FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Walking on the right side of the red dragon Spyro couldn't believe everything that had happened so far today. Actually, he couldn't believe what happened the last couple days.

Growing up he thought he was a dragonfly like his parents and brother Sparx; even though he looked very different and was much bigger then any dragonfly he met, or as Sparx would say 'a fat purple dragonfly'. He didn't care that he was different, they still raised him and they accepted him as there son and brother respectively.

As they walked he thought about what happened to turn his world upside down. -----------------------------------Flashback------------------------------------------

It was another day in the Swamp. Sparx and Spyro were playing hide and seek tag in a nearby clearing near their home. Spyro was it and was standing on his hind legs against a mushroom tree with his forearms covering his eyes.

"8...9...10! Here I come!" he yells hoping down unto all fours looking for his brother. He looks at a nearby bunch of mushrooms and goes over to have a look. He knows his brother isn't there because he doesn't see the yellow glow his brother gives off, but he just wants to amuse his brother since it's all in good fun.

'Thoroughly' looking through the mushrooms he thought he heard some bushes move in another corner. He walks over and sticks his face inside, not seeing his brother any where. He takes a sniff and could smell his scent though. "He was just here" he thinks to himself.

Pulling his head out he starts walking toward the tree looking around the clearing to see where his brother could hide. He's thinking and has a pretty good idea where he is.

Walking around the tree in circles he starts to hum and says "Now where did the he goooo..." he says. As soon he says it he looks straight up into the tree.

"Ah-ha! I see you my glowing little friend" he says to Sparx as he's hiding underneath part of the mushroom.

"Seeing and catching are different things, big boy" Sparx retorts back picking on his brother about his size. He flies off up a sloping path in the back of the clearing.

Chuckling, Spyro yells after him "Yeah, you better run!"

Spyro runs after him, jumping over a gap in the path. As he gets closer to his brother, the quick little bug flies off across a chasm.

"Awwwwe, what's the matter little Spyro can't fly?" he taunts his brother knowing very well he can't. "Oh right you walk everywhere. Mmmm, that's too bad." "You're toast when I catch" he playfully threats back. He looks off to the left and sees a wall on the side of the chasm. Roots are growing down the side of it all the way across to where Sparx is.

These aren't normal tree roots though. They're Bending Roots as Spyro likes to call them. The ends stick at a right angle and as soon as you put weight on them, they bend down. A few seconds after the weight is off, they bend back up.

Spyro knows he'll have to be quick. He looks over the edge and notices the 'chasm' isn't deep, just a few feet; he could easily get back onto his side if he falls by jumping back up onto some ledges, but looking at Sparx's end there are no ledges to jump onto.

Backing up a little, he rushes across the roots and makes it across, hearing the roots behind him bend down with the few seconds he was on them.

He looks around for his brother who had flown just a few feet ahead seeing his brother come charging across to get him. Spyro notices him and is just about to fly away again something wet and sticky grabs him. Suddenly everything goes dark. Seeing how this wasn't the first time this has happened Sparx knew where he was.

What had just eaten Sparx was a Frogweed. Plants scattered all over the Swamp that feed on small bugs up to medium sized creatures. They come in different colors, this one being green. Most of their body buries itself below ground, only showing the upper part of its body, its giant mouth.

Whenever an unwary prey comes by, it hops up out of the ground and shoots it's stretchable tongue like a frog. It has two thick extensions like spider legs on each side of it's body right below its head; at the end of each is a straight claw. It'll rap them around it's bigger prey while it slowly stretches its mouth to slowly engulf it. Certain ones can have poisonous claws, thankfully green ones don't. And just as their name says they rib-bit like frogs too.

"Alright let me out of here you overgrown fungus!" he yells at the Frogweed that ate him just a moment ago. Hearing something walking outside he yells louder "Seriously Spyro, lend me hand here, will ya brother?"

"Geez, Sparx I don't know. Frogweed's gotta eat too" Spyro says back at the plant. He snickered a little inside when he saw Sparx getting eaten earlier. "What ya get for being cocky" Spyro thinks to himself.

Being inside this thing was really getting disgusting. He thought it would soon start digesting him. With a little concern in his voice Sparx replies "Spyro whack it! Do something. I'm your buddy and my wings are getting moldy."

Shaking his head Spyro heads toward the Frogweed. He knows Sparx has had enough and should get him out before he does start getting digested.

As he gets closer the Frogweed hops closer seeing another tasty meal. Although not really knowing this one fights back...hard.

Spyro, punches it in the stomach a few times and when it doesn't cough up Sparx he leans his head back and head butts it in the stomach as hard he can.

With a gurgling sound being heard and few coughs the Frogweed spits out Sprax. Hopping away from anymore pain it goes away and buries itself back into the ground, waiting for something less feisty to come by.

"Ughhh...now I smell as bad as you do." says sarcastically at his brother getting up off the ground. "And that's pretty bad. See ya later sucker!" He dashes off to get their game back in motion.

"So much for gratitude" Spyro says to himself. Though he's not really surprised, that's just how his brother always his. "_Be nice if he'd at least say thanks, though_t." Spyro sighed knowing it was pointless and went after his brother again.

Some old, fragile roots were blocking his way, but with a quick charge at them with his horns they came splintering down around him. Though he didn't expect a group of Frogweeds to pop up on the other side.

