Disclaimer: I don't own Spyro The Dragon, characters, or any Game, Movie, TV show, Anime Series content that is mentioned in this Fan/Fiction story. They belong to their respective owners and I honor and respect their great works.

P.S. Spyro The Dragon and other characters will not be in this story. "Only my Ocs"


Chapter 4: Promise


Gabriel had been dropped off near the edge of the woods that was right by his house by Sapphire. They both said their goodbyes and their training will continue after school the day after. The Dragon headed back into the woods as Gabriel headed inside his home and hoped that his lost presence was never discovered.

The First thing Gabriel did when he entered the kitchen was retrieving a snack from the refrigerator. He ate nearly half a box of frosted treats as the training he had gone through had worked up an appetite. He was going to make a sandwich next along with one for his sister then he realized that she had been alone the whole time.

Though his sister was usually easily distracted it was best to head back upstairs to check on her. He quickly made a sandwich and a glass of milk for her and headed up to her room. He heard the tv in her room playing which meant she had to still be in there.

Gabriel carefully pushed the door open. "Marie! I brought you…oh!" Gabriel stopped speaking when he saw that his sister was not in front of the tv. He then saw her sitting at her table facing away from the tv not bothering with one of her favorite programs as she was too busy working on something as her table was riddled with different colored crayons.

"Hey there!" Gabriel called walking over to her getting, Marie's attention as he set down the sandwich in milk in a clean spot on the table. "What are you working on?"

"Oh, this my gift for the frost knight and that awesome dragon!" Marie smiled holding up her picture though it was rather incomplete.

Gabriel peered closer to see she drew a relatively detailed picture of the armor he wore. It honored him that she wanted to make something of it even though it was ironic that the one she was admiring was her own brother and she had no idea of it. "What do you mean a gift?" Gabriel asked.

"I am making this picture for both the frost knight and the dragon. After they saved me I want to give them this to show my thanks for the two heroes." Marie smiled wider as she put her picture back on the table. "I just hope I can see them again to give it to them."

Gabriel chuckled. "That's sweet of you."

"Not so sweet if mom ever knew you left the house." Marie snickered making Gabriel nearly drop his jaw. "Don't worry I won't tell and thank you for lunch!"

Gabriel spent the rest of the day playing with his little sister from making more pictures of his alter ego and, Sapphire both of them comparing drawings and though his work was more detailed he gave his sister more praise for her works. It was joyful rest of the day till his mother returned as certain details of the day remained only known to, Gabriel.

After dinner, it was time to go to bed as school was going to back in session and, Gabriel needed his sleep if he was going to wake up early enough to get to school.

When Gabriel retired to his bed he thought about all the days training he received before he returned home. He was rather disappointed that didn't do so well the first many times but thinking of, Sapphire, as he told him that he was improving as the day went on it, made him smile knowing that the training was paying off even in the slightest way. It made him eager to try again the next day when school is over, and he can head back out. Curling under his blanket and snuggling with his pillow he fell asleep having more than earned his rest for the day.


{The Next Day... Tuesday, March 16th, 2010}

Gabriel had done it again. He was late! Somehow he had slept past his alarm. How could he had slept through such a loud buzzer? It had been going off for nearly thirty minutes even though he wasn't due in school for another half-hour he now had no time to have a proper breakfast by the time his mother stormed in the bedroom.

"GABRIEL WAKE UP! YOU'LL BE LATE!" His Mother shouted scaring the young man out of his bed rolling onto the floor with his mother suppressing a chuckle as she shut the door in front of her.

Gabriel quickly sat up and looked at the buzzing alarm clock seeing it was thirty minutes passed for when the alarm would ring. "Oh, no!" He whined feeling like a fool. It had to be the training from yesterday. He worked himself far too hard. It had to be the only reason why he would have slept past such a loud buzzer.

With no time to waste he immediately threw off his pajamas and grabbed his usual clothing for school getting them on within seconds quickly buttoning up his pants and adjusting his shirt. He grabbed his backpack that was near his door all filled with all the supplies and books he kept for school.

Gabriel ran for the bathroom throwing his backpack by the door quickly going over his look. His hair was sticking up in multiple places due to sleeping in many different positions overnight. He turned on the sink and splashed his hair and used a comb to make it look decent at least a way to keep him from becoming a target for laughter due to bad hair at school.

After a quick double-check he grabbed his book bag and hurried downstairs where his mother was waiting with her arms folded with an unhappy expression.

"Perhaps I should consider getting you a better alarm clock?" She inquired as she sounded rather upset. It wasn't often that she would have to wake her teenage son up from sleep especially when he now had less than twenty-five minutes to get to school.

Gabriel chuckled nervously. "Yeah…sorry mom." He apologized.

His mother smiled bringing him into a hug. "Its alright, my dear. Go on before I receive a late call from a teacher…again." She gestured to the door after releasing him from the hug.

"Bye mom. Tell sis the same thing!" Gabriel waved as he hurried out of the door. It bothered him that he didn't have breakfast, but he couldn't dally as school was the priority right now and he couldn't be late. He would make up for his loss of a meal later.

Gabriel ran as fast as he could down the sidewalks as he headed for school. He realized that he was running faster than he used to. Just within a couple minutes he was already half a mile home and he barely was sweating. His school was just around one more block and the way he was running he would be there with plenty of time to spare.

He smiled widely realizing that it was perhaps due to his new skills and the training that was making him a lot better than he once was. But as he continued to run he heard a crying noise come from his left side. He stopped and looked to his left to see a puppy that had just got across the street walk onto the asphalt as a car was coming down the road.

"Oh, no!" Gabriel gasped as he noticed the one driving the car was on his phone and barely paying any attention to the road. The Puppy was right in the oncoming path of the car and it was not going to stop or even slow down.

The Puppy froze in place as it saw the vehicle come at it at a high speed. It curled and whimpered in fear just as it was just upon it but then something grabbed it and twirled for a moment before stopping.

The young pup then saw it was in the arm of Gabriel as he dived and rolled grabbing the puppy before it could get run over as the car drove away with the drive never realizing he just narrowly avoided an accident.

Gabriel petted the little pup in his arms bringing it over to the nearby house that had a fenced-in yard. Perhaps the owners of the house will wish to adopt it if they see it outside their home? But it would be the safest place for now. But before he could put the dog down on the other side it gave him a lick on his cheek.

The young man simply chuckled at the gesture just glad he was able to save an innocent animal from being another case of roadkill. But he still had to get to school quickly turning towards where he would continue his run to school.


{Next Scene: at School Hallway}

He made it to school with plenty of time to spare having been one of the last of the students to get inside. It was only a few minutes till it was time for the first class. Gabriel went to his locker to put away his backpack and retrieve anything he would need but while he was at his locker with dozens of students standing around or walking past him there was something that was on the lips of nearly all of them.

Most of the students were talking about a warrior and dragon that had saved the city twice. There were exchanging theories and wondering who both the warrior and the dragon were? Gabriel listened in and was quite flattered. He had done a couple of good deeds and already he was becoming quite famous though not himself personally. But he enjoyed hearing it as it meant a lot to know that people appreciated that someone assisted the city in its time of need.

Gabriel shut his locked just as the bell went off indicating it was time for the first class. He had met up with a couple of his close friends, Kaitlyn and Jeremy who too was talking about the mysterious duo that came from out of nowhere and defeated the attacking monsters.

"Hey, guys!" He called over to them.

"What's up, Gabe?" Jeremy high-fived his friend.

"Did you hear about that warrior and the dragon?" Kaitlyn asked.

Gabriel acted like he knew nothing much about it even if that was a lie in itself. "Only what I saw on the news."

"To think a dragon is a reality!" Kaitlyn marveled. "Means everything else could be true."

"Perhaps so." Gabriel shrugged his shoulders trying not to act suspicious.

"And that warrior with it, boy from the reports he sounds incredible! Talented and heroic! Just like in the movies!" Jeremy chuckled with some awe in his voice as he admired the mysterious hero who saved the city.

