- Prologue -

- Essence of Three -

By Atlas FF

It was often difficult to believe that the world had been ridden of its constant state of war for nearly two decades. The many years since its end brought with it a new wave of peace and tranquility throughout the realms. Colonies flourished, forests and grasslands rejuvenated, and the skies had never been more blue and clear. The world had been reborn into the paradise it was wrongfully robbed of, and with it came the spread of joy and happiness. All things were a welcoming sight for sore eyes. Since the dark armies of Malefor had been defeated, the roads and fairways across the land grew safer, paving the way for a plethora of opportunities and dreams waiting to be fulfilled.

The world came to realize that they were alive and well today because of two particular individuals: Spyro and Cynder. Their selfless act of courage, disregarding the possibility of death, saved the lives of countless individuals and families. All of which could now rest soundly, knowing that they were under the watchful gaze of the purple dragon and the black dragoness. A high debt was owed for Spyro and Cynder's honorable feats. A mortgage that was unlikely to be satisfied employing monetary items or unique privileges. No. They wouldn't use their historical acts as a means of accumulating riches and power. It wasn't in their nature to do so.

When the power couple was welcomed back to the dragon city of Warfang with open arms and wings, they immediately sought the guidance of the Guardians. In their search, they took the well earned time to remember and honor the late Fire Guardian, Ignitus. His courageous sacrifice in the Belt of Fire was seen as the single most significant commitment to duty by a Guardian ever. Using his own power and energy to grant safe passage for Spyro and Cynder, unharmed, through the belt, losing his own life in the process. It had been especially hard for Spyro, who had looked up to the fire dragon as a mentor and somewhat of a fatherly figure. An immense loss that required a great deal of personal time to mourn.

Spyro took some time to himself to allow his mind and heart to grieve, locking himself away in a private room in the city temple where no one, not even Cynder, could disturb him. It was rough for the black dragoness to not be able to comfort her best friend in his time of need. She respected his privacy, however, though she committed herself to speak to him through his door, despite never getting much of a response. When the door did eventually open, the purple dragon found himself encased in the tightest hug from Cynder. An embrace that he gratefully returned.

Something happened in that room during his personal moment of solitary, because a different Spyro came out than the one that entered. A better, more adapted version of himself that Cynder had never seen shrouded her in protective wings. He finally seemed at peace over losing his mentor and friend. It was like he had been reborn with a new sense of purpose, ready to pursue his next adventure with her by his side.

After some time of remembering, the end of the war was memorialized, the city of Warfang and surrounding realms took to rebuilding, and the people residing pushed forward with their lives. But the pampered, industrialized life of living in a city didn't quite bring peace of mind to many, instead, venturing off across the realms in search of a fresh start. Even five years and some change couldn't heal the deepest of wounds, even for Spyro and Cynder, who still couldn't get the images of death and destruction out of their minds. Both of them plagued by the occasional nightmare or flashback.

Spyro and Cynder were among those that wished to seek their peace elsewhere. A decision that, while taken with a little bit of protest, was later respected by the Guardians who begged them to stay. The pair kindly rejected the idea of living in Warfang, fully committing to the potential and opportunities of the world beyond the city walls. They wished to find a place untouched by war, where the grass and land hadn't been watered by blood.

On the day of their departure, Spyro pledged eternal love for Cynder in front of easily the most massive crowd that accumulated in the center of the city. A moment that came with a multitude of happy tears and blissful kisses and nuzzles. Sure it had taken nearly a baker's dozen in terms of years for the purple dragon, but it was quickly the happiest moment in Cynder's life, and she wanted to give him everything she had to offer. The crowds were wild with joy and happiness for the young couple, leaving a lasting impression on them for years to come.

After sharing a few words and giving final goodbyes, the couple began the trek to their new home following the direction of the rising sun.

Their fresh start beyond the distant horizon.

A new beginning.

Spyro sat quietly in the comforts of his own study, a book in one paw, and the other tucked against his chest, only revealed when it was time to turn the page. It was one of those cliche hero stories where a brave individual saves a damsel in distress and slays the monster guarding her. If he was frank with himself, it was a tad annoying and a bit too predictable for his taste. His commitment to finishing what he started, however, was overwhelming, despite the desire to mark his page and shelf the book forever.

