All credit goes toV2d12 and his friend.
Chapter Three: Memories of a Forgotten World
Three hours later…
Spyro's wounds were dressed, and Cynder had been checked. Ignius was still unconscious, and Voltavus was there.
"Are you sure, master Spyro? Your wounds will keep you on the ground, but I'm sure you'd rather spend your recovery at your own home, hmm?" Asked the mole tending to Ignius.
He answered, "Yes, I would rather spend my 'off' time at home." The mole nodded, and the heroic duo padded out of the infirmary.
Spyro still can't walk on his own, so Cynder was supporting his left side as they walked down the street.
"Cynder… could we take a break for just a minute?"
They stopped and Spyro laid down in the shade of a willow tree.
Cynder laid next to him, and, minding his wounds, leaned against his side.
Cynder was a strong dragoness. Helping Spyro move around wasn't hard, but she felt bad for him. He was the stronger of the two, but now, he was weak.
"Cynder, I don't know about you, but my side hurts." He said, looking down at her with a grin on his face.
She pulled away, and gave him a look of surprise, until she noticed his smile. She then stood up, and motioned for him to follow, then she remembers, he can't walk.
She stoops down to help him up, and he gladly accepted her invitation.
They made their way to the home that they have been given. It was not far from Voltavus's home. However, it was a much larger.
It was a true castle. They would rather not have a home so large, but it was something they just couldn't deny.
The fortress was equipped with guards, walls, even a drawbridge. They wore a blank crest, and the banners were grey.
"Remember we're having company over tonight."
"Oh yeah, I remember, were having the Guardians', right?"
Cynder shook her head and said,"You're worse than Volteer!"
The heroic duo made their way into their home.
They had already explored the castle, and knew where most things were. At least the essentials.
It was already late, so Cynder supported the limping Spyro up until he was laying in bed.
She made sure he was fine, then went to bed herself.
Two weeks later…
Spyro and Cynder made their way to the infirmary where Ignius was.
"Doc, is Ignius doing any better?"
The mole known as Doc, only shook his head and stated,"Sadly, no. But his condition hasn't deteriorated in the slightest. It seems that our friend here, won't die today."
Learning about their friend's condition did help their concerns, but knowing that he is still knocked out, after two weeks, that was truly concerning.
Voltavus entered the infirmary and was happy to see Spyro and Cynder.
"Hey guys, what brings you here?"
The heroes looked puzzled, and Voltavus caught on to why.
"I don't understand why he isn't awake yet either, I'm beginning to worry, no one is out for this long."
Spyro agreed with Voltavus then asked, "So do. you guys know anything to why he could be unconscious for so long?"
Voltavus and the med team all shook their head no, but Voltavus had something.
"Well I have good news, I was just with the Guardians, and they said they want to come take a look at him immediately, first they said they had some important things to tend to, but that they would hurry."
"Well that's good, I hope he's ok." Replied Cynder.
"As do I Cynder, as do I." Voltavus stated.
After a couple minutes of conversation, they heard the Guardians enter the room.
First was Volteer, next was Tremmor, after him was Blaize, Iglacius was trailing him, and finally, Alva entered.
"Greetings, Spyro and Cynder! How has your stay at the castle been?"
Cynder answered,"It's been nice, other than the fact that he can barely get around."
Spyro looked over to her with a smirk, and said,"Well, I see how you are. If I were you, I wouldn't expect to get any more smiles from me."
She playfully scoffed, and shoved him, causing Spyro to chuckle.
"We came by to check on Ignius, right? Or is my memory failing me?" asked Volteer.
"Yes, I do believe that we were here to help diagnose Ignius. Give a reason to why he hasn't woke from his coma."
They moved into the next room, and as pairs, the Guardians got each of their own opinions on his condition.
Blaize spoke first,"It seems that he has had an 'induced coma,' something internally has caused his deep sleep."
Tremmor agreed.
Alva spoke next,"It seems that Blaize is onto something. His body has, for some reason, went into a hibernation-like state."
Iglacius commented,"That may be true, but how?"
Volteer spoke last,"I believe that I may have our answer. Voltavus, as you said, he was in his corrupted state, correct?"
He nodded.
Volteer continues,"This coma may have been sparked by the receding energy. His mind was cut off from his body, instantly. It takes time to recreate that connection. He may be away for another two weeks, I'm afraid."
Voltavus slumped his head down, but Spyro cheered him up,"Voltavus, don't worry. He's gonna be back."
Resisting to show his own sorrow for the orange drake.
Cynder remembered that the Guardians were supposed to be at their home later tonight, and said,"Remember, you're supposed to be at our home tonight at around five." As Spyro and Cynder padded out of the infirmary.
Spyro wanted to go and visit Ignitus's memorial.
They made their way to the Grand Cemetery, where the memorial was located.
