Redemption is a long road

Spyro awakes to find he isn't in the same caves as he knocked out in. Instead he was in a flat surface of infinite white. Miles upon miles of literally nothing.

"Where…Where am I?!" The shocked dragon asked. "Those foxes betrayed me. And now I guess I'm trapped in this…dream world?"

"That is not at all true young dragon…"

Spyro whirled around to find a huge red drake standing there.

"Who are you?"

"I am Magnus, First official master of fire, Leader of the First order of Guardians and the first of your trials."

"Trials?"

"Yes, the trials of redemption. Where we are now is the Aether, the place where you will conduct each trial. Where from each trial you will learn something new about your dark side. Successfully pass and you will be in control of your darker side. Not only that you will also regain full control of your original powers, without feeling exhaustion afterwards."

"Control It? I don't want to master it; I just want it gone."

"To wish it away will be to wish your life away. You cannot remove what is and will always be a part of you. Now if you choose to remain and silence it, but not destroy it. But you can also choose to leave, no one is forcing you to undergo these trials. Decide now, as saying yes means no going back."

"I wish to partake. I'm not sure how what I need to do but if it means freeing me…Then I accept."

"Then step forward, and do what Malefor refused to do."

Spyro steps forwards towards the drake.

"Let us begin. I welcome you Spyro, to the trial of Comparison. The first of three trials."

"Trial of Comparison?"

"So you can understand what you have in common with your darker self. What I need you to do Spyro is simply compare these two items. To find a link between the two, will allow you to see a whole new side. Then look deeper and tell me what else you see."

He then creates a spectre of a mole and an ape, side by side.

"What does these two have in common. What do they have that the chronicler doesn't have?"

"What they have that the chronicler doesn't? Well…They have fur…"

"Yes they do…But look deeper. What does fur do?"

"They keep them warm of cause. And to some extent, protection. But the Chronicler has scales that are tougher than fur."

" For this trial...it does not matter what the Chronicler has. What else offers Warmth and Protection, that both moles and apes have alike? Think deeper."

"Right…"

Spyro then enters a state of thought. "One image he has had several moles in armour running for the main wall during the siege of Warfang. In the other several apes about to charge the dragon with flurries of claws.

"That's it! They have each other!"

"Very good young dragon. Now the next."

He made the mole and the ape dissipate, and instead reincarnated the ocean on one side, and sand on the other. Both drakes could feel the sand under their talons. Until the sea came in from underneath, softly covering their paws, before going out again, dragging some sand out with it.

"Now compare these three things. Sand, Sea and Life. What do they all have in common? And how can you take it with you?"

"How can I compare something as small as sand to something as big as the ocean or even life?"

"Size doesn't matter; it is what you do with it that matters. Feel the sand, feel it dry in one, and wet in the other. Though this is the trial of comparison, sometimes you have got to feel the differences too know what is the same."

Spyro then remembers the sand, simply loose and soft under his feet, then he picks up a clump of t. But instead of it simply falling between his claws. The sand instead sticks, staying together.

"The difference between these sand is one is wet and one isn't. One has water in it… Wet sand is simply a lot easy to carry."

"Now look out to the ocean. Explain what you see and from your findings compare."

Spyro looks up and sees a small iceberg floating by.

"Well, water on its own is simply a liquid. While Ice is frozen water…so to make ice… you need it to be cold. Then you can transport it as ice."

"Now…look deeper, what is the missing connection. What else can you see."

"…That all it takes it a single ingredient… and you can make life as you want it. Like wet sand and ice? But without it, it cannot hold its own shape. So you need to give something meaning, to change it to wha you want."

"Excellent."

"Okay? To be honest I was kinda guessing then but I guess it makes sense."

"Now…your final test of this trial. Compare what you…have in common with Malefor." He said as he conjured an image of him.

"Malefor!?

"Correct. Find the missing link and you will have passed."

"But I'm…I'm nothing like Malefor. He was evil and tried destroying the world. While I saved it…the only thing we have in common is that were purple."