"We better get to class, or else we can all join together stay in the hallway, like me" Gabriel suggested as what he said was true, but he wanted to get off topic as keeping his secret maybe harder than he realized it would be.

Together with his friends, they all headed to class to start the day and, Gabriel couldn't wait to get through it and head out for more training with the dragon who awaited him in the woods near his home.


{Meanwhile...}

While Gabriel was off in school going about his days' lessons and studies a friend of his was busy doing a duty of his own. With his friend occupied in school till later in the day he would have to make sure nothing would happen before he would be able to see him again.

With the Dark Master having attacked the city twice now there was no telling when or where he would attack again. Lives were at stack at any moment in this time and all the people the lived in the city were at great risk and they didn't even know it. Even with the attacks that had already happened the local authorities were baffled and unreliable. Having idea what they were up against there was no way for them to amass an appropriate defense.

With that the only way to safeguard the city and its inhabitants were to keep watch over the city and the outer areas around it including the very home where, Gabriel lived. Sapphire the angel dragon was flying above the city staying within the clouds to keep hidden.

Thankfully, it was a rather cloudy day, and the clouds were low enough that they touched the tallest skyscraper giving the dragon the best view of the city. With his keen eyes he could see all the way down to the busy streets where every human was going about their usual business.

It was a welcome sight for the Dragon seeing that there was no true danger just yet. Usually, the Dark Master would attack relentlessly like he did back in his realm. His attacks never faltered when one would fail almost within hours to a day at most he would send another wave of his minions to assault the land he desired to claim as his own but other than the previous attacks everything was quiet.

This did not bold well for Sapphire. If the Dark Master hasn't sent more of his dark minions then that would mean he was planning something. Only when the attacks didn't come frequently did something much worse happened shortly after. It was in those moments when his allies and people thought they could breathe a sigh of relieve were they then attacked from the shadows of their forts and halls and their greatest protectors were found dead which then lead to the devastation that now was the realm which, Sapphire shed a lone tear for. Even with centuries having past the pain of his loss was still fresh in his heart.

Only by training Gabriel and finding the rest of the pieces of miracle and the warriors that would wield them will they have a true chance at protecting their world and avenging those that were lost under the wickedness and cruelty of the Dark Master. The City was calm and the only problem that Sapphire could see was bad traffic and a couple of sightings of cars hitting into each other by accident, but the drivers would accuse the other of being fools that would lead to a fight between them. It was nothing that required his help and would let the human authorities deal with that.

The Dragon then patrolled over the outer neighborhoods staying just above the underside of the clouds staying out of sight of anyone below that could be looking up. To a normal human, they wouldn't spot him but someone was watching from the neighborhood standing upon the roof of an abandoned house as a white armored individual was watching the dragon smiling slightly at the sight of him.

"There you are. Continue your fight, my friend. Soon the time will come for us all." He whispered marveling at the sight of the dragon in the sky.

Sapphire then got a sense of something. It felt like a tingle of the piece the crystal of miracle. He sensed that it could be the guardian of knowledge, but he could not see anything from where he flew. He hoped it wasn't false, but the tingle went away before he could narrow his search.

"Confound it! I could have sworn I felt something." He cursed taking a swipe at a passing cloud. "I maybe only imagining it but I must continue this search. Gabriel, I will make sure your training is well kept but we still need the others if we are going to make a true stand."

This reminded him of how important it was to find the others and upkeep, Gabriel's training. Only when together and properly trained can they make a true stand against the oncoming darkness as the Dragon flew on to continue his patrol as the one who watched him disappeared into the neighborhood under cloak as it was not yet time to be revealed yet.


{Meanwhile back to School...}

The school carried on throughout the day as Gabriel carried on through his studies. On occasion throughout his time in school he had his favorite subjects and he had those he was not very proficient at. Math class was one of the hardest classes he had to take, and the fractions and equations were an enigma to him.

Such difficulties in the subject reminded him back to when he first met Sapphire. He had to go back to school to retake a test he failed ever so miserably at. When he was taken back to school he had studied hard and made a perfect grade and all was well until the monster attack.

Gabriel as he sat in his desk during the last few minutes of the class thought back at it. Having had to retake a test due to it being difficult at the subject at hand made him realize that he was not at school at that appropriate time he may not have been in danger. But more so the life he helped save that day by getting a child to safety before the monsters that attacked the city had him rethink the events.

If he was not there a poor child would have lost their live and he wouldn't have had met Sapphire the Angel Dragon. Once he hated that meeting. It put him in danger, and he didn't want that. He didn't want any of it but when his own sister became endangered and even when he told the dragon off earlier that very dragon came for him and helped save his sister. Destiny was at play and by then he had accepted it.

Gabriel desired for the day in school as quickly as possible. He wanted to go to the dragon as soon as he could. He had to train more with him. The Last time they trained he may have failed numerous times but each time he failed the session he got better. His Reflex's improved. Learned to think of a strategy on the fly. And during these sessions, he got to know, Sapphire better.

To Understand a dragon and to be friends with one was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. He cursed himself due to the fact that he once did not want to be around him. Not only due to the matter that with him around it indicated constant danger, but his presence meant he had something more to him and that a life of normality was going to be his way anymore.

Now that Gabriel accepted his place and the apparent duty he had to both his family and all those around him he wanted to be with, Sapphire as often as he possibly could. To learn from a dragon and train under him was something no one could have or should ever pass up.

Once the second to the last class was over he immediately went over to his locker to retrieve his study books for the class. He saw his two good friends Jeremy and Kaitlyn already heading into the classroom. History was the last class on the hour, and it was one of, Gabriel's favorite subjects. History was a grand thing to learn about. The Past held so much knowledge and wisdom to be learned from. Near Countless events, people, and natural disasters among so many other subjects to gain wisdom from it made anyone eager like himself to learn.

It, even more, was his favorite by then with having Sapphire as his friend to learn about as the Dragon held so much that his unknown to the world entirely and he was the one to gain any kind of knowledge from the dragon made him special. No one else would learn about anything but him due to his secret. This made him smile as today when he goes to train with the dragon after school it would be memorable.


{Secne Change... Sunset}

The class went off without any kind of issue. As always he has his hand raised to answer most questions. He paid careful attention to the subject that was being the days lesson and he would gain a playful tease from his friends about being some historian in disguise.

Though they would tease him Gabriel loved his two best friends. He had known them since he was a little kid. They were almost inseparable. Anytime any of them would have a party or they needed to help one another on a project or anything involving school they always would be together for anything. But the only thing they wouldn't have to do together was knowing that the monsters that attacked the city were more than what they seemed and one of them knew something spectacular that no one else could know not even those closest to him.

Gabriel felt a little bad that he couldn't tell his friends. They always told each other everything. They were trustworthy. They have shared many secrets over the years and perhaps hidden a devious truth or two on occasion but what, Gabriel knew had to be secret. If any of them knew what he did they may take it the wrong way, or something could happen, and they would be both in more danger than they already are.

The class was coming to an end and soon enough the bell would ring. In the last ten minutes and with the lesson over the teacher allowed the class to mingle and use their cellular devices.

"Boy, can't believe we got a test tomorrow!" Jeremy grumbled. "Its not even on a Friday! Tests should be on Fridays and not on Thursdays! Its rather without any sense!"

Kaitlyn nodded in agreement. "I hear that! But then again it makes the weekend come fast without too much pressure winding us down."

Gabriel shrugged his shoulders. "Perhaps so. I don't know just how our teacher wants it I guess." He believed.

"Anyway, what's been happening with you guys?" Jeremy asked as he closed up his study book and put his pencils away.

"Well, my parents are going out tonight. It's their anniversary. As usual, they say. "Don't do anything we wouldn't do." Kaitlyn laughed. "So maybe you both can come to my place. We can have a study hour then maybe check out my movie collection and see about it." She suggested.

"Now that sounds like a plan to me!" Jeremy beamed holding up the palm of his hand and, Kaitlyn high-fived him.

"You in, Gabriel?" Kaitlyn asked the young teenager who looked away making a face without them looking.

