Gnasty sighed and shook his head. "Okay, I have thought what you propose over and I have decided that I will go along with the plan. I know I'll probably, in the end, wind up regretting my decision but what the hell. I'll take the risk besides I doubt I have a choice. Reeco is one black dragon that doesn't take no for an answer from anyone. I just hope you know what you are getting us into, Red!" Red sighed and gave Gnasty the look of a drowning man before he said, "Believe me, Gnasty, I already know what I am dealing with. We have both signed a deal with the devil and I am afraid that there is no turning back. Whatever happens we have no choice but to stay involved with this plan until the end." Gnasty folded his arms across his chest as his face creased in solemn expression that surprised Red. "I know, Red, but what I fear is that this plan maybe the end for all of us." Screen fades to black...
- * Playing the song 'Awakening' Images of Spyro giving his trademark tough guy smile appear on the screen as the camera pans away to show other scenic locations around the Dragon Worlds and Avalar. 'Sometimes destiny is not what you choose, But something that chooses you. Like a legacy from the past, Open your heart and see the future at last. Drum beats mixed with other instruments Images from the past key moments redone from the games show in the background as Spyro walks toward the camera and into a flash white light. _ 'Spyro: Dragon of Destiny... _ Echoing and Repeats _ Spyro: Dragon of Destiny _ Images of Hunter giving Spyro a high five as Sparx buzzes around them. Other images of Elora sitting on a castle balcony with a smile on her face and Bianca siting at a desk reading a spell book while drinking tea flash across the screen. Ember sits by her mother's side while Flame help Nestor by carrying books back to the shelf for him. With friends by your side, You will reach for the sky. Images of Spyro and his friends traveling through a portal and turning into a beam of light shooting straight through the magical rainbow color interior of the portal to the other side. As you face tomorrow, With your head held high to the sky. Images of Spyro, Ember and Flame standing side by side on hill with Hunter and the others behind them gazing up into the rising sky as the sun rises to bring in a new day. Soar into the future now. No turning back no more. The future begins right here and now. Image of Spyro blasting a door down with fire breath to free prisoners as Nasty and Ripto send their troops to attack. Spyro jumps into the air as his friends unleash their attacks on the troops and send them retreating back to their leaders. With a warrior's endless courage, And Hero's heart you will find your destiny. Images of Spyro and Ember sitting on a cliff watching a sunset. Ember reaches over and kisses Spyro on the cheek. Elora shows up with a frown and the two girls get into a shoving match with each other as Spyro just groans. _ Are you ready now... _ (Echoes) Images of Reeco and Ryua sitting in darkness and glaring at magical viewing window as the camera pans around to behind the viewing window as Reeco destroys it with a blast of dark energy. Face your destiny. Awaken the hero, The hero deep within. Images of Reeco and Ryua gazing down from the black citadel at Spyro and his friends as they fight their way up to them. _ Face your destiny, Spyro. _ Spyro echoes twice before the the final verse repeats one last time Final image of Spyro and and Reeco racing toward each other and starting to glow as they approach each other. Spyro glows gold while Reeco glows black. Soon they collide and a huge flash of white light flashes as the camera image blacks out to be replace with a white robe wearing Spyro that looks at the camera with flashing gold eyes. Spyro: Dragon of Destiny...