He was used to dealing with them and in a matter of seconds of hitting them with a few punches they either left him alone or were lying on the ground unconscious.

Spyro followed the path and saw Sparx heading toward..."Not Dead Snake Cave!" he says fearfully to himself as he saw the giant bones of some long dead creature.

"Hey that's cheating! We're not supposed to go in there!" Spyro yelled at his brother, trying to remind him of what their parents told him.

Not really caring and always doing things he's told not to do, Sparx did as he pleased when it was just him and his brother. And this was another one of those times; plus he found it to be more fun.

There were some big teeth blocking the way, but looking at them closer showed many cracks. They seemed as brittle as the roots early. Spyro jumped up and swung his tail around, hitting the teeth which broke just as easily.

Spyro didn't know any real fighting moves, but practicing on the Frogweeds and other creatures to help his brother gave him a few basics moves. He learned also that swinging his tail hard enough while in the air would make it hit pretty hard, but also spin him around. With practice he got better at it over the years.

Hopping up into the mouth he goes inside, whispering aloud "Where has that little gnat gone know?"

He stands on his hind legs hearing an echo from up ahead, "Has anyone seen a giant purple thing? I seemed to have lost mine."

"There you are" he thinks. He starts heading farther in, but his feet are soon wet. The whole cave floor is filled with water up to the bottom of his stomach. Knowing he won't be able to sneak up on his brother he runs forward. He notices above his head what looks to be a spine from the dead creature and passes big curving bones periodically along the walls. "Now I see why they call it Dead Snake Cave" he realizes as he thinks about the head and the bones he sees now.

Apart from a few more green Frogweeds, Spyro keeps after his brother. Eventually seeing light that wasn't his brother they come out of the cave. "Turning around while still flying to face Spyro, he says unexcitedly "You know this is getting a little boring..."

"Suddenly something jumps down out of the bushes "AHHH AH AHHH!" yells a furry creature. It snatches Sparx into a tiny cage and jumps away toward some other similar looking creatures on a higher rise.

"Sparx!" yells Spyro seeing his brother being taken away.

They were apes. His parents had told them about them, so that if he ever saw or heard one to run away from them. They weren't friendly creatures.

Spyro ran to the middle of a small clearing below the rise where three of them were looking at him. The one that had taken Sparx was in the center of the group. They looked a little bit bigger then Spyro.

"I thought youz guys were gone." Says the bugsnapper, pointing at Spyro.

"Miserable coward let me go" Sparx tries to yell threateningly at the ape who was still holding him.

Ignoring the insolent bug, the ape starts laughing "Don't let him get away!" he says still looking at the drake below him.

The two beside him jump down, ready to fight the dragon.

Spyro had sat down on his rump and had closed his eyes knowing he'll have to fight. He didn't like to fight, but knew there wasn't any other way. Standing back up, he gets ready.

None of the apes had any weapons on them, so he could tell this was going to be a claws and fist fight.

The duo started circling the dragon, but before they even got halfway Spyro charges at the one on the right. His head lowered, he hits the ape with is horn, sending it rolling back toward a wall.

Before he can turn around the other ape hits him in his side. Grunting Spyro smacks him with his tail. Turning around he tries to slash him with his claws, but the ape had already jumped away.

Giving chase Spyro tries charging this one, but the ape easily side steps and kicks Spyro as he runs by.

Spyro loses his balance and falls face first into the dirt. Quickly getting up he turns around to face the apes. Both were in front of him, waiting to see who would make the first move.

Growling again, Spyro jumps at the one who just kicked him. The ape lands on his back with Spyro scratching as fast he can at the ape who is trying to hold up an arm to try and protect its face.

The other seeing his friend in danger charges and pushes Spyro off.

Spyro falls onto his back, but quickly rolls to the side where a fist lands where he was a moment ago.

Getting back up, he leaps instantly at the one who pushed him, this time biting its arm. While biting he starts to scratch the apes back and stomach with his claws. He didn't want to kill the ape, but just get it to run away.

The ape was persistent though and was punching Spyro in the head, which made him bite even harder. Soon a large snap was heard, like a twig breaking loudly.

Spyro let go knowing he broke its arm. Turning around he is punched in the face hard by the other ape. He was pissed that the dragon had just hurt his friend.

Spyro recovered and shook his head. The ape tried swinging again, but Spyro ducked and then bit his arm too. He figured if it worked before it would again.

Putting pressure into the bite, he hoped to break the arm, but a good punch to his snout made him let go. Blood started to flow freely from it.

Wiping his nose and seeing the blood, Spyro became more angry and growled even louder at the ape. He charged and when we hit the ape, he kept running with him on his horns until he hit the wall.

The ape's head bounced back hard against the stone wall knocking him out.

Suddenly two more apes jumped out of the bushes.

Spyro was already panting from the previous fight and knew he wouldn't be able to keep this up. He just didn't have the endurance.

Though his brother's life was on the line, he gritted his teeth charged at the one on the right. He sent him flying high and far into the air. The ape came down with a grunt and had the wind knocked out if him.

The other tried to tackle Spyro, but Spyro jumped back just in time. He ran over and slashed his claws deep across the apes back.

Letting out a loud hiss, the ape back hands Spyro, but he wasn't done yet. He wrapped his tail around Spyro's leg and pulled, tripping him.