What his friend suggested he would definitely have said yes but he had to go to, Sapphire to train. He had to think of something to get out of this as they knew he would be down for such a fun night.

He turned back to face them making a disappointing look. "Oh…I'm sorry you guys! I would but my mother is working overtime tonight. Just got a text from her asking me to look after my sister." He sighed hoping his friends wouldn't see right through him.

His friends frowned. "Aw, man! That sucks" Jeremy moaned sadly.

"Guess that's what it's like when you're the big brother," Kaitlyn said feeling sorry for her friend. It was not due to the fact that he had a sister to care of but since his mother was all that he had she had to work hard for her family and sometimes that meant she would have to rely on the eldest child to look after the youngest.

Gabriel tapped on his desk trying to conceal the fact that he lied while looking disappointed as well as he actually was. A Fun night he would have had with his best friends and he had to turn it down for the right reasons, but it didn't make anything easy.

"Yeah…sorry guys. But when Mom needs me to look out for my sister I can't say no. She would smack me if I did." He chuckled nervously.

His friends chuckled with him. They knew his mother. She at times could be the sweetest lady anyone could ever meet but if someone crossed her they would wish they would never have been born and when they were younger and had hung out at, Gabriel's home when he made a scene that required discipline his mother did not hold anything back. She was a force to be reckoned with.

"So hopefully next time we can find a chance to hang out," Gabriel suggested readying his study book as the bell would ring any minute.

"Yeah! We'll make a party out of it when you're able to come next time. Balloons and all!" He laughed patting his friend on his shoulder playfully.

Gabriel chuckled. "With so many balloons the ceiling will be covered in rainbows of hot air and helium!"

Kaitlyn laughed with her two friends as they joked about for the last few minutes of class. The Bell couldn't have run any sooner as it went off and just the very second when it did all the classroom, went empty without hardly being able to let the teacher wish them a good day and to be ready for the test the day after.

Gabriel went to his locker along with his two best friends. Conveniently when they got their lockers at the start of the school year they had theirs nearly right next to each other. The Say best friends stick together certainly fit as with their lockers so close they really were never apart unless they had to be.

They all put away their books and supplies but packed the essential book they would need to take home to study for the test. It still bummed Gabriel that he would miss an opportunity to hang out with his friends. It was so tempting to go with them and enjoy the time he would have at, Kaitlyn's house but he had to prioritize training.

If he didn't train then he would be less than prepared to take on the next monster that would attack. Every minute that passed could lead to danger and he had to be prepared for it and if he wasn't then he would be as good as dead then the world would be left open to the Dark Masters' true assault and all hope would be lost.

Gabriel took his backpack from his locker and shut it. He walked out of school with his friends heading for home down the block and through the neighborhood until they stopped at a stoplight and went their separate ways. "See you guys!" Gabriel waved at, Kaitlyn and Jeremy as they headed for, Kaitlyn's home.

"See you tomorrow, Gabriel!" Kaitlyn called back waving along with, Jeremy.

"Have a good one, amiga!" Jeremy shouted as they all broke eyesight and disappeared with, Gabriel going up the slopped street as his friends went to the left disappearing behind the rows of houses.


{Next Scene: Almost Gabriel's house}

With his friends out of sight, Gabriel picked the pace and headed for home. He felt bad to have lied to his friends, but he had to make up an excuse of some kind as his training was important. All he could hope for is that his two best friends wouldn't take a walk to his house to find that his mother was home with her car in the driveway to show that he was fibbing.

He headed for his front door and hurried inside. "Mom, I'm home!" He called inside to find his mother was in the dining room working on something on the laptop she used for her job.

"Welcome home, dear. Your sister is upstairs playing, and I'll start dinner in a few hours." His mother smiled as her son came up to her and they shared a brief hug.

"Thanks, mom. Look I'm going to out and get some air. I'm going to walk through the woods." Gabriel told her as she looked at him curiously.

"You sure you want to go out there? You just got home!" She replied as she typed away on her laptop.

"Yeah classes today had us quite seated for awhile and I just want to go clear my head," Gabriel replied trying to hide the fact he
was going for more than a simple walk.

His mother sighed. "Alright just keep your phone close. I'll call you when dinner is about ready don't stray too far. With all that
has happened in the city, I hate to think the woods would not be as safe." His Mother told him giving him an affectionate rub on his face. Gabriel was her eldest child and after seeing the news about the monster attacks it made her very uneasy.

"Don't worry mom. I'll be just fine." Gabriel assured giving her a quick kiss on her head before he went to the kitchen while his mother re-focused on her work. A lot of times she had to bring her work home with her and right now it was keeping her from spending time with her children, but she had to do what she could to keep the job that helped put food on the table and a roof over their heads.

Gabriel quickly packed a few snacks for the outing. He had not eaten anything since lunch at school and he would need his strength as he would train with the Dragon that awaited him near the cave in the woods.


{Scene Change: Forest}

He headed out through the back quickly disappearing down the trail in the woods. Now that he didn't have to worry about being spotted he ran quickly. He had to get to the dragon to continue the lessons he was being given that would make sure he would keep his life and help those around him.

The Young Man made his way down the trail then took a left at the hidden trail that soon led to the cave. This time however there was, Sapphire laying near the tiny creek dipping his front paw into it letting the tiny current soothe him. "Hey, Sapphire!" Gabriel called to the Dragon who looked to see Gabriel coming from the trees.

"Greetings Gabriel. I assume school went well this day?" He inquired.

Gabriel went over to the Dragon hopping over the creek and found a dry spot right next to the dragon putting down his backpack and sat down. "Yeah. Just the usual business though I had to turn down my friends from having a night together." He moaned sadly as he thought of his two best friends having so much fun at this moment and he was missing it.

"My Apologies, Gabriel." The Dragon apologized putting a comforting wing over the young man. "I can sense your upset about it. But as you know your training is vital. It does make me happy to see that you do understand it."

"Yeah…but it's not an easy choice," Gabriel admitted gentle stroking the feathers on the wing that laid over him like a warm blanket.

"I understand, young one." Sapphire smiled leaning over and nuzzled him. "There are times when I too desire to enjoy moments with those either I could be close with or to participate in activities that no doubt would be a grand time, but duty must always come before the heartfelt desires. Do keep that in mind, my little friend."

Gabriel nodded. "You sound like you speak from experience. And I am not talking about before it all happened in your home." He pointed out.

The Dragon rose his head back up and nodded conformingly. "You're correct. A Certain individual I once knew from long ago. He and I enjoyed each other's company through many a journey and fun activity. I can say just like we are now we were a unique pair of friends that I was very proud to know."

Gabriel listened in as he got more comfortable in his spot still stroking the soft feathers of the dragon. "What was he like?" He asked next.

The Dragon shifted as this was a tough subject to talk about and he didn't want to let on to anything more than, Gabriel needed to know. "Well…I want to say he was much like you. Full of life and desire to do right. He had a good heart, and he made a sad day turn into a wonderful day with his presence. He was a beacon of light and hope and he never realized how special he was." He explained.

"I wish I could have known him," Gabriel said having a thought go through his mind he certainly couldn't have been the only person to know, Sapphire at any point in time but it was good to know the dragon wasn't truly alone.

Sapphire chuckled lowly the young man under his wing knew who he spoke of and he didn't even know it. "The Last time I saw of him I made a promise and it's a Promise I have intended to keep for a good long while now."

"What promise would that be?" Gabriel asked.

"I promised I would always be around. I would stay alive to the very end." The Dragon answered. "I swore I would. He wished for me to continue on living, and I made him the vow that I would always look out for him and so far I kept that vow. Even if the individual cannot see that."

"How do you mean?" Gabriel asked.

The Dragon rose smiling. "A Question for another time, my friend. Do climb on we have a lot to do and little time. Let us take you to the fields so that we may continue our training."

Gabriel climbed onto Sapphires back and he took him to the field to continue his training. Though Gabriel pondered over what the dragon said before he didn't let his thoughts take away his focus as his training continued once they got to the field.

