Author's Note:
Hey Everyone! Welcome back to another chapter. Thirteen chapters… wow… This is starting to get really fun and much more challenging which I guess is an extra bonus. Thanks to all of you who have reviewed, favourited, followed and even remotely read our story. Even if you have read one word, thank you. Thanks to all my frequent reviewers!:
- IllusionMaster
- Dragon of Mystery
- TARDIS
I'm sorry for this chapter coming out late. I had a pretty emotional week. Recently, my Nan passed away due to dementia and I have had to work quite a bit which meant less time with Cheetah, my family and less time to write. It's been difficult, but now that it's getting closer to Christmas, it should hopefully sort itself out. Hope you guys enjoy this next chapter. This one will probably get a smile on your face. Now without further ado…
Let the story continue!
Chapter 13: Teachings and Training
The rising sun blared its first light of day, shining onto the world and waking up its inhabitants. The hay draped over the wooden houses in the cheetah village began to glow gold, birds chirping as the world came to life at the first sign of day. Looking out of the window and tightening a bow string, Hunter stared at the sun rising in the distance, his mind racing with thoughts of Cynder's words from the previous day. After finishing the repairs to his bow, Hunter placed in it in the corner and stared out of the window, lost in thought.
His past memories with Spyro ran through his mind, and he began thinking of what could happen if Mortem truly took over... what it would mean to the lands... what it would mean to himself and his newly formed family. It hurt him to know that this thing inside of Spyro could cause the purple dragon to lose himself and do some terrible things.
He knew he needed to do some training with Cynder to get her into fighting shape to stand a chance of saving Spyro, which would be a tough task due to the injuries she had sustained. He knew that if she stood any chance of surviving her journey, she would need to regain the skills that she had long since forgotten. He sighed and cleared his throat, soon hearing a voice behind him.
"Something on your mind?" the voice said, causing Hunter to smile as the sweet and soft sound filled his ears.
"You could say that," Hunter replied, turning round to see the wife that he loved so dearly. "Never could get much past you, Clover."
Standing in the doorway, wearing a bright red gown decorated with golden stars, was Hunter's wife Clover. Her red fur shone as the light from the sun glowed through the window, also lighting up her cyan eyes. She had a caring smile on her face, one that never seemed to fade.
"What's wrong, dear?" Clover asked him, placing a paw on his shoulder.
"It's about Cynder and her journey," Hunter replied, placing his paw on hers. "I'm deeply worried for her and Spyro."
"She'll be fine, Hunter," Clover reassured him. "She's strong and driven... kinda reminds me of someone."
"Who? Prowlus?"
"No, you silly feline. You," Clover chuckled. "You could never sit still before we had Aerith, and when you do, it's either cause you're in thought or you're hungry."
"Very funny," Hunter smirked. "Still… I feel uneasy about all this mess, what if she fails and… Spyro…"
"Hey, don't go all doom and gloom on me," Clover said sternly. "I had enough of that before we got married. But… like I said before, Cynder will do this and Spyro will be fine. That being said, you have more important things to worry about at the moment. Aerith is growing up so fast and she will need her father to guide her every step of the way."
Hunter walked back over to the window and leaned on the frame, staring at the sunrise with eyes deep in thought and his fur shining a soft gold.
"Sometimes I feel like I fail her," Hunter said sadly.
"Now that certainly isn't true," Clover replied. "I've seen the way that she looks at you, and It's obvious that what you're saying is not the case. You're a hero to her, and to me."
Hunter smiled as Clover made her way over to him, putting her paws on his cheeks. Clover kissed him softly on the forehead before bringing his eyes up towards hers. They were indeed full of worry, but also full of kindness. She then gave him a loving kiss on the lips, sighing in contentment before pulling away. The two cheetahs stayed in their loving embrace for a few minutes, taking in the warmth of each other's touch and the unison of their beating hearts. Clover untangled her arms from Hunter, before placing a soft kiss on his cheek.
"Now Mr Grumpy Draws, since you're training Cynder today you're gonna need your strength, what do you fancy for breakfast? Your favourite?" Clover asked him, forcing a smile to emerge on his face.
"You always know how to cheer me up," Hunter said softly, beaming as his heart skipped a beat due to Clover's sweet smile. "I love you."
"Love you too, you big softy. Shall I wake up Little Miss Mischief or do you want to do the honours?"
"Although I do miss the thrill of fighting, I'd rather not have to deal with an angry child," Hunter laughed.
"Alright then, I better get something for this, mister," Clover smirked cheekly, standing in the doorway.
"I'm sure I'll think of something…" he winked, causing Clover to blush slightly.
"Naughty…"
Hunter gave a low chuckle as Clover rolled her eyes with a scoff, before she turned and walked out of the room. The skilled archer just sighed after bringing his chuckles to a stop, standing up and stretching, lifting his paws into the air as he puffed out his chest. He then began to make his way out of the room after Clover, who was now waking up Aerith. Hunter could hear his daughter's frustrated, tired groans of protest coming from her room as he walked past it, smiling as he went. Although she was a young cheetah, she did have quite the temper, obviously obtaining it from her mother's side. After a series of groans and mumbles, Aerith made her way to the breakfast table, followed by her father, eyes droopy with tiredness.
"Good morning, moonshine," Hunter chirped. "Sleep well?"