He then started hitting Spyro everywhere. His chest, stomach, and head.

Having enough of the abuse, Spyro head butted the ape. Rolling over groaning really bad headache was forming.

The ape he sent flying early was coming back, but Spyro jumped at him with closed eyes and bit down hard. The ape screamed underneath him. Spyro started scratching at him until he suddenly stopped moving under him.

Letting go of the bite Spyro was thrown off again, but got back on his feet.

He spit out some fur and blood that was still in his mouth.

The ape he scratched tried punching him again, but Spyro leaned out of reach and then suddenly jumped and whipped his tail around harder then ever. The ape spun completely around and fell over, moaning.

The ape on the ledge was still holding Sparx's cage, getting angry that the others couldn't handle a pathetic little dragon.

"Let me outta here and fight me like a... thing... whatever you are." He couldn't remember what his parents had told him what these things were. He wasn't paying attention at the time. "You pathetic wretch."

The ape jumped down ready to fight the dragon, but first he had an annoying bug to deal with."Nnnnnya, I've had about enough of you!" He raised his foot ready to squish the bug.

Seeing his brother in danger, Spyro became scared and then really angry. "Sparx look out! Nooo-aaagghhhh!" he yelled when suddenly WHOOOOSH, out comes flames from Spyro's mouth. Burning the apes foot and fur.

"Wha...was that fire dude?" Sparx said hardly believing what he saw come out of his brother mouth.

After hopping around until his foot stop hurting, he shouts in anger at the remaining apes "Take care of them, I gotta report to Cynder!" and with that he jumps up above the walls and runs off.

Eight more apes jumped down into the clearing, but Spyro saw something in there body movements and eyes. Fear.

He ran toward where his brother was and faced the apes. He started focusing on the feeling he had a moment ago and breathed fire at the closest apes.

Not wanting to get burned or worst, roasted alive, five of the apes fled. The others remained behind, bravely thinking they could beat the dragon.

They realized how wrong the were when instantly, Spyro jumped in front of each and breathed a quick breath of fire into their faces, burning their fur and faces badly. They all ran away screaming after that.

After all the apes left Spyro went over to his brother, still stuck in the cage.

"Get me outta here Spyro, I think my wings are singed..." Sparx says accusingly.

Spyro smacks the cage with his fist, crushing some parts of the wooden bars. He grabs the bottom and top and pulls the top off releasing his brother. "You okay?" he asks Sparx seeing him fly around a bit.

"You almost torched me dude" Sparx replies, with a little anger in his voice. "Wait..." the whole scope of what Spyro did hit him.

"I'm sorry Sparx. I just get scared and thought you were going to get hurt. I didn't know that was going to happen." Spyro says rubbing the back of his head.

Sparx sighs "It's ok, I know you didn't mean it. But let's head back and tell the folks!" suddenly getting all excited. "They're going to freak when they hear this."

"Yeah, you're right. Let's head home." Spyro agreed with his brother, but he also knew his parents were probably already freaking out with how long they've been.

As they were about to head out something caught Spyro's eye. He looked back and noticed one of the apes from earlier was still on the ground...motionless. "That's weird. Why hasn't he left?" Spyro thought curiously.

Noticing his brother wasn't following him, Sparx turned around. "Uhhh...Spyro what are doing?" he said with fear creeping into his voice as he noticed where his brother was going.

Being alert just in case the ape tries to suddenly get up and lash out, Spyro edges closer toward the body. As he gets closer he starts to feel that something is not right. He steps in something wet.

Looking down he notices the blood...a lot of it. It was like a puddle around the apes body. Looking back up Spyro understands what was bothering him. The ape's chest wasn't moving at all, it wasn't breathing.

Going around the blood to other side of body, Spyro almost gags at what he sees. The apes throat had been nearly ripped out of it's neck and blood was still slowly flowing from it.

"How did this happen? I wasn't trying to kill any of them!" Spyro screams inside his head. He then remembers that this was the ape he bit blindly and started to drag his claws over. He hadn't realized at the time how much force he used and must of went deeper then he intended.

Starting to feel dizzy and sick, Spyro closed his eyes to block out the image. But it stayed there, as if glued to the back of his eyelids.

Turning around Spyro released everything that was in his stomach. After gagging and spitting when he was done Spyro started to shake uncontrollably. He was about to turn back toward the body when Sparx tugged his horn back.

Seeing his brother so upset was breaking Sparx's heart. Seeing him about to look at the thing's body he rushed down to help. "Oh no you don't! Come on Spyro look at me" flying in front of his brother's snout to get his attention. "Just follow me and don't look back. We're getting out of here."

"But what if he's-" Spyro starts to say and look back.

Pushing on his snout to turn back, Sparx says with a little more force "No, there's nothing we can do. Let's head home."

Spyro locks his eyes on Sparx and followed him out of the clearing. He never turned back, but the image and what all had happened never left.

Seeing how Spyro was following Sparx turned forward and flew beside his brother; heading toward home in silence. He tried to cheer up Spyro with how he fought and if he had been free how he would've kicked their fury butts even more.

In the end, nothing worked and with a sigh Sparx remained silent the rest of the way home.

"SPARX!!!" They heard a voice up ahead, "SPYRO!!!" it said again. It was their father Flash's voice. Their mother Nina's voice could be heard shortly after calling their names.

