Keeping Secrets

"That was brilliant! I'm sorry, I know I keep going on about it, but… it was just so awesome. The power, the way we were in sync. I mean, I know I was a bit shaky, but with you being amazing, you adjusted and balanced it out." He hadn't stopped rambling since the battle.

Cynder couldn't help but chuckle and smile. She loved seeing him this happy. This trip had done a hell of a lot for his confidence. Plus, she was certain she had convinced him to continue doing this type of work with her.

"I feel like I could take on a dozen orcs." He didn't care that he was loud. He was the king of the swamp and was ready to fight for that title.

Even when a grove worm poked its ugly head out to investigate, Spyro stared back at it with fiery eyes. Something in the creature's mushy mind told it to be afraid. This fear was only realised when a lump of glowing rock struck it in the face and caused it to fall prone. With an indignant growl, it fled.

They continued their leisurely stroll back to the farm.

Cynder decided that, since Spyro was invigorated, now would be the best time to ask him. "So, what do you think? Do you want to continue doing this with me?"

"Hell ye–" He slumped. The purple dragon stopped and sat down. "Except I can't…"

Cynder shook her head, smiling. "Not the Solaria issue still?"

"Yeah, that one. If she found out I came all the way out here and did this, she would go ballistic."

She sat in front of him. "She just doesn't know the greatness she's holding back."

He managed a little smile, but it faded as quickly as it appeared.

"But if it's that much of an issue, then we'll keep it a secret. Just long enough for you to get better, and then when you're ready, we can show her." She was trying to be nonchalant about the whole thing so she didn't worry him more.

"I wish it was that simple, Cyn. But Solaria is set in her ways. She won't change, and it's frustrating like anything." He gave a short hysterical laugh. "I don't know why I put up with it."

"Then why do you?"

"I–" He paused. He couldn't look at her anymore.

Cynder had suspected there was more to his unhappiness than just his dark side, and this reaction confirmed it. At this time, he wasn't happy with Solaria. She was a part of the issue, one that Cynder couldn't help with. She was glad, however, that Spyro wasn't shouting at her for making such comments. This potentially meant he was beginning to open up about his more complex issues. When he was ready, she would lend her ear.

For now, though, she had to dip into the subject a little. "I understand this is hard, Spyro, I really do. But I also know that you need this."

He was swimming in turmoil. The fors and againsts were stacking in his head like the interlocking fingers of the hands of two decisions.

"Go back a minute and tell me how you felt."

"Well. Powerful and free–"

"Like the darkness was hundreds of miles away?"

He blinked. "Well, yeah, in a way."

"And have you ever felt like this in the last ten years?"

"No…?"

She leaned closer. "Then you need this, Spyro. Trust it from someone who's been through what you have. Nothing feels more freeing than doing the things you love. But please, if you absolutely feel like you can't do this, then let me know now. This is the last time I will try to convince you, I promise."

He wandered away for a moment, entrenched in his thoughts. Cynder could see this and thought it would be best to let him clear his head.

A short while passed, yet it felt like an excruciating hour. Every now and again he would look up, like he was asking the ancestors for answers. Eventually, he came back. She nervously waited for his answer.

"Alright." He took a deep breath.

She saw he had the look of determination. Like he was ready for a serious fight.

"Let's do this."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. You're right, I can't keep putting it off. This is something that could destroy everyone I love. If I want any chance to beat it, then I have got to take some risks and make some sacrifices. My home life will suffer, but in the end, it will be worth it. I just pray Solaria understands without me having to explain. Our marriage has been suffering and I hate to think what this could do to it."

She wasn't sure if he meant to say that or if it was a slip of the tongue, but it was best if she didn't question it. Yet a nagging feeling told her that she couldn't leave him feeling insecure about his marriage. She sat down beside him. "You know, in a weird way, I'm sure it will be fine in the end."

"Hm?" He looked over at her.

"Well, I'm sure even if she doesn't show it, Solaria must be thanking the ancestors that she chose you. I know I would be." She laughed.

"But she shouldn't. Maybe it was once upon a time. But now I'm just a miserable sack trying to fight not to lose everything."

