The Legend of Spyro: Darkness of My Soul
Chapter 1: Revelations by NovusTerra-91
Well, young dragon…where might you be? -Ignitus
After Malefor's defeat, no one has seen Spyro or Cynder ever since. Some speculated that they were dead; others think that they have gone to another realm. No one knows for sure…except for the Chronicler that is. For three years, he has been monitoring the two but recently, only Cynder's story was clear; Spyro's story remain nothing but darkness. However, Spyro's story is being written again but this time, instead of walking down the path he always walked, something in him turned and the words in his book are full of evil and written in blood.
This time, the Chronicler will turn to someone else he could trust to investigate what was going on. This time, he picked Cynder.
"Hello, is anybody here?" Cynder asked aloud when she woke up and found herself in an unusual place.
Nobody answered her at first but when she reached a shining platform, a familiar voice spoke.
"It is good to see that you're still alive, Cynder," the voice said.
Cynder looked around and she felt scared because she thought that it was a ghost. However, the voice sounded familiar to her but she could not put a finger on it.
"Move forth and meet me at my lair for I have important things to tell you," the voice said.
Cynder obliged reluctantly and made past multiple platforms and see-saws, which the black dragoness found annoying. Still, she managed to get past all obstacles and reached a room with something that looked like the Pool of Visions located in the middle of a circular room.
"Who are you, where am I?" Cynder asked.
"In due time, you will know who I truly am but for now, know me as the Chronicler and you are in my training realm. I need you to seek me out for I have important things to tell you," the Chronicler said.
"The Chronicler…where can I find you?" Cynder asked.
"Light and dark, shadow and bright, the inner demon you must fight. To seek me at a time so dire, you must follow what you desire. Fate will bring you to me," the Chronicler said.
"Wait…I must know more!" Cynder called out.
This time, she truly opened her eyes and found herself frozen in ice. She can't move and having no ability to breathe fire, she could not break out from the ice. Fortunately for her, someone happened to pass by and noticed her. The crimson dragon took a deep breath and let out a breath of flame that melted the ice and thawed Cynder out from her icy prison.
"Are you alright, miss?" the dragon asked.
"Yeah……but I'm a little freezing though," Cynder said weakly and let out a cough.
"That is because you are in Dante's Freezer. How did you get encased in ice anyway?" the dragon asked.
"I don't know…I have no recollection of anything ever since Spyro pulled back the world," Cynder replied.
The crimson dragon widened his eyes. "You were with Spyro?"
"Yes, what of it?"
"Nothing, I'm just glad to meet his partner…though your past certainly etched a bad memory in people's hearts," the dragon said bluntly.
"Yes, thanks for reminding me," Cynder remarked sarcastically.
"Sorry for being so blunt with you, miss. My name is Firestorm," the dragon said.
"Well, I'm the "Queen of Darkness" and my actions have been etched into people's hearts. You should know my name," she said sarcastically since she was offended.
"Well, most of the population knows you as that but do not know your true name. Can you please tell me?" Firestorm pleaded.
"Okay, fine…I'm Cynder and I hope you don't mind but have you seen Spyro?" she asked.
"Spyro…there has been no news about him for three years after you two saved the world from the Dark Master. The Guardians even presumed that the two of you are dead but I guess they were wrong…so far," Firestorm answered.
"You mean three years has gone by?"
"Yes and so far, we have attained peace but the Guardians feel that the peace won't last long. I'm not sure why though."
Cynder nodded and looked around her. It was nothing but a barren wasteland filled with ruins of a fort that Spyro and Sparx once ventured in. Cynder tried to move but she felt so weak that she fell to the ground.
"Three years in coma and I'm not surprised if your body fails to respond. Your muscles have weakened and you need rehabilitation before you can become fully mobile again," Firestorm said.
"And how am I supposed to do that?" asked the black dragoness.
"I'm bringing you back to the temple…or what's left of it anyway. I'm sure the Guardians will do what they can to train you again," Firestorm said.
He carried her in his arms and took to the skies. Cynder was still small enough to fit in a fully grown dragon's arms but only barely. She could tell that Firestorm had a hard time carrying her and he had to make a few stops on several islands before they can return to the Dragon Temple.
At The Dragon Temple…
Cyril wondered if he could see something in the Pool of Visions but like what Ignitus said decades ago, only a few have the ability to see visions in the pool and Cyril felt foolish for trying something he could not do.
