Here is the next chapter. Warning it is longer than the other chapters, but a lot happens. I hope everyone enjoys it. For those who are fans of That Night, the sequel is posted , I'm putting the second chapter up as well. The story is called The Aquamarine Brigade. Please R&R.

Chapter 3: To the Temple

The next morning Spyro was in his master's chamber. The Dark Master was looking into a dark crystal. Spyro was bowing to him.

"My master," Spyro said.

The Dark Master turned around and looked at his young pupil.

Malefor answered, "Now it is time to complete your training in the art of Convexity. My enemies cannot use the only thing that could defeat me now that you will have mastered this power. Convexity is fully on our side now. Now let's begin."

"Yes my master," Spyro said.

They walked to center of the chamber and the Dark Master turned towards Spyro, "Now to master the powers of Convexity you need to think of something that it is important to you. It will help you focus while the wild energies flow through you. It will try to overwhelm you, but if you focus enough it will submit. Now try it."

Spyro closed his eyes and focused on Cynder. The power of Convexity flowed through his body, but he felt in control, which was different. He didn't have any memories reappear either.

Spyro opened his eyes, which were enveloped in purple energy. Spyro looked at his surroundings. His vision had a purple tint to it and everything he looked at had a different intensity of purple.

"You will find that your vision has changed as well. Convexity allows you to see how much Convexity energy is in the object or creature you focus on. You will gain other abilities through Convexity as you grow. Now my apprentice I have a task for you," Malefor said.

"You only need ask, my master," Spyro simply said.

"Good," he replied, "You and Cynder are to destroy the Dragon Temple and the Guardians. I have had a large task force waiting for you a day's march from here. I personally want you to kill all four of the Guardians."

"They are strong and will be difficult to defeat," Spyro responded.

"You doubt your new powers and abilities?" asked the Dark Master.

"No," Spyro quickly answered, "I'll destroy them all."

"Perfect," Malefor said, "Cynder will be here in a few moments. I want you to wait for her at the gates of the fortress."

"As you wish," Spyro said as he bowed.

Cynder approached the gate and saw Spyro standing in front of the gate. Cynder gritted her teeth together and growled to herself. When she came within twenty feet of Spyro he smiled to her, but not in the cruel and dark tone he usually did, but in a friendlier smile.

She lowered her head and slowly said, "General Spyro, what do you require?"

"That we both put our differences between us aside," Spyro replied, "I would rather that we use our talents against our foe and not waste them on each other. Our competition could endanger our master's plans."

"I see what you are saying," Cynder said, "I'm sorry for opposing your right to rule with my master."

"You had just a much of a right as I did Cynder," Spyro replied, "Our master believes it best that someone with the power of Convexity should be his general."

"We should join our forces," Cynder said ending the conversation.

They both took off and Spyro thought of an idea. He used Convexity and looked at Cynder and noticed that she had a good deal of Convexity energy within her. He let the energy fade away and Cynder looked over towards him.

"Are you checking me out?" Cynder asked with anger in her voice.

"No," Spyro replied.

"You were weren't you?" Cynder growled, "And you thought that because you talked nicely to me would make this ok? I'm guessing that you are thinking of me as your mate."

"Well you are good looking," Spyro complimented, "And we are the last dragons alive."

"I wouldn't be your mate unless our master told me to," Cynder said.

"That could be arranged," Spyro said with a smile.

"Doesn't mean I will enjoy it one bit," Cynder protested.

"Well you don't really know me," Spyro replied.

"You are so full of yourself. You know that?" Cynder hissed.

"Does that help my chances with you?" Spyro asked with a serious tone.

Cynder growled and turned her head away, flying faster to get away from him so he could not she her blush.

Spyro caught up to her and asked, "Blushing are we? I believe I have found a weak spot."

Cynder knew that it would only get worst if she denied it, "Perhaps."

"Perhaps?" Spyro asked, "So what is the answer to my question?"

"Perhaps you will find out later," Cynder replied.

She sped up once again leaving Spyro to think for a few minutes before he caught up with her again. By that time the task force was in sight so they didn't speak to each other. The task force was larger then Spyro had expected.

