The Legend of Spyro's Siblings: Dusk and Shineye

SpyroroxThe2nd · Aug 26, 2009 12:59 AM

Dusk and Shineye

Hey, everyone! Here’s my new THOSS, Dusk and Shineye. This one is the romance/adventure story between Dusk, a Shadowsucker, and Shineye, a Light Bearer. It’s got a similar feel and plotline to Twilight, however I usually add more adventure than romance in my stories. Also, all my romance is LIGHT, therefore you don’t have to worry about any mature content, besides kissing. Anyway, I hope you enjoy my latest installment, and please review!

Prologue: Independent, no discipline
Time: 5 years into Cynder’s rein of the world

“Hm, it’s working as planned.” Cynder said approvingly, lashing her scythe-tipped tail. “My forces are holding up well. Not much stands in my way.” She gazed down from her castle into the endless battlefield below, where apes marched in huge masses. “The battles rage on. But I will soon win. Nothing stands in my way.” Cynder sighed and turned to leave, but before she could resign to her quarters, she heard rapid shouts coming from her army. Swinging her head around, she ran up to her window and looked across the field to see one side of her army in particular was causing the shouts. She spread her giant wings and dove out the window, gliding above her army. She came to the place where they were yelling, to see ape dropping like flies with no source or reason. Something was terrorizing them from the ground, not air. Cynder saw that it moved along the line of apes, and many of them collapsed. Cynder flew frantically over to the top of her castle, to see when the thing would break out from the army and into the field in front of here castle. Right as the last ape on the edge of the army fell, what looked like moving shadows darted over to the base of her castle, where she couldn’t see them. She walked closer to the edge, but before she could peer down, 4 shapes clawed there way up to where she was, and climbed onto the stone platform. Cynder was instantly relieved. The shapes were actually young, solid black dragons with glowing neon crests, 3 with brown underbellies, one with red. They were also smaller than here, and did not look threatening. In fact, they looked like kids. Cynder found herself stifling a laugh. “What do we have here?” She said, pacing forward and stretching her wings to look intimidating. “A few lost draklings, perhaps? You came to the wrong place, huns. But sadly, I’m not lighthearted, even for little kids. You’re not escaping without a few scars.” She grinned maliciously at them. She waited for them to start crying or shake with fear, but these reactions never came. Instead, the small dragons paced forward to her, their eyes glittering. “Wow, look at the size of this one!” One of the males with the brown underbellies spoke, his voice fairly young. “I think her shadow will be better than the apes!” Another male said. They all completely ignored the introduction Cynder had given them, and advanced as though fearless of the huge dragon. Cynder stared at them in shock. Kids weren’t afraid of the mighty Cynder? “Oh, you’d like to stay and fight, children?” She lashed her tail and hit it onto the stone to show its power. The female one, with the red underbelly, shrugged her shoulders. “I could use dessert.” She said to the others. Cynder practically stumbled backward. Dessert? What kind of sick joke is this? “Hey, Bane, you have to share!” The last male complained. He had black horns compared to the others who had the glowing ones, and had rings pierced on them and his wings. “Last time we got a good shadow, you sucked up more of it then all of us!” “Oh, be quiet, Dusk!” Bane spat back. Cynder was becoming more and more wary. If they aren’t afraid, something must be up. “Well, let’s just suck her shadow and get it over with.” The first male said again. To Cynder’s horror, small droplets of drool appeared on the corners of their mouthes’. Bane licked her lips, and the others moved even closer. Cynder began to back up. “Hey, wait!” She debated. “Do you know who I am? I’m Cynder, the terrifi…” They were really drooling now. “Man, her shadow smells deliciously!” The second male said, taking a sniff of her scales. “Hey wait! I take back what I said earlier! You can leave!” Cynder said, flustered as the edge of the stone platform. “Leave?” Bane said, smirking at the older dragon. “Why would we do that? We have dessert right here.” For once in Cynder’s life, she felt fear. These dragons seemed to be cannibals; she looked like a meal to them. Not waiting, she turned on her heels and flew off at full speed, not looking back. “Ah, look, you let her get away!” The first male complained. “It’s not my fault, Shade! You and Dusk were the ones complaining!” Bane responded tartly.“Hey, what about me?” The second male protested.
“Murk, stay out of this.”
“Hey, if we follow her, we can still catch her!” Dusk suddenly announced, and took off before talking to his friends. “Hey, Dusk! No fair!” Bane quickly took off after him. “Yeah, I get the first bite!” Shade said after her. “Ah, guys! Wait for me!” Murk called, much slowly then the others. Cynder craned her head to see that the dragons were following her. “Master, Help me!” She mentally begged. They were gaining on her like little torpedoes, speeding with open mouths. Suddenly, she began to feel excruciating pain pulse through her back end, feeling as though something was being yanked from her in the most violent way. “What’s happening?!” She cried out, and looked back to see the dragons eating (no, sucking) a dark substance that seemed to come from her body. She suddenly felt dizzy, and her powerful wings felt frail. “Master…Help me!” She begged again, beginning to fall… “Ow, hey!” Bane’s sucking was cut off and she was rubbing her mouth. “What was that?” Dusk complained, the same reaction. The Shadowsuckers hovered where she fell, dazed, as Cynder spiraled away for dear life. As soon as she’d lost them, she landed, huffing, and feeling dizzy from the material they’d sucked away from here. “I managed to break away, thanks to the Master’s powers.” She tapped her collar around her neck gratefully. She stumbled slightly, realizing she was out of breath and feeling very weak. “I must report these creatures to my Master!” She puffed, and limped her way back to her castle. As soon as she climbed the spiral stairs, she entered her chamber room and approached a musty dark mirror covered in stains. “Master, awaken!” She commanded, and the mirror exploded with swirling colors, before revealing the menacing yellow eyes of Malefor. “What would you like, servant?”
“I have a report to make about strange dragons I encountered today.” She spoke, her voice shaky.
“Strange dragons, they were. Solid black, more so then me, with neon crests. Kids as well, I assume…”
“Get on it with, servant!” Malefor hissed. “O-of course, master!” She said quickly. “Anyway, they destroyed about half my army, and almost did the same to me!” “Oh?” Malefor said, his eyes glinting with curiosity. “And how did they do that?”
“Er, I’m not sure exactly,” Cynder said, shifting her paws uncomfortably. “It was hard to explain. They were sucking this black substance from my scales, and I suddenly felt shaky…”
“Shadowsuckers.” Malefor interrupted her. “Shoulda known they’d show up eventually…” He seemed to be talking with himself now, so Cynder chose not to ask what he was muttering about. Then, his yellow eyes flickered toward her. “Those dragons, Cynder, were Shadowsuckers, a very independent species. They may seem like ordinary dragons, but they’re more of parasites than anything. No discipline whatsoever. They feed off of other creatures’ shadows, leaving the victims permanently stoned, collapsing to the ground instantly. You were lucky you managed to escape them, even if you used my help.” She bowed her head. “Master, these ‘Shadowsuckers’ wiped out half of my army, and took a fair amount of my shadow, as well. I ask for your help in keeping me and my army safe, for there may be other of these dragons running loose in our realm.”
“Indeed there is.” Malefor spoke confidently. “And they are much worse than the kids you encountered, who were probably just looking for a snack. But I will make sure they do not stand in our way.” A glowing purple scroll materialized in front of Cynder. “Call a meeting tomorrow of the realm, and show their leader this scroll, written by me. Tell them that by law of the Dark Master, the kids must return the shadows to the army and you immediately.”
“I will do that, Master.” Cynder said, grabbing the scroll in her jaws. “Also!” Malefor called as she began to walk away. “I’d like you to say one last thing, also written in my scroll, to ensure they will not return. Tell them that have been banned from this realm as long as I have reign over it. They are not to set a claw on our land while I am in power.”
“Of course, master.” Cynder muffled through the scroll clasped in her mouth, and the mirror swirled back to its’ musty color. Cynder turned back her head and paced out of the castle with new confidence. With these dragons out of the way, nothing could go wrong with her plan. And she was right; in fact, these dragons obeyed Malefor’s law with some regret and left the realm for places unknown, never to be seen for the next 8 years. But this did not mean they wouldn’t return. Oh no, they would most definitely come back to their plentiful realm, and that is where our story begins, shortly after Spyro and Cynder saved the world and the reign of Malefor ceased…

Alright, here’s the prologue for my new story. I will have the first chapter up soon. Please leave comments!

DragonOfDrakness1992 · Aug 30, 2009 2:23 PM

Yay finally a new story big_smile

Nice start... sounds bad O_o but I guess it will get exciting ^^

Oh btw I don't know if I have said this but I love your light romantic stories ^^

SpyroroxThe2nd · Aug 30, 2009 4:56 PM

Hehe, thanks. I'm posting the first chapter today, so look forward to that. Shinneye will make her first appearance in the chapter, so I'm pretty excited to post it. Check back!

~cornys~ · Aug 30, 2009 5:09 PM

It's a good start but you might try to break it apart into a few different paragraghs at least... other wise it all runs together...

Also when you start a new paragragh skip one line and then start it smile

Just trying to help smile

Great start though

SpyroroxThe2nd · Aug 30, 2009 7:01 PM

Thanks for the advice. I'll give the paragraph thing a try!

Alright, here’s the first chapter! Enjoy and please leave comments!

Chapter 1: Shinneye
Time: Approx. 1 month after Malefor was defeated and Spyro and Cynder returned to the temple.

Shinneye blinked the sleep out of her eyes as she stretched out her wings, waking up. Dewdrops hung from the tips of her horns, and she shook them off with a shake of her head. Shinneye was a Light Bearer dragon; a rare species that carried pure energy and had the ability to make others around her feel good about themselves. Her scales were bright yellow, while her crest, tail-spike and wings were all a variation of rainbow. And her horns were curved and coiled, like springs of gold. Her egg had been found under temple ruins, oddly not smashed unlike the others around it. The elders vowed to give her away to another dragon family, where she would be safe from Malefor. The dragon family she was raised in had many children, so Shinneye grew up treated like any other dragon. She was popular to hang out with because of her feel-good ability, and always quite cheery, if not a bit clumsy and an overall ditz.

She rose from her nest and padded out into the main den. “No one’s home.” She announced aloud when she walked in. She made her way over to the pile of moss by the TV, still tired but too lazy to walked back to her den. On the way, she tripped on a twig. “Ow, stupid twig!” She cursed at it. “That was not nice!” She gave it a final glare before turning her focus back on the moss. She curled up on it and leaned against the remote buried in the nest. She must’ve pressed on, for the TV flashed to life and the same news report seemed to occupy every channel:

BREAKING NEWS: Shadowsucker spotted in Mushroom Swamp?