- * Artisan City, on route to Dragon Elder Nestor's Residence Unaware of the coming and going visitor from another realm, Spyro and his friends walked through the once Artisan Village. Spyro and Ember walked quietly side by side while Flame, on the other hand, continued to walk behind them with a sour expression on his face. In truth, he was still a little upset at the earlier conversation between him and Ember. 'She loves Spyro but only likes me!' He thought to himself as he growled quietly to himself. Unfortunately, Spyro and Ember heard his growl and turn around to see what was wrong with him. "Flame, are you okay, pal." Spyro asked as he patted his friend on the shoulder. Flame looked at Spyro and sighed before looking over at Ember. She sighed and gently touched Spyro's shoulder getting his attention. "Actually, I think..." Ember started to say but Flame interrupted her. "I am fine, Spyro, I was just wondering how long it was going to take to get to Nestor's home." Flame asked as he faked a yawn. "I am getting tired of walking." Spyro glanced between Flame and Ember and noticed that their expressions were not happy. 'Okay, what is wrong with this picture?' Spyro thought to himself before he heard an old friend shouting his name from the distance. "Huh..." Spyro said before being bowled over by a yellow vest wearing mole. Ember and Flame recognized the mole as the professor's nephew, Blink and laughed. Spyro grinned sheepishly and lifted Blink off of him with both arms as he sat up. "Nice to see you again too, Blink. Now, if you don't mind... give me a hand." Spyro reached his left paw up to Blink and Blink grabbed it with his right paw and pulled. When realized that one paw wasn't going to be enough he used both paws and pulled harder. "Oh, I am sorry about that." Blink said as he continued to pull and pull and pull some more without moving the purple dragon an inch. "Man, you have really grown since the last time I seen you." "No problem, Blink." Spyro said with a smile as he patiently watched as his friend continue to try and pull him to his feet. "Having trouble, buddy?" Blink frowned at him and turned to Ember and Flame and gestured over to them. "Hey, could you two give me a hand with this. I never realize how heavy Spyro was until now. I am so glad I landed on him and not the other way around otherwise I wouldn't be able to ever walk again." Ember and Flame came over and took over while Blink stood off to the the side to catch his breath. Once Spyro was back on his feet he walked over to his panting friend and shook his paw. "Sorry about that. I was just playing with you, Blink. How have you been doing?" Spyro asked as he looked Blink over and smiled. 'You have buffed up a little, Blink.' Spyro thought as he gave his mole friend another quick glance. Blink had indeed grown a little more muscular over the last three years. The growth had made Blink change his clothes to more loose fitting ones then the form fitting ones he had when they had first met. "Fine. I have been doing fine, pal. I am sorry I nearly ran over you, but I was just so excited to see you. Spyro, it is so good to see you again." Blink said as he finished his examination of his old dragon buddy. "You are looking well. How was your vacation? My uncle has something he needs to tell you and I think..." "Whoa... whoa, slow down, Blink. I will go see your uncle as soon as I can. But right now me and my friends are going to head to Nestor's home to relax, eat dinner and get caught up. You are welcome to come along if you like." "Yeah, you are welcome," Flame said with a smile. "Just hurry up because I am tired and hungry." Spyro and Blink looked at each other and grinned while Ember sighed and shook her head. "I see he hasn't changed much in three years. Still the same impatient dragon he was three years ago." Blink said. Flame's eyes opened wide as he glared at Blink and then sighed. "I am not at all impatient. I just hate traveling at this time of the day..." He glanced up at the sky and noticed that sun was slowly starting to go down. "Well, night... It will be night soon." Spyro laughed as he and Blink continued walking toward their destination. "Okay, Flame, just be patient. We'll be there soon enough." He suddenly stopped briefly and bent his head over. As he did he closed his eyes and gently rubbed his head with his left paw. "Spyro, what's wrong?" Blink asked as he looked at his friend. Spyro didn't respond but he did fall to his knees scaring his friends. Ember touched his shoulder gently and he opened his eyes to look up at her. "Spyro, are you alright?" He nodded and tried to smile, but then he growled low and gritted his teeth as he again held his head as the same strange pain hit him again. 'Something is wrong with him.' Ember thought to herself as she glanced over at Flame and Blink. Flame and Blink both noticed her worried glance and they silently nodded in agreement that something was indeed wrong with their friend. Spyro noticed the frowns on Blink, Flame and Ember's faces and gave them a small comforting smile. "Hey, I am okay guys. It is just a headache. I have been getting them lately but it is nothing serious. Don't worry about." Ember, Blink and Flame looked at each other but their frowns didn't go away. Spyro noticed and sighed. "Spyro, what is wrong buddy?" Flame asked as they started walking again. Spyro frowned and closed his eyes. Flame and Ember looked at him and noticed that he was doing something they had never seen him do before. He was chanting. "Spyro, what are you ...?" Ember was interrupted as Spyro started to glow white and then gold. "What's happening? Spyro..." She said as she, Flame and Blink backed away from him. As they did the golden glow vanished and Spyro opened his eyes. "I am fine, guys." Spyro said as he held up his wrists. Ember, Blink and Flame stared at them because they saw the gold arm bands that had appeared around both wrists. "Where did you get those arm bands from, Spyro?" Ember asked as she touched each of them gently with her left paw. "They feel like they aren't there but we see them. I know I haven't ever seen them before." Flame nodded in agreement as he too looked at the bands. "Ember's right, we have never seen them before. Right, Blink?" Blink nodded as Flame asked, "Where...?" Spyro held up a talon finger to his lips and smiled. "I'll tell you guys after we get to Nestor's home. I promise." He then patted each of them on the shoulder and started walking again. Ember, Blink and Flame silently nodded and followed Spyro as he lead them on to their destination.