"Yeah…" Aerith mumbled, rubbing her eyes.
"Good," Hunter replied with a smile.
Aerith slumped down onto her chair with a huff, her eyes dropping to a state of half-open and half-closed.
"I had a wonderful dream last night Daddy," Aerith said groggily.
"And what was that?" Hunter asked his daughter.
"I dreamt that I was flying, sitting on a dragon's back," Aerith recollected, making Hunter smile at his little girl's imagination. "I went high above the clouds, I saw Mummy below us and I waved to her. We flew for ages and did swirls and flips."
"Oh really? That sounds like fun."
"Yeah, I want to know how dragons fly! So then I can learn to fly myself!" Aerith said, bouncing in her chair.
Hunter gave a slight chuckle at his daughter's innocence, enthusiasm and naivety, believing she could fly if she put her mind to it. Hunter was in awe of her imagination and how powerful it was, something that was common in children her age. He missed the carefree days of his youth, but he was thankful he could experience it once more in the form of his daughter.
Aerith suddenly gasped as she stared at the table, her eyes widening in realisation.
"Maybe I could ask Cynder!" she exclaimed.
"Well your father is going to see her this morning so… if it's okay with him, you can go and ask her yourself," Clover said as she entered the room with their breakfast.
"Can I go? Please Daddy? Please?" Aerith pleaded, bouncing in her seat.
"Alright Aerith, you can come," Hunter chuckled.
Aerith yelled in triumph, raising her small paws in the air and beaming wildly. She hurried to the other side of the table, leaping onto her father and giving him a tight embrace.
"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" Aerith repeated excitedly, letting go of her father and jumping up and down.
"Alright Aerith, sit down at the table please," Clover laughed, guiding her back over to her seat.
Hunter looked down at the food that had been prepared. A large plate of meat was positioned in the middle, steam billowing up from it and its scent filling his nostrils, making his mouth water. A basket of berries and small cups of water were also placed on the table, the cups next to each inhabitant of the table.
"You better eat up then Aerith," Hunter said while smiling. "Got a busy day today."
Within minutes, the food was eaten by the cheetah family, each sighing in satisfaction at the feeling of their now full stomachs. Hunter pulled himself up and grabbed his bow from the corner of the room. He said his goodbyes to Clover and, with his paw clutching Aerith's, he made his way over to the medical shelter where Cynder was sleeping soundly. Aerith skipped beside him, her eyes shining in the early morning sun and a broad smile plastered across her face.
"I can't wait to see her!" Aerith exclaimed. "I want to find out so much more about dragons!"
"Well we mustn't be rude Aerith," Hunter said sternly. "Let her wake up first and then you can ask some questions."
"Okay Daddy!"
Upon reaching the shelter, Hunter stopped and bent down to Aerith's level, telling her to wait there while he went inside to wake Cynder up. Aerith nodded as she let go of her father's paw, allowing him to walk inside. As he entered, Hunter smiled as he caught sight of Cynder, who was sleeping soundly, her head resting on her paws and a soft smile on her maw. The bandages on her paws and body were falling off slightly, but were still painted a slight red from her injuries. He didn't want to wake her from the dream she was having, but he knew that he could not waste any of the precious time they needed for her training.
"Mmm… Spyro…" she mumbled in her sleep as Hunter took a step closer, making him smile at the love in Cynder's voice.
As he got closer, a floorboard creaked under his paw as he took another step, causing him to wince nervously, holding a gasp in his throat. Suddenly, Cynder's eyes snapped open, before she immediately leapt off the bed in a frantic blur. She slammed Hunter to the ground, pinning him. He took a split second to recover from the heavy hit, head stinging due to it being ploughed into the wooden floor from the force of Cynder's push. As he recovered, his vision cleared, seeing Cynder standing over him, fangs bared and a harsh snarl rumbling from her throat, a ferocious look in her eyes.
"CYNDER! CYNDER, IT'S ME!" Hunter insisted, trying desperately to roll out from underneath her, eyes wide and panicked. "IT'S HUNTER!"
Cynder's snarl suddenly disappeared, and a look of regret and remorse filled her expression. She quickly jumped off of him, backing away and leaning against the bed.
"H-H-Hunter…?" she stammered with a quivering voice, her breathing quick and sharp. "A-Are you okay?"
"I am unharmed, the question is… are you alright?" Hunter asked her, straightening his cloak and pulling himself up. "You must've had quite the scare to react that violently."
"Yeah… sorry… I guess I was scared that… Mortem came for me…" Cynder mumbled, her eyes full of worry and fear. "I am so paranoid about it right now. I was dreaming about Spyro and… and being hearing creaking floorboards… it scared me so much I guess it brought me from my sleep."
Hunter opened his mouth to speak, but was interrupted by a small whimper. His heart caught in his throat as he whirled around, seeing Aerith standing in the doorway, paws balled into fists against her chest as if it were an attempt to still her frantically beating heart. Tears streamed down her face, terrified from seeing the dragon she was so excited to see tackle her father to the ground, looking ready to end his life then and there. Her face was scrunched up in raw emotion as she fought against the hot, salty tears welling up in her eyes.