“Good evening, everyone, I’m Shelly Seawing, coming at you with some very…shocking news.” The pretty blue water dragon began, holding a stack of papers in her hand and looking quite flustered, though she tried to hide it. “According to our fellas back at the station, reports have been filing in about a Shadowsucker roaming our realm, not to long after Malefor has fallen, ma y I point out. Eye witnessed claim that last night, approximately 8:43, a lithe black silhouette was seen hovering over the swamp, close to the river. It has been described to look faintly like a dragon, only much smaller and faster in the air. We have Glacier on the scene to give us more details about the sighting. Glacier?” The screen sliced in half to reveal a male ice dragon, shaking frantically and rustling his papers. “Y-yes,” Glacier started when he saw the camera was on, fear glazed on his eyes. “G-good evening, e-everyone. I’m l-live here f-from w-where the S-S-Shadowsucker was spotted. H-he was s-seen g-gliding over t-this river b-behind m-me l-l-late last night.” His gaze flickering at every movement as he spoke. “Though i-it h-has y-yet t-to c-c-claim any v-victims, w-we a-advise you t-to n-n-not l-leave your d-dens after t-the s-sun f-falls.” It seemed as though he wanted to fly off the set any second as he finished, looking around at the sleeping swamp surrounding him. “Thank you, Glacier,” Shelly concluded, feeling sympathy for the terrified ice dragon. His image disappeared and was replaced with the water dragon once more. “Anyway, there is still no solid proof that what we saw was a Shadowsucker, and request that you do not panic. We will get it under control immediately, and until then, please do not wander past our lamps when the sun is down. We say this only for your own safety, and hope you have a relaxing evening. This has been Shelly Seawing, coming to you from DBC news.”

She concluded her sentence and the TV switched to a commercial. “Shadowsuckers…” Shinneye mused, wide-awake now. “It can’t be! No way!” She was shaking her head with shock. As a drakling, Shinneye had been told horror stories by her siblings about Shadowsuckers, and was taught to fear them. Even now, Shinneye has a known fear of them. “Relax, Shinneye,” She told herself. “They're only stories, remember? They aren’t real! This report was false! There nothing but myths. Ehehehe…” She gave her head a final shake before rising from the moss, in high spirits. “Well, here’s to another great day!” She announced happily. “I’m going for a glide.” She began to walk to the entrance of her den, when the sound of her stomach growling entered her ears. “Actually, guess I’m pretty hungry,” She admitted, blushing, and went back to where the food was stored. She took out a handful of berries and popped them into her mouth one by one, savoring their tart flavor. “Shadowsuckers…” She said again, through her mouthful of berries. She couldn’t stop herself from giving a shiver. She had a flash back of her siblings, when they would pass around a flashlight in the dark and describe the Shadowsuckers:
“Their scales are blacker than a midnight with no stars,” Flick, an older rock dragon began to his younger sisters and brothers, the flashlight the only source of light in the entire dark cave. “Their crests glow neon, and you can tell when they’re hungry because small droplets of black drool begin to hang from their mouths.” He leaned closer to his shaking siblings, and continued. “The search the night for unexpecting victims, and when they see them, they become a predator. You know when ones near you because you get this uncertainty in the pit of your belly, and breath very slowly. Meanwhile, the Shadowsucker advances over to where you air, and the crickets stop chirping. You can tell something horrible is about to happen. And then, right as you slowly crane your head…BAM!” He leaped at his siblings, and they screamed with horror. “The Shadowsucker bowls you over, and opens his wide jaws. You try to scream, but realize you can’t, and suddenly it feels like your skin is being ripped apart. Struggle as you may, the Shadowsucker will eat your soul right out of you, and before you know it, your out like a light.” Right a she finished, he flicked the Flashlight off. The little draklings screamed and huddled together, shaking madly. “…Flick?” Shinneye, one of the draklings at the time, asked with uncertainty. But there brother was no where to be seen. “Flick?” She repeated, her voice breaking. Suddenly, a shape lunged at the group, knocking them over. “RAWR!” The shape yelled. “I AM A SHADOWSUCKER! I WANT TO SUCK YOUR SOOUULL!”
“AHHH!” Shinneye yelped and dashed across the room. “Ahaha.” Flick laughed, turning the flashlight back on. “It’s just me, you guys. But man, did you see the look on your faces?” He chuckled. “That’s enough, Flick.” An elderly voice said from the hall. “Mom!” Shinneye squealed when their mother stepped into the room. “The Shadowsuckers are gwonna get me!” The elderly dragon patted her head. “Little Shinneye, Shadowsuckers aren’t real.” She reassured. “There just stories.” “Stowies?” She asked. “Yes, stories. Now, come on, time for bed.” She took the other draklings, gave a glare at Flick, and left the den…

Shinneye finished off her berries, and shook her head a last time. “There’s no such thing as Shadowsuckers. Mum said so.” She assured herself. “I know, I’ll visit Spyro and Cynder to get my mind off it!” At the time, Spyro and Cynder were living at the temple with the three guardians. She was best friends with Cynder; perhaps it was Cynder’s dark past that made the shadow dragon enjoy being around a cheery, feel-good dragon like Shinneye. She spread her multi-color wings and took off into the sky, over to the direction of the temple. She made a smooth landing in the front, and trotted in.

“Hello?” She called. “Spyro? Cynder?” She got no response. She carefully paced into the dark temple, but her friends were nowhere to be seen. “Weird,” She mused. It seemed that the temple was abandoned. She began humming to herself to occupy the quiet. Suddenly she saw a flash of scales. “Huh?” She whirled around, and her eye caught a color in the darkness; a neon blue. She gasped. “Who’s there?" She demanded. “Come out or I’ll…I’ll…” She put a claw to her chin, and put on a puzzled look. “Actually, I don’t know what I’d do.” What sounded like a quiet chuckle came from the darkness, but no dragon showed. Instead, the figure seemed to scoot out of the room, using the door Shinneye came in. She watched the door seconds after it had made its’ escape, and decided it would be best to leave the room. She saw the giant dragon statue, and heard the sound of someone talking in the other room. She trotted across and opened the door into the den, where she saw Spyro, Cynder, and the rest of the guardians gathered around a TV set. Shinneye instantly recognized Shelly Seawing, the news dragon, though the headline was different from when she saw her:

UPDATE: Shadowsucker sightings no longer just on edge of realm. Near temple???

“Good morning, again, everyone. It’s me, Shelly Seawing, making a second report since our original this morning. I’m afraid to say that the Shadowsucker had been seen once more, and this time closer to the heart of the realm. A report just came in that it was seen prowling around the temple at about 11: 03.” Shinneye’s breath caught in her throat; she had just entered the temple at 11:02. “Apparently our theory about Shadowsuckers coming out at night was false. They have no boundaries when to leave. We advise to stay inside your dens and lock your doors until we find more information. We’ll have a new update soon, so please patiently wait in your den and once again, do not panic. This is Shelly Seawing, DBC news.” The TV turned off. “Unbelievable.” Spyro breathed. “Who would’ve known?”
“Hey, everyone,” Shinneye called, and they turned their heads to see her. “Shinneye!” Cynder exclaimed, getting up from the moss and hugging her best friend. She quickly let go, and looked at her, pretty worried. “You shouldn’t have come here! Didn’t you see the news?”
“I did, just now.” Shinneye admitted. “Actually, I…” She stopped herself. She decided it would be best if she didn’t mention her encounter with the supposed “Shadowsucker.”
“…Saw the news this morning, but left right after.”
“Your lucky you didn’t get attacked by one.” Spyro said, going over to where they stood. The guardians rose to their paws. “That was a risky thing to do, Shinneye,” Terrador told her. “I believe it’d be best if you stay in the temple for the night. You don’t want to be the first victim.” “So there not myths?” Shinneye blurted out. Terrador did not respond, just left the room without a word. Volteer looked like he wanted to say a bunch, but refrained from doing so. And Cyril refused to make eye contact. “You know, it’s weird,” Cynder said, gazing up. “I have this déjà vu about the Shadowsuckers. I swear I’ve heard the name before, but I just can’t get my tongue on it.”
“Come on, Shinneye, we’ll go do some training.” Spyro suggested after a long silence, and Shinneye slowly nodded. They followed the guardians out of the door, and caught a snippet of what Terrador was saying; “Should have known they show up.” He whispered darkly. “Perhaps I ceased to think about it, since I never thought Malefor would fall. But he did. And the celebration of it will be short lived.” Shinneye suppressed a shudder. What did he mean? And what’s more, if she had indeed encountered a Shadowsucker when she first entered the temple, why hadn’t she been attacked?

Ok, here’s my first chapter! Hope you like it so far. Oh, and if you didn’t catch it, the Shadowsucker in the temple was Dusk. And the story’s called, “Dusk and Shinneye”. Just giving a few future hints, so stay tuned!

DragonOfDrakness1992 · Aug 31, 2009 2:50 PM

Nice story so far ^^

I can sense that it is going to be a very good story ^^

Cookies to you :3 lol

SpyroroxThe2nd · Sep 01, 2009 7:00 AM

here’s chapter 2! Hope you guys like it so far! smile

Chapter 2: Meal Ticket

UPDATE: Shadowsuckers take their first victims!
~The SS Crisis~
“Good evening, dragons of the realm. It’s me again, Shelly Seawing, reporting to you live for a new update on the Shadowsucker mystery, for now on headline of “The SS Crisis”. It has just been reported that he Shadowsuckers have finally claimed their first victims, a family of swamp rabbit, near Mushroom Swamp. They appeared drained of color when they were found, and a strange black substance surrounding them. These were taken to the elders for further analysis. However, it has been clarified there are more than one Shadowsucker, and it is unknown how long they can hold off on animals before sucking the souls of dragons. Due to the fact they have eaten, it is now safe to leave your dens, and to carry on with your business. But keep watching DBC news for new reports. Anyway, as you all now, Mrs. Silverwing is hosting a block party tomorrow afternoon, so why not go enjoy yourselves there and forget about the Shadowsuckers? Panicking will not help, so try to get your mind off it!” She tried to sound cheery, but she had trouble hiding it. “Anyway, this has been Shelly Seawing, DBC news.”

“Ha, what do you think of that?” A gruff female voice said as he flicked off the TV. “We’re all over the news!” She was a full-grown pitch black dragon, with a neon turquoise crest. “Man, we’ve been living the good life ever since Malefor left! It’s nice to be back.” She patted her stomach “That was a great meal though, those swamp rabbits.” She gave a luxury stretch. “You said it, Bane,” A male’s voice responded. He was pitch black as well, with a neon red crest. “Although, I’m really craving some dragon shadows. Animals don’t cut it, you know?”
“I agree with ya, Shade,” A third said, his voice less gruff but still with an edge. “Who doesn’t, Murk, who doesn’t?” The first male said again, sighing.
“I think Dusk wins the “most spotted” prize tough, don’t you think?” Bane turned to the last male, who’d been listening to the whole conversation and smiling with contempt at his meal. “Ehe, yup. I quite a sight to see, especially for the lady dragons,” Bane elbowed him. “Seriously though, you never told us if you got a dragons’ shadow when you went in the temple. Did you?” Dusk turned over his bloated stomach, and looked a little frazzled. “Er, no. No dragons were in the temple when I entered.”
“Too bad,” Bane sighed. “The last dragon shadow we got was that giant one. Man, if only I could get a taste of that again!...”
“You know, you guys did hear what the news reporter said at the end, right? About the block party?” This was shade talking, and he had a devious grin on his face. The others slowly nodded. “Our meal ticket!” Dusk whispered, his eyes gleaming. The Shadowsuckers cackled in spite of themselves, smirking. “This’ll be great!” Bane cheered. “None of the other Shadowsuckers know about it. Every dragon will show up, and no one with know what happened when we attack! We’re eating good tomorrow!”
………..
Spyro, Cynder and Shinneye had just finished their training, and were headed back to the main den for the night. “That was tiring,” Puffed Shinneye. “You fight awesome, though, Cynder.” “Hehe, thanks. I sp’ose the dark master’s training wasn’t all bad.”
“There’s something else that wasn’t bad about him,” This was Terradors’ voice, and everyone turned. “What do you mean?” Spyro asked.
“I suppose I might as well tell you, what with all this Shadowsucker business flying around.” He said, and the young dragons looked up at him with curious eyes.

