"See you, Matthew."

HatR Ch: 11

You sighed giving a stretch, attempting to alleviate the tension from sitting in the wooden chair. Your back gave a little, satisfying pop. It seemed as though you had spent more time in this library than any other library in your life. You could almost feel your butt print indented in the chair. The past few hours you and Ripto had been using your scrawled notes to translate the encrypted messages hidden within the illuminations of the history books.

Some of the words you recognized from the childrens book you had found, however there were other more complicated ones. You had hoped with time you’d be able to decipher them and expand your cobbled together dictionary. “Who’d have thought that the answer was right here!” Ripto took the paper you had just filled with scribbled translations and set it on the slowly growing pile, he’d been arranging them for you as you completed them. “That’s usually how it goes with stuff like this. It’s in the last place you expected it to be.” You mumbled, hunched over your paper, scratching away with your pencil. Ripto simply grumbled in response. Ripto propped himself on his hands and watched you across the table as you worked. You were surprised he hadn’t gotten bored by now. He was probably tired from his day long search. By now you were so invested in helping Ripto that even you were looking forward to finding something that would give him an advantage against Spyro and the other dragons.

Ripto gave a loud yawn and fanned at his mouth politely. “Found anything yet darling?” He lazily watched you scrawl out more translations. “Nothing yet honey cakes.” You smiled down at your work. So far you’d only managed to find a few household items and animals as well as familial words. You finished writing down the word for “dog” when you noticed Ripto fixing you with an incredulous look. “Honey cakes?” His voice raised a few octaves as he tried to hide a smile. Snickering to yourself you hid back in your work. “Can I call you honey cakes?” Ripto rubbed his forefinger and thumb together as he thought it over. “I mean…I guess? Why not something like, “My Lord” or- Oh oh! What about “My King? You’ve called me that before and I quite like that.” You looked up and gave a mock pout in thought. “But I want something softer. Sweeter? Hrmm….King honey cakes…” You mused. “Abso-LUTELY not!” He looked positively insulted. “Fine, fine.” You said somewhat dissapointed. “What about…Sugar bum?” You offered. “Sugar-NO! Not that either! Just…Maybe just call me Ripto.” Bewilderment and disbelief crossed his face as you cackled into your paper, shoulders shaking. Once your giggle fit died down and silence took purchase of the room once more you decided to offer another nickname. “What about…Pudding?” Ripto shook his head. “You know what?” He held his hands up and closed his eyes in a sort of grimace,  as if to push away your potential further attempts. “Maybe just forget it. Ripto is fine.”   A little saddened you nodded and accepted that nicknames might be a hard thing with someone who was so particular. Maybe in the future you’d come up with something… Soon enough you had finished your list of translated words and piecing them together you found what appeared to be the instructions for some sort of portal. Glancing it over, Ripto tore it from your hands. You clenched your hands, stiff from writing. For a moment, you thought the ring thrummed painfully, but it was probably just from gripping the pen for so long. Ripto let out an intrigued noise, drawing you away from your overworked hands. “Is that?” He squinted at it and gave it a closer look. Some of the words you had transcribed seemed to say something about a secret door that required a few specific items to unlock it.

You didn’t think anything of it as you wrote it down but the moment Ripto mentioned it, it clicked. “It that a portal to the dragon realms? ____! You’ve done it! Ha ha!” He snatched up your papers and leapt off his chair. It slowly dawned on you what you had just accomplished. You had, through a simple kids book, broke through the dragons well kept secret.

“ Why bother going back to Avalar to get revenge on that dragon when I can just go directly to his home world?” Ripto broke off into a fit of what you could only describe as maniacal laughter. His laugh was so contagious, you couldn’t help yourself and giggled along with him. He seemed pleased by that.

Ripto circled round the table and approached you, grabbing on either side of your face with his empty hand and the one holding the papers and planted a grateful, loud smooch on your mouth. “ Thanks to you I’ll be able to take all the dragons out at once! Hahahha! What idiots. They thought they hid themselves but we’ve found them. We’ve found them! And we’ll erase them all from existence!” While Ripto was enthralled with his new found plans, you held a bit of skepticism. The methods to reach the dragons worlds were a little bit more difficult than simply turning a dial and changing a portal like your previous experiences. The spell seemed very involved and convoluted. It required a few specific items that you weren’t sure were in this world or even easily obtainable. Ripto didn’t seem to mind- In fact the whole plan seemed to have already been set into place in his mind. You weren’t sure where he’d get the required spell materials but knowing Ripto he’d not settle til they were his. You were about to ask him where to start with finding the items when a loud knock interrupted the two of you. Ripto grumbled and dropped his arms to his sides. He rolled his eyes to the ceiling, clearly disgruntled. “Oh what now?” He didn’t want to lose the buzz of his new found excitement. You rose and stretched your legs, starting towards the door. You reached out and turned the knob, allowing one of the servants to lean in and glance between you and Ripto. “Sorry to trouble you, your highness’s, But uh…There appears to be something wrong with one of the portals. The one you disappeared through my lord.”

Ripto cocked his head slightly. “How so?” The servant fidgeted and looked down at the floor then to you for some reassurance of safety. You gave him a nod to encourage his story when a searing pain throbbed in your hand. “Ahhh!” You grasped your wrist and your knees buckled. “____! What’s wrong!” Ripto immediately darted to your side and placed a concerned hand on your back. “What happened? Tell me!” He pleaded. His usual irritated demeanour faded to one of utmost worry and concern. You unfortunately couldn’t respond. The ring felt like it was about to snap your finger off. You clawed at it, teary eyed, gritting your teeth. Ripto’s brows knitted close together and a protective look stole his face. He reached down to your hand, trying to help you remove the ring, unconcerned for the consequences of removing it, allowing for your absorbing abilities. He wanted for your relief. You couldn’t see it, but the servant who had come in looked to the window. “There my lord. The portal, do you see?” Ripto wasn’t particularly concerned with what the servant was saying, his focus was on you at the moment. However he allowed himself a glimpse upwards and saw what the servant was trying to bring to his attention. “What in the world?” He gasped. You couldn’t focus enough to look up, but you saw a bright light cast itself strongly across the window, splaying the window grilles shadows across the floor and your hand. With each pulse of light your ring tightened harder. Wincing under the pressure, you lifted your head to look up. Outside, the portal that you had arrived through was emanating an odd glow, much different than the ones you were used to seeing from portals. “What is happening out there?” Ripto demanded, turning angrily to the servant, with one hand still placed on the small of your back. The servant simply shrugged and shook his head in confusion. After a moment the portal died down and so did the pain in your finger. You breathed a sigh of relief and wiped a few pained tears from your eyes, beads of sweat dripping from your forehead. Raising your head, your eyes met Ripto’s. You gave him a reassuring nod then took a better look outside at the now still portal. “What was all that ____? Are you going to be alright?” You shook your head in an unsure daze. “I…I don’t know. I didn’t think anything of it, but perhaps it’s best I tell you. The ring you gave me. Every now and then it aches really badly. It’s like it presses in on my finger. Like it’s going to cut it off.”