He occasionally paused to stare out the window of his home, instantly having his breath stripped at the sight before him. A beautiful view of Granite Lake and the imposing sight of Stone Sky Mountain on the opposite shore, named for its sheer cliff faces that reached beyond the clouds. In the mornings, the sun crested over the eastern edge of the mountain, reflecting a bright, warm light on the smooth waters surface. It indeed was a sight to behold, and it all belonged to Spyro and Cynder, respectively. The sunsets were some of the prettiest that either of them had seen. It was easy to be hypnotized by its beauty for hours at a time.

It had been fifteen long years since Spyro and Cynder left the hustle and bustle of Warfang, settling a week's flight to the northeast in the adequately sized village of Dawnmoor.

It was a mining and logging village nestled between two vast mountain ranges, running parallel to each other in the direction of the southwest to northeast. The citizens welcomed the couple without question, helping them seek the needs to begin the next chapter in their new life together. With time and patience, the supplies were gathered, and the foundation for their new home set into the ground.

The area was ripe with resources, and the soil was nutrient-rich towards the south, where three mountain streams fed into a massive reservoir; in fact, one of those streams flowed through Granite Lake. So the farming, mining, and logging helped boost the growing economy, bringing plenty of trade in and out of the town. Plus, many travelers were hoping for a glimpse at the fabled purple hero that saved their world. Their feat leads to no avail, however, as they had to go through Dawnmoor's people first, who did their very best to shoo away the undesirables and pests.

Spyro tended to keep within the comforts of his home and surrounding property, only occasionally trekking into town for supplies, despite the pleasantness of the citizens. A life of peace was what he sought, and that was it. The idea of fame and popularity didn't sit well with him, never using his past feats as a status symbol or a trophy he paraded around. It was the honorable thing to do, keeping his past precisely as it was, nothing but history.

Too bad that some stories aren't as exciting as real life. At least in my case.

Spyro looked down at his book again, sighing pitifully as he marked his page and brought the bindings to a close. He ran a paw over the smooth velvet surface and tucked it under his arm. Taking a moment to stretch, the purple dragon placed the book back on the shelf, likely where it would be for a time. He never was good at returning to them within a few days.

Maybe in a week or so, I'll finish it and move onto the next one.

Instinctively, he moved in the direction of the kitchen, where he might be able to sneak in a snack, knowing supper wasn't for another few hours. Cynder was the chef of the two, so long as Spyro did his part of the bargain and provided the meat and other little supplies. It was a fair trade-off, though he knew she had him wrapped tightly around her claws. Of course, the recent days had provided him with a slightly heavier workload than usual.

But it was all worth it given the circumstances and how incredibly special they were.

His muzzle eventually found an apple buried in a burlap sack, amongst other fruits and vegetables. He happily crunched down on the savory red fruit, knowing it was enough to satisfy his grumbling stomach until dinner was cooked. While he licked his chops of leftover apple juice, his amethyst eyes caught sight of something beautiful and covered in black and crimson scales.

From his spot in the kitchen, Spyro could see Cynder curled up by the hot, crackling fire. Her darker scales shimmered as the fire's light created a warm sheen across her body. Like a natural, yet invisible, blanket lay over her to provide enriching warmth. Even from a distance, she still managed to passively take his breath away. The years away from Warfang strengthened their bonds and only made their love grow exponentially, again never reaching its peak. It was a feeling that Spyro and Cynder both relished in, smothering each other in their passion and bringing their hearts closer together, beating as one.

He stepped lightly in his mate's direction, being careful not to disturb her. The room opened up, revealing the slanted roof and cross beams, as well as the balcony on the second floor. The home was simple: two floors and only enough space that seemed reasonable. Neither of them wanted a massive, abomination of a manor sitting on a property as gorgeous as this one. Materialistic items weren't the agenda in either of their minds, their selflessness and kindness dealt with that fact.

Spyro stopped gawking at his house and instead closed in on his beautiful mate. As he came closer, however, he began hearing an all too familiar humming emanating from Cynder's throat. It made him pause for a moment to simply listen to the tune she was making.

Ancestors, she's fantastic!