"Spyro… do you miss him? I mean, Ignitus."
Spyro sighed, and said, "Yes. Every day. Without his sacrifice, we'd all be with the ancestors. We could have met our parents. Cynder, sometimes I just can't help but feel as if my decisions were for nothing…"
"Spyro… you know that if you didn't make the decisions that you made, you'd never have saved Volteer, Cyril, Terrador, or Ignitus. Or even me. If you hadn't made those decisions, the world would be gone. There would be nothing.
Spyro was staring into space, lost in thought, when Cynder interrupted him,"Spyro… you remember him, don't you?"
Spyro was startled by the question, "Huh? Oh, yeah, I do remember. I remember when he took us both in, like his own…"
Cynder nodded.
"Heh, those times remind me of Voltavus and Ignius." Chuckling and trying to break the sorrowful mood, but it was no use.
Cynder let out a little laugh but went back to sorrow.
This is when Hunter appears.
"What are you two doing here? It isn't like either of you to be down like this."
"I wanted to visit Ignitus's memorial, today, Hunter. Were only remembering some of our times with him."
Hunter nodded, then asked,"Mind if I join you?"
Both heroes agreed, "Sure, Hunter. Your company is always welcome."
Hunter found a spot next to Cynder, and said,"I've been due for a rest."
Spyro chuckled and said, "Haven't we all."
Hunter liked Spyro's devotion to break the sorrowful stalemate but once again, it was no use.
There was a deep silence but it was broken by hunters remembrance.
"I remember when you two didn't return to the dragon temple after the night of eternal darkness, Ignitus sent me to find you guys and bring you home, he was afraid that you two were gone but I found you frozen in that crystal, and here we are today."
The silence returned, once again.
"Cynder, do you remember when Ignitus first started to teach us of Dragon History?"
She nodded.
"If it wasn't for him, I might never have cared so much for you. I would never have had the confidence to even speak to you. He encouraged me to talk to you, because he thought that I may need another friend of my own age. You fit the bill. I remember slowly making my way over to where you were sitting."
Cynder started to smile at the Purple dragon's words.
"I remember that, Spyro. I knew that you were having trouble getting the confidence to speak to me, but truth be told, I had the lack in self-esteem. You helped me build it up."
Cynder added, "We would never be friends if Ignitus never pushed us to meet."
This is when Spyro remembered when Ignitus got them through the Ring of Fire.
His eyes immediately started to sting.
He bowed his head, and squeezed his eyes shut, in hopes of warding off the tears.
Cynder knew something was wrong and asked,"Spyro, what's wrong?"
He only shook his head slowly.
Cynder then knew exactly what he remembered.
Ignitus's death.
"Cynder… it's all my fault…"
Hunter was concerned for his big purple friend, and moved over to help console him.
"No, Spyro… it's not your fault… if anything, it's Malefor's. We couldn't have done anything anyway… we would have died there, in the fire, but he wanted us to go on, and defeat the Dark Master. If we didn't, the world would be gone. If he hadn't sacrificed himself, everything we cared about would be gone. Family, friends, and even the ones we love…"
The group was laying down in deep sorrow and thought, but could hear Voltavus yelling at someone.
The mourning group turned their heads and saw nothing and the yelling stopped.
Spyro asks the group if they heard it as well and they all agreed.
After that, they returned to the sorrowful mood, Spyro started to weep again blaming himself for Ignituses demise.
Cynder was hugging him, knowing the cause of his pain.
A dragon's paw rested on Spyro's shoulder, he looked at Cynder and could see it wasn't her, and hunter wasn't a dragon.
He turned his head slowly to see who was consoling him, it was Ignius.
He jumped up and hugged Ignius, but scared Cynder and Hunter due to the suddenness of his swift motion.
"Ignius when did you wake up, how are you feeling?"
Ignius smiled and replied to his question, "Well I woke up a little bit ago, and overheard the med team talking about you guys paying a visit to Ignituses memorial, so I got up and left."
Cynder hugged him when she realized who it was and asked if he was ok.
"Guys I'm fine, I didn't leave the infirmary to get hounded by hugs and questions, I'm here for you guys, I know how much you knew and loved him."
Spyro was about to speak again but was interrupted by an oncoming Voltavus shouting at Ignius.
"There you are Ignius, you shouldn't be running around right now, the med team needs to make sure your ok!"
Ignius turned to him and said, "Why was I even their in the first place Voltavus, I just woke up their and me leaving seems like a big deal, why?"
Spyro and Cynder remembered that he was unconscious for a long time and wouldn't have any recollection of what happened, he was in the dark with this.
"Ignius we're glad to have you here but if the med team wants to hold onto you for a little while, their doing it for a reason." Assured Spyro.