Ripto reached down and gripped your hand, holding it up gently in front of his face to inspect it. “How long has this been happening?” He asked, turning your hand this way and that. He slid the ring off just slightly, revealing a red indent on the place it was looping your finger. “A little while now. I didn’t think much of it but perhaps it’s more serious than I realized.” Ripto scoffed and met your eyes. “___, I told you no more secrets!” “I know, I know…” You hung your head a little sheepishly. “ I just didn’t want to bother you.” You admitted. Ripto shook his head in frustration. “It’s not a bother if it’s you.” He said in a soft voice, tilting your head upwards with his finger. You couldn’t help but reach out to him and caress his face. He lifted his other hand up and curled it around the one you had on his cheek. “ Ripto…” You breathed softly. The love he had for you was so touching and surreal. You hadn’t been together that long but he cared so deeply for you. It was incredible to feel such love from someone. You’d couldn’t remember feeling so endeared to another before. His love for you was incredible and you always felt so unworthy. But you still wanted it- needed it. And for Ripto… Having been without someone for so long, only to suddenly have a life partner… One who cared for him so deeply. He must have wanted to make up for all the lost time. The years he spent alone he wanted to make up for them with you. Your love must have meant something awfully special to him. Clearing his throat the servant broke the moment between the two of you. “Sorry to interrupt but the portal…” He pointed outside to where it now lie quiet. Ripto looked from you to the servant and nodded. “Right. Let’s go have a look.” He took hold of your hand and helped you stand straight. —————————————————————- Walking towards the portal you had a foreboding feeling fall around you. Something was calling to you and you didn’t like it. The ring-while it didn’t squeeze at your finger, pulsed slightly as you, Ripto, Gulp and Crush approached the buzzing portal. Examining it from all sides, Ripto took no notice of anything out of place. You stood and watched as he gave it a look over. Gulp nudged into you reassuringly and Crush patted your head heavily. You watched as Ripto’s short form circled the portal then neared you again,  the curls on his cape and shoes bobbing with each step, confusion marking his face. “Hrmm…” He puzzled over the lack of anything out of the ordinary. The servant who had come to inform Ripto of the goings on with the portal also stood nearby, along with a few others. “My lord, whatever it is, it seems to be similar to when we had lost you. When you were travelling and making your rounds. The portal had exhibited the same behaviour.” He bowed respectfully as he explained. Ripto eyed the servant then looked towards the ground in thought. “Hrmm…” He scratched thoughtfully at his chin with one of his clawed fingers. “___. Tell me more about your ring.” You thumbed it, trying to think of how to describe the sensation. “Well,” you began. “ When it pinches, it almost feels as though something is calling to it- an external pressure that it repels.” You hunched your shoulders, uncomfortable with the whole situation. You wished you knew more about magic and how it affected you in this world. Perhaps then you could tell Ripto more about what was happening with your ring. He mused a bit, thinking on what you had said. Mulling it over in his head, he seemed to come to a conclusion. “Something is calling to it?” He asked, trying to reaffirm your claims. You offered a simple nod in return. Giving a hollow chuckle, he walked to the stone archway of the portal and rapped at it with his knuckles. “If you can feel something calling to you, it may be your friends trying to find you. After all, you did leave them without any explanation.” Upon using the word “friends” Ripto gestured with air quotes, mocking the notion.   Once more you rubbed your thumb over the jewellery adorning your finger. “ Maybe I should have left a note or something so they wouldn’t come looking for me. I should have lied and said I went back home.” Your departure was rushed and you had been so caught up in the happenings of the past few days you hadn’t thought of the consequences of simply leaving your previous companions behind with no warning. Were they trying to come rescue you from what they thought was a poor fate? Did they think you were taken here unwillingly? Initially that was the case; now however was a different story. You had no real bounds to the realms of Avalar, though they did feel like home. Being in the magical worlds that Ripto presided over wasn’t any different. You couldn’t go back home to the Human World regardless. Besides! You were married now and had left your old world and ties behind! Voicing your thoughts, Ripto mused aloud measures against the plans of Spyro and his companions. “If they’re looking for you then someone probably saw you leave through the portal with us. Probably some prying, scummy individual like that fat bear. I’m sure he’d sell his grandmas ashes for the right price. He probably ratted us out to those fools.” He tucked his hands behind his back and paced in front of the portal as he thought aloud. “I’ll not let that little purple bastard take you away, don’t worry my pet.” He glanced to you in a reassuring way.

Crush and Gulp looked to each other. They’d not seen their master so involved in the preservation of another individual. Prior to this, he’d only fended for himself. Seeing him be so concerned for you made them feel a little envious- however, they could sympathize. You were their friend also, and they wanted for your safety. Whatever their boss decided to do, regardless of how they felt, they’d stick to it and follow his orders as best as they could. For him and for you. Wandering back to the castle, you watched as Ripto barked orders at a few guards to keep watch over the portal. “If anything changes- anything! You come straight to me and let me know.” He demanded, jutting his finger in their faces. The riptoc servants saluted and marched their way back in the opposite direction towards the stone archway. Passing through the castles front doors, you watched as Ripto glanced around, lost in thought. He wiped at his mouth nervously and began pacing across the front hall. You stood watching him, keeping your arms wrapped tightly around yourself. How you wished you could comfort him but he seemed closed off suddenly. What was he planning? Maybe he had some sort of emergency defence for this sort of thing. You found yourself wondering just what measures he had in store, when his head turned to you. Fear. You saw fear in his face. He was afraid. Once more he was trying to protect himself. He’d been so relaxed because he had left behind the threat in Avalar. Now it seemed like it was pursuing him. How long had he been fighting and protecting himself? Before you met him… Before Spyro and Avalar… How long had he been living with fear in his heart? Anxious, wary, paranoid… Alone. He glanced away just as quickly as he had looked to you. The poor thing. You gently reached out to him and took an unsteady but purposeful stride over to him. Ripto was so caught up in his worries that he jumped when you snaked your arms around him. “Ripto…easy. I…I’m here. I’ll protect you. Just like before. I won’t let Spyro hurt you.” Ripto looked up into your face over his shoulder and placed his hand on one of your arms. “____…” He breathed. “You’re not alone anymore. I’m here…You’re not alone. Not anymore. Never again.” He took in a sharp breath as he listened to your words. “I promise…” Ripto leaned into your touch, closing his eyes. You placed a reassuring kiss on his forehead, giving him a squeeze. Without warning he flipped around and wrapped his arms around you and held you tight. “I know…I know___” There in the middle of the castles hall, you held each other. Grateful that he took some comfort in you being there, you resigned yourself for battle. Spyro and the others, it seemed, were trying to rescue you and you’d have to stand against them. You thought of your wand tucked away upstairs and what potential spells you could use. Mulling over your magic, you wondered if you could even phase him. You had seen what the dragon was capable of and how durable he was. As you held onto Ripto, you wondered if you could actually bring yourself to end Spyros’ life. Ripto as well as Crush and Gulp had gone against him and were met with defeat, so what chance did you have?

You had no experience against a dragon. Save for what you had seen him do against Ripto and the boys. Regardless, you would try. You were more than willing to in order to keep your beloved safe. “Ripto, whatever is to come, I’ll fight for you. I promise. We’ll take him on together.” You whispered gently into his ear, your face pressed next to his. Under your embrace you felt him tense up. “____…” You felt him turn his head to look to you better. You peered down and saw an indiscernible look knitting his brow. “Ripto?” His eyes met yours and his voice started a few times. “…No.” His face immediately set into a serious one. “What?” You cocked an eyebrow at him. “No. You will not.” He turned around and shook his head, his eyes focused on the floor once more. In his mind a new plan was forming. “But why not? I’ve helped you before. Let me fight for you!” You let your voice reach through the hall, emphasizing your desire. “I don’t want you to have to go through this alone. You shouldn’t have to! Not anymore… Besides, it’s me hes’ after! I should fight! I want to fight!” You walked up and placed a hand on his shoulder. “This is my battle just as much as yours Ripto!” “I SAID NO!” He rounded on you, a mix of fear and anger meshing on his face. The outburst startled you and you hunched up your shoulders against his voice. Ripto realized his mistake and took a few calming breaths. “I’m…Sorry. I didn’t mean to shout. But I’m not letting you get into harms way.” Ripto took your hands in his and pressed them against his cheek. “I’ll not let that dragon near you. If he’s bringing a fight to my lands then it’s me he’s going to deal with!” “So you expect me to just sit back and watch you struggle?” You huffed.

Ripto dismissed your concern with a shake of his head. “You won’t be doing anything. Don’t worry. I’ll deal with that menace and you’ll be kept safe.” Ripto’s cape swirled behind him as his echoing steps led him back towards his throne. He motioned for one of his servants who neared him. Beckoning them closer, he leaned in and whispered something in their ear. You strained to hear but couldn’t make out anything. Once he was done issuing his instructions, he stood straight, arms folded neatly behind his back. The servant nodded and with a little glance to you, made their way down one of the hallways. Ripto watched them leave then, with a mindful of troubles, strode over to you. “What was that?” You looked after the servant but Ripto simply shook his head. “Don’t fret over it.” Ripto’s gaze lingered on you while he put something together in his mind. You wished he would tell you. It was awful being shut out like this but Ripto was better suited to fighting than you were. Perhaps, while it wasn’t what you wanted, you’d have to trust in his choices and sit this one out while he sorted things out. “What now?” You reached out to him, wanting some sort of reassurance. He allowed your touch and leaned into you, removing his arms from behind him to place them on your hips. “For now don’t think on it. Those imbeciles aren’t worth wasting your mind on.” He flashed you a smile but it held no comfort. You didn’t like this at all. Of course you were going to worry but you knew there was no point in arguing with him. Ripto was stubborn. Yet you weren’t going to give up either. You were stubborn too! If he thought you were just going to sit back and watch him battle, he was terribly wrong! “Alright…I’ll trust you.” You fibbed. That seemed to pacify him. The rest of the evening you tried not to think about the whole situation but you couldn’t help but notice over dinner the increased guard. It was hard to chew your steak as several armed riptocs marched their way down the hallways. Ripto noticed your concern and patted your back reassuringly. “Come now my love. Just ignore them.” He said with a cooing voice and feline smile. Nodding sadly, you tried to enjoy the rest of your evening but the whole atmosphere of the castle had changed. Even if you had tried to relax you could feel your body was tense. As you walked through the halls and past the guards, they nodded to you and you returned the gesture. Surprisingly, amongst them was Zaph, the gardener. “Ah, your majesty! Don’t worry. We have things in order. This isn’t the first time we’ve had to defend the castle against outside forces.” He leaned forward and placed a reassuring hand on your arm.