The brothers hurried but reluctantly toward the voices. They knew they were going to be in trouble.

"Over here!" Spyro yells to get his parent's attention. As they come across the 'chasm' there parent's come around the corner.

"Where have you been? We were worried sick about you?" frets their mother. She's a pink dragonfly with pink wings, while their father is a blue one with a band of yellow on his wrist and some more yellow going upwards to a point on his elbows and has blue wings. Male dragonflies don't usually where clothes unless for something special, but all the women do. Nina had on a green dress that covered the front of her body and tail, with some green bands around the lower parts of her arm. Spyro had once asked her this once about why only she wears clothes.

Knowing her son is still young she chuckles "It's to hide the goods" giving him a wink. Seeing Spyro's confused face she chuckles again. "It's just the way things have always been Spyro. When you get older you'll understand more." Spyro thought about it and accepted her answer. They always would say he would know more as he grew up.

Back to the matter at hand, Spyro and Sparx tell their parent's what happened and why they weren't in the clearing. Their mother gasps and their father eyes start to glare when they tell them about going into Dead Snake Cave.

"We told you about going in there" scolds their father.

"But wait dad theirs more" Sparx quickly interjects before his father could start lecturing. "So as we leave, I'm grabbed suddenly and thrown into a cage." Spyro tells his parents it was apes that they saw, making both their parents gasp and make their eyes become wide with shock.

"So they start fighting with Spyro" Sparx continues, but he also wants to make himself look good and not helpless "I could've helped when I saw them thrashing Spyro, but I saw he had it under control. So I waited for the right moment. After Spyro dealt with four of those ugly, furry creatures the guy holding me jumps down."

Spyro rolled his eyes at how his brother explained things. He always liked to make himself look good, but that's the way his brother has always been and he didn't care. He was used to it. He shared a knowing look with his father.

"When I saw how he was about to stomp on me; I was ready to blow the top off that place and kick that guy's booty, when Spyro let loose with some serious flame, dude... No joke. Flames. From the mouth." Sparx says trying to emphasize what had happened.

Their parents look at them as if they couldn't believe what they just heard.

"I was just trying to help" Spyro says embarrassingly looking at his brother.

"Some help. You nearly turned me into ashes dude" Sparx scolds his brother, still remembering how close those flames were.

Looking back their parents and not noticing their expressions, Sparx continues "Mom, dad, you shoulda seen him. He came out breathing fire... alright? I tell you, it was crazy."

Their parents look at each. They had a look of concern and then Nina nods slightly to Flash. They knew the time had come.

"You don't believe me?" Sparx says when he sees their looks "Spyro, tell 'em..."

Knowing that his parents don't always believe what Sparx says because of his exaggeration, he wasn't lying this time. "It's true dad, I swear. I got real mad, opened my mouth, and woooosh... flame city."

"It's not that Spyro. I believe you both." Flash starts, knowing it was time to explain some things. "It's just that your mother and I knew this day would come." "What day?" Spyro says confused.

"The day when we would have to tell you the truth."

"Let's head back home" Nina pipes in. "We can tell you over dinner."

So all four of them walked back to the house, Spyro confused and extremely curious about what his parents were saying. He looked at Sparx to see what he knew, but he just shrugged.

Later that night while they ate, Flash and Nina told their sons about how Spyro came into their lives.

"We were going for a stroll toward the river" Flash started. "We had left Sparx's egg with your grandmother and just wanted to enjoy a little time together. As we came up over a rise, we saw something floating down the river. We hurried and the biggest egg we had ever seen was on an outcropping inside a mushroom. We were so surprised, but knew we couldn't leave it."

"Your father stayed with it while I went back to get some help. Your egg was quite heavy Spyro." their mother giggles. "We brought you here not knowing when you would hatch, if it would at all. Later that night Sparx hatched and as if the night couldn't hold any more surprises, you did too. The first thing we saw was your tail and when we touched you, you felt so warm. I think it's what gave me the inspiration for your name." She finishes with love full in her voice.

Spyro tried to understood everything they said so far, but still couldn't believe what he was hearing. Then he realized something his father said, "Wait, you said I came down the river. Do you have any idea where I might of came from?"

With a sigh, his father answers "Yes Spyro..." They weren't a hundred percent sure what layed beyond the swamp, not many dragonflies leave and return. But old tales and rumors from the older dragonflies gave his parents some what of an idea of what might have happened.

"We think you were exiled for some reason from a distant land." Finishes their father with sadness and disgust at whoever could do such a thing to an unborn child.

Spyro knew he was different, though never questioned it all that much. He had been living a happy simple life with a loving family. "So... you mean... I'm not your real son?" He says downcast.

Seeing him so upset Nina tries to console him "You are our real son. It's just that you came from somewhere else." She knew what the old dragonflies said about those lands and decided to tell Spyro. "Far away where wars rage on and on and the innocent always seem to pay the price."

They sat their for a while, each in thought when suddenly a loud belch was heard. "Sorry" says Sparx.

Flash looks at his son, scolding him with his eyes. "Let's finish eating and then head to bed. It's late and has been a long day."

The next few days Spyro sat around thinking about what his parents had told him. Sparx would come and try to get him to play or pick on Spyro, but he would just shoo his brother away or ignore him.