"I'm now the leader of the Guardians and I feel inferior for not having what Ignitus has. Now we can't even know what important events will happen," Cyril growled.
"One doesn't need visions to guide, Cyril. We just have to go with the flow," Terrador said as he entered the room.
"I prefer to make ready before the storm and going with the flow is absolutely a big no-no," Cyril said as he looked away from the pool towards Terrador.
Terrador heard a low growl coming from Cyril's abdomen and the poor icy blue dragon couldn't help but blush and felt his abdomen.
"Come, Cyril, I'll buy you dinner," Terrador offered.
"Thanks but my favorite restaurant was ruined after the world came back together. Nothing is same in this world and everything has been jumbled up. Parts of our temple even appeared near the Shattered Isles and the mainland."
"It doesn't matter, Cyril. You have not eaten anything for a week now. I know there is something troubling you but do not neglect your health."
"Well…alright, I'll eat something but I need to return as soon as possible. I have things to do."
Warfang was still being rebuilt and parts of the city were still in ruins. Still, it did not stop the citizens in continuing their daily lives. There was a night market where guardhouses used to be and many of Warfang's citizens were busy buying food and grocery. It wasn't much of a night life but it did liven up the mood.
"You're hungry and you only bought three boiled eggs? Don't you want a heavier meal?" asked Terrador.
"I'm sorry…but I feel that I don't have the appetite for some reason," Cyril muttered.
While the two Guardians were out, Volteer remained in the temple, reading some research books to pass the time. He heard someone land at the balcony and went there to take a look. To his surprise, he saw Firestorm with Cynder.
"Volteer, I found Cynder trapped in ice at Dante's Freezer. It looks like she isn't dead after all," Firestorm said once he landed.
"How very peculiar. How is it that you ended up encased in ice?" Volteer asked Cynder.
"I don't know…I remember nothing ever since Malefor was defeated. I thought I was flying with Spyro over Avalar and the next thing I knew, I was in the Chronicler's chamber before really waking up to find myself trapped in ice," Cynder said with frustration.
Volteer scratched his chin thoughtfully and looked at Firestorm. "Was Spyro with her?"
"No, I'm afraid not. If Cynder is alive, I have every reason to believe that Spyro is too. Perhaps he is still trapped somewhere," Firestorm answered.
Firestorm brought Cynder to a couch and laid her on it. There was a sudden determination in his eyes and Cynder assumed that he'll try looking for Spyro. She was right.
"Volteer, don't mind me but I must search the world for Spyro," Firestorm said while heading for the balcony again.
"But it will take you umpteen years just to search the whole world! It's like finding a needle in a haystack!" Volteer exclaimed.
"It is but this needle is worth more than one thousand lives. He saved us all and we owe him a favor instead of sitting around and assuming that he's dead. Know that I will not return until I find Spyro," Firestorm said with determination before taking to the skies.
Volteer let out a sigh and walked towards Cynder.
"Who does he think he is and what was he doing at Dante's Freezer?" Cynder asked.
"Firestorm is Ignitus's cousin and he's acting as replacement Fire Guardian. He may be young but he's more mature than you think…and a stubborn one too. I sent him to Dante's Freezer to retrieve a scroll because part of the temple lies there. Apparently, he has forgotten about it because he met you," Volteer explained in his usual fast speech.
"That explains it," Cynder muttered.
"About the Chronicler…did you actually see him?"
"No, I only heard his voice and he told me to seek him out."
"Then this is something worth being worried about. The Chronicler calls on people when times are turbulent and urgent and if what you say is true, then Cyril may have a point about another new crisis," Volteer said as he examined Cynder's body for wounds and broken bones.
"What new crisis?"
"I'm not sure, Cynder. He did not explain to us about it and lately, he looks disturbed and he won't tell any of us what was disturbing him."
Cynder winced and moaned in pain when Volteer accidentally pressed on a broken limb. He quickly let go and went to the storage cabinet to retrieve some herbs and bandages. He crushed some strong-smelling herbs with his paw and applied it onto Cynder's broken limb before bandaging it.
"It won't heal your broken limb totally but it will reduce the pain and promote some healing. I'll get a doctor to take a look at you tomorrow. I can also tell that you have lost muscle functions during your three years of coma so after your wounds and limbs are healed, we will begin your rehabilitation and training. You can't seek the Chronicler if you're so weak," Volteer said.
