Breaking the Cycle
As promised, Spyro paid for the meal. The two dragons then decided that they'd had enough of the stuffy room. It reeked of onions and unwashed aprons. They left the bar together, into the warm wind of the summer night.
"I guess this is where we part ways," Cynder said. There was hesitance in her tone.
Spyro understood this feeling. He didn't want tonight to end, either; he was having an amazing time. But maybe it didn't have to. Besides, he wasn't tired enough to go home and fall asleep. Who was going to complain about him spending an hour more with Cynder? Solaria?
"Who says we have to?" He gave Cynder a mischievous smirk.
"Huh?" She stared back.
"Let's go; there's a place I want to show you." He looked up at the sable sky, peppered with glistening stars.
Cynder's confusion gave way to excitement as she followed the purple dragon into the embracing night.
There were a couple of things he wanted to talk to her about, one of which he dreaded. But perhaps Cynder could give him some advice on how to better cope with it.
It took a moment to find the garden amidst the darkness. However, its silhouette and the fluttering fireflies gave its position away. He cautiously landed between the trellises, as not to disturb the garden's residents or caretaker. Cynder followed afterwards.
Spyro gestured to the dragoness to remain quiet with a claw to his muzzle.
"Is this your garden? It seems a bit far from the temple." She looked around. The dancing fireflies shone around them. She could reach out and touch them, like they were stars in the endless night. They cast a faint light on the plants, which filled the black void with flowers and vines.
Spyro found a nearby oil lamp and blew a small flame inside. The black lantern burst into life. He then laid down on his satisfied stomach and watched the surrounding city and darkness. "No, this isn't mine. But it's my safe place. No one knows about it except us."
Cynder nodded in acknowledgement and sat down beside the purple dragon.
"But there's something I want to talk to you about. It's something I've been meaning to get off my chest for a long time, but I never found the right person I could trust it with. Well, until now, that is."
Cynder felt weird inside. Was it anticipation? Nervousness? Or something else?
"What I am about to say can't be repeated to anyone else. Promise me?"
The way he stared at her, all serious and expectant, didn't do anything for that knot inside her stomach. "Alright."
"No, Cyn. You have to understand that if anyone else found out about it, it would cause a huge problem, a disaster even. I need you to promise."
"Alright. I promise." She raised her claws in defence.
"You've also got to promise me you won't judge me."
"Never have, never will."
"Alright." He took a deep breath, followed by another.
The fact he had to calm his nerves told Cynder how serious it was. She'd only ever seen him like this when the situation was dire.
"Cynder, you've probably noticed that I've been– That I haven't been–" He grumbled in frustration. He struggled to find a way to say it. "The reason I've been acting the way that I am is because of my dark side."
She tilted her head as he gave a heavy sigh.
"During the last ten years, while you were gone, my dark side has been gradually getting worse and worse. It's gotten to the point that even mild things can tick me off."
Cynder's expression soured quickly and a worried frown took over. "Are you alright? Has anyone else seen it?"
Spyro shook his head. "No, luckily. I've been able to keep it under control. But I don't know how long I can keep it that way." Fear crept into his voice.
Cynder didn't know how to react. Though shocked at first, it didn't surprise her that this was the cause of it. She felt bad for forgetting something so simple.
"If it broke out... If I can't control it... Then everyone will be at risk and I can't stop it. I'll lose everything." Tears escaped the corners of his eyes.
She gently draped a wing over him. "It's okay." Her voice was soft as snow. She placed a claw underneath his maw and lifted it until their eyes met. "You aren't alone anymore. You've got me. Forget everything and focus only on me."
His eyes remained wide and open, glistening under the tears. He couldn't look away from those vibrant emerald irises. The surrounding silence was so thick you could cut it with a knife.
"We'll get through this together."
"But what do we do?"
She let him go. "I think...we need to find Ignitus."
