This is a fictional, fan-made story based off the Legend of Spyro trilogy of video games, written for entertainment purposes only and is strictly NOT for monetary gain. The author claims absolutely no rights to the Spyro franchise or its characters. Spyro and its characters are property of Activision.

The author requests that this story may not be uploaded onto websites outside of this one by others, and will decline any and all requests made by others to do so.

The author is NOT accepting OC submissions of any kind for this story.

This story is rated T, meaning it is recommended and intended for those aged 13 or over. Such content awarded with this rating include:
Violence and injury detail
Some use of bad language
Mild suggestive themes

A/N: Greetings, fanfic readers and writers, and welcome to the beginning of my Legend of Spyro story! After playing and getting hooked on the series in 2017, I'm here to deliver my own take on events taking place after the events of Dawn of the Dragon. Updates are not guaranteed to be released weekly, but new chapters are scheduled to always be released during weekends. Please enjoy!

Want to chat with fellow Legend of Spyro fans? Join the Valley of Avalar Discord server! PM me if you're interested, and I'll send you a link!

Chapter 1 - Inner Worry

"Cynder? Where did you go, Cynder?"

It was a tranquil morning in the Valley of Avalar, an idyllic locale within the Dragon Realms, filled with spacious green fields and crystal-clear water that weaved its way through the area via a river. Clouds were a scarcity in the sky, birds sang their collective tunes from the trees, and the breeze was as gentle as a whisper. One could not imagine the possibility that this serenity had been threatened not too long ago.

Spyro, the heroic dragon, whose purple coloring had long been foretold in prophecy, had triumphed over the nefarious Dark Master Malefor just days ago, saving the world from utter destruction. He had fought to maintain the peace of the Realms, but now, his face depicted a sense of concern. He was soaring above the grassy plains of the valley, constantly moving his gaze in all directions, for his trusted companion was missing.

Cynder, the dark-scaled dragoness once forcefully bound to Spyro, the one who had battled beside him against Malefor and his minions to the bitter end, did not turn up to Spyro's side on this day. One to be easily concerned for those who he holds so near and dear to him, Spyro had been searching for her presence all throughout the valley. Yet, no sign of her presented itself to him. Even the local cheetah natives, who knew the valley like the back of their paws, failed to know of her whereabouts when inquired.

With every passing minute, Spyro would only become more and more desperate. "I already searched the caves, the fields, the riverside... Where could she be?" Spyro pondered to himself. "Come on, Cynder. You promised to come with me to Warfang today. I won't leave without you!" Seconds later, an idea arrived in the purple dragon's head. "The waterfall!" he declared to himself aloud.

As if a sudden adrenaline surge rushed through his veins, Spyro picked up speed, ascending higher up into the air. He took a slight turn to the left, soon coming up to the site of a tall waterfall with a moderately sized alcove in the cliff behind it. Spyro hurried towards it, and as he drew closer to it, a sense of relief reached him, as there, sitting upon the ground in the alcove, was Cynder, the lost dragoness now found. Her wings were furled up on either side of her body, her blade-tipped tail was lying lazily behind her, and her head was pointed downward, with eyes shut, thus not noticing the incoming company.

Spyro passed through the cascade, landing gently on the ground just in front of Cynder. The sound of him splashing through in close proximity to her alerted her into lifting her head up and opening her eyes, revealing her dazzling emerald-green irises. She remained silent-though maintained eye contact-as Spyro slowly walked up to her.

"Cynder, what are you doing here by yourself?" Spyro wasted no time in asking. "You had me looking all over the valley for you. I was starting to worry you went away without me. And of course I find you in the last possible place I look. Go figure, huh?"

Cynder's only response was a faint sigh as she continued to stare silently at Spyro, refusing to even blink. The outer corners of her brows were drooped slightly as her gaze remained fixed on his face. Spyro could easily see the sadness in her eyes; he knew something was not right with the usually-optimistic dragoness. He cocked his head to the side and mirrored her expression back at her, indicating to her his concern.

"...Cynder? Are you OK?" he said softly.

It was at this point that Cynder then turned her gaze to the side, appearing regretful, and sighed once more. And then, no longer able to bear not answering back, she finally broke her silence.

