"Spyro!" The purple dragon's eyelids shot open as he heard Cynder's soft voice echo through his ears. He had fallen asleep once again, two times in one lesson.

"Sorry," he muttered, slowly lifting his head to turn it over towards Volteer, who was busy teaching the class. His constant jabbering assisted in Spyro's unnoticed slumber. "What I miss?" Cynder smiled weakly and scooted just a little closer to him as the two lay on the floor of the class with Ember and Flame, both of which intently listening to the Guardian's long lecture.

"Well," she whispered to him, ducking her head closer to his so he'd pick up. "I was hoping you could tell me." The dragon suppressed a chuckle and rolled his eyes.

"Wake me up when we're dismissed..." Spyro laid his head back down over his paws, but a hard tap on his tail shot it back up. He turned his head back to see that Cynder had slapped his tail with the blunt of her blade tip.

"You've been sleeping a lot, Spyro," Cynder whispered, concerned. "Are you feeling okay?" He briefly shut his eyes as his tail nervously swayed behind his body. She couldn't know; it was his secret. He gave her a smile and lied through his teeth.

"Just studying takes its toll on me." He sighed and laid his head down once more. "I hate having to learn all of this stuff."

"So do I, but you really need to get some good rest." If only she knew. Spyro gave a weak smile towards her. "I worry about you."

"I know," he whispered back.

"Spyro?" He yelped as he heard the Guardian mention his name. "Good to see you are in a talking mood today, as well. Would you care to come up here to me and show the class the effects of air pockets during flight? No? I suppose you were too busy explaining Christmas plans with your friend, eh?" The Lightning Guardian continued on his pointless rants while Spyro held his head down. "Okay, I think that is enough for this morning my friends. You are dismissed." The four dragons stood in unison inside the restored Dragon Temple and stretched. As they were padding out the door, Volteer caught Spyro and Cynder, forcing them to stay after the lesson. "What was going on?"

"I'm sorry Volteer," Spyro shot out quickly before Cynder could take the blame. "It was my fault. I...asked her if she could explain something for me regarding your lecture." Volteer's eyes brightened at his words.

"Ah, so you have questions?" Reacting quickly, Spyro shook his head.

"No Master," he replied. "Cynder answered them for me." Disappointment appeared on the Guardian's face.

"Very well," he spoke formally. "If you need anything, anything at all, I am right here."

"We know," Cynder covered for Spyro. The two walked out the door padding closely against each other. She turned to face Spyro and gave a playful smile. "That's the last time I cover for you, Spyro. You've fallen asleep everyday this week!" She sighed and dropped her gaze. "I know Christmas is a busy season for all creatures, but really, you need to slow down."

"I know," he replied. "I just have a lot of things on my mind right now; a lot of things I'm trying to set straight." He looked at her and sighed again when he saw the look of concern on her face. "I just want to do well. So much is expected of me and if I don't get this for you..." He quickly shut his mouth and turned his head.

"Me?" Cynder asked, taken aback from his sudden reply. "What do you have to get me?"

"It's nothing," he shot out quickly. "Just relax, Cynder. There's no need to worry okay?" The dragoness sighed as the two walked over to their rooms, which were convienantly located side-by-side. "I suppose I better hit the books. Cyril's giving an exam over the physical effects of frostbite tomorrow, and I'm so unprepared." Cynder smiled and stepped forward slightly.

"Well it sounds easier than mine tomorrow," she replied in a sweet tone. "Terrador wants us to have a speech ready regarding the transformation earthquakes do to the surface." She smiled a little wider. "I know someone that could help me, too." Spyro's heart skipped a beat. He'd love for her to join him, even if it's just for a quick study, but he couldn't. She'd discover him; his secret. He had to leave for Avalar in less than thirty minutes. How was he to escape with her in the same room as him?

"Cynder," he replied calmly. "Y...you know how the Guardians get when we're in the same room, unsupervised."

"Then I'll get Flame and Ember..." Spyro sighed.

"Not tonight," he told her, stabbing himself in his own heart. "I...have to get this done." She lowered her head in defeat.

"It was worth a shot," she murmured remorsefully. "Sorry to bother you, Spyro." Before he could say more, the dragoness turned and padded to her own room for the night.

Spyro sighed once again and stepped into his bedroom. It was messy and very unorganized, with books and ancient writing strewn all about the floor. He tromped through the messy floor and collapsed on his bed to take ten minutes to breathe. For once his ten minutes expired, the dragon was to fly into Avalar...for his night job.