This was where I originally left off on Memories a few years back, and it is still one of my favorite chapters.

Cynder walked silently through the wandering halls. The events of last night still had not completely hit her yet, and despite sleeping in the same room as him, it was…incomprehensible. She was so happy that Viberian had come to her and was thrilled to start a new chapter with him, but something was off. A nagging doubt; a worry that would never leave her alone. This time, she knew exactly what it was and there was only one who could really help her with this one.

Volteer was inside the library of the chronicler, going through the various books. He couldn't touch the ones that had the lives of others, but he could flip through various history books. In his claws, a book describing the legend of the purple dragons lay spread open. He momentarily shifted his gaze to her but continued to read.

"This is fascinating." He said to her. "I've never found a copy of this book; I've seen excerpts but not the full thing. It has everything ranging from Elderon to Malefor."

"Elderon?" Cynder inquired.

"Ah yes, the very first purple dragon. Or least, as far as records go." Volteer said. "I'm trying to see if there is a predator for purples."

"…Why?"

"Well, why else would this Sorcerer go after purples? Or make them, as the case was with Faulnox." He snapped the book shut after earwigging his page. "See, I have a hypotheses; I was speaking to Spyro earlier, and he mentioned something about having other purples as backup. So, I am wondering if The Sorcerer instead feeds off the energy of purples that he inhabits."

"That's a stretch." Cynder gave a sardonic look. "He's clearly trying to rule the world, so why would he waste time?"

"I don't know." Volteer shrugged. "But enough of that; I can see you had something dire to tell me."

Cynder hesitated for a moment. "I uh…I just started a relationship thing with Viberian."

Volteer blinked a few times. "Oh dear. I know why you're here now."

"You do?"

"Yes, you are looking for dating advice. Let me tell you, I-"

"No!" Cynder cut him off. "Look, um…I am…conflicted. I'm happy but I feel so wrong in doing it."

Volteer's mirth faded slightly. "I had a feeling it was that."

Now Cynder was worried. "What does that mean?"

"It means, Cynder, that this is going to end disastrously." Volteer explained. "Part of you wants one thing. The other wants another. You will be torn down the middle for the rest of your days, and you will never be happy. Not unless you come to grips with yourself."

"How do I do this?" Cynder demanded. "I can't live this two-lives-thing anymore! I can't be held back because a part of me isn't cooperating!"

Volteer sighed. "You have to face yourself. You have to restore your memories, and that may mean giving up a part of you forever."

The ebony went quiet. Volteer came over and sat in front of her and placed a comforting claw on her shoulder. It would have to come down to this eventually, and both knew it. Her lack of memories restricted her powers and abilities, and both were needed to fight the Sorcerer. Maybe it was better that Viberian had inadvertently prompted her now than later.

"Alright." Cynder said heavily. "What do we need to do?"

Sometime later, Volteer returned with Ignitus and sealed off the room. The ritual needed for this would be stabilized by The Chronicler, and they began to set up the spell. Cynder couldn't identify any of the ingredients, nor could she tell what Volteer or Ignitus were murmuring about. The occasional glances back to her made her worry more.

"This spell will allow you to go deep in your mind, where your subconscious and conscious can meet." Ignitus explained to her as he placed down a series of candles that emitted a golden light. "It's unstable, but it is the only way to manifest anything. These candles," He indicated to them, "will keep you safe. You should not be in any danger, and if anything happens, we will pull you out."

"What should I look out for, then?" Cynder asked. "What will I see?"

"Only you can find out," Volteer said. "I'll admit, I did not know much about this until Ignitus explained it to me just now. You must find your old self or collect the pieces."

"I think I got it." She said. "How will you know if I am lost?"

"If you have not returned by night, we must end the spell." Ignitus indicated to a runed rock. "If your body begins to toss itself into a seizure or anything akin to that, we will end it there as well."

"Alright." Cynder let out a huff. "Let's do this I guess."

Ignitus and Volteer began to chant, and Cynder began to feel tired. Part of the ritual, she supposed. Going in conscious would lead to disaster no doubt. Her body sagged and slid to the floor slowly, eyes drooping. Her last thought was hopeful, almost a prayer that she wouldn't be the one who was destroyed.

When she awakened, it was in an alien world. Much like the realm The Chronicler placed her in, it was full of stars. Unlike it, there were many shadowed platforms and paths. Going near them caused a severe migraine, leaving her with only one path to go. Before her, a staircase unfolded, leading up a distance.

The climb to the top was long; her wings did not help, being bound by another will. It was so familiar and yet so foreign. Dimly, she realized just who it was. The presence did not call her as much as summon and she walked like a slave along the winding path. No wind threatened to kick her off – only the power of what she was feeling was slowing her down.

Cynder's claws touched the surface of the top, the ground different under her claws. Instead of stone, it was grassy. The environment was brown and sunlight filtered through the roof. A memory stirred as she glanced upon the runed walls; this was the temple she guarded! Or, at least, did before Malefor returned. It was so pristine in comparison - all the cracks and blemishes were signs of age rather than blood and decay.

In the center…stood herself. She was different, standing tall and regal. Her horns, neck, and limbs had jewelry glistening in the sun. When her head moved, a soft jingle from the chains around her horns chimed. Cynder stared into the face of the other, seeing the youthful face so full of life.

"There you are," Her doppelganger said. "I've been waiting for this day for a very long time."

"Really?" Cynder raised an eyeridge. "Did you know this was going to happen?"

"Not exactly the circumstances, but eventually you and I would have to meet in some way." She stepped forward. "To prevent confusion, call me Skyterror. It's the name I lived by."

"Oh thank god." Cynder sighed in relief. "Although, I am surprised you didn't want the name for yourself."

"I know who I am; you have no other names." Skyterror shrugged. "Now, since we are one, you must understand who I am before we can come to decisions."

"Well, others have told me-"

"They have secondhand experience and are not us." Skyterror jerked her head behind her. "Follow me."

Cynder did so as Skyterror stepped through the door and into what should have been another part of the temple. Instead, they were back in the starry void. Except, this was quite different. This time, she could see clearly and realized that this was Convexity. They stood at the edge of a platform was a massive gate in the center, and before long, another version of her strode forth.

This version was unhealthy. Her body was skinny and malnourished, long shadows under her bloodshot eyes. Her face was gaunt and forced into what seemed like a smile despite carrying a dark crystal.

"Smile," Skyterror said bitterly. "That's all I could do. I was forced to be what Malefor wanted me to be; a pretty little servant. Yet, he used me in more ways than one, and as you can see, I began to suffer. I kept a straight face, but my power was waning. I call that version of me 'Marion'.

"Why Marion?"

"Easier to say than Marionette."

As the crystal was being placed down, a small familiar face jumped onto the platform as the scene froze. Skyterror stepped over to the smaller form of Spyro, whose fangs were bared in challenge.

"It was hard to believe that a small dragon would best me at first. I was the Skyterror, feared by all, and a whelp no older than twelve took me down." Skyterror chuckled. "It was for the best in the long run, but Malefor still had his grips on me."

"I thought his will was broken when Spyro took us out." Cynder glanced down at the purple.

"It wasn't until much later."

The scene shifted again. They were back in the temple again, but it looked more like it did presently. It was dark, corrupted, and devoid of any warmth. Thundering laughter echoed through the chamber as Malefor came into view, watching as a younger Cynder taunted and tormented Spyro. Her form was shadowy, eyes gleaming white.

"FIGHT BACK!" The younger version shrieked at Spyro as she continued to batter him.

"I have nothing left to fight for." Spyro said meekly. The younger Cynder's eyes widened and the shadows disappeared, allowing her to revert back to normal.