"Go without you? I wouldn't even think of doing that, Spyro. I'm just...not in the mood to go with you. You should just go alone. I'll wait here for you to return," she announced with a low tone.

"Go...alone? No Cynder, I won't leave you behind," Spyro objected, his eyes widened a little from Cynder's words. "You agreed last night that we'd both go back to Warfang today. Why would you suddenly change your mind now? I-I don't understand."

"What is there to not understand? I don't wish to leave the valley, Spyro. Out there will be nothing but prying eyes. Prying eyes aimed at me, all leering, shooting judgement towards me for what happened in the past. I know from that letter we got from Hunter that the city will be opened back up to the dragons, so avoiding them would be impossible. I...I don't feel up to handling it," Cynder explained, forlorn.

Spyro began to feel a little more cheerless himself, more than during his once-fruitless search. "But... You promised that you'd come," he uttered in a disappointed tone.

"Well, I was...lying," confessed Cynder.

"You lied? Cynder... Even after all we've been through? After the battles we fought together? This isn't like you at all..."

After that, Cynder stood back up, and trudged to the back of the alcove, facing the corner with her head down. Her wings drooped down to the ground.

"I'm sorry, Spyro. I know everybody outside this valley is going to see you as a hero. I mean, you are the purple dragon, after all. A type of dragon that everyone sees as some kind of perfect specimen. But what about me? Everyone in the Realms knows of my past. They all know me as Cynder, Terror of the Skies. The world outside this peaceful valley isn't for me, Spyro, but it'd welcome you with open arms without hesitation. That would never happen to me. I'll be cast aside while you get all the glory, and I don't want to have to go through that pain, and I especially don't want you seeing me go through it. That's why I feel it's better if I just stay here. I'll wait for you to return, at the very least. I just hope you don't hold my feelings against me, Spyro. It'll only make things worse for me."

Spyro took several moments of silence to take in everything his counterpart had told him. His brows sank lower in sadness and he shook his head in defiance.

"No... I could never hold anything against you, Cynder. If I did, I never would've saved you from Convexity. I never would've gone looking for you when you left the Temple that night. I never would've even tolerated you being chained to me. I stuck with you through everything that's happened to us both, and you stuck with me. But now all we've been through is over and there's peace again. And I didn't do it alone either. I had you by my side. If people realize that, then there shouldn't be any need to worry, because you deserve as much praise as me. And we haven't seen Sparx or the others since we left for the Burned Lands. They're all really looking forward to seeing us again. We should reunite with them."

Silence remained for a number of seconds as Cynder absorbed every single word her company spoke to her. "...I appreciate it, Spyro. I really do. But even after all that's happened, I still have this feeling of guilt. The thought of me being evil once, consumed by darkness. The fact that I worked for the Dark Master. It...it all still haunts me." Cynder tilted her head back down and took in a deep breath before resuming her speech. "All that time, I was...conscious. I was aware of what was going on around me. But the darkness...it took control of my actions. All that time under Malefor's control, I was crying out for help to be saved, but nobody could hear me. I had already caused so much pain and suffering by the time you rescued me, and I can't undo any of it. I couldn't free myself... I...I'm weak."

Sniffling sounds began to fill the air. Although drowned out partially by the waterfall, Spyro could hear it just well enough. As sympathetic as always towards the dragoness, Spyro stepped closer to her.

"I don't think you're weak, Cynder," he announced sincerely. "You just...you just needed a time when someone could stand up and save you. And that's exactly what I did. And since then, you've shown no signs of evil. It's almost like...well, like that dark phase never happened at all. The past is just that: the past. All can be forgiven."

Suddenly, shoved into anger, Cynder raised her head, and swiftly turned around, wings outstretched. "STOP IT!" she yelled.

She stepped towards Spyro, fangs showing. Spyro reeled back in shock at the sudden outburst, falling backwards onto his rear. He was left looking up at Cynder with astonishment.

"You just don't get it, do you?!" Cynder retorted, still scowling while taking several quick breaths. "I killed others, Spyro. I killed other living beings! It was all me! I'm the reason the dragon population is so low now! I couldn't prevent it from happening! I had no power! I couldn't stop myself! Anyone who stood in my way for too long...th-they were slain by me without mercy! Now do you get it?!"