“See, when Malefor had his rule, Shadowsuckers were interfering with his plans. They even wiped out have his army!” Cynder suddenly coughed, and every turned to her. “No, no, it’s nothing,” She assured, and turned her focus back on Terrador. “Anyway,” He continued. “Malefor made a pact with them demanding that they leave the realm for good, so long as he was in rule. Actually, Shadowsuckers were the number one issue before he rose to power. Banning them from the realm was possibly the best thing he’d done. But when he fell, the Shadowsuckers must have assumed they can return. And we don’t want…that happening again.”
“What?” The younger dragons asked.
“No, it’s nothing for you to worry about." Terrador assured. "Anyways, it’s late. I assume you were all ready to tuck in for the night. We were invited to the block party tomorrow, so we better rest up!” He waved goodnight and departed to the sleeping quarters.

“Well, I guess we better hit the moss,” Spyro said, and Cynder nodded, though Shinneye looked uncertain. “What’s wrong, Shinneye?” Cynder asked. “Er, it’s the Shadowsuckers,” She admitted. “When I was a drakling my brother told stories about them to scare us, and I’m a little spooked, that’s all.” Cynder put her arm around her friend and gave her a squeeze. “Shinneye, your so cute when your honest!” She cooed, and Shinneye blushed while scratching her cheek with her tail. “Anyway, I’ll move my moss next to yours, ok? This way you don’t have to be scared.” She winked at Shinneye. “For Cynder the terrible will protect you,” Shinneye grinned, and the three headed over to there own quarters.

“The block party will be fun,” Shinneye told herself, nestling in the moss. She pricked her paw on a thorn as she did, and glared at it angrily. “Bad thorn!” She hissed, and Cynder laughed. “Shinneye, your too adorable,” She said, taking the thorn out of her friend’s nest for her and shaking her head. “Anyways, goodnight!” She curled in the moss beside Shinneye and tucked her paws under her tail. “Night, Cynder, Spyro,” Shinneye said. The block party would be the perfect distraction from her scares. What could go wrong? She had wondered. Well, let’s just say a lot more than she thinks…

Ok, leaving it at that for now! Stay tuned and please leave comments!

DragonOfDrakness1992 · Sep 01, 2009 8:05 PM

Ohhhhh exciting O_o
MUST READ THE NEXT CHAPTER xD lol

SpyroroxThe2nd · Sep 06, 2009 12:15 AM

Alright, here’s next chap! Hope u enjoy and please leave comments!

Chapter 3: Attack at Mrs. Silverwings

Shinneye dreamed she was walking through the forest outside the temple, her scales giving off a faint glow as she walked. For some unknown reason, she felt as though she had to be silent, like she was trying to avoid being seen. She walked into a large clearing, a glowing tree studded with blue blossoms shining through the darkness. This was where she had to be. She approached it, and right as she did a flash of black scales caught her eye. Suddenly, a shadow paced from the trees beyond, and though the image was blurred, there was no doubt a neon blue color shining above it. It was a Shadowsucker. But strangest of all, she was not afraid. In fact, she felt safe. And she found her legs approaching the shadow, carrying her to her fate…or what seemed like her fate…

Shinneye awoke with a jolt, breathing hard. The nest beside hers was empty, as was Spyros’. She suddenly felt very alone. Shinneye sprung from her nest, and left the den into the main temple room. “No new news.” Terradors’ voice came from behind her, and she spun around to see the earth dragon. “DBS has been very quiet this morning, so I think we’ll be safe for a while.” Shinneye should have felt relieved, but her dream haunted her. What did that Shadowsucker want from her? She shivered in spite of herself. “Where are Spyro and Cynder?” She asked. “They went to Mrs. Silverwings’ early to help set up for the party. You can join them if you like.”
“Thanks, I think I will”! Shinneye replied, back to her cheery self, and went out onto the temple padio.

Spreading her wings, Shinneye took off into the sky, toward the clearing that was owned by Mrs. Silverwing. Mrs. Silverwing was possibly the most rich dragon in the realm. Both the inside and outside of her den was studded with rubies, sapphires, emeralds, you name it. And her backyard was a stretch of open field, where the party would be hosted. Shinneye landed smoothly on it, where many dragons were hoisting large wooden picnic tables over to the middle of the field. She saw Spyro and Cynder carrying over one of the tables, and when over to them.

“Hey guys!” She called. They turned to her and smiled. “Hey, Shinneye!” She helped them bring the table over to the correct spot. “This is gonna be a big party.” Spyro puffed. “I heard almost everyone in the dragon realms is coming!” This made Shinney feel safer. The more dragons, the last chance of being attacked individually by a Shadowsucker. She helped for the rest of the morning, and right around noon the party guests began to arrive. Shinneye watched as they filled up the whole field, holding champagne glasses and laughing as though being in the open was no threat. “See?” Shinneye muttered to herself. “Nothing to worry about!”
“Hey, Shinneye!” Shinneye immediately recognized the voice as Flicks’ and turned to see her siblings and parents enter the field. “Where’ve you been?”
“I’ve been staying at the temple.” Shinneye explained to her older brother. “You know, with the Shadowsuckers and all.”
“Tales for draklings!” Her brother said when she finished. “You remember what mom made me tell you; there’s no such thing as Shadowsuckers!” Flick then went over to his friends, who were chatting nearby. Shineye’s mom told her she could stay at the temple as many nights as she’d like, so Shinneye decided she would stay there for the next few days.

She went over to the food table and helped herself to some snacks, for once completely happy and relaxed since she had seen the report. The party games were due to start right after dinner, the sun began to set, which came much faster than anyone ever realized. “I’m gonna win every one!” Flick exclaimed as Mrs. Silverwing gathered everyone together for dinner before the games. The tables were covered with all kinds of delicacies, and people began to watch impatiently when they would be aloud to grab plates. But little did they know, there would never be dinner. At least, not for them…

“Look at them all! A feast!” Bane’s voice whispered as the four Shadowsuckers hung in the trees surrounding the clearing. “I say we get their shadows now!”
“I agree.” Shade said. “Now is the perfect time.”
“Ok then!” Bane exclaimed. Black droplets of drewl hung from her mouth. “On my signal, we attack…”

Mrs. Silverwing finally said dinner was ready. The older dragons began to grab plates and line up, heaping them with the food. Shinneye was at the front, and began piling her plate with the food. A feeling of uncertainty suddenly began to pick at her as she filled her plate. Then, Shinneye could have sworn she saw a flash of black dart out from the trees, but ignored it. But then, she heard the sound of breaking glass, followed by a piercing shriek. Everyone spun around to see a dragon behind her collapse on the ground, its’ scales a dull gray. “What the?...” Before one of the dragons could finish their sentence, a black and neon dragon leaped onto the food table. “Hello, dragons!” She said, her voice hissing with triumph. “I hope you don’t mind if we join you for dinner!” It was then someone finally said it; “…SHADOWSUCKER!” Screams filled the clearing, and everyone dropped there plates and flew for their lives. “Wait!” Spyro called as Shinneye prepared to leave herself. “We can’t just leave! We have to help everyone out!” Shinneye new this was true, and folded her wings. She was terrified, but had to stay on ground level as she began escorting everyone out. “Ok, everyone, just stay calm!” Spyro yelled over the shrieking crowd. 4 black blurs spread around the crowd, and occasionally a dragon would collapse onto the field floor. Shinneye was helping a younger dragon get in the air when she saw a Shadowsucker up close. And the one she saw was no ordinary one; it was the same one she’d seen in the temple. “Leave!” She hissed at it. But the Shadowsucker didn’t move. It sidestepped over, but didn’t attempt to suck her shadow. Instead, its’ eyes gleamed, and it flicked it’s tail. “What’ll you do to me if I don’t? You’re ‘not sure what you’d do?’ ” Shinneye couldn’t believe it; this Shadowsucker was taunting her! “I wouldn’t, Shadowsucker!” She warned. “I may be a klutz, but I’ll take you!”
“My name’s Dusk,” He corrected her. She aimed a swipe at him, but he danced out of the way. She fell face flat, and he leered at her. “You are a klutz,” He teased. “Oh yeah?” Shinneye retorted. “If I’m such a klutz, why not just suck my shadow now?” Dusk looked taken aback. But he quickly covered it with another sneer. “I never did catch your name. What is it?”
“Shinneye.” Shinneye responded tartly. She was surprised she’d even answered. “Shinneye, huh?” He muttered. “Nice name.”
“Leave!” Shinneye said again, breathing a stream of light at him. He backed off. “Ok, ok.” He said quickly, and disappeared in the crowd of dragons. “What an arrogant airhead!” Shinneye muttered. She quickly remembered the task at hand and went to help the other dragons. Now, the clearing was pretty much empty, except for the victims. The Shadowsuckers must’ve left, because they were no where to be seen. Shinneye quickly scanned the dragons lying on the floor. She her mother and siblings crowded around one in particular, and scampered over to see. She immediately recognized the dark brown scales; it was Flick. Shinneye gasped. “No…” She muttered, looking at her stoned older brother with shock. Mrs. Silverwing looked like a mess; her wings were ruffled and she was pressing a paw to her forehead. “Everyone go.” She told the remaining dragons without looking up. “The party is over.”

Ok, leaving it at that! Please comment and stay tuned!

DragonOfDrakness1992 · Sep 08, 2009 10:09 AM

(Looks like I'm the only one there comment ^^" )

Ohhhh it is getting really exciting now O_O
Keep up the awesome work dude ^^
I think you are one of my favorite writters big_smile

SpyroroxThe2nd · Sep 19, 2009 8:14 AM

Hehe, thanks big_smile

Alright, here’s my next chap! Btw, as nintendofreak pointed out, I understand if you can’t leave comments since you might not have an ff account on Spyro forum. However, you can still support me by viewing and reading this page every update! I hope you enjoy the latest chapter!

Chapter 4: Prey or Love?

BREAKING NEWS: Shadowsuckers Take the Souls of Many at Block Party.

“Good evening, everyone.” Shelly Seawing began. She had a box of tissues on her desk, and her voice sounded like she’d been sobbing. “This realm has never experienced such a loss since the days of Malefor. I’m horribly sorry to say that at Mrs. Silverwings’ block party, an estimated 200 dragons had their souls suck from them. This was unexpected and came as a horrid shock to many. We advise you do not even set a claw out of your homes, and our hosting the funeral for the lost dragons inside Limestone Cave. The funeral regarding these dragons will be held today. Those of you who lost your loved ones may attend, or just feel sorry for the loss of dragons.” A bunch of pictures began to flash on the screen as Shelly read their names. “The victims include Mr. Blacktail, Miss Pennypucket, Thoren the Blacksmith, and the young Flick Brightscale…”

Shinneye couldn’t watch anymore; she flicked off the TV, and buried her head in the moss. She would be attending the funeral for her brother later that day, and Spyro and Cynder would be joining her. She felt incredible grief for her older brother, despite how much she teased and taunted her.

“Those Shadowsuckers!” She hissed angry. This was all their fault! Immediately here thoughts flashed back to Dusk, the one who made fun of her instead of suck her soul. “For all I know, he could have been the one that took Flick’s soul!” Hissing with disgust, Shinneye rose from the moss and trotted into the main part of the temple. Spyro and Cynder were already there, and looked at Shinneye with sympathy. “Sorry about your brother,” Cynder whispered, putting an arm around Shinneye.