There were at least five regiments of two thousand warriors. About three quarters were the close combat orc warriors and the other quarter were the orc crossbows.

All the warriors halted what they were doing as the two dragons touched down. All of them bowed to their superiors.

The commander slowly made his way towards them still bowed and asked, "When are we to strike?"

Cynder was about to issue an order when she realized that Spyro was still her superior and kept silent.

Spyro thought over the plan and ordered, "Wait for night to fall. The darkness will aid us. They will be too late to react when we strike."

"We shall be ready then," the commander replied as he backed away. The commander then began barking out orders and the small army began to move into the forest towards the Temple.

Hunter watched from the Temple balcony for any signs of Malefor's minions. None showed. He knew they would show up soon, the Chronicler predicted it. It was just a matter of exactly when and where.

So long ago it seemed when the war started. So long ago when they lost both Spyro and Cynder to Malefor. Hunter dreaded the fact that they would have to kill both the dragons that were to continue the race. Sadly they have been corrupted and will never have the chance to reestablish the race.

Hunter turned and walked back into the Temple allowing the other sentries to keep watch.

The purple dragon watched from the shadows of the forest as Hunter left. He waited for a few minutes.

Cynder grew impatient and growled, "Are we going to sit here all night or are we going to attack."

Spyro's head turned towards Cynder slowly as he said, "Just a few minutes more and our largest threats will be sleeping. We will take them by surprise then, giving us a large advantage."

Spyro closed his eyes and tapped into Convexity. His eyes glowed with the purple energy. He retreated a few feet into the woods to avoid detection. He stared at the Temple searching for the greatest source of Convexity. That creature would be his primary target.

All the creatures within the Temple had about the same level of Convexity in them save one. The shape of the creature was of an Avalarian. The primary threat was in the center of the Temple.

Spyro growled, "Begin the assault."

The orc commander gave the orders to advance and the legion slowly and silently crept forward as Spyro rocketed into the night sky. Cynder was taken aback by his bold move and was quick to follow to prove herself.

"No wonder my master holds him with such favor. He is so informed with what to do," Cynder thought, "How could I compete with him?"

Spyro dove at the balcony grabbing one of the unwary sentries from his post and disappeared into the night. The cry of pain in the distance was the only thing that alerted the other sentries to their comrade's disappearance.

They both drew an arrow and scanned the horizon in direction of the cry. Spyro had circled the Temple and grabbed the two sentries with his claws from behind. He stabbed his claws into their necks, silencing them.

He dropped their corpses and dove towards the Temple. His eyes were still glowing with the purplish white energy of Convexity. He landed and turned towards the entrance to the Temple when a bolt of yellow energy crashed into Spyro's side, knocking him over onto his side.

Cynder saw this and quickly landed on the balcony in front of Spyro and released a cloud of black mist into the entrance of the Temple either killing or causing the defenders to flee.

Cynder turned to her superior and asked, "Are you alright General?"

Spyro growled in annoyance and got to his feet ordering, "Just call me by my name."

"I take that as a yes?" Cynder replied.

"Of course," Spyro growled, "That hermit isn't going to bring me down."

Spyro jumped through the cloud of shadow and roared at those present who opposed him. Spyro spotted the hermit and glared at him with empty eyes. The hermit's eyes widened and he fled. Spyro laughed to himself.

An arrow suddenly lodged itself into the base of Spyro's neck. Spyro's roared was loud as pain shot through him. Crimson liquid began to slowly run from the wound. Spyro's tail lashed out at the attacker, which turned out to be Hunter.

Hunter crashed into the wall and was knocked unconscious. Spyro looked to the other to see who would fight him next. Several Avalarian warriors charged him, but they were simply killed when Spyro fired an arc of lightning at them.

Two dragons that were unfamiliar to Spyro entered the room and moved to engage him. Spyro eyed both of them as they split up and began to circle him.

Spyro chuckled with his distorted voice, "You two think you can kill me? What a joke. You two have no idea who I am."

Cynder leapt forward from the entrance that led to the balcony and tackled one of the dragons. The dragon was taken completely by surprise. The lightning dragon that Cynder fought tried to get her off of him, but Cynder had him pinned and attacked him.