From the rest of the day all the way to sunset the Dragon and human trained. The Lesson today was to learn to outsmart one's opponent. Gabriel had to understand that depending on the enemy some would simply come at him with brute strength and weaponry. They pay no mind to any strategy and would simply try to overwhelm him. If one is clever enough such opponents are easily maneuvered around and can be taken down.

However, some enemies may have some wits about them. They may know how to counter and can think on their own. These opponents were a sort that would require crafty maneuvers and cunning and swift attacks to take down. To bring them down one would have to attack where they would be able to see what is coming. Use the environment or a magic capability to take them down when and where they would not expect.

The Lessons carried on throughout the day. Like always the Dragon would act as the training dummy and attacker while, Gabriel would attempt to bring him down. It was long and exhausting as many times as possible, Gabriel would mess up or fail in the lesson but each time he failed he would think of another way to counter the Dragon and that eventually allowed him to finally lay a blow or a hit that didn't hurt the dragon, but it pleased, Sapphire.

The Dragon was becoming quite impressed with his young companion. He was following his lessons without anymore complaints or doubts. With his failures, he became better to where he finally was achieving what he had set out for him to do. A small number of victories and successions in the lessons out of the many failures were making, Gabriel a more capable warrior.

By the time the sun was setting Gabriel withdrew his armor and weapon and nearly collapsed from exhaustion. Nothing was more tiring than having to train for a few short hours with, Sapphire. His appetite was high after the hard day's lessons and he longed for dinner back home.

Sapphire chuckled as he gently grabbed Gabriel and placed him on his back. "You've down well, my friend." He complimented handing Gabriel his backpack.

The Young Man laid on the back of the dragon with sweat pouring down his face that some drops seeped into his eyes and burned them. He groaned as he wiped his eyes clear barely hearing the dragon speak.

"Thanks. I just want to go home and rest now. If that's alright?" He asked moaning as his muscles ache and his stomach grumbled. He never thought he would be so eager to back home and rest after this day.

"Ill take you to the edge of your home. Don't worry I'll drop you near the edge to avoid being spotted by anyone. I'll expect to see you back at the cave tomorrow after your classes for your next lessons." The Dragon stated smiling at his friend. Gabriel nodded though he actually wished for once they could skip lessons and just have a fun outing, but the lessons were important and if there was another attack on the horizon he would need all the knowledge he could get in the coming battles ahead.

The Dragon took him home as he said letting him get off near the edge of the woods. Gabriel ran for the backdoor to his house not before waving goodbye to his friend. The Moment he opened the door the sweet aroma of food filled his nostrils and he dashed for the dining room barely acknowledging his mother and sister at the table.

His mother was surprised to find her son dripping with sweat and looking so tired. She thought he went for a walk and it was not too hot out to cause so much strain on someone. Gabriel only told her that he decided to jog instead of walk. He needed the exercise for P.E class.

It was a peculiar answer, but his mother accepted it. It seemed her child really wanted to excel in his classes especially the one that involved so much physical work. They all ate their meals, but Gabriel actually had a second helping. The Training had worked up his hunger so much that he desired more from the plater that his mother made herself.

Usually, they would have leftovers after dinner but due to the apparent hunger of Gabriel, they barely had anything left to fill even half of a Tupperware. Even dessert hardly satisfied Gabriel's hunger. A Bowl of Ice Cream smothered in chocolate syrup was delicious and filling but not filling enough. However, Gabriel had enough to eat. If he ate anymore after all that he possibly would not be able to sleep without a stomach ache.

After cleaning up dinner and having a short family time watching a movie in the living room it was time for both, Gabriel and his Sister to go to bed. The school was the next day and they needed their sleep especially the young man who had yet another busy day awaiting him. A Test in class and more training sessions with the Dragon.

He took a rather long and hot shower to cleanse himself of the day's activities and brushed his teeth. Feeling fresh after its Gabriel put on his pajamas and headed into his room. He looked out into the stary night from his bedroom window seeing out into the woods that looked calm and peaceful. But what caught his sight from the full moon that shined over the land was the silhouette of a Dragon flying through it.

Gabriel smiled knowing full well who it was. "Good night, Sapphire." He yawned hoping the Dragon could have heard it thought it wasn't possible. He climbed into bed and pulled the blanket over him shutting his eyes. Within a few moments, he fell asleep drifting off into a peaceful dream that comforted him as much as the warm blanket did as he sleeps soundly having earned a peaceful night's rest after such an eventual day.


{A week later}

A little over a week had passed. Gabriel was becoming a better warrior with each passing day of training. Sapphire was teaching him nearly every bit of battle strategy there was that a lone person can use. Sometimes he would have to face a threat alone without his help. It bothered Gabriel to think that if there was an attack or a moment where he would have to stand up to a monster or even a group of them by himself he was rather unsure.

Sapphire had told him throughout those lessons is that one must believe in themselves. Trust in your training and follow what he has become to know and when he does there would nothing that can stand in his way.

Gabriel was on his way home from another successful school day. His friends were good company. Classes were decent and he would be home soon. And on a particular note, Sapphire the previous day told him that he needed to patrol some of the outer regions of the city. He senses some strange activity afoot that required him to investigate.

It had been quite some time since the last attack by the Dark Masters minions. In any case, he may be mounting forces for an assault and, Sapphire had to see if his assumptions were true. For Today there will be no training. A Day off one could say.

This excited Gabriel as it meant no training which meant he could spend time at home and enjoy himself. Though he was worried about what his friend had told him. If the Dark Master was amassing his forces then a big fight would be on his hands. He barely was able to handle the last few attacks. Even with all the training, he was unsure if he was ready for it.

But as he was walking down the neighborhood working his way up to his house that was just up the hill past a familiar traffic light he heard the sound of laughter and cries of a dog. He pricked up his ears hearing it was coming down the street. He turned to his left to see just a couple of houses down he saw a dog backed up near the fence of a house. It looked to be the same dog he saved from getting run over. It was cowering near the fence as a group of three boys around his age were pointing and laughing at the dog's expense.

"Look at that!" One of them laughed. "It's crying like a baby!"

"Yeah, good toss with that rock, Joe!" Another of them laughed complimenting his friend with a pat on the back.

"How about I try a swing at it next?" The Third in the group suggested holding up a baseball bat. His friends snickered and took a step back to give him some room.

Gabriel gasped at the group both in shock and anger. The Dog was being bullied. How dare they hound on an innocent and helpless animal. His heart broke at the scene. The One with the baseball bat stepped up to the cowering puppy and raised the baseball bat.

The Two friends of his cheered him on as they wanted to see him deliver the blow that would fuel their egos and their lust for the apparent hurting of others.

"LEAVE HIM ALONE!" Gabriel shouted at them stepping up the gang with an enraged look on his face.

"Well…look at this? A Hero, guys!" The one with the baseball bat pointed at, Gabriel earning a laugh from his friends, Gabriel stopped a few feet away from him.

"Get out of here!" Gabriel demanded.

"Why don't you just skedaddle out this doesn't concern you!" The Leader with the bat spat back. "Or knock you out of the park!"

"Why don't you just try it, greaseball!" Gabriel seethed as his blood boiled over what these three were doing to the poor dog.

"Alright then!" The Leader had enough of this and quickly rushed at, Gabriel reeling the bat back and took a swing. Gabriel ducked over the swing then delivered a hard kick to the back of a teenager so hard he went running uncontrollably and fell landing hard on the bat in his hands that it caused his nose to start bleeding.

"Why you little!" One of the other guys seethed so mad over what, Gabriel just did charge at him. Gabriel tightened his fists and readied himself. His Attacker tried to hit him in the face but, Gabriel blocked it holding up his right arm to deflect it then delivered a hard blow right into the jaw of the one in front of him.

Effectively he actually knocked out a tooth and sent him right into the street as he cried out from the blow to his face. The Third in the group had enough of this and charged at, Gabriel. "You're going to it now, boy!" He warned his face aflame with his arms extended out ready to get vengeance on the one for hurting his friends.