She gave a slight jab on his shoulder. "That's not true. You are kind, brave, empathetic. I could go on. Even when you lost everything you didn't give in. Spyro, I am not exaggerating when I say you're the most amazing dragon I know." She looked up in time to see a single tear escape his eye.

"Thank you, Cynder." He wiped his eyes.

She gave him a nuzzle on the cheek. "Now, come on. We can discuss more as we go."

He nodded. The two resumed their journey.

They returned to the farmer and gave a chunk of the monster's fur as proof that the beast had been slain. The old mole was satisfied with the evidence and signed the bounty as completed. He then bid the duo farewell, completely oblivious that his outback farm had two of the most famous dragons visiting.

The bounty-hunting duo talked about their plan in more detail on the way home,which included how they would go about keeping it a secret, along with several other minor details. They agreed they would go out two to three times a week with interchanging days, depending on the schedule Spyro was given for each week.

Despite Spyro agreeing to this, it meant his worries stacked up ever higher. There was obviously the concern about Solaria finding out, and the real risk of it all caving in. But there was another risk that tied into the first worry – the paparazzi. Whether it be provocative lies or a verbal crowbar, they always seemed to find the truth.

On top of all that, he had to consider his already packed schedule. He would need to find time to fit in these sessions with Cynder between work. Although he only worked week days, his agent continuously took advantage of his gentle nature to convince him to work the weekends.

He shook his head. "Screw it, I'm not working on weekends anymore. That is my time, my time to relax." He nodded happily, satisfied this was what Cynder meant by taking liberties.

Speaking of Cynder, he wondered how she was coping. How was she adapting to city life? He quickly glanced in her direction. Honestly, she looked far happier out here than bunged up in the city. He even noticed her do a couple of somersaults because she could.

He envied her, having the freedom to do what she wanted. Not burdened down by other people or gratuitous jobs.

He should've been able to pursue the path he wanted to follow, so he could wake up to the freedom of raising his endearing child. It didn't matter what anyone, including Solaria, said. She may have been a guardian, but he was a living legend. A dragon far more capable of doing good rooting out pockets of Malefor's army than sitting and having a tea party. If Solaria didn't like that then she could be the one to change this time. This was a relationship of equals, not slavery. He was done sacrificing his own happiness when no one did the same for him. That was his back-up plan should the secret get out. "This is what you were teaching me, Cynder. Isn't it?"

He nodded smugly to himself. He had fought for the world before and he would fight for it again. Whether it be the media, his darkness or Solaria, he would fight with everything he had.

Spyro the dragon was back, and he was–

–eating those words. How he wished he had saved that little speech until after his meeting with Cyril...

After he and Cynder returned to the city, they split up. He went to see Cyril, while she went to turn in the bounty, promising to give him his share of the prize the next time they met. It was a lengthy farewell, but he enjoyed it.

Now he was stuck with Cyril. But as annoying as it was, he couldn't just brush him off. He understood that the guardian was only trying to help. But there was nothing he could help him with. This problem was beyond his area of expertise, and trying to explain the issue to him would only spark worries of a second Malefor.

Besides, he was getting the help he needed. Cynder had been a godsend for him. He had said it before, but that dragoness was saving his life.

For some reason, Cyril kept referring back to Solaria. He kept nagging on about him having a potential attitude issue and how it could be affecting those around him. He knew he had an attitude issue, but that wasn't his fault. It was a product of his dark side. If he could, he would change that. But a combination of his inner evil and having to constantly battle it and daily life had made it impossible for him to keep a positive attitude all of the time.

All he needed was for people to understand that he occasionally needed some time alone and to trust that he was dealing with his issues. Then, maybe one day when he was feeling better, he could finally reveal the truth.

He took a deep, inward breath. He was just getting himself frustrated. He needed to get this out of the way and then he could return to his beautiful child.

"Spyro, perhaps you have not noticed, but it's particularly difficult for me to help you when you will not open up," the guardian said, noticing the drake not paying attention.

"I'm sorry, Cyril. But I keep telling you, there is nothing you can help with. I just don't think you're the right person."

Cyril frowned. His patience was being tested. "Of course, we shall not know unless you tell me, Spyro. Now, is the issue anything associated with a bad experience you have had with Solaria?"

Spyro dragged a paw down his face, much to the displeasure of the guardian. "No, Cyril. I keep telling you this, it has nothing to do with Solaria."

