-Fiygon here!

WOOOOOO! This chapter marks the 100k words mark! Triple digit word count! Phew... That officially makes this story longer then all my other stories if I were to combine them. (Though to be fair it'd be close, by like... 2k words...) And that actually means a lot to me still! I've come really far into this story with you guys in the past 2 years. And it's crazy to think I could've ended last chapter as a first book in like a trilogy of books if I wanted. (Oh yeah by the way, with my story idea, we're probably only about 15% of the way through this monster floating around in my mind.) Not to discourage you. There will be multiple climaxes where you can drop the story if you want to feel closure, but also want to stop reading, lol I've been there.

Overall I'm just rambling cause I'm excited, take what I'm saying as a grain of sand. I should be sleeping right now as I write this, but the chapter must be finished!

Not gonna like I didn't realize a whole month already passed since last chapter. My mind is all over the place, this year has felt nearly nonexistent, it ahs absolutely blown by.

Thank you guys so much for all your support on last chapter, (and every chapter). I really do appreciate every single follow/fav and review.

Anyways. Bye for now! And since I usually post once a month on average I'm just going to preemptively tell you all happy thanksgiving. See you next time!

Arc 1 Epilogue

Chapter 15

"Seeds of Change"

Hours after the incident, close to the setting of the sun. Spyro was called into the great hall of the Guardians. Norruth looked exasperated and over it by the time he was sent to gather Spyro, due to having his own family and working overtime. The Guardians always did this, making sure every detail was learned and documented, neither could deny it was oftentimes a source of annoyance. So when he had informed Spyro, there was an audible groan from both him and Cynder. A quick sigh, realizing he had to part with his new family members, "I pray they don't keep me for ages. Didn't you tell them everything?"

Norruth just hummed and nodded his head, "Of course, but I guess they need the purple dragon's word too." He said with a sneer. Spyro knew it wasn't directed at his status as the purple dragon, but at something they often discussed together. Spyro never really liked his status, (or the work that came with it for that matter), and he often wished the Guardians would figure that out. Sometimes he felt like he was in charge of the Guardians, but all he had done in actuality was save the realms. He was not fit for such a position of power in his mind, he was barely into the realm of being a good teacher, often finding himself having trouble teaching certain students with a lack of natural talent.

Spyro shook his head, nuzzling his mate and three hatchlings, which all expressed a sad disagreement at his leave. "I'll be back, you four eat well and rest well. Okay?" He said almost as an order but with a caring smile.

They nodded and Cynder hummed, leaning in closer to whisper in his ear, "Since they've already discharged Gale, I think I'm going to take him to see Solte, the nurse told me he was stable now and was recovering." Spyro nodded, nuzzling her a second time for a long while, before winking at them all and turning to exit.

"And I'm going home finally." Norruth said exasperatedly, "Mesela will kill me if I'm not there for dinner, you know how it is."

Spyro chuckled at him and nodded jubilantly, "Rest well my friend, thank you so much for your help today."

"Anything for you, remember that." Norruth replied with a nod, before taking off on the opposite side of the hallway.

Spyro stressed on his walk towards the Guardians, how long would it take... What would they ask… He feared that they would try and blame Solte's injuries and the attack on his hatchling Gale. But if they thought they were going to blame him they had another thing coming, Spyro already feeling a shining pride for his new sons and their victory over such an unpredictable enemy. Spyro had always wanted a son, not that he didn't absolutely adore his daughter, but now he felt fulfilled. He couldn't wait to teach them all how to fight, and when Kenra and Kaali got their elements, he'd be there to teach them. But since Spyro sadly had no knowledge of how the wind element worked, he wasn't much help in Gale's department unless it was claw to claw combat. He still had to remind himself though, that since the war was over ten years ago, not all dragons would want to learn combat in-depth. Basic combat training was mandatory for self defense, but now lots of dragons were growing up and taking on other professions. Woodworking, leatherworkers, carpentry, blacksmithing, even the early stages of electricity workers now, he was really impressed by Warfang's development.

After distracting himself in his head, he nearly bumped straight into the Guardian's door. Growling at his tiredness, he pushed himself through the door. He was a bit surprised to see that all four of the guardians weren't in their usual positions on their seats, but sitting in a rather regular circle in front of the door, a few feet from the pool. Spyro sighed happily that at least he wouldn't have to yell to get them all to hear. Terrador was the first to notice the purple dragon, "Ah Spyro, thank you for coming."