Her quick breaths continued as she glared hard at Spyro's face in rage. Spyro was still completely stunned and astounded by her display of angst, to the point where he was left speechless. The two of them glanced into each other's eyes, not thinking for even a second to look elsewhere. For Cynder, looking into the amethyst-colored eyes of the dragon before her for long enough triggered a new emotion within her: remorse for her unjust rage towards Spyro. She concealed her fangs behind her lips, furled up her wings, and began to produce tears from her eyes. The regret she was experiencing was emanating strongly from her.

Now highly distraught, she dashed back to the back of the alcove, skidding onto her belly before lying flat on the ground, her back to Spyro, and immediately began to break down. The feelings of grief and culpability took full custody of Cynder's emotions. She began to sob uncontrollably, and trembled where she laid.

"Why should I be allowed to enjoy recognition for helping to save the world, when I've committed such atrocities?" she howled. "A...and I almost attacked you just now... H-how could I? I-I feel so ashamed..."

Spyro finally picked himself back off the ground and walked up close to Cynder again. Though he bore the thought of the sudden mood change, he did not allow it to deter him from wanting to console Cynder; this was the first time he had ever seen her physically cry. He could not bear the thought of the one he cared most about being struck with sorrow. Not now, not ever.

All he could think about was easing her back into calmness. He laid himself down right next to her, draped his wing over her, pressed into her, and rested his head next to hers.

"It's OK, Cynder. I'm with you..." he whispered gently to her from her side.

He remained still beside her, hoping that his presence would eventually calm her down. And in a way, it did; her loud weeping quietened down. She was quick to realize that Spyro was fully supportive and willing to comfort her. She sniffled and inched her head closer to his.

"What happened before shouldn't have to come between us," Spyro began to talk softly. "I've never left your side, and I don't ever plan to. You're a good dragon, Cynder. I, Hunter, and the Guardians know that. Brooding won't do anything but cause more pain, and I know you're better than that."

"Oh Spyro..." Cynder sighed, after sniffling a second time. "I know you mean well, but...but it doesn't change the fact that I was responsible for the loss of so many lives... I couldn't surpass the corruption that befell me... S-so of course I'm weak..."

"No, you are in no way weak," Spyro insisted. "What happened all those years wasn't caused by the real you, but a monster. And when I see you, I don't see a monster. I see a wonderful dragoness with her whole life ahead of her; a good member of dragonkind, not a villain to it. And as far as I'm concerned, what you've done for this world, the battles you've fought with me, make up for everything. You wanted to protect the peace, and you succeeded. And if nobody can see that, then that's entirely their problem. You shouldn't have to worry so much about what others think. Doing so will only slow you down and discourage you, and I wouldn't want that. I care about you, Cynder, and just as you've given me strength whenever I was down, I shall do the same for you whenever you need it."

As if by luck, Cynder began to settle. The sound of Spyro's voice and the warmth from his wing had a slight pacifying effect on her. She let out a long sigh and began to relax herself, closing her eyes and moving her head ever so slightly closer to Spyro's.

"Spyro..." she murmured lightly. "I...I'm so sorry. I'm sorry to be such a bother. It's one thing to recall these horrific memories, but to actually be angry with you? That's just low... I-I lost control of my emotions. I can't believe I let that happen..."

"It's all right. I'm fine as long as you are," Spyro assured.

A few moments of silence later, Cynder felt compelled to speak. "I guess I've just been bottling it all up since you stopped the end of the world. Maybe I just needed to get it out of my system, I don't know. I want to be happy, and for the past few days, this is probably the happiest I've ever been. But I still have these thoughts, and these nightmares. I've been trying to remain strong and positive, but I guess even this sort of trauma is a little much to bear at times."

Spyro had been listening closely, ensuring that he heard everything Cynder had to say carefully. "Well, if there's one thing I learned during my days living in the Swamp, it's that you should never be afraid to show your emotions. It's all just a natural thing, and it shows that you're a living being," he educated. "At least, that's what Mom told me. Well, not my real mom, of course, but it was a pretty important lesson."