The adult Cynder glared at Skyterror, who averted her gaze.

"That worked?" She asked. "Seriously?"

"I was young and in love."

"That is absolutely no excuse."

"Regardless," Skyterror snarled, "It was here that I was finally free. I was able to see things clearer. Spyro had broken the chains that bound me to Malefor, and naturally I had fallen for him. Similar to how Viberian brought you back to life."

"So you love Spyro as kind of a…what's it called…"

"Like how you, again, fell for Viberian."

Cynder scowled a bit at the implication. Did she only chase him because of events? Spyro had mentioned a falling out of sorts, and she worried that it would happen with Viberian. Or anyone she got in a relationship with. What would happen if she actually did settle down after all of this? Would the lack of fighting drive her away?

It was all she knew. She hadn't stopped to think about what was she going to do after The Sorcerer was defeated. Skyterror had some experience about not being in some sort of battle and yet…

"Come." Skyterror said, moving on from the scene. "Now, I will begin to show you things that the others could not have told you. You need to see your regular life."

The area shifted once more and Cynder stepped into what appeared to be a private quarter. It was smaller than expected, but then again, she must have been very young. Outside, the sun shined, and Warfang lay sprawled before her. It was, well, beautiful. No ruins, no nothing. The golden spires glimmered and the fine stone buildings stood tall and proud.

Once again, the younger Cynder appeared, this time flanked by Spyro. They both looked haggard and tired, but also joyful.

"Well, we did it." Spyro said cheerily. "It's over."

"I can't believe it." The smaller ebony walked to the window. "How did we do it? I mean, that was a purple! A purple that just blew up the world!"

"And I fixed it." Spyro answered rather smugly.

"I helped." Younger Cynder scowled. "Moral support is just as important as your world magnet."

Spyro laughed. "World magnet, huh? That's what it's gonna be called in history then. I'll demand Volteer to write it down."

"World…magnet?" Cynder whispered to Skyterror. "Is that when he pulled the world back together or did he make a massive one?"

The scene went silent as the younger dragons babbled. Skyterror smirked slightly before replying. "It's when he pulled the world together." She indicated to the room. "This was to be our new life together. A new beginning, if you will. The eternal night had passed, and the dawn had shown itself. This is where stories would end, but for us, it was a look into the future."

Skyterror showed a few more scenes, all frozen. They consisted of date nights, training together, and the like. Wherever one went, the other followed. Inseparable despite not having the necklace around them anymore. Cynder blinked; how did she remember that? However, she began to notice something in the images; both Spyro and her younger counterpart had slowly begun to lose their mirth. It was as if all of the joy of saving the world had begun to drain away.

The problem was fairly obvious in her eye: they never separated. They slept in the same room, went to the same locations, ate at the same area. They were going to have a quarrel - and soon.

"You're noticing the problem." Skyterror said. "I loved him, and he was helping me get adjusted to life but…"

"You wanted to branch out on your own." Cynder nodded.

"I did. And once I started, I ran into our mutual friend, Yeras." Skyterror said as the scene shifted. "I know you know how we met, but what you don't know is what happened afterward." She shifted. "In order for the next few memories to really work, you have to see things from my point of view. This slideshow show will not do it anymore."

Watching Yeras try and fight the dummies was both amusing and made Cynder's body race with concern. The little ice dragon was absolutely terrified by the approaching apes. They were set on the second lowest difficulty; all but impossible to lose. Yet Yeras continued to back up and stare up at them fearfully.

"Use your element!" Cynder shouted to her. "They won't stand up against that!"

Yeras did the exact opposite and tried to run but didn't get far. Backed against a corner, she watched as the dummies raised their clubs to attack. If they struck her, it wouldn't cause much damage; despite that she didn't try and move. Then again, what did Cynder expect in the first lesson from someone who had been bullied?

Just as she was ready to pull the plug on this, a glow emanated from where Yeras stood. A massive ball of purple ice slammed into the first ape and splintered to strike the others. They couldn't stand against such an assault and fell to the ground in shambles while Yeras scampered away with her tail between her legs.

"Well, good news is what if you do that, they will never ever bother you again." Cynder flew down to comfort the shaking dragon. "That was easily a rank two ability. How did you do that?"

"I don't know." Yeras mumbled. "I just got scared."

"Well, that's good." Cynder praised. "Well, not the being afraid part. You've got a fighting spirit in there somewhere just waiting to be tapped."

"I don't want to fight, though. It's mean."

"And I respect that. However, you need to learn to defend yourself or else you'll just be walked over. That is mean."

Yeras cocked her head and looked up blankly instead of replying. Cynder followed her gaze and felt a small hint of unease. Spyro landed in the middle of the arena. His form was imposing, ready to burst with elemental energy. His eyes narrowed at the sight of Yeras but his fangs did not bare. It was concern mixed with mild curiosity.

"So there is a Convexity dragon here." Spyro said. "Why would you hide this?"

"Because I knew how you'd react." Cynder growled lowly.

"And that is?"

"You'd come to destroy her because that's your nature."

It wasn't meant directly as an insult. Sure she was mad that he came here with that intent glinting from his eyes, but it wasn't like he could control it. From what she understood of his actions, he went out of his way to either harness or destroy Convexity. Anyone who exhibited it in the past was usually destroyed.

Yeras would be the exception to this rule.

"She's potentially dangerous, Cynder." Spyro shrank a bit under her glare.

"I won't let you attack her over a 'maybe'." Cynder spat. "If you bothered to check you'd see that she cannot use the energies! She's not a danger!"

"That doesn't mean that-"

"Actually since we are on this topic, am I dangerous? You went out of your way to protect me despite being infused with Convexity. Why is she different?"

Spyro did not have an answer. She had primed that weapon the moment she realized he would come. She'd just hoped that it wouldn't be used. The guilt that crossed his muzzle seemed to break him free from his task.

"That's…a fair point." He averted his eyes. "I wasn't thinking. I'm sorry."

"Don't apologize to just me." Cynder jabbed a talon at Yeras. "She has enough to deal with. Would you believe that she's being harassed at the orphanage because of this? And guess what; it won't be long before those drakes hit that point in their life and she's already a target."

Spyro winced. "Alright you made your point."

"Finally."

"But what are we going to do with her? Even if I did go to the orphanage, they won't protect her from everything. Others won't stop to hear you or her out."

"That's true." Cynder glanced down at the shaking dragon. "We can't leave her there."

"I can have someone make her a room where we live. I want to keep an eye on her just in case and this will be the best of both words."

"Would you like that?" Cynder asked Yeras. It was the best they were going to do with Spyro and she could keep an eye on the both of them.

"Couldn't be worse than where I live now." Yeras joked nervously.

"Alright. Do you have anything at the orphanage you need to get?" Spyro asked.

"Yeah." Yeras nodded.

"I'll take you there. They won't dare cross me." Cynder gave an eager smirk. In a way, she wished someone would.

"Why do you continue to show me scenes with Spyro?" Cynder gave a sideways glance at Skyterror once they returned. "Are you trying to indoctrinate me into liking him?"

"It just so happens that most of the memories are with him." Skyterror scowled. "If I was trying to do that I'd be showing all of the happy memories. Did you miss the point of this one?"

"That he was going to straight up kill Yeras."

"Indeed. For all of the good he did, that was a flaw."

"I'm going to assume he took a while." Cynder followed her to another locked memory.

"No, it was fairly swift once he got used to her." Skyterror smiled softly. "Now come, there are more things for you to see."