Then Cynder added, "I agree with Spyro and Voltavus, as much as we want to see you, if the med team needs you to stay with them at the infirmary, they must have a good reason for it."
Voltavus then told Ignius, "You see Ignius we love you, but I'm not the only one who thinks you should go back. Even the two that you just got up and left for suggest you go back to the infirmary."
Ignius was getting upset, feeling like they don't want him there for all of them trying to get him to go back, but he had a question in mind.
"Why exactly was I in the infirmary guys? I don't remember being brought there, or even what made me go, and on top of it, make the med team almost order me to come back?"
The heroes along with Voltavus just about staggered at his question. They couldn't tell him the truth, but they had to tell him something.
Spyro began to say something when the med team arrived in hot pursuit of Ignius.
"Ignius, go back to the infirmary right now! You shouldn't be running around warfang avoiding us!" Ordered the med team leader.
"I don't want to! I want to be with my fami-"
Ignius choked and growled to himself, making everyone curious for his reasoning.
"I want to be with my FRIENDS, not sit in an infirmary by myself with you doing whatever it is that you're going to do to me!"
Spyro and Cynder were still confused on why he stopped himself from expressing his feelings.
Cynder then asked, "What were you going to say Ignius? When you stopped yourself?" Even though she and Spyro know what he wanted to say, they wanted to know why he stopped himself.
Ignius's eyes widened at her question and couldn't think of anything to say. He waited a few moments, then he came clean.
"Ok, I wanted to say family. But I know you don't think of me like that, maybe Voltavus but to you, I'm just some dragon that was taken in by Voltavus."
Spyro stepped up to Ignius and spoke to him.
"Ignius, your wrong about everything you said. We don't think of you as 'some dragon.' Your Ignius, a great dragon that Voltavus would die for. And honestly so would Cynder and I. So yes, you can say we are a family."
Ignius's heart did somersaults in his chest, he was so happy to hear that from Spyro, of all dragons. All he could do is hug him, Cynder, and then Voltavus.
But the med team, although hearts warmed by what just happened, still requested for Ignius to return to the infirmary.
"Ignius, we're only trying to help you, we know how much you want to be with everyone, but they agree that you should come back so we can make sure you're fine."
Ignius wanted to ask why was he at the infirmary to begin with, but said something else instead.
"Ok, I will go back to the Infirmary, only if I can go to the party Spyro and Cynder are having. Voltavus is going to, and I really want to go, please!"
The med team along with the others laughed but the med team accepted his deal.
"Ok Ignius, but as soon as the party's over, you come straight to the Infirmary, ok?"
Ignius jumped with joy and agreed. He wanted to leave for the party immediately.
"You coming, Hunter?" Asked Cynder.
Hunter gladly accepted her offer.
Once the party of five set off on the journey to the heroes castle, the med team returned to the infirmary.
"Spyro, who exactly is coming to the party? I mean, other than us."
Spyro still had a limp from the battle, but he answered,"it's going to be us, the Guardians, and a few guests of their own. There won't be too many."
Cynder noticed how Ignius was looking at Spyro. He was looking at him with questions in his eyes, but he never voiced them.
Then, Cynder asked,"Are you sure that you're okay? I mean, I'm surprised that you're running around so eagerly."
"I'm fine, really. But I'm still confused about why I was taken to the infirmary." Ignius left the sentence there, because he knew he wouldn't get any information from the heroes.
They arrived at the castle. It was different. The banners were now designed after the two heroes, and their deeds. The guard's crests were also different.
"Man, this place has changed, hasn't it?" Voiced Voltavus.
Cynder replied,"Yea, it truly has. You wouldn't believe how long it took us to design a crest for the guards, and the banners? Don't even ask."
They made their way inside, and the party had already been set up. All that remained, was the food.
"I'll go and get the chef to get everything ready. The guest will be arriving in about ten minutes." Said Spyro, as he left the room.
Just before Cynder followed him, she said," Make yourself at home. We'll be back in a few minutes."
The heroes returned with many mole servers in tow. They all moved to the large tables set up in the center of the dining room.
"V-vol-voltavus… that… smells… delicious…"
"Hold your horses, Ignius. We must wait for the guests to arrive."
Ignius almost couldn't wait, but he kept his appetite in check.
"There, now the guests should be arriving in just… about… now." Said Spyro.
The first guests were the five Guardians, and their guests.
The first was Blaize. He brought his mate, Infirna.
Next was Tremmor. He brought his brother, Trench.
After him, was Alva. She brought her friend, Voltraa.
Iglacius entered next. He brought his friend, Frost.
Volteer was last. He entered with none other than Terrador and Cyril.
Spyro and Cynder both had looks of surprise when they entered the room.
Terrador spoke when he noticed them, "Spyro, Cynder! It has been far too long!"
The heroes greeted them both with warm smiles and a strong embrace.