It took a little time, but the encouraging words of the purple dragon seemed to reach Cynder's heart. "Even after the way I behaved these past few minutes, you still choose to stand by me. Yet, all I can do is angst about it and keep it to myself. Seems like the more I worry, the worse things become. And what that freak living in the valley said doesn't really help things, either."

"Freak? You mean that hermit?"

"Yeah, him..."

"That guy's deranged. You shouldn't have to pay attention to what he said when we met him. He'll likely never realize that you're not what you once were. We'll just stay out of his way, if we can help it."

"Yeah, I think that would be best."

The pair laid quietly for a short time after that. During this time, Cynder simply allowed herself to feel more appreciative of Spyro's presence; simply being this close to him made her feel like she was in her own world of complete bliss.

"...I'm feeling a little better now. I am so sorry for the way I was, Spyro." Cynder said eventually. "I didn't mean to be a burden. I know I was probably out of character before. Can you forgive me?"

"Absolutely, Cynder" Spyro replied.

"I can't thank you enough," Cynder responded. "I could never forget all you've done for me."

"It's the least I can do," answered Spyro.

After that, the duo laid in complete silence and stillness. Their eyes stayed closed during this time, as each other's company and content was all that they could both care about now.

This peace and comfort lasted for roughly thirty minutes, yet it felt like a full hour. Cynder was the first to reopen her eyes. Spyro was still beside her, his wing still covering her. She looked over to him, and it was obvious to her that he had fallen asleep in the short time. He appeared so peaceful, breathing in and out in a continuous and steady matter. Cynder found herself smiling lightly with adoration.

Although she felt moved by the sight of Spyro snoozing so harmoniously, she was fully aware that he was likely doing so unintentionally, as he had only rested beside her in order to ease her fretting. She herself had not fallen asleep, for her mind was full with thoughts about the purple dragon next to her. She had heeded the words of encouragement he had spoken to her previously.

The longer she watched him, the more she began to realize that she had to awake him, so that he would not be too late with his planned departure from the valley. She nudged him carefully with her side, but he didn't even stir. She tried a second time, and this time he let out a mild groan and shifted on the spot a small amount.

"Spyro?" Cynder called to him quietly.

"...Hmm?" Spyro hummed after groaning some more.

"You weren't sleeping, were you?" asked Cynder.

What followed was Spyro standing back up on all fours and stretching out, letting out a yawn. "...No," he mumbled drowsily.

"Cynder chuckled. "You're such a bad liar."

Spyro merely mustered an awkward smile in reaction; he was clearly still half-asleep.

"Aaanyway..." Cynder continued. "...Weren't we supposed to do something today?"

Spyro did not answer, merely staring sleepily at the dragoness beside him.

Cynder sighed to herself. "Spyro, you were meant to fly to Warfang today, weren't you?" she reminded.

Immediately, the eyes of the purple dragon shot open, as if he was jolted awake. "Oh, we were! Oh no, oh no, this isn't good!" he panicked.

This made Cynder's mood change again, as now she could not help but worry about Spyro's restlessness. She made her way back onto her feet and turned to face him directly.

"Hey, don't worry. It's still early in the day," she reassured him as she gently placed a paw on his cheek. "There's still plenty of time."

With the touch against his cheek, Spyro quickly calmed down and looked into Cynder's face, witnessing her comforting smile aimed towards him. Seeing that expression warmed his very heart; it was a stark contrast from how she felt previously.

Suddenly, a faint rumble was heard.

The two dragons' expressions became blank as a result of the sound, and Cynder withdrew her paw swiftly.

"That...wasn't me, was it?" Spyro pondered, embarrassed.

"Well, well, seems like I'm not the only one who hasn't had breakfast yet," joked Cynder.

"Uh... Heh, heh heh heh..." Spyro became rather bashful with himself.

"So, since it's clear that we both skipped breakfast, how's about we go get some food before we head out?" suggested Cynder.

"Before we head out...? Cynder, you mean you will come to Warfang with me after all?"

Cynder lightly nodded. "Yes, I will."

"Oh, thank you. Thank you, Cynder," Spyro replied, a sense of relief in his voice.

"Now then..." Cynder uttered as she stretched her body and wings. "...I'm starving. Let's go get some food."