“It’s fine,” Shinneye insisted, shaking her off. “I was never too close to Flick. Honest.” Shinneye decided she didn’t feel like talking to her friends. Instead, she went back to the TV room and curled up in the moss, desperate to just fall asleep and leave the world. At first, Shinneye tossed and turned, thoughts of her brother flooding her head. Finally, sleep won her mind over, and she was plunged into the darkness. But only for a moment.

Almost instantly, Shinneye found herself in the middle of the forest, alone. She shivered in spite of herself; she was supposed to stay in the temple, not go out alone! She wanted to call for help, but she felt as though she had to be quiet. Then, the leaves rustled behind her, and she whirled around to see a dark silhouette dart around her. “A Shadowsucker!” She gasped with fear, and attempted to shield herself with her wings. It circled her twice, before flying straight at her. When it hit, Shinneye was expecting pain and winced as it collided with her body. However, instead of pain she felt incredible warmth spread from her horns to tail tip, and a scent of fresh-picked roses entered her nostrils. Shinneye had never experienced the comforting feeling before, and she mentally knew it must be bad, but how could it be? As she breathed in the rosy scent, the image faded and she was plunged into an endless darkness. A voice boomed in her head, in an ominous tone: “Beware the enemy from whom you can’t hide. An enemy who always betrays you.” Following this, two large, strange shapes with glowing underbellies, much bigger than the silhouette she’d seen, loomed over her. They looked like Shadowsuckers, but something about their build told her they were a different type than the one she knew. A stronger type. The large Shadowsucker on the left opened its’ mouth to speak, and said; “Hey, Shinneye, wake up!”
…

Shinneye jolted awake, when she saw Cynder leaning over her. The black dragoness had woken her up. “Hey, its’ time for the funeral.” Great. The funeral was the last thing Shinneye wanted to attend. Yawning, she got up and dully walked past Cynder, over to the entrance of the temple. The evening moon was a sliver of white, barely giving a glow to the cloudy, starless sky. Shinneye waited for Spyro and Cynder to join her, before taking off into the night. The dream Shinneye had had thoroughly spooked her. What were those weird looking Shadowsuckers she saw? Was there really more than just Dusks’ type? Shaking the thought out of her head, Shinneye landed smoothly in front of a bright green cave, where the funeral would be held. Spyro and Cynder joined her. They had been flying in the back by themselves, whispering together. Cynder never said anything, but Shinneye could tell she had a crush on Spyro, and vice-versa. Something about the dreamy look on her face when she looked at Spyro gave it away. Ignoring them, Shinneye walked into the cave, and followed the windy path into the large room. Dragons sat in silence, holding blue and red wax candles in their claws that dripped as they reached the end of their wick. Shinneye could tell these dragons had stood there for quite a while, waiting for everyone to arrive. Every one of them had glistening tears in their eyes; dragons were creatures that preferred not to show emotion, but Shinneye could see how much these dragons held back from bawling. As it turned out, Shinneye was the last one, and the lead dragon began to speak as she went to go stand beside her family, who stood over the lifeless body of Flick.

“We are all gathered here to mourn our lost dragons. May they rest in peace, wherever they are.” These words made Shinneye realize; never again would she see her brother, or hear his crazy stories. He was gone. Gone forever. And she hadn’t killed Dusk while she had the chance. It was her fault he was gone. Bright tears gathered in her eyes, and she attempted to blink them away. Her mother pat her head, and her siblings began to weep themselves. “There were too many dragons taken that night. To represent them all, we shall sing a single song to show what these dragons meant to us.” The crowd began to sing, “You Raise me Up,” while the lead dragon put up a slideshow of the dragons. Flick was up first, and showed a brown-scaled darkling, and how he grew old. Shinneye felt the tears escape her eyes and fall thick on the limestone floor.

“He was so young.” A dragon behind Shinneye said. “Horrible creatures these beings must be, to take an innocent life. Strange that no one defended the poor dragon.”

Shinneye couldn’t take it anymore. She got up and dashed out of the cave, tears streaming down her face. “*bleep* Shadowsuckers!” she cried as she left the cave. “Hey, what’s wrong?” Cynder asked with concern.

“Nothing!” Shinneye replied through tears. Without waiting for a response, she took off into the sky, desperate to get away from everything and everyone. “Why? Why is this happening?” She asked as she flew back to the temple. She entered the top window and glided into the room, landing atop her moss bed. Sleep. That’s what she’s do. Sleep until her sorrows and guilt are forgotten. Shinneye curled herself up in the moss, and felt a sharp feeling on her back leg. “Huh?” She asked, lifting it up to reveal a crumpled piece of paper that wasn’t there the night before. Shinneye uncrumpled it to reveal a neatly written note, in strange ink she didn’t recognize. She read it:

Shinneye,

I have your brothers’ soul. Meet me under the Drake Blossom tree at 12;00 tonight. Don’t bring anyone with you, and don’t been seen; it could ruin everything.

The note did not have a signature on it, but Shinneye knew well who wrote it. It was Dusk, and he wanted her soul as a ransom for her brother. Shinneye was almost positive this was the case; he failed to get it last time, and he wanted it this time. But if he had her brothers’ soul, Shinneye was willing to trade hers in exchange. Shinneye glanced at the clock above the quarters, which read half-past nine. Clutching the letter tight in her paws, Shinneye decided it was worth it. She guessed Spyro and Cynder would come back soon, so she pretended to sleep when the made there way up to the quarters. “She’s asleep.” Spyro said when they came in. “That’s probably good. She needs time to mourn her brother.” Cynder said. She curled up beside Shinneye and closed her eyes. The hours slowly ticked by, and Shinneye found herself beginning to doze off as she waited. She jolted awake when she rolled off her moss bed; checking the clock, it read 11:58.

“I have to go!” Shinneye said, snatching the paper and carefully approaching the window. “Spyro, Cynder, goodbye.” Shinneye breathed. “I’d like to say goodbye properly, but I don’t have time. But I promise, I will return Flick.”

“Mmm.” Cynder moaned in her sleep, rolling over. “Spyro…I do…” She muttered in her sleep. Shinneye stifled a chuckle. The dragoness really did like Spyro. It was too bad she didn’t have someone like Spyro in her life. And she probably never would. In fact, the thought stung her a bit, but she knew what had to be done. Without a glance back, Shinneye glided out the window and landed smoothly on the forest path below. She began to walk down it, shivering in the cold of night. Her breath came out as a white vapor, and she wanted nothing more than to crawl back to her nest and sleep for days. But she kept her head high as she walked through the forest. The darkness of it began to fade as the Drake Blossoms came into view, their beautiful glowing blue light illuminating a good portion of forest. Shinneye broke out into its’ clearing, and approached the stump of it. She waited for a few minutes, but the forest stayed unchanged. “Hello?” She called after a while. “Dusk?” Suddenly, she felt uneasy and shifted her gaze sideways. Something was coming. It approached with rapid speed, and Shinneye unsheathed her claws, ready to fight back. Suddenly, a black and blue silhouette sneaked out of the bush and crept over to the stump of the tree. Without thinking, Shinneye pounced, clawing weakly at the opponent.

“Hey, hey, quite it!” Said a deep, annoying voice Shinneye immediately recognized. “Dusk.” She said simply, getting off him but no helping him up. The Shadowsucker shook his head to clear it, and got to his paws. “That’s quite a blow you got there.” He complimented. “A compliment from a Shadowsucker is like an insult!” Shinneye spat back. “Hey now, no need to get feisty!” Dusk defended, raising his paws in the air in an unthreatening matter. “Why’d you drag me out here again?” Shinneye asked. “You want my soul, right? In exchange for Flicks’? Fine, take it, I’m getting cold here.” Dusk looked confused. “What do you mean? I don’t want your soul. I came here to talk to you!”
“About what? Make it fast so I can get my brother back!” Dusk settled down on the root of the tree, shaking his ring-pierced horns as she settled down. “Get comfortable.” He told her. “This may take a while.”
“Because I have all night.” Shinneye said sarcastically, sinking down onto her own root. “Listen, I don’t have your brothers’ soul.” He began. Shinneye glared at him. “Then why’d you say you did?!” She demanded.
“Because I couldn’t think of another way to get you out here!” Dusk defended.

“First, none of us took your brothers’ soul. Ok, so maybe we took some of the older dragons, but young dragon souls don’t taste good to us! They’re very bland, actually.”
“Add salt.” Shinneye said dryly.
“Anyway, I don’t believe we were the only Shadowsuckers at the party that night. Someone else must have heard of the party and followed us there. But I swear, I don’t know where your brothers’ soul is.” Shinneye sighed. Though it weighed her heart to know she wouldn’t get her brother back from this little chat, a part of her was curious of what Dusk had to say. “So?” She promoted. “Why am I out here again?” Dusk hesitated. He looked down at her chattering teeth.

“Are you cold?” He asked, changing the subject. “Answer my question!” Shinneye demanded. “And no, I’m not cold!” She sneezed right after saying that, and scowled her nose for betraying her. “You are cold, than.” Dusk said, chuckling. “Here.” He pulled a giant leaf from one of the hanging branches and went over to her, wrapping it around her shoulders. Shinneye felt uncomfortable to be so close to a Shadowsucker, but somehow she felt safe as Dusk carefully tucked the leaf around her. “Could you tell me why I’m here?” Shinneye said, trying a polite approach. “Say the magic word.” Dusk said back, smirking in a playful way. “Arrogant parasite!” Shinneye cussed under her breath. “Please.” She said in her most fake sweet voice. “That’s better.” Dusk smiled. Then, he suddenly got very serious, and grabbed her paw with his own. It felt warm compared to hers, and a scent of roses, yes roses, filled her nostrils. “Shinneye, I…” He began.

“Listen, your probably wondering why I haven’t sucked your shadow yet.”
“I’m just a little curious.” Shinneye said sarcastically, but she was actually interested to see what Dusk had to say. “You see, ever since that night…at the block party, that is. I…haven’t been able to get you off my mind.” Shinneye was quiet for a second. Was this Shadowsucker trying to say he liked her? But that can’t be! She was his prey, not his love interest! “…I’m not sure I understand.” Shinneye said back. “You don’t have to.” Dusk said simply. “Tomorrow, let’s meet here. Under this tree. That’s all I’m asking of you. I’m not going to force you to go, but please consider.”

Shinneye wasn’t sure what to say; nothing made sense. Dusk, a Shadowsucker, her worst fear, wanted to see her? “Are you ok going back to the temple on your own?” He asked when he saw her get up. “Yes.” She responded. “And don’t get your hopes up about tomorrow. Your still a Shadowsucker in my eyes.” She turned her back on him and walked back to the temple. She never thought she’d be making this journey back, simply because she was expecting her soul to be taken and not a confession. Her head was spinning; why had Dusk suddenly said this? Did he really like her? And why was he haunting her thoughts the entire night after returning to the temple?

Ok, leaving it there! Stay tuned!

~cornys~ · Sep 20, 2009 12:57 AM

I had all intentions on reading this... but then things started happening and I never got around to it... it's too far along now..... I'm always busy it seams.....