You patted it and gave him a soft but fretful smile. “ I appreciate your bravery. Thank you for helping keep everyone safe. But I thought…Don’t you work in the gardens Zaph?” Hefting the crossbow he was holding in his hands he shuffled his feet. “Well, under normal circumstances yes…However in emergencies everyone in the castle is called to arms. We all do our best to serve Lord Ripto…and you as well your Majesty.” A pang of guilt welled up in your chest. Everyone was preparing for battle all because you had come to live here with Ripto. The thought of everyone you had come to know in the castle pitting up against Spyro made you feel awful. What if someone died? Zaph…Sorrel… Maybe even Ripto again… You shook the worry from your head as Zaphs’ words drew you from your mind. “There’s nothing to worry about ______. We’ll keep you safe- I promise!” Still once more in no way reassured, you left Zaphs’ side and made your way down the long hallway to Riptos’ and your room.

Just as you turned the corner, you saw Sorrel and Ripto whispering. Now you knew how he must have felt when you had been darting around with your secrets. You keened your ears to listen to what they were saying but couldn’t make out anything. How frustrating! Maybe you could corner Sorrel later and see what it was going on. The hushed words were halted quickly as Sorrel spotted you round the corner. A smile stretched suddenly across her face and she stood straight, eyeing you nervously. Riptos’ head turned to where Sorrel was looking and spotted you. He gave you an unreadable look then turned back to Sorrel. “You understand everything?” Sorrel nodded her head fervently. “Yes sir! I’ll get everything in order.” She gave him a little curtsy and then one to you as she neared you and shuffled down the hallway. You turned your attention from her back to Ripto who stood staring you down with that peculiar look again. Crossing the hall to him, you brought him into your embrace. He held you tight and breathed in your comforting scent. “Ripto, what are you planning? Is this some kind of revenge for my secret wedding plans?” You teased. He pursed his lips and shook his head. “No. It’s nothing. Come, lets head to bed my dear.” He took you by the hand and turned the ornate knob to your shared bedroom. In the dark room you both clothed yourselves in night clothes and settled into bed. You half thought of trying to be intimate again with him, just to soothe your nerves but the both of you seemed too tense. Instead you settled for holding him close, wrapping your arms around his stomach and nuzzling into the back of his neck. Ripto looked back to you, worry melting off of his face slightly as he leaned his back further into you. A contented (relieved?) sigh escaped his mouth as he let you kiss his neck and shoulders. “I know I keep telling you this but you have nothing to worry about my dearest. I’ll have the castle on watch day and night. There’s no way that purple pest will find his way in here. Even if he does manage to open that portal, I’ll keep you safe.” Burying your face in his neck you let out a hum. It was too late to argue with him and even if you knew what to say it’s not like he’d listen to you anyway. Ripto rolled over to face you and wrapped his arms about you. “Goodnight my sweet.” He whispered to you. “Goodnight Sugar Bum.” Ripto snorted, leaned back to glare at you and sucked his teeth disapprovingly. Giggling you pulled him closer and placed a kiss on his forehead. “Alright alright…” He grumbled and settled in, letting you tuck the blanket in around him. ———————————————————————————- The Super Portal hummed softly in the cold night air, the green orbs shimmering in the dim light. Elora, Hunter, Spyro, Sparx, Zoe and The Professor all gathered around the inter-world door. Even Moneybags was present, curious about the hubbub. Another attempt was being made to open the portal to you. Once more, the collected spirit particles caused the orbs to repel and scatter. Looks like it didn’t work yet again. The group deflated as they felt frustration and despair sink into their hearts deeper. How were they going to save you? “ Why not just leave the poor thing! Let Ripto keep the human and be done with it.” Moneybags waved his had dismissively as he paced around importantly while the others scrambled to get the portal to lock on to your signature energy. “ What’s one human worth anyway? Certainly not all this fuss! Hurmph.” He shook his head, inspecting his nails. Elora scoffed and stood up straight, rolling her eyes. She had been leaning over The Professors shoulder reading his notes as she listened to the greedy bears words. “Moneybags, _____ is our friend! We’re not about to abandon them! Who knows what Ripto is doing to them? They’re probably scared, alone and in danger! This could be a hostage situation for crying out loud! And here you are playing it off like it’s nothing! Think of something else besides how full that rotten gem bag of yours for once!” She went to swat at it but Moneybags recoiled protectively, holding the bag like an infant. The Professor pushed his glasses up with his pencil and turned to face the others. “You know…I believe we have been going about this all the wrong way. Despite all of our efforts we’ve made no headway in locating our friend. If we can’t reach them from here, perhaps something is preventing us from finding them there.” He gestured with his pencil as he spoke. The Professor walked towards the portal, through the small crowd as he spoke. They all turned their heads, listening to him. “From what we’ve seen, Ripto is as clever as they come. He may have found a way to keep ____ hidden from any sort of detection spells. If that is the case, no matter how many times we try to contact them with Spyro’s magic, it will always rebound. We’ll need to come up with another plan…” The Professor paced around, scratching his head with his pencil, his clip board tucked behind his back. “Gosh.” Hunter leaned against the portal. “You know, I feel kinda bad. ____never would have been taken if I hadn’t opened the portal to Ripto’s world. Too bad we don’t know where it is or we could just open it back up again.” He waved his hands as he spoke and gave a regretful chuckle. He looked up to the group around him. All eyes were lingering on him, mouths agape. He froze, jaw clenched, fear in his eyes. “What? What did I do?” He leaned forwards, spreading his hands in a shrug. “Hunter!” Elora crossed the platform to the cheetahs side and gave his arm a little punch. “You’re a genius!” Grinning she turned to The Professor and walked over to him. “I am? Uh…I mean…Yeah…Yeah! I am!” Hunter followed her, passing by Spyro, he gave a little look around to see if the others could hear. “Hey uh…What did I say?” He whispered to him behind his hand. Spyro heaved his shoulders and lowered his head, shaking it while Sparx drooped down beside him. “Professor-” Elora leaned in as she spoke, hope lighting her face up. “ Can you make another one of those controllers?” “Yes…Yes of course! How simple! Why didn’t I think of that! All I have to do is make another controller! Yes! And re enter the code for Hunters’ birthday! I’ve been going about this all wrong, when the answer was so obvious and right there!” The Professor began to grow excited once more. “Such a simple solution!” “You see? This is why you leave simple solutions to simple minds.” Hunter proclaimed, crossing his arms clearly proud of himself. “Uh….Give me a moment and I can whip up another one. Though, we’d best be prepared for the worst once we’re through. We don’t know what we’ll be up against.” The Professor turned to Elora. “Right! Me and Hunter will go and collect some orbs and ammunition for Spyro to use against Ripto. There should be some left from the previous battle. Maybe you can round up some of your friends Zoe, they can use their magic against Ripto and his goons.” Zoe fluttered lower to the ground. “ I’m sorry I can’t be of any more help. Ever since I lost my wand, I’ve not been much use.” She rubbed her arm sadly. Elora shook her head. “It can’t be helped. Hunter lost it- It’s not your fault!” Hunter tried to make himself smaller as the girls looked to him. “Maybe we can find you another one, but remember that you are still just as helpful even without it.” Elora gave Zoe a reassuring smile. Moneybags shook his head at all of this. “What a waste of time. I’m going back to Collossus to watch the next tournament. I have a few suckers-er uh, friends there who I’ve placed a uh…friendly wager against for the next tournament. Wouldn’t want to miss the looks on their faces when they lose.” The dapper