"Are you sure? I seem to remember someone telling you otherwise…"

"Telling me otherwise?"

"Someone you met, not so long ago?"

"When did I…Hang on Dusk mentioned Malefor did used to be different! But how would he know?"

"it doesn't matter how he knows…"

"But I guess he is right. Maybe Malefor was just like me before he lost to his insanity. Is that it? Simply understanding that it wasn't Malefor's fault, but instead his darker side?"

"Yes…and no. To fully understand a person, you must agree with their pint of view."

"Agree? But he…or at least his darker side sought to destroy the world. I don't understand that part…"

"What did Malefor say though?"

"Well… he kept comparing Me to him, saying that we shared determination…And that we had had the same destiny regardless."

"Now…Say it!"

"I guess in a way he is right, we 'did share the same destiny, we were both destined for great things. But his added element was he had nobody to turn to…apart from his darker self. And that sealed his fate of insanity. Me on the other hand have my friends. And that is what keeps from following the same path!"

"Well done dragon…You've passed the first trial. By understanding that you and Malefor are very much alike. You begin to understand the darkness more. And by comparing yourself to your enemy. You will be able to understand them. That is your lesson for today."

"By comparing myself to my darker self, I see that I'm a part of it…and that I it is a part of me. How does any of this make any sense. Regardless I'll remember it just in case."

"Thank you."

"It is too early though to celebrate; you still have your next trial. Who will arrive four months from now. Rest well, as time will go surprisingly slow I'm afraid.

And with that the Apparition disappeared. Leaving the drake on his own.

"So I just sleep now? Or what?" So with nothing else to do Spyro triedthat, as he curled down and closed his eyes.

Meanwhile in Warfang.

"Any luck Cynder?" Draco asked

"None…I couldn't find him anyway…"

"Sigh… I know you miss him, but I fear that."

"No, don't you say it, Spyro isn't like Malefor and will never be."

"I wasn't going to say that. Even though I know he will be. I was suggesting that I'm afraid we are going to have to continue tomorrow." He said, as he turned to return back to the temple. "Are you coming? Tomorrow should be the last day before I finish the temple. Then I will certainly find it. Then you can explore further away from the city."

"I'm sorry…It's just I'm so worried about him Draco."

"I know…that is why we must hurry."

"Master Cynder…" Terrador called out.

"Master Terrador!"

"Please excuse my poor behaviour earlier. I disrespected you, myself and my family's legacy. But I understand now why Spyro would keep a dark secret to himself and you."

"It's okay. Did you find Spyro at all."

"Afraid not, we are still looking for him. We have also begun searches onto why he would've vanished…But nothing yet."

"Thank you anyway…"

Back at the Catacombs. Sparx had finally woken up.

"Are you hungry Sparx? We've gathered some nice little butterflies for you." Dawn called out.

"Oh boy am I!" He said as he zipped over. "Hang on where is Spyro?" He then saw the large crystal protruding in the middle of the room.

"Oh the horror. What did you do to him?!"

"Relax Sparx, he is simply in a state of hibernation."

"Hibernation! You crystallised him without my consent! And even worse without me!"

"We could always find a jar to put you in if that will put you at ease?"

"That there Blacky three is not funny! ten to twelve dragonflies are jarred up every day I think."

"Blacky three? What does that mean honey?"

"Don't bother asking…I'm struggling with the thought process of him…"

"Well that's a first."

Later that night in Warfang. Draco had snuck out of the city, where he met Gravelle in quiet. By Gravelle had dismissed the Dark riders. So it was just the two of them and Volcanus.

"Now what? We have no money, No security and no damn purple dragon!"

"Simple, I remain here while you get your damned scaly hide to the Scorched lands and prepare the Armies. I'm not sure when he'll be back I have no doubt he will, and by then we will have to be ready."

"Now why would I do that? Remember that that The dark master put me in charge."