"Oh, sure thing. It's almost time for lunch, and Warfang's a fair while away by flight. We should both probably get our full before heading off," agreed Spyro, before licking his lips quickly.

"Heh heh, I saw that. Thinking of food making you drool again, huh?" Cynder teased.

"Oh, uh... Well, I haven't eaten since, like, before sleep last night," remarked Spyro jokingly.

"Then come with me," Cynder responded, smiling lightly.

She proceeded to walk past Spyro's side, soon taking flight through the waterfall and back into the outside world. Spyro quickly tailed after her. With the sunlight shining upon them, their wet scales shined brightly like jewels.

Not long later, the pair touched back down onto solid ground, landing close to the riverbank. With solid ground below their feet more once, they walked up close to the edge of the river.

"Right then, I'll catch my meal first," requested Cynder.

"Sure thing," obliged Spyro, taking a few steps back.

Cynder lifted herself off the ground and hovered herself just above the river, tilted her head down, and began staring into the rushing water with patience. She was watching closely for any movement coming from underneath the surface. Eventually, something caught her attention, prompting her to lunge her bladed tail tip swiftly into the water like a harpoon. What resulted was her snatching a medium-sized, silver-scaled fish from the river, impaling it on her tail blade to instantly slay it. Cynder then swished her tail to flick the fish off and onto the grass behind her.

She was not quite finished, though. She went back on the hunt, with the intent on catching a second fish. It was only a matter of seconds before she spotted another fish swimming along the river's current. Spyro watched on in awe as she skilfully captured the fish on her tailblade with such grace. It admittedly made him feel a little envious of her; his own experiences with finding food was nowhere near as exciting to him.

With her second catch still skewered on her tailblade, Cynder landed back onto the grass and trudged over to where the first fish laid. She removed the second fish and placed it next to the first one, then laid down in front of her findings.

"That's it for me. Your turn, Spyro," Cynder announced.

Spyro did not give a response. Instead, he was merely staring at Cynder, his eyes full of admiration at the way she caught her prey.

"...Spyro?" Cynder spoke, confused at the way his eyes looked upon her.

The call of the dragoness snapped Spyro back to reality. "O-oh! Sorry, Cynder. I was just watching the way you catch fish... I wish I could do it as well as you. Thing is..." He moved the yellow spade-shaped tail end forward. "...This blunt tail end's no good at catching them."

"Spyro, you're not...jealous, are you?" Cynder became suspicious of Spyro's choice of words.

"What? No, of course not," Spyro objected untruthfully. "I-I just wish it was as easy for me to catch fish."

Cynder sighed, though deep down she was feeling amused. "Don't worry too much about it, Spyro. Your method works just as well," she encouraged. "Now, stop delaying and go catch some for yourself."

"Uh, of course."

Spyro left his post and walked up to the river's edge. He stood leaning over it, looking carefully for movement, not even blinking. Before long, he spotted a fish swimming into his field of vision. He jerked his head forward and into the water, timing it so that he grabbed hold of the fish with his mouth. With the catch successful, he raised his head out of the water, with the fish thrashing heavily in his maw. He clamped his fangs down harder on it, and it became lifeless almost instantly.

"Nice catch, Spyro," Cynder complimented his effort, for she had been watching. "Quite a big one, too."

With his meal still held in his mouth, Spyro grinned back at her. After that, he tossed the fish away from him, having it land on the grass near Cynder. Now, he needed to catch a second one. So, he went back on the watch. Within seconds, another fish swam on by, though this time a little further away than what Spyro could reach. Regardless, he went for the catch, only to end up missing his mark and falling forwards, with his entire upper body becoming submerged in water.

Cynder tried desperately to contain her laughter as she witnessed the fall Spyro had taken, but to no avail. She began to giggle to herself in amusement. During this time, Spyro stood himself back up, the whole of his upper self drenched. He shook himself off, spat out some water from his mouth, and turned back to Cynder. He felt quite embarrassed, but he did not mind too much upon seeing Cynder expressing her joyous cheer.

"Well then... That did not go as planned, did it?" he joked as he grinned awkwardly at her.