Spyro's jaw dropped. "What? No." He shook his head and took a step back. "Cynder, that's insane."
"Why? What's wrong with it?"
"What isn't? It took you ten years to finally fix your problem. Mine is much worse; how long would it take to fix that?" His voice softened. "Besides, I'd have to leave my family behind. I can't do that. I can't miss Ignirius growing up. I don't know what sacrifices you had to make, but understand that I can't abandon my child. He's the rock that kept me sane these last few years..." Again his head limped.
Cynder didn't know what to say. He was right, though; he couldn't abandon his family regardless of his own feelings.
"I'm sorry. I know you're just trying to help, but I need realistic answers."
Cynder slowly nodded, a plan forming in her mind. "Fair enough. Since we can't go find Ignitus, and mentioning this to anyone else is out of the question, it's up to us to fight this. I don't have the equipment Ignitus had, but I have his lessons."
Spyro sighed. "I'm glad you understand. But I don't see any way to get rid of it. It's only a matter of time."
"People didn't think we could save the world, either, yet here we are."
"You're right on that, I guess."
Cynder nodded. "I think it's fair to say you're stuck in a ditch at the moment, so we're gonna dig you out. We're going to remove the annoyances in your life and find more stuff you enjoy."
"How are we going to do that?"
"Firstly, you need to become more independent again, make decisions for yourself and your family."
"What?"
"How has Spyro not noticed this? From what he says, Solaria makes all of the decisions, regardless of what he wants." She tilted her head. Then she remembered her conversation with Adonis. She had to handle this conversation delicately without mentioning her. "I think you need to be more assertive with what you want to do."
Spyro frowned. "I wish I could, but Solaria hates when I do."
"And you should be left miserable? That doesn't sound fair to me."
"I– I guess not, but it's easier this way." He laid his head on the ground.
Cynder couldn't believe that the purple dragon would just roll over like this. "Is it, though? Ignitus told me that misery is as bad as anger. You've seen what grief can do to yourself. Solaria needs to understand that you have feelings too. You aren't some guard or citizen she can boss around. You are her husband – an equal. If she can't accept that, then how is this love?"
Cynder realised she had stumbled into dangerous territory and braced for the imminent lash out. But instead, he looked away sorrowfully.
Cynder sat down in front of him. "Look, I get it's easier to just do what she says. But she has to understand you can make decisions for yourself. In the end, what's the worst that can happen?"
"She'll get angry again."
"Doesn't she get upset when you're miserable anyway?" She grinned. She stood up again and circled the purple dragon.
"Well, yeah."
"Then I ask again, what's the worst that could happen? Which brings me onto my next point. Please don't bite my head off for saying this, but I think it's fair to say Solaria's outbursts are causing you a bit of grief. We need to change that. We need her to look at you in a positive light." The tiny smile on his face told Cynder he had relaxed about the subject. "What do you do already to make her happy?"
Spyro scratched his chin, pondering the question. "I was planning on spending tomorrow with Ignirius. I know she likes that."
"Perfect. You're practically back already." She chuckled. "What else?"
"Well, I also buy her jewellery every month."
"Okay." She continued her aimless circles, Spyro's gaze never leaving her. "But I think you need to be more spontaneous. Don't plan your affection; just do it. A nice comment here and a nice gesture there. Show that you care and she'll do the same. A necklace is nice and all, but it's cliche and predictable. Don't do those things out of regret; do them out of love."
"For someone who has never loved, you sure know a lot."
"I have loved, just never been loved back." Her tone was somewhat disappointed.
Spyro winced at the comment. "Right. Sorry. Anything else?"
Cynder gave a dry chuckle. "I think we should focus on a couple of things at a time. But other stuff will include your work and such. I really think you should consider bounty hunting, though."
Spyro nervously laughed the notion off. "I don't think so, not yet. Anyway, I think that's enough for tonight, this conversation's got me worn out. Besides, I have a plan for tonight."
