You can't lie to yourself. But more importantly, you can't hide yourself from those you love. Eventually, you both will find out the truth.
In the summer-esq seasonal plain of the Realm of Avalar, blossoming flowers and luscious green lawns mark the scenery surrounding two differently colored souls from different walks of life. Crash and Spyro, our intrepid heroes, have spent countless hours in each other's presence, bonding and befriending over a span of several months in which they have become inseparable companions. They are heroes from two different lands and two different cultures, two different species and from two different origins. Yet in each other they have found common ground and discovered a little of themselves in each other. And in this reflexive understanding, their unorthodox friendship has flourished despite the disparity in their identities. But one of these heroes hides something from the other, a feeling he himself is unsure of: his true desires. And in this veil something more may never be truth. What is this feeling of bliss between heroes of orange and purple? And will it ever come to fruition? This, I… intend to find out, through a trial. A trial of love.
Trial of Love. A Crash and Spyro Tale
The Scuba gear was overpriced. Spyro had over the years come to expect this kind of swindling from Moneybags, but the aquatic gear he was trying to purchase was for a friend of his, so he wasn't about to let the opportunity pass. Crash couldn't breathe underwater like he could, so despite the exorbitant amount of gems Moneybags was asking for, Spyro reluctantly forfeited a hefty amount of his precious stones to the greedy ursine in exchange for O2 tanks, flippers, and a wet suit.
"That wet suit better be the right size, I played a small fortune for all this." Spyro watched as Crash put on his wet suit, strapped the Oxygen tank to his back, and put his goggles on. He then made sure he could move comfortably in all directions, and gave Spyro a thumbs-up sign. "Oh this place brings up so many memories. It was where I first learned to swim (after 500 gems), way back when, when I first met Elora and Hunter."
Crash had stopped fidgeting and was smiling complacently at Spyro, which Spyro returned a smile of his own a moment latter. Crash… he was always happy. At first the prospect was quite unsettling, but over time Spyro came to the realization that his gleefulness was how Crash communicated with those he was around. Having a silent friend, who couldn't convey what he was thinking or feeling through conventional means, it always meant Spyro had to make eye contact with him. His exuberance, his careless joy, it was something Spyro really treasured about Crash's company. It wasn't that he laughed or was excited all the time, instead he was at peace and jovial. Always content with his limitations and nevertheless enjoyed every moment he was alive. Spyro sometimes would talk at length with Crash when it was just the two of them, about his past adventures or of all the creatures he had come to know throughout his escapades, and every time Crash would listen with interest. Spyro felt guilty of it at first by dominating all conversations, but he came to realize Crash didn't care; he couldn't partake in their exchanges and was complacent just to listen. And every time, he would smile when they looked at one another.
Which was uncomfortable. No, it was bewildering. Because every time, EVERY time Crash would beam at him, it left Spyro with a stupid feeling in his chest. People smile; I've seen a lot of creatures smile, what was so different about Crash? Nothing, so what was this stupid feeling? And yes, it was stupid! Stupid because of how much Spyro enjoyed it and because of how much he was aware he strangely enjoyed it. This stupid feeling of uncertainty and bliss.
"Alright, looking good Crash. You ready? You have scuba-dived before, right?"
Crash nodded up and down with his head, signaling that he has indeed dove into the depths once before, though he was searching for a crystal versus collecting various gems in vases and bottles. Spyro then vaulted into the warmwater lake within Summer Forest, the fish clearing out of his way and the aquatic grass underneath swaying with the current of the water. Crash followed suit and proceeded to accompany Spyro through the underwater-ways of the lake, entering a small tunnel like secret passageway with many twists and turns until they resurfaced inside Summer Fall's castle.
"That underwater tunnel is a secret entrance into the castle Crash. Oh this is one of my favorite spots. Come on." Now walking, Crash followed Spyro up a small spiraling staircase until they both came to a dead end with a small hatch on the ceiling. Spyro flew a little upwards to reach the hatch, then pushed it upwards reveling bright sunlight. Spyro went through the small opening, and waited for Crash as he leap upwards and climbed his way to the roof of Sumer Forest's castle.
"Now I know what you thinking, why wouldn't I just fly to the top of the castle? Well I have previously, but I wanted to bring you up here to show you the vista. Take a look Crash." As Spyro requested, Crash took the moment to bask in the panorama of green hills and calm streams of clear blue water. It was so different from his home on the Wumpa Islands, but after closing his eyes and breathing in calmly, taking a moment to savor the view, Crash was enthralled with the beauty of Avalar.