Cynder sounded utterly at peace with herself, humming a soft, pleasant tune. Singing and humming became a personal hobby of hers within the last few years, allowing her a new means of expressing herself. Whenever she felt down or if something was troubling her, the black dragoness would walk the sandy shores and sing. Her smooth voice bounced around the lake and surrounding forest, occasionally reaching Spyro's ears. The purple dragon recognized the tune instantly, his memories flooding with a lullaby that she sings only to him. Before he retreated to the private room in Warfang, he had the most terrible nightmares, sometimes dreaming of falling into the fire or watching Ignitus burn to death. Whenever he woke up screaming, Cynder would be outside the door, singing the same sweet lullaby to feather him back to sleep. The melody was basic and straightforward, sometimes fluctuating with different pitches and octaves, but always reverted back to her sweet, kind voice.

The purple dragon moved closer to her that he was able to make out the individual scales across her hide. Beneath that slim, feminine figure, was the muscle structure of a mighty dragon, equal to himself if not stronger. He was lucky to have her in his life, even if, at times, he believed someone better would give her the happiness she deserved. Of course, Cynder hated it when he said such things, continually reminding him that he was worthy and that his heart was made of gold.

"I fell in love with you for a reason, Spyro," Cynder had once said to him. "You're pure and kind. And one of the only ones who saw the good in me. I can't see anyone else as half as good as you are that I want to spend the rest of my life with. Because I love you."

That being said, if Spyro was completely honest with himself, Cynder carried a strength he would never possess.

The ability to bring healthy eggs into the world.

Spyro peeked over his mate's shoulder and looked at what lay between her front legs, his heart instantly melting in immeasurable joy, and happy tears were brought to his eyes. Before his gaze, rested the two newest additions to the family.

Twin sisters, Vera, and Dahli.

The little girls were brought into the world three days ago, ridding themselves of their eggshell prisons just as mom and dad were settling in for the night. The two newborns were welcomed by two ecstatic parents, who took great pride in holding and instantly caring for their babies. It was like a switch had been flicked in Spyro and Cynder's heads.

No sleep came until the night of the following day after both parents were able to contain their excitement. It wasn't even until the next morning before the sun shined upon their small frames, revealing the elemental type and scale colors.

Vera was a white and green poison dragoness, and Dahli was a fire dragoness with scales resembling an orange dahlia flower. They'd yet to open their baby eyelids to mommy and daddy. Both names came from flowers and plants in certain areas surrounding the lake. In a way, both children were as much tied to nature as they were to their parents.

By now, Cynder was well aware of her mate's presence, turning her head to look up at him. Her face carried a prideful gaze, excitement between breaths, and a pleased smirk of the lips. She leaned into Spyro's neck and nuzzled him softly, exhaling a purr before planting a gentle kiss on the lips.

"You doing okay?" Spyro questioned, rubbing the back of her neck. "Been a few hours since I last checked on you. Anything that I can get for you?"

"I'm alright, thank you, though," the black dragoness smirked genuinely. "I have all that I need right here. My handsome mate and our little ones."

"How are the little ones doing?"

"They're doing really well," Cynder answered happily. "Healthy as can be, and they already feel bigger than before. Vera is definitely the snuggler of the two, and Dahli is easily going to be a little fireball in the coming years. She has a lot of energy."

"And our third?"

Cynder dipped her head in the direction of a basket a few meters away. "I figured he would be more comfortable in the basket. His sisters are good at hogging up all the room. Poor thing is only half their size, but he's happy and doesn't seem to mind sleeping alone. I think he'll be the one to keep his sisters in check."

"If he ends up being anything like me, then the size will never hold him back from accomplishing anything. Not even a pair of rambunctious, bigger sisters," Spyro chuckled to himself before approaching the woven basket.

He peered inside and sighed happily at the sight of his son, Ensor, curled up in a tight ball. Being careful and delicate with his paws, the purple dragon gently scooped up the little tyke to scrutinize him. The child whimpered softly, disliking the sudden movement from his comfortable bed.

Ensor was the smallest of the three siblings, able to fit perfectly in the palm of Spyro's paw. His entire body was covered in dark evergreen scales with a bronze chest and belly. The color pattern reminded his mom and dad of the Earth Guardian, Terrador. He grunted as Spyro gently nuzzled him, who couldn't help but feel great pride. Spyro almost thought he saw his son's eyelids pry open. It would've been a surprise to see since none of the three hatchlings had opened them.

"I think we should put them in the basket for a little bit," Cynder suggested. "As much as I love holding them, even newborns deserve some time away from their loving parents."