Gabriel waited for the right moment and just when the third attacker came right upon him. Gabriel quickly moved out of the way and grabbed the back of his head leaping up and pushed him right into the hard cement sidewalk. His face implanted hard upon on that he cried out from the impact and when he crawled back up to his feet his face was badly scraped and bleeding slightly as he cried out from it all.

The Group all gathered away from Gabriel as they whimpered together holding onto what hurt the worst while trying to stop their bleeding. They looked at Gabriel with surprise and shock. They couldn't believe someone just beat them like that and now they were scared.

"Get out of here now! Last warning!" Gabriel ordered pointing away. This time the bullies listened all running off in the opposite direction some beginning to cry out as their wounds hurt too much to hold it in anymore.

Gabriel snorted in irritation as he hated bullies so much. That's when he had just realized. He beaten them. He took on three boys just like him without the use of his armor and magic. The Lessons he was given by, Sapphire really worked. The training had paid off. He felt so good that it was so hard to keep himself from cheering but then he remembered the puppy.

He looked down near the fence to see the puppy staring at him with grateful eyes. It admired over him that once again the same boy that helped him from before had saved him from such cruelty, but its back leg was in a limp.

"Oh no!" Gabriel gasped reaching down and carefully picking up the puppy as it whimpered in his hold. "Hold on, little guy ill get you some help!" He assured as he knew exactly where to go.

Gabriel had made it to the local veterinarian after a long hard run. He had seen it plenty of times before when he used to take the bus to school. He had gone the route past it so many times from his house that he couldn't possibly forget where it was in the area around where the school was. Just a few blocks away from it.


{Sence Change: N.S. Animal Hospital}

He had almost burst through the door nearly startling the clerk that was present. With the puppy in hand in his arms and a quite explanation that it was hurt a doctor was immediately called in and the puppy was taken to the back to be taken care of.

Gabriel sat in the waiting room his heart worried over the puppy. It was so sad that it was just a lone pup on the streets. Twice within a short time, he had to save it from being running over then from a group of bullies that were just about ready to bash its head in.

The Cruelty of people angered him so much that his fists were clenched enough for his nails to dig into his skin. He calmed down when he started to feel sharp edges in the palm of his hands. All he cared about right now was that poor puppy. So young and helpless he couldn't possibly just let it go again. What if it encountered another bully or was in danger of being run over again?

That Puppy would not survive on the streets and it did not deserve to be left alone out there. He put a finger under his chin in thought. What he wanted to do was to do something good for that puppy. Having saved it twice now he was not going to let it walk the streets again.

But what he had in mind would be an issue. What would his mother think? Surely she would say yes if he explains this properly but he was not sure still.

The Doctor wearing a white coat with a badge with his name clipped which read "Doctor Ksaragi" on the left side then came out with the puppy in his arms as he gently sat it down on one of the cushioned chairs. The Doctor looked to be foreign.

Gabriel saw its back leg was covered in bandages. "What is the dog's condition, doctor?" He asked as he took a seat next to the puppy gently petting its head.

"It has suffered a fracture in its left leg. Likely it will take two weeks. Three at most. It won't be able to walk properly for some time and according to the information you wrote on the sheet when you came in it is homeless. Am I correct?" The Doctor inquired.

"Yes, Doctor," Gabriel confirmed as he looked at the doctor's name on his badge and it sounds familiar. "You're not by any chance related to someone at school I hear who has the last name you have?"

The Doctor smiled. "You are correct. My Nephew goes to your school. He just transferred here over five months ago. Do you know him?"

"Not personally, Though I hear so much about him. He certainly beats everyone in class if all that I heard from gossip is true. Surprised he hasn't joined any of the academic teams yet, from what I know." Gabriel explained earning a chuckle from the doctor.

"That would be him. He always had a knack for a brilliant mind when it came to anything involving education." The Doctor sighed clearing his throat. "But back to the matter at hand. This poor dog needs a lot of rest and someone to take care of it. But if its homeless it would surely die out in the streets and taking him to the pound that already is overwhelmed with animals I fear it may not have much of a chance unless taken in by a caring person."

Gabriel's heart sank for the poor dog. Now he was more determined than ever to do what he thought before. "I'll take him home with me this beacon of hope. This…Spark will stay with me." Gabriel stated as the Doctor put the puppy in the young man's lap. The Puppy rose and licked Gabriel on his face as if he heard what he said and wanted to go with him.

The Doctor grinned and stood up. "That would be very kind of you, young man. Do take really good care of him. And don't worry about the fee's here. I'll cover them."

"Really, Doctor?" Gabriel gasped in surprise as he forgot that there is a charge when bringing an animal in for treatment.

"Of course. You are willing to help this poor animal. You brought him in on your own free will and are willing to help it more. You're a good young man. Respectful and uplifting. Do take care now." The Doctor smiled standing up.

"Thank you, Doctor." Gabriel stood up with the dog in his gentle hold. Gabriel shook the doctor's hand for a moment before he left the vet and headed home.

"Let's get you home…Spark," Gabriel said as the puppy barked happily giving the young man another lick making him giggle as he walked with hopefully a brand-new pet in his hands to be allowed in at his home. Gabriel was excited when he left the vet cradling the puppy in his arms. The Puppy that he named Spark barked happily in his gentle and caring hold and showered him with affectionate licks on his cheeks.

The Young man chuckled as each lick he received tickled his cheeks and it made his heart boil with love. The Puppy was an innocent and poor animal that desperately needed a home and someone to care for it. With all that Spark had been through how could he not offer to take him home?

But when he thought of home his pace back to his house slowed. How was he going to hide a puppy from his mother and sister? Spark no doubt like any dog was going to need great care. Especially with a fractured leg limiting its ability to walk. He would have to be careful to not let him out of sight when he is home. But what about the times he won't be home? He still had to go to school and go train with the dragon. This was going to be an issue for certain.


{Scene Change: Almost At Gabriel's Home}

Gabriel continued through the neighborhood having only one more block to go before he would reach his house. He looked down at the puppy smiling with affection as he gently stroked the furry back of the pup. "Don't worry Spark. I'll think of something to make sure you can stay without any worry." He assured. Spark licked him again as if he understood what he said.

He saw his house was alight down the street as the sun had gone down in the streets low enough to cause the street lights to turn on. Gabriel wanted to stop and take some time to think of what he was going to say or do to make sure, Spark wouldn't be discovered but he had been away from home long enough. He already called his mother while he was at the vet telling him he
would be very late home.

Though his mother didn't sound too pleased that he would be late she just told him to be careful and to make home before dark. It was almost dark now and the streets would soon only by alight by the street lights. He had to go home as ordered by his mother and it was never wise to disobey her wishes. He would be grounded in a heartbeat if he was even a second late.

Still cradling the puppy in his arms Gabriel walked up to the front door of his house. He observed through the living room window to see no one was in there. It had to mean his sister was in the bedroom and his mother was either in the kitchen occupied with making dinner or working on her laptop. It was the perfect chance to go in and get to his bedroom to hide Spark.

He smiled as his plan was perfect. All he had to do was be quick and quiet. It would hardly be a challenge. But that challenge would not be met with as soon as he opened the door his mother was standing just behind it with her arms folded giving her son a half-amused and angry look.

"You were cutting it close, Gabriel." She said tapping her fingers on her arms as, Gabriel felt a drip of sweat come down his head realizing that his plan was undone, and he had Spark in his arms completely in view it would be pointless to deny anything now as he gave an awkward look at his mother.

"Might I ask why did you bring a dog home?" His Mother asked looking the puppy over. Obviously, it was homeless due to not having a collar or a tag of any kind, but as soon as she saw the bandage on its leg, her mood changed slightly. "I guess I can answer the question I was about to ask where have you been?" She implied.

Gabriel nodded in defeat. "Yes, I was at the vet. This dog here I found in the streets, Mom." He explained. "First it nearly got run over by a car then I saw a gang of boys hassle and harass it. I managed to get him to the vet, but he has a fracture, and I told the Doctor I would take him home to help him."