"Being up here, being able to see so much of Summer Forest, it's a gentle reminder as to why I do the things I do; being a hero. In a way, it's to preserve the beauty and tranquility of the life which inhabits this serene place. Wouldn't you agree, Crash? It's not just about doing the right thing, but it's also about protecting the splendor of what's around you, as well as the lives which call this place home."
Crash gave Spyro a nod in agreement as the gentle wind atop the castle carried the present aroma of the surrounding forest. It was at that moment of serene peacefulness that Crash's stomach started to growl. He blushed and lowered his head before giving Spyro an embarrassed look.
"Yeah, I'm kind of hungry too." Spyro chuckled, and Crash smiled once more, making Spyro feel stupid once more. That stupid, blissful feeling!
There next destination was the Dreamweaver's Realm. This is where I divulge the truth.
The next day had been even better than before. The floating islands which was the Realm of the Dreamweaver's was one of the most magical and fascinating places of the Dragon Realms, and despite all the parlous drops into what seemed like a never ending abyss, it was also one of the best places to glide. Crash was currently trying to strap on two wings of elytra to his back. The fiber was an intricately woven fabric composed of modified, hardened forewings of varying insects. Essentially, these artificial wings were going to let Crash… glide. At least that's what Hunter claimed.
"Oh I'm sure Hunter won't mind. I know he's taller than you, but the wingsuit is adjustable. Granted you won't be able to 'fly' with these, but you should be able to do some serious gliding with these elytra. And there's nowhere better to glide than the Realm of the Dreamweaver's. I know you're not a Dragon, Crash, but everyone should at least once feel the freedom of flying, or in your case falling with style."
Spyro's joke made Crash chuckle as he finally got his elytra fitted correctly, a pair of translucent silver fiber's attached to his back and arms forming makeshift wings. Looking over a small hill, Spyro walked to the edge and looked at a small drop where Crash could practice using his wingsuit.
"Okay, now let's test those wings out over here, you should be able to get an astounding 10 to 1 feet gliding ratio with these bad boys, or that's what the Professor said, it sounded fancy to me, but it translates to 'far'. Crash?"
A look of utter confidence was smacked across Crash brow. He was smiling menacingly as he looked at the perilous edge to his and Spyro's right. Where Crash was staring was a floating island several hundred feet away with nothing but air in-between here and there.
"Hold up Crash, we should probably make sure that thing works."
Ignoring him, Crash took a step back before running off the edge and jumping into nothing.
"Crash!" Terrified, Spyro ran after him and leapt from solid ground into the perilous blue and pink skies all around.
"Woohoohoo!" Crash yelled to the best of his ability. It sounded scratchy and high pitch as Spyro tried to catch up to him, both now guiding towards their destination. After crossing the three hundred fifty foot gap, Crash landed and Spyro followed soon after. Crash turned around in excitement with both arms in the air until he was met with a terrified and angry Spyro.
"Are you out of you mind!" Spyro yelled painting and somewhat horse, even though all he had done was guide to where he and Crash were standing, which should have taken a minimum effort for him. His heart had been racing, because for a moment he thought Crash was in life threatening danger. "You… you could have killed yourself! Do you know how terrified I was!"
Crash's joy was instantly gone. Spyro sounded so horrified and concerned that he had done something reckless, which was indeed true. The opportunity to do something exhilarating was just too much, and he rushed into it and could have indeed fallen to his death. He looked guilty and stared at the floor, his ears also drooping to match his mood. Seeing this, Spyro instantly felt the same way. When he saw Crash leap off the edge, unsure of whether he would live or not, his heart skipped a beat. He then took off after him to rescue him, only to see that everything was fine. But in that moment, all he felt was dread. "I'm… sorry Crash. Just… don't scare me like that. Please. If you would have gotten hurt or worse, I wouldn't know… what I'd do."
He sounded so genuinely sad. He cared about me… that much?
Spyro was now looking away from Crash. That bewildering feeling was back again, yet this time it was gnawing at him as if he felt hallow inside. His friend… his best friend almost died, and the adrenaline was still surging through him. If he would have… no, Spyro couldn't even imagine it, it was too horrifying. Crash must have really become important to me. I can't imagine being without him. I… can't?
"Ee- eyem sa- wey." Spyro looked up surprised with faint and barely noticeable tears in his eyes. Crash had spoken! And now he was looking at Spyro meekly. Shocked, it took Spyro a moment before he responded.