bear made his way to one of the teleporting platforms as Spyros’ eyes followed him. “You know, I think you do care Moneybags. I think you’re just as worried about ____ as we are.” Moneybags froze just before the doors leading out of the inner court, his back tensing. Whipping his head around, he glared at Spyros’ accusation with pursed lips. “And just what gives you that idea?” He eyed Spyro all over, challenging him. Spyro looked to Sparx with a wry smile, then back to Moneybags. “If you really didn’t care, you wouldn’t have told me about what happened to them.” He took a few confident steps towards Moneybags, his head cocked in an accusatory angle. “ And I don’t think you would have come here to check up on our progress either.” Moneybags spluttered and stuttered and tried to spit back an argument but no words could make it out. Instead, he straightened himself, adjusted his coat and raised his head high with an exaggerated, “A-HEM!” He turned his back to Spyro and the others and rounded the corner to Summer Forests platform. Spyro chuckled and shared an amused look with his dragonfly companion. “Now lets see then…” The Professor busied himself with the construction of a new controller while Elora, Hunter and Zoe began strategizing with the other fairies. Unsure of what to do with himself, Spyro simply watched and assisted The Professor while he worked. Passing him tools and wires and other items, observing him calibrate the controls. About an hour or so passed before the entourage returned, armed to the teeth and ready for whatever was to come. Hunter guided some of the fairies who were struggling to heft crates of power up orbs and reluctant looking sheep, while Elora shifted bombs and rockets under her arms. Snow lightly fell on them all as they patiently awaited The Professor work. Then, with one final turn of a screw, the controller was complete. “There! It’s done!” He lifted the controller victoriously aloft and smiled at his work. “Now, let me type in the coordinates…And we should be ready to save ____ from Ripto…” Standing before the Super Portal, The Professor punched in the code while the others watched the archway hum to life as they lined up behind him. With a great, deep hum of energy, the orbs flashed an alarmingly vibrant, verdant flash and breached the space between worlds, opening the Super Portal up to Riptos’ Home World. “Chateau Ripto” appeared in shifting golden letters, depicting the realms title. With a steadying breath, The Professor turned to look at everyone assembled there. “Well…It’s now or never…” Spyro took a ready stance, trotted up beside the mole and after exchanging nods, he charged forwards- through the portal to where you were. “Alright everyone- Let’s head out!” The Professor called out. Marching forward, with determination and worry in their hearts, the inhabitants of Avalar made their way to you. ————————————————————————————– The pained shout you let out not only woke up Ripto but half the castle as well. When you shrieked at the pain that pulsed from the ring, Ripto startled from his slumber in a frenzy. He looked about wildly then turned to you and grasped your hand, inspecting the ring. It pinched against your finger so tight, you could see the ring shrinking in size. Your finger went numb and red as the circulation was cut off. Tears flowed freely as you heard a loud deep thrum echo through the world. A faint, far off flash of light pierced the night and briefly illuminated the wall of the castle. Seconds later, the sound died out and the light faded. So too did the pain in your finger. You squinted at Ripto, blurry eyed and shaking. “He’s here.” Ripto whispered. Before you could argue, Ripto tore you from bed. “Wh-Wait! Where are we going?” He had one hand on your back, guiding you along and the other grasped tightly around your wrist. He guided you out the bedroom door and down the hallway. Sorrel appeared around the corner. “Ah good, you remembered. Now- to the cellar-Quickly!” Ripto instructed her, and you were passed from one set of hands to the other. Sorrel- who was surprisingly strong- took you away from Ripto, your arm slowly slipping out of his grasp. It lingered in the air after you- not wanting to let go. Damn it! This is what he was doing? Hiding you?! You called out to him but he turned his back away, giving directions to a few of the guards assembled there. Ripto vanished behind the corner as Sorrel took you down the front hall stairs and towards a door you hadn’t recalled seeing before. It swung open to reveal a dark stairway, leading down to cool stone walls and cobwebby support beams. They stuck to your hair and shoulders as she guided you down the solid stone steps. The air was warm and smelled of wood and rust. In the dark, you could just make out a boiler heating the castle and an abandoned broom leaning against the wall. While you couldn’t see much, you could hear an awful lot. Above you, shouts and marching foot steps could be heard moving about above and around the castle as Riptos’ minions prepared for battle. Whipping past old wooden kegs and boxes of stored foods and old treasures, Sorrel brought you to a set of small cells, locked behind large, crude looking iron bars. “No! You are not locking me in here! I…I forbid it! As Riptos’ betrothed and your ruler I forbid this sort of action!” You, in the shakiest voice you ever heard come from your mouth, attempted to sound as authoritative as possible. Sorrel stopped abruptly and shoved you into one of the larger cells. You fell to your knees on the cold floor. Spiders and mice scurried away into the walls as you stood to brush yourself off. The sound of creaking metal and something clicking into place sounded off behind you and you turned to see a very reluctant Sorrel, tucking a key up her sleeve. “____.” She fixed you with a sorrowful look. “I apologize for not being able to follow your orders but Ripto told me to keep you here if things turned bad. I’ll keep watch on you and bring you food and water until he returns to tell us the coast is clear.” She folded her hands before her and eyed you nervously. You were always so sweet and kind, she was worried that her actions had angered you and she wasn’t sure how you would react. You were livid. Lunging forward, you grasped at the bars and stuck your head between them as best as you could. “Don’t you see Sorrel, I need to be out there! Spyro defeated him before! I know he will again- Ripto needs me! Please!” Desperation and anger clawed its way our of your throat. Worry and regret twitched at Sorrels face as she took in your words. With a hitch in her breath her head haltingly turned away from your gaze to the floor. “I…I’m sorry. I have to follow his orders…” She whispered. Still holding tight to the bars you felt yourself slink down to the floor. No… Not again. Once more you were trapped, unable to be by Riptos side in his time of need. You were sure of it. He would be defeated-! Kicking angrily at the bars you cursed from your spot on the floor. They rattled in place. The walls felt like they were closing around you as you tried to think a way out of the cell. You could hear your breath huffing angrily from your nose as you sat and stewed, trying to think. Panic clouded your mind and anger pulsed in your chest. It was hard to think like this… You tried to still your heart and ignore the fear and anger. Ripto needed you and you needed to be calm! Taking a few steadying breaths you stood and crossed the cell to the small cot that was there for prisoners to sleep. Sorrel took this as a sign of your succumbing to the situation and relaxed a bit, however, in your mind you started to plan a way out. Above you the castle began to quiet and still. Had it just been a false alarm? No…you saw the light and felt the pang from your ring. Maybe they had all left the castle and were outside protecting it. Images of everyone being taken down by Spyros’ flames flared up in your head and you had to physically shake yourself to rid them from your mind. It was too much to think of. How were Ripto and the boys fairing? Maybe they already- “Argh!” You stood up, frustrations with being contained like this welled up once more. Sorrel started from her spot on the other side of the bars. “____, what’s wrong?” You clenched your fists and glared daggers at the floor. How were you going to get out of here? “I…” You began, the words slowly coming out of your mouth, unfolding into a plan before you even realized. “I’m…thirsty.” You licked your lips and stood a bit straighter, trying to appear calm. “O-Oh?” Sorrel cocked her head to you, unsure. Approaching the bars you nodded.