Quickly gathering his focus back onto the task, Spyro peered back down into the river, only this time ensuring he only watched the area closest to the edge. Within moments, he had already spotted prey, and seized it with success. He once again bit down hard to stop its wild flailing, then trotted over to where his first catch laid, which was just in front of Cynder, and laid down before her.

With both her and Spyro's meal laid out before them, Cynder wasted little time in commencing the start of feasting time; her stomach was practically begging for sustenance.

"All right then, let's eat!" she exclaimed out loud.

"Finally!" Spyro was equally as enthusiastic.

They both took one fish each and rested it between their forelegs, and began tearing the flesh off and into their mouths. Spyro was chewing somewhat excessively, wanting to enjoy every moment the flavor rinsed through his mouth and stimulated his taste buds. Meanwhile, Cynder, though still appreciative of the snack, was more happy to finally be filling her belly up for the day.

"Mmm-mmm, this is good," Spyro murmured, his mouth still full.

"At least swallow before you start talking," Cynder sighed.

All Spyro responded with was a shy smile before finally consuming the contents. "Sure hits the spot. Definitely better than the food from back in the Swamp."

"Oh? What did you used to eat?" Cynder asked out of total curiosity.

"Well originally, both me and Sparx ate bugs. You know, like from under rocks and logs. But bugs were so slimy to me, so I instead ate mushrooms that grew all around the place. That is until all the mushrooms nearby ran out, then it was back to bugs for a while," Spyro lectured.

Cynder was left bearing a disgusted look, with eyes widened. She was at least thankful her mouth was currently empty at this time, otherwise she fear she would become nauseous and lose her will to eat.

"B-b-bugs?" she stuttered.

"Yep," Spyro confirmed. "It was just gross whenever I had to, especially the worms. You could still feel them wiggling around as you slurp them down. Oh, and the beetles weren't much better either. The way they'd crunch when you bit down on-"

"OK, no more talk on that subject!" Cynder snapped in revulsion. "Please don't make me lose my appetite!"

"Oh, s-sorry, Cynder," Spyro mumbled remorsefully. "But hey, at least I shouldn't have to eat them anymore."

The dragons spent the next few minutes finishing off their meals, remaining quiet, save for the soft sounds of chewing. By the time the flesh of the delectable fish had been consumed, leaving only their skeleton and head behind, Spyro and Cynder returned them to the river, disposing of them. Spyro licked his lips and Cynder hummed in satisfaction.

"Ahhh, good stuff," Spyro uttered in delight.

"All right, I'm ready to head off now," Cynder declared.

"So, you sure you'll be able to handle it?" Spyro asked.

"Maybe. I know it's a risk to find out myself how the people will react to me, but...I have to do this," Cynder explained, before whispering to herself: "I have to do it...for you."

"Thanks," responded Spyro, blissfully oblivious to Cynder's quiet mumble. "OK, follow my lead. I believe I remember the way to Warfang."

"And I should hope so. Wouldn't want to be flying in circles all day," commented Cynder slyly.

"Well, if that ends up happening because of me, I owe you dinner," Spyro offered jokingly.

And so, Spyro stretched his amber colored wings out to either side, and began to flap them, lifting himself off the grassy footing and into the air. Cynder followed suit, flapping her magenta wings to begin gaining altitude.

After ascending roughly twenty feet into the air, Spyro took off, Cynder tailing closely behind. The scenic sights of the valley scrolled below them, the wind blowing lightly along their scales. So calming was the breeze that Spyro closed his eyes and took in a deep breath through his nostrils, then exhaled just as strongly out from his mouth. He wished to make the most of his planned last few moments in Avalar before he would return to the great city of Warfang.

"Sooo... Is there anything that'll help you to curb those feelings of yours? Any way you can let it all go?" Spyro asked after a number of minutes.

"I don't know, maybe just the knowledge that my fears are for naught? Something like that," answered Cynder.

"Then you really won't find that out just from staying here," encouraged Spyro. "The cheetahs have been able to realize who you truly are, so I see no reason why others can't. I mean, if Sparx of all people was able to change his attitude towards you, I'm confident that others will in time. And there's the Guardians as well. They were kind enough to let you stay at the Temple for a while. You do remember, right? The Guardians were fine with you, as I hoped they would be."