- * Two Hours Later... "Are we there yet, Spyro?" Flame asked as he looked around at the new shops that lined the street they were walking on. "I still can believe how large this town has become in just three short years." Spyro looked over his shoulder at Flame and grinned. 'Yep, just like Blink said he is still is as impatient as ever. He he, at least Flame hasn't changed in that department.' He thought to himself. "I know what you mean. It is amazing to see this town become so large in such a short time. Oh, by the way, Flame, be patient. We'll be at Nestor's place soon and then I can tell you guys about these arm bands I got while I was on vacation with Sparx." 'Hmm, I wonder where he is anyway.' Spyro thought as his dragonfly friend came to mind. 'Oh well, I am sure he'll pop up soon.' "I hope so because I am tired of walking. Hey, Spyro, I was curious about Sparx. Where is he and..." Flame started to ask, but he was interrupted by a familiar voice that made Blink and all three dragons, especially Spyro frown and cringe a little. "Spyro is that who I think it is?" Flame asked with a slight growl of irritation present in his voice. "Yeah, Flame it is him." Spyro groaned as he rubbed his forehead with his right paw. "Dear god, I was hoping I wouldn't have to deal with him today." "I don't see him yet and that is a good thing because that means he is still looking for us. Let's get to Nestor's home as quickly as possible. What do you guys say?" Ember asked as she started walking faster. Spyro, Flame and Blink answered her question by silently nodding their heads in agreement and increased their own speed. "Spyro! Where are you? I have something I want to show you." Spyro and company frowned as they dropped to four legs and started to run as they heard the voice of their follower get even closer. It took them ten more minutes, but they soon came to the gate of Nestor's home. Standing back up on his hind legs, Spyro quickly knocked on the gate and waited... and waited... and waited. "Oh come on!" Spyro growled as he knocked on the gate harder denting the metal slightly with his strength by accident. "Nestor, please don't do this to me! Open the gate and let me and my friends in before we have to deal with..." "Oh, Spyro, there you and your friends are. Nestor told me to tell you that he was gone on Elder business and wouldn't be home for a few days. He told me to open the gate for you guys and that is what I am here to do. But first I need you to..." Spyro groaned and looked at the one person who had always been a pain in the but to him and many other dragons for years. Moneybags... The money grubbing bane of a bear that never seem to get enough money. 'Dear god, why did it have to be him. Nestor, you and I are going to have a serious little talk about Moneybags when you get back from the gathering of the old fossils.' "Hi, Moneybags! What do you need me to do?" Moneybags smiled and the smile made Spyro shiver slightly as a bad feeling began to creep up his spine. "Nothing. I am just here to unlock the gate and let you guys in." Spyro and his friends sighed in relief. 'Maybe Moneybags isn't such a bad guy after all...' Spyro thought to himself with a smile. "But first I need you guys to give me 2000 gems for going through all this trouble. Besides..., " Moneybags looks at his watch. "my shop is still open and I don't want to leave it unattended for too long. 500 gems from each of you should cover my costs..." 'Then again, this is Moneybags we're talking about after all. He would sell his own mommy up the stream for a kings ransom if it made him richer.' Spyro thought as he glared at the bear. "Listen here, Moneybags." Spyro growled as he walked up to the bear and looked him in the eye and he could now because he and his two dragon friends were now Moneybag's height thanks to the recent growth spurt each of them had had. Blink, on the other hand, wouldn't ever reach the same height as Moneybags because he was a mole. "You know that none of us have that kinda money on us at the moment. I just got back from my vacation at Dragon Shores and Ember and Flame haven't been out collecting any gems. And Blink, I know doesn't have any gems. Am I right guys?" They all nodded their heads and continued to look at the bear with a glare that would have scared anyone with common sense to death. 