"It's… don't worry about it. I'm just glad you're okay. And… now that we know you're elytra works, maybe this time we can jump together. You know, race, together."
Crash nodded as he grinned from cheek to cheek. He nodded his head in agreement before they both backpedaled a step before both leaping off the edge of the island they were standing on, gliding next to one another. With nothing but the wind slowly slowing their falls, they looked at one another, and they both smiled. Except this time, they both felt stupid. And this time it was a little less confusing. Just a little.
They… they were in a desert. Crash was dehydrated and Spyro's poikilothermic, cold blooded body wasn't necessarily built for this extreme heat. Both were exhausted, the sun relinquishing them of most of their energy.
"I don't know where we are. No wait, over there, that's the Desert Ruins. I… the portal is just up ahead." They kept walking; both stammering and zigzagging with what little reserves they had left towards their destination. The sandstorm, it had almost separated them, but they endured, and now they had found their way back. They could return to the Midnight Mountains via a portal arc and recover.
"Just a little further Crash. Come on… we can make it." They entered an abandoned city surrounded by a large limestone wall. "You know, I met an explorer here once. Her name… name was Tara. She found most of the treasure. A… a shame." Crash slowly trailed behind Spyro. He was dangerously close to his limit. Too much more of this sun would cause him to pass out. What did Spyro just say? Explore? "I'm sorry Crash. I almost… augh… got us killed, bringing us out here. I'm really… ugh… sorry."
They made it towards the archway Spyro had pointed out. Words were etched on the arc itself, which Spyro and Crash read since the portal itself wasn't activated.
The secrets of the mind are also the passions of the heart. In the heart lies the riches of the soul, a treasure meant for two.
"This tomb," Spyro said in-between breaths, "houses the remains of a pharaoh and his wife. I remember, Tara mentioning it, saying the real treasure buried here was not physical. Ah! The portal's not… we need to activate it." Crash was barely holding on. He needed shade and water soon. "I hope… I remember what the Elders said about portals." Spyro stood to study the arch, when Crash began to feel the ground from underneath him falter. He struggled to maintain his posture, and then fell to his knees as the sand underneath him continued to drain from underneath him. Spyro noticed the noise and turned in horror at what he saw.
"Crash!" Spyro was exhausted, and his efforts to fly over and grab Crash's hand only resulted in him plummeting into the quicksand as well. Crash held his breath as he was swallowed by the sand. The sand clung to Spyro and weighed him down, and despite his every instinct to escape, he couldn't manage to break the grip the sand had on him and he too was swallowed by the current. He dropped into darkness and landed on a pile of sand below. The room was pitch black and the air was stagnant. He heard Crash rumbling around, so he turned to face his direction even though he couldn't see anything.
"Crash! Are you alright?"
"Y- ya." Crash coughed a lot; it was a dry cough which signaled he was parched.
"Hold up, I can momentarily light up the area, see where we are." Spyro inhaled and unleashed a small continuously stream of fire of his mouth, intending on getting a quick glimpse of his surroundings for as long as he could exhale. He noticed the hieroglyphics on the walls and the multicolored tiles. The hole from however they were dragged down here was closed, so he couldn't fly out of here, but he did noticed the occasional torch on the left and right sides of the hallway they were in, all of which were unlit.
"Crash. Did you see the torches attached to the walls? I'm going to brighten the area again, and you grab a torch and hold it in front of me, we'll use it for light."
Spyro inhaled once more and light up the hallway, and Crash complied, leaping upwards to reach a torch which he held in front of Spyro so that it would catch on fire. It kept a steady glow all around, enough where at least they were kept out of the dark.
"Okay. Now how do we get out of here?" Spyro asked aloud, not sure of how to do so. After a few moments of silence, Spyro continued. "We're not going to be able to escape through the roof. Somehow it's solid stone, even though we fell in here from that direction. I think… our only choice is to walk forward."
And so they did, their journey home now prolonged indefinitely. Crash had collapsed once, desperately needing both water and rest. He leaned on Spyro for a bit, but continued onwards without another collapse. After several minutes, they saw a light in the distance. Invigorated, Crash and Spyro now rushed towards it, hoping it was the exit. But when they reached the large opening, they were met with a large arena circumscribed by rows of empty stone seats.
"What the? How… How are we going to get out of here?" Spyro was exhausted and loosing hope. He was merely sapped of energy, and though the sun was no longer beating on him or Crash, the air in this tunnel was very thin.