The amethyst dragon nodded, settling Ensor back into his basket, but not before giving another loving nuzzle. He gingerly lifted the basket and carried it over to Cynder. She had her silent moment with the youngest of her trio, snuggling and holding him against her chest; apparently, hatchlings enjoyed the sound of a beating heart. Spyro took the opportunity to hold each daughter individually, giving as much love and affection as his soul allowed.

Together, they settled Dahli and Vera next to their brother, gushing at the sight of each sister snuggling closer to Ensor. The two sisters were going to take good care of their smaller sibling as they grew older.

Both parents stood over their children for the next few moments, leaning into each other and smiling so hard it nearly hurt. Their world was officially blessed by the greatest and most rewarding challenge in parenthood. The road ahead was rough, with plenty of late nights, tears, ouchies, and boo-boos. Despite the displeasures, however, there were ten times as many happy moments on the horizon.

Spyro looked over at Cynder. "It's been a little while since we last walked the shores of the lake. I can't remember the last time you left the house, either. It might be good for you to get some clean air, yeah?"

That question seemed to trigger a reaction in his mate.

"We can't just leave them alone in the house, Spyro," Cynder voiced, her words masked a genuine concern. "They'll have to come with us, or we can't go anywhere. What if something happens and I'm not here to protect them?"

"Cyn, it's okay to let them rest while we get a few minutes of fresh air. It'll be a casual stroll to the lake, maybe toss a stone or two, and we'll be back before you know it. Besides, the front door is locked, the blinds are closed, and no one in a million years would dare try to break in."

His words seemed to make her relax, but her mouth still trembled as though it was searching for every potential danger in the house.

"Come on. I'll love you forever and ever," Spyro pleaded, placing his paws together and commencing a childish beg, playfully teasing her.

Cynder finally looked him in the eye, her gaze vaguely amused at him attempting to win her over with adorable, puppy dog eyes. It worked enough for her to give in and nod, sighing her silent defeat. "Fine, but only for a few minutes. If you try to keep me out there too long, I'm shoving you in the lake and making you sleep outside."

"Is that a threat?" Spyro smirked.

"No, dear! I don't make threats, I make promises," Cynder answered with a wink, as she leaned into his ear. "I'm good at keeping my promises." She slinked by him, rubbing her neck, back and tail against his chest like a feline.

Spyro briefly watched her leave before returning his eyes to his children. Ensor had tucked himself against Dahli's belly while Vera draped her sweet head across his hindquarters. Even though the babies were only a few days old, Spyro was proud of them. They were already showing high levels of compassion and care for each other. That was what made their mommy and daddy proud beside the presence they had in their lives.

"You coming, Spy?"

"Yeah."

Spyro snapped out of his trance and hesitantly stepped away from the basket. There was a tingling sensation on the back of his neck like a warning. Having to be separated from his children wasn't precisely heartbreaking, but more along the lines of longing. Being away from them often formed a knot in his stomach, but later untwisted at the mere thought of them. They were a breathing dream come true.

This was a new feeling for him, but one he'd grow used to as the days passed. He couldn't imagine what it felt like for Cynder, but at least he was still able to convince her to get a few moments to breathe. It wasn't going to be more comfortable in the future, but he'd cross that bridge when he got to it. Though, for now, the purple hero had a date with destiny and a well-deserved walk on the lakeshore.

He found Cynder waiting for him just outside the back door of the home-standing on the structure's wrapped balcony. His lips pursed a smile as their cheeks made momentary contact before descending a couple of steps to the grass below.

The walk from the house to the shore took a few minutes, built a distance away on the premise that the lake could potentially flood. It never came close to such levels in the fifteen years they lived on the lake. However, it allowed time to set the mind at ease before stepping foot on a place of tranquility and peace.

It was Cynder that eventually broke the awkward, growing silence between them.

"We sure found a beautiful place to call home, didn't we?"

Spyro nodded, looking over to see her eyes exploring the tall pine trees and surrounding scenery. The strong scent of tree sap and pine needles filled his nose, as the environment did its due diligence of calming the nerves and mind, clearing them of cloudiness.