Malefor kept to the shadows in his venture through the fortress. The past three years had taught him of every nook and cranny to shift through. Many of the forces did not know of these locations and the only ones who did, The Sorcerer and Faulnox, were not present. The latter certainly was taking his sweet time with the assignment, though. In the past he would have flown over to handle it himself but perhaps he was savoring the moment.

His delay made Malefor's task much easier. With Xasper distracting most of the Gnorcs and other congaed species, only Necrolites patrolled the halls. They paid him little mind in their shuffling, although a few looked in the direction of the thumping that came from Xasper. They were growing more intelligent and longing for more than hunger.

Eventually he reached his destination; a massive library. The Sorcerer had insisted upon having one and Malefor had come down here more times than he'd like to admit. The library was filled with rows upon rows of books, some of which were written in a strange dialect or looked incredibly out of place. Case in point being one that was carved into crystal that bent and warped under his claws before returning to its pristine shape.

Books were not the only thing in the library. Artifacts of his conquest hung or were put on pedestals. One of which was a scepter with a gleaming ruby at the tip. Another looked like a pair of mechanical goggles and wings. He had all of Convexity to hide it and he chose here to keep some. Maybe as reminders to himself while on this world.

"Despite my hatred for him," Glacia appeared beside him, "I will admit that I am a tad jealous of his travels. Crossing dimensions sounds…interesting."

"He doesn't go sight-seeing." Malefor replied. "These are the last of everything he has destroyed. The head of an animal on the wall."

"I am very much aware." She said sourly.

Malefor walked past a defunct gateway in his search. He remembered it; a gateway to different realms. He had been to that universe briefly and was disappointed when they would not work here. The orbs that powered it lost all charge once crossed into this dimension.

"What exactly are we looking for?" Terir also appeared. Her body appeared more normal despite a slightly lopsided neck.

"In here is the key to his true identity." He explained.

"And that is important why?" Glacia asked.

"Because if I can figure out what he is then we can counter him." Malefor answered. "There is something familiar about him but I cannot put a talon on it."

"Right well, what do you think he is?"

Malefor didn't look at them. "A mutated purple."

"…Mutated?" Tirir tilted her head.

"You didn't see his true form. I did. That is the only plausible explanation for it." Malefor scowled. "In all of his travels, he has to have something we can use. Start looking."

This scene, Cynder, is a painful one. Yes, this one involves Spyro, but this is also a…negative scene. You'll see what I mean.

Cynder scoured the books of the Warfang library with Spyro. Over the past year, they had grown closer than ever before, but no matter what had happened, something felt off. She glanced over at his hunched form, noting a small tremor that ran up and down his spine every few moments. He had lost a few pounds over the past few weeks. Fatigue had claimed him just by doing simple tasks. No one could figure out what was going on and so they had taken it upon themselves to look.

"So…" Sparx said after what felt like hours of silence. "Do you two even know what you are looking for or are you just picking anything at random?"

"Trying to see if there is a medical explanation that we can ask the physician about." Cynder muttered. "There is no way this is just nothing. You've seen him walk weirdly."

"I'm right here." Spyro chuckled. "But she's right. I can feel it but I can't describe it."

"You sure you didn't just pull your back doing the do?"

Spyro glared up at the ceiling. "No Sparx."

"You positive? Cuz sometimes I swear the house shakes. Yeras gave me a concerned look more than once."

"Do you want me to lock you inside a vortex?" Cynder snarled at him. He shut up after that.

In the silence, Cynder continued to worry. Every few moments he'd shudder. It was so small that only she would really notice. It wasn't cold in here; summer had come full force.

CLAP! Spyro had slammed the book onto the floor.

"What's wrong?" Cynder moved closer. She saw that he was studying a book of purples and their histories. Made sense, she supposed.

"I found out what the problem was." Spyro said in a quiet anger.

"Well don't leave us in suspense, buddy." Sparx had a hint of nervousness.

He held up the book again. "This was written by a former Guardian. His mate was a purple. Makes him as credible as any source. Reproductive capabilities, powers, the like."

"I imagine she didn't like him prodding all of those questions for the public." Cynder mused.

"That's the thing; she died when he was writing this." Spyro curled his claws. "Her body broke apart under the stress of having four elements plus magical abilities. And she wasn't the only one. Every single purple recorded had the same problems."

He looked at her. "Cynder, I'm dying."

Cynder gave a bewildered laugh. "W-what? No, that's not it. You're still so young, you can't be dying!"

"Only one purple, the first one, lived past the thirty five year mark." Spyro began to read from the book. "'In my studies, I have found that while purples are incredibly powerful, they cannot keep it contained for long. In their youth they are much better equipped to deal with the energies surging within but as they get older, it is much more difficult. Their bodies and minds slowly decay, occasionally growing violent in their final days as primal instincts fully take over. I was spared such a traumatizing event but others were not so lucky.'"

Spyro flipped ahead. "…if there is one thing in my research I can confirm without a doubt, it is that the purples cannot reproduce. They may mate with any dragon, but the natural energies will overwhelm any budding life."

Cynder sat motionlessly. Ice ran through her veins and the summer heat would not warm her. All she could do was stare at Spyro blankly. Her mind slowly began to defrost and she shook her head.

"No, I don't believe that. There is something we must be able to do to stop this."

"There is a way but I skipped over it." Spyro hissed bitterly. "It involves consuming life energy. I refuse to do that."

"Well surely you can feed off gems to keep yourself balanced."

"For now, yes. But I will need more and more as I get older." Spyro shook his head.

"Chin up, bro." Sparx buzzed in front of him. "You're not the type to just give up at first glance. You said it yourself; one survived after that point. Surely you can too! You're still strong and you can find a way without resorting to vampirism!"

"He's right." Cynder jumped to her claws. "The world has changed so many times since the last purple, Malefor discounted. You can easily find something! I know for a fact that I am not ready to give up on you yet."

Spyro looked between the two of them and looked ready to cry. "I…you're right. I can't lay down and let this win. I have to try."

"Trying is not good enough." Cynder towered over him. "There is a cure and we will find it."

Cynder withdrew from the memory. "So he's dying."

"Yes."

She frowned. "He looked healthy earlier."

"Likely due to whatever the Sorcerer did to him. That amount of power would boost him for a while." Skyterror said dourly. "It won't last."

"So…what now?" Cynder questioned as she was whisked away into another memory.

Malefor slammed the book he was reading shut as a realization dawned upon him. He was so stupid. The obvious was staring him directly in the face.

"Not like you to daydream." Tirir said.

"We've been looking in the wrong direction." Malefor began to pace as Glacia floated over. "Purples don't last long. I was breaking apart before I reached full maturity."

"I noticed." Glacia motioned for him to continue.

"The vampires." Malefor faced them. "Their very existence was the key. They leech off the energy of the living. That's what he is doing. And how do you slow one?"

"Stake it in the heart?" Tirir asked.

"I-no, not that." Malefor scowled. "No, we starve them. Powerful they might be but without proper feeding they grow weaker."

"You're not proposing to destroy the bodies, are you?" Glacia gave him a skeptical look. "We don't know where they are being stored."

"I do." Malefor smirked. "They're in Convexity. It's how he can recharge them while syphoning them."

"So the bodies are alive?"

"Yes. Or at least, physically. The cognitive functions are gone or, at the very least, turned off." The purple explained. "He can't inhabit a dead body. Which is w-"

"What?" Tirir approached apprehensively.

"Which is why I was never considered for possession, artificial or not." Malefor's breathing accelerated and he gave a worried look. "We have to go. Fast."

You wanted a slice of my normal life, yes? Here is one. Without Spyro before you think I am 'indoctrinating' you again.