You have come here by mistake, but the fates have not made error. The secrets of the mind are also the passions of the heart. In the heart lies the riches of the soul, a treasure meant for two.
"Who, who said that?" Spyro asked.
Spyro the Dragon, the doubt in your mind has come to affront. You question your feelings despite how genuine they are. This Dreamweaver seeks the truth. But he seeks the truth not from you, but from the bandicoot.
"What? What are you talking about? Show yourself!"
Crash looked around confused, exhausted from the day and struggling to remain conscious. Just then, a trap door opened from underneath him and he disappeared from view, the door resealing before Spyro could follow Crash.
"What have you done with him!?"
He is now to fight for the truth. He is a stranger to this dimension, stranded here from his own. In his home, his sister searches for him, tries to find him. That is where his family and home lies. But in the months since his arrival, you have made his acquaintance. And over time, inexplicable to yourself, this acquaintance has become different than others you've made in the past. This Dreamweaver seeks the answer to this truth. You seek the answer to this truth.
"I don't understand. What do you want, stop speaking in riddles!"
Spyro at this point was desperate. Where was Crash? Was he alive? How do they get out of here? But another thought crossed his mind. He is a stranger to this dimension. What if he wants to return home, and see his sister again? Spyro knew of this, that Crash missed her so, but… forgot it, maybe intentionally. In the first few weeks Spyro had met Crash he wanted nothing but to help his return Crash to his home, but this goal had slowly changed into a different feeling. To see him happy, and be there for him. Crash had changed his whole world. Previously he was hero, his dedication to anyone and everyone who needed him. And although this remained true, Crash had started to garner more of his attention, more of his time. Though the reason why Spyro still couldn't grasp.
Crash is alive. Gaze at the arena below. Here he will make his stand. Here he makes his choice. Not you.
Spyro looked. Crash was getting up slowly and rose to his feet. He was towards one side of the circular arena, as a large door could be seen on the opposite side. The arena was circumscribed by a small channel of water, to which Crash rushed towards and drank from, quenching his thirst. From where Spyro was standing, it was a clear path to Crash, So Spyro descended down the stone rows of bleachers before he collided into an invisible barrier on the circumference of the arena, preventing him from entering.
"Crash!" With a little more vigor in him after drinking water, Crash noticed Spyro banging on something and began to make his way towards him when the door on the opposite side of the arena opened loudly. The inside of the tunnel behind the now opened doors was completely dark, but a Dragon strode out and stared down Crash. He looked exactly like Spyro, yet his eyes were empty and glowing bright white, and his skin was a darker shade of purple.
"No..." Spyro whispered in a sudden realization. "Crash, get out of there!"
This is your future Spyro. It isn't all fairy-tales and adventure. Your duty as a hero to these Realms will have you face terrible dangers. Are you prepared to have Crash be a part of it?
"I am not that!I am not a heartless Dark Dragon!"
So you're capable of love, then? You will need it to ground yourself, to anchor yourself to good when you face terrible evil. The question is then, will you let it happen before Crash dies? Before he falls to your hatred and anger?
Dark Spyro lunched at Crash, making up the gap between them in three seconds. Crash slid to the right to avoid his sharp talons, but Dark Spyro quickly redirected himself and again perused his target, intending on executing it.
"No!" Spyro clawed and torched the barrier in front of him, ripples forming and fading in the invisible wall at each place where he clawed and singed it. But no matter what he did, he couldn't penetrate the force field.
This is my deal, Crash can hear this as well as he battles to survive. At any point, he may quit. He may stop, and when he does, this trial will cease and he will be free. However if he chooses to do so, I will send him back home. I will take him away from you, so that he is no longer in danger from you. I will reunite him with his sister and he can live his life once more. But if he chooses to stay and fight, his fate and his life, will solely be in his hands as he does battle with what you will eventually do to him.
"No, I'd protect him. I would never harm him or let harm come to him." Then a thought came to Spyro. He couldn't protect him right now. "Crash, quit!"
He can't hear you, he can only see you. Plus, you know what that would mean if he does. He might never see you again.
Spyro continued to try to breach the barrier in front of him, but could not penetrate it. In horror, he watched as Dark Spyro drew blood.
Crash was too weak, too fatigued to fight, but even so he knew in peak physical condition he was no match for this Dark Dragon. It could fly, breathe fire, had deadly claws, and sharp teeth. Crash knew if he continued any longer, he would be killed.