“Yeah, all this stress has worn me out. Maybe, could you bring me something soothing to drink? Hot milk or maybe some tea with honey?” Sorrel clasped her hands together, glad to be of some service and further glad that you weren’t angry with her. “Yes your majesty- Of course! I’ll fix it up right away!” She curtsied and then made to take off, up the stairs. Before she was out of sight, she turned and waggled a cautioning finger. “Now don’t you go anywhere.” She teased nervously. Giving a half assed giggle you pointed at her with finger guns. “Eyy! Haha, good one!” Leaving you with a soft smile, Sorrel headed upstairs, leaving you to the dark silence. Listening to her feet shuffle along the cold stone floor, you grasped at the bars. At least she was away now… Turning your attention to the lock, you started prying at it with your fingers, shaking the door, shaking the bars, pulling at them to test their durability. They were loose, but you weren’t sure you were strong enough to pull them out. Grabbing at one of them, you hefted your whole body against the iron bar, trying to shift it from the stone it was embedded in. The cold bar gritted under your hands, the rust brushing off roughly against your palms. Pushing harder and harder, you could feel your feet slip along the floor under the force of your push. “Damn it!” You let go, looking down to your palms and brushing bits of clinging rust off. Gritting your teeth you looked around the cell. Maybe there were loose stones? Inspecting the wall as quickly as you could, you found nothing but small holes that housed frightened but curious mice. “Any chance you got a key in there?” You whispered to their twitching whiskery noses as they peeked out at you with beady, bright eyes. “Yeah, didn’t think so.” You let out an exasperated sigh and sucked at your teeth. Turning your attention to the cot, you looked under it, behind it and even lifted the covers, just in case there was something hidden there. Between some of the large rectangular stones in the wall there were cracks. You pressed your fingers between them, feeling the tips of your fingers pinched by the cold stones. Gripping at them as best as you could with your fingertips you tried pulling at ones that seemed loose. Nothing budged. Sorrel would be back any minute and you could find nothing! Where was Ripto now? Was he still alive even? Pacing around the cell, your heart pounded with fear and anger in your chest. You could feel adrenaline pumping through you- escape screaming in your veins. Your eyes trailed from the floor to the gate once more. The damned thing! It was so rusty… Wait! An idea welled up in the back of your mind. “Ahhh!” Turning your whole form to the gate, you started bouncing on your feet. “Ok, ok, ok.” You took a deep breath and from the opposite side of the cell, you darted forward! Throwing all of your power into your foot as you kicked at the lock on the door. The door clanged in its spot, the metal scraping against itself. Your kick recoiled you back a few steps, hopping on one foot to regain balance. Inspecting the lock you saw that you had actually affected it! It was bent slightly, brittle from age and rust. An excited hopeful thrill welled up through your body and you returned to your starting point again, ready to make another dash! From up the hall, you could hear the door open. Sorrel was coming! That didn’t matter now, even if she did return, you’d still kick at this thing until you were out! With a grunt of effort, you sped towards the door and piled your heel into the lock! Once! Twice! Thrice- You pounded at it with all you could muster! CRACK! The lock snapped and the door flung open, smacking against the wall with a loud metallic thunk, just as Sorrel turned into view. She stared mouth agape at you, tray in hand. The grit of dirt under your feet pounded out underneath you as you dashed up the hall towards her. She backed up slightly, flustering and trying to find her words. You neared her, panting slightly. Slowing down you stopped in front of her, eyeing the tea, then her. Reaching out to the cup, you lifted it to your mouth and took a polite sip. Sorrels face scrunched into an offended expression. “Ahh…Thanks.” You set it back on the tray then pushed past her, taking the stairs two at a time. Sorrel finally found herself and you could hear her voice call up behind you in disbelief. “Y-You! What- Get back here! I’m supposed to keep you saaaaafe! Oh! Oh no!” She scrunched her face up and pouted at the pot of tea she had made. “Oh…Whatever!” She glared a the tea in her hands and took a sip. The early night hours stretched in the stars overhead as you dashed down the castle steps, leaping over the last three. Kicking up bits of grass as you ran, your legs carried you as fast as you could across the fields. You had no idea where Ripto and the boys were, however you had a feeling it would probably be somewhere towards the portal. Running up over a hill, you could see lights from lanterns and glowing gems farther along. You stood at the crest of the hill, eyeing the scene below, breath sawing in your lungs. There they were… Below, Ripto stood atop Gulps back while Crush stood guard beside his master, illuminated by torchlight. Opposing him was Spyro and the others. Sure enough they had come for you, thinking they were rescuing you. All of them armed and looking like they were set to “kill.” You wished now more than ever that you had left them something to assure them of your safety. It was far too late for that now- You let yourself catch your breath as you tried to listen to the words being exchanged. Taking careful steps down, trying not to stumble over any rocks hiding in the dark, you heard Riptos’ voice carry across the field towards you. “Dragon! How dare you show your face here! These are my worlds! Go back to your own before you stink up the place with your disgusting odour!” He seethed from his perch on Gulps’ cranium. Crush hefted his club in his hands, weighing it in one palm. “Can it Ripto! I know you have ___ here! Now where are they?!” Spyro bounced forward on his front legs, leaning down in an aggressive stance. Ripto cocked an eyebrow at Spyro and looked at his nails in a disinterested way. “___? I have no idea who that is.” He looked down his nose at Spyro, feigning ignorance. “Get real! I know they’re here! And it looks like you were expecting us!” Spyro glanced around to the assembled riptoc guards. They all shifted uncomfortably under Spyros glare. He was just a child, they weren’t afraid of him. However the stories they had heard from you and Ripto… It was best to be cautious. Elora, Hunter and the others stepped forward slightly, showing off their artillery, hoping to show they meant business. This caught the guards eyes. With all those bombs and orbs in their arsenal, suddenly the opposing group seemed a lot more threatening. Ripto seemed unphased. It was probably an act though, you realized. “What nonsense! I was glad to be rid of your filthy presence! Why do you think I’d ever be expecting you!?” “So you always wander your world so heavily guarded? I knew you were a wuss Ripto but this is ridiculous.” Ripto puffed up in anger and bit his lip. “NEVER YOU MIND! Just leave this place dragon! You are trespassing in my world and I will not have it!” He leaned forwards on Gulps head, spitting down on his adversary. “Just leave! These are my worlds! I have the upper hand here! You can’t best me- so I suggest you save yourself the embarrassment and walk away while you still can!” He gestured towards his green steed. “Or stay! And I’ll have Gulp chew your legs off! Your choice!” He finished in a sing songy tone, giving a false smile and wiggling his fingers in the air. “Oh I’ve made my choice alright-This!” Spyro charged forward and the whole field below broke into chaos. The moment Spyro made a step forward, the riptocs did too. They charged in front of Ripto and made a semicircle defence against the purple boys horns. Kneeling down with their shields, they readied themselves to take the full blow-! Yet they did not survive it. You watched as Spyro took them out, vanishing into dust and spirit particles into the cold air. Other riptocs made battle with the fairies, being zapped by those who held wands while Zoe instructed them here and there on the battlefield. Elora lobbed bombs at some more heavily equipped riptocs. Some of them were so large! You hadn’t seen them before. Other than Gulp and Crush, you’d never seen riptocs so big. The bombs made short work of them, and those that did not flee found themselves knocked out or destroyed in the blast. Your heart sank as these warriors who you had never even met yet, lost their lives to keep you from being taken away. You’d have to try to put a stop to this somehow! Grasping at your pockets you realized you were still in your pyjamas. You wand was left behind, up in the castle. Damn! Maybe… Maybe you could talk to them? Convince them to leave- if Ripto would let you. With your heart pounding in your chest you half ran your way barefoot down the grassy hill, trying to think of the right words. As soon