Quick as a flash, Hunter rushed to his child, arms outstretched, bringing her into a safe, comforting hug; a hug that only a father could give. His eyes were wide and he fought for breath as he tried to piece together what was going on. Aerith quickly crumpled into his hold, letting the emotions free as she sobbed fearfully. She was such a little cub, still fresh to the world. Such a display of hostility would've been horrifying for her. Hunter tried shushing her, rubbing her back comfortingly.
He heard Cynder give a shattered sob behind him, causing him to turn around and see Cynder also beginning to break down. She held a paw over her maw in shock, tears running down her face, eyes glistening with moisture and bloodshot. She was hyperventilating, breathing heavily and rapidly to try and keep her sobs at a minimum, knowing that she could scare the little cub further if she let out a loud sob as she knew she very well could.
"I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!" Cynder cried. "I didn't mean it! I didn't mean to scare you Aerith! I… I… I'm so s-s-sorry!"
Hunter just nodded, and he knew Cynder got his message due to the forgiveness in his eyes as he kept his gaze locked on the dragoness. His voice however, was focused on his child, shushing her and speaking comforting words to her to help calm her down.
"You're gonna be fine, honey," Hunter said soothingly. "It's all fine. I'm fine. You don't have to worry."
"B-b-b-but sh-sh-she…" Aerith stammered.
"It's okay, Aerith. It's okay. Cynder's just stressed and worried right now. She thought I was someone else," Hunter explained.
"But it was scary!"
"I know. I know it was. Dragons can be scary creatures. But, they can also be the kindest, most gentlest creatures in the world," Hunter said, ending the hug before grabbing a hold of his daughter's paw. "Come on, you wanted to talk to her didn't you? You wanted to know how dragons can fly."
"What if she hurts me?"
"She won't, moonshine. She won't. She's safe. Come on, let's go talk to her."
"O-o-okay…"
Slowly and carefully, Hunter stood and began to lead Aerith towards Cynder, holding her paw gently. Aerith however, gripped onto her father's paw with a lot more force, digging her tiny little claws into his flesh. Cynder in the meantime sat down carefully, lowering her head as to not make herself look too intimidating.
Very soon they were standing face-to-face. Aerith raised a shaky, cautious paw and placed it on the front of Cynder's snout, looking deep into her teary emerald eyes.
"Wh-wh-why are you c-c-c-crying, Mrs Cynder?" Aerith asked.
"Because I scared you, little one," Cynder said softly. "I didn't mean to scare you, or hurt your daddy. I'm sorry, Aerith."
"It's… It's okay…" Aerith said slowly, using her free paw to wipe her eyes.
"See, Aerith? There's no reason to be afraid," Hunter said softly, a calm smile on his lips.
"Mmm…" Aerith mumbled, before she felt the need to ask a question that was forming in her mind. "But… she looked scary. Are all dragons scary?"
"Not at all Aerith, us dragons can be scary creatures sometimes. We're big and have lots of sharp teeth and claws. But a lot of the time we're very friendly and nice to be around," Cynder explained. "I'm sorry I scared you, but I'm the friendly dragon now. I'm your friend. You don't have to fear me."
Aerith just nodded and gave a small smile. Hunter sighed, knowing that she was starting to come around to the large dragoness once more. He was worried that the scare would put her off being around dragons for good.
"She's been so looking forward to see you all morning, Cynder," Hunter said.
"Has she?" Cynder asked in surprise.
"Indeed she has, and I think now that you have told her what dragons are like, I think Aerith forgives you for that little scare. Isn't that right, moonshine?"
Aerith looked up at her father, before looking back into Cynder's drying eyes and nodding with intent, a neutral expression painted on her face. Cynder smiled at this, thanking the ancestors that she hadn't scared the cub too much.
"She actually had a dream last night of flying on a dragon," Hunter said.
"Really?" Cynder questioned.
"Yeah," Aerith muttered. "Yeah I did."
"Can I hear what it was like?" Cynder asked, making Aerith step forward a little.
"Well… we flew above the clouds and I could see my Mummy from the sky. I waved down to her and I could see the entire village."
"I see, that sounds like a wonderful dream," Cynder smiled gently, an idea brewing in her head. "Did you… Did you wanna go flying? For real?"
Aerith's eyes lit up at this, and she looked to her father, the question for permission glistening in her eyes. Hunter just nodded, and finally the wide smile returned slowly to the cub's face.
"Yes please!" she exclaimed.
"I would like to go too," Hunter chuckled. "Flying can be pretty scary for someone your age Aerith, and I would also like to see the world through a dragon's eyes."
"As scary as Cynder?" Aerith asked, but Hunter and Cynder knew it was not out of spite due to the smile on her face.
"No, not as scary as Cynder," Hunter replied. "But still scary; we are up pretty high in the air after all."
"I know! That's why I wanted to go! I might see a rainbow!" Aerith exclaimed, making both Hunter and Cynder smile at her imagination.
"Well, let's go make your dream come true shall we?"
"Yeah!"
Cynder made her way out of the shelter and led them outside. She waved for Aerith and Hunter to make their way over, and lowered herself so that her underbelly was touching the ground. Hunter lifted Aerith onto Cynder's back, hopping on himself and wrapping his arms around a buzzing Aerith.
"Are you ready?" Cynder asked them.
"Yeah!" Aerith replied, raising her paws in the air.
"Hold on tight!"