"How have our two heroes been?" Asked Cyril.
Spyro and Cynder both shook their heads playfully.
"We have been doing pretty good how about yourself?"
Cyril replied, "That's wonderful to hear, and thank you for asking, we've just returned from our diplomatic adventure, and it went well."
Ignius slunked out of the dining hall and saw the heroes with the Guardians at the door talking.
Ignius yelled across the entrance hall at the heroes for holding up the guests.
"Hey Spyro! You're holding up the guests, do you want me to starve!?"
The group turned to see Ignius trotting towards them.
Cynder said with a smile, "Here comes mr sunshine, everyone brace yourselves."
Ignius approached the group then said loudly, "Spyro you're being a road block, get out of the way!"
Cynder replied whilst laughing, "Oh my dear Ignius, it seems that Spyro has forgotten of your deep hunger, please spare him."
The group laughed, whilst Ignius, with a real smile on his face, let out a sarcastic laugh and herded the guests to the dining room as fast as possible.
Ignius brought everyone to the hall.
The last guests into the hall were Alva and Voltraa.
Voltavus was at the door greeting the Guardians and guests, he turned to greet the last guests, and saw Ignius leading them, telling him to get out of the way, but instead of playing around with Ignius, he was mesmerized by Voltraa, she was mesmerized by Voltavus as well.
Ignius could see them staring into each other's eyes and stopped playing around, he looked at both the two for a few moments and went up to Alva and tried to whisper.
"I think you should introduce those two, I could see an instant spark, cough cough, get it."
Voltraa and Voltavus looked over at Ignius, hearing what he said, whilst Alva was chuckling at his pun about them two being electric dragons.
Ignius was frantically looking left and right thinking on what to say to get out of their and shouted.
"I made a pun about electricity!" Then ran into the dining hall.
Alva introduced the two.
"Voltavus, this is my friend Voltraa, Voltraa this is my friend Voltavus."
The two electricity dragons said nothing, just stared into each other's eyes.
Alva wanted the two to meet so she said, "I'm going to make sure that all the places are set, I'll leave you two alone."
Voltraa said to Alva, "Thank you Alva, we will be in soon."
The heroes made their way to the front of the hall, where they addressed their guests.
Spyro spoke first, "We would like to thank you all for coming here tonite, it means a lot to us to have you here."
Then Cynder spoke, "We have prepared this great feast for all of you, it took all day to make and prepare so hopefully it lives up to your standards, and don't forget these great chefs that made all this possible, we don't want to keep you waiting so dig in!"
The servers assisted with the feast.
Everyone began eating their food, which indeed lived up to everyone's expectations.
Ignius let out a massive sigh of relief and dug into his food, Voltavus and the heroes had to tell him to slow down, but all Voltavus, Voltraa and the heroes could do was laugh.
Spyro spoke to everyone a bit after the feast started.
"Once your done with your food, the ballroom is open."
Some of the guests had finished their food and got up and went to the ballroom.
Ignius was stuffed like a turkey, wanting to eat more but couldn't.
"Guys, this food is god like!"
Cynder smiled and said, "Well we're glad you like the food Ignius, but remember, the dancing and all the fun is in the ballroom."
Ignius said thank you and went to the ballroom.
The heroes made their way to the ballroom shortly after.
Once they arrived, they went up to the stage and gave another announcement.
Before they made their announcement, a group of moles with instruments walked out onto the stage and set up.
Spyro then got everyone's attention.
"So we do have musicians here tonite to play some music for us, so remember to show them some love."
The musicians began playing their music, and some of guests began to dance, Ignius was one of them.
Spyro smiled at the guests, happy that they were having fun, but he knew it would mean so much to dance with Cynder, he just couldn't because of his leg, he wanted to try and make a move.
He walked over to the semi outskirts of the dance floor and laid down, Cynder joined him, and laid next to him.
Ignius was dancing with Voltraa and Voltavus, when he noticed Spyro and Cynder laying down during the dance.
He walked over to them and immediately started with questions.
"Spyro, Cynder, why are you guys laying here during the dance, this is for you guys, have fun!"
Spyro smiled at his concern for them not dancing, but replied.
"We just want to enjoy everyone else having fun."
Ignius cocked his head back with a confused expression on his face, then retaliated.
"Listen Spyro, I know for a fact that if you danced with Cynder, it would make her night!"
Cynder smiled and looked at Spyro, but began to frown, knowing he actually couldn't move that well in general because of his leg.
"Ignius, were fine, go enjoy yourself, we could see you having a blast out their." Replied Cynder.
Ignius caught on to why they weren't dancing.
"Ooohhh, is it because of that limp you got on your leg, listen Spyro I will not have fun unless you guys are happy and having fun, laying here is not fun, I will carry you and support you while you dance!"