as the protective line in front of Ripto was breached and the riptocs were vanquished, Gulp leaned forward and made to take a large chomp. Spyro jumped backwards and landed a few feet back. “I’ve beaten you before! I know your moves!” Spyro taunted, hunching down like a cat, wiggling his tail. “You’re soooo predictable!” Ripto growled and took a step forward. “Oh yeah!? Predict this!” He raised his scepter and let off a blast that shot past Spyro. He shielded himself with his wing, and when he realized he was undamaged, he let out a laugh. “ I see your aim is as good as ever- I wasn’t even moving!” Ripto looked down his nose with a smug smile, his slitted eyes held a mischievous look. “Oh…But I wasn’t aiming for you little dragon!” “Huh?” Spyro looked behind him to his group of friends. The rockets, orbs and even some sheep had been trapped in a red tinted crystal like structure. As well as… “Zoe! No!” All of the fairies had been trapped in the crystal as well, falling uselessly to the ground. They fell with a soft, tinkling, thud in the grass. Riptos’ laugh echoed through the field as Spyros’ eyes darted over all the fairies. Elora and Hunter ran around trying to pick some of them up but couldn’t get them all. The remaining riptocs scooped them up and tucked them under their arms, laughing at the fawn girl and cheetah, taunting them with a playful beckon. Elora scowled at them, turning to make sure The Professor was alright. He had stayed back near the portal. He was inspecting the crystal casing around the orbs, figuring out a way to remove it. Retreating to his side with the fairies, Hunter and Elora placed them carefully beside the pile of other crystal encased things. “Professor- what is it?” Desperation weighing in her voice. He tapped at it with his pencil and touched it with his hand. “Some sort of magical barrier- I’m not sure…It seems to be quite sturdy!” The Professor looked to his two younger companions. “Are there any explosives left?” He asked casually. The two eyed him incredulously. “What?! You mean to blow them up?” Elora balked. Hunter shook his head disapprovingly. “Now, now! Don’t fret! If the explosion is far enough away, yet near enough to damage the crystal, everything should be fine! Let me just do some quick calculations on the blast radius…” Elora and Hunter exchanged worried looks as the mole scribbled on his clipboard. Riptos’ voice drew Spyros’ attention back. “Pooooor little dragon…Your friends have retreated and now you are all alone! Now what will you do?” Spyro jumped as he realized he’d been surrounded. All around him riptocs had closed in, grinning wickedly. “I’ll tell you what I’m gonna do!” Spyro spun on the spot, letting his flames blast out in a ring around him, coiling outwards and incinerating the riptocs. He came to a halt and glared at Ripto, his face low to the ground. “I’m gonna kick your ass!” Spyro made to charge at Gulp when an explosion sounded off behind him. Small bits of crystal and wood shattered here and there, spraying out across the grass. Spyro turned to see the rescued fairies holding their heads dizzily. The blast from the bombs had freed them! “There! Now all we need to do is nab the rest of them!” The Professor exclaimed. “What?! No! Take them and run! Get out of here you fools!” Ripto barked down to his minions. They all swarmed at his words, running this way and that. With a short laugh to himself, Spyro took off after them, easily blazing their backsides with his impossibly hot breath. They dropped their captives onto the soft grass below. Hunter and Elora darted after Spyro, picking up the fairies as he left a trail of them behind. Ripto seethed as he saw his minions fail to obey his commands. Shoulders shaking, teeth gritted, he turned his sights on The Professor and the dazed fairies. “Ha!” He set his jaw into a wild smile and ordered Gulp to move forward with Crush at his side. The three stomped closer and Crush scooped the mole into one of his giant arms. “Gah- Let me go! Unhand me!” his tiny feet flailed underneath him as he struggled helplessly in the blueberry boys grip. His clipboard fell to the ground and Crush stepped on it, crushing it into the dirt. “My notes! My data! Everything! You!” He began trying to whap at Crushs’ face with his pencil. Crush let out an annoyed growl and squeezed him tighter. “Gak! Sp..Spyro! Help!” The others immediately stopped in their tracks. “PROFESSOR!” Elora bellowed and started running back towards them. “Elora wait!” Hunter and Spyro called after her. She dashed along the grass and scooped up a bomb as she passed it. Igniting it, she tossed it to Crush. “Here! Catch!” Crush blindly following orders, dropped The Professor and caught the bomb. “You idiot! What are you doing! DROP IT!” Ripto roared. Crush startled, panic washing over his face as he eyed the bomb. He juggled it between his two hands before looking around and noticing the portal- threw it in! ———————————————————————————- Moneybags ducked as the bomb flew overhead in Avalar. “What in the world- GHAAA!” He leapt out of the way as it detonated. Moneybags removed his hands from over his head and looked about. “Oof! What on earth is going on over there! I’m glad I stayed! Hurrumph!” ————————————————————————————— With a sigh of relief, Ripto and his minions watched as Elora ushered The Professor back to safety by their side. “Enough is enough! Stop this playing around and tell us where ____ is!” He growled, flaring up his wings. Ripto stood tall on Gulps’ head “Never! You will never find _____! They are mine! You can search these lands a thousand years and you’ll still not find them! I’ve hidden them! They’re-” “Here! I’m here!” “What?!” Riptos’ face bloomed in disbelief. You finally made it to the battle. “____?!?! What are you doing here?! Grab them you fools-NOW!” The riptoc guards flew into a panic! “Get them you nincompoops!” Ripto gestured to you with his scepter, fear and outrage marking his face. You darted through the crowd, trying to get closer. “_____! How did you escape! That cell was supposed to be well guarded!” Spyro also began weaving his way towards you. “We’re here _____! You’re safe!” Elora looked disgustedly at Ripto. “You had them locked in a cell?! All this time?” Ripto ignored her words and focused on you, he wasn’t about to tell them what had really been transpiring, that was none of their business! His eyes followed Spyro as he got closer to you. He couldn’t let that dragon get to you-! So far you had dodged every attempt to capture you, yet-! Your feet slipped over the grass and you tumbled to the ground. Spyro was almost to your side! And the riptocs were almost on you as well! With a frustrated roar- Ripto help his scepter aloft and sent a blast in your direction! Was he trying to hit Spyro? You thought to shout out to him- trying to stop him but… No…You were against Spyro. Accepting that this was Riptos’ will, you did nothing to prevent Spyros’ demise. Yet that was not what Ripto intended! You found yourself encased in a crystal prison, a dome that you could just barely stand up in. Trapped! Not encased and frozen like the fairies- he had allowed for some room for you to move. How considerate…you grumpily thought. Your fists beat against the inside of the crystal prison but there was no way your bare hands could do any sort of damage to it. You saw! It took an explosion to destroy the crystal! Spyro skidded to a halt in front of you. He let out a huff and turned back to Ripto. “How will you get them now you purple pest?!” Ripto guffawed from atop Gulps’ cranium. Sucking his teeth, Spyro started towards Gulp and Ripto. He aimed his horns at a nearby bomb, hoping to launch it at the two. Gulp flinched- remembering his last defeat. His stubby legs turned around and headed off in the other direction. “No! Gulp! He’s that way! Come on you fool! We can beat him!” Ripto hung to Gulps horns as he escaped the bombs radius. You clenched your fists against the crystal wall. Damn it Ripto! DAMN IT! Why did he always push you away when you wanted to help him? He thought he had to do this alone… But he didn’t! You were his friend- his lover! His betrothed… You knew he wanted to protect you but what about him? You wanted to protect him too! This wasn’t fair! You let out a frustrated growl and started kicking and punching at the crystal again, knowing it was futile. From the outside Hunter, Elora and The Professor approached you. You could hear their muffled voices talking but you could barely make out what they were saying. Their images distorted through the facets of the crystals structure. Squinting hard, you could just make out their lips saying the words “bomb.” So they were going to bust you out just like with the fairies… At least they’d get you out! However…they didn’t know. You no longer sided with them. Watching their faces through the crystal- worried for you and hoping for your safety- you felt guilty. Eloras’ kind face, Hunters worried eyes and The Professors’ fretful expression… You clenched your fists and looked away from them. Unable to look them in the eye… Unaware of your betrayal, they set up