Well at least I have now read the first few paragraphs.... lol.... I gave up... I have to write my fan fiction and I harly find time to do that.... lol..... sorry....

oh... just one other quick thing that I noticed:

Every time a different character speaks you are supposed to start a new paragragh.... just a minor organization problem... other wise it looks really nice smile

(I guess I will post my fan fiction on here now that I think about it... lol.... It'll be up sonn I guess if you want to read it)

SpyroroxThe2nd · Sep 20, 2009 6:32 AM

Thanks for the advice. Heh, shows how much I know about format wink
Anyway, i made a few minor changes, though they the paragraph is by all means not flawless...Thanks again for the tip!

DragonOfDrakness1992 · Sep 22, 2009 6:06 AM

Now it is getting really exciting 8D
Keep up the awesome work big_smile

SpyroroxThe2nd · Oct 16, 2009 6:24 AM

Ok, after a slight delay I have the next chapter. Enjoy!

Chapter 5: Meetings at Midnight

Shinneye slept in the next morning, tired from staying up the night before. For a second, she rose out of her nest and expected to go into the main room of her house, and see here entire family; her mom, dad, siblings, and Flick. For a second, she thought she could flip on the news and hear the ordinary forecasting of the realm. But only for that one moment. Almost immediately, she was flooded with thoughts of the previous days, all-starting when she had flicked on the TV and saw the broadcast on Shadowsuckers. That was what had triggered it all, and now she couldn’t even leave the temple. But one thing stuck in her mind the most; the image of Dusk, his paws clasped in hers and his eyes gazing back into her own. As arrogant and hotheaded as he was, Shinneye couldn’t help but think about him. There was something in his look that refused to leave Shinneye’s mind, even as she trotted out of the sleeping quarters and into the main room of the temple. Spyro and Cynder were training with each other when she entered. “Hi,” Cynder said when she saw Shinneye. “Wanna train?”
“Sure,” Shinneye replied. Training was the perfect thing to get her mind off Dusk. “Let’s fight.”

Spyro started with a giant earth ball, rolling toward her. Shinneye quickly dodged and took off into the air. As she glided, she accidentally fell forward and did a flip, narrowly catching herself and looking up flustered. “Smooth move!” Spyro teased. “Very graceful, Shinneye,” She muttered to herself, shaking her head at her clumsiness. “What dragon trips in mid air?! Good thing Dusk wasn’t here to see…” Shaking her head again, she landed narrowly and breathed a blinding beam at Spyro. He narrowly dodged and came at her with ready claws. Shinneye pounced over him and landed near a vase by the front of the training room. Shinneye glanced at it, and saw freshly picked red roses. As she inhaled, she realized they had a similar scent to Dusk, and he quickly pooled into her thoughts once more. She found herself staring, lost in the scent, when a voice interrupted her.
“Look out!” Cynder called as a giant shadow ball slammed right into a dazed Shinneye. “I’m so sorry!” She called as Shinneye landed on her back. “I’m fine!” She managed, getting up and rubbing her sore wings. How could she be so careless? Would the Shadowsucker never leave her mind?

“Maybe you should visit him tonight.” A voice in the back of her mind remarked. “What? Are you insane?!” Shinneye thought back at it. “Me? Visit that stupid, airheaded Shadowsucker?”
“Just for tonight. You know he’ll keep coming back…”
“I’ll consider it!” She whispered. “Now let me train!”
“Ok,” The voice said. “But just remember, you can’t run away from love. It has a way of tracking you down…” Shinneye shut off the voice. Her? In love with Dusk? Ridiculous! Needing to vent out her anger, Shinneye lunged at Cynder, shooting a beam that hit her square on. “AH!” She shouted in alarm as she was balled over. Shinneye stopped, panting, as Cynder looked up, dazed. “Shinneye…” she said with surprise. “That was insanely powerful. How did you?...”
“Forget it.” Shinneye mumbled. She felt drained, though she wasn’t sure if it was from the attack she unleashed, or her debate with her conscious. “Hey, I think I’m done training. She you guys later.” She paced off before they could debate.

She wanted to shoot down the sun, let nightfall so she could return to the tree and meet up with her thought-haunter. The day slowly trickled by, Shinneye mindlessly pacing around the temple. Finally, dinner rolled around the corner. Shinneye had a few pieces of bread before excusing herself. Spyro and Cynder looked at each other, but didn’t talk as Shinneye left. It was now dark out, and Shinneye was growing anxious. As she crossed the training room, the vase caught her eye; the red roses seemed vibrant in the dark, and Shinneye felt herself walk toward them. She careful took a stem between two of her claws, and inhaled the bud deeply; Dusks’ scent wreathed around her once more, and she felt happy and at ease.

“Shinneye?” Shinneye was caught of guard by the voice. She whirled around to see Cyril, the ice guardian standing above her. “I say, what are you thinking about?”
“N-nothing!” Shinneye stammered quickly, the words tumbling out of her mouth. “Whydoyaask?”
“Something about your look just then.” Cyril explained, as though trying to figure it out himself. “It looked kind of like how Cynder looks when she’s staring at Spyro…”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Shinneye insisted and sped out of the training room. She entered the sleeping quarters and curled up, hoping for sleep to steal her until midnight. She pretended to be asleep when Spyro and Cynder came in, and waited until the clock striked twelve. She carefully got up, and glanced at the sleeping Spyro and Cynder. “Bye, you guys,” She whispered, before slipping out the window and into the back garden. She shook out her wings and strolled across, new energy filling her chest.

“I wonder if Dusk is already there, waiting?” She began to go onto the forest path, when suddenly she heard a voice. “Shinneye?” She froze; the voice was Cynders’. Not daring to turn, Shinneye chose her words carefully. “Cynder…why are you awake this late at night?”
“I should ask you the same thing.” Cynder said skeptically. Shinneye gulped. “Er, well…you see, I’ve been having trouble sleeping, so I’ve been going on night strolls.” It sounded good enough to Shinneye. “Night strolls, huh?” Cynder considered it. “Yeah, you have been looking pretty down and dazed. But it’s not safe to be out this late, what with the Shadowsuckers n’ stuff. You should come back in.” Shinneye decided to act offended. “You don’t think I could take of myself?”
“Well, no,” Cynder said, taken aback. “It’s just not safe. I encountered Shadowsuckers…along time ago. It was probably the most terrifying experience I ever had when I worked for Malefor. It’s just unsafe for a dragon as pure as you to be walking the paths at night.” Shinneye was tired of debating, so decided to say something quick. “Listen, I’m just going to get a drink of water from the stream, and then I’ll come back. Ok?” Cynder slowly nodded. “Sure. But come back soon.”
“I will!” Shinneye called back, and trotted off before Cynder could have second thoughts.

“That was close.” She breathed. She continued along the path, hoping dusk would still be there when she arrived. Sure enough, when the Drake Blossoms came into view, a dark shape with a pierced horn was waiting patiently. She quickened her pace, her heart pounding.

“Dusk!”
“Ah, I thought you’d come!” Dusk said happily, approaching her. “Yeah, well, I’ll have you know I had to drag myself her.” She retorted. “Really?” Dusk teased. “You seemed pretty happy when you saw me.” She blushed and swiped a paw at him. “Oh, be quiet!” She hissed. Dusk just grinned. “So, anyway, there’s this place I want to show you…” He suddenly stopped, the grin wiped from his face. “What? What’s wrong?” Shinneye asked, panicked. Dusk was focusing on something behind her, and he looked mad. Suddenly, he shot forward, past Shinneye, and bawled something over. Shinneye heard a horrible sucking sound, followed by a loud thud. Whirling around, she saw Dusk, eyes glowering and looking down at the body of a lifeless Cynder. “Dusk!” Shinneye yelled with shock. “What did you do?!” She stared at him with horror. “She was intruding on our conversation.” Dusk said, still glowering at the now gray dragon below him. “But you took her soul! How could you?!”
“Relax, relax!” Dusk said when he saw Shinneye panicking. “I did not eat her soul. I just took it, but I didn’t eat it. There’s a huge difference.” Shinneye fell on her haunches, exasperated. “I’m confused.” She said, shaking her head. Dusk approached her. “It’s hard to understand, I know. But Cynders’ soul is not gone. I can blow it back to her any time want. Now stop freaking out and listen!” Shinneye was quiet.

“Anyway, I was going to show you somewhere cool tonight, but it will have to wait. Instead, I need to give you something. I was hoping you wouldn’t have to use this, but I don’t want an incident like tonight’s’ happening again. Here.” He began digging on a spot marked with a pattern Shinneye never noticed. He brushed away the soil to reveal a small blue bottle, filled to the brim with a purple liquid. “This, here,” Dusk began, lifting it carefully. “Is a sleeping potion. Cynder and the rest will be suspicious after tonight. So, tomorrow, pour this into there goblets when you have dinner. It’s not poisonous, but strong enough to keep them asleep for most of the night. Use this any nights we see each other.” Shinneye stared at the bottle with uncertainty. “I don’t know, Dusk. I’m going against the whole temple by doing this. What if it doesn’t work? Or what if I run out?”

“Running out won’t be an issue.” Dusk said. “The potion is made from the juice of a Drowsy Willow, a type of plant that grows in that place I want to take you to. We can replenish your supply there.” Shinneye still refused to take the bottle. Was Dusk really worth all this trouble? “Just take it and think about it.” Dusk said, pressing it into her hand. “But please consider. Especially if we’ll be meeting the next few nights…”
“I never said that!” Shinneye protested. Dusk grinned. “Right. You never said that.” Then he became serious. “But anyway, we mustn’t have another eavesdropper next time. Do you know how hard it is for me to just store a shadow? Its’ challenging not to eat it when you suck it. And I may not have that type of control next time.” Shinneye shivered, looking at Cynder. “Fine, I’ll think about it.” She closed her paw around the bottle. “Anyway, I guess I should head back. Could you return her soul?”

“Sure, sure,” Dusk said. He went over to Cynder and blew lightly on her snout. A dark silhouette came from his mouth and wrapped itself around Cynder, until it went into her body and her color returned, though she appeared asleep. “Now, go, before anything else happens. See you.”
“Bye,” Shinneye whispered back, hoisting Cynder onto her back. She than headed back to the temple, bottle in paw.

“I suppose I have to use this tomorrow.” She told herself. She wanted to go to that special place with Dusk, with no interruptions. It sounded so tempting despite the hardship she’d have to do to get it, like staring at a freshly baked cake through the glass window at a bakery. So close, yet so far away. She knew she’d be going against the guardians and her friends she followed through with the potion. But what mattered more to her? Her friends or her love?...

Ok, leaving it there. Stay tuned!

Apoc · Oct 17, 2009 1:52 PM

Good story so far, keep it up

S240sx24 · Oct 18, 2009 2:51 AM

I like it too. Very good smile

Apoc · Oct 18, 2009 9:21 PM

You must write more

DragonOfDrakness1992 · Oct 20, 2009 7:58 AM

Once again a awesome chapter *claps* ^^

SpyroroxThe2nd · Jan 01, 2010 8:29 PM

Alright, here’s chap 6(after two month looooong delay). This chap is one I’ve been really looking forward to writing, so I hope you like it! Also, I’ll try updating more frequently, since I know how annoying it is to wait for chapters. 3 times a month is my ideal goal, one per week. However, this is post to change depending on my homework load. Enjoy! (Oh, and Chap 7 will be up some time day, hopefully.) Apologies for making u guys wait!