Eventually he decided that he would leave home and find out about where he came from. Though every time he thought about leaving, he would end up crying. His heart felt like it would rip in two for leaving his parents. After all they had done he felt he was being ungrateful for leaving after all this time.

Nina heard and tried to comfort her crying son. Both her and Flash knew that if Spyro would leave, it would be hard on him, but they wouldn't hold him back. He was getting bigger and could take care of himself; plus he could always come home when ever he wanted.

"Spyro, it's ok. If you want to leave you can. Your father and I agreed that you should go out and see where you came from."

"Really? You guys won't be upset?" he wasn't surprised she knew what upset him. She always seemed to know what was wrong.

"We'll be sad, yes. But not angry at you. It's hard for any parent when their child leaves home for the first time. And you're getting older and we can't keep you here forever. You should be able to do what you choose."

Wiping away his tears, Spyro felt much better. Nina left him after he said he'd be alright and thought more about leaving. It didn't hurt as much anymore, but he still felt sad.

The next morning Spyro got up early and quietly, so as not to wake his brother. He went out toward the kitchen where both his parents were.

Spyro had made up his decision that he would leave in the morning. He didn't want to say anything to Sparx because he wanted him to stay, it would be safer for him. Looking at his parents he could tell that they seemed to be waiting for him. "Mom. Dad. I think I'm going to leave home to see where I came from." He had prepared himself, but still felt a sharp pain in his heart.

Both his parents smiled. "We figured you'd leave today after what happened yesterday" his father replies. "You know we support your decision." They both came around and hugged their son. Nina then went and pulled out some breakfast she had been preparing.

"Before you go, eat. You'll need your energy."

Thanking his mom, Spyro ate with his parents for what would be a long time. He cherished this moment with them. His father give him helpful tips for on his travels.

When he was done it was still early and Sparx wasn't up yet. "Good, it'll be easier that way" Spyro thought. He got up and with good byes, more hugs, and a kiss on the head from his mom, he left the only home he knew.

He hadn't gotten far when a familiar, annoyed voice came up from behind.

"So that's it, huh? Leaving Sparx behind at the old homestead?" said his upset brother stopping in front of Spyro. "Not a care in the world, don't look back."

"This is your home Sparx, but I just found out my home is out there somewhere... and I've got to find it." He said to calm down his brother. "Besides I'm not leaving you behind. I'm just leaving you where you belong."

Most of his anger was gone, but was still annoyed with his thick headed brother, Sparx replies "Well I thought I belonged with you, 'coz I'm always with you. But I guess I was wrong, huh? I'm sure I'm wrong on a lot of things. You know what? You're right, I'm wrong." Sparx flies off nearby in a huff.

"Don't worry about him, Spyro" comes Flashes voice from behind Spyro making him jump around in surprise to see his parents behind him. "You know how hotheaded he can be. You'll see him when you get back."

Spyro was still sad at what he had said and how upset he made Sparx. He lowered his head to his chest.

"Now, now, son, keep your head up, your nose clean, and use that breath of yours wisely" says his father giving some last minute advice. "All gifts come with a price."

Nina puts her hand under Spyro's mouth and pulls it up saying "Don't listen to your father's preaching. Just be yourself. It's all any of us can do."

He nod's knowing they are right. He says good bye again to his parents. He tried to approach Sparx, but he flew away. Shaking his head, he starts off again, though more sad after what happened with Sparx.

He had made some distance and it was past noon when he heard them. It was the laughs and noises of apes. His eyes dilate and he ran up the path, hoping to avoid them. The memories of the other day coming back.

He could see a clearing up ahead and headed that way. Gliding down into it, he notices the tops of more Frogweeds who hopped up hoping to get an afternoon lunch. He dealt with them easily with just a few punches and went toward a path heading up and out of the clearing.

Halfway up he notices a giant mushroom start moving. As he got closer a Shroom Spider jumps out bearing it's fang. Scared Spyro uses his flame breath without thinking. Burning it's face the spider jumps up the side of the wall into the forest.

Shroom Spiders are another hazard that lurk in the forest. They hide their legs and head below the ground, using their giant mushroom looking backs as a camouflage to catch unwary prey. They are bigger then two apes combined, but even though their bites can hurt, they are still easy to deal with. Spyro has dealt with them too, just like the Frogweeds when Sparx would get trapped in their webs. Hit them enough times and they'll go away.

Continuing on his way the path ended with a large drop back down into the clearing. Looking across he notices the path goes farther into the forest. He can't fly, but can easily make it if he glides. He takes a running start, jumps, and spreads his wings. Landing on the other side he starts walking down the path when suddenly a yellow glowing bug appears.

"Spyro, so, ah, me and the old man were chatting..." says Sparx before Spyro can say anything and continues "about this whole belonging thing, you know, came up, and we decided that best friends belong together. Even if one of them is purple and has some weight issues."

Seeing his brother back to his old self Spyro couldn't help retort back "Weight issues, huh? At least I've never been turned into a lantern." "Oh please! Lantern, shmantern. Let's see what's out there." Sparx says flying off ahead of Spyro.

Following his brother a few more Shroom Spiders appear trying to eat Sparx. With a few hits and a little fire breath Spyro deals with them quickly.