Within a second, Cynder flapped her wings and launched herself into the air, Aerith holding tightly onto her horns and yelping at the force of the sudden jolt into the air. Further and further up they flew, Hunter and Aerith shouting in triumph as they enjoyed their first experience of being in the air. Cynder took them above the clouds, the cool fresh air breezing against their faces. The sun smothered them in its blaze as they flew, filling Aerith's eyes. The little cheetah's dream was coming true, her heart pounding out of her chest as she smiled with delight. Cynder giggled at the little cub's actions, basking in the fact that she managed to make her smile.
"Do a flip!" Aerith shouted, clapping her paws.
"Oh no, moonshine. I think breakfast will disappear from my- WOOAHHHHH!"
Suddenly, Cynder jolted up in the air, starting to turn upside down and gaining speed. Aerith screamed with delight as her father tried to keep this morning's breakfast inside of his stomach. Cynder began to level out after completely her loop in the air, feeling slightly proud of herself for pulling it off.
"That was so cool!" Aerith screamed in delight. "Do it again!"
"No… I think… gah… that's enough tricks for today…" Hunter groaned, clutching his stomach and chuckling nervously.
Cynder laughed at Hunter's actions and flew on further, making sure to keep within distance of the cheetah village. Aerith let go of Cynder's horns, placing her arms either side of her like wings from an aeroplane. Hunter made sure to keep a firm hold of her, but smiled sweetly as his daughter lived her dream.
"Look Daddy! I'm flying!" she exclaimed in delight, making her father chuckle but tighten his grip on her.
"Indeed you are Aerith," Hunter replied. "Is this everything you hoped it would be?"
"Yeah, it's amazing! I never knew the world was so big!" Aerith exclaimed. "It must be so good being able to fly and seeing this all the time!"
"It does have its moments," Cynder smiled, staring at the world below her.
"Dragons are really cool! They can fly and do all sorts of amazing things!" Aerith shouted. "I wanna know more about dragons, Daddy!"
"Well, how about asking those questions you wanted to ask Cynder?" Hunter suggested.
Aerith gasped, the little cub's brain only just making the connection, before she began to bombard the black dragoness with questions.
"Where do dragons live? What types of things do they do? What types of games do you play? Are there kids to play with?"
"Hold on, moonshine! One question at a time!" Hunter laughed, patting Aerith on the back softly to calm her down.
"I can probably answer most of those questions anyway," Cynder replied. "So uh… we kinda live all over the place. There are many dragon cities scattered around the world, but the main one is Warfang. Is the capital city of all dragons and that's where myself and Spyro live. You can actually get there from your home through an old underground passage. There are some cheetahs that live in Warfang too, as well as some creatures named moles."
Aerith's eyes growing ever wider in amazement, her little heart beating with excitement as she heard that multiple creatures were living inside of this city.
"What are the moles like?!" she asked Cynder with intrigue.
"Now moles are very different from you and me. They have much longer snouts and very bad eyesight so they rely on their senses. Funnily enough, they taught myself and Spyro how to rely on our senses too, and it gave us the upper hand in most battles. They have three small claws on their hands and feet and they're much smaller than us. You see, dragons grow much faster than moles so that is why they are so small as children and as adults. At one point, I was smaller than your daddy. About chest height I'd say," Cynder explained.
Aerith suddenly looked over at the father, finding it hard to believe how Cynder could have ever been smaller than Hunter.
"My daddy was taller than you?! Wow!" Aerith said, looking back and forth between the dragon beneath her and her father who was smiling sweetly at his daughter's intrigue.
"There are also plenty of creatures your age too. Most of them are hatchlings, but some are cheetah cubs and young moles, but they all like the same things. I teach some of them at home, usually the hatchlings how to fly."
"This place sounds awesome! Can we go someday?" Aerith asked her father who chuckled at her excitement.
"If your mother allows it and Chief Prowlus does not need me on watch, then yes," Hunter answered with a smile. "It'd be great to visit Warfang again anyway; it's been years since I last visited."
Clover thought for a moment, staring back at Cynder's wings and then at the ground below, remembering the question that she wanted to ask.
"How do dragons fly?" Aerith asked with enthusiasm.
Cynder chuckled in response, thinking how exactly to answer the cub's question.
"Well… dragons do not learn it straight away; they learn it over time and it takes a lot of effort," Cynder explained. "But, usually it begins by flapping your wings to a degree that it lifts you off the ground. You don't need to flap your wings to keep yourself in the air however, you can glide, which is something that dragons tend to do to rest their wings for a bit. But there are also other things that we need to watch out for, such as the direction of the wind and how strong it is."
Aerith listened intently, taking in every word. She was fascinated by dragons, and this just fueled her fascination ever more. Suddenly, she felt a small chill come over her, Hunter too was beginning to feel the effects of high altitudes. Cynder looked back, seeing the two cheetahs shivering a little.
"We'd better head back now," Cynder said. "It's starting to get a little bit cold up here. Plus, your daddy and I have a bit of work to do."
"Aww, do we have to go back?" Aerith complained. "It's so amazing up here! I love it!"
"Tell you what, next time we see each other I can take you on another flight. How does that sound?"
"Yes please!"
"Alright, moonshine," Hunter replied with a chuckle. "Calm yourself now, we don't want to make Cynder lose her balance."