They all turned to him as he approached and smiled warmly, as Spyro groaned and hummed at the same time, Terrador bowed his head, "I'm so sorry we had to bring you away from your family, I know you're all surely exhausted. That's why I want to make this really quick so you can get back to them."

Spyro seemed to perk up at the mention of it being quick, still skeptical but ready for questions, "It's alright, ask away."

Cyril spoke up first, "Alright, Norruth told us much of what happened, we just want to ask as to why it happened. Do you happen to know the tiger who attacked?"

Spyro gritted his teeth, "Yes, actually. It wasn't our first encounter with him, he initially kidnapped Gale once back in Oransa. And yes he was just as insane, he just didn't have any of the dark powers he did today."

Terrador hummed, "He got away then? I'm surprised Cynder didn't tear him to shreds."

Spyro looked away in shame, "Cynder didn't want to be too violent in front of Gale. Elich was basically trying to get Gale on his side, he told him a bit of what Cynder used to be… He called Cynder 'the devil controlled by the saint'. Gale was scared of Cynder for a bit of time, understandably, until she explained to him what had actually happened. Not before she poisoned him and shoved him out the door. I... have no clue how he survived."

Terrador nodded deep in thought, "Yes, that was quite smart of Cynder not to scar the poor little one more than he has been. Do you think he was saved by this 'King' he keeps referring to? He's been terribly silent since we captured him."

Spyro hummed and nodded slowly, "It's possible… The thing is… Elich kidnapped Gale in Oransa just yesterday night, right before we made the trip over sea."

The Guardians all widened their eyes, Volteer stammering his words out first, "Th-That would mean he would've had to somehow travel as fast as two adult dragons flying nearly nonstop to Warfang!"

Spyro nodded, and continued, "Which makes me wonder if he actually traveled. What if he… used some kind of portal? To keep up somehow?"

The Guardians all seemed baffled by the statement, Solaran emitting an unsure hum, "I'm not sure, that seems almost impossible…"

Terrador shuffled uncomfortably, "No, no normal power could. But he was already using those dark powers, who's to say they don't have something as such. After all, our only knowledge is what Cynder knows…"

Spyro grimaced, "So overall, yes, I think this 'King' saved him. Maybe he is the source of the dark powers he had, and maybe the reason Elich was able to follow so quickly." Spyro paused, letting out a short growl, "I just don't understand… What is it about my hatchling that he is so interested in? It makes me sick with rage and worry thinking about it."

The Guardians all gazed sympathetically at Spyro, Volteer cleared his throat, "Nevertheless, if your family is such a target for them, would it not be in our best interest to have you guarded?"

Spyro reared his head back and raised a brow, "You mean the temple guards?" He asked, nearly offended.

Solaran gave a lighthearted shrug, "Some extra help would be nice, wouldn't it? Just to make sure, you know."

Spyro shook his head, closing his eyes and shaking even harder, "Absolutely not. Respectfully, Cynder and I are powerful enough to keep them safe ourselves. I don't want my family asking questions as to why we have security in our house, in the middle of the city."

They began nodding as Spyro continued his rebuttal, "And frankly, it's not very hard to pose as a guard. I have no clue what sorts of dark magic those fools have, what if one of them was disguised? I'd be letting the enemy right into my household!"

Terrador hummed, "You make very decent points Spyro, we understa-"

He growled in anger at them, "You do not "understand". The only thing threatening my family at this moment is my presence here, instead of being by my mate's side caring for our hatchlings. And if you insist on us being guarded, then I would have no choice but to assume you still consider Gale, my son, a threat. And at the point I woul-"

Solaran hugged Spyro's neck, making him stop in shock for a moment, as the slightly smaller fire guardian sighed, "Breathe Spyro. You're stressed as hell, I can assure you we do not consider Gale a threat to us."

Spyro released a long sigh, coming down from his rapid breathing, "You're… Yeah, you're right. Sorry about that, today's just… getting to me a little." He looked to his right and smiled at Solaran as he released him from his hug, "Thank you."

Solaran nodded, and Terrador similarly offered a paw onto his shoulder, "We understand, I promise my friend… We will not stop our interrogations on the enemy. And you'll be one of the first to know when we figure something out, I swear this to you." He said with a smile, "You may take your leave Spyro."

Spyro looked up in surprise, and the Guardians all smiled, Terrador raising a brow, "What, I told you I'd make it short."

Spyro shook himself out of it, "Yes but, that's all?"

Terrador chuckled deeply, "Dear Cynder has all those hatchlings to take care of by herself, I think she'd appreciate some help."