Coming around a corner is another clearing below them. He hears a clanking sound and looks to see apes coming from the far end. Three similar to the other day and one slightly bigger then them with a shield and a bone as a club. It also had several bones on its sash and what looked to be a hat."Not again! I don't want to fight these guys anymore" Spyro was still upset about killing another creature, even it was in self defense. It didn't effect him as much when he thought about the dead ape, but wanted to try to avoid them nonetheless.

Seeing as how he didn't have a choice, Spyro thought about what to do. He knew if he didn't fight they would hurt him or worse Sparx. He didn't see any other path on his way and didn't want to go back home or trampling among the giant mushrooms. He would either end up lost or attacked by spiders.

He looked down and saw the apes waiting for him to make the first move. Steeling himself he made his choice. If they wanted to fight, he would fight.

He jumped over the three smaller apes and glided toward the larger one, knowing he'd be more dangerous then the others with that club. As he got closer he brought his head back hoping to head bash him, but the saw his intent and brought the shield up.

The ape wasn't expecting the strength of the little dragon and staggered back. Spyro had hit his shield hard with his horns and wasn't dazed at all. Hearing steps running behind him he charges at the bigger ape hoping to at least knock him down. This time he hit him in the stomach and sent him tumbling backwards.

Turning around quickly Spyro breathed fire at the closest ape. Not being able to stop his momentum, the ape caught the fire full in the face and his fur caught on fire. Screaming he ran away and started to roll on the ground in pain. The other two apes stopped and took some steps back so that they didn't get hit with the fire.

Seeing them retreat Spyro charged the one on the left and hit him with his horns sending him back toward the wall of the clearing. The other ape charges and gets a few punches into Spyro's stomach and head before jumping back, sharp claws missing inches from his stomach as Spyro tried to slash him.

The big ape from earlier was coming back and was bringing his club down aiming for Spyro's head, who jumped back just in time, but still felt the disturbed air on his snout.

Getting ready to breath fire Spyro is punched by the smaller ape who he almost cut, stopping him before he could get it out. Seeing how he was outmatched, Spyro retreated back toward the end of the clearing where he came in at. Turning around he notices the big ape throwing something at him. It bounced and rolled toward him.

It was a round brown looking ball with some kind of string sticking out the top of it. It was giving off sparks and a loud hissing sound could be heard. Not liking what it was Spyro smacked it with his tail sending it back toward the big ape.

Halfway there the ball exploded with a loud bang, fire, and smoke. Spyro could feel the heat from it and knew to keep away from those things from now on.

Out of the smoke came the ape he threw against the wall earlier. Surprised he tried to dodge the ape's firsts as it tried to punch Spyro. He wasn't fast enough and got a glancing blow in the shoulder.

Angry Spyro bit the ape's arm, lifted him and threw him back down, without releasing the arm. Placing his paw on the ape to hold him down, he look his other paw and deeply scratched the ape's stomach, nearly gutting him.

Spinning around, Spyro smacked the screaming ape away toward the left with his tail.

Facing back toward where the ball had exploded, Spyro didn't see where the other two apes were. He went toward where they had been when suddenly he felt a smashing pain along his side and was sent flying.

He rolled for some distance and stopped. Trying to stand he felt extreme pain his right side. Fighting threw it he stood up and saw the smiling big ape who had just hit him with the bone club.

The last small ape was running at him, hoping to throw some more punches at the now weakened dragon.

But Spyro still had some fight left in him. As the ape swung his fist Spyro grabbed it in his paw and pulled the ape down. Not expecting the move, the ape lost its balance and fell face first into the dirt.

Spyro placed both his paws on the exposed part of the apes back and scratched down hard. He thought he felt the tips of his claws go across the bone of the ape's spine.

He left the screaming ape and turned toward the bigger one who was seething with anger. He had tried to grab another exploding ball, but was fumbling with it.

Seeing this Spyro ran up to him and breathed fire right in his face before the ape could do anything. The ape dropped the ball and ran off screaming trying to put out his burning fur like the ape earlier. Spyro saw the ball wasn't lit and left it there. He saw all the apes were either in pain or not moving.

"Woooow..." his brother said, coming next to Spyro after he saw what happened. "Dude you kicked their butt!" He exclaimed.

Spyro was slowly coming off the adrenaline high that he had gotten after the hit with the club and now could start feeling the pain it caused.

Taking one last look at the apes he started heading toward the way the apes had come from, to see if there was a way out. "Come on Sparx, let's get out of here" Spyro said to his bother motioning with his head.

As they were coming around the corner the noticed it was a narrow path blocked by a log. This one Spyro noticed wouldn't be so simple to hit and break it. As they got closer they felt the ground shaking.

"Sparx, you hear that?" Spyro asks, hoping he's just hearing things.

"Hear what? My stomach growling telling me to feed it? Yeah, I hear that." Sparx said in his sarcastic way.

Shaking his head Spyro, tries to listen. The noise and shaking were in sync. It almost sounded like...

"Something big is walking this way" Spyro said with fear.

And just to prove that point the log is smashed into splinters and a giant Growth came walking through.

Spyro used his wings to block some of the splinters, but since they weren't big some got through to his head and snout. Some got stock in the membranes of his wing and they hurt.