"It's alright, Hunter. I've had hatchlings crash into me while learning to fly. A bit of excitement from a cheetah cub doesn't bother me at all," Cynder explained. "Plus, I'm happy that she's enjoying it. It's making me enjoy flying a lot more too. Flying is honestly something most dragons take for granted after they've been doing it for years on end like I have. It's great to enjoy it once more and live through it again, fresh with the eyes of a child. Especially given how my childhood was like."
Hunter murmured in agreement. Aerith, however, had caught onto Cynder's last sentence and was immediately filled with the innocent curiosity of a child.
"Childhood? What was Mrs Cynder's childhood like?" she questioned.
There was a bit of a hesitant pause between Cynder and Hunter, knowing that trying to explain Cynder's childhood would be too frightening and possibly scarring for the little cub. Hunter quickly took it into his own paws, trying to speak softly and gently the way only a father could.
"Well, moonshine… Cynder didn't exactly have the best childhood," he explained slowly and carefully. "She wasn't gifted with a lot of the things you have. It wasn't a very happy childhood."
"Didn't she have a mummy and daddy to help make her feel better? Like you do with me?" Aerith questioned.
"No, moonshine. Cynder didn't have a mummy or daddy."
Aerith went quiet after this, before she wriggled herself out of her father's hold and lowered her torso down to Cynder's back, lying down upon it and wrapping her tiny arms around as much of Cynder's body as she could, giving her an innocent, apologetic hug.
"I'm sorry, Mrs Cynder. I didn't know. I don't know what it'd be like having no mummy or daddy, but I know I would be sad if I didn't have them. Do you still have no mummy or daddy?" Aerith asked.
"Yeah," Cynder replied. "I still don't have a mummy or daddy."
"That sounds awful, are you sad?"
"Umm… yeah. But not over that though. I've been going through some other problems that have made me sad. But don't worry about me; I'm fine. You're making me happy right now, Aerith."
"That's good. Being happy is always good. No one should be sad."
Cynder just nodded, mumbling in agreement. She couldn't help but think about Spyro again, and a soft sigh left her maw. However, her thoughts were interrupted as Aerith let out a loud shout.
"Look, I see Mummy!"
Cynder and Hunter looked down to where Aerith was looking as they began to close in on the cheetah village, seeing Clover standing outside and washing dirty tunics in a large soapy bucket. Clover looked up, hearing Aerith's exclamation, before waving at her. Cynder slowed down, stretching her paws as she landed, lowering herself down to her belly to allow Hunter and Aerith to get down. Aerith ran over to her mother, leaping into her arms and giggling wildly.
"Mummy! I flew! Did you see me? I flew!" Aerith shouted in triumph, hugging her mother tightly.
"I saw! You looked like you were having fun!" Clover laughed, spinning around while lifting Aerith in the air.
Cynder and Hunter smiled at the two cheetahs before them, laughing and giggling.
"Thank you Cynder," Hunter said to her. "You just made my little girl's dream come true."
Cynder felt tears well in her eyes. Although her heart was hurting from Spyro's sickness, helping a young cub, who had barely begun her life, live her dream was the greatest feeling of happiness she had felt over the last few days.
"It's my pleasure Hunter," she replied with a smile.
Hunter stared at his family, a broad smile emerging and a tear in his eye. His daughter was beaming after the thrill of the flight, her eyes shining as the sun reflected in them. His own heart was racing from it. It had been an amazing, beautiful sight, seeing the world from above the sky. To Aerith however, it would've been a dream come true. Being so young and still so fresh to the world, to be able to see the great expanse of it in the way she did, it was quite the special experience for a young cub such as herself. Hunter felt so proud of his daughter, who was still hugging her mother. She was such a happy little cub and was very interested in many things.
He loved Aerith with every fibre of his being. His daughter meant everything to him. Seeing her so happy and her dream come true made his heart swell. He almost wondered if he was even happier than she was.
"So, Aerith, we'd better let Hunter and Cynder be now," Clover said softly to Aerith.
"Aww, why?"
"Well they have to do some training, and it'd be safer for you if you weren't nearby. Plus, we have our own job to do. We have to get you a new tunic after you ruined it playing in the mud a few days ago."
"But it was raining and everything was wet! And all the other cubs were playing in the mud too!" Aerith complained.
"I know, Aerith," Clover replied. "Come on, it'll be over soon. We might even get back in time to see Cynder again."
"Oh, okay."
"You'd better listen to your mother, little one," Cynder chuckled. "Have fun. I'll see you later."
"Bye, Mrs Cynder!" Aerith farewelled as Clover began to walk off towards the markets, trying to pull her along. "Thanks for the flight!"
"My pleasure. I'd love to take you on more!"
Aerith let out a cheer of delight, before running forward to catch up with her mother. Hunter just chuckled at Aerith's enthusiasm and energy.
"Kids," he said. "So full of energy. You gotta love them for it."
Cynder nodded. The energy and optimism that kids had seemed to be contagious. It was hard not to be sad or upset around them unless it was a very bad day. Once more she found herself longing to have her own children. It'd definitely be something to talk to Spyro about once he was free from Mortem.
If he ever got free that is.