'Unfortunately, Moneybags doesn't have any common sense considering all the times he has done stupid things for some of my old enemies for money. Why the elders have put up with him for all this time after what he has done amazes me.' Spyro thought as his glare darken slightly making Moneybags back up a little. "Why are you even asking us for that kinda of money anyway?" Moneybags laughed nervously and reached into his jacket pocket pulling out the gate key to Nestor's home. He held it out to the dragon trio and when Ember tried to grab it he quickly pulled it away and waved it in front of them in a tauting manner. "Now, now, I want the money for my service. I apologize if this is making you guys upset but I am after all doing you guys a favor and unlocking Nestor's gate. I could have just stayed at my shop and attend to my business. I may have made some money off of customers but since I came here to unlock the gate for you guys I am losing money. Every minute I spend away from my shop I could be making money. I hope you young dragons understand that time is money to me. Nothing personal, how about 1,000 gems and we call it a deal. What do you say? Huh...!" "What! Are you kidding?" Flame growled. "You aren't doing us a favor you greedy, low down two timing pig. Nestor gave you the key to give to us not for you to take advantage of the situation and try to make a quick buck off of us." Ember looked Moneybags in the eye and mumbled under her breath a spell that would take care of the money-grubbing bear. Moneybags looked at Ember warily and back up when she walked closer to him. "Hey, what do you think you are do... ing?" Moneybags manged to say before his eyes closed and he fell over snoring. Spyro smiled and Flame and Blink looked at Ember as she reached down and grabbed the keys from Moneybag's left paw. She gave one last look at the sleeping bear and grinned. "That oughta shut him up for a while. I swear this guy is as annoying as they come. Asking for gems from us just to open Nestor's gate... what nerve!" Ember shook her head as she walked between Spyro and Flame and headed over to the golden gate. Flame looked down at the sleeping bear and then glanced over to Ember as she slid the key into the lock and opened the gate. "Hey, Ember, what are we going to do with old greedy-bags here." Flame looked up at the sky and noticed that the sun was setting. "Night is coming and..." "Flame is right, Ember," Blink says as he glances up at the sky too and notices that storm clouds seem to be gathering. "I don't like Moneybags anymore then you do but do you think it is right to leave him out here to possibly get rained on." "Hey, a little water never hurt anyone?" Ember said as she walked back over to her friends. "Besides I say we leave him here to sleep off my spell. If he gets wet, robbed and loses money its no big deal to me because he brought it on himself with his greedy ways. All he had to do was give us this key without asking us to pay him for it. I say we give the key back to him and go inside and lock the gate behind us." Spyro and Flame both laughed while Blink just sighed at the suggestion as they watched Moneybags continue sleeping. Ember handed Spyro the key and he walked back over to Moneybags. Bending down on one knee Spyro put the key back in the bears jacket pocket. "Heh, you are in for a real surprise when you wake up, Greedybags. Okay, guys, let's go inside, relax and find something to eat. I am sure Nestor left food for us." Spryo said as he, Blink and the other two dragons entered Nestor's home and shut the gate behind them locking it tight.