Spyro turned back to his adversary who was no doubt an earth dragon due to the earthy brown and strips of green. The dragon looked sternly at Spyro whose look consisted of a smile and glowing eyes.

Spyro made a false move. This move triggered alertness in the dragon's mind and he dove at Spyro. Spyro anticipated some reaction and evaded the tackle and brought his jaws down on the dragon's tail. The painful bite caused the dragon to screech and Spyro quickly swung the dragon by its tail into a wall and released it. He quickly pounced on the dragon and stabbed his tail spike into the dragon's chest.

The dragon gasped and Spyro removed his tail. He turned and headed towards Cynder's match when a blast of earth energy slammed into him, throwing him several few feet away. He swiftly turned around and glared at the earth dragon and gathered Convexitial energy to him and unleashed it on the dragon, dissolving the dragon's scales and flesh.

Cynder and the other dragon's duel ceased as they starred in shock and awe of Spyro's power and rage. Cynder resumed the fight before the yellow dragon's attention turned back to Cynder. She clawed at the dragon's chest and swiftly brought her tail blade to bear and sliced into the dragon's throat. Blood poured from the wound and the dragon gargled before dying.

Cynder got up and looked to Spyro who had a pleased look on his face.

"Nicely done," Spyro commented.

"Thank you," Cynder replied, "You did well also. Quite an impressive power you used there."

"Convexity my dear," Spyro stated.

"What?" Cynder asked.

"Convexity, the power of the purple dragon?" Spyro repeated.

"No what did you say after that?" she pressed.

"My dear?" he guessed.

Cynder shook her head, "I'm not yours, remember that."

They were interrupted when the Guardians entered the room. Spyro turned to them and smiled, "My mission has come to me."

"Spyro stop this," Ignitus pleaded.

"Cynder take care of the rest of the rebels here," Spyro said smoothly.

"No. I'm fighting these dragons with you," she countered.

"You will not!" Spyro strongly ordered, "Our master has given me the honor of killing all four of these fools. You are to see to the rest of the attack. You're in command until I say other wise."

Cynder glared at him and left.

"I see that you both have a strong relationship like when you both were here at the Temple," Ignitus said, "I know how you feel for her. Malefor will never allow you both to share such a relationship. It will be his demise."

"Fool!" Spyro roared, "My master has promised that her feelings will redevelop and we shall be together."

"Really?" Terrador asked, "Or is that what he wants you to think so you will do his work?"

"Just because you four have denied power, doesn't mean I have to as well," Spyro argued, "You were foolish to reject such a generous offer. I see the truth of the world. It is divided and dwells in chaos with no unity."

"And you think you are stopping such chaos and division?" Cyril asked, "Tell me young one. What truth is that you really see? The crystal clear truth or the shadowy one of Malefor's?"

"Through Convexity I see the truth," Spyro growled, "Nothing can taint Convexity. It is pure!"

Spyro's eyes grew more intense with Convexity and purple lightning flew from his body in every direction. The Guardians took several steps back in fear of Spyro's power. Black mist began to roll off of Spyro's scales and cloaked most of his body.

The Guardians fanned out and surrounded Spyro. The younger dragon smiled in anticipation for the conflict to come.

Terrador was the first to dive at Spyro. Terrador's horns were about to connect with Spyro's body when two claws grabbed hold of his horns. The claws suddenly jerked to the side, breaking the horns off of Terrador's head.

He roared in pain as Spyro roared in victory. The earth guardian charged up a powerful Earth Shot and unleashed it, but the green particles were deflected at Spyro's will back at Terrador, killing the dragon.

Volteer and Cyril came at him on each side. Spyro tapped into his elemental abilities and fired a powerful bolt of lightning at Volteer and summoned a large icicle that flew towards Cyril.

The bolt and icicle both struck their targets and killed. Ignitus looked at Spyro with complete shock. This wasn't the Spyro he knew, he would never kill like that. Spyro's hateful glare locked onto Ignitus.

"Now it's your turn old one," Spyro stated.

Ignitus shot a fireball at him that exploded against Spyro's chest. Smoke filled Spyro's vision. Once the smoke cleared out Spyro found no one before him. He noticed a tail that belonged to Ignitus leaving the exit of the Temple, heading outside.