She stared down at her bandages, their fabrics starting to come off, trailing down her leg. Using her teeth, she wrapped it round her leg, grimacing as she felt a twinge of pain from tightening it. Sighing, she turned back towards Hunter and rotated her head, making her neck click.
"Well, I guess we should probably start training then," Cynder piped up, trying to get her mind off Spyro and Mortem, as well as trying to begin work on the solution. "If I'm going to try and save Spyro I'm gonna need as much training as I can get."
"Indeed, let us begin," Hunter said, throwing a small rock at her..
"OW! What was that for?!" Cynder exclaimed, rubbing the side of her face.
"The element of surprise," Hunter replied. "You let your guard down and that can make subjectable to attacks Cynder. You must be ready at all times."
"You sound like Spyro."
"Then he must know what he's doing, how often does he train?"
"Whenever he can, usually I have to teach hatchlings how to fly so… I usually don't have the time to."
"Well, we have a lot of work to do. Come along, Cynder."
Hunter led Cynder through the village, cheetahs greeting them as they walked past. Although Cynder was on edge, most cheetahs gave her a wave and a thanks for saving their world. There wasn't a single one that gave her the cold shoulder, or shouted her name in hatred. It was almost like home.
They wandered through the streets and into a large open area, filled with bokken-wielding cheetahs. They chanted as an order was given, striking their wooden weapons against another's opposite them. They suddenly stopped as Hunter and Cynder got closer, putting their bokkens to their sides and standing straight with their paws behind their backs.
"Ah! Hunter! You have returned," said a familiar voice. "And it seems like you have company."
Cynder knew the voice instantly, her mind filling with memories of the fight that herself and Spyro fought to protect the village. The voice she heard was Chief Prowlus'. He was standing opposite her with a smile on his face, taking each stop slowly and nodding to each student.
"May I say how wonderful it is to see you again Cynder," Prowlus smiled, eyes sparkling with a newfound appreciation for her. "Seems you have grown quite a bit since our last encounter, but my respect for you also has grown significantly after you saved the lands."
"Well… it wasn't just me, my husband did most of it," Cynder chuckled nervously.
"Ah yes... that being said, I am glad that you and Spyro found more than just friendship with each other. In a way, it is kind of heartwarming."
Cynder blushed at Prowlus' words, bowing her head to hide it.
"Hunter has brought me up to speed on everything that you have been through, and your current objective," Prowlus explained, eyeing her bandages. "You were also in quite the state. If it wasn't for the quick actions of Hunter, Clover and my wife Rosie, we may have lost you."
"Yeah… I got quite the beating…" Cynder mumbled, feeling slightly ashamed that she was dragged in such a state.
"Well… let's make sure that never happens again shall we?" Prowlus smirked. "Students! Pay attention! Hunter, would you mind?"
"Not at all," Hunter shrugged, taking a bokken from one of the students.
"Now Cynder, we're going to test your awareness in battle. We're going to come at you from angles you least expect, so make sure you stay on guard," Prowlus explained, getting a nod from Cynder.
Bringing herself into the battle ready position, Cynder focused on the cheetahs in front of her, her eyes narrow and her muscles tensed. She made sure to keep her tailblade flat as to not injure them. Prowlus and Hunter stood side-by-side, bokkens ready, determined grins on their faces. Although this was only a training session, they knew that it would be entertaining to say the least. Especially for Prowlus.
Without warning, Prowlus made the first move, closing the gap between him and Cynder faster than she expected. She stepped back, albeit a bit clumsily, and the wooden sword smacked against Cynder's leg, removing some of the bandages that were hanging by a thread. She growled, swinging her paw towards Prowlus, but he dropped to the ground, the paw soaring over his head. Swiftly, he got himself onto his paws and whacked Cynder with the bokken again, stepping back out of her reach and making her growl in annoyance.
"Come on, Cynder! Focus!" Prowlus shouted.
"I'm trying!" Cynder retorted.
She saw in the corner of her eye more movement as Hunter moved towards her, as well as two other cheetahs, all wielding bokkens. One of the cheetah students, a tall, buff, red-furred one, got to her first, attempting to land a strike. She stepped back, keeping her footing careful and firm, before stepping to the side as Hunter tried to lunged into her side, bokken outstretched. The second cheetah student, a small blue-furred one, was right behind her, and he took his chance to smack her in the flank.
She recoiled, letting out a roar as she swiped at the blue-furred cheetah, finally scoring a hit as he was ploughed to the ground. Three more cheetah students came rushing at her, followed by Prowlus. Cynder knocked two students to the ground with a sweep of her tail, throwing their legs out from underneath them. Prowlus and the other student, yellow-furred with a scar over his right eye, acted quickly as they jumped over Cynder's tail. She quickly dodged a swing from Prowlus, but walked right into striking distance of the yellow-furred student, allowing him to poke her in the ribs with the wooden tip of his weapon.
"You're too slow, you think before you act! Use your instincts!" Prowlus ordered, circling her as Cynder calmed herself down. "Clear your mind, feel the earth beneath your feet."
"I'm trying!" Cynder scowled.
"Not hard enough!" Hunter roared from behind her, leaping down from a tree he had climbed, landing on her back.