The choice is yours. You can choose to surrender, and the mistake which brought you here will be undone, as a courtesy to a hero who deserves to return home where he belongs. You've earned this. But if you choose to remain and fight for you right to stay here, wage battle against what staying with Spyro will eventually lead to, it will be your death. But if you have the will, the courage to stand, fight, and emerge victorious, then even true love can pass any trial.
Crash glanced at Spyro, who was forced to be a spectator to this, frantically trying to enter the stage even though a translucent white barrier kept him at bay. Crash's distraction proved to be a mistake, as Dark Spyro pounced on top of him and reached for his throat, intending to deliver the death blow with his teeth. Crash managed to catch his jaws with his hands and held him at bay, but then noticed the fire emanating from his throat. Crash kneed his opponent in his chest, and managed to toss him off, but not before a torrent of flame was launched in his direction. Crash emerged from it slightly set ablaze, to which his spin smothered out the embers on his shoulder and pants. Dark Spyro was relentless in his pursuit, and Crash held out his arms to shield his face and was clawed at viciously, lines of parallel scars gushing fresh blood. Dark Spyro then clawed at Crash's back, tearing at his flesh and sending Crash to the ground in the brink of defeat.
"No! Crash, give up! Please!"
The pain, it was everywhere. He was exhausted. His breath was heavy and fluent, trying to provide his body with enough oxygen. In defiance to all the pain seizing his body, Crash curled his right hand into a fist and placed it on the ground as he lifted himself up, hunched over as he looked at Dark Spyro, who had paused in his pursuit to blankly look at Crash with pity. Crash then slowly got to his feet once more. The whole time keenly aware of the fact he could give up at any time he wished. If he wanted to live, all he had to do was think it so, willingly surrender. And if he did, he would be reunited with his sister, who he did miss dearly. What was he fighting for then? He… he was fighting to prove himself. Prove what? Prove he belonged. Where? Here, with his friend. I won't leave him. Not if he cares about me. Only his sister had ever felt that way about him, and even though this meant that standing and fighting would lead to his death and maybe never seeing his sister again, he wouldn't abandon Spyro. Love. It would endure this trial.
Crash was sent to the ground again, Dark Spyro this time opting to use the element of electricity. Crash screamed out as he convulsed on the ground, and again Spyro clawed at the barrier keeping him from saving his best friend.
"No!" Stop it! I swear to god if he dies, I won't stop till you're dead as well! You hear me!"
It is no longer your choice; your decision. It is Crash's. You've made up your mind yet won't act. Crash, however, does not share your indecisiveness. Now, he fights for the right to stay with you. Because he's made up his mind.
"But he will die! If you let him die I will kill you!"
That fervor, it will serve you well in your fight to save the Dragon Realms Spyro. You would fight to the death to protect you home, but you don't have the courage to allow yourself to be happy. Maybe… if Crash demonstrates that passion for you, then maybe you will find it as well.
He labored to get up again but this time Dark Spyro didn't wait for him to stand up fully. He dropped his head and charged at Crash, the deadly horns atop his head aimed at his target's chest. Crash was able to move only enough where Dark Spyro's right horn scraped against across chest and lacerated it badly, but he was not impaled. Dark Spyro's momentum carried him past Crash, as he staggered and once again collapsed to the ground, now holding his midsection. Losing his will, Crash struggled to get to his feet once more, but Dark Spyro's two front claws wrapped around Crash's shoulders, piercing his skin and locked him in his grasp as Spyro raised him a couple dozen feet into the air before dropping him. Crash plummeted towards the ground until violently landing on the hard dirt. He didn't' move after that.
"NO!" Spyro's eyes were filled with tears; he couldn't see straight and was full of remorse. The voice, it knew what the turmoil in his heart was, and now it was too late to do something about it. His sadness, it turned into rage as he clawed and rammed into the barrier in front of him. But it was no use and he was miserable once more, slumping his body against the barrier. Crash chose me over his home and his sister. He could have lived if he gave up, but instead I kept him here. He chose me. And… I killed him.