"Oh, do you now?" She cocked her head, her tone playful. "And what is that?"
"You'll find out next time we meet."
"Such a spoilsport. Fine, tomorrow?"
"No. I'm spending it with Ignirius, remember? Two days from now, then? I'll come and find you if you want?"
"Picking me up now, are you? I'm kidding. Sounds good. That will give me time to get my new job ready and I can tell you all about it!"
"Good. Now, I've got a gift for you."
"Hmm?" She stopped her pacing.
Spyro drew out a little black box. The plain, unassuming container sparked some interest in the dragoness.
"Do you remember that necklace I wanted to give you when you first got here? The silver one?"
Cynder slowly nodded. "Mhmm." Her grin gradually got wider and wider.
Spyro popped the box open like a clamshell. The locket shone like a pearl under the warm light of the flickering lamp. He then picked up the locket to show off its full beauty. It jingled as he lifted it.
She was mesmerized by the intricate spirals, falling under its lulling spell. "It's beautiful…"
Spyro couldn't resist grinning. "Turn around; I want you to try it on."
She did as instructed. He fiddled with the tiny clasp, delicately opening it and lifting it over her neck. It fit like a shining glove.
"I've been meaning to do something for you, as a way to apologise" – he stopped when he noticed Cynder's stare – "and to say thank you. Thank you for everything you've done."
Cynder felt her heart played like a harp, her innards melting with sappy feelings.
"You probably don't realise it, or maybe you do because you're just that amazing, but you're saving my life right now. Nothing I will ever do could repay what you're doing for me."
"I'm just returning the favour."
No more words had to be said. The best of friends entwined in a hug, their cheeks touching under the pale moon. Time slowed to the ticking of milliseconds, and this was their second – their moment.
Their faces parted, staring longingly, lost in each other's eyes. She moved to his side, content with gazing upon the stars.
"You know, I still wonder what life would've been like had I waited a little longer…"
Silence blew between them like a calm breeze. It guided them through the night until their paths separated. Cynder returned to her temporary home and Spyro whisked his plan together before heading home himself.
Solaria's red eyes snapped open. She couldn't sleep any longer, not with her self-assurance being eaten away by her doubt like an infestation. The Celestial moons glistened through the clean windows. It was beautiful, but it didn't remove her from her estranging thoughts.
She rolled over in the bed, trying to find the comfy spot. Instead, she saw a wall of purple scales and spines. She didn't know how to feel about that. On the one hand, it meant he'd come home and hadn't spent the night at her place. On the other, it reminded her of their bitter argument. They hadn't talked since and that was two days ago.
She breathed a sigh of disappointment. She knew the silence couldn't last forever, but that didn't make it any less hard.
The dragoness got out of bed; she needed something to take her mind off this. Something to help her wake up after the dreadful night. She needed coffee.
She drowsily walked towards the door, her eyes blurry. She gave her little angel a passing glance, sleeping soundly in his crib. How she wished her life was that simple. She couldn't discredit the child's mind, though; truly mysterious, they were. They were able to pick up on the little things, like suspense or hostility, yet were only able to react in the same way as when something upset them.
She'd let Spyro perform the morning ritual with their child this time. She knew Ignirius would at least enjoy that, and then she could have a break.
She silently left the bedroom, closing the door behind her with a subtle click. The same moonlight beaming through the windows bounced off the waxed checkered floors.
She ghosted down the curved walkway. She was secluded in her thoughts, thinking of a way to break the tension between them. But her head was hollow. She hung it and pushed the door open into the kitchen.
Then she stopped. On the table, illuminated by a white spotlight, were a bouquet of purple orchids, wrapped in a shiny red ribbon. She walked over, puzzled at the sudden appearance of the flowers. She leaned in for a closer inspection and discovered a note beside them.