Cynder growled as she tried to buck him off, but Hunter held on with a firm grip, poking her twice in the shoulder blades with his bokken. With one mighty flick of her body, she finally threw Hunter off her as he tumbled into the ground, but was then attacked by two of the students. She shuffled backwards, dodging each of the students' thrusts, before she knocked them to the ground with a swipe of her mighty paw.
"Getting better, but you still need practice," Prowlus taunted.
"You don't think I know that?!" Cynder retorted.
"Are you sure? After all, I'm still on my paws! You haven't knocked me to the ground once!"
"But I will do it, I promise you!"
"Well put your money where your snout is and do it!"
"Stop taunting me!"
"Pay attention!"
A blunt arrow struck her in the face, forcing a low, frustrated growl out of her. She looked towards where the arrow came from, seeing Hunter standing a few metres back with his bow aimed at her. He whipped out another arrow, nocking it to the bowstring and drawing back, aiming carefully at her. Letting out a roar, Cynder lunged at Hunter, eyes wild with anger. Prowlus quickly slapped her in the wrist with his bokken, throwing her balance off and sending her crashing into the ground. She hissed furiously, recoiling as Hunter released another blunt arrow at her, bouncing into her forehead once more.
"Cynder, you need to control yourself!" Prowlus yelled.
"SHUT UP! STOP TELLING ME WHAT TO DO!" Cynder screamed.
"Use your anger! Don't let it use you!" Prowlus growled. "The reason why you keep getting hit is because you are getting blinded by your anger and you can't register things properly! Use your anger to power your every strike!"
"I'M TRYING!" Cynder roared, before another arrow struck her in the face. "STOP IT!"
Prowlus yet again hit her paw with his bokken, forcing yet another snarl out of her throat.
"In a regular battle, your enemy would not stop. In fact, they'd keep going until you were dead," Hunter said darkly as he knocked a fourth arrow to the bowstring.
Cynder suddenly felt a heavy weight on her back as all the students climbed on top of her, poking her back with their weapons. She gave a heavy, angry puff, before trying to use her anger to strengthen her muscles and push herself up. She let out irritated, yet rhythmic breaths, trying to calm her wild, hazy vision, and to direct her anger to her limbs, not her head. Prowlus was right, she was letting her anger consume her and she couldn't think straight.
She finally stood up, before she thrashed about, knocking every student off her back, sending them crashing with a thud on the ground. Once more, Hunter shot an arrow in her direction, but this time she was prepared. She felt energised, her head moving upon her neck, sliding out of the way of the incoming projectile.
Prowlus surged forward, his bokken ready to smack her square in the jaw. Cynder, expecting this movement, spun round, maneuvering around the bokken and swiping Prowlus' legs out from underneath him with her tail. He landed with a thud onto the ground, a smile on his face as he chuckled. Hunter shot yet another arrow at her, this time being caught by Cynder with her paw, mere metres from her face. She moved her eyes over to Hunter, who smirked at her expression. It was determined and concentrated, an exact image of the Cynder that he had met twenty years ago. She flexed her paw, snapping the arrow in half.
"I think our work here is done," Prowlus said, wiping his paws and straightening his cloak.
"It would seem so," Hunter replied, placing his bow over his shoulder. "You did well Cynder, once you got up to speed."
"I guess I did," Cynder chuckled, slightly out of breath. "I'm sorry for… losing it."
"All you need to remember, is to channel that anger to your body," Prowlus reminded her, pointing to her chest. "Not your head."
"I understand."
"Good," Prowlus replied. "Now, I suggest we all get some rest after that. I for one would love something to eat."
"You and me both," Cynder added, turning her gaze to her bandages. "I think my bandages need replacing too."
"Very well, head on back with Hunter and get some rest. Students! You are now dismissed!"
"Yes, Chief Prowlus!" they all said in unison, each one giving a small bow and then all heading off to the main hall.
Prowlus bowed in respect and turned towards the hall, leaving Hunter and Cynder alone.
"Well… that went well," Hunter smirked.
"Yeah, I don't know why but… I feel much better, I feel like myself again," Cynder nodded.
"That's what we wanted to hear," Hunter smiled. "Come on, let's get you some food and those bandages sorted out."
Hunter led Cynder back into the medical shelter, soon bringing her a plate of venison meat and some berries. She gobbled it down in mere seconds, grinning as she swallowed her last mouthful. She felt accomplished and prepared, knowing that she had a fighting chance of saving Spyro now that she had regained her lost strength. Suddenly, the door opened, revealing the form of Clover who was carrying a bowl of water and some cloth.
"How are you feeling, Cynder?" she asked with a smile.
"Much better now that I've eaten," Cynder replied.
"You seem happier, now let's get these bandages off you."
Clover unravelled the bandages from Cynder's arms before dipping the cloth into the bowl, wetting it with water. Delicately, she dabbed Cynder's cuts, removing the dried blood that surrounded them. While Clover moved onto her hind leg, Cynder's thoughts began to revolve around Spyro once more, longing swelling up in her heart as she started at the wall. She thought back to before Mortem began his rampage on his mind, when Spyro was happy. Their relationship had been progressing really well, and it had even gotten to the point where hatchlings had been brought up. Cynder still wanted them, but she knew that Spyro was plagued with self-doubt. Would he be ready when he was freed from Mortem, if ever? She knew he was extremely nervous. To be honest, she had some nerves about her too when it came to the topic, but she felt deep in her heart that she was ready.