Chapter 6: Lilac Hollow

…Shinneye sat in her nest, awake, as the sun peaked over the hills. Clasped between two of her claws was the bottle of sleep potion. She carefully tipped it to one side, watching the purple liquid ooze into one side of the bottle. Would she really betray her closest of friends for her formally worst fear? Yet the rose scent was overpowering, tugging at her mind and heart, and Shinneye found herself daydreaming about the next time she would see Dusk, and visit the “special place” he was talking about. But the obstacle to there was the potion. Whether she used it would be a test of her faith in Dusk. As she pondered it, she couldn’t help but make unrealistic assumptions. What if the sleeping potion was actually poison, and Dusk was waiting to knock everyone out so he could suck their souls?

“Your being irrational, Shinneye,” She scowled herself. Sighing, she tucked the potion in her moss and laid her head on her paws. She knew there was no way she would fall asleep with so much on her mind, so she resolved to sleeping through the entire next day. She faked slept when Spyro and Cynder got up, and finally drifted off at about noon. She didn’t wake up until she heard the guardians moving around in the main room. She glanced at the clock: it was 8 pm.

“Oh, no!” Shinneye gasped. “What if they already had dinner?” Grabbing the potion, Shinneye dashed down the hall into the main room, where the guardians were heading to the dining room.

“Oh, evening, Shinneye.” Terrador said as he saw her rush in. “You slept a while. We’re about to have dinner.” Shinneye mentally breathed a sigh of relief.

“Oh, ok. Is everyone in the dining room, yet?”

“No, actually. Spyro and Cynder are out in the gardens. We were just about to go get them. But feel free to take a seat while we go out.” Shinneye couldn’t believe her luck.

“Ok, I will. Thanks, Terrador.” She quickly went into the dining room. The food was already set out, and the goblets were filled to the brim with Drakberry juice. Her paws began sweating as she clenched the potion bottle. “I don’t have much time.” She went over to the goblets, which were not passed out yet. Instead, they were all clustered together, so it was easy to reach the one on the other side of Shinneye. She carefully raised the bottle to her eye level and uncorked the stopper. A small wisp of smoke rose in a “Z” shape. Definentely a sleeping potion. She took a sniff; it smelled like warm lavender, and she immediately yawned. Confident it was a sleeping potion now, she was about to pour it into one of the goblets, but stopped herself. Sure, it may not be poison, but it was still betraying her friends and the guardians. Was Dusk really and truly worth it?

“Come on, let’s eat.” She recognized Spyros’ voice everyone re-entered the temple. Whatever she did, it’d have to be fast.

“Ok Dusk, you win!” She yelled in her mind as she tipped the bottle over the goblet, and watched the potion pour into the Drakberry juice. She quickly did it in all the goblets beside her own, and decided to stop when the enter bottle was empty. Dusk had never told her the quantity, but she’d rather be safe than sorry. Re-capping the now empty bottle, Shinneye quickly passed out the other goblets and took her own to her spot right as the others came in.

“Morning…er, evening, Shinneye!” Spyro said when he saw her. “Your quite the heavy sleeper.”

“Yeah,” Shinneye laughed nervously. She had hoped no guardians had seen her pouring the potion in their goblets. But they acted perfectly normal as they took their seats at the table. “Now, our nightly toast!” Terrador announced when everyone was seated. Shinneye wanted to scream out, “No! There’s sleeping potion in there! Don’t drink it!” But held her tongue as Terrador lifted his goblet and said words of praise to the ancestors.

“Now, we drink!” He said, and everyone took large gulps out of the goblet. Shinneye found it hard to drink her own as her stomach did back flips. What if they could taste the potion? What if?... They all slammed down their goblets as though nothing happened.

“The juice is especially good today, Terrador.” Volteer commented.

“Why thank you, Volteer.” Terrador said, dipping his head. “Crushed the Drakberries myself. Anyway, dig in, everyone!” They began eating. Shinneye relaxed and began serving herself, glad the moment of suspense was over. When everyone was done, Cynder was the first dragon to yawn.

“Wow, I’m actually really tired.” She said, stretching out his wings.

“Mm, me too.” Spyro responded sleepily, yawning himself.

“We all worked hard today.” Cyril said, his eyes drooping. “I suppose we should all get to sleep.” The others nodded, and swayed slightly as they left the table. Terrador was last to leave.

“Night, Shinneye,” He said, yawning in midsentence.

“Night.” She responded. Once everyone was gone, Shinneye mentally cheered. “It worked!” She took the empty bottle she had hid under the table and left the dining room. “I’ll need to fill this up when we go to that “special place”.” She told herself. Excitement pulsed through her as she thought of the place he would take her. She went up to the den, where Spyro and Cynder were fast asleep. She carefully crept into to her nest and closed her eyes, anxiously waiting for the clock to strike twelve. Only seconds seem to go by before she heard the twelve quiet strikes, and quickly rose up from her nest. She scooted out the window and slinked through the garden, carrying the empty bottle along with her so she could refill it. The glowing blue Drake Blossoms formed ahead of her as she entered the clearing. And there, waiting for her, was Dusk.

“I knew you’d come.” He said, beaming when he noticed her. He looked at the bottle.

“You used the whole thing?” He asked, seeming puzzled.

“Well, yeah. I didn’t want them to wake up…” Dusk chuckled softly.

“Oh, Shinneye, your so paranoid sometimes. They only need one drop for a full night!”

“Oh, no! You don’t mean they’ll sleep all through the next few days?” Shinneye asked, suddenly nervous.

“Unlikely,” Dusk said. “Though they may seem a little more drowsy than usual in the coming days. I was more worried that you used your whole supply of the potion. But oh well, at least were going to that place I told you so we can refill your bottle.” Excitement pulsed through Shinneye.

“That’s right! You can take me tonight, right?” Dusk nodded, grinning. “Shall we go?” Shinneye eagerly bobbed her head up and down.

“Ok, but we’ll need to fly. The trip there is sorta windy, but I’ll help you if you fall.”

“Thanks…” She said with uncertainty.

“Don’t worry, Shinneye.” He said, reading her expression.

“I’m not worried!” She defended, but she knew that was a lie. She wasn’t the most graceful of dragons when it came to flying, and she didn’t want to “trip” in midair like she did back at the temple. “

I’ll catch you is you fall.” He insisted. “Don’t you want to see the place?”

“Yes, but…” Shinneye began.

“Then come on!” Dusk said. Before she could stop him, he grabbed her paw and beat his wings, taking off into the sky.

“Wah!” She called when she felt the wind try to send her flying back.

“Don’t worry, I’ve got you!” Dusk managed over the howling wind. Shinneye closed her eyes and let Dusk lead her through the wind. Despite her scary situation, Shinneye couldn’t help but feel safe with the Shadowsucker so close to her. She soon felt them begin to ascend, and they landed swiftly on a patch of dried moss.

“Here we are.” Dusk announced, and Shinneye slowly opened her eyes. In front of her were long strips of dangling lichen, covering up some sort of cave. “Lilac Hollow is beyond this cave. Stay close to me.” Dusk clutched her paw and brushed back the lichen, revealing the gaping mouth of the cave.

“You ready?” He asked her.

“As I’ll ever be.” She responded, peering nervously into the black cavern. Dusk lead her through it, feeling his way through the darkness of the cave. Shinneye was slightly flustered to be pressed so close to Dusk, but as she breathed his scent she felt at ease and calm. Finally, they broke out into the bright moonlight. Shinneyes’ eyes quickly squinted as they adjusted, and she opened them all the way.

“Here we are. Lilac Hollow.” Dusk announced. Shinneye’s eyes grew huge. They were standing above a huge valley. Below them, thousands of Lilac bushes shined purple in the moonlight. In between them were all kinds of glowing exotic flowers and plants, each one bringing light to the valley as though it had its’ own personal sun. In the center of the valley was a giant lake, fireflies lighting up the surface.

“Dusk…” Shinneye breathed. “It’s beautiful!”

“Isn’t it?” Dusk agreed. “And it’s all our special place. No one else knows of it.” He suddenly nudged her. “Race you down!” He said playfully, and dashed down the slope.

“Hey, wait!” Shinenye called, racing after him. Suddenly, she caught her paw on a snared branch on the way down, and tumbled forward the rest of the way.

“AHH!” She called as crashing into Dusk. He lost his footing and the two tumbled along together, skidding on rocks along the hill before being plunged in ice-cold water. Shinneye opened her eyes underwater to see Dusk staring back. Underwater, his scales gleamed, and his neon blue crest gave off a gorgeous aura. Before Shinneye realized it, she was leaning in for a kiss. Dusk obliged, when suddenly he stopped and his eyes grew big. It took her a second to realize the same thing thatw as happening to Dusk was happening to her. They exhaled a bubble of water as they realized they were out of breath. Shinneye quickly broke the surface, taking drastic gulps of air. Dusk also did, laughing as he came up.

“Forgot we don’t breath underwater!” He said, laughing. Shinneye was slightly disappointed she didn’t get the kiss, but was too shy to mention it to Dusk. Instead, Dusk swam to the shore and shook of his scales before beckoning her with his wing. “Come on. We need to get you some more Sleeping Potion, remember?”

“Right, right.” Shinneye said, swimming back herself. She followed him into the dense lilac bushes, to a giant purple tree with thick hanging vines.

“This,” Dusk told her. “Is a Drowsy Willow Tree. The potion comes from these thick vines. Can I see your bottle?” Shinneye nodded and handed it to him. He went over to one of the vines, before slicing it open with an outstretched claw. Purple liquid oozed out from within the vine opening. Dusk held the bottle under until it was filled to the brim, before corking the stopped back on and handing the filled bottle to her.

“Here.”

“Thanks.” She responded, tucking it away.

“Anyway, the nights’ still young. Now, where were we?” Suddenly, he grinned and tapped her wing. “Tag, you’re it!” And dashed off. “Hey, no fair!” Shinneye called, but found herself grinning as she chased after Dusk through the lilacs. They stayed the entire night at Lilac Hollow, playing and laughing. When the sun began to peak over the horizon, Dusk stopped running and looked at her.

“It’s dawn.” He commented. “We should head back.”

“Yeah.” Shinneye agreed. The two flew back to their original meeting spot, landing softly at the base of the Drake Blossom tree as to not wake whatever animals lived around the spot. Dusk then turned to Shinneye.

“Shinneye.” He told her, his voice now serious. “I’ll be seeing you tomorrow. But, there’s one thing I have to do before.” He said. And before Shinneye could think, he kissed her on the lips. Shinneye was quick to return it, blushing fiercely. She was almost disappointed when Dusk broke the kiss. “See you.” He whispered. Shinneye wanted to say more, but he flew off before she could speak. Shinneye watched his faint outline vanish. She then blushed again when she thought of the kiss.

“My first kiss!” She thought with excitement. “From Dusk!” She could practically squeal with happiness as she left the Drake Blossom Tree.

“Until tomorrow, Dusk,” she thought cheerily, before heading back to the temple with a wide grin.

-Meanwhile-

“Dusk!” Bane said when her brother flew back into their den by the swamp. “What took ya?”

“Oh, small matters.” He muttered. “Now, how is everyone?”

“Same old, Same old.” Shade sighed. “Caught myself a few swamp rabbits. I must say, their souls weren’t nearly as good as those other dragons.” He put a paw on his stomach. “But I’m starving! What’d I’d do for a dragon soul right now.”

“Agreed.” Bane said. Suddenly, she stopped. “What is that?” She asked.