It was a calm and crisp day, precisely the type of day that Spyro loved to be out in. Not a sound was made apart from the ecstatic birds that flew over the dragon couple, looping in the air and flying freely. A cool breeze blew against Spyro's face, making him sigh in content and close his eyes in utter bliss. The sky above them was blue, with a few patches of cloud here and there. Looking down upon the earth, the sun was high in the air, radiating with light and bathing the world below it with its gentle blaze.

Cynder chuckled at her mate's actions and elbowed him, knocking him out of another trance.

"Wake up, dolly daydream," Cynder said with a smirk. "One of these days, you're gonna fall flat on your snout, and you won't be able to smell dinner anymore."

"I'll always have you there to catch me, though, right?" Spyro replied, wiggling his eyebrows.

"Of course, even when you're a bonehead."

Cynder laid her head softly onto Spyro's shoulder, wrapping a wing around his side while he nuzzled her. Spyro stared out across the lake, only a few ripples on the water from the fish surfacing to get air and the soft breeze of the landscape cruising across it. Cynder closed her eyes and let out a breath of comfort and calmness. The last few weeks had been nothing but panic and sleepless nights for her, and she was relishing in the chance to have some time out in the fresh air for a change.

"Would you ever consider moving back to Warfang?"

"Not a chance in the world," he answered quickly, his voice slightly disdained. "Warfang is a great city, but it's no place to raise a child. Let alone three and keep up with the politics of everything. Not considering it, are you?"

"I did for a while," Cynder sighed, her voice slightly guilty. "But that was way before I was even pregnant. Now having laid my own eggs and watching them hatch, I just can't help but be proud of our decision to leave. Sure it's been hard but…. in the end, it has been equally rewarding too."

"It's taken its toll on us, but we grew stronger because of it. The only downside of it is that we don't get to see our friends as much."

"We've learned to be without the Guardians and our friends for years. I miss them every single day, but I feel better knowing they're safe and happy. Besides, we have friends here in Dawnmoor."

"We sure do," Spyro said confidently, leaning over to kiss her cheek. "It does feel nice knowing we have someone close by if we ever need them. Now more than ever since we have three new mouths to feed and take care of. It didn't take long for us to be outnumbered, but I have you by my side for every second of it."

"We make a pretty good team, you and I."

"Understatement of the century if I've ever heard it."

Cynder suddenly tightened her grip around the purple dragon, burying her head into his neck and nuzzling him gently. At first, he was taken aback at the force of her hug but pushed the sudden action aside to wrap her up in his wings. A pleasant rumble thrummed in her throat as the purple rubbed her back and sides, feeling her shudder at his touch. Spyro chuckled at a memory that reanimated inside his mind, a sweet smile forming at the corner of his maw.

"What's so funny?"

"I just… I remember the day I finally noticed your little baby bump," Spyro explained, releasing her to take in her marvelous body and frame, soon rubbing his paw across her lower belly. "It's taken some getting used to not seeing you without one."

"Are you saying you liked me better when I was fat?" Cynder teased with a smirk.

He blushed slightly, though not out of guilt or shame, but something else entirely. "No, of course not," he replied. "The day you told me I was going to be a dad just feels like yesterday. You remember it, don't you?"

"What kind of mother would I be if I didn't remember a day as special as that? Don't you dare answer that either or you're going in the lake," she finished with a playful smile and another kiss. "I should remember it because I planned it out perfectly."

"Overstatement," Spyro coughed, teasingly clearing his throat, which earned him a soft jab to the side.

Cynder throated a chuckle as she reminisced on that fond, beautiful memory.

It had been a rainy, unpleasant morning, and the fourth day of continuous downpour. It called for plenty of sleeping late into the mornings, lots of book reading, and a bunch of repetitive board games. Though for Cynder, it was now or never for her to share the fantastic news with Spyro. Being stuck in the house was bound to start raising some suspicion from her observant mate. She was honestly surprised he hadn't noticed the change in her physicality and slight weight gain. However, the black dragoness was silently grateful he hadn't said anything to her, which allowed her to put the plan into motion.

It started with leaving subtle hints lying around the house, including the classic "bun in the oven" trick. She believed it would've flipped like a switch in Spyro's brain, but it didn't seem to reach home base because the clueless dragon proceeded to eat the bun without question. Cynder wasn't pleased by the act given its significance, though she couldn't help but laugh at her mate's cluelessness. Nonetheless, some of the more apparent clues still failed to click.