"I'm taking over now after your perilously dangerous act of stupidity! Now because of you the Purple dragon is gone, now that I am no later than one day from getting stupid scroll, you stupid bag of bones! Yes, you have very much turned the city against him but now also yourself. So you now do as I say, and one single command out of place and I'll hang your ass on the wall next to all the other trophy's I will be collecting."

"Grr…Fine but as soon as you trip over your own ego I'm taking back control."

"Just get out of my sight…I've got mistakes to fix."

So with that they split, Volcanus and Gravelle off in the direction of the burnt lands, and Draco back towards the temple.

4 months later.

Spyro awoke once more, to the same white lands, the same endless skies. But instead to a dark blue Dragoness stood before him.

"I guess this is the second trial?"

"That is correct Spyro. I am Blizzia. Elemental aster of ice of the first order, your next trial. Now I admit I will not be as lenient as Master Magnus. But I will not treat you unfairly either."

"So what is this trial about then?"

"The trial of Understanding. A simple test of understanding what upsets you, and teaching you to how to control it. To clear your mind, allowing you communicate with your darker twin."

"What do I need to do?"

"Simple, Open up to me." She said as she laid down. "What now troubles you? Converse with me Spyro."

"Open up? What do you even mean by that? How do I pass the trial?"

"Well that's up to you to decide. We simply talk until you feel like you truly know what is holding you back from being happy. I shall then evaluate to see if you truly know. If I feel you are telling the truth, you pass. If not, then we continue talking. But what is bothering you. Is it your brother? Is it Malefor? Maybe even Cynder?"

"Wait, how do you know so much about me?"

"We have been observing you Spyro, From the moment you left your home, to the events of today. It is our job to watch. Now, what has been bothering you?"

"Well clearly it's my darker self. I want it gone..."

"…Unacceptable answer. Look deeper within."

"Well I guess Draco has been. I take it you know him."

"Very well in fact. He is a very odd case though…for 6 years he disappeared from even out vision. Presumed dead until now."

"Wait hold on, dead? But he said he has been travelling."

"So we heard. But we aren't even sure ourselves of the truth."

"Strange…But you have seen what he has done. Would you believe me if I said I feel like he is deliberately trying to bring the darkness inside of me?"

"No doubt he is…His motive though, eludes us."

"I knew it…Wait…Was he the answer?"

"I don't know…is it?"

"…Yes…yes, it is."

"Incorrect! But you're getting closer."

"What? How is he not the answer? He is what makes me angry."

"Piece of advice, simply Ignore him, you will be able too after this training at least."

"Thanks I guess. But I honestly don't know then."

"There is more than just people that can bother Spyro."

"Like what?"

"Simple, what else constantly plays on your mind, something that makes you feel restless?"

"The only thing I can honestly think of is my darkness and Draco."

"Well…now put what you've learnt so far into practice."

"To compare them?"

"If that is what you have learnt so far then yes, do that."

"Well…It has been Draco who has been causing me stress. Which caused me to lose control of myself. So there is that."

"What kind of things has he been doing?"

"Saying stuff that he knew would annoy me. Such as insulting Ignitus..."

"Insulting Ignitus? Tell me about him.

"He was amazing. The first…second dragon I ever encountered. Before that I always thought myself as dragonfly. Ignitus was the one shown me who I was, Who I am. Everything I've done was thanks to him. That was until…"

"Until…?"

"Until he sacrificed himself for us." Spyro said, as a tear ran down his cheek.

"What has that done to you…now he's gone."

"It's been haunting me…haunting me…That's it. When he sacrificed himself, I was so upset I lost myself…and it was Cynder who brought me back. And so every time his name is mentioned. It upsets me making myself more susceptible to people getting under my scales. To bring out the darkness within."

The dragoness simply smiled and nodded her head. "It's time now Spyro…to let him go."

"Let him go? I can't just do that."

"Of cause you can't, no one can just forget like that. But it isn't about forgetting, but instead remember the good times and hold your head up high."

