Here's chapter two! Not much to say here so…

Enjoy!

I don't own any Spyro characters!

The Dark Mistress

Chapter 2: The Trials Begin

The following morning came around with a bright morning sun rising above the horizon. Synthie and Kain woke up from their slumber and had their usual spar, this time Synthie did not use her black flames to avoid possibly injuring Kain again.

After their spar, Synthie told him about the night before, about how she had heard the strange voice and how it frightened her. Kain looked her in the eyes and assured her that it was nothing. "Even if someone did try to attack you," he said, "I'll be there to protect you… no one will hurt you while I'm around."

Synthie smiled and nodded, "Thank you Kain," she said.

He kissed her softly on the lips, "It's no trouble… but I have to get going now… I'll see you tonight." He gave her one last kiss and turned around, flying off towards the dragon city to make his rounds. He, along with the other medics, walked around the city, checking on their patients and helping out others who needed it.

Synthie sighed and she returned to her home. She had nothing at all planned today and was bored out of her mind. She tried to find something to do, but nothing kept her occupied long enough. After what seemed like an eternity, but was really only two hours, she got up and decided to take a walk outside and enjoy the weather. It was a choice she was glad she made. It was a beautiful day outside, the sun was shining brightly, there was barely a cloud in the sky, and the temperature was perfect. Every now and then, a cool breeze blew by, chilling Synthie's black scales a little, but the sun's rays warmed her right back up, it was a perfect balance.

"It's so nice out today…" she said. Eventually, the black dragoness reached a small, open field. She decided to rest up underneath a shady tree. Lying down on the soft grass, she curled up for a nap and let her mind wander. Memories from her childhood began to return to her, causing her to smile. She remembered her first day at the Dragon Training Academy.

- - - - - - - -

"Mommy! There you are!" Synthie said as she ran to her mother. "What took you so long? I was starting to get worried." The little dragoness looked up to see her mother's face and noticed something on the side of her lips. "Uh mom… what's that on the side of your mouth?" Cynder gave her a look of confusion. Cynder felt around her mouth with her paw, then her eyes widened.

"Oh that… that's, uh… just some, uh… drool. I was taking a nap earlier and that's why I'm late. Sorry."

- - - - - - - -

Synthie laughed at the memory and how naïve she was back then. "I can't believe I actually fell for that!" she said, still laughing a little. "Well… what should I expect? I was still very young back then… but now I know what was on my mother's mouth that day…" she continued, talking to herself. "It was c-" Her sentence was cut off abruptly as a sudden, piercing pain erupted in her head. She roared in agony and held her head tightly. She began to thrash about; the pain was too much for her. Soon, she roared once again and fell unconscious under the tree.

- - - - - - - -

Darkness… that was all Synthie could see, to her left, to her right, above her, even below her, there was nothing but pure darkness. "Where am I?" she asked, her voice echoing into the never-ending shadows.

"You're in your mind…" said a voice. Synthie turned around to try and find the source of the voice, but it seemed like she was alone.

"Who are you?" she asked, "Where are you?!"

The voice chuckled lightly, "Calm yourself Synthie… I am here to help." Said the voice. Suddenly, the form of a black dragoness appeared in front of Synthie. It looked almost exactly like Synthie, except her chest scales were darker and, instead of having the bright purple and green eyes that she had, her eyes were pure white. "Something is going to occur soon and it affects you and you loved ones directly… I'm here to make sure that you are up to the challenge… Please do not be afraid."

"A challenge? What are you talking about? What's going to happen?" asked Synthie. "Tell me!"

"My, my… so many questions… unfortunately, I cannot tell you what is going to happen, just know that here, in the sanctity of your mind, you are safe."

"Okay…" replied Synthie, very confused, "So… how exactly are you going to make sure I'm ready for this?"

"By putting you through multiple rigorous trials," said the mystery dragoness, "I will be testing your dexterity, aerial maneuverability, and finally, your combat skills. I will be coming to you every night until I feel you are adequately prepared. However, even though we will only have contact through your mind, the trials I will be putting you under will have very real effects on your body… You will feel tired as if you had done them when you were awake, you will even retain some of the scratches you'll get. I know that this sounds rough, but please be assured, this will be for the better."

Synthie nodded, she understood what the dragoness had said and was willing to do this, if it meant her safety along with Kain's and everyone else's. "Alright… I'll take your trials. When do we start?"

"We will start tomorrow night… for now, just rest up and prepare yourself."

Synthie nodded again and she began to disappear, she was waking up. "Before I leave… what's your name?" she asked.

"Just call me Mistress," replied the other dragoness before Synthie completely disappeared. Once she had, Mistress grinned wickedly. "Oops… I failed to mention that I am here to help… myself! And as far as what will happen… you'll see soon enough. Prepare yourself little girl! Let us see if you truly can pass my trials!" She laughed evilly before vanishing herself.

- - - - - - - -

Synthie groaned and slowly woke up from her nap. What a strange dream… she thought. She shook her head and looked at the sky. The sun was already beginning to set, so she decided to head back home and prepare dinner for Kain.

By the time she arrived however, Kain was already home and cooking up a meal for them. "Hey there babe," Kain greeted her.

"Hey sweetie…" she greeted back, "Sorry I'm home late… I kinda fell asleep under a tree…"

Kain chuckled, "It's alright, I understand." He brought out what he was cooking, a thick, juicy steak. They both ate the meal in peace and soon climbed onto their bed. Synthie did not bother telling him about the dream she had, figuring it was nothing.

At least… I hope it was nothing… she thought. What if it was real? What if something really is about to happen? But even if there was… I'm sure my parents would already know about it… She continued to argue with herself for a few moments, until she finally fell asleep.

In the back of her mind, Mistress' evil laugh could still be heard. "It's only a matter of time Synthie… whether you pass my trials or not… you will soon be mine!"

- - - - - - - -

Okay, things are getting underway! Now then, who do you think the new dragoness is? I'm sure you can all guess… but please don't guess on review… you might ruin it for others. You are, however, free to PM me your guesses if you wish.

The next chapter will be up soon and Synthie will be pushed to the limit throughout these trials.

Next chapter: The Trial of Dexterity!

Till next time!