Spyro took to the air and quickly caught up with the older dragon. Spyro shot jets of flames at the fire guardian, but never hit his mark. Ignitus suddenly turned and whipped his tail at Spyro who managed to dodge the attack. Spyro swiped Ignitus with his claws as he passed by, causing the older dragon to growl.

Ignitus turned in midair and fired a ball of flames at Spyro who was about to turn for a second attack. The fireball intercepted Spyro, colliding with his body. Flames erupted upon collision and Spyro fell from the air, but managed to keep himself aloft before he hit the ground.

Spyro reached Ignitus' altitude and unleashed his fire rage. A swarm of fireballs flew from his blazing body, rocketing towards the fire Guardian. Ignitus fled towards the Temple, desperately trying to escape the deadly inferno. The explosion of fire and molten rocks were about to catch him when he suddenly veered upwards.

The fire guardian landed on the top of the Temple and waited for the dragon that was like a son to him. Spyro landed on the opposite side of the Temple's roof and slowly made his way closer to Ignitus.

"What are you doing Spyro?" Ignitus yelled over the battle raging below them, "This isn't you. You were never evil. What caused you to change?"

"The truth of power," Spyro responded.

"You never wanted power," Ignitus commented, "Why would you want it now?"

"That is nothing of your concern," Spyro hissed.

Cynder landed on the roof and Spyro looked at her his gaze fixed to her for several moments. She had a surprised look her face. She had never seen Spyro as a black dragon with a smoky mist that surrounded him.

He snapped back to reality when Ignitus said, "It's because of her isn't it? Spyro you don't need to impress her. Cynder still has feelings for you."

Spyro's anger flared and he harnessed the power of Convexity preparing to use it.

"Seeing as I'm about to die I would like to say something," Ignitus said calmly.

"Speak so I can kill you old dragon," Spyro growled with an immensely distorted voice.

The old fire guardian looked over to Cynder and said, "Cynder take care of Spyro. You are what drives him on. You are his hope and dreams."

"Spyro take care of Cynder," he said, "She is important to you and I hope you never lose her. I just hope both of you will find your way out of this darkness and live for love like you both should have."

"Enough," Spyro roared as he shot a powerful beam of the deadly purple energy, ripping a hole in the fire dragon's chest.

The old dragon fell to the rocky surface of the roof and Spyro stood on his back legs, roared, and shot another beam of Convexity into the night's cool air, signaling his victory for all to see.

When he ceased his roar and use of Convexity as Cynder approached him. She looked confused and Spyro simply stared at her waiting for her to say something.

"Is…what Ignitus said…true Spyro?" she asked as if almost afraid of the answer, "Do you care for me?"

Spyro looked down at the ground and sighed, "Yes Cynder, its true. I was hoping to tell you sometime, but every time we talked it got a bit hostile before I could tell you."

Cynder was silent, thinking all of this over no doubt. She looked up at him again gazing into his eyes as if to search his soul to see if what he said was true. Several moments passed and she looked back down.

The sound of battle surrounded them and Spyro was eager to finish it, but to him this was more important. If Cynder felt the same about him his life was complete. All emotions of happiness, joy, and content where hard to find while he was in service to Malefor, but the love he felt for Cynder remained after his soul was tainted, it was that strong, holding a part of his old life away from the corruption.

Cynder slowly looked back up, but he was continuously averting her gaze. Her head slowly moved forward and at the last moment before their heads collided Cynder brought her muzzle to his. Spyro was surprised at the action, but relaxed and enjoyed it. The kiss was powerful and both of them knew the answer. They loved each other despite the years of competing against each other.

Cynder pulled away and looked down almost as if embarrassed at what she had done. She was blushing from what Spyro could tell, but she had a smile on her face, which he had never seen before. It was so beautiful and he smiled in return.

"I love you, Cynder," Spyro whispered.

"I love you too, Spyro," she whispered in return.

Spyro leaned in and kissed Cynder, both of them enjoying it. They hadn't noticed though that Hunter had climbed up to face them. He drew an arrow and aimed for the two dragons. He released the arrow hoping to kill one of the two.