Cynder trotted down the halls of the temple, taking in the comfortable spring air and spreading her wings a bit whenever sunlight filtered through the windows. Jewelry clinked and jingled softly from her horns, neck, and wrists and a long, flowing cloak with the elemental sign of air covered her back.

Throughout all of her hardships, she never felt at home no matter how hard she tried. Half of her life had been under Malefor's command. And yet here she was; a survivor. She could walk freely down the halls of the temple and fly freely through Warfang without so much as a second glance on most days.

Seeing herself as an adult was both strange and familiar. Whenever she would look into a mirror, she could see parts of her older self staring back. The marionette that used to be Malefor's grinning subject. No longer was she malnourished. Whenever she smiled, it wasn't because she was forced to. Skyterror would forever be a part of her and despite it all she refused to give up that name. A way to remember the past and forge the future, she had said.

"You're happy." Cyril came up from behind her. She hadn't realized that she had stopped. "Too happy. What happened now?"

"Just reflecting." Cynder grinned back and leaned over the window to where Warfang expanded below. The golden spires were especially beautiful once the sun began to rise and the dew made them shine. "Despite everything in my life…things turned out alright. For once I can actually think of what's next."

"Better late than never." Cyril joined her. "How are you adjusting to your new position?"

"Are you asking me because you actually care or…?"

"I am allowed to ask these types of questions without someone wondering if I have an ulterior motive." Cyril gave an offended noise that sounded a mixture between an angry snort and a 'humpf'.

"Uh huh." Cynder gave him a sideways look. "So did you ever hook up with Azulia yet?"

That struck a chord. "Hook up is such a primitive term."

"Mmm, keep telling yourself that and you'll be forever alone." Her grin grew devious. "Lighten up a bit and sooner or later she'll be taking you in the backroom. I know her type."

Cyril replied with a growl, his scales momentarily turning scarlet. "Enough of this. I came to ask out of genuine concern and this is what I get."

"You make it so easy, though!" She poked him with her tail.

He swatted her away. "How is Spyro doing since we are on the topic of mates."

Cynder's face fell a bit. "He has his good days. We're still looking for the cure."

"Volteer mentioned something about an herb growing in the mountains that is known to bolster the immune system. Perhaps it would give him more time for proper treatment."

She smiled and looked down. "Thanks. I'll look into that."

"Now come, I am sure the younglings are looking forward to your survival training classes."

"Cyril?"

"Yes?"

"Never say younglings ever again."

Cynder left him there to roll his eyes. He was right; the newer generation was to be coming soon. There weren't a lot of them – something she had expected – and as such left a lot of downtime between classes. Not that she complained. If anything, it left ample amount of time for her to keep in shape.

Before she could, Cynder went to check on the grounds for her class. It was outside, near a small forest. The trees were thick and bushes didn't leave many paths. Perfect to practice surviving. The students could not fly in this class for the foraging exercises and had to learn the basics just in case they got lost. Many did not understand it. How could they be lost, she was asked. Cynder wished she had their innocence at that age.

Everything checked out okay, Cynder observed. The tents were on different sides of the forest, separated into smaller groups. She would float between them and offer advice if they needed it, but otherwise she served as a guardian in case they got injured. Luckily she didn't need to do that as much as anticipated.

The time came for her lessons to start and the students got to their tasks immediately. Today was going to be a bit different than before, instead calling all to the center of the forest. There were about twenty in total; a quarter of the students that currently went to the temple. The others were too small or frail to keep up with the demands.

"Most of you have been doing quite well in your training," Cynder started brightly. "However, setting up tents and foraging for berries is not going to cut it in the wilds. You need to learn everything."

She held up two mushrooms that looked nearly identical to each other. Both were blue and had black stripes, but one had dots on it.

"One of these is poisonous. The other is edible. Do you know which is which?"

"The one with the spots is poisonous." One said.

"You'd think, but it's the opposite." Cynder explained. "I won't be harmed by the toxins but the rest of you will be. That is what today is going to be about; identifying what will or won't kill you."

For the most part, it went over well. She had many pictures to show of what was dangerous, ranging from a tree that produced a white berry to other fungi. They had a bit of difficulty trying to find the difference between a hemlock and a carrot, something she used to have trouble with. It would take a few times before she could quiz them on it.

The remainder of the class consisted of them fixing tents and trying to build defenses. The constructs weren't all that steady or viable but the effort was there. Deep down it did irk her a tiny bit before she had to remind herself that none of them had the experience she did. In time the skill would come. All that was needed was a gentle claw to guide them.

"No, no, you're building it upside down." Cynder watched as a pair of males tried to build a fence made of sticks. "The larger parts should be in the ground."

Predictably they didn't take kindly to being told to rebuild it at first. By the time the task had started again, the concept was grasped much clearer.

Before she knew it, the class had ended. Cynder escorted the students back to the temple. After this they would go to Volteer's history. Or was it Terrador's combat? Honestly she never paid much attention to the schedule in general. If it was the latter she should help him get ready.

Of course this would require some of the students to stay out of trouble long enough. Judging by an angry guard being flanked by two male students, this would not be the case today.

"What did they do now?" She asked him.

The guard's crimson muzzle scowled behind his golden helmet. "These two got into a scuffle and nearly took out a wall. I was on my way to find you or one of the other guardians."

Cynder eyed them with disappointment. "Why am I not surprised? I feel like it is going to take Spyro and I to visit their parents personally to deal with this." That caused them both to pale. "So that is what it is going to take." She glanced at the guard. "How did it start?"

"Not sure. Was outside when I heard the bang. A few students were injured in the conflict but I patched them up before finding you."

"Thank you." Cynder dipped her head in respect. "I will handle it from here."

"As you wish." He gave a salute of respect before returning in the direction he came.

"Now," She peered down at the duo, "let me see if Spyro is free tonight…"

Cynder was pulled away from the memory and felt strangely…happy. Skyterror was right; a life had been built.

"What do you think?" Skyterror asked.

"I don't think I ever really knew peace." Cynder admitted. "I think if I suddenly stopped and settled down I'd have a hard time adjusting."

"War is all you know. You were born into a warrior but missed out on crucial pieces of your life. You will not be able to stop fighting."

Cynder wanted so badly to retort. To fight back. Then she realized that was exactly what Skyterror was getting at.

"This is still not answering who I really am," Cynder changed the subject, "You're showing me memories, important ones mind you, but not getting to the core."

"In due time." Skyterror indicated to another. "There are three more I wish to show you. The rest will come when we merge."

"Merge, huh?" Cynder eyed her skeptically. "How do I know this isn't you trying to kill me off?"

"If I wanted to do that I had many chances. And besides, why would I allow you to see that first meeting with Viberian?"

"That was Viberian?"

"Indeed it was." She tapped her claws nervously. "This is the beginning of the end, Cynder. These next few will not be pleasant."

The weather had been acting erratic the past few days, Cynder mused as she stared out the window onto Warfang. One moment it would rain, grow sunny, rain again, and then throw gusting winds unlike any felt before. For a brief period, snow had begun to fall. In late summer.

There was nothing she or anyone could do for the moment. It wasn't like they could go speak to the world itself, and they had chalked it up to lingering effects from Spyro's world magnet thing. Yet the both of them knew that something was awry but couldn't put a talon on how or why.

She mentally flinched when she thought about Spyro. He was in the other room and she could see him trying to pick up a utensil. His claws were shaky and jerky, unable to grasp it for long. Today was one of those 'bad days' she had described to the others. Just yesterday he was walking fine and only had a few tremors run across his body.

Today he was horrible. His scales sagged against his bones like a blanket while the wings had begun to wither. The underbelly scales had begun to just out on his lower body, unable to find a grip. Spyro's once brilliant, golden horns had paled. Scales had dulled, talons little more than bone now.