Spyro and Cynder shared a laugh and so did Ignius.
He was more serious about carrying him though, they could tell.
"Ok listen Ignius, we will dance in a little bit, how about that?"
Ignius was pleased with Spyro's decision and accepted, but Spyro asked him a question before he left.
"Hey Ignius, could you do me a favor?"
Ignius whipped his head around and replied.
"Of course, what do you need?"
"Could you go and get Volteer and send him over here?"
Ignius said yes and went to get him.
A few moments later, Volteer approached the heroes.
Volteer asked Spyro what he needed, but Spyro looked at Cynder and asked her a question first.
"Hey Cynder, do you think you can run to the dining hall and make sure their are no loners left, I don't want people to be away from the fun."
Cynder turned her head out of the randomness of the question but happily accepted the task.
Once she got up out of earshot he asked Volteer if he could clear the stage for him real quick.
Volteer nodded his head and made way for the stage, Then cleared everyone off it.
Moments after Volteer arrived to the stage, Cynder returned.
She was about to lay down again but Spyro noticed the stage was clear, so he took his chance.
"Hey Cynder, could you help me up real quick?"
"Of course, why where you want to go?"
Spyro relied to her.
"The stage."
She looked surprised, but noticed the stage was cleared.
"Let's go, Spyro."
She helped him up, and they both made their way to the stage.
Spyro gained the attention of the crowd within the ballroom.
He turned to Cynder.
She looked puzzled.
He spoke.
"Cynder… I… I have many things to say… I have many things to do… I have only one thing to want…"
The entire room was quiet. Cynder had surprise on her features.
"Cynder, I have fought by your side. I have even been to the end of the world with you by my side… Cynder…"
He took a deep breath, and said," All I want… is your love…"
Spyro presented a beautiful emerald encrusted ring to his love,"Cynder… will you… will you stay with me? I mean, forever? To the end?"
Cynder had no idea what to say. She couldn't speak. She allowed him to slip the ring onto her forepaw.
She tried to speak once more,"Spyro! Spyro, of course! I would never think of being with anyone else!"
She leaned forward into Spyro's loving embrace.
The crowd remained silent, but Ignius was still out there, it wouldn't last long.
Ignius jumped up and screamed to them in joy, which was shortly followed by the rest of the guests cheering and clapping.
Alva was standing next to Voltavus, Voltraa, and Ignius when Spyro proposed, and she was happy, and she made sure they knew it.
Alva grabbed Voltraa from Voltavus in a bear hug, telling her and the group how happy she was.
"They've been together for so long, and it was to obvious they had something special, but they never did anything about it, and Spyro just did it!"
The group was all laughing and cheering with her and the rest of the guests.
As the heroes made their way off the stage, they were met by Ignius.
"Spyro… that was… much better than dancing!"
The heroes both laughed, and Spyro replied,"You did want to see us happy, did you not?"
Ignius replies, "You two still need to dance! Especially after that!"
Spyro shook his head, "Ignius, I can't dance with my leg in this shape. I'd only hurt myself or even Cynder."
"My offer still stands." Assured Ignius.
Spyro then said,"Ignius, please, I don't want to be a hinderance. Please, just go and have some fun."
"Well, if you insist… but all jokes aside, if you do need me, come and find me. I won't be too far."
Ignius departed.
Spyro and Cynder padded to their original position off to the side of the dance floor.
"Spyro, how long were you waiting to do this?"
Spyro smiled at Cynders question and replied, "If it's about the proposal, I've waited far too long. It took a lot to muster up the courage to ask you, but if it's for the party, once I found out about the party, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity, all our friends and family there, it made for the perfect scene to ask."
"Spyro… you've been holding off your emotions all this time?"
Spyro replied to her question, "I felt that I had to, I thought if I asked you, you would reject me and it would ruin our friendship."
Cynder thought of what he said, and was mortified, "I could never do that, I don't even like thinking about anything like that."
Spyro smiled, as did Cynder.
She leaned and kissed him on the cheek, then curled up together and enjoyed the party.
One hour later...
After the party, Spyro and Cynder were at the door to the ballroom, saying their goodbyes to the guests, when they remembered that Ignius was to be at the infirmary once the party was over.
He was approaching them now.
Cynder spoke,"Hey, Ignius! You're supposed to be at the infirmary!"
Ignius held a look of surprise, and then he spoke,"But you guys need help cleaning this mess!"
Spyro replied,"Ignius, we can handle it. You just need to return to the infirmary, before they come looking for you."
His mood was unchanged from earlier, and he said, rather sarcastically, "Well… if you two can handle it… then I guess… that I'll have to go on to the infirmary… too bad that I can't help you two clean up…"
Both Spyro and Cynder chuckled at his remark, and then Cynder said,"Well, that is too bad. Now, off you go! We don't need to get into trouble from something that you didn't do!"