bombs a ways away from your prison. As they set up, you instead fixed your gaze on Gulp, Ripto and Crush who were dealing with Spyro. Despite being the only one to fight, along with a few fairies who had regained stability, Spyro was doing a fair number on the boys. Gulp who was still frightened, darted away if Spyro knocked a bomb towards him. If he was able to, Crush ran in and batted the bomb back with his club. Spyro managed to avoid the retaliation but every now and then he would get hit. Thank goodness for the sheep! No! No…You were supposed to be rooting against him! But… Arg! You felt yourself shake your head, torn still on all of this. But you made a promise! You made a promise… The bombs were easier to avoid than the rockets. If Spyro managed to gobble one up, it usually found its mark. If he was able to, Gulp used them himself or Crush would put them away with his club. Ripto himself didn’t do much except for command his minions. Every now and then he’d launch a blast at Spyro with his scepter. The three ran away from Spyro around the field, exchanging explosives and blows. The battle seemed balanced- neither side was making any headway. Until- Crush took a fall. He had taken one too many blows and crumbled to the ground. Not dead! Not yet… He passed out on the ground, his club rolling out of his hands and his still giant wings tucked behind him. Ignoring him, Spyro continued on after Gulp and Ripto. “Crush! Get up you worthless imbecile-! I…I need you!” Ripto grumbled to himself, realizing what he had said. Damn it…You were having an effect on him. He was so used to telling you his honest feelings that now he was doing it with these two! He’d have to be careful… You could could barely hear it through the crystal, but thanks to his usual volume, Riptos’ words struck your heart. He really did care for his friends… Seeing him fight so hard and worrying for his minions, you remembered your loyalty and hate began building back up again for Spyro. He was out there, set to murder your husband and friends. What were you doing?! This was no time to get sentimental or let your feelings control you. You glared at the three surrounding your prison. They were almost done setting up the explosives. Soon they’d free you and you’d! You’d… Feeling your shoulders loosen and your expression soften, you sighed. You couldn’t bring yourself to hate them. Maybe you truly could not choose a side. But that didn’t mean you wouldn’t fight in your own way. You’d made it this far following your own choices and ways. Perhaps you could keep going in the same manner. And Ripto would just have to accept it! If you were willing to fight for him, then it was only fair for him to respect your desires and wishes too. That’s how this worked! This relationship wasn’t going to be one of one sided respect. Outside Gulp made another lap, avoiding Spyros’ assault. It was a slightly different tactic this time. He’d stop and let Gulp get away from him a distance, thinking he was safe. Gulp would turn around and Ripto would aim a few magical blasts at Spyro. He’d roll to the side and let the blasts go overhead and past him. Ripto would then command Gulp to run after the evasive dragon and try to flop on him as he once had before. However when Gulp got close, Spyro made sure there was always a rocket nearby! He would spit it at the green bean and send him flying backwards, flinging Ripto this way and that on his horns. He managed to stay on Gulps’ head though, and Gulp would take off once more! Soon the bombs were finished! The Professor motioned for the others to take a step back. “Brace yourself!” He called to you through the barrier. You nodded and got ready to cover yourself with your arms when a giant green mountain of Gulp came barrelling your way. “Look out!” Elora cried, grabbing the mole and pushing Hunter out of harms way. Gulp came with unstoppable force. His attention focused on Spyro, he found himself ramming into the crystal, setting off the bombs and ruining your chance of escape. Even under Gulps’ weight the crystal did not budge. “No!” Cursing under your breath, you watched as Elora and the others stood as Gulp retreated, trailing Spyro along behind him. The Professor gave you a forlorn look through the crystal barrier. “That was our only chance! We’re all out of bombs!” Elora turned to you, placing a reassuring palm flat against the crystal. “We’ll find a way! Don’t give up ____!” You nodded and placed your hand against hers from the inside of the prison. From across the high mountain tops in the distance, you could see the sky turning a slight pink. Dawn was coming. The battle had lasted all through the night. Slowly the sky lightened and put the stars to sleep. Below, Gulp was tiring. He was slower, running out of energy and weakened from Spyros’ blows. Taking the force of another rocket, Gulp collapsed to his knees. Still, like Crush, not dead, just weakened. Ripto tumbled off Gulps’ back and shook his head. He turned to look to the green bean who had passed out. Scowling, he stood and gave Gulps’ leg a little kick. “What good are you two to me if you can’t keep up with one little dragon?!” Ripto froze on the spot, suddenly very aware that he was now going solo against Spyro. “Are you finished yet you outdated lizard? Set ___ free and we’ll leave you alone.”   Seething anger, then annoyance, then a barely muted look of rage crossed his face as he turned to face the purple dragon. “I’m just getting started you little insect! I don’t need my minions to take you out on my own lands!” He started forwards, aiming his scepter at Spyro. It was just like before, in Winter Tundra. Only there were fewer orbs this time and Ripto didn’t have any to use against Spyro. He was losing… Just as you had feared. Cursing yourself for forgetting your wand upstairs, you watched helplessly as they duked it out. Little by little overhead, the sun began peeking over the top of the mountain, casting its rays down across the field. It stretched on the grass that sparkled faintly in the morning light. Dew, you thought. But…The grass hadn’t been wet when you ran through it. Looking to your feet, you realized it was here in this grass too. Some sort of glittering substance. “What in the…” Looking back up to your husband and the tiny drake, you saw them kick up puffs of whatever this stuff was. You also saw Ripto was weakening. He was panting and his attacks were less frequent now. Luckily Spyro was out of ammo, it having been used to try to free you. And he was steadily running out of orbs. You had to get out now! Before it was too late… Poor Gulp and Crush… There were no more sheep left for them to use as fodder. But that also meant none for Spyro too… This world did have it’s own fodder animals. The blue crickets you remembered seeing- but they seemed to have cleared off in the commotion. What else could they eat to regain health? If they could get up they could help Ripto… Butterflies? Fairies? Sheep? Crickets? Gems? … Gems… You looked to the sparkling in the grass once more. Before, during practice with the dud gems… They exploded and scattered! Across the field! Ripto was able to use gem fragments to charge your binding ring- could you use gem dust to launch an attack on Spyro? Or maybe even just to escape! You knelt down to inspect the dust, wiping some up in your fingers and rubbing it between them. The Professor watched you and looked to the grass also. “What on earth is this?” He inspected it on his finger while Elora and Hunter leaned in. “Some sort of fine particle? It appears to be everywhere!” Indeed, the whole field seemed to sparkle in the morning sunlight, lighting up the field. Ripto and Spyro took notice but didn’t stop for long. They still waged their battle. With no wand or staff to channel the gems magic, you had no way of using it to help you. Unless… Could you use your self to channel the magic? Did you even need a wand? Perhaps, if you could absorb the magic and just send it through your body itself, you could draw up the gems to break free! Your eyes turned to the ring wrapped around your finger. Reaching up, you slowly slid it off and tucked it in your pyjama pocket. With the ring off, the world exploded around you, pulsing with energy. Even the crystal walls around you held their own thrum of power. You shifted your weight, feet apart under your shoulders, with a steady balance. Elora and the others eyed you, wearing matching confused faces. You lifted your hands in front of you then knelt down, placing your palms flat against the grass. You could feel their faint energy seep into your body. More… You’d need more! You reached out, under the crystal across the grass, absorbing the magic like a sponge. Leeching it from the sparkling grass, the iridescence withdrew from them, retreating and flowing to your crystal prison. The colourful grass faded to its usual green as the gem dust collected and swirled around you. It swirled like sand, twirling faster around the outside of your gem. From the dust, through the gem, you felt the magical energy flow into you. You could feel familiar energies within the dust too…