Despite it all he tried to stay optimistic. She saw straight through the act. Everyone did. Yet what could they do? Giving into despair and coddling him to death was out of the question. The search for a way to stabilize him bore little fruit. That didn't mean that they wouldn't continue to try but…the future was bleak.

"Cyndi?" Spyro poked his head in the door. "You alright?"

"Yeah." Cynder smiled tautly. "Just watching the weather."

"It is a bit strange, isn't it?" He hobbled over to her. She couldn't watch. "You're not alright."

She glared at him. "Yes I am."

"Uh huh, so that's why you can't look at me anymore." He save a small scowl. "I've kept my mouth shut, you know. This past week you've been nothing but distant. And I know why."

Cynder bared her fangs but said nothing. This time was going to come sooner or later.

"Nothing has worked." Cynder finally said. "If anything, you're just getting worse with each attempt."

He remained quiet for a moment. "Yeah, that's true."

"I don't know how you can be so optimistic about this, Spyro." Her breathing became ragged.

"Well there has to be something." Spyro shrugged. "I'm not ready to give up. There's bound to be something we haven't tried yet."

"Where? What? When?" Cynder curled her claws.

"I don't know." He admitted. "Is this why you can't look at me anymore?"

Cynder hadn't realized she had turned away again until then. She forced herself to look at her mate and could barely fight the tears that began to flood her eyes. He was dying. The realization hadn't quite hit her until recently. He looked ready to pass now, and if not, within the next five years. Volteer had spoken in private to her about this and while she hated him for speaking it at the time, she couldn't deny the words.

"Every time I look at you, you've degenerated more." Cynder's voice quivered. "I feel physically in pain whenever I see you. When you trip, you nearly break a bone. When you fly, you almost crash. You've lost control of some of your elemental power, haven't you?"

His eyes darted to the side. "Yes."

"It's why you didn't accept the role as Guardian, isn't it?"

"…Yes."

Cynder shook her head. "I wish you told me you were fading this fast."

"That is the last thing you need right now. You're finally having a life. I don't want rip that way."

"And what happens when you die out of nowhere?!" Cynder snapped. "How will I feel then, Spyro?"

He didn't answer her. "That actually leads me to my next point." He inhaled deeply. "Look. I know I'm going faster than anyone anticipated, but you're all going to have to live on. So…I understand if you don't want to…be here anymore."

Cynder's eyes narrowed. Every ounce of anger that had been boiling finally spilled over. A whirlwind sprung up from around her and knocked Spyro back onto the bedding. The tears finally broke the dam and she towered over him, wings outstretched, tail lashing at the air.

"How dare you!" Cynder shrieked. "What do you think I am?! I may have been Malefor's bitch but I am not Skyterror anymore!"

"I never said you-"

"DO. NOT. SPEAK!" The ebony spat. "Do you really think I, or anyone, could abandon you in this state?! You risked your life more than once for me. You gave me a chance; a new beginning. If I were to leave you now, what kind of person would I be? You are right – I will have to live on from this. The years will be cold and quiet but that does not mean I don't still treasure you. I owe you my life and more, Spyro. The least I can do is comfort you in your last days."

"That's what I am afraid of," Spyro replied quietly, "You only staying because of debt."

And there it was. His words rang a distant bell in her mind. She froze, unable to rip her eyes away. She loved him, of that she was certain. But how much did she? How much was genuine and how much was because he had rescued her from hell itself. She had, in a way, become trapped with him. The only way out was with his death; a desire she did not have.

"I am staying because you need someone to carry you when you can no longer walk." Cynder hissed through clenched fangs. "I will not let you suffer alone."

This seemed to satisfy him for now. She moved next to him and pulled him into a gentle embrace. He rested his head in the crook of her neck but Cynder stared at the wall. His words continued to bother her. But she couldn't leave.

Not now. Not ever.

Malefor raced up to the top of the tower. A singularity churned above him; the portal to Convexity. The raw power that emanated from it shook his bones. Had he been younger, he might have been curiously afraid by it. Now? It would only fill him with dread and anticipation. There was a good chance he'd die for good here. Or worse. But it had to be done.

Being…heroic, as Tirir had called it on the way here, was not something in his blood anymore. This was for himself. He wanted The Sorcerer dead for his own means. If the world benefited, that was not his concern anymore. Despite that, there was a small satisfaction in the thought. Perhaps after this was over, he would find his own way halfway across the world.

Raising a claw toward the singularity, a pillar of energy slammed into the platform like a stairway to the skies. He stepped inside and was whisked away into the eye of the portal. Malefor could feel every cell in his body being lifted up this time. The slightest tampering would no down cause catastrophic damage to his form.

He stood inside a metal tunnel now. It was wide and cavernous, as if made to hold the shape of something massive. He sent out a spirit to scout ahead. This time it went willingly; every soul in his body knew what he was trying to accomplish. There were many soldiers, none of which posed a threat to him. They would recognize him as a superior.

The long corridors were dreary and dark. The dull lighting cast shadows in all directions and he knew he was being watched. The Sorcerer liked to hide traps here. Not only that, but there were a few ambushes that he himself had placed. Some of his finer creations; Wraiths. Twisted and tormented spirits, they glided invisibly through the halls. No armor would protect against them – they struck the soul, not the flesh.

After a bit, he glanced out the window to see multiple stars and planets churning beside it. Each one looked exactly the same with minor differences. He felt a youthful sense of wonder staring at them. Each represented different realities. One where he was never born, or where he was never corrupted. Infinite possibilities. His task would not stop The Sorcerer for long if he didn't do it exactly. One small miscalculation and everything would get from bad to worse.

The throne room, if it could be called that, expanded before him shortly afterward. He must have shifted the place once again if it was so easy to find. Either that or The Sorcerer wanted him to find this. Eyes narrowed, he stepped forward. His former master was not present yet. No doubt he was overseeing some sort of project deeper in the walls.

Malefor shut his eyes, his form shifting. Runes, both elemental and magic, covered his body. His eyes turned multi-colored, representing the different elements. Despite being a false purple, he was made to be perfect. The closest to the real one as possible. This form would allow him to preform powerful spells or absorb elements.

The downside was that he was incredibly vulnerable in this state. His movements could cause a rebound. A blade could pierce his normally thick hide like butter. A familiar pain in his chest burned at his lungs and heart. The strain of being a purple, something he had long forgotten, had already begun to take its toll.

Hundreds of spirits drifted from his body and searched every corner of the room. He could feel what they felt, see what they saw. At first, nothing. Then he felt it. The raw power emanating directly behind the large seat. This would be where he hid the bodies!

Getting in was remarkably easy. A few warding spells that fell under the onslaught of the dead. The massive throne moved to the side to reveal a wide staircase below. Tap, tap, tap, his claws clicked loudly in the silent descent. The spirits formed a wall around him, keeping his steady enough to channel the spell.

His talons hit solid floor as darkness surrounded him. His body was the only source of light. Sending off a few more spirits, his eyes widened at what he found.

Dozens upon dozens of purple dragons remained in stasis here. They came in all shapes and sizes, young and old. Each had a pod of sorts that fed just enough energy to keep their bodies alive. Each and every one was recharging, ready for the Sorcerer to inhabit them as he saw fit.

"What do you have planned?" Glacia inquired.

"Yes, do tell." A low, growling voice vibrated the floor below him. Fear and panic, emotions that he had not felt in years, quickly overtook him. This was why it was so easy.

He couldn't see what was before him other than a massive shadow. Malefor's eyes drifted upward to a silver-white glow emanated from a massive, sharp muzzle. The eyes were the same; unwavering and filled with enough power to stop the hearts of any lesser being.

