Spyro's Kingdom

A/N: @Nianque not sure how this would affect things but figured there had to be a reason Fear Dragons didn't do much of anything throughout the Legend of Spyro trilogy. Also, Fear Dragons have a high rate of ending up insane, right?

There are a great many things that fill this world, dragons are merely one of them. What makes dragons particularly special, however, is that they are one of the few able to channel the Elements through their own might & will. Mastering such a power is far from easy, but if done right then there is little they cannot do. Most, however, do not get that far. Perhaps they are simply content with they can do, maybe unable to for whatever reason...

Or are not allowed to. Of all dragons, two stand out the most. Purple Dragons could, in theory, access all the elements... but they are rare, they need but a few Elements to prove their power. Other than those rarities, barring unusual circumstances, a dragon could only access a single one. Fire, Ice, Electricity, Earth, Water, Wind, Shadow, Poison... and Fear.

Though they all share great potential, for both good & ill... those born to Fear are a threat to all around them. While Poison is especially suited to destroying bodies, those are far easier to repair than one's very soul. Indeed, of all Elements, Fear is the single one that is too dangerous to meddle with. Thus, those wyrmlings attuned to Fear's awe-inspiring might? Must never be allowed to cultivate such power.

All that lives knows Fear, yes, but is it no wicked thing. It warns of danger, keeping safe those who listen. Fear Dragons... they deceive the mind; convincing others danger is all around when it is not. The road to mastery would see all those around them broken, and for the good of all that lives? They must be broken instead.

Fear's Might is not meant to be controlled & it is the duty of the Dark Stygian to ensure such. Those who walk in the light know very little of their kind, and their sacred mission. All they can do, is say the same thing: Nightmares. In their sleep, their fear tells them a story, a story to remind them of how the world is far from safe.

Though some may fear Fear itself, it is all incredibly simple. The 'Nightmares' do not seek the harm & suffering of others, besides those who would dare to use Fear's power. If anything, without 'Nightmares' they would be in far worst straits. What manner of creature could have a deeper compassion than the 'Nightmares'?

The Great Dream is which all minds are linked, even though most know naught that truth. No matter what calamity may befall those on the other side, The Great Dream shall forever be protected. What more is there to say on such a subject? The only ones capable of proper interaction with them are the Fear Dragons... and they cannot be trusted.

Lord Screamsaver had long gotten used to how things are, making sure all was right. "They can't all be bad" was one of the most common questions he would be asked, and he would have to explain that 'Yes they all are.' Simply look at what the Dark Master alone could achieve, Fear's Power is not meant for dragonkind to wield.

Though even one such as he needed an occasional reminder of just what he & his 'Nightmares' fought for. There will always be fear, but there are right ways for it be expressed. Unfortunately, not all of his kin understood that simple truth. Fear Dragons are by far the greater threat, so such investigations were needed regardless.

All is as it should be... except, "What is that?" It is not an uncommon sight for newborn 'Nightmares' to explore and meddle with Dreams, it is such an uncomplicated matter his Court could easily handle such encounters. Yet, "This is something else." Fear Dragons are hard to miss when they are active, but... again, that could not be the answer.

Within the offending Dream, there's a small black 'dragon' with wings of blades and a curved horn as if a sword seeks to grow from his snout. The form is far from suspect, the fear responsible for our birth come mainly from Dragons. Nonetheless, he could not be a 'Nightmare', yet... "What else could he be?"

Mostly certainly not a Dragon, there would be far greater concerns if so. If he was neither though, what could he be? "I am Lord Screamsaver, explain yourself." That got the little one to turn around, blank white 'eyes' locking on Lord Screamsaver's visage. He did not seem aware what to do beyond that, strange indeed...

"This Dream needs naught a Nightmare's touch, come along now." The black bladed 'dragon' hesitantly approached, a newborn would instinctively understand. What a curious creature, it is not often something new & unknown reveals itself to Lord Screamsaver's awareness. The Not-Dragon would need careful consideration, yes.

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A/N: I went into this, thinking "It'd be easy" only to realize "Oh right I hate Doing the Thing to Do the Thing." Obviously, I couldn't repost The Dreaming Defender & go Job Well Done. We're nowhere close to reintroducing the Elemental Guards, and I'm not sure how old they all would be.

All that really matters is that the Fear Elementals aka Nightmares are the sole reason Fear Dragons end up being insane nutjobs, because "Fear Dragons Bad!" Definitely not because Malefor didn't want anyone getting really good at using Fear without his permission. My explanation for why they're not harassing Cynder is because she was already completely crazy & Malefor doesn't need his minion being driven even more insane. Given everything she's been through, she just can't be broken again.

As for 'Blackout' definitely something of a Teacher/Apprentice thing going on eventually. One of the major leaders of the Nightmares has this weird Not-Nightmare creature and needs to be protected in the event anyone decides "That's obviously a Fear Dragon!" Certainly has nothing to do with Lord Screamsaver wanting to be more than one of the things that go bump in the night.

The negotiations are a dizzying back and forth that is frankly exhausting to keep straight. Spyro has no idea how this can be considered standard for negotiations; what has he gotten himself into. In the end though, the concessions he makes are not too egregious and the things that he got them to agree to are more than worth it. He has one last task ahead of him however… He promised House Avis to give convincing Zephyr a go and he was going to give it his earnest effort.

"Good luck young King, this will not be as simple as you are imagining." Circos stated as the patriarch of House Avis handed over a simple scroll that a servant had gone to fetch.


Spyro took the scroll in his claws and began to read, his eyes going wide. "Wow, you were not joking about how difficult this is going to be." He was going to have to ask the Guardians about Scions later, but if this information was correct… This was going to have to take some planning.

Circos nodded. "Indeed. His connection to the Wind element is undeniable, but it goes far deeper. He is a true Scion of the Sky. We have observed him closely and he exhibits all recorded personality traits connected to the element. Flighty, curious, claustrophobic, a love of flying, and more. What we are most concerned about lay in his dislike of being… 'tied down' and having responsibility. Fortunately we have some options." The aged dragon began.

Spyro started to speak, then thought better of it. "Continue, please."

Circos stared at Spyro for a moment and then nodded. "Young Zephyr has two connections of note; his twin brother Flare and their friend Nefaris. It is they who ground him and without them Zephyr would likely fly off and not come back, chasing his curiosity. It is likely that they seek to tie Zephyr to the city more tightly to prevent just that. The three have a close bond and we can use that to our advantage. The second advantage is a bit more questionable… In our observations of Zephyr, we have found that he is near obsessive with flying and as you likely know, my House has amassed quite a bit of prestige from being such skilled fliers. Young Gale, a dragoness not much younger than Zephyr idolizes him and pushes herself to try and match him; we have thrown quite a bit of resources behind helping Gale become a skilled flier and we think she might impress him enough to make a marriage possible."

"I see." Spyro said as he considered the elder dragon's words. "You believe he would go for a marriage if someone impressed him enough?"

Circos chuckled. "Oh he stares at your Cynder enough that we think it likely. He's infatuated because she gave him such a thrilling chase during the war."

Spyro ducked his head as he blushed. "I-er… I should get going then…" He stammered back as he hastily rolled up the scroll and made his escape. Circos' laughter echoing behind him.

Where does Spyro go?
[] Seek out Zephyr himself
[] Seek out the brother Flare
[] Seek out his friend Nefaris
[] Go to the Avis estate and see Gale