- * Nestor's Home - Main Hall As soon as they entered Nestor's large home a familiar face greeted them. In fact, three familiar faces. Spyro's mouth fell open as Hunter, Bianca and Elora appeared in front of them. Spyro and his companions walked over to them. "Hey, buddy, I bet you missed us! Right?" Hunter said as he placed his left paw on Spyro's right shoulder. "Well, say something." Spyro closed his mouth and cleared his throat. "Okay, I'll say something, Hunter. I want to know how did you guys get in here? The gate was locked and Moneybags had the key." Before Hunter could answer Bianca smiled. "He did?" She said as she rubbed her furry chin. "Hmm, we didn't know that because we used the other door to get in here." Flame gave her a strange look. "What other door?" Ember frowned and smacked her head with her left paw as she remembered. Flame looked at Ember with a look of concern on his face. "What's wrong, Ember? Are you okay?" "I am fine, Flame. I just remember the what the 'OTHER' door Bianca is talking about." "Well, don't leave us in suspense, Ember, tell us!" Blink said. "What is this other door?" "It is a portal door. My mother told me about it many times and have seen her and Nestor use it often. I can't believe I forgot about until now." Ember said as Elora quickly stepped forward and gave Spyro a deep muzzle kiss that shocked everyone. Ember's eyes widen and then narrowed in anger as she started taking deep breaths. "What the hell!" She growled as she noticed that Elora had turned her eyes to her as she continued to kiss Spyro. The smug look in her eyes made Ember's face turn darker pink with anger. Breaking the kiss first, Elora stepped back from Spyro and smiled at Ember. "Ahh, what's wrong, powderpuff? Didn't like seeing how a real female kisses the one she loves. Maybe you need lessons!" As soon as those words left Elora's mouth, Ember's temper exploded and she dived at Elora intending to do the faun serious bodily harm. Unfortunately, for her, Spyro stepped in the way. Seeing that she was about to hit her love instead of her intended target she quickly altered her heading and slammed into the rock wall on the left. "Ouch, that hurt!" Ember screamed as she got back on her feet. "Spyro, step aside and let me take care of her." Spyro remained where he was and that made Ember laugh as her started to glow. "Okay, I'll just go around you. Hey, Elora, this one is for you, you thieving wench!" Ember launched her magical ice attack from her paws and it was met by wall of flames that came from... SPYRO A very angry Spyro who was glowing white slightly. "STOP IT NOW, EMBER!" A golden eyed Spyro roared making Ember cancel her attack in shock at her friend's sudden change in mood. Spyro canceled his own attack and turned his body to look at Elora who was holding onto him from behind. "Let go of me, Elora." He said gently as she looked him in the eye. "Please.." Elora looked more closely at Spyro and noticed flames of anger that burned in his now golden eyes. 'Gold eyes, what the... How? Spyro, what happend to you?' She thought as she continued to hold onto him. "Spyro, I... She started it. I was only trying to show her that you was already taken." Ember growled. "How dare you claim I start this fight, liar! You are the one who started this with your own actions and I will gladly put an end to..." "ENOUGH!" Spyro yelled. "Shut up both of you!" Both females looked at there friend in shock because they had never seen this side of him before. Spyro shook Elora off him and started to walk away from them holding his head. "I have headache and you and Ember, Elora aren't helping it get any better. I am not going to standby and let one of my old friends fight with my new friends." "But, Spyro, I thought we were more then friends. I thought..." Elora said but Spyro held up his paw making her stop. "That's enough, Elora. I am glad to see all of you, but I am in no mood for this bickering and fighting over who gets to have me. I am not property that you or anyone has a right to possess or own. Get that through your heads. Now, if anyone needs me I'll be in the kitchen fixing dinner." Spyro said as he turned his back to the two females and walked away. Everyone just looked at each other in silence for while. "Okay, I have seen Spyro get angry before, but this is totally different." Hunter said with a worried expression on his face. "What's wrong with him?" Everyone else just looked at the cheetah and dropped their heads because they had no answer to give him. TO BE CONTINUED...