Looking and seeing the Growth, Spyro's eyes shrunk with fear. His parents told him about them and had seen one from far away once. They looked like walking tree roots and were extremely light grey; moss covered parts of their bodies. It carried a club which had just smashed the large tree.

Seeing Spyro it roared and came after him. Spyro turned and ran back toward the clearing, hoping to get some distance between the two; Sparx went and hid among some bushes.

Once he got a good distance away Spyro turned and thought of using his fire. As the Growth came within range Spyro breathed in and tried to breath out the fire like just a few moments ago. All that came out was a small pitiful puff of flame. Confused, Spyro just barely rolled out of the way of the club before it came crashing down where he was just a moment ago. He would've been paste if he hadn't move.

"What's going on? Why can't I breath fire?" Spyro said to himself in fear. "Did I lose it? No it's still there" He realized when he remembered the little flame that came out. He thought if he kept dodging the Growth he would try again in a few minutes.

As he dodged the club and fists Spyro started to get more tired. If he kept it up, he knew that the club was going to get him. After another dodge that let him get behind the giant creature he tried his breath once more.

When it come out though it went a few inches and died. Stronger the the pitiful flame, but no where near what he did at the apes. "It's not coming back fast enough" he realized knowing he has to come up with something else.

But before he could think of anything the Growth turned around and backhanded him. The hit sent him flying toward the wall. When his vision cleared and he looked around he noticed a brown ball in front of him.

"Wait that's it!" He realized as he remembered what the thing does. But he didn't know how to work it.

The Growth was walking toward him, but Spyro saw he had a little time yet. He remembered that the string coming out the top of it threw of sparks. Thinking about them made him realize that they were similar to ones thrown off by fire.

Taking a small breath he breathed, but nothing came out. He tried again, but nothing. Looking at the growth he saw it getting really close.

With fear he looked at the ball again. He searched the feeling he had when he first used his fire breath, took a deep breath, and breathed. To his surprise he heard the small hissing and saw sparks coming off the string.

Shadows fell over him as the Growth finally caught up to Spyro and was raising its club. Spyro jumped back on three paws while still holding the ball.

As the club hit the ground Spyro jumped on it and then used it to jump higher toward where he had seen a hollow section in the creatures chest. Placing the ball there he jumped back down and started to run like crazy away from it.

After he thought he was safe distance away he turned around to look. Time seemed to go in slow motion. As the Growth took a step toward Spyro it seemed to realize the noise and something in its chest.

Just as it was looking down and reaching toward his chest the ball exploded. Spyro closed his eyes and covered himself as pieces of the Growth went everywhere.

As he looked behind his wing he saw that all that was left of the giant monster was his legs, an arm, and the club. Everything else was splinters laying all over the clearing.

Spyro layed down for a moment to rest. Sparx came out from his hiding place and flew toward his brother.

"Spyro you alright bro?" he asks with concern.

"Yeah, just tired from all the fighting." he says exhausted. His whole body hurt from getting hit and being thrown against the wall.

"Well you know I would've helped and would've blown that thing up quicker, but... I didn't want to damage this charming face" Sparx said matter-of-factually. "You wouldn't know with the ugly snout of yours."

Chuckling Spyro shot back "Well Mr.Charming how about helping me with these splinters? They really hurt" he held up his wings.

"Fine, no rest for the weary. I gotta do everything around here" said Sparx in an annoyed and tired voice.

After they got the splinters out they went on their way. They didn't want to be there when the apes woke up or if anything else shows up. They followed the path the log had been blocking. Apart from stopping hear and there to eat some berries or get a drink of water, their walking was uneventful.

That night they slept out under some lower mushrooms. It had been an exhausting day. The next morning they ate some more berries and plants that were edible.

It was late afternoon and a clearing was just ahead when suddenly a screech that could put fear and ice into any heart came across the sky. The brothers looked at each other in terror and ran screaming.

"Breathe Sparx old boy, go to your happy place!" Sparx yelled aloud to himself.

"What in the world was that?" fearfully asks Spyro as they run.

"I have no idea bro, but I'm going this way far from it" Sparx replies pointing ahead where they both could see a cave.

As they came into the poorly lit cave, thanks to some mushrooms and fungus growing on the floor and walls, they noticed a red creature starting to rise. They stopped at it open mouthed and eyes wide.

It looked like Spyro, only bigger and red.

"And I thought you were a big one, goodness" Sparx says to Spyro.

He was looking back at them almost just as surprised. "Y-y-y...you're..." he swallows as if he were swallowing his stuttering, "you're alive..." he finally says. Suddenly his face goes sad "But it's too late...too late..." he says dropping his head lower.

"Too late for what? Who are you? Do you know me? Where do I come from? What are you? What are we? What am I?" Spyro asks the questions as fast as he can, his voice rising near the end.

With a confused look "You mean you don't know?" says the red dragon.

"Does it sound like he knows?" Sparx says sarcastically.

"You're a dragon" he replies as if it were obvious. "When you were just an egg it was my job to protect you." He stares off into the distance "It was my job... to protect all of you." He finishes sadly.

"There were others?" Spyro asks.

"Others? There were. There were four of us, Guardians that is and we had one job; ensure that all the eggs were hatched. It was the Year of the Dragon after all and our very survival depended on those eggs. But the temple...and grotto are now gone...overrun by..." he goes quiet, closing his eyes picturing that night so long ago.