The second and third days were met with similar results, but Cynder wasn't going to let the opportunity slip by as she effortlessly persisted in her attempts to surprise her mate. It had nearly come down to her merely playing a word association game or talking about the topic at one point, but Cynder wasn't that desperate, so her quest continued with only a hair of annoyance.

On that morning of the fourth day, Cynder had officially grown tired of him and his adorable ignorance, so she had to get creative. They woke up at the same time and went through the regular routine of eating breakfast, cleaning up, and running a hot bath. It was at that moment in the bathroom when Cynder keeled over with "abdominal pains" before calling for Spyro. Carrying three eggs did make her feel the occasional discomfort and soreness, but never any pain.

Furthermore, when Spyro opened the door and found Cynder on the ground, he gently began to knead her sides and stomach. Cynder put on quite the show, letting her eyes tear up and tightening her body as though legitimate pain was tormenting her. The moment Spyro's paws felt something hard in her belly, the purple dragon froze and looked Cynder directly in the eye. He was confused at first but continued to explore the hard bumps in her stomach.

One egg.

Two eggs.

Three eggs.

At that moment, his jaw dropped to the floor in surprised shock, as any newly recognized father would. Cynder's face was happy and tearing up at her mate, who stammered his realization.

"Y-you….you're pregnant! I'm gonna be a dad!"

It was one of the few times where she found him crying out of happiness, and the overload of cuteness from the world's savior was only just beginning.

Not a day passed where Spyro wouldn't stop to feel Cynder's baby bump, press his ear up to listen, or speak to them. He'd read stories from the shelf, share tales of his adventures, and pretend to have full-blown conversations with them. There was one such occasion the couple took a late morning nap, and Spyro, without hesitation, laid his head across her hip protectively. She knew at that very moment, even before she found out she was pregnant, that he was going to be a great father. His helpfulness and kindness were just icing on the cake for her.

"You couldn't keep your paws off of me after you found out," Cynder smiled, her paws finally settling into the soft sand. "I wasn't allowed to walk up the stairs to bed or even breath until you made sure everything was safe."

"You didn't even attempt climbing any stairs in the last month of pregnancy," Spyro insisted, which earned him a halfhearted shove from a giggling dragoness. "I literally had to carry you up the stairs occasionally. In fact, I'm surprised I didn't slip a disk in my back. I'd be lying if I said you were light as a feather back then, and don't even get me started about the night you started laying…"

"How can I forget the worst pain I've ever experienced in my life? I was in labor from dusk till noon the next day," Cynder pressed, reminiscing the skull-splitting torture of laying three eggs. "I'm pretty sure it was Vera's egg that nearly made me pass out, but at least Ensor's little egg was last. I couldn't take that pain anymore."

Her egg was pretty large compared to her siblings.

"I mean, to be fair, I was in pain too," Spyro teasingly added, holding up his left paw that was slightly bruised. "You kind of fractured my paw in three places and dislocated my ankle. I think I have a scar here somewhere from your tail blade flailing around every other contraction."

"Don't forget the two lamps, five pillows, and other items I constantly threw at you too. At one point in the night, the mere sight of you was dreadful. Also, I am pretty sure I said we would never…." Cynder flushed red. "You know… make love ever again."

Spyro's eyes jumped around in their sockets, awkwardly looking around without moving his head. "Yeah… never again. Bullsh-" Cynder shoved him before he could finish his sentence. "You were mean that night."

"You forget my focus was concentrated on bringing our kids into the world," Cynder defended with a smirk, before interlocking her paw with his. "But you're all better now, and we have three healthy babies because of our efforts. Well, mostly my efforts, but you get what I mean."

Spyro chuckled at her and didn't even bother to argue with her reasoning. He cupped her cheek in his other paw and looked her square in the eyes. "Our children were created in a strong, worthy body. You carried their weight for months and endured nearly a day of pain to bring them into the world. When they open their eyes, they'll get to see how strong you are."

Cynder flushed at his thoughtful praise. "You're the sweetest. Any other 'ness would kill to have a mate like you."

"I mean, you technically did try to kill me a long, long time ago," Spyro reminded with a smug face, referencing their fight in Concurrent Skies, back when Cynder was still under the influence of evil. "But we both know how that one ended."