Questions continued burning in her mind about the topic. Would she be a good mother? Should Spyro's nerves be something to worry about? So many questions pressed down on her, and she needed someone to talk to about them. Clover was a mother, a new one at that. Maybe she could ask her?
"Hey Clover? Can I ask you something?" Cynder asked, twiddling her claws.
"Of course."
"How did Hunter react when you told him you were expecting?" Cynder enquired.
"Well… he was very surprised at first and he was very worried that he wouldn't be good enough for the job," Clover explained, her words sounding very similar to Cynder. "But when the time came, he found something inside himself that he never knew was there."
"Right…"
"Why'd you ask?"
"It's… complicated," Cynder mumbled.
"I've got time."
Cynder cleared her throat and thought of how to explain the constant questions that ran through her mind.
"Spyro and I have been together for quite a while and… we began to bring up the idea of raising our own children," Cynder explained, receiving excited expressions from Clover.
"That's great!" Clover exclaimed.
"But… he doesn't think that he's ready. I keep telling him that I think he'd do great… but he is so sure that he won't and he'll mess up or something."
"Being a parent is tough, but it doesn't mean it'll be without reward. There are highs and lows. Hunter was pretty nervous as well. I remember him telling me that with all the experience he's had in tough times like the war and all that, nothing ever prepared him for raising a child. He was also worried that with all the fighting he did in the war, as well as super taxing training, he would end up being a harsh father. But love comes first and it's made him the kindest man ever. I mean, you saw how he was with Aerith."
"Yeah. Yeah, I did. He does so well with her, making sure she's happy and all that."
"Exactly. You and Spyro just have to do what's right, treat them well, and make sure they remain the happiest little thing ever. Of course, you'll have your fights with your kids, but you gotta learn to continue loving them, unconditionally. Parenthood was never going to be easy."
Cynder nodded in reply, sighing sadly.
"I just wish there was more I could do to boost Spyro's confidence. I'm also worried he'll lose even more of it after this whole Mortem thing," she mumbled.
"Just stay strong, keep your faith in him high, and make sure he knows he's loved and doing well," Clover said. "Encouragement sounds like something he will need. Also, let him know what I said about the hatchling thing. No parent is ever ready. No parent could ever prepare for what a child could bring. If he's nervous, then that's perfect. Most fathers are. Hunter was. Just be there for him. That's the best thing you can do."
"Thanks, Clover," Cynder replied with a smile. "It means a lot."
Clover smiled sweetly and continued tending to her unbandaged wounds, stopping as a thought entered her mind. She stared back up at Cynder after washing her leg wound, her eyes glazed with intrigue.
"Can I ask you something?" Clover asked.
"Sure," Cynder replied, shrugging.
"What would you prefer? A boy or a girl?" Clover asked cheekily, awaiting the answer.
"Oh… um… well… I wouldn't care what gender it is, I'd just be happy to have a child in the first place and I wouldn't love it any less," Cynder explained. "But… if I had a choice, preferably a girl."
"Interesting, has Spyro told you which one he would prefer?"
"He said the same thing, but I reckon he would want a boy. Just so he could play stupid games with him," Cynder laughed, causing Clover to giggle at her words.
"Well, one thing is for sure. The bond between you and Spyro is very strong," Clover said, earning a blush from Cynder.
"People keep saying it so it must be true," Cynder chuckled, trying to hide her blush. "All I know is that I love him and I don't want to lose him."
Clover put the cloth back into the bowl and looked carefully at Cynder's cuts, now healing and far less inflamed. She dried Cynder's scales with a soft towel, before standing.
"Your wounds have healed very well, look as though you don't need the bandages anymore," Clover stated, making Cynder smile with relief.
"Thank the ancestors for that," Cynder sighed. "You have no idea how uncomfortable they were."
"I can imagine. Now, it's getting late so you better get some rest. You've got a long journey ahead of you from what I've heard," Clover said, staring out of the window at the sunset.
Cynder nodded and laid herself down as Clover turned and began to exit the shelter, being stopped by the sound of Cynder's voice.
"Hey, Clover?"
"Yes Cynder?"
"Thank you, not only for healing me but… for the advice."
"It's my pleasure."
With that, Clover left the shelter and Cynder alone. Her mind was racing with thoughts and questions about what Clover had just said. Although Spyro thought that he wasn't ready, Cynder knew that he would be up to the challenge. But she had to focus on the task at paw. Spyro's life counted on it, counted on her.
"I will save you Spyro," Cynder promised him, clutching her amethyst necklace. "Sleep tight, I love you."
Cynder laid her head onto her paws and closed her eyes. A sweet, familiar voice filling her mind, almost seeming real.
"I love you too…"
Cynder drifted off into a peaceful sleep, a smile plastered on her maw as she dreamed of a hatchling in her arms, and Spyro safely by her side.
Whoo! Another chapter done! This took way too long. I'm sorry about the late update as well. I suffered from writer's block for a week and went through a tough time. But I'm back now and cannot wait to write the next chapter. Hope you guys all enjoyed this chapter, and leave a review of what you thought. Thanks again for all of the follows and favourites that you guys are leaving. It means the world.
Hope you guys have an amazing morning, afternoon or evening…
And this is Mystic, Cheetah and SKda… signing off ^_^