Ignius nodded his goodbyes, and trotted out of the ballroom.
Spyro and Cynder both turned to see the ballroom already being cleaned by the maids of the fortress.
"Well… this'll be a lot faster than we first thought, huh, Cynder?"
"Spyro… this task would seem impossible… but with you by my side now… I feel as if I could do anything."
The courting couple moved to help clean up the mess left after the party.
"Master Spyro! Miss Cynder! Why are you two here, cleaning this filth? You two shouldn't be troubling yourselves with such a meaningless task!"
Cynder replied to the maid's concerns, "This isn't a meaningless task. We always have to do our parts where it's due."
The maid shot back,"You two saved the world! You two deserve a break! Here, let me handle this. You two just go on and have the most of the final hours of the day."
Spyro wanted to decline her offer, but he just couldn't bring himself to decline her of her help. Especially with his leg.
They both padded into the inner chambers of the castle. More specifically, to Spyro's room.
"Cynder, are you getting tired?"
"Yea, I am getting just a little tired."
Spyro laid down. He beckons for Cynder to lay down with him.
She smiled, and gladly accepted his offer.
She curled up next to Spyro, and slowly falls to sleep within Spyro's embrace.
He fell asleep knowing that he will never lose the one he loves.
Ignius was making his way down a road, when he turned down a small road.
A large ice dragon stepped out, blocking the road.
Ignius spoke,"Sir, please excuse me, I need to get through here. I'm gonna be late!"
Once he realized he was being ignored, he turned to leave, but he was blocked by a pair of Earth Dragons.
"Get out of my way, damn it!"
He felt a sharp pain in his side, and the next thing he knew was that he was on the ground, under one of the two earth-movers.
He could barely breathe.
"Where do you think you are going, Ignius?" Spoke the ice dragon.
Ignius had no idea what was going on.
The dragon didn't have a sadistic smile, like he heard from stories, rather a look of hate.
"Ignius, you… You will pay for what you have done…"
The two large dragons allowed him to speak, though, just barely.
"Wha-what d-do you mean?"
"How don't you know?"
Ignius would have replied, but the earth dragons replaced their full weight on his shoulders.
"You… you… you are the cause of Spyro's leg! You are why Voltavus wasn't there to help Spyro! You were the reason why they weren't able to dance! Something that would have made both of their nights! You even attacked Cynder, before you even thought to hurt Spyro!"
Ignius didn't know what to do. He doesn't remember anything like that.
"You don't remember, do you?"
All that was going through his head was 'When had I done this?'
The look on his face said it all.
"No. No, you can't remember. Because you are still corrupted! You only want to kill them! I will not let that happen!"
Just then Ignius had an idea…
His anger and fear was apparent.
He couldn't let these Dragons get the better of him.
All in an instant, he reared his head back, catching one of the earth-movers in the base of the neck with his horn.
He felt the contact, and jerked his head down, tearing the flesh.
He fell over off of Ignius's back, trying to keep his blood from pouring from his neck.
The dragon wasn't getting back up. That's for sure.
The other, however was ready to fight.
The ice dragon wasn't going to run. At least, not yet.
Ignius lunged at the earth-mover, claws out.
The earth dragon saw this, and rammed upwards, causing Ignius to loose his breath, and land on his side.
He was up in an instant.
His opponent tried to strike, but Ignius avoided his attacks.
He countered with a strike underneath his jaw, causing a fountain of blood to pour from the wound.
The dragon clamped his paw around the wound, stopping the blood flow.
He was vulnerable.
Ignius took his chance, and used his tail blade.
He leaped upon the larger dragon and clasped his jaws around his neck, and shoved his tail blade into the shoulder of the Earth-mover.
Ignius didn't have a great grasp at combat, but he knew the basics. Attack the throat.
The dragon fell over, bleeding out.
The ice dragon saw this and he, instinctively ran.
Ignius didn't go after him, but once he realized what he just did, he had to get away.
He ran out of the road.
He turned to see two guards apprehend the ice dragon. He leaped into the air, and made for the hero's castle. He had to get answers.
The guards didn't pursue him.
He landed in the courtyard in front of the fortress. He trotted quickly through the main doors, and made a beeline for their room.
He met a few guards, and maids along the way, but nevertheless, he had to get those answers.
He slowly opened the door to their room, and quietly stepped inside.
He quickly realized that this wasn't going to be easy.
Cynder was laying against Spyro's leg. The one he needed to see.
He silently cursed himself for doing this, but he had to know…
He slowly made his way closer to the couple.
Spyro shifted slightly, putting his wound just within sight.
Ignius took his chance.
He slipped closer and compared the wound to his own tail blade.
They were almost identical in shape and size.
He quickly left the room, and said to himself,"Why? Why did they lie to me?"