"Good to know I have a man-child raising my children," Cynder retorted, reacting with a playfully displeased shake of the head as Spyro stuck his tongue out at her. "Our kids are going to learn so much from you."

"I would like to think so," Spyro shrugged playfully, walking over to the water. "But, I think I'd do a better job than a sopping wet mommy."

"What do you mea-ahhhh!" Cynder yelped, getting a pawful of water square in the maw. "Oh, it is on mister!"

Spyro, as brave as he was, had cowered away from her but maintained a defensive stance. His eyes were wide, and a giggle rippled his lips, sputtering a laugh at his drenched mate. Though it allowed Cynder the perfect opportunity to throw a wing full of water at him, soaking him entirely. He yipped in surprise, frowning with a shake of his head. However, he was quick to counter with an even bigger wave, showering Cynder in yet another small downpour of water.

She growled at him menacingly, putting the fear of the Ancestors in him with those scale-piercing, emerald orbs. Though she was toying with him, it felt good to get some unwanted, negative energy out, even if it meant acting like a childish deviant in the lake. However, she wasn't ready to have her overgrown baby get away with soaking, not just once, but twice now. She was good at handing out repercussions like sweets, and she could see it in her mate's eyes that he knew he was in for it now.

"Love?" Spyro slowly began. "Let's not do anything ra- Oh my Ancestors!"

Cynder didn't allow him the satisfaction of completing his sentence as she pounced onto him, driving his entire body further into the lake. The force of her action took them both under the water's surface in a big splash of wings and scales. They both resurfaced, coughing, and laughing as they clutched one another in each other's paws. For a moment, they gazed into each other's eyes, something clicking inside of their minds, their hearts skipping a beat. It was a feeling of bliss, happiness, and unrivaled love. Cynder leaned forward, pressing her forehead against Spyro's, wrapping her paw around his neck and bringing him forward. The warmth of his touch completely negated the temperature of the water, making her almost melt at the soft texture of his paws. She lifted her head and kissed his forehead, smiling sweetly and giggling. Spyro merely produced a smug smile, lifting up her chin so that she was eye level once again.

"You missed a spot," Spyro cooed with a smirk, pulling Cynder forward.

She yelped as he pushed her lips into his, sighing as her heart fluttered. Surrounded by water and the watchful loom of the mountains around them, the two dragons remained engulfed in their undying love, their hearts being in unison as they kissed. Not a sound made, apart from the small ripples on the water, and their lips parting and meeting again. Breaking the streak of kissing, Cynder suddenly chuckled.

"What is it?" Spyro asked her, unable to stop smiling.

"You're getting me all flustered," Cynder said shyly. "And you know what happened last time."

"Don't even go there," Spyro chuckled, trying to hide his blush as he rubbed her shoulder. "Guess I'm just too macho for you."

"Hush your mouth," Cynder replied, chucking another wave of water at him. "You gotta corral that mind of yours, mister, before it gets you into trouble." The black dragoness leaned into him to steal another one of his kisses, followed by a smile so bright it may as well have been a sun hiding underneath those lips. "Come on, lover boy. Let's get back to the house. I'm starting to miss my babies."

Spyro laughed, stealing a quick kiss from her before the pair exited the water side by side. The gentle breeze tickled their scales, making them shiver slightly at the sudden chill. He cast a wing across her back, pulling his mate close to share his body heat as they slowly began the trek back to the house. "Speaking of babies, I was thinking about something earlier this morning."

"Being what exactly?" Cynder sing-songed curiously.

"What color are their eyes going to be?" Spyro pondered. "I keep imagining all three of them with purple eyes or emerald eyes. Yet, I see them with many other colors too. What do you think?"

"I'm not entirely sure," Cynder replied, rubbing her chin. "I reckon there will be some remnants of our eyes in theirs, but I think maybe… one of them will have their daddy's eyes, another will have eyes that will stand out, so… orange or yellow, perhaps?"

"Interesting predictions," Spyro said in a rich voice, making Cynder chuckle a little. "What about our last one?"

"Well, I would like the last to have the color of something to do with the sky or sea. A very deep blue perhaps," Cynder suggested, pointing to the water.

"Sounds beautiful," Spyro hummed. "Though, we both know that they are all beautiful regardless of the color beneath those lids."