"Thanks…"

"The lesson here Spyro, if something bothers you then just shun it away. Your friends are what matter, as are what is a part of you. You do not have to be scared of losing yourself, because once you have passed trials you will know not to fear anymore. You will be in control. Not because of us, but because you know you control it. However, with the sad memories you have just got to move on. Those who pass on never truly die, they bind themselves to life and help it. So Ignitus is still with us…and who knows, maybe one day you'll meet him."

"Thank you."

"One final thing that we neglected to mention, once you leave the trials you will have no memories of us, no memories of what we taught you. But you will still notice a change. Though you will not remember any of this you will feel like you knew these lessons forever."

"Why are you telling me this now?"

"Because the last of us…He will talk but not straight away. But again he will arrive in four months."

"Thank you regardless. You were a lot nicer than you said you would be."

"Oh hush. I know I was…You were just a lot more interesting to talk to than I expected." She said smiling, fading away from view. "Good luck!"

"That trial actually made more sense than the last to be honest. Though because of this I understand it better. Well I guess I gotta wait for the next one." Spyro said, curling once more into a ball.

Back in the Cave.

"How long do we have to wait…I'm losing my glow here." Sparx was simply bored out of his mind, constantly

"eight more months Sparx…" Dusk answered.

"Eight more! The Atlawas are missing their god because my bro is talking to ghosts. That will surely be a great legacy for Sparx the almighty…"

"Relax Sparx, you've survived 4 months, how hard can another eight be." Dawn replied.

"Easy for you to say, You're not me."

"Of cause, and regardless I wouldn't want to you."

"What? Everyone wants to be me! I'm the S man, Cool dude Sparx, Slayer of Pirates and pes, Defender of Maidens, Brother to the Legendary Purple dragon."

"The apes are not actually a bad species."

"Oh and I am not awesome. They are smelly, hairy and greedy. Do I need to spell it out? They're evil."

"I see Cynder's forces left a bad impression on you. But let me tell not all apes are bad. We were once saved by a group of ape traders, when we two were starving they found us at the side of the road and helped us."

"…I'm trapped in a cave with a sleeping dragon and two mad people…Oh the horrors this will leave on me…"

"You know what…fine. Tell me all about the heroics of monkeys oh great Story teller."

"Very well."

"I was being sarcastic…"

Time also passed slowly in Warfang. Cynder wept every night for the first few weeks, seeking comfort from Draco was the only thing really keeping her going, as each day became like the next. Going further outside the city to try and find Spyro. But just like Draco had said he had eventually found the Scroll in the weeks before. Of which then he explained in detail of what he need to do and that all that was missing was Spyro. And in return helped Cynder search for Spyro. Gravelle had completely disappeared as well, and as presumed shifted to the burnt lands to prepare the soldiers for war once more.

Two months later and the City guards had given up their search, as each and every search turned up Fruitless. Many even presumed Spyro dead but as time went on more and more information leaked out about purple dragons. Shifting many of the city's opinions to that of fear and hate. Fear that one day Spyro would return to finish what Malefor started. This greatly upset the dragoness even more, so she simply stayed away from the city.

Three months later and even Cynder lost hope of finding Spyro, spending less and less time each day trying to find him. And more time in the comfort of Draco.

Back in Spyro's dreams.

Spyro awoke from his slumber.

"Another four months already? It's going quicker than expected."

After stretching out he takes a look around. Only to see a silhouette of a black drake standing in the distance.

"I presume he's the final trial…"

Spyro took, and flew in the direction of the dragon, where he stopped just in time to see the creature's fang-bearing grin and devilish red eyes. Spyro landed slightly further away from what he would usually do."

"Hello? Are you the third trial?"

In response the Black drake quickly raised his left hand to the skies. Boom! The drake conjured a storm as thunder danced along the sky, as the sky turned dark and a wind shredded it's away across. Rain pounded the dragons and the ground.