"Are you certain? As far as I am aware, you have not told me anything."

"Or maybe you're too ignorant to understand that you can't help me."

The elder was insulted. He knew the purple dragon was rude, but not offensive. "How dare you use such foul language? Perhaps it is you being ignorant to the fact that I am trying to help."

He'd had enough; he could feel the heat coursing in his veins. With a look of agitation, he got up. "I think we're done here." He turned and headed for the door.

Cyril was bewildered. "And where do you think you are headed now?"

"Anywhere but here," Spyro called out over his shoulder.

"What a spoilt attitude you are clinging onto."

That remark caused Spyro to spin around. "This is what I'm talking about. Everyone acts like I'm not able to take care of myself and that they know everything about me. But let me tell you, Cyril, you don't know what's best for me because you don't know me. But please, tell me, what's wrong with me?"

The guardian of ice was shocked by this sudden outburst. "Er–"

"Go on, tell me!"

He gulped. " I… I do think that you perhaps have a bit of an attitude problem…"

A few awkward seconds passed.

"That's it?" The purple dragon paced. "In the last ten years, that's all you can say about it?"

The guardian shut his maw.

"Well, you're damn right I have an attitude. And yet you haven't even considered why. I'll give you a hint; I'm dealing with some big issues, bigger than even you can comprehend. Only one dragoness can truly help me, and her name is Cynder. But if you really want to help, then tell everyone you know to leave me the hell alone because I'm dealing with my issues just fine and the rest of you are only making it worse. Maybe one day you'll understand, but I hope for everyone's sake that day doesn't come. Maybe when I'm on the ground begging for help, you'll understand how much help I truly need."

Then he left, leaving the gobsmacked guardian alone in the stifling silence.

After that clash, Spyro had no choice but to cool his head in the garden. Once he was there, the regular routine kicked in – constant pacing until he found a spot to switch off and listen to the sounds of nature.

After that, he headed home.

He was greeted by Solaria with open claws, where they shared a short nuzzle on the cheek. He then picked up his little ball of joy and gave him his own affection. They looked like the model family everyone thought they were.

Solaria briefly touched upon the subject on Cynder and remained nonchalant when he gave the short answer.

He was cautious of her reaction; normally she tried hacking in with a hatchet. But if it meant she wasn't grilling his back for answers every time, then that was fine with him.

Between the two of them they decided to have a dinner of beef stew. He did comment on the cleanliness of the kitchen, as it was apparent that was what Solaria had spent the day doing. She seemed happy he noticed.

Despite the lack of eccentricity of their dinner, he appreciated that. It was his turn to feed Ignirius, which was amusing. The hatchling found it far funnier to launch the meat. Spyro had to choke a giggle when one of the meaty missiles plopped on his mate's head.

Overall it had been a calm evening with no more drama. He decided that, since it was a pleasant evening, he would take Ignirius for a flight. He did offer Solaria to join them, but she declined. She was always more of a ground-dweller anyway.

So that's what he did. He glided the skies above the city, avoiding the occasional annoying pest while holding his own blood close to his chest. This got him reminiscing about his earlier promise to himself.

He couldn't deny that, before Cynder, Ignirius was the only thing that had kept him going. This treasure was the beating in his heart. He felt safest with him in his paws. If something ever happened to his child, then well… That wasn't a situation he wanted to imagine.

He didn't think of it before, but Ignirius was a huge part of the reason he wanted to change. He wanted to be a role model for his child, the hero he could look up to. Nothing else in the world mattered more than his son. If he wasn't doing all this for himself, then it was for him.

He cuddled his son even closer as they climbed the rosy skies together.

Cynder crashed on her bed with a muffled thump. Her claws sprawled out and stretched. Today had been as Spyro described earlier – amazing.

Her thoughts trailed back to the battle. How their eyes briefly connected as they arced over the top of each other. That moment was pure ecstasy. She hadn't been able to stop thinking about it on the way home.

The black dragoness was overjoyed that her theory was right. Her plan worked brilliantly. Spyro loved the trip; she had seen it in his eyes. To top it off, he was now her partner once more. The legendary duo were back.