Dark Spyro landed a couple feet from his target and stared at it. He walked away towards the same doorway he entered the arena from when a faint noise stopped him. He glanced backwards to see the bandicoot once again strenuously getting to his feet. His jeans were shredded; he was not putting any weight on his right leg, the fall most likely breaking his ankle or leg itself. His arms, back, chest, and face were a massacre of bruises, scrapes, and oozing blood. He was exhausted from his trek through the desert and his fight with the Dragon before him. But he was standing. An inferior creature. Dark Spyro lunged at Crash, one blow away from ending this. But Crash, ignoring his useless right leg and leapt over his pursuer, landing behind him. Dark Spyro took to the air and circled around to set Crash's location ablaze, but when the fire cleared Crash emerged alive after he stopped spinning. Impossible. This power Dark Spyro had, it was what he would use to defeat the Dark One himself latter in his life. This was the epitome of his ability. No, no more holding back. Dark Spyro landed on the ground and prepared to end a useless attachment of his life, one that would not bring any meaning. The dark energy pooled in his mouth, an element which surpasses all of the elements of the Earth itself. Its strength equivalent of stars, gravity, and comets burning in the sky; the spiritual matter of the very universe itself. The "true element" of the Purple Dragon of Legend: The Convexity. Crash, with one eye almost sealed shut, putting no pressure on his right leg, and a few moments from passing out stared at the display of power from a dark version of his best friend, hell-bent on destroying him. Its energy crackled and surged. It made Crash's skin crawl. He couldn't move for he was out of energy. His ability to defy Dark Spyro even in incredible pain and continue to stand up against him, that will was gone. All he had left was the strength to look back at the real Spyro once more. Crash met Spyro's gaze, and Spyro returned the gaze in absolute misery until he looked away in agony.
That's what I'm fighting for, Crash thought. Spyro's happiness, his future. To preserve the beauty and tranquility of the life which inhabits this serene place… in my heart, as Spyro had said to him above Summer Forests' castle. So he doesn't become the villain I'm fighting now. I may not succeed. But I'll be damned if I don't try!
Dark Spyro unleashed it: a purple beam of extraordinary power. What Crash then did next was instinctual, what he had done his entire life, whether it be through boxes or to redirect a beam of immeasurable strength. He spun. Aku-Aku always claimed there was something unique, something special about the move which defined his life. It was simple, it was rudimentary, and it could break open a box or defeat a world conquering foe. And maybe, it could act as a shield. Not of the body, but of his ideals. A protector and a hero of life and of Light, the opposite of the Dark Convexity which Dark Spyro intended to destroy Crash with. A weapon of light which Spyro would be when he does confronts the Dark One someday, instead of this dark version which stood before Crash. Crash became enveloped in the beam, and afterwards lost consciousness.
Spyro recognized that power, but not from Dark Spyro, from Crash. It wasn't the Convexity. It was simply, Light. Goodness. It was an ideal they both stood for, something more concrete and more grounded than maybe even the power of the Dark Convexity itself. But to say Crash redirected that beam because he was pure of heart was not accurate. That, he did simply by spinning like a top. The arena was full of bright light, and then it dissipated. Crash collapsed to the ground, unmoving.
"Crash!"
Do you believe in him Spyro? Do you believe he was strong enough to defeat the worst you could be? Able to defeat... you, because he loves you?
"I don't care! I just want him to be alive!"
Then know this. The secrets of the mind are also the passions of the heart. In your heart lies the riches of the soul, a treasure made for two. Don't let the treasure of your heart remain a secret. He passed the test long before he stepped into that ring. The only barrier left is you.
He then saw Crash suddenly start breathing heavily as his eyes shot open. He was alive. The white barrier which had kept Spyro out of the ring dissipated, and he rushed over towards Crash. Inexplicably, one final time, he was able to get to his feet, limping. He made it two steps before collapsing to his hands and knees. But he saw Spyro approaching, tears flying from his eyes, and Crash smiled in spite of the overwhelming pain throughout his entire body. Spyro leapt and hugged him. His weight and momentum knocked Crash onto his back and he grimaced in pain. Spyro apologetically got off of him and looked at Crash happily, confused, and saddened all at the same time.
"Why Crash? Why didn't you give up? How did you know you would win? Why... why did you choose to stay here instead of return home?"
Crash was breathing heavily and struggling to stay awake. But he with what little strength he had left leaned forward to the best of his ability until Spyro held his back and helped him lean upright. He then met Spyro's gaze and answered his question. "Ya- ou."
Spyro was surprised by his answer. Spyro knew it was the answer before he asked. It was confusing, but this time it only brought him joy. "I love you."
Spyro hugged him gently, crying and smiling. Crash also enveloped his arms around Spyro and they hugged indefinitely, until Crash let go and Spyro did as well. Spyro then kissed him on the cheek, and Crash smiled his brightest smile ever since he met Spyro.