"I think you need a reminder that I do not need these bodies, Malefor," The true form of the Sorcerer spoke to him. "They are but a convenience. If I so desired, I could invade the world as this body. But where is the fun in that?"

Malefor said nothing. The Sorcerer was distracted in his boasting. He wouldn't think Malefor to complete his task now.

"Nothing to say? Or are you still trying to blow up the purples?" The Sorcerer chuckled. "Go ahead. I won't need them very long anymore. Your reality is already being pulled in. All it needs is one tiny little tug."

"Why haven't you yet?" Malefor regained his posture.

"Do I really need a motive? Faulnox still needs to complete his task and I will not spoil his fun. Unlike you, he is loyal." A massive grin revealed rows upon rows of fangs. Just one of them could impale Malefor. "Which leaves the question of what to do with you."

"You are aware that they're going to find out you're a mutated purple, right?" Malefor sneered. "They know how to stop you at that point."

A low laugh echoed around him. "So close and yet so far. It's fairly obvious after a while what I am, but you are still missing a crucial piece. It's been staring you in the face this entire time. Think about it."

Malefor gave him a skeptical look. He was being taunted. But he was right; in all of his research, he never figured out the true identity of The Sorcerer. There was a missing link to all of this. What could it-he stiffened in horror. No, that's not possible. But it made so much sense.

"And you figured it out, haven't you?" The Sorcerer's grin grew wider.

All hints of survival had been obliterated now. Malefor had just signed his death warrant. Or worse, he'd be possessed by this abomination. He was correct about not needing the purples, but that didn't mean he still desired them. Why else would he keep them? If he was going to die, then he would leave something to be remembered.

Malefor reared onto his hind legs, thrust his claws out, and unleashed the strongest thing he could; a cataclysm. Each and every element shot out of his body, mingling with the spirits to fly in all different directions. The purples in stasis exploded upon contact like a series of fireworks. For the first time, he felt free of the corruption. Free of the chains that had bound his entire life. No more would he be shackled to whatever master held his leash.

The moment did not last. A massive shadowy claw struck his entire body and shattered bones upon contact. The wall broke whatever was left. His battered body fell to the ground, quivering. He felt no pain. Every ounce of power he once held slowly began to drain away.

"You actually did it." The Sorcerer sounded impressed. "I had meant to hold back but the surprise…" The ground shook under each movement. "Don't you worry, little dragon. I will make it all better…"

We are approaching the end, Cynder. This one is a few days after that conversation with Spyro. We never finished it. But you need to see more than our fallen love.

"They actually did that?" Yeras asked with mild horror. "Oh my god, are they alright?"

"Yeah, they're fine. Can't say the same about the tree." Cynder snickered back.

It was bright and sunny in Warfang today. The weather had stabilized for a while, allowing Cynder to spread her wings in the sun. She and Yeras walked through the commons; there was a trinket that she wanted to grab for the longest time but never had the chance to until now. Yeras had elected to join her, as she always did.

"The poor tree." Yeras said quietly. "What did it ever do?"

"No idea. Cut down before its time."

"This is depressing."

A thundering CRACK stopped their talking. Both glanced at each other in confusion. Spreading their wings, they flew over to the courtyard of Warfang, where a massive gate lead toward the Burning Lands. The damage from the siege had not been fully repaired, but that was of little concern now. In the middle stood a figure that Cynder never, ever thought to see again.

Malefor. In the middle of Warfang.

HOW?!

"N-not possible." Yeras squeaked out. "How did he survive?"

Cynder went to answer but none came. It was impossible; the spirits had dragged his body down below. There was no possible way he could have escaped from that. He was dead – this had to be a trick. An illusion from a new threat.

That's when she noticed something off about Malefor. When he walked as if testing out his body, he shambled. His scale colors were dark, and the area around his mouth was carved into a Glasgow smile. His form was bloodied, flesh stripped bare at locations. The eyes were cloudy but so very focused at the chaos his very presence brought.

Cynder didn't hesitate. She knew that every moment she wasted looking at him gave him more time to attack. She spun down, poison flicking off her scales, and jabbed her tail toward his neck.

Only for him to catch it.

"Hello to you too, Cynder." His voice was distorted and broken as if his throat had collapsed. "So nice to see you full of life…"

At that very moment, Cynder knew just what was wrong. His flesh was rotting; scales dropped off like flies, and his ribs were exposed.

"You're dead." Cynder said slowly as she wrestled free from his grip. Then, she sneered. "Well, I guess I'll have to remind you of that."

"I look forward to that, but I think you're going to have a hard time doing that fighting your friends." Malefor blew her away with noxious winds. Her throat burned as she gasped for air. "I made you and Spyro purposefully immune to this. I want you to suffer before I kill you."

Malefor's eyes gleamed madly as he raised a rotting claw. Erupting like a vortex, a plagued wind blew around him, growing wider and wider. Within seconds, the entire courtyard was covered in thick, green smog that expanded through the city.

Cynder could barely keep her eyes open in this haze. The air was thick and hard to breathe. A shadow launched into the sky from where Malefor once stood and she tried to chase it; a fruitless effort. Thinking fast, she used her wind element to blow some of the smog away. It worked, and she kept a small whirlwind around her to prevent encroachment.

The grass had withered and died within seconds. The water of the fountain, tainted. No sounds of screaming or anything hit her ears. It was like she was trapped in some sort of limbo. Flapping her winds, she went to the location Yeras had been left at.

She was found unharmed by the smog. The same could not be said for those around her. Corpses littered the ground and inside of homes. Cynder saw a few signs of movements, but when she went down to check, they were gone.

"We need to leave." Yeras said nervously.

"No kidding, but we-"

"Everyone's dead." Yeras's voice cracked. "I can't pick up any sounds. We're too late."

Cynder wanted to ask 'too late for what' but realized it was a dumb question. Spreading her wings, she took off through the smoke and burst out the other side after a moment. Half the city was still unharmed, the green mist forming a wall as it slowly began to seep through the city. Survivors immediately made their way through the tunnel system under Warfang, guided by guards and Sparx.

"Cynder!" Spyro rushed out to meet her. "What happened?!"

"Malefor is back," Cynder could hardly believe the words coming from her mouth, "and he's a zombie."

"A what now?" Spyro raised an eyeridge. "Well, not the strangest thing we came across."

"THERE YOU ARE!" Malefor's voice boomed from all around them. Seconds later, he landed heavily on an arch. "Good. I hoped you were still alive."

"How did you come back?" Spyro stepped forward. Cynder could tell he was hiding the wobble in his step. "No, let me guess; you had a backup that didn't quite work out."

"You could say something like that." Malefor's grin grew wider. "So many dragons in one place…" He shifted his eyes hungrily. "I've never tried dragon flesh until recently. You'd be amazed at how it tastes."

"Your brain must have rotted too if you think we're going to let you through." Cynder stood next to him.

"Oh you are absolutely right; I likely won't be able to get to them while fighting you." Malefor laughed. "THAT'S WHY I BROUGHT FRIENDS!"

Almost on cue, multiple dragons, moles, and cheetahs burst from the smoke. At first they looked normal, and then Cynder saw the way they ran. Horror ran up and down her spine; the smoke didn't kill them. It turned all of them into the undead.

"EVERYONE GET IN NOW!" Cynder bellowed as Spyro created a wall of earth. Most ran straight into it but others flew over it and began to pluck individuals from the ground. It was a bloodbath within seconds. No matter how many were struck down, more flooded from all around. With each killed, they added to their numbers.