His Mother frowned sadly hearing the poor dog's tale. A Homeless animal having to face such cruelty is unbearable to know. She had looked into her son's eyes to see he was telling the truth. She could also tell that he cared for the little puppy that looked at her with clear innocent eyes that almost broke her heart.

"If you wish to keep it, Gabriel I'll accept it for the time being. But remember this puppy is your responsibility. You will have to make sure its clean and fed. And of course, you will pick up any mess it leaves, young man. Do I make myself clear?" She asked.

Gabriel smiled widely coming close to his mother so that he could hug her with one arm. "Yes, Mother. Thank you." She returned the hug as the pup barked happily.

However, his sister would not see the pup yet as she was already in bed having had a long day and dinner was already made. With Gabriel not there she along with his Mother already ate their fill and he would have to re-heat his dinner.


{Scene Change: Close Midnight}

It was close to midnight by the time everyone had retired to their beds for rest. Gabriel was only partially asleep, but Spark lay on the bed with him he would have to get used to sharing it. A Shadow flew past the window alerting, Gabriel sitting up so quickly that Spark almost fell off the bed.

He rose from his bed and headed quietly downstairs, careful not to wake his sleeping mother and sister. He grabbed a flashlight from one of the stands near the steps turning it on holding it in his left hand while holding, Spark in the other hand. It was best to take him with him outside to avoid him from making any noise in the house.

Once they made it outside he set the puppy down and shined the flashlight up into the starry night sky. Spark stayed close to him but then a massive figure flew down in front of the two. Spark growled at the intruder and barked lowly at it but when Gabriel shined the light upon it revealing it to be Sapphire the puppy ceased its barking and moved to the back of his new owners' legs in fear.

"New addition to your family?" The Dragon implied with a smile looking at the puppy that took cover behind, Gabriel's legs admiring how cute it was.

"You can say that." Gabriel chuckled taking a quick moment to stroke the pup gently to assure the intruder on the property wasn't a danger to any of them. "Why are you here so late?"

"It's been far too quiet as of late." The Dragon replied. "I cannot know when the Dark Master will send out another monster, but this temporary time of peace must be used radically. I expect you to continue your training and we must soon begin our search for the other pieces of miracle and the ones who will be the other Knight warriors."

Gabriel nodded in confirmation. "I understand, Sapphire." He then let out a yawn.

"Very good, young one. Please return to your bed and rest we have much to do and so little time." The Dragon said before opening up his wings and then flapped into the air and disappeared into the night sky while Gabriel picked up his new pet and took him back inside to return to his bed and hopefully find a way to sleep with his new companion in his house on his bed.


{Next Scene: Unknown Realm}

In the Dark Realm, shadow minions prowled the deadlands. The Once beloved home to all creatures of light were forced to live among the lands as slaves and the lucky ones could only hide and live with little hope that they would not be found and made to toil under the cruel grasp of their conqueror the Dark Master.

Within the Castle that was turned into a Fortress, the Dark Master most powerful and trusted minions carried on their duty to find the very pieces of the crystal that were the true threat to his reign. If any of them were discovered before they find it then not only would their masters' conquest be halted but he could face annihilation and they too would suffer the same fate.

Already it seemed one had found a crystal fragment and turned it to his use. He had proven himself a troubling matter. He would be dealt with it in due time. Either way, they knew the location of one, but the others were still missing. They had to find it.

The Dark Red Dragon snorted in frustration the other pieces were proving more troubling to find as he gazed through the crystal that shown the known realm where the fragments laid. But then something interesting came into view. He saw a light appear in suburb area in the city where the one who defeated some of their shadow demons and monsters resided.

"Dark Blue. Come forth!" He called out. A Dark Blue Dragon appeared from the shadows nearby standing near the other dragon.

"Yes?" He hissed.

"Tomorrow you will go to the human realm. I believe we have finally found another fragment. Investigate and if it's indeed our master's prize you know what to do." He ordered.

"I shall await the morn then come tomorrow it shall be ours!" The Dark Blue Dragon vowed before walking back into the shadows and left the room.


{The Next Day: Noon}

It was another peaceful day in the town during the afternoon. The Sun was shining over a cloudless day. People within the great human settlement were going about their daily business and routines. It seemed like the day would be another ordinary one. But whispers and gossip always were on the lip with many folks. It had been peaceful for far too long. Ever since the monsters that first came to the town that seemed only just like yesterday so many people were greatly cautious.

Some refused to leave the possible safety of their homes. The Delivery services were always off the hook with business as people kept ordering anything from food to clothing and any kind of tool or accessory they desired. Paranoia was gripping the town. It may have seemed like it, but it was on edge.

The Officials always tried to downplay the incident and the similar one that happened shortly after as riots and lone insane man dressed in costume. The Last thing the ones who ran and safeguarded the city wanted was a full-scale panic on their hands.

They kept the media in check to make sure no one on any talk show or news source would play any kind of video or show any picture that had any of the monsters in it. They would only show anything that had city property destruction in it and would claim rioters and insane criminals were the source of the terror.

That did not go well for those that had witnessed the destruction firsthand. Many of those that saw the monsters would try to protest and claim the government was lying they were brushed aside as conspiracy theorists or formerly wounded patients that were suffering severe cases of PTSD.

All the victims that were in the attacks that survived their ordeals either signed confidentiality agreements or refused to accept the terms and tried to spread the truth. Even though the talk of monsters were downplayed much of the population of the city remained cautious and alert. If or when something like this would happen again they would be ready to safeguard themselves in their homes.

Some folks would laugh at the concept of monsters having attacked the town. With the Media downplaying the incidents most would laugh at the mere mention of monsters that slaughtered a few dozen people.

All of this is what the officials of the city wanted. As long as the people believed there were no monsters that attacked them and those that survived the ordeals were contained and declared delusional no mass panic would spread and they would still have control over the town.

However, the officials did accept the dark truth that monsters were among them. So many lingering questions loomed about. Who or what were they? Why did they attack when they don't believe they done anything to provoke them? And the biggest question of them all. Will they come again?

No one knew anything and that is what disturbed the officials. They had to find a way to understand these monsters, but nothing turned up. No records indicated anything remotely to what they are. The Scientists that were brought in to give their professional opinions were baffled. Nothing of the mysterious beings were ever seen in human history.

This bothered them all as it meant how could they know when they could come back, and they certainly proved they are hostile. But to avoid a massive panic they could not call in the local national guard. Military presence would only put the citizens on more of an alert than many already are. And if they monsters would come again how do they know if they would be able to stop them.

So many questions lurked in the minds of the city officials. This was certainly not something they could downplay for much longer. If another attack was imminent they would have to do something to repel it without causing chaos among the masses. But how? None of them knew the answer.

Only one report stood out among them. The Report that was given to them that a certain individual had stopped the monsters. As a matter of fact, two of them defeated the attackers. Someone in strange armor and a feathered winged being that was only seen by a few witnesses. They had claimed they fought off the monsters and destroyed them utterly saving the town on both occasions when the monsters had attacked.

The Individuals were unnamed and unknown. The One in the armor looked human with the armor on him covering his face and his body nothing could be identified. The creature that was with him was made of fur and feathered wings. Some of the officials said it was a dragon but that was quickly subsided. A Dragon is nothing, but a myth made for books and movies. But if the witnesses that saw these beings had any truth to them perhaps the two of them would be worthy allies.

With their identities and their origins unknown as well as their motives unclear could they be allies or potential enemies? More questions than answers troubled them. The Future of the city and all its people were at stake and right now the only ones with any capability in defending them were the two beings that were seen fighting against the monsters. All they could do was hope and pray that if the two beings were on their side then they may survive yet of what could becoming.

Within the town where most tried to carry on their daily lives despite the two incidents some who have been through the ordeals at hand were amazed. Those that saw the two beings that stopped the monsters saved their lives were heroes in their eyes. Thanks to them the monsters were unable to do any more harm than they had already done. In the second attack no one was harmed at all, and it was thanks to the armored warrior and the dragon that helped.