“What?” Dusk asked nervously. She lifted her snout and sniffed.
“That scent.” She said.
She paced over until she practically crashed into Dusk. “It smells like….Mortal Dragon!” She sniffed at his muzzle. Dusk tried not to flinch, hoping she wouldn’t detect Shinneye from the kiss they shared earlier.
“Dusk…” She said, and he prepared for the worst…
Suddenly, she gave his shoulder a mock punch. “You had yourself a Mortal Dragon shadow without telling us? You’re so selfish.” She laughed. Dusk heaved a sigh of relief, but not too much so Bane would notice.

“Well, yeah. The dragon would have left if I waited for you slowpokes.” He joked.

"Who are you calling slowpokes?" Bane defended, chuckling.

The two laughed some more before sighing, slouching back down on her moss nest.

“Anyway, I s’pose we should just hang around and watch the news some. Maybe once the Mortals calm down, they’ll start coming out more again. And you know what that means.” She grinned to Shade, who was nodding vigorously.

“Food.” He said, licking his lips.

~Meanwhile, Just Outside the Shadowsuckers’ Den~

“Food, indeed.” Said an icy, creepy voice, like claws scraping rock. “But not for those weaklings.”

“Oh no,” Hissed another. “Such a weak breed. I’m surprised they’re aloud to calls themselves Shadowsuckers.”

“And what’s more, the Mortals think they are the worst,” Added a third. “They get all panic when they hear about them. If only they knew what breed we were, or should I say, could see what breed we were.”
The seemingly empty clearing cackled with bone-chilling laughter.

“So, do we follow that lot whenever they go hunting?” The second asked.

“We do.”

~Ok, end of Chap 6! Chap 7 will be up asap, I’ve just got to edit it.

SpyroroxThe2nd · Jan 10, 2010 2:45 AM

Alright, just as promised, here’s Chapter 7! Enjoy!

Chapter 7: The Mixed Goblets

Shinneye’s thoughts were crowded with the kiss Dusk and her had shared. His scent still wreathed around her, she settled back in her moss nest for the night. Spyro and Cynder were deep in sleep, showing the effects of the potion had worked flawlessly. Shinneye drifted off, and woke up the next morning right when everyone else was rising. Sure enough, they were all drowsier acting, even in their morning routines.

“Man, I must have slept bad last night.” Spyro muttered, stifling a yawn.

“Me too,” Cynder agreed sleepily. Shinneye, however, felt more peppy them ever, fueled by her kiss.

“You wanna train?” She asked.

“Mmm…sure.” Cynder said sleepily. They went to the training room and took their places. Shinneye started with a light beam from her mouth, which hit Cynder head on.

“Oww…” She muttered, rubbing her head half-consciously.

“You have to pay attention!’ Shinneye told her friend, slightly flustered by her lack of concentration.

“Sorry…” She breathed, though her eyelids looked only half open.

“Ok, I’ll try Spyro.” Shinneye resorted. “Look out, I’m sending a light ball your way.” She conjured a glowing orb with her paws, and flung it at the purple dragon. Spyro weakly moved across the floor, but not fast enough to avoid being caught in the explosion. He tumbled backward and hit the room wall harshly.

“Oof…Sorry, I should have moved faster.” He said, but his voice creaked with exhaustion. Shinneye sighed, knowing training would be hopeless.

“Oh, forget it.” She murmured.

“We’re sorry, but we don’t feel very energetic today.” Cynder admitted. Then Spyro said the strangest thing of all.

“Actually, I’d kind of like to go on a leisurely walk within the temple walls, what about you?”

“Sounds perfect!” Cynder exclaimed with as much excitement as a half-asleep dragon could muster. “Wanna come, Shinneye?”

“ ‘Nah, I’m gonna go stop Malefor from taking over the world’.” She said in a mock voice. Then she turned her face into an angry one. “What kinda heroes are you guys?!”

“Tired ones.” Spyro admitted. “Let’s go then, Cynder. See you later, Shinneye.” Spyro left before the light dragon could protest further. Shinneye exhaled a sigh, knowing there was no stopping the two. Having a temper was very rare for Shinneye, but the laziness of her friends was enough to her on edge.

“I suppose it is my fault.” She murmured. She walked out of the training room and into the garden, where Cyril was harvesting Drakberries for the Drakberry juice.

“Ah, greetings.” He said, but even he sounded tired.

“Hi.” Shinneye said dully. She wanted this day to pass so she could visit her former love interest at midnight. Just the idea fueled her with new energy.

“Need help?” She asked him.

“I thought no one would offer it,” Cyril said with happiness, leaving the Drakberry bushes and curling up on a patch of nearby moss. He soon began to doze as Shinneye picked the berries, trying to take long as possible so the task could span the day. Sure enough, by the time the sun was beginning to set, Shinneye had successfully filled the large bucket with tiny Drakberries. Cyril awoke from his sleep, slightly more awake now.

“Ah, I can’t thank you enough, dear Shinneye.” He praised her. “Let me takes these to Terrador so he can crush them for the juice.” He grabbed the bucket with his teeth and walked away, leaving Shinneye in the empty garden. It was tempting to dash at now, to go see those black scales and neon crest, but she held her ground.

“Be patient, Shinneye.” She told herself. “You’ll see him tonight.” She slowly made her way back to the temple, clasping the bottle of potion in her claws. By the time she arrived, Terrador was just returning with the wine bottle filled with the crushed juice. He poured the juice into the waiting goblets, before leaving to return the bucket. Using this to her advantage, Shinneye slipped over to the goblets, and uncorked the potion bottle. Carefully, she dropped a single, purple drop into all but one of the goblets. She quickly re-corked the bottle and prepared to place the goblets in their correct spots when she heard Terrador’s voice.

“Ah, Shinneye!” She whirled around with surprise, trying to act calm.

“T-Terrador, hi.” She stammered.

“Beautiful day it was today, huh?” He asked her, as though he didn’t notice her suspicious behavior.

“Yeah.” She agreed, more calm now.

“Do you think you could go fetch Spyro and Cynder for me?” Shinneye untensed.

“Sure.” She agreed. She went out to get the two, who were just returning from their walk.

“I feel much more refreshed!” Spyro said, stretching.

“Me too,” Cynder agreed.

“Hey guys, dinner!” Shinneye called. The two followed her back into the dining hall. “I’ll pass out the goblets.” She offered as she re-entered.

“Actually, that won’t be necessary.” She recognized Terrador’s voice again. “I’ve already done so.” A chill covered Shinneye’s scales. Shinneye glanced at the table with horror. To her shock, the goblets had all neatly been placed by each seat, all looking exactly alike. But which one didn’t have the potion?

“Alright everyone, take your seats.” Terrador ordered. Shinneye, practically frozen with panic, made her way over to the first seat. Terrador sat right next to her, and Shinneye tried her best to seem calm. She looked in her goblet; it wasn’t oddly colored or anything. Then again, the potion was the same color as the Drakberries.

“Maybe we won’t have a toast.” She thought hopefully. However, once everyone was seated, Terrador lifted his goblet.
“Now, we drink for our ancestors!” He proclaimed, and took the goblet to his lips. Shinneye had no choice; she lifted her goblet, silently prayed to the ancestors, and took a gulp. She hoped she wouldn’t have to finish it, but Terrador continued drinking and she was forced to oblige, taking faster gulps and squinting her eyes shut. Finally, when all the juice was gone, Terrador slammed it down with everyone else. Shinneye looked at her empty goblet, practically quivering in fear that she may have just consumed the sleeping potion.

“Something wrong, Shinneye?” Terrador asked her, noticing her unusual behavior.

“Nothing wrong at all.” She responded quickly.

“Ok, then.” His eyes left her. “Dig in, everyone!” The dragons were quick to pile their plates, but Shinneye’s appetite had vanished. Her stomach churned with anxiety and eating was the last thing she wanted to do.

“I think I’ll head up early.” She told Terrador, not waiting for protests. She left her chair and went up to her den. Once she arrived, she devised that maybe if she slept early, considering she’d consumed the potion, she could “sleep it off”.
“Worth a shot.” She told herself, closing her eyes. Sleep quickly took her, and it wasn’t until the stroke of midnight that she woke. As she got up, she felt full of energy, and relief washed over her.
“I must have slept it off, or not drank it at all!” She resolved. Now excited, Shinneye slipped out of the window and glided to the bottom of the garden, and walked down that familiar path before reaching the familiar Dusk Blossoms. Although this time, Dusk wasn’t there.
“Dusk?” Shinneye asked with uncertainty.

“Shinneye!” He called, swooping down.

“Oh hi!” She called, happy to see he looked fine. “What took you?”

“Oh, I was just…Held back, that’s all.” He refused to speak of it more as he grabbed her paw. “So, shall we go to Lilac Hollow?” Shinneye bobbed her head excitedly.

“Alright, let’s fly!” He spread his wings and took off, Shinneye holding tightly to his paw. Suddenly, a wave of sleepiness hit Shinneye and she found herself yawning.

“Oh, no…” She breathed. “Dusk!” She called. “I-I think we better land!”

“What?” He called against the wind. Shinneye fought to keep her eyes open as the waves of drowsiness increased.

“I…can’t…feeling faint…” Before Shinneye could call again, she gave into the darkness and spiraled down, followed quickly by an alarmed shout from Dusk as he flew after her. She crashed into the swampy ground, and Dusk quickly landed beside her. He was about to hoist her up, when he realized the familiar scent in the air and where they were.

“Oh no, not here. I have to get Shinneye out…” He was interrupted when three dragons emerged from the shadows of his formal den.

“Hello Dusk, I see you’ve brought a snack.” Said an all-too familiar female voice …
……..
A pounding headache pulsed through Shinneye’s head as she woke up. She was surprised to see that by opening her eyes, nothing changed; she was in a pitch-black den. Her memories came back in a flood; “The sleeping potion! It must have been in my goblet after all…”s She scented the air; the scent of Dusk was overpowering, but something else was mixed in she couldn’t identified. The rose-scent she had known to be Dusks’ seemed doubled, as though it was coming off more than one dragon. As her eyes adjusted, she realized she was in a damp cave, covered with moss and marshy ground. She cautiously stepped across, and was surprised to her voices coming from down the now-visible pathway. She felt her way down it until she encountered a huge wooden door. The voices were beyond it. Carefully, Shinneye pressed her head against the door to hear what was going on…

“For the millionth time, Bane, she’s not to share!” No doubt that was Dusks’ voice.

“That’s no fair!” Complained a female voice. “The energy pulsing off her looked extra tasty!”

“Once again, she’s not for sharing! I found her, I keep her!” Shinneye pressed her head harder against the door to here more. Bad choice. The door flung open as her weight was put on it, and she fell forward into the bright rooms’ light. The energy was tensed as Dusk and Bane saw the dragon sprawled on the ground.

“Shinneye!” Dusk shouted with alarm before thinking. “You know your prey’s name?” Bane asked skeptically. Dusk tensed when he noticed his denmates’ suspicion. But before he could make an excuse, Shade burst through another door.

“Food!” He yelled when he scented Shinneye, and dashed. Before Shinneye could process what was happening, she saw Dusks’ figure tackle down Shade in mid leap. The two wrestled on the mossy ground. Bane fought the temptation to go suck Shinneye’s shadow while the two were distracted. She was more curious about her brothers’ suspicious behavior. She sprang at the two wrestling Shadowsuckers and breathed a ball of black substance at them, sending them flying in opposite directions. Dusk shook his head groggily as he looked up, only to see Bane towering over him, a smirk on her face.

“Dusk, let’s take your “prey” outside, shall we?” Dusk was too weak to protest and slowly got up. Bane hoisted Shinneye onto her paws and shoved her forward.