She was relieved she could finally help Spyro out; it felt like she was paying back a life debt. She let out a relaxed sigh.

A series of small sharp knockings thumped on the thin door.

She raised her and looked over. This is the first time since being here that someone had knocked, so she had no clue who it was. She rolled out of bed and approached the door.

She undid the chain and opened it. Beneath her, she spotted a curiously dressed mole with his nose barely an inch away from where the door was. He was wearing black trousers that reached down to his polished shoes, a white shirt with a grey striped vest over the top. To complete his unusual outfit, tucked into one of the pockets was a little piece of paper that read 'press.' He was also carrying a pencil and notepad. He spoke with the voice of an old news reporter.

"Excuse me, Ma'am. Are you by any chance the legendary Cynder?"

His direct tone instantly made her uncomfortable. "Yes?"

"Excellent. Would you mind if I asked you a couple of questions?" His pencil hand was twitching, ready to scribble down.

It didn't take much for Cynder to realise that this guy was part of the paparazzi. She didn't have any experience with them, but she remembered Spyro complaining about them. But only a couple of questions? That didn't sound so bad. "Sure."

That was all the mole needed to hear. Talking like he was in a speaking race, he fired off a series of questions. "Where have you been for the last ten years? What have you been doing during that time? Is it true that you have been trying to once more resurrect Malefor?"

She was almost blown back by the barrage. "I was at the White Isle – wait, what? No! Why would I want to resurrect him again?"

"Claims to have been at the mythical White Island. Obvious attempt to lie. Also neither confirms nor denies that she is still working with Malefor," she heard him mutter under his breath.

"I said no. What planet are you from?" She was exasperated.

"Correction. She denies, but tone hints to another possible attempt to deceive." He had his head buried in his notebook, ignoring the outraged looks of the dragoness.

"Where are you getting these ideas from? Just bugger off before I call the guards."

"Has threatened to summon the guards."

Cynder quickly realised why Spyro hated these wretched little gremlins. "Just go away. I don't want anything to do with you guys. And leave Spyro alone while you're at it."

The mole's eyes darted up, his pencil primed on the page. "What do you know about the purple dragon?"

This mole was annoyingly sharp. "Nothing I'm sharing. Now, for ancestor's sake, go away."

"How would you describe your relationship with Spyro? Would you say you hold romantic feelings for him?"

"Wh-what? No." She tried denying, but her faint blush betrayed her.

"Denies loving Spyro, but blushed. Potentially yet another attempt to lie." His beady eyes kept darting between Cynder and his notepad. "Is it also true that you and him left the city for a couple of hours for an unknown reason?"

She couldn't speak; the mole had stolen her words. So she did the only thing she could think of. She slammed the door and pressed her back to it. Her body slid down to the ground.

The knocking resumed. He was like a buzzing insect that wouldn't go away. It felt like she was being interrogated by her own thoughts.

"What are your thoughts on the rumours that you and Spyro are meeting in secret to commit adultery?"

"Fuck off!"

The talking stopped. She couldn't hear anything on the other side of the door. She wasn't sure whether to be relieved or scared.

A couple of deathly minutes passed before she risked opening the door just a crack. Thank the ancestors, the walking nightmare was gone.

She knew Spyro's life was hard, but she'd always thought these guys were the easy part.

The way he could penetrate her head so easily with only one word was scary. The fact he knew where she lived and also that they left the city meant he had been following them.

She reattached the chain. Though she wished he was gone forever, she had a feeling that wasn't going to be the case. She had accidentally bled a droplet of information into the sea of news and now the sharks were coming...

She knew that, at some point, the city would find out about her return. But she didn't want all of these rumours flying around with it. Her reputation was shaky at best here, anyway.

Though it seemed like a minor thing, this experience had worried her enough to consider moving to another place.

The worst part, though… was that the mole's accusations weren't entirely false. If Spyro had attempted anything like that, she wasn't sure she would resist. Obviously she tried fighting these feelings, but it wasn't easy.

She needed to get her mind off this. Her dinner was sitting on the side of the table, something small since the job didn't pay that well. All she could do was keep doing her best. Her and Spyro's next gig was in a few days and she wanted to pick a good one. She wanted to lead up to the impossible job.

When that day did come, it would be a time to remember.