{Next Scene: Hood Elementary School}

The Warrior in armor was given a cleaver name. The Frost Knight given the use of ice in his battle and his armor was a good shade of blue much like the dragon that he was with, Gabriel's sister, Marie was talking with her best friend at school. It seemed rather far-fetched to her friend who was not there during the attacks and her parents tried to keep her from believing there were monsters in their town.

"That can't be true, Marie." Zoey scoffed in disbelief. She had been Marie's closest friend since she and her had started going to school together. Since they first became friends they were nearly inseparable when school started up to the end of the day. They sat together in class. Ate together at lunch and always played in the playground outside the Elementary School they went to.

"I'm telling you, Zoey I met them both! They were amazing! They saved me as well as all the other kids." Marie explained trying to get her best friend to believe her. It had been over a week since the day a monster attacked the playground at the park she was at. Certainly, it would have gotten her if it wasn't for the intervention of the one she named Frost Knight and the dragon that saved her.

"Please, Marie are you positive? Maybe the monsters scared you so much that you didn't realize you were in delusive of a policeman or something." Zoey replied still in disbelief. She understood that monsters did indeed attack the city despite her parents telling her otherwise. But for someone like the ones her friend was describing seemed a bit farfetched.

"Oh, come on Zoey! When have I ever made something up to you?" Marie scoffed though she wasn't taking any offense as to be honest with herself she wouldn't believe it either unless there was something that evidenced their existence.

Zoey shrugged her shoulders. It was true that Marie wasn't one to lie or make up anything for attention for as long as she has known her but what she is saying certainly sounded rather crazy. "But how come no one else has seen them then?" She asked. "If they were real then more than you would have seen them for sure."

Marie nodded in agreement. "I guess your right. I don't know how I am the only one who has seen them, but I do swear they are real. If they weren't I don't know what would have happened to me."

Zoey swung a little on the swing set she and her best friend were sitting on in separate swings. "Well perhaps if you do see
them try getting something that proves they are real," Zoey suggested as she swung more on the swing she sat on.

"I'll try that, Zoey," Marie promised as she began to swing on the swing set as she and her best friend enjoyed one of the many play sets that were all around the playground next to the Elementary School. She wondered if she would see those two again. Ever since that fateful day when they saved her from that monster she often dreamed of meeting them again.

Marie wanted to know more about them. No one could tell her otherwise that they were not real. She knew what she had seen. No doubt in anyone's mind they were as real as the monster that attacked. They saved her life and since then she felt safer than ever. An Armored warrior that she did not even know the name of or even the very dragon. It suited her to name the armored being. He was like a knight in shining armor that used ice so that fitted the title she gave him.

All the other kids in the playground were enjoying themselves with games and activities upon all the other playsets. This was the final recess of the day just before the final class. They all were enjoying themselves under the supervision of a few teachers that went about to make sure everyone was behaving, and no one was getting themselves into trouble.

One teacher was standing in the corner of the field near the playground. She was there to make sure no kid would ever try to climb the fence and if someone threw their ball over the fence she would get it. It was just another routine day and all the children she was watching were having fun. It was a joyful sight to see the children at play but then one kid threw a football towards a receiving child that tried to grab it while running towards the fence where she was, but it went too far and gone over the fence falling into a grassy spot near the sidewalk.

The Teacher kindly went to get it without being asked. But when she went to the other side of the fence and picked up the ball a black mist poured out from the street. It had a cold feeling to it and something in her mind told her to run.

She immediately dropped the ball and ran back to the other side of the fence keeping an eye on the mist but what came next was an array of monsters made of shadow pouring out from the mist. "Everyone in the school now!" She screamed as loud as she could as the howls and hisses of the monsters menacingly stormed over the fence and headed for the school.

The Children screamed in terror as they all began to run for the school. Marie and Zoey were still swinging together when the screaming started. They looked out into the field to see what the matter was. A short distance away from the playground monsters by the dozens were coming at them. They all hissed and growled as their dark red eyes sent chills down everyone that saw them.

The Two best friends screamed in pure terror as the monsters were coming after everyone there. They fell off the swings and hugged each other as they came closer by the second.

Meanwhile, in the forest near Gabriel's house Sapphire the Angel Dragon was waiting patiently for Gabriel to get off from school. It was still an hour before he would be off and be home soon after. More training awaited him as they had to keep up their lessons. But then his ears pricked up. Something could be heard from a great distance. It sounded like cries and screams!

"Oh no!" He gasped knowing those screams were coming from humans and he could make out a faint hiss coming from what he heard. He knew there was only one thing that made that dreadful noise. The Dark Master's shadow minions. They were attacking again but Gabriel wasn't home yet.

"Can't wait for him. I have to help!" The Dragon told himself. If he waited for Gabriel then many innocent lives would be lost and through the screams he heard it was mostly children. "The Devils!" He growled as the Dark Master knew no morals he would bring harm to the purest of hearts.

The Dragon immediately took flight and raced towards the Elementary School at high speed through the sky. He followed the sound of the screaming and quickly came across the Elementary School Playground. He was right the Shadow minions of his people's conquerors were attacking. They were desecrating the playground as human adults and children ran for their lives.

Thankfully, no bodies were laying anywhere which meant the Shadow demons did not harm anyone but if they were not stopped they will. Then a familiar sight caught his gaze. He saw two human girls holding each other near the swings as panic overwhelmed them to where they didn't move and one of the demons were coming close.

The Dragon swooped down and knocked the shadow demon away from them as the two girls cried in terror as no one had come to get them as they were the only ones in the playground left. Then they heard a crashing noise which caused them to open up their eyes. To both their shock and amazement they looked at a dragon fighting against the demons.

Marie grinned widely as it was the very dragon that saved her before. Zoey was in complete shock. Her best friend was telling the truth. "Told you he was real!" She grinned for a moment losing her fear as she held her best friend close while, Sapphire continued to deal with the demons.

He roared at them taking swipes at them with both his paws and tail. He would jump and roll when one demon would try to strike him only to miss and be met with a shattering blow from the Dragon. Sapphire fought against the demons bravely each time he took down a demon he brought him some satisfaction as it would repay for the life taken by their master.

Marie and Zoey watched in awe as the Dragon continued to fight the Demons. The Playground was ruins as nearly everything was toppled and shattered only leaving the swing sets that the two girls were near standing. Slowly they got to their feet while remaining close. The Dragon made sure all attention was on him to keep the Shadow demons away from the girls. He wanted to shout at them to flee but if he withdrew his focus for a moment it would let one of the demons strike him.

It was starting to become a battle of attrition. No matter how many demons he took down more came in their place. It seemed this attack by their overlord was intending to establish a foothold on the world. If they were allowed to gain ground, the war would take a dark turn without the rest of the crystal pieces.

Finally, the dragon cast down one last shadow demon near the destroyed slide that laid in pieces over the ground, but he collapsed down to a knee as the battle had exhausted him. He never had taken on so many shadow demons at once. But the battle was far from over as the dark mist at the far side of the field still remained open then more shadow demons came out from it.

Marie gasped in horror as the demons came from the mist like a river and were heading straight for the dragon who looked so tired. She couldn't let it get hurt. Marie let go of her friend and dashed to the dragon.

"Marie no!" Zoey screamed at her friend who ran to the dragon. There was no way she could help the dragon and the demons were dreadful. They already laid waste to most of the playground and the Dragon barely was able to fight off the first wave and now that he was exhausted he wouldn't be a match for another wave as Marie got to his front.

"Mr. Dragon please get up!" Marie begged trying to help him to his feet. Sapphire was tired but he still managed to get back up.

"Leave now! It's too dangerous!" He ordered the little girl knowing full well who she was.

"No, I can't leave you!" Marie shook her head turning around and did her best to put on a brave face as the demons came at her. She stood her ground not going to let them hurt the one who saved her once, but her body shook in fear.


{Next Sence: Middle School}

Nearby in the middle school, an alert was announced through the P.A system.

"Red alerted! All students that the Hood School was under attack by the monsters, and pleases remain clam put till further notice!" The Principal said.

The principal had alerted everyone that the Elementary school was under attack by the monsters, and everyone had to remain put till further notice.