Solaran stepped forward, constantly having the power to detect certain energy reserves in people, usually if they were large or unique. He could only detect whether they were present though, not where they were. "She's already left the temple, you better catch up!"

Spyro looked between them all, and gave a respectful bow, "Thank you, friends." Before happily trotting out of the Guardians room to go eat and relax with his family.

Terrador turned back around to his companions, eyeing Cyril oddly, "You're awfully quiet Cyril, everything alright?"

Cyril nodded, a rather annoyed face overcoming him, "If I recall, you did order me to stay quiet until given instruction to talk."

There was a long pause, and then Terrador laughed loudly, filling the room with an echo, and the other two joined. Solaran hummed, "If I recall, you insulted the savior's hatchling directly to their faces. A bit deserved I think."

Cyril sighed, "Yes my words were… regrettable. I'm… glad things seem to have worked out." He said, turning his head away grumpily.

Volteer looked at him curiously, "Cyril going back on his word? Why I thought I'd never see the day!" Volteer obviously knew that Cyril would take offense, and smiled widely trying not to laugh.

Cyril just shook his head and walked off, "Let's just hope things stay this way."

"Don't be a downer Cyril! What's that even mean anyway!" Solaran shouted after him as Cyril paid them no further mind, retreating to his chambers.

Terrador was deep in thought, praying to all ancients mentally that the peace would continue uninterrupted now. He sighed, thinking of his old friend Ignitus, and what he was possibly doing right now. 'If you're looking down on me friend… I'm trying my best to keep things in line for you. But what in the ancestors is going on?'

After our play fight session Kenra and Kaali were arguing about something dumb in the corner. And Spyro had gotten called away, I understood why he had to, but I felt bad. After all, it was all things involving me that got to this point. I stared at the doorway after he left the room, a very stern Cynder face nuzzled under my head, and I looked at her in confusion. "I can see it on your face, little one. He'll be fine. Stop worrying about that stuff okay? That's me and Spyro's job."

She's right, there's no point going on about dumb stuff I did in the past, and wondering if it's all my fault. I looked downwards, then back up with a smile in response, "Yea, you worry about it, I'm over it now." I said, sticking my tongue out playfully with a smile.

She giggled and pulled me up into her forearms looking at me with a grin, raising an eyebrow, "Oh? I knew there was a hatchling in there somewhere. You need to use that little smile more!" she said nuzzling my belly with her nose, which caused me to giggle loudly, I didn't realize how sensitive I was.

"Hey that tickles!" I said through my laughter.

She smirked mischievously, and I felt like I had made a great mistake allowing this evil tickle dragon to pick me up, "Oh does it? Usually Kaali doesn't start laughing until I do this!-" I had no time to react, as the demonic tickle entity that seemed to take over Cynder showed no mercy. She shoved her snout into my stomach and blew a raspberry. And at that I crumbled into a fit of hysterical laughter, kicking her gently with my bottom feet to get her off of me. But she didn't relent until I had practically lost function of my body and limbs, before drawing me away from her snout. She giggled just as loud as I was, as I slowly calmed down from the assault.

She licked me gently across my own snout, "Your little giggle is absolutely adorable."

I blushed and pushed her head away, "You tried to murder me! I couldn't breathe from the laughter!"

She just looked satisfied with herself, "I got exactly what I wanted." She said in a matter of fact tone. Of course, tickle demons must feed off the laughter of their victims!

Kenra and Kaali's argument had devolved into some truly groundbreaking territory. They were discussing whether having fur was better or worse, and Kenra was very adamant on his position that fur was superior. Cynder seemed to notice as well, and shook her head with a bit of amusement. Then she leaned down again, but I wasn't taking any more tickling chances, so I got into a defensive stance, "How would you like to go see Solte? I'm sure that will take some weight off that little chest of yours."

I widened my eyes, and placed my front two paws on her snout, "Can we really? Wait, he's not about to die is he!?" I said horrified, beginning to panic.

She quickly licked me, "No not at all! He's recovering, one of the nurses told me."

My heavy breathing declined instantly, and turned into a sigh of great relief as I fell off her snout and rolled on to my back. I laid there as the fear and panic subsided, "Good! Don't scare me like that!"

She laid her head over my stomach, looking down at my face, "I feel like I should say that to you, but around ten times over by now." Yeah she had a point. Ever since realizing she was telling the truth, and had cared for me this whole time while I ignored her… Looking back on the things I've been through the past couple days, I'm surprised she hadn't had a heart attack or something. I somehow felt like it would not be anywhere near the last time either.