He then realized that he was still in their home. He started to leave when Cynder stepped out into the hall.
"Ignius? Weren't you supposed to be at the infirmary?"
He took off at a sprint, hoping he could escape.
Cynder realized that she saw tears in his eyes. She took off after him, but then she remembered Spyro.
She told a guard to wake him, and send him to Voltavus's Estate.
She then continued to chase Ignius, stealthily.
He, as she predicted, went to Voltavus's Estate.
She followed him inside.
Ignius was making a tremendous amount of noise from his room.
She used her shadow element to sneak into the space, and listen to why he was acting so odd.
She was now in Ignius's chambers, they were a mess.
Ignius spoke in an enraged voice,"Why would they lie to me about this for so long, why would I even do this to them!"
Cynder remained in the shadows, as ignius continued.
"I hurt my friends for no damn reason!"
Cynder silently gasped, ignius continued once more.
"And on top of it, I murdered two dragons!"
Cynder stepped out of the shadows, and quietly asked "Ignius… why…"
Ignius whipped his entire body around to face the source of the question.
Once turned he saw Cynder, she had a concerned expression, and her wings lowered in shame.
Ignius's tone changed from that of surprise to that of anger.
"How did you get here, and why are you here." Ignius asked in a low, almost growling voice.
Cynder replied, "Because I heard you outside of our room talking to yourself, and when I came out to see what you were doing, you were basically crying, then bolted off, that's rather concerning."
Ignius staggered at her response and had an angry expression on his face.
Cynder spoke again, "What did you mean when you said you killed two dragons."
Ignius lowered his head and clenched his eyes shut, letting tears run down his face.
He then raised his head and spoke with a sorrowful voice.
"I didn't do anything Cynder, I swear."
Cynder could see the blood on his horns, teeth, paws, and his tail blade.
She then asked in a low voice, "Then what's that on your claws?"
Ignius didn't reply, but Cynder could hear him sobbing.
She then stepped up to his side, and slowly placed her wing on his shoulder to calm him.
Ignius then sat down, with Cynder consoling him, he put his face between his paws and wept.
Spyro then arrived to the estate, being supported by a castle guard Captain.
They made their way to the front door, where he told the captain that he can go home.
Spyro then entered Voltavus and Ignius's home, and made his way to the stairs on his own.
He looked up the stairs and began to try to go up them by himself.
He felt the pain in his leg as he made his way up the stairs, but pushed on.
He made it to the top of the stairs, and was met by Voltavus walking towards Ignius's room to investigate the commotion, but stopped for Spyro.
"Spyro, what are you doing here?"
Spyro replied, "The guards woke me and said to meet Cynder here, then I heard the commotion and wanted to see what it was."
Voltavus wanted to speak, but realized no one was supporting the wounded Spyro, so he rushed to his side and supported him, Spyro thanked him.
The two made their way to Ignius's room, once they got to his door, they opened it to see Ignius's room destroyed, most if not all his stuff was broken or thrashed, then they saw Cynder and Ignius laying down, Ignius was crying and Cynder had her wing around him, trying to calm him.
Cynder turned her head towards the two that entered the room, Ignius didn't acknowledge them entering, just remained how he was.
She then spoke to Ignius.
"Ignius, can I get up for a second."
Ignius replied with sorrow, "You don't need to console me Cynder, I don't deserve it."
Cynder gave him a sad look and told him she would be back soon, then approached the two.
She almost rushed to them and spoke immediately.
"Ok guys, I need you to stay quiet, I'm going to tell you why he's like this, and Spyro, can you please sit down and rest your leg, I know how much it hurts."
Voltavus and Spyro were becoming nervous with what she just told them, and wanted to be let in on what happened, and we're beginning to sit down.
Cynder spoke again, "What I'm about to tell you is shocking."
Voltavus and Spyro looked at her with concern, wanting to know what she knows.
Cynder took a deep breath and began to tell them all that she knows.
"When we were sleeping at our home, I was woken up by Ignius saying something outside of our room. I went out to see what he was doing, but he was scared, I saw tears in his eyes. He just looked at me in horror, then bolted for the door. I told the guards to wake Spyro and tell him to meet me at Voltavus's estate, then I chased after him. I didn't want him to know I was following him so I quietly followed him, and saw him land at the estate, and slam the door behind him. I landed and approached the estate, once I entered, I immediately heard yelling and thrashing from upstairs, and it wasn't Voltavus. So I made my way upstairs, and got near Ignius's door. I used my shadow elements to enter his room without him knowing I was in their. And guys, what I'm about to tell you will make you see why he's like this."
Voltavus and Spyro nodded their heads, wanting to hear what happened.
Cynder continued, now with a low, sad voice.
"When I entered his room, he said why would they lie to me about this for so long, and why would I even do this to them, with an enraged voice."