"What? What do I need to do here?"

Again the drake flashed a wicked grin, and this time the dragon raised his right arm, and as he did, an apparition of a dragon rose from the ground. Shadows emitted from the dragon like fire. The Shadow then opened its eyes, to reveal nothing but white spheres.

"It's…me…"

"BaTtLe Me, SpRyO. NOw!" It said, voice distorted.

"Battle you? I don't want to fight you. The other two said you were a part of me, and that to fight you was to fight myself."

"WhAtS wRoNg? AfRaId Of LoSiNg? DoN't YoU kNoW tHe OnLy WaY pAsT Is ThRoUgH Me?"

"Well if it's the only way."

(Recommended song –Invincible– Two Steps from Hell)

Spyro charged, using his wings to give off extra propulsion. Dark Spyro does the same. Leaping at Spyro using his wings for extra boost. Both dragons formed fists from their opposing hands, striking each other on the chin, causing them both to trip and fall. Spyro recovers quick, twisting his body and landing on his feet again. Spyro dug his claws into the ground. Only to find Dark Spyro had already done the same, ready to strike as well.

Spyro takes to the air and as if synchronised so did Dark Spyro taking off to the skies. As rain dripped off their scales. Spyro strikes at Dark Spyro, who in return strikes back at the same time. A flurry of claw strikes ensued, each cutting deep into their enemy, causing blood to leak and rip like the rain. Using his tail Spyro wrapped it around his foe's fore arm. Then jerked backwards to make him lose balance. However, Spyro was similarly pulled, as both dragon's head collided, which caused both to fall back towards the ground, landing with a hard thud.

Spyro struggled to get up, as did Dark Spyro.

"If I use my breath I will only exhaust myself like before."

Spyro then approached Dark Spyro once more, as he reared up on his hind legs to unleash his powerful swipe. Dark Spyro copied. Raising up as well.

"Hang on…"

Before Spyro struck he quickly flapped backwards to gain distance on his adversary. Only to see Dark Spyro do the same.

"Is he…Is he simply doing everything I'm doing?"

Spyro tilted his head, and at the same time so did Dark Spyro.

"WhAt ArE yOu WaItInG fOr? LeT Us FiNiSh ThIs. Or aRe YoU SiMpLy ToO aFrAiD?"

"You're just copying everything I do."

"WhAt? Of CaUsE I'm Not, I Am DaRk SpYrO. tHe TrUe YoU. NOw FaCe Me."

Spyro raised his claw, as did Dark Spyro.

"That's the thing, you say these things, threats that make me fear you. But in the end I am in control of you. I just never truly realised until now. Now that I realise I don't have to be afraid of you anymore, I understand that you're simply a part of me, a part that feeds of my negativity. And because of that I not only accept you, but I also accept the fact you're a side of me who deeply cares for others."

"ThAt Is NoT tRuE. I Am EvIl. ThE EvIl ThAt WiLl TaKe OvER."

"Not this time. Today I Control you." Spyro said, as he started walking forward, forcing Dark Spyro to walk forward aswell.

"No! NoOoOo! ThE oNlY wAy PaSt Is ThRoUgH mE!"

"Not this time, this time I control you." Spyro says extending his hand out, of which against his will so did Dark Spyro.

They both shakes claws. And with a bright flash everything disappeared. The dark looming clouds. The erratic Lightning, the drizzling rain. Even Dark Spyro vanished into nothing. Spyro checked his body to fins his wounds had completed healed. Spyro looked forward as the same black dragon, now stood before Spyro. He looked different though, a lot less menacing with his ruby eyes.

"You had done well. Not only do you now understand that Dark Spyro is simply a part of you, or that you accept it for that reason, but you also understand that regardless, you don't have to fear it any longer. I am Master Mireg and this, was the trial of reflection."

"Thanks…I guess again. But what happens know that I have past all three trials? Am I free now."