"You wanna go or not?" Cynder asked.

I quickly nodded my head, "That means I can leave too?"

"Yes, the nurse also said you were free to go whenever."

I quickly clambered over to the side of the bed, and jumped up and down eagerly while she put the carry bag thing on. She giggled at my enthusiasm as she picked me up by the scruff and dropped me into the bag gently, turning to Kenra and Kaali, "Are you two done bickering?" Cynder asked with a raised eyebrow.

They both turned, and shrugged, refusing to look at each other for the time being. Cynder laughed lightly, "Well, Gale wants to go see Solte before we leave and get some food in you guys." Kaali bounded over rather energetically, and Cynder caught her mid bounce to put her in the bag. To which she immediately grabbed hold of me around the neck and nuzzled me relentlessly, I didn't get irritated. If she kept it up though I'd have to hide or something.

"Do you want in the bag, or are you more comfortable on my back Kenra?" Cynder asked curiously.

He hummed, walking over at a regular pace, "The bag feel full when we cross ocean. Too many if I get in with them." Cynder nodded and quickly set him in between her wing ridges on her back. I was wondering why we were doing this if we were just walking down the hallway. But Cynder never asked us if we wanted to walk ourselves, so she was probably just uncomfortable with the thought of losing one of us.

She quickly informed the nurses that we were done with our hospital room, and she asked for visitation into Solte's room, which they gladly gave us. The hospital wing of the temple was rather interesting, all sorts of species walking around in white outfits, doctors and nurses alike. The floor was a very smooth marble, which made a very satisfying clicking sound under Cynder's claws as we walked. Was it weird I was kinda excited to get older so that I could hear that clicking sound coming from my own claws? Hey, ya gotta enjoy the little things I guess.

The walls were a smoothed tan colored looking brick, and on every wall was multiple signs, in many different languages. I only recognized one of them, they must've been for the other species around here, or maybe for visitors from other continents? So far everyone I've spoken to has known english, or I guess it's called 'Dracommon' here. I thought the name was silly when I first read it. Either it was just English with a different name, or I was speaking something I didn't learn. Either way it was working out so whatever.

We came upon his room, it wasn't much farther since once the nurses saw me under my wraps they declared me to be in critical condition as well. Putting me in their equivalent of an intensive care section. Cynder slowly opened the door, and I peaked out of the bag to see Solte facing away from us, laying on his side on a large bed, he was breathing quite easily it seemed, which was great. His ears seemed to perk up at the door, and he hummed happily, "Already up and about huh..?" He paused for a minute to not exert himself too much, he chuckled a bit, "So much easier for hatchlings, but I'm not going anywhere yet."

Cynder seemed surprised, "How did you know he was here?"

Solte shifted his head to look at us, "Well as I've told young Gale, both of your winds are easy to sense, the air around me shifts in different ways. Gale's is more like a controlled hurricane that could erupt at any moment, and yours is more like a calm breeze, so much control."

I'm guessing Cynder hadn't met Solte yet, so she wasn't quite used to his oddness. She smiled slightly, "You don't need to answer in such detail, you're still recovering…"

"Oh please," he huffed out, "I was still talking like this as they removed that crystal from my chest. But you can come closer, I promise I won't bite any of your hatchlings Savior."

Cynder nodded and came closer and around the bed, standing in full view for him to see. "Please just call me Cynder, I hate the titles." She said bowing her head respectfully.

He chuckled, "Quite a gentle air about you, I'd expect no less." Cynder cocked her head at him, and he looked at each of us hatchlings, especially Kenra, "Beautiful family you have dear. Northern dragons are sadly rare nowadays, I've never seen a hatchling of one."

Kenra nodded, "Not hatchling, dragonling. But yes, sad we rare."

"You fought with young Gale, correct?" Solte asked. Kenra nodded, "I thought so, I can feel the air of a budding warrior come from you." Kenra didn't know what to think of that so he just sorta smiled, shifted, and looked away.

Cynder nodded, "Solte, we came so that Gale could see that you were in… better health. And so that I could thank you, and truly, I can't thank you enough for everything you did."

He nodded and grinned, "Sorry for analyzing, you lot are just such a fascinating group. I humbly accept your thanks, but young Gale here is the real hero. Defending himself and his kin with his element already, he's a very special one Cynder." He said looking at her in seriousness.