Malefor seized that chance to spread his withered wings and fly toward them. The guard would have to take it from here, as his attacks were relentless. If anything, his necrotized form was stronger than before. Either that or they had gotten weaker during the peace. Whatever it was, Malefor took strong note at how the balance had shifted.

It was as if he were toying with them. All of his attacks were held back. Killing blows were instead turned into maims. Not that the duo didn't get blows in. His flesh sloughed off in locations, ripping in others. He felt nothing from the blows and kept coming at them without signs of hindrance.

A jab of his tail narrowly avoided her stomach, drawing a line of blood. She panicked; could she be infected now?! The fight continued without signs of decay, so maybe Malefor's words held up.

And then Spyro was struck in the side. Blood gushed from the wound and he struggled to stand. Malefor turned full attention to him and lunged, mouth opened wide.

There was no time to reach Spyro. Cynder did what she had hoped not to do yet and activated Convexity. Time seemed to slow down as she fired a massive beam of energy at Malefor's face. He noticed it too late and was sent through a wall.

"We need to go; now." Cynder helped Spyro off the ground. "He's too strong for us now."

"Leave me, you'll die." Spyro spat. "I'll distract him."

"We can discuss your death wish later. For now, move!"

Cynder's convexity allowed her to grab Spyro in her claws and bound toward the tunnel system, using her hind legs and wings to kick off the ground. The guards had almost shut the gate by this point, the swarms making it nearly impossible. It was all they could do to keep the undead from entering, let alone sealing the exit. Volteer made his stand with the guard, casting everything he could as well as weaving a thunderstorm whenever possible.

"Didn't you two destroy him?!" Volteer shouted.

"Later!" Cynder snapped. "Shut the gate!"

As it began to shut, Malefor remerged. Half of his face was gone, revealing yellow bone over his muzzle. If anything, he looked more impressed than angry. The doors shut before he could attack and Volteer strengthened them with wards.

"The doors won't hold for long." He said. "I give it an hour at most."

"Then we have to go." Cynder said. "Spyro can't walk."

"Has he destabilized so much that he could not stand against Malefor?" Volteer peered at the injured purple. She nodded grimly.

"You need to keep it between us, Terrador, and Cyril." Cynder said, hushed. "The last thing we need is the others to lose more hope."

"I had no desire to share this information with the masses." He took Spyro from her claws as she allowed the Convexity to dissipate. "Go. I'll be right behind you."

You have seen the fall. Now you must see the end. You need to see what I saw. This is what I have been leading to. You needed to be in my scales in order to comprehend it completely. To feel what I felt. This is the final step, Cynder.

"This is where Malefor had been going to all of these years." Spyro said.

He and Cynder stood in the middle of the crystalline land that Cynder had once called home. Her fortress in which Spyro had once jumped through to rescue Ignitus and follow her into Convexity. Of course Malefor would return here.

The black walls were taller than ever and soldiers of Necrolites stood at every entrance. Energy swirled at the top of the spires like a singularity. Whatever was happening here unleashed energies unlike anything felt before. The problem would be getting in.

The patrol lines were mapped out and their window a mere ten seconds. Cynder had been aware of this exit in the past, but never thought that Malefor would leave it so unguarded. A way in through the side; Malefor was supposed to be smarter than this. Maybe his arrogance had finally consumed him.

"Are you ready for this?" Cynder asked Spyro quietly.

The purple had lost a lot of weight and not all of it was from the environment. His eyes were glazed, horns cracked, and his wings all but tattered curtains. His body was gaunt enough that bones were visible through scale. Only she and the other guardians understood with the rest chalking it up to haggardness. Cynder didn't want to admit it, but he wasn't long for this world. Maybe two years at most.

She mentally slapped herself; she couldn't think of that now.

"I'll be ready." Spyro straightened himself. "I have to be."

"You can wait here."

"And send you in alone? No way." He gave her a skeptical look. "What if he captures you? I'm not letting that happen."

Cynder stopped before it devolved into an argument. It was how Spyro was brought along despite his condition, and it would be why he joined her inside. He was still incredibly powerful despite his state and, so long as Malefor himself didn't detect them, they would be able to handle anything.

"Are you ready?" Cynder asked again.

"I will be." Spyro replied with a hint of optimism. "Let's go."

The patrols were easy to avoid. The Necrolites were slow and lumbering outside, their stitched together forms swaying with each step. A few lacked eyes, so as long as they moved fast, they wouldn't catch scent until they were cleared. Spyro had a bit of difficulty at the start but soon leveled himself out but not before almost being spotted.

Inside was like venturing down memory lane. So many years ago she once ruled this fortress. The apes would answer her beck and call, even if the sole purpose of the fort was to open a way to Convexity. This was a Nexus Point, or where the realities of the world shifted to allow magics to be performed optimally. The residual energies from all those years ago still floated in the air.

Their claws clicked loudly on the icy, metal floors. Blood smeared parts of the walls; judging by bones in some rooms, some apes from Malefor's second reign had taken refuge here. That or their bodies had rotted so much that they simply fell apart. She shuddered at the thought of still being conscious in this state.

A massive elevator that once led to the top unfolded before them. It would be impossible to ride the elevator and not alert Malefor. They had only made it this far because it was doubted anyone would get in. Compared to outside, the inside was remarkably barren. Either they really hadn't considered anyone sneaking in or-

"This feels like a trap." Spyro said lowly.

"It does." Cynder agreed. "It's almost like they are expecting us."

"Should we turn back?" Spyro suggested. "Although, I doubt they'll let us leave."

"No, they won't." Cynder narrowed her eyes behind them. "We have to keep going."

"You know this place better than I do," He moved his wings as if to say 'after you'.

The other way around was considerably longer, consisting of an endless staircase that was monitored by a new type of Necrolite. It looked like a giant, stitched together eye that floated up and down the stairs. The only positive of this abomination was that it moved slowly, scanning every inch for intruders. Spyro was able to avoid the first few with Cynder by leaping up the stairs behind it. By the third time, he began to have difficulty.

About halfway up was when things turned for the worst. Spyro had grabbed hold of the stairs above but could not pull himself up. His claws had slipped and it took every ounce of his strength to not fall. He didn't have the power to spread his wings and leap up, either. To make matters grimmer, another eye was slowly floating down the stairs toward them. Within a few seconds they would be spotted.

Cynder was left with a choice; take out the eye and prevent being spotted, or help her mate climb up instead of possibly falling to his death. Taking out the eye would allow them to proceed. Helping Spyro would hinder her and possibly cause them to be killed.

Despite this, her mind only came to one conclusion. It would be difficult for her to do, but it was the only way.

Flipping over the side, she grabbed Spyro and used her tail as a swinging point to launch herself up toward the eye. Poison sprayed from her like an arc, striking the eye in the center. The eye simply dissolved before bursting apart into gory bits.

"I-I can't do it anymore, Cynder." Spyro panted heavily. "I'm too weak."

"I'm not leaving you here alone." Cynder snapped. "Now come on! We're almost there."

Cynder was able to take out the eyes with relative ease but progress was slower. Spyro's body only allowed him to move at a certain pace, so by the time they reached the top, it had been around ten minutes. A few heavier armored Necrolites guarded the optimal location to spy, but they were taken out in a flurry of shadowy strikes.

CRAAAAACK!

The sky split and a flash of light blinded them. Something heavy slammed into the platform, nearly taking half the fortress with it. The very foundation rocked and shuddered. Spyro couldn't stand and had to lean on Cynder in order to prevent injury. Once the lights faded, they were able to look out.

Cynder almost wished she hadn't.

