(A/N: This is the first piece in my attempt to rewrite the story – when you come across a quality drop, now you'll know why.)
Prologue
The sky was clear on the day that would change the fate of the world. Darkening skies were bathed in dusk-shine, making the tops of the local huge mushrooms shimmer like they were threaded through with gold. The shining Silver River, stark contrast to the golden-brown mushrooms, shone like a winding ribbon in the low light.
But in the seemingly serene dusk, there was a rumble of thunder. The skies were clear, the earth seemingly at peace, but the clatter of an army clashed against the cacophonous silence.
Blue eyes studied the army and its tall general before a great yellow form slipped into the still air. Great wings pounded like drum-beats as a large shadow fell over earth, mushroom and water.
Alighting upon the ground, the dragon rushed beneath an ancient marble arch, murmuring long lists of curses under his breath. The great gold guardian sped into the temple, catching a second drake unaware.
The red dragon turned, noting the frantic air of the other. "Volteer. What's happened?"
"You must save them. The Dark Armies have come! More than we could ever battle against without proper aid."
I remember now, like it was yesterday.
In the Year of the Dragon, in a world beyond the Dark Realms…
I, like all the others, awaited the birth of the dragon promised to us by the last great prophecy.
Howling akin to mad hounds filled the tumultuous air, chilling their hearts with dread. In the sky, apes atop their foul dreadwing mounts must have been hurling stones because they struck the walls like thunder.
But the claws of the Dark Master stretched further than we knew, and it wasn't long until his keen ears had heard the prophecies as well.
I should have hidden those eggs long before this had the chance to occur, but I thought we were ready. I thought we could keep them safe.
Oh, Ancestors, how I was wrong.
Red wings beat the air, ruby scales reflected in silver-blue water below. Clutched to the dragon's chest like a prayer was a single obsidian egg.
I don't know why I'm here. Time moves around me—minutes, days, hours—in a life that stopped making sense years ago. I don't even know what I am. I know I'm different somehow.
I glance all around me, looking at the villagers' sparkling tiny bodies and dexterous hands. Glancing down, I study my own paws. I know my parents are hiding things. Information, like puzzle pieces that fell far beyond my reach. I trust them, though.
There must be reasons.
I don't know how; I don't know why. All I know is that, somehow, I am different. All I know is who I am.
I am Cynder, and that will have to do for now.
The shadows gather, the darkest hour will come
Day feels so far away, somewhere beyond the distant dawn
Don't let anything ever block your way
Don't let anything force you to sway
Lift your wings, hold on tight
Don't forget, there's still moonlight
And when all seems lost and the day isn't near
Your heart will say where to go from here
When the stars fade and it all becomes black
You've got to know that I've still got your back
Lift your wings, hold on tight
Don't forget, there's still moonlight
And when all seems lost and the day isn't near
Your heart will say where to go from here
Never fear a journey long
Never give up your own heart's song
You must believe that there will come day
I know you'll find the way
Brace yourself and hold on tight
Even in the dark night, there's still moonlight
Even when dusk falls, the day will come again
Eventually you'll find journey's end
The Legend of Cynder: A New Beginning
Because sometimes the legend is forced...and what if you're not the chosen one? Well, too bad, sunshine, because the world doesn't care. The Dark Army is coming. And there's nobody but you to stop them, Cynder. Have fun.