Gabriel who was in the restroom when he heard that burst out of one of the stalls after he finished refreshing himself. "Oh no, Marie!" He panicked as again his sister was in danger.

Now he was mad. Once more the dark armies are trying to invade and again placing his sister at risk. Taking out the crystal from his pocket he looked around the restroom to make sure no one was there before tightening his grip and in a flash of light, he transformed into his armor and jumped through the nearby window, and ran towards the direction of the elementary school already seeing the dark mist with the Shadow Demon hoard pouring out of it.

"(Sapphire, pleases be sure my sis alright! I'm on my well! I promise!)" Gabriel said with in thought.


{Back to Hood School}

Back in the Elementary playground, Marie continued to stand in place but when one of the demons came close she screamed when it raised its weapon and, Sapphire quickly shielded her with his wing, but no blow came down. Withdrawing his wing from the girl he saw Gabriel in his armor-piercing the demon with his sword in its chest.

"Frost knight!" Marie cheered as Gabriel smiled at her behind the helmet that hid his face and head. Sapphire was already there helping to protect her. Again, he owed him a great thanks for it. Holding onto his sword with one hand and charging up an ice blast in his other hand he charged at the demons. He sliced another one down and shot his charged-up ice blast at a group freezing them in place before they exploded into pieces.

Gabriel paid mind to his surroundings and watched for the closest enemy deflecting its blow with his sword before countering it and slicing his sword through it. He continuously did the same with the other demons using the very methods he learned from the hours of training he did with, Sapphire.

Sapphire and Marie watched Gabriel completely decimate the rest of the demons. The Dragon was very impressed with Gabriel his training had done him very well. He used most of the techniques he was taught and performed admirably. Eventually he cleaved down the last of the demons and finished the rest off with a string of ice shards that penetrated through them making them dissolve and the dark mist left near the field ceasing the attack on the elementary school.

Marie cheered loudly as both her heroes again saved the day and Zoey came running over and hugged her friend as she so worried for her with tears in her eyes. They hugged each other so happily while Gabriel sheathed his sword and went to Sapphire patting his furry body thankfully.

Then something appeared on the ground near the hugging girls. Gabriel reached down and grabbed what was glowing. To his and the Dragons surprise it was a piece of the miracle crystal. Here in the school playground. That's why the demons attacked they discovered a piece of the crystal but thankfully he and, Sapphire stopped them.

"One down more to go." He quietly said smiling as he was so glad his sister was okay, and they managed to find what they were looking for.

Sapphire was happy as the journey now was taking a new direction that one of the pieces of the crystal was discovered. Suddenly a large flash appeared in the sky that was so bright the two girls had to shut their eyes and look away. The Light was mysterious, but Gabriel and Sapphire knew this was their chance to leave the grounds without being noticed quickly with Gabriel jumping on his friend and they took flight towards the middle school to get him back before anyone realized he wasn't in school.

When the light faded away the two little girls opened their eyes to see that their saviors were gone. Zoey looked at her best friend with an apologetic look. "I will never doubt you again." She promised earning a giggle from Marie as they both headed for the school as the teachers within were about to find out they forgot two of the students when in the panic to get the children to safety.

Gabriel had made it back to school before anyone had noticed he was missing. Thankfully since he had disappeared from the bathroom and most others were hiding in classrooms and some other rooms no one really took account that he was not in school during the attack on the Elementary School.

When he returned he stayed where he was not to arouse any suspicion and stayed in place till the principal announced that it was safe, and all students could come out into the halls. The principal explained what had happened at the Elementary school. Everyone in the halls were horrified to hear about another monster attack and this time it was at the Elementary school nearby. Many had little brothers and sisters there and to hear the news made many of them drop to the floors in worry and believed the worse had happened.

But they were then told about a creature appearing out of nowhere and fought the monsters back. A Teacher from the Elementary school reported that she noticed not all students were accounted for and went out to get who was left but saw what she claimed looked to be a dragon fighting off the monsters. Not willing to risk herself further she went back inside.

It was not until the remaining students got inside without any supervision did they all take note the monsters were gone. Gabriel tried not to grin between his fellow students. Sapphire had gotten there long before he did. It made feel so happy that the Dragon saved his sister. If it wasn't for him then his sister could have perished. Sapphire truly was a great friend. He along with his family would be lost without him. He had much to say to him after everyone would be allowed to leave the school.

After a call from the authorities that had to assess the situation that had happened had confirmed there were no more monsters everyone was allowed to leave. Everyone dashed into the awaiting arms of their concerned parents as all who had come were worried for their loved ones. The schools now had all been attacked. Was there any safe place now with monsters able to appear at a moment's notice?

No one knew for sure, but Gabriel personally was just happy to see his mother and sister alright. When they got home they shared a good meal together with his mother now wondering what could she do now? If her children were at risk anywhere what can she do to protect them?

But at that moment Gabriel told her he was going out in back for a while. Once he was outside he ran into the woods till he was far enough to not risk being seen.

That was when Sapphire showed himself to him greeting the young man warmly. "Hello Gabriel. Great work at the school this day. You fought well." The Dragon complemented.

Gabriel smiled at the compliment, but he had something to say to the dragon as well. "Sapphire…I can't thank you enough. Again, you saved my sister. I wasn't there for her when it happened. But you were. I just…" Gabriel leaned forward shutting his eyes feeling tears coming. He pressed himself against the dragon feeling absolutely grateful but ashamed that his sister was in danger and this time he wasn't there to meet the monsters head on.

Sapphire hugged him close. "Do not burden yourself with your tears. I am honored I was able to help your sibling. You protected her too don't forget that." The Dragon smiled.

Gabriel smiled leaning back up. "Your right. Thank you again. Perhaps we can do something to let my sister know she has two individuals looking out for her." He asked and the Dragon nodded in agreement.

"Here's what I have in mind." Gabriel began.


{Later at night-time}

Later in the night when Gabriel's family was asleep, he left his room and took form in his armor and met with Sapphire who awaited him in the back. The Dragon took him to his sisters' room up on the second floor. Peeping through her window they both saw she was still awake. With a night light on she was coloring. She never liked going to sleep without finishing her work. Marie was just about to finish coloring one more spot on her latest picture when she heard a tapping on her window. She looked to see the very dragon and the Frost Knight standing on the roof outside her window.

She squealed in glee as quietly as she could immediately opening the window. "Hey there!" She greeted happily.

"Good evening, little one." The Dragon smiled warmly leaning his head down to the girl's eye level. "It was reckless of you for risking yourself. But I do say you possess a courageous heart." Sapphire complimented.

"Oh…jee." Marie blushed as the dragon nuzzled her cheek making her giggle. "Thank you for visiting. I actually have something for you both!" Marie immediately turned around and grabbed two of her pictures that she made. One was a design of a dragon closely resembling Sapphire and the other was of, Gabriel in his armor with the label frost knight next to it.

"These are wonderful! Very generous of you." Gabriel thanked in a rather gruff voice even though his helmet masked his voice on the outside he didn't wish to let out anything that clues his sister in on his identity.

"Its really nothing," Marie replied shyly as the Frost Knight gently petted her head making her blush again.

"We must be off now. Go to sleep, child. Know in due time we may see each other again." The Dragon kindly commanded the little girl. Marie nodded and slowly back away as the Frost Knight mounted the dragon and they flew off together into the forest disappearing into the night.

Marie shut her window and went to back snuggling into her pillow while keeping her smile as she got to meet both her heroes and give them a token of her appreciation.


{Next Scene: Somewhere location}

Meanwhile in a house far from Gabriel's sat a young man around his own age sitting at a study desk in a bedroom. He was busy keeping his studies up and had no time to rest. He took a quick look at picture with his image and white lion cub in his arms. In the Picture he was smiling with his short black hair waving in wind. On his desk near his book glowed a crystal in bluish color.

"I'll figure out with this shiny blue stone is somehow." He stated before going back into the book in hopes of finding the answer he was seeking.


つづく... {To Be Continued...}


Detail idea/Edited/Author/Writer: ME

Co:Writer: Jazz316


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