Cynder said nothing and did her best to nod her head. Suddenly, she felt dizzy and passed out almost instantaneously. Volteer thought that she was tired so he left her alone and put out the candles in the room. Cynder found herself in the Chronicler's realm again.
"What is it you want with me?" Cynder asked.
"You are the only one that can save Spyro and we do not have much time left. I will guide you in this realm to awaken your powers that lay dormant for you will need them," the voice replied.
Cynder went forwards and found a platform with green glow coming from it. She was instructed to stand on it and she did.
"Now, feel your power coursing through your body. Always fight poison with poison but remember that yours is the superior one. Let it course through your veins." Cynder closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "And let it out with a blast!"
She opened her eyes and let go a breath of poison that shot straight into a pillar. It corroded and Cynder got a shock.
"You have awakened the power of poison with an acidic effect. It seems like there is more hope for you yet. Now, proceed forward and we'll continue to the next training course," the Chronicler said with a noticeable happiness in his voice.
"Oh goodie, more jumping puzzles. I love jumping puzzles," Cynder said sarcastically when she saw more platforms and see-saws.
There was a particular platform she couldn't cross because it was spinning so fast that it knocked her back every time. She was annoyed.
"Are you trying to make my life more miserable? How do you expect me to cross a platform that spins like a tornado?"
Suddenly, she saw everything around her stop. Cynder was confused until the Chronicler explained to her about the powers of Dragon Time.
"This is amazing…amazing indeed. While they say only a few dragons have the ability to control time, it seems like you're one of them. What you're experiencing now is called Dragon Time, Cynder. If you learn how to master it, you can use it at your own will and slow time down so you can gain an advantage in combat. Now, use this new ability to cross the platform," the Chronicler said.
Cynder concentrated hard enough and to her amazement, things slowed down and the spinning platform was slow enough for her to cross to the other side without much trouble. She proceeded with multiple trainings with her poison attacks and it did not take long for her to finish. After that, she headed towards the circular chamber which she entered previously when she first arrived in this strange realm.
"Well, I'm here now. What do I do next?" Cynder asked as she looked into the pool.
It was a short moment of silence before the Chronicler spoke again. "You have been entrusted to search for Spyro, Cynder, because he is not dead. Yes, he is alive and well but I know not his whereabouts. Look deep into your heart, you know you love him so let that love connection bring you to him for even these bonds can overcome the darkest darkness. Use it as a guiding light to Spyro because only you can find him; not Firestorm, the Guardians or anyone in Dragon Realms."
"How can I search for him when I'm so weak and the world is so big?" Cynder asked.
"You will find that miracles do happen. All you need to do…is to believe."
Cynder slowly opened her eyes and the flood of morning light greeted her eyes. She stirred and took a deep breath before letting out a relaxed sigh. It has been a while since she got a decent place to rest her head on and she was thankful that she was found, even if that dragon wasn't Spyro. She tried to move her claws and to her amazement and surprise, she could move it easily as if they had been used regularly. Cynder then tried to move her entire body, which to her surprise, moved just as easily.
"Wow…you're just full of riddles and surprises…Chronicler," Cynder muttered with a weak smile.
She walked around the room with a limp for her strength was restored but not her broken limb. At the same time, Volteer came in with a thick medical book in his hand. Volteer nearly dropped his book because he did not expect Cynder to walk, much less move her claws.
"But how is this possible?" Volteer asked with surprise while examining Cynder.
"Miracles do happen. All you need is to believe," Cynder answered.
Volteer cleared his throat and flipped through the pages of his medical book. "Ah well…as a dragon of logic and science and words, miracles don't happen. Maybe it's because you have regenerative abilities that allow you to recover your strength once you're active again. That is the best explanation." He saw Cynder giving him a sarcastic frown. "Ahem, just...let me have a look at that limb of yours."
He removed the bandages and applied some fresh herb paste before wrapping new bandages around it.
"Are you able to walk?"
"I'm okay if it weren't for my broken left hind leg."
"Should I carry you to the doctors?"
"Um…that won't be necessary, Volteer. I can manage it."
And so, she walked to the nearest clinic with Volteer by her side, assisting her whenever she lost her balance. The clinic wasn't packed and only an old mole was sitting on the benches, waiting for his turn. He turned to look at Cynder when she sat down beside him.
"Hey, you're that she-dragon that fought alongside Spyro, yes?" he asked.