“Walk.” She ordered. Shinneye quickly obliged out of sheer terror.

“What’s going on?” Murk asked, entering the room right as Bane opened the den entrance.

“We will all soon find out.” Bane responded. They all entered the chilly night air, the sun still hidden behind the hills. Bane pushed Shinneye over to the center of the outside clearing, and Dusk regretfully walked next to her.

“Dusk,” Bane began. “You wanted the prey, Shinneye, you called her, all to yourself, right? Well, that’s perfectly fine with us.”

“It is?” Dusk asked hopefully.

“Yes, it is.” Bane suddenly turned her smile to a sneer. “So, eat up.”

“Huh?!?” Dusk stuttered with alarm.

“You heard me. She’s all yours. Go on, suck her shadow. Unless you’re willing to admit she’s more than just ‘prey’. And our alliance will be down the drain,” Dusk stared with disbelief at Bane. Then he looked at his former love interest. Shinneye was shaking with fear, suddenly very afraid of the Shadowsucker she’d grown to love.

“We’re waiting.” Shade added with a smirk, snapping Dusk of his thoughts. After a long moment hesitation, he turned to Shinneye. His paws clasped in hers, and he began leaning in.

“Oh no. He’s going to suck my shadow, I just know it.” Shinneye squinted her eyes closed. If any Shadowsucker were to take her shadow, she’d rather have it be Dusk then anyone else. Accepting her fate, she prepared herself for the worst…
However, she was surprised when she felt Dusk kissing her instead. Her eyes shot open right as he broke the kiss. Bane, Shade, and Murk all looked stunned at what their denmate had done. Dusk turned to them.

“Bane, Shade, Murk,” He addressed. “Secrets are over. This is Shinneye, my former love interest. We’ve been seeing each other for some time, and have both betrayed the groups we come from. I’m sorry, but if you’d like to kick me out of the alliance, I will not protest.” He turned to Shinneye.

“Shinneye, I’m sorry for all this. Let’s go back.” Shinneye felt lightheaded with relief. Bane opened her mouth to protest, but a new voice interrupted what she was about to say.

“Well, wasn’t this interesting?” Shinneye whirled around when she realized whom the voice belonged to. And sure enough, standing only a few wing-lengths away, was Terrador.

Alright, leaving it at a cliffhanger! Stay tuned!

spyroandcynder4ever · Jan 16, 2010 9:27 PM

I've been reading this story for a while and I must say it is awesome! I love the suspense, and it's twists. Keep on writing!

spyro567 · Jan 16, 2010 9:33 PM

coool story when is the next part

SpyroroxThe2nd · Jan 17, 2010 6:33 PM

Thank you all for the comments! They really help as a motivational boost. Anyway, still working on my next chapter, but I should have it up within this next week. Thx again!

SpyroroxThe2nd · Jan 31, 2010 4:58 AM

Alirght, here’s Chapter 7! School’s been rough with homework, but I’m going to try my best powering out chapters. By the way, the longer the chapter update, the higher the chance I will post two at once…I’m already planning to do that, though it will take some time. Anyway, enjoy!

Chapter 7: Discovered

“T-Terrador?” Shinneye asked, whirling around to see the earth guardian towering above her. He looked just as surprised as the other Shadowsuckers.

“I must say, I was not expecting this.” He admitted, looking from Shinneye to Dusk.

“Who’s this?” Dusk asked Shinneye.

“My name is Terrador.” Terrador spoke for her. “I’m the guardian of the earth element back at the Temple. Shinneye has been staying with us ever since the threat of you all came out. I noticed Shinneye’s odd behavior, so I decided to follow her.”

“But, how?” Shinneye stammered. “The potion-“

“I learned about the potion from the day I first detected it in my goblet. From a Sleepy Willow, I take? Harnessing the earth element, I know a great deal about plants. I’m surprised you failed to realize that.” Shinneye hung her head. “Anyway, when I realized how awake you were, it revealed to me you were the one who put the potion in. Obviously you were up to something, so I waited until dinner to clarify the potion was from you. Sure enough, I saw you pouring it into all but one goblet. I sent you out to get Spyro and Cynder, and then distributed the goblets, taking the potion-free one for myself. I followed you that night, and watched you reunite with the Shadowsucker here, revealing your romantic relations with him. But, I decided to wait for the potion to take effect on you before showing myself. After you fell, it took me a while to find you. Then I saw this whole episode here, and was about to attack this Shadowsucker when his clan asked him to suck your shadow. However, I admit I would have never guessed he‘d actually pick you over his own species.” Terrador turned to Dusk.

“Enlighten me, Shadowsucker. Why’d you do it?” Dusk paced forward, looking Terrador in the eyes.

“Shinneye is everything to me, ever since I saw her for the first time in your temple. Sure, she has her clumsy faults, but ever time I look into her eyes, see her glowing scales, my mind gets clouded and I forget she is suppose to be my prey. I love her, and she feels the same way. Even if it means abandoning my own species, I would never give her up.” Terrador blinked slowly, eyeing Dusk.

“Very interesting, the feelings you’ve developed.” He said after a while.

“I’ll have you know I was about to turn you all in when I realized she was with you. But all this has changed my mind. Now, I’m not sure what to think.” Shinneye stepped forward.

“Terrador, please, you have to understand,” She begged.

“Dusk…” She looked at the others. “Or Bane, Murk, and Shade would never suck anyone’s shadow for no reason. Think of it as eating Drakberries: technically, we’re killing the berries when we pick them, right? But we have to, for our food and survival. You have to understand.” Terrador considered, then dipped his head.

“Fair answer. Shinneye, how about a make a deal with you.” He turned the others. “With all of you. Shinneye may see Dusk as she pleases. And the other three of you are safe to carry on with your lives. However, first things first, you must all return the mortal dragon shadows you’ve taken from the party.” Terrador grabbed a handful of viles from behind his wing. “I did some research and learned about giving back shadows in the form of liquid. I assume you can all oblidge so I may return them to their loved ones.” Bane muttered something under her breath, but approached the viles. Terrador handed her enough for every shadow, and she regretfully blew the black stream of shadow into each one. They turned to a black sludge-like substance as they entered the vile. Shade, Murk, and Dusk also gave up their shadows. Terrador tucked away the bottles.

“Excellent.” He looked up into the dawn sky. “I suppose I should return. Much rejoicing will be held when I return the shadows. However, I have once last deal to make.” He eyed the Shadowsuckers carefully. “

Never again, under any circumstance, may you suck a mortal dragons’ shadow. I’m sorry, but that’s the way it was, and that’s the way it will be.” Bane opened her mouth to protest, but quickly closed it. “On that note, your free to leave. Shinneye, return when you will. I’ll make an excuse for why your missing.” Shinneye’s eyes glowed.

“Thank you, Terrador!” She exclaimed, dipping her head. He nodded.

“Of course. And maybe we can revive your brother Flick!”

“About that…” Shinneye said, feeling a lump in her throat when she remembered Dusk admitting something more powerful had taken her brother’s shadow. But Terrador had already taken off. Shinneye watched him go, sadness welling in her chest at the thought of Flick. But it quickly vanished when Dusk kissed her.

“This is brilliant, Shinneye!” He exclaimed, breaking the kiss. “We can be together! They no longer have to be night visits! And we’re off the hook, thanks to you the earth guardian! Great analogy with the berries back there! You’ve saved us.” He then turned to his denmates. “I believe you have someone to thank.” He teased. Bane’s eyes fell to the ground, her normally bold and sarcastic personality diminishing.

“Er…thanks.” She murmured.

"What's that Bane? Shinney can't hear you." Dusk said in a mocking tone.

"THANKS!" She yelled.

“Yeah, thanks.” Shade also admitted.

“We owe you one.” Murk said, dipping his head to Shinneye. Shinneye blinked with surprise at the bowing Shadowsuckers.

“Um…Don’t mention it?” She said, not sure how to respond. Dusk intertwined his tail with hers.

“Perfect.” He whispered to her. “Every issue is gone. My denmates are in debt to you, and your guardian has approved our relations. Even without my denmates, we can finally be together.” Shinneye nodded, kissing his cheek.

“Yup.” She looked back at the others, who were finishing muttering between themselves. Bane stepped forward.

“You know…” She began, speaking slowly as though she didn’t want to talk at all. “You did bail us out back there, Shinneye. I’m not light-hearted, but I think we can get used to you being with our denmate.” Dusk’s eyes widened.

“Who are you and what have you done to Bane!” He joked, realizing his denmate was indirectly allowing him to keep their alliance.

“Only because she helped us!” Bane quickly covered, but Dusk still couldn’t stop smiling.

“Sure, Bane, sure.” He turned to Shinneye and hugged her. “The ancestors have smiled upon us!” He exclaimed, twirling her around. Shinneye was in too much shock to respond.

“I…don’t know what to say.” She admitted as he set her down. Shade took a step forward.

“We’re sorry for all this.” He muttered. “But our denmate is our denmate. And a mate of his is a friend of ours.”

“…Yeah.” Bane slowly agreed, looking Shinneye in the eyes.

“I mean, I guess your is kinda cool…no, wait! I don’t mean that! Mortal dragons aren’t cool at all! Well, most aren’t…but you are, sort of…but you a moral dragon! Aurgh, what I’m I saying?!” The group broke into laughter, Shinneye chiming in. For once in a long time, Shinneye felt truly happy, standing here after being accepted by Dusk’s “family”. The laughter slowly died down. However, a growl form Shinneye’s stomach broke the silence. “

That’s right.” She said, embarrassed when she realized everyone was staring at her. “I didn’t eat dinner last night cause I was scared of the potion.” Dusk chuckled and kissed her cheek.

“Oh, Shinneye, your character never gets old.” He turned to his denmates. “Shall we show Shinneye all the berry patches around here?’ Shinneye beamed when they nodded.

“Finally, another girl!” Bane said as she walked past Shinneye. She suddenly tapped her shoulder. “Race ya!” And dashed off.

“Hey, wait! Shinneye called, running after her. As she ran, she couldn’t help by smile. Even her hunger seemed to diminish. Everything was so perfect! Terrador had returned the shadows, and her meetings with Dusk no longer had to be secret! However, this was too easy to be true…much too easy…

~In an unmapped area…
Gray stone stretched in a large clearing surrounded by sheer silvery cliffs, leafless trees growing out of cracks in the surface. The sun was crowded by black, not gray but black, clouds. on the top floor, was a group of invisible figures, voicing over their plans.
“The great comeback is near, is it not?” Said a creaky voice.

“Indeed it is. We are only so many shadows away from our final form.” Said another.

“But we have to hurry. Remember, if we wait until the shadows are dissolved, we will lose all our charged up energy and never receive the forms.” The clearing was temporily silent. “We can’t afford to wait. In two days, we must suck as many shadows as we can so we can get a head start. Time is not on our side, but perhaps with that rogue breed around, our cover will stay secret until we are ready.” The others agreed.

“So, where is the best place to strike?”

"I think it's time we watch some mortal dragon news..."

Ok, leaving it there! Stay tuned!

#1 Aug 26, 2009 12:59 AM

The Legend of Spyro's Siblings: Dusk and Shineye

#2 Aug 30, 2009 2:23 PM

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#19 Oct 20, 2009 7:58 AM

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#20 Jan 01, 2010 8:29 PM

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#21 Jan 10, 2010 2:45 AM

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#22 Jan 16, 2010 9:27 PM

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