"No…there is still one more trial. For which you will need to remember all of the lessons you have learnt. That will happen in the last four months. Use this time to remember all you have learnt. For once you have parted from the crystal you will not remember anything here. Just the events before and after. Farewell young dragon. Until we meet again."

"Meet again, what do you mean?"

But the dragon was already gone.

"Sigh…I thought they said there were only 3 trials." He said, as he curled up one more.

During the four months however. A lot had changed. Warfang had nearly been rebuilt, with the Forbidden Passage re-decorated and restructured. However, the potential return of the purple dragon still had everyone at an unease. Cynder and Draco had eventually given up on Spyro's return. Even Cynder begun fearing of Spyro's return more than hoping. So instead they helped around with the repairing of the city walls.

Back in the cave Sparx was on Border line insanity, even with the stories of the foxes Sparx was struggling. He did however stop his sarcasm. The foxes themselves took turns going back to the city, observing from afar the current happenings. But regardless they waited. Waiting for the outcome.

"Dusk…?"

"Yes Sparx."

"Is this actually going to work. I mean eight months and nothing happened."

"He still has four months. Give him the time."

"But what if it doesn't work."

"That is what troubles me admittedly…"

"What do ya mean?"

"There are two outcomes…Either one Spyro comes clean…Or we unleash rage even worse than Malefor's."

"Whaat!"

"You didn't tell me that."

"You two had enough to worry about."

"Come on…Just give me a break from the dreary doomy news…"

"It's not however a decided factor, not until the final day."

Four months later Back inside Spyro's dream.

Spyro awakes. To find the three dragons standing before him.

"Spyro, you have come a long way since we first encountered you." Magnus said.

"You have taken aboard everything we have taught you." Blizzia added.

"Now here we are, your final trial." Mireg said.

"Final Trial? What do I need to do?"

"There are six key lessons you have learnt from this."

"From what you have learnt extract them."

"And simply speak them to us. Then we are done."

"Six lessons…"

"Take your time…"

Spyro paced up and down, pondering what these lessons could be.

"One, to know my darkness, I have got know myself. Two, That Darkness is simply an apart of me, to wish it away is to wish my life away. Three, there will always be people who will try to hinder me, and the solution is simply push them away. Four, Memories should not be forgotten, nor pushed aside, but instead remembered in a positive light. Five, I am in control of my darkness, I have nothing to fear, to fear it, is to want it to take over. And six Friends are what I fight for."

The three dragons smile and without uttering another word vanish. Leaving the Spyro one his own for the last time. The Aether room started breaking apart, as cracks appeared in the floor and the sky.

"I guess it's time for me to go back…Yay…heh."

The dream shatters, revealing nothing but blackness. On the outside, Sparx, Dusk and awn had been paying attention, keeping track of the days and knowing that today, the wait was over.

"It is finally here…The day where we make or break the Purple dragon."

A huge crack appeared among the crystal that contained Spyro, moments later it shattered, spewing fragments and Spyro onto the hard floor.

"Spyro Buddy…You in there bro?"

Spyro doesn't immediately respond.

"You killed my bro you fiends!"

"urgh…Sparx?"

"Never mind. Spyro man" The dragonfly Exclaimed, hugging his brother.

"It's good seeing you too…"

"How do you feel Spyro…Do you feel any different?"

"Different?"

"About the darkness."

"Darkness…? Oh right Yes! It feels…far away, like I never have to be afraid anymore."

Dusk and Dawn smiled at each other and nuzzled While Sparx did a couple of victory cheers. Spyro just smiled.

"Thank you all…Dusk…Everything here was thanks to you."

"Say Dusk? What do we do now?"

"That there is simple. You're free to go home."

A lot of things had happened this chapter, but Spyro is finally free of his darkness…Or is he. But now he can finally return home after an entire year! What when he says about his revelation will everyone think of him, and what about Cynder and Draco? Surely they will be happy.

This is also the first official chapter of the remake. As the previous chapters had already been written and uploaded before. But today marks the official restart to the story :).