"Yeah, I remember. Then I left because I didn't feel like I belonged there, even with the good hospitality. Back then I was pretty nervous being around a group of adults. But now things are different. After all, us and them worked together to stop the Destroyer. That was quite a big team effort. I know I never really said this, but I do have a lot of admiration for them all. Well, except for Cyril... But the others put their trust in me, even after everything that happened, right up to what happened in Convexity. Terrador, Volteer, and...you know who, they all sympathized and wanted to make me feel comfortable staying at the Temple."

"...Ignitus?" Spyro uttered, the very mention of the Fire Guardian's name from his own lips caused to him to reminisce of times gone by.

"Yes, Ignitus," Cynder confirmed. "I thought I shouldn't have mentioned his name to you, not for a while after...what happened."

"No, it's...OK. He's gone, and I can't change that. No amount of dark energy can change the fact," Spyro spoke acceptingly, though still with a hint of sorrow. "And yet, to be honest with you, I'm not sure how long it'll take me until I can finally accept his passing. But...I still feel his presence. It's faint, but I feel it nonetheless. I know he wouldn't want me brooding forever. There are still others in my life, others who are still alive. As long as that's true, everything will be all right."

Cynder wore a reassured face, smiling lightly. "Those are such sincere words, Spyro. I'm glad you have that kind of maturity," she praised, before whispering to herself once more: "It certainly makes up for your more naive moments..."

Spyro was once again oblivious to Cynder's silent rambling, for his mind was thinking about reaching Warfang with Cynder in tow, reuniting with his mismatched brother Sparx, and, above all else, wishing for a comfortable and beneficial visit for Cynder.

And yet, above all else, his mind focused on Ignitus. Memories of the deceased Fire Guardian filled his head, most of them happy. It was Ignitus who, upon meeting Spyro three years ago, revealed to him his true identity and destiny. Spyro had spent the first twelve years of his life living with his adoptive dragonfly parents and brother. When it came to light that he was not like them, he left his home to find his true place in life. It was not until he met Ignitus shortly after that he learned of his true purpose: he was a purple dragon, born only once every ten generations, set with the role of deciding the fate of his era.

The then-young dragon had felt overwhelmed by the sudden realization, yet Ignitus supported him all the way. He helped him to discover his ability to fly, which had been locked away during his time living in the Swamp. He helped him to rescue the other three Guardians, who had been abducted by Cynder's sinister form. But most of all, he was a mentor to him, allowing him to make good use of the abilities he thought he never had before.

But now, Ignitus was gone. He had sacrificed himself to assist Spyro one last time, to allow him to confront the malevolent Malefor and end his tyranny on the Realms. Having to recall the fact that he had passed away made Spyro feel saddened. The one dragon had helped him to grow and mature, and face his ultimate fate head-on was no longer with him.

"Ignitus..." he grieved, his head tilted downward.

Cynder took little time to notice this sudden display of sorrow. Feeling concerned, she drifted a little closer to his side and looked into his face.

"Hey, it's OK," she comforted. "I'm sure Ignitus would be smiling down on you. You did good, and he'd be proud."

Spyro looked back to see Cynder's face. She was showing him a faint smile of encouragement. After a few moments, he looked forward again and sighed.

"I just wish...he was still around," he spoke softly. "Still around to see the world at peace again. To see what our efforts have helped to achieve. ...I'm sure...he would be grateful."

"As long as you remember him, he'll never truly be gone. Our memories will keep those who are no longer with us alive in our hearts and mind. Ignitus was a great Guardian and tutor, Spyro, and I'll miss him too," Cynder spoke. "And believe me, I know he would be grateful. You accomplished what you were meant to do, and everyone's happier because of it."

A few seconds of silence was all Spyro needed to allow the dragoness's words to sink in. He knew very well that she spoke the truth. He gave her a content nod to show his understanding.

And remember, you still have me... Don't ever forget that... Cynder thought to herself.

The further they flew, the quieter the songs of the birds became. It was not long until they began to increase their altitude as they approached the cliffs that surrounded much of the area. What awaited out there was not quite the same, yet they pressed on. As the duo passed over the cliffs, they both looked back together to get one last look at the valley. This was their farewell to the Valley of Avalar. Their destination now: the dragon city of Warfang.