Something inside Spyro began to go off. Convexity energy swarmed through him to his mind, warning him of incoming danger. The Convexity energy even communicated to him through an unusual way that Spyro could not understand. He simply knew that there was danger. The energy was even able to convey that it was an arrow and that it was going to strike himself or Cynder from his six o'clock. Spyro slowly shifted so that Cynder was fully behind him while continuing the kiss.

It suddenly ended when a sharp pain jolted through him. He pulled out of the kiss and roared in pain. The side of his neck stung with pain. He ripped the arrow out of his neck and Cynder called his name, but he had already activated Convexity again and was shrouded in the black mist with black scales. He roared at Hunter when he saw him.

Another figure climbed up to the roof and stood next to Hunter. The Hermit that Spyro tried to kill earlier. Hunter drew another arrow and fired it. Spyro felt the danger and dove towards the two. Spyro was unable to see the arrow and was unsure where it was until it hit him. The arrow entered his left shoulder, missing his heart, which obviously was the target.

Spyro roared in pain again and Cynder couldn't stand watching Spyro getting hurt like this especially after discovering their feelings for one another. She roared in anger and charged across the roof at the two Avalarians. Hunter noticed and turned his attention towards her. Spyro continued his charge and fired an Earth Missile at the two.

The Hermit watched was the green missile closed in on them and his staff's orb glowed blue. He threw his arms in the air, raising the staff. The Earth Missile exploded a few feet in front of them. Hunter turned to see the Earth Missile slamming against the magical shield the Hermit raised. His attention went back to Cynder, he raised his bow and aimed the arrow. Spyro quickly fired a fireball, which the Hermit easily defeated again, but the smoke that surrounded them prevented the Hermit from seeing the ball of electricity that struck Hunter preventing him from firing at Cynder. The arrow fell to the ground along with the wooden bow as it left his limp grip.

The Hermit looked back to Spyro and went on the offensive. He fired bolts of lightning and both of them. These bolts struck them and drained them of their energy. Cynder was unable to continue her charge, but Spyro trudged on, Convexity feeding him the power he needed, driving him into a berserker's rage. He reached the Hermit and leapt onto the Hermit preparing to claw the creature to shreds.

The Hermit quickly shot of blast of white energy at Spyro, which threw him back several meters. Spyro quickly got to his feet and charged again. The Hermit pointed the orb on his staff at Spyro again and it glowed as the blast of energy shot out of it.

Spyro used Dragon Time to slow time around him. The white wave slowly left the staff and Spyro jumped over the wave and released his hold on time. He charged a beam of Convexity and fired it at the Hermit. The Hermit tried to ward it with another shield, but the purple energy pierced the invisible barrier. The beam continued and ate threw the Hermit, killing him.

Spyro relaxed and ended the flow of Convexity. He breathed heavily, labored by the constant combat. Once he was semi-rested he looked for Cynder. He found her fifty feet away lying on the roof, drained of her energy. He went to her and lay on the ground next to her so she would know he was there.

She smiled as his head rested next to hers. She shifted her head and licked Spyro's cheek. He chuckled and licked her cheek in return.

"Are you ok?" Spyro asked softly.

"Yeah," Cynder replied, "Just really tired."

"Here take some energy," Spyro said.

She tired to tell him not to worry but Spyro stopped her and placed a claw on her shoulder. He reached into Convexity and transferred energy to her. A massive flow of energy filled Cynder and she stood up.

Spyro ceased the flow of energy and Cynder pressed her snout under his jaw, nuzzling him for the act he just performed.

"Thanks," she softly said.

"You're welcome," Spyro replied.

It surprised Spyro how much her attitude change towards him after his feelings for her were revealed. In fact he was surprised at himself. For ten years he had shown no emotion of this sort and now it controlled him. It was almost like he was…his old self.

Suddenly the Temple began to shake and collapse. Spyro and Cynder took to the air making their way to safety.

Hunter was awoken by this and he leapt to safety in a nearby tree as the roof he was standing on was crashing into the ground.

The Avalarian fled the scene and made his way towards friendly lands with news of the battle.