To my beautiful mate, Solaria,
Thank you for everything you've done. Though I've not been the best at expressing it, you are the one I hold the most gratitude for. You are the string to my bow, the music to my dance, and the blood in my heart. Just like how this ribbon holds these flowers together, you held me together. For that, my love, thank you.
Love from Spyro
Her heart flustered, blood rushed into her red cheeks. Normally it was hard for her to get sappy, but this little note knocked that sideways. Spyro never did these little shows of affection, but this was exactly what she needed – simple unexpected gestures to show he still loved her.
She took the note and held it close to her heart. If Spyro had done this for her, it meant that he was thinking about her last night. For the first time in ages, a light pierced through the black overcast, basking her in the warmth of romance.
She placed the love letter back on the table. Now she felt ready to talk – well, maybe after a coffee first.
The door was pushed inwards just as she finished the last sip of her warm brew. The purple dragon appeared, smiling and distracted by the hatchling's attempts to pull his horns, while making sure he didn't fall off.
He froze when he saw the red dragoness, sitting and staring with a mug to her maw.
"Morning…" His words drifted away. He took the lovable gremlin from his head and held him close to his heart.
She tilted her head. Her expression was covered by the red cup.
"Did you sleep well? I saw you leave the room earlier, so I thought I would give Ignirius a quick bath and give you a break."
Her eyes mellowed, much to Spyro's relief. She put the mug down and stood up. "You sweet, lovable dork." She gave him a peck on the cheek. "Thank you for that, and the flowers."
He chuckled. "That's a relief. I wasn't sure since I know you don't like surprises."
"Only the bad ones. I'm sorry for what happened before. But you have to understand I'm just looking out for you."
Spyro bit his lip. "I know, but… Never mind, it's in the past now." He felt a tiny claw prod his face. He feinted rolling his eyes before raising the child to meet them. "What do you want, trouble?" He blew raspberries into the hatchling's tummy, causing him to squeal in delight.
Solaria sniggered. "What's your plan for today? I presume more time with Cynder?"
Spyro stopped his belly blowing. "No, actually. I was thinking we could have a day out at the park. Might as well use this time off we have to do something good. Then maybe later on we could have dinner out again."
"So, no Cynder?"
Spyro shook his head. "No Cynder. Just you, me, and this little rascal." He softly tossed his child in the air before catching and nuzzling him. His smile grew even wider.
His happiness did not escape Solaria; there was something genuine about his laughter. This sparked an old feeling in her soul. The dusty bellows began to blow, wafting cold air onto simmering coals. Embers began to glow like orange veins, reigniting a passion – her passion for hope and love for their marriage.
"I…" Spyro's shoulders drooped.
Solaria looked back at him. He had something to say, something that was going to upset her, didn't he? Her thoughts immediately jumped on the defensive.
"I owe you an apology. For a while now, I've been a terrible person. I've not been treating you the way I should've – as my wife and best friend. We have our differences, which has led us to arguing. But that is no excuse for me to ignore or treat you the way that I have. But I want to be better; I want to be a better dragon that puts the effort in. I want to be a dragon worthy of you."
"It's alright, my dear." She once more embraced her mate tightly, their cheeks meeting in romantic unison. "I'm glad you understand. We all have issues that need to be dealt with. But together, we can overcome anything." She pulled back, placing her claws on his shoulders. "Now, while I prepare lunch for our day out, how about you help Ignirius pick out which toys he wants to take along?"
Spyro nodded. "Sounds like a plan." He left, trying to cling onto the excitable, lovable nuisance.
It was haunting how close to Cyril's plan Spyro's speech was; it was almost echoed word for word. Yet that didn't change how she felt. This was the dragon she'd married.
While she still held doubt, Cyril's plan had worked far better than she'd expected, probably better than even he had anticipated. She loathed not being able to ask what had happened last night, but if this was the result, then perhaps the payoff was worth turning a blind eye.
Maybe Cynder wasn't as bad as she'd suspected. Maybe their marriage could be saved...