Fallen riptocs… Tears fell from your eyes as you absorbed them. “I’m sorry…” The gem dust now empty settled still in a circle around your prison. “Thank you…” Elora placed her hand on The Professors’ shoulder. “What are they doing Professor?” He shook his head unsure. The energy that welled up in you was immense! You could feel it all the more strongly now that you hadn’t been sapping it for a while. Like the first taste of refreshing water after not having had any for so long. Your body shuddered with the absolute power you now harnessed. It filled each and every cell, waiting to be used, looking for a way out. It could not find a scepter or wand and so it simply pulsed inside you, matching your heartbeat. Huh…that made you wonder if magic could be recorded as a physical thing since it kept pace with your heart. No time for that now though… You felt every ounce of magic in you and commanded it to help you escape. Freedom. Freedom! I need to be FREE! Your eyes shot open and all the power that was within you was now visible for those who were looking. Elora gasped and covered her mouth. The Professor took a step back. Your eyes revealed the wellspring of magic within you, beaming light from their sockets. “So this is Human Home World magic…Fascinating…” He adjusted his glasses and leaned in, wanting to examine you but not wanting to get in harms way. Ripto and Spyro took no notice of you. They were too transfixed with the battle. Ripto was clearly on his last legs and Spyro wouldn’t allow for any distractions. While he did notice something odd happening with his friends and you, he decided to let them sort it out while he handled the dinosaur. Through your illuminated eyes, you saw him, fighting for his life. It wasn’t hate or rage that built in you, but love. Your love and desire to protect him welled up and pulsed through your magic. Your veins began to glow, trailing up your arms in their intricate webs. You didn’t know why you knew, but somehow part of you knew how to channel this energy. You stood and readied yourself, bracing for whatever effect releasing all this magic from your form would do to you. Elora grabbed The Professors arm. “We should get out of here. I don’t like this…” The Professors nodded and took Eloras’ hand as she led him away, followed by Hunter and a few fairies. They hid nearby, secure behind a nearby boulder. Gaze fixed forward on Ripto, you saw him take a knee, his scepter dropping to the ground. Spyro stood a moment, and kicked at the ground like a bull, preparing to charge. From within, your magic coursed. It beat rhythmically in your arteries and veins to your steady heartbeat. Like the percussion to a song. A song… Glowing tears streamed from your eyes as you watched Spyro start towards your husband. They dripped to the ground at your feet. Taking in a deep breath, you filled yourself with air and opened your mouth- Your voice curled through the air as you sang out an ethereal melody. It swirled around you and wove into the crystal prison around you, seeping into it, taking on patterns not unlike the veins in your body. Your voice crescendoed and the crystal prison encasing you cracked, Snapped, Popped and- It exploded, shattering fragments in all directions away from you. Hunter, Elora, The Professor and the fairies ducked away, frightened and in awe of what they were seeing. They dare not move, unsure as to what would happen. Instead, they merely observed. Time felt…weird. Your body felt out of place… Out of time… It just felt- It felt wrong. However, you had more important things to worry about. You were dangerous as you were, sapping magic. Right now you could feel you were full to the brim and anymore in you seemed like a dangerous thing. Ahead of you Spyro charged to Ripto who was attempting to scramble away. He stood, ran, slipped in the grass and sprawled out on his stomach. He looked back to the oncoming Spyro, then back to his scepter. It was a ways away. He tried reaching for it from his spot as Spyro neared. You needed to get to him fast. Without warning, your shot forward. You didn’t fly so much as floated across the blades of grass. They reached up and tickled your toes as you sped rapidly across the field to the two. Spyro was almost at Ripto now. You didn’t want him to die but you also did not want to harm Spyro. As you reached Spyros side, just before his horns met with Ripto you reached out to him, scooping the dragon up in your arms. You hugged him. Riptos’ eyes flew open as he saw this strange entity come zooming out of nowhere to his rescue. He looked you over in shock and terror. You looked like his partner. But your eyes, the strange music coming from you, the pulse of magic that came from your very being. What had you become? Spyro flailed in your embrace. You hugged him tighter. Something had trapped him and he couldn’t see what. Before him, sprawled back on his hands, Ripto eyed the dragon. What had Ripto done? Who was this?! Spyro bucked and threw his horns back. Clawing and biting. Where he injured you, glowing blood flowed from the puncture wounds. Sparx tried to stop Spyro in his buzzing, small voice but he could not be heard over the ethereal melody that was your pulsing soul. Your plan, if you could call it that, was to hug Spyro into submission, leeching his magic until he grew to faint to fight. However you did not anticipate his strength, horns or fire. He writhed and you clung, trying not to lose your grip. From across the field Elora, Hunter and the others ran. “Spyro! Stop!  It’s ____!” Yet it was too late. Wild with instincts, Spyro twisted in your arms and gouged at your side with his horns. “NO!” Ripto bellowed out, reaching for you. You dropped Spyro who turned in the grass to see who it was that had ensnared him. Regret and shock took over his face. You felt… Cold. “____! You! No I’m so sorry! I thought-” Spyro took a few tentative steps forward. You felt… Warm. Ripto stood and shoved the dragonling out of the way. “Leave them! Look what you’ve done! Look what you’ve done to my precious ____!” Ripto neared your side and looked up to you. He kept calling your name but you barely heard him. Something within you faded and the magic faded with it. It felt too much. Everything suddenly felt too much. You collapsed. Ripto scooped you up in his arms. “____! Damn it _____ answer me!” Anger and sadness meshed on his face. He flung himself around to look to Spyro. “Look what you’ve done you idiot boy! ____ my love…It will be alright I’ll…I’ll think of something!” His face darted around, looking about him for something- anything to help you! Elora and the others neared you. Elora covered her mouth, tears welling up in her eyes. “Sp…Spyro…” Hunter looked from you to Ripto back to you. “Wait…Did you say “My love?” Are you two a thing?!” Ripto didn’t look back but answered with a venomous voice. “Yes you overgrown furball! We’re married!” Elora let out a gasp and The Professors’ brows shot up. Hunter and Spyro gave a little “Ick.” and winced one eye closed. “Oh for- Now’s not the time for that! Help me! Find something to heal them you useless worms!” Elora frowned a disgusted look at Ripto but agreed with him. “He’s right…We need to find something to help heal ____.” Your vision swam. “Rip…to.” You laughed, reaching up to caress his face. The blood staining you was now a lot more alarming than it had been when it was glowing. It smeared across his cheek as you held it. Riptos’ face pinched up in deep sorrow and regret. Tears welled in his eyes and he took your hand in his, squeezing it tight. “Don’t you dare go anywhere on me____. Do you hear me? That is an order!” His voice was weak and trembling. Your breath hitched as you took in more air to speak. It seemed very difficult to do that suddenly. You wondered why. You were so tired. So, so tired… At least you were warm. At least you were with him… “Are there any potions? Any herbs around?” Elora asked exasperatedly. The riptocs who they had just been previously fighting now stood talking to them. “No, nothing! There may be something back at the castle but…I don’t know if we’ll make it in time…” You barely recognized the voice as Zaphs. Spyro and Sparx neared you. He was beside himself with regret. Spyro looked to you then Ripto. “I thought you had….I thought you had taken them. We…We were coming to rescue____.” He said softly, his wings wilted at his sides. “Yes. And now look what you’ve done! You should have just stayed away! _____ doesn’t need you anymore! They’re with me!” Ripto had no condolences to give to Spyro. Now he just hated him even more. He would have gotten up to clobber him but you were fading in his lap. He didn’t want to let you go. The desire to close your eyes became overwhelming but every time you did Ripto shook you awake. “No! NO! Stay! Stay with me! Please! Please? Don’t…Don’t…” He couldn’t bring himself to say it. His light, his life, his new found happiness. He was losing you. Ripto couldn’t help himself and found his chest hitching. He wrapped his arms about you tightly and held you close, sobbing lightly. Spyro would have said something taunting but knew to keep quiet. The others neared you again, with nothing to help you with. “So…They just…” Hunter spoke when no one else would. “They just die?” A pained sound came from Ripto and he curled even tighter around you. Elora whacked him. “There has to be something. Spyro…In your dragon magic…Is there anything that can help ____?” She neared him, holding her hands gently in front of her as if she could will Spyro to say yes. Setting his jaw, Spyro mulled over the thought quickly. He looked about him, eyes finally settling on Sparx. “Maybe I could…” Sparx froze in mid-flight, understanding what Spyro was suggesting, he nodded his head. Looking around the area, Spyro spotted a lone cricket fodder animal a ways away. He took it out and snagged the butterfly. Nearing you, he spoke with the butterfly still in his maw. “_____. I give you Sparx. For this moment, I let you have him as your healing companion.” Sparx flew over you, swirling around. The moment he was handed to you as a companion, he turned green and then vanished. Not blinking at this, Spyro released the butterfly from his mouth and it flew about in the air. From seemingly nowhere, Sparx appeared again and nabbed the butterfly, reforming into his usual golden glow. Desperately Ripto eyed you and your wounds. Nothing changed… “No…” Ripto begged. Your eyes fluttered. “Ripto…” You breathed quietly. Ripto shook his head not wanting to accept this. “I love you…” You settled your head against his arm, allowing your eyes to shut. “NO! ____ No! Stay don’t go! Don’t…” His voice faded. The world faded. You faded… ——————————————————————————- It hurt. You tried to sit up but found that you couldn’t. Your chest felt tight- like something was squeezing you, constricting you. A soft bed lie under you and a comforting blanket lie on top of you. Trying to open your eyes, you found them to be extraordinarily heavy. Where were you? Blinking in the soft light, you tried to make sense of things. Nothing could come into focus and it just gave you a headache to try. You shut your eyes and instead just listened. It was quiet. Though, you thought you heard someone moving nearby. Everything smelled familiar. It smelled like… “Ripto?” You barely managed. The other person in the room stopped, unsure if they heard you. Taking in a shuddering breath, you tried again. The other person heard the breath and was by your side before you spoke again. “Rip-” “I’m here! I’m here _____! You’re awake- You’re alive!” Softly you felt him kiss your face and hands and forehead. How he wanted desperately to grab you up in a hug but he didn’t dare. “Whu happend?” You tried once more to open your eyes. This time you could see a very tired, very worn looking Ripto. He stared down at you with such love and relief. He had been crying. He was still crying. You reached up to wipe the tears away. “No…You’ve been crying! Ripto, are you okay?” Ripto caressed your hand as you wiped the tears from his cheek. “____… You’re in the state you are in and you ask me if I’m okay!” “oh ____…” He leaned in and took in your warmth and scent. “I’m fine…I’m fine.” He stroked your hair and nuzzled into you. “What happened?” You managed again, with a little more clarity. Ripto removed himself from you. “You’re alive. That dragon and his dragonfly…They saved you.” He said half disgustedly. “Where are they?” You tried sitting up but Ripto shook his head and lay you back down. “Gone. To Avalar. They won’t be back.” You wanted to ask more but you felt so tired. Tired and hungry! Your stomach sounded off and Ripto jumped off the bed, reaching for a bowl of porridge nearby. He fed you little mouthfuls and you tried to swallow it down. You couldn’t eat much, but your stomach stopped protesting. “I know you are curious to know what happened…But not now. Sleep. You need the rest.” Ripto placed a hand on your forehead. Nodding you let yourself succumb to sleep. You were alive. You were safe. And so was Ripto! That was all that mattered for now. “Goodnight Sweetheart.” You whispered. Ripto smiled down at you. “Goodnight Sugarbum.” He chuckled You could worry about the past events in the morning. For now, you rested. And Ripto stayed by your side the whole time.