Voltavus and Spyro had concerned expressions about them, not understanding what Cynder had just told them, not wanting to believe what they thought.
Cynder spoke with pain in her voice, "This is what's going to hurt, it's hurting me."
Voltavus and Spyro got closer to her to listen and hear what she was about to tell them.
"Then… Ignius said… and on top of it-"
Cynder stopped to regain her composure, then spoke.
"Ignius said, and on top of it I murdered two dragons."
Voltavus and Spyro's eyes widened at what they just heard.
They looked behind Cynder and realised that she wasn't lying, they now knew what the blood on Ignius was from.
Ignius saw their expressions and knew what was just said from what they looked like.
Ignius spoke with sorrow, "Please don't hurt me, I'm sorry for what I did, I couldn't control myself."
They looked at him with confusion and sorrow.
Ignius began to weep again.
Cynder broke off from Spyro and Voltavus, laid down next to Ignius and moved her wing around him again and pulled him in close, trying to calm him down.
Spyro, though cautiously, made his way over to where Ignius lay. Voltavus followed suit.
Ignius then whispered, "I… I didn't kn-know wha-what to do… i… I just pa- panicked."
Ignius continued, "Once they… a at-attacked me… I didn't know what t-to do…"
Spyro spoke, "Ignius… could you please tell us what happened? So we can help?"
He snapped, "Why? So you can take someone else's side? So you can find another reason to hate me? Spyro! I hurt you! I hurt Voltavus! I even hurt Cynder! How can you forgive me? I have done nothing good to any of you!"
Cynder removed her wing, and turned to face him, "Ignius, we forgive you because you are close enough to consider family. We don't care what you do, all that we care about is you being you. You're the only one who can do that."
Ignius didn't know what to say.
For a few moments he remained silent then retaliated.
"But what have I done for any of you! Other than be a burden! And before you start your whole, 'Oh, your not a burden' crap! Think long and hard about my question, and how can I be myself if whenever I get mad, I become some corrupt rage monster…"
Voltavus replied, "Ignius… we don't care about that… we only care of your well-being… we only want what's best for you…"
Cynder chipped in, "We only do these things to help you… we don't want to hurt you, even if you do hurt us. We can't stand to see you like this! When you are like this, we all go…"
Spyro then said, "Ignius, we all want to see you thrive and live in prosperity…"
"I don't deserve prosperity, I haven't done anything to deserve it, if anyone does it's you three! Spyro, you and Cynder saved the world, you deserve prosperity, Voltavus, you are the elite guard leader, and fought against Malefors forces, you wanna know what I did! I was fighting for Malefor, then you saved me, but then instead of me helping you all fight, I sat in Warfang!"
Cynder spoke again, "Ignius, you were too young! We were too young! Fate forced us to fight, long before we should have!"
Ignius said, "Look at what you accomplished! I was never given a chance to prove myself to anyone! I was just thrown to the back, and nobody cared!"
She retaliated, "Ignius, look at me. My life was taken from the start. I never had a chance to even know my parents. I never had a chance to make friends. I was taken by Gaul, and corrupted. I was forced to watch myself kill innocent souls every single day. I was forced to serve him every single day… Ignius… I have lived through hell… I will never know what it's like to know my parents. I never had a childhood…" Cynder eyes were stinging with tears.
Spyro was to her side in an instant, wing over her shoulders. He didn't care how much he hurt. He only cared for Cynder at that moment.
Ignius spoke with pain in his voice, "You killed the one that caused you this pain... I was cast aside to hide behind the lines... you all got to fight and slay the monster that brought this upon you... look at me Cynder, I can't remember my parents either! Why do you think I call all of you family! You're all I have... And you were saved by the one you loved... All I remember is I was grabbed, then those monsters killed my parents when they tried to save me, then Voltavus tried to save me, then he got grabbed... I watched my parents die trying to save me…. then I woke up with Voltavus standing near me... I'm sorry for doing this to you Cynder... I turned you against me, and you were the first one here to comfort me... I seemed mad that you were here, but that made me so happy to see you, I knew I wouldn't be left alone to my own thoughts... I'm sorry…"
Cynder spoke again, "Ignius… litsen… You don't really want to be a hero… the things we have done would have broken almost anyone… Ignius… we almost died… many times… I almost killed Spyro myself… I remember every single pair of eyes that I saw, were filled with terror, and fear… I will never forget these memories… Malefor could never be fully erased from this world. I am a monument to that. Ignius, we will always support you, but you have to understand, fate has a twisted sense of humor. I have personal experience with that. Spyro and myself were both corrupted, Ignius. I am no more, but Spyro still has a dark side. We both know how you feel, we both do… Ignius… promise me something… Promise… Promise me that you will never forget what I told you…"