Excited and wanting to know more Spyro asks more questions, "Temple? What temple? Can you take me? Can I see it? Where I came from I mean?"

The big dragon shakes his head and sounds downcast, "No,no,no,no. Who knows what forces occupy the temple now. What state it's in." He looks back at Spyro, "You don't understand after they came for you..." he goes silent again.

"They? Who is they and why did they come for me?" Spyro asks confused again.

"Because the prophecy spoke of a purple dragon, a dragon born only once every ten generations." his voice became a loud whisper as he got toward the end. He looks at Spyro intensely "Youuuu..."

"Youuuu..." Sparx says trying to imitate the old guy's voice. He points at Spyro, "Does that mean him? Wait. This guy Spyro is some special once in a purple thing?" Sparx laughs, "I think you might have mixed that one up. Wooo, that's a little...bit of a stretch. I've heard some doozies in my day, but that one takes the cake." Sparx finishes hardly believing all that he heard.

"Spyro is it? Well Spyro I assure you that I am telling you the truth. The Dark Armies attacked intent on destroying the eggs and killing the rest of us. They nearly succeeded...and then they layed siege to the other islands." The red dragon closes his eyes and then stares into space, remembering the past. "We were at war. For many years we fought all over the islands. Brutal clashes with armies of the Dark Master who was intent on preventing the prophecy from coming true. The other three Guardians and I led our small but valiant forces into battle after battle against our ruthless, mercenary foe. Then, when we were beginning to turn the tide...Cynder came."

"Cynder?" asks Spyro wanting to know who this Cynder was.

"Yes, Cynder" he says quietly. "Cynder was...is...monstrous, horrific, ferocious. A black dragon that fills the skies with terror, an unstoppable force of nature..." "Ah, yeah, you had me at ferocious" says Sparx not really wanting to hear more. "Listen, sounds like that thing that was chasing us, Spyro" he says to his brother remembering the screech from earlier.

"Yes, she still searches for me... and years ago I watched as Cynder plucked the other Guardians from the fields of battle, like so many ripe grapes from a vine." says the dragon, wondering what has happened to his friends. "Without them, our cause is lost. Only I, Ignitus, managed to escape. Not that it matters." Ignitus becomes sad again. "Cynder now rules all...and I sit here wondering what might have been. What else I might have done."

"Wow...sounds...fun. I wanna hang out with this guy" Sparx says after Ignitus had finished.

"Yeah. Why have you given up?" Spyro asks not fully understanding the situation. "I just find out that I'm this special dragon, and you tell me all is lost? That I have no home or family left? I've come way to far to give up now. I wanna see where I come from" he says with determination.

Sparx looks at his brother hearing this, "Hold up savior boy, were you not listening to this guy? He's talking about flying dragons, and war, and horrible...this is bad stuff, alright? I don't know if we're hearing the same thing" he says trying to talk sense into his brother.

"Yes Spyro, it's not as simple as that" Ignitus agreed with what Sparx said. "It's true that the prophecy spoke of a purple dragon destined to put his stamp on this age, but they didn't foretell the devestation that surounds us now." He wanted Spyro to understand what was out there.

Not wanting to give up, Spyro pressed on with his decision, "Maybe you're right, but I'm willing to try. I want to take the first step."

You're actually going to go along with this lunatic?" Sparx says to Spyro. He knew his brother was crazy at times, but this was going to far.

Giving up at seeing how determined Spyro is, Ignitus relents, "Very well then. We'll go. You deserve to see your beginning before it ends.

"Am I the only one sane here? He's telling us we're doomed, alright?" Sparx tries once more for his brother to see what he just heard. "That's when I go, ah, maybe we should go back to the forest with the flowers and the fun stuff." Though seeing as no one is listening he gives up and gets ready to go.

---------------------------------Back to the Present------------------------------

They were just about to leave when Spyro had gotten bowled over by the new dragon. He looks behind him at the new guy. His head was down and hadn't said a word so far. He seemed to be in thought.

The whole time Spyro had been thinking about the last few days the cave had started to gently slope upward. They had turned a corner earlier on that made it feel like they were going back toward where they came from, but it still kept going up.

As they walked Spyro thought a little bit about what Ignitus said. A lot of bad things were happening out in the world while he had lived a peaceful life so far. If he hadn't left, he might never have known.

He was also afraid of this Cynder. Ignitus said she was awful and Spyro wanted to help stop her from hurting more people. But one thing at a time.

Then he realized something Ignitus said. He had said that a purple dragon was born only ONCE each ten generations. If that was true who was the guy behind him? Could Ignitus had been wrong or did Spyro not hear him incorrectly. Who was the real purple dragon of this prophecy?

Thinking about it made his head hurt. He would talk to Ignitus about it later to try and understand it all.

They walked mostly in silence, Sparx was grumbling about something. Probably how bad of an idea this was and no one listened to him. Other then that no one said anything.

The other purple dragon was also lost in thought. He mostly looked at the ground the whole time, but would look up to make sure he hadn't fallen behind or about to bump into anyone.

He was thinking about what might be up ahead. He was scared and nervous thinking about if the apes were there. Sighing, he followed behind... he realized he hadn't gotten the red dragons name yet and was about to ask when light was getting closer.

His voice shrinking back inside his throat he walked out of the cave and into the light with the others.