"Yes, yes I am," Cynder replied. "At least he did not try to call me evil she-dragon; unlike a certain dragonfly."
"Oh ho, they say that you and Spyro were dead after the world has been saved. I guess I should know better than to trust rumors. However, there is a certain rumor that is hard to ignore for I've experienced it myself," the old mole said.
Cynder turned her head slowly to look at the mole. "What have you experienced?"
"I…I've seen a dark figure fly in the skies over Warfang at night. I cannot discern its shape nor gender for it has this dark gracefulness in it, a combat grace if you will. No light in the entire city can show you this face for it is like pure shadow. It attacked houses, burned our crops and assaulted the Dragon Temple a couple of times. However, just as it mysteriously came, this figure disappeared, never to be seen until it wants to be seen again," the mole said softly while reminiscing on the events that happened.
"But it cannot be a rumor if many have experienced it," Cynder argued.
"True but victims of the attack have no recollection of them being attacked…just vague memories of a ruthless darkness that appeared in the skies and disappeared. Do not be surprised if they tell you rumors of a shadow that is attacking the city or things like "my house was burnt down but there was no fire". They all say the same thing. It was as if they were meant to say the same thing," the mole explained.
Cynder said nothing but just nodded her head slowly. "So how can you remember all that happened? Weren't your memories erased?"
"The shadow must have thought that I'm but a senile mole. How wrong it was for I remember all that happened. That shadow…its darkness is something to be feared and many likened it to the Dark Master."
"Malefor…but he's defeated. He shouldn't be in our world anymore."
"Oh…evil has strange ways of returning, young she-dragon. Sometimes, they can be manifested through even…the ones you are close with," the old mole said in a cryptic manner.
The door to the consultation room opened and a dragon nurse called out to the old mole.
"Mr. Mole-Yair, Miss Coral will see you now," she said.
"Ah, just about time as well. It has been fun chatting with you, she-dragon," he said and made his way slowly to the consultation room.
Just as the door closed, Volteer turned to Cynder and said, "You know, he once was Spyro's friend and I'm sure he still is. He's a little bit…eccentric now though what factor that is attributing to it that I do not know."
"Maybe he's just lonely, maybe he needs someone to talk to," Cynder said.
"Perhaps…perhaps."
"Volteer…I'm concerned about Firestorm. Will he be alright wandering around the world like that?" Cynder asked as she looked at Volteer.
Volteer's expression varied until it settled for a weak smile. "Yes, I'm sure he'll be alright. He's born in a tribal village and he's used to living in the wild. In fact, I don't think he's that stupid as to wander the world without knowing anything. No doubt that he'll look for the leader of his tribal village for consultation as she knows a lot…from spirits and…otherworldly entities."
"So what is her name?"
"Her name is…Nubia."
Firestorm landed in the outskirts of the Enchanted Forest with a bag of spirit gems he harvested not long ago. He headed towards a hidden village where two guards stopped him at the village entrance.
"State your business, young dragon," one of the guards said.
"Don't you remember 'ol Firestorm, my dear Atreidas?" Firestorm asked.
The blood red dragon gasped and quickly beckoned his aide to step aside. "My apologies, Firestorm, I did not recognize you there. It has been years since we've last been in contact and by the ancestors, your face has changed a lot," his friend said.
The two stared at each other and slowly, they started to laugh happily and hugged each other and patted each other in the back.
"It's great to be back to the village again, my friend," Firestorm said.
"It's great to see you again," Atreidas replied and the two let go of each other. "So what brings you back to our village? You must have a reason."
"I need to see Lady Nubia for I must consult her before searching for Spyro. This world is too big for one dragon to find another so I hope that one of the spirits knows about the whereabouts of Spyro," Firestorm explained.
"Spyro is dead and everyone knows that. Why are you searching for him? Are you trying to recover his dead body?"
"No, I have every reason to believe that he's not dead. If Cynder isn't dead, Spyro cannot be dead too."
"Look, one dragon dying and two dragons dying are two totally different things. The possibilities are great and it could be possible that he's dead. If he were alive, someone would've found him a long time ago," Atreidas said.
"That doesn't explain how I found Cynder alive and that was like three years ago since the world pieced back together. Perhaps he's still trapped in a barren place that nobody knows, still waiting to be found," Firestorm argued.
"So how do you know where to start?"
"That is why I'm here. I need Lady Nubia's help."