"I can't argue with that," she mumbled, smiling cheesily at him. "I've imagined their sweet faces looking up at us for love, affection, and all things beyond and in between. However, I just..." Cynder's face lost its happiness and light, taking a concerned, worrisome look.

"You just what, Cyn?"

"It's just that… I'm afraid of failure. There's so much riding on us being great parents and being the individuals that we are, it's going to be a long, hard road for us to stay firmly planted on all fours," Cynder explained. "Don't get me wrong, I am very excited to have kids of my own, but I'm also terrified that I won't be able to provide them the enrichment to live their childhood. I never had any of this growing up." Her paw gestured to the forest, lake, and the house.

"Neither did I," Spyro added. "You have to remember that I was raised by dragonflies... In a swamp…. Thinking I was a dragonfly until I was twelve. I do understand where you are coming from. You spent the first half of your life fighting to survive instead of playing with kids your age. Your claws have been sharpened more times than you can count, and you've lost enough sleep to last a lifetime because of nightmares. It's okay to be afraid of something like this."

"What if I fail?"

"Hey," Spyro whispered, stopping to look at her directly, placing his paws onto her shoulders. "You're not going to fail them. Are you bound to screw something up along the way? Absolutely. Will there be moments that make you want to pull your scales out? Without an absolute doubt. That's just the way life is when it comes to parenting. Don't think for one second that you're ever going to let our children down, because they are going to look to us for guidance and protection. Just don't get your mind thinking of all the bad things that could happen, and instead, think of all the great things that will happen."

"Like what?"

Spyro sat back on his hindquarters to allow himself a moment of pondering before he tilted his head in the direction of home. Cynder nodded in understanding as the two began walking once more. "Look around us, Cyn," he instructed, watching her gaze around at the surrounding woods. "Everything about this place is just oozing with areas of pure potential to allow our children to grow and thrive. We can teach them to hunt and fish, how to live off the land, and how they can utilize their elements for good. The lake is big enough that they can learn to fly and not have to worry about hurting themselves. I can already see so many memories and great moments being made here, and you are going to be a part of it."

"Even in the moments where something as simple as an answer is hard to come by, you manage to find one every single time," Cynder whispered, finally resting her eyes on her mate. "It's one of those things that I really admire about you, and it warms my heart to think of all those memories that we're going to make. They really are going to learn so much from us, and I am excited to be able to share those moments with you."

"I'm excited too," Spyro smiled, pulling her close to him with his wing. "If you're ever having these moments of doubt, just remember that our babies are going to need us when their own moments of doubt come. When they look up at you with a tear in their eye or a cut on their paw, they're going to require every ounce of comfort that you have to offer them. We just have to make sure we shore up our mental walls to ensure that they don't see our own issues. That makes sense, right?"

"I know what you mean," Cynder nodded, leaning into him. "Maybe it's just me getting too anxious over the thought of having to care for them all the time."

"Yeah, and I understand that, Cyn. Trust me, I've felt the same. But I know you're gonna be a great mother for our kids, I just know it," Spyro cooed, nuzzling Cynder's cheek lovingly.

"Awww, thanks love," Cynder replied, making her way into the house with Spyro following closely behind.

Making themselves comfortable next to the fire, Spyro placed a wing around Cynder, before blowing a small jet of flame onto the fireplace, keeping the dying blaze alight. Cynder snuggled up next to Spyro, burying her head into his chest and sighing contently as he placed a tender kiss onto her forehead.

It was silent for a few moments, the only sound being the crackling of the radiating flames or the faintest whimper of a snoozing hatchling. The triplets hadn't moved from their sleeping positions, still sleeping soundly and snuggled up together. Little Ensor was sandwiched between his sisters, who curled their bodies around him lovingly. Little did they know two adoring parents were watching over them with all the love in the world in their eyes.

Their fresh start in a new land feeling a little more like home.

A/N: Got an idea stuck in my head not too long ago and put it all onto a document. Needless to say, I am proud to present my new story. It's something new and fresh and I hope it succeeds nonetheless. I want to take a moment to thank my beta reader and good friend, MysticOTDH. He helped catch mistakes that I overlooked and added a bit of his Mystic Magic to it as well.

Not sure about the update schedule for this story as my daily life has gotten slightly more hectic, but don't worry about this being the a one and done deal. I intend to write this story as well as my other story, Tango.

Until next time,

Atlas