Whatever this creature was, it was massive despite the rapid shrinking. It was covered in shadows, preventing most features to be seen. The few that were rattled her to the bones. Four massive wings, slowly disappearing, momentarily obscured their view. Draconic features, such as body structure, were visible but unlike any she had seen. Words failed her.

And then there was the face, what little could be seen. It was like staring into the blackest abyss, the darkest night. The mouth was like a cavern that radiated a silvery light light. The eyes burned with a similar color and threatened to ignite the world around it. A needle-like smile cross the being's face as it shrank into a bipedal form.

"There we go." The being said as it emerged as a cloaked figure. The voice was female. "This required a lot more energy than anticipated. So glad I wore this form."

"The world has already fallen; you will find a quick victory." Malefor reported. "The purple is alive as instructed."

"Is he now? Point me at him. I need to recharge this body." A purple-scaled claw gripped the staff that formed in her claw. "Spyro was his name, yes?"

"Correct."

"I assume he's in the tower with the ebony?"

"Indeed."

The cloaked figure disappeared. Within a second, she appeared again behind them. This time, his hood was off, revealing a withering purple dragon. In a way, it strongly resembled Spyro. A malefic grin crossed her muzzle at the sight of their petrified expressions.

"Surprised to see me?" she asked.

They both answered with a blast of convexity. The new purple was blown against the wall, allowing time for the duo to make their escape. Malefor instead opted to check on the bipedal rather than chasing after Spyro and Cynder.

Pure adrenaline coursed through both of their bodies. Another purple. Judging by the looks of it, she came from deep inside Convexity. What did she mean by body? It was withered as if it was slowly being drained. Was it a purple? Did something inhabit it? Or was she rapidly aging?

Why did she want Spyro?

Regardless, they had to warn the others. Cynder used her element to nullify the wind resistance, allowing them to speed away and keep Spyro afloat. She hoped that they would make it in time.

"We never made it." Cynder felt numb. For a moment, she couldn't move her legs. "This was the end for you."

"And the birth of you." Skyterror turned to her. "Spyro was so deteriorated that the battle against Malefor was…what did the drakes call it…a curb stomp battle? There was no point in showing it."

"That's why he wanted Spyro's body, too." She shook her head. "What's the final memory? I want this over with."

Skyterror gave a sad smile. "You wanted to know who you were? Let me show you the best memory I ever had. The moment I realized who I was. Who I could be."

"No." Cynder immediately began to back up at the sight. "No, no, no. This is too much."

"It is never too much." Spyro jabbed her teasingly.

Cynder's day of ascension had come. A new Guardian was a big deal and she had expected a crowd to be formed before the temple. Maybe a few dozen at the most along with the other three. They had not found a Fire Guardian yet, but it was time for the Wind Guardian to be upheld again. This day had been coming for a while and she had prepared herself for it.

What she did not prepare for was most of the city to be there. She was paralyzed at the sight when she had arrived at the back of the temple and peeked out. The streets and nearby buildings were filled. All classes had been stopped. Most of the working class outside of the mandatory had shown. Every noble that had come into the city since its reopening had pushed their way to the front.

"I can't do this." Cynder immediately turned around only to be stopped. "Why is everyone here? I'm part of the reason why they are so miserable. Even if it was against my will I am still known as Skyterror."

"Not after today." Spyro guided her back. "Sure you were turned against your will into a puppet but you aren't that anymore. They know you risked your life to stop Malefor. I already had enough praise thrown my way; it's your turn now."

Cynder nodded slowly and made her way to the entrance. Thankfully everyone was quiet and wasn't met by roaring applause or something. She did her best not to face the thousands of eyes upon her. Instead she looked at Volteer, Terrador, and Cyril. Even Sparx had shown up for this; they never really got along and yet he looked ready to cry with joy.

"Why did you insist on a crowd?" Cynder whispered to Volteer.

"This is a joyous occasion! We must show that we are never to be defeated and by rekindling the Guardians we prove this!" He beamed happily.

"Are you sure you actually want me to be this? I was Skyterror." Cynder fumbled for excuses. Why, she didn't know.

"It was unanimous." Terrador approached with an orb. Inside a vortex whirled and churned. The raw power that was expelled from its presence was overwhelming. "You are no longer Skyterror. It is time for you, and all of us, to accept this."

She couldn't fight it anymore. Tears slipped from her eyes. It was all she could do not to break down. Her jaw quivered as she stared at the orb. They were right. Skyterror was no more. The spectre of the death it wrought couldn't be allowed taint her.

"Do you accept?" Terrador asked loudly for the crowd to hear.

"Of course I do." Cynder accepted the orb.

The power she had felt flooded into her immediately. Her eyes shut as her body absorbed the raw elemental energies. A whirlwind kicked up around her; from the sounds of it, Sparx was nearly blown away. Wings spread, she felt something being engraved into them with the touch of a feather.

The moment ended as quickly as it came. The orb, now diminished of energy, was taken back by Volteer.

"From this day onward, you will no longer be called Skyterror." Volteer spoke. "You will now be known as the Guardian of Wind. Your past is your past, but this is a way for you to move forward. We will be at your side, and everyone will follow your lead. You will, as we are, be a paragon."

"You're leaning a bit on cliché." Sparx muttered to Volteer who swatted him away.

"Do you have anything you wish to say to the crowd?" Cyril asked her.

"I'm about to curl up and cry." Cynder replied bluntly. "They don't need to see that."

"Maybe I can dance to make you feel better." Sparx buzzed over to her. "I mean I know my comedy is outstanding but I need a change." He stopped. "Actually, why are you crying now?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Cynder looked at them as the crowd's applause grew louder. When had they started? "I'm happy."

"Oh. Guess that makes sense."

"We traditionally held a congratulatory party for this." Terrador approached her. "Do you wish for one? I understand this is a big deal."

"Do it." Cynder glanced between all of them. "I can't hide anymore. I won't let them give into despair as I had."

"Very good! Now go rest. We will alert you when we can." Volteer dismissed her.

Spyro allowed her to lean upon him. "What did I tell you?" He asked.

"Not a word, Spyro. Not a word." She swatted him lightly as they stepped inside the temple.

Allowing one look back, Cynder saw that Volteer was correct. Morale looked high. Their attention was directed at her and while a few seemed disappointed for whatever reason, most accepted it. They had forgiven her.

Maybe it was time to forgive herself.

"I get it." Cynder said to Skyterror. "I think I do, anyway."

"I should hope so." Skyterror said. "It is almost time for the ritual to end, however. We must merge. We are united against a common enemy and there is little point in having the two of us conflict."

"What will happen when we do?" Cynder asked as Skyterror approached. "What becomes dominant?"

"Everything." Skyterror said. "We are one being. Your personality and mine will create a new one with both of our memories. Nothing will be forgotten."

"What about your feelings for Spyro? Everything I saw was you mated to him and trying to cure him." Cynder frowned slightly.

Skyterror looked away. "You know it was failing. Had the world not gone to hell it wouldn't have lasted. I will have looked for a cure forever, but not as his lover. The end of days made me cling to him. That is no longer the case anymore."

"But," Skyterror continued, "You and Viberian are heading down that same path. Tread carefully, Cynder. Learn from my – our – memories."

Skyterror held out a claw. Cynder hesitated at first. If what she was told was true, then she had nothing to fear. And yet, she was scared. However, there was no point in delaying the inevitable. Whatever happened was going to happen. It was better to merge willingly than cause a split personality.

Once Cynder grasped her claw, the world around them dissolved. Nothing but perpetual whiteness. Skyterror began to fade away and, after looking down, so did Cynder. Her past self-gave a reassuring smile but her eyes twinkled with a hint of victory. Cynder didn't have time to think about it before consciousness was whisked away.