Cynder looked down at me and smiled with pride, and I blushed heavily, "Yes, he is. Just as much as Kenra is for being brave enough to fight with him." Solte nodded.

"Hey, what do you feel about me?!" Kaali said loudly with genuine curiosity from next to me in the pouch.

Solte chuckled a bit to himself, and smiled, "I see…" He said, raising a brow and building suspense, "A beautiful dragoness, the daughter of the heroes of the realm, with two of the best brothers in the world to reign in and keep in check."

Kaali seemed elated by that, "Hey, I'm already kinda doing that!" She said giggling happily. I didn't know if Solte had actually done his little fortune telling thing, on her or just pulled it from his head to keep her occupied. But either way Kaali was unphased.

Solte looked up to Cynder, "Would you mind if I talk to Gale alone? You can stay in the room of course." Cynder nodded quickly, gently picking me up and placing me next to his head as she shuffled away to the other corner. Kaali was now unable to stop talking to Cynder about everything she was going to be doing to keep me and Kenra in check, this would probably come back to bite us.

I turned to Solte, and lowered my head to avoid his gaze, because I saw that he was slowly becoming more irritated by the second. "Gale, you misinterpret my emotions right now."

I glanced a look up, and he was raising a brow, "I'm angry... because I can tell you are still blaming yourself."

I sighed now, and nodded, looking backwards to his chest area which was wrapped. He moved a paw over to cover the area, and I looked back at him abruptly. His emotions were not what I expected, "Gale, you are a talented, extraordinary little hatchling. You can't let emotions like these take hold of you." I shook my head and he pulled me closer with his paw looking down at me concernedly, "Yes it's good to feel the weight of your own actions, it proves you are self aware of your influence and how things you do affect others. But for ancestors sake, you're not even a year old. So while you're young, be a prideful little hatchling, gloat about it! Be excited for yourself!"

I got what he was saying, but the last part didn't really apply to me. He had no clue that I've already been through my childhood, and all I had was the negative personality of a stupid edgy teen left. Everything he'd said before though, about it being good that I was self aware. I am potentially more self aware than even I knew, I wouldn't quite consider that a good thing either.

I looked up at him, "What's the point of being self aware of my actions but not of my own emotions?"

He gaped his maw at me for a second, then cleared his throat, "A fool blindly follows their emotions, without taking heed of their actions. Another fool may blindly be aware of their actions, but take no heed in their emotions. The difference? The second fool only hurts himself instead of others, now, I think that is a much better reality."

I smiled, "And… which one are you?"

He smirked at me and raised a brow, "Anybody would wish to be the second, but it's hard to deny that I blindly rush in due to emotions, without thinking ahead… Such as me putting you in danger, and not thinking of the consequences of the fight. So… probably the first fool."

I leaned over and rubbed against his muzzle thankfully, "But you saved me, by throwing yourself in front of the attack. So, at the very least you're good at switching. Maybe a middle fool or something?"

He chuckled lightly, nuzzling me back, "Yes, a middle fool does fit me."

My stomach grumbled, the only thing I ate today had been a bottle of milk earlier this morning. Solte nudged me, drawing himself away, "Cynder dear, your little one here's belly sounds like Cyril in a bad mood."

I blushed and laughed as Cynder walked over with my other two siblings still riding along, she nudged me from behind, "Yep, somebody is definitely due for a meal."

Solte gestured with his head, "By all means, don't let an old windbag like me keep you from a good meal."

Cynder looked down at my eyes and raised an eyebrow, "Are you satisfied with Solte's condition? Told you he was fine, worry wart."

I nodded and turned back to Solte, "Not satisfied, accepting…"

He smiled proudly at me, "As it should be. Now go! Go."

We all waved goodbye as Cynder left the room, and afterwards the temple. As we were leaving through the main hallway, I couldn't tell if it was Cynder or us that the others in the hallway were staring at. Not a fearful but a confused stare by them all. Was probably just us then.

We got out, and once again the vision of the city of Warfang with the setting sun illuminated my eyes. I don't know if it was my sulking from before, or my condition. But the city looked ten times as beautiful as it did before. All the lights were on, as the valley was already dark, the storm had passed and was replaced by a light breeze that reminded me of a pleasant spring evening, the smell of fresh rainfall in the air. I smiled at the sight, releasing a sigh of contempt. Kenra was admiring similarly. Cynder noticed both of our faces as she looked between us, releasing a chuckle, "Welcome home little ones."

We flew downwards into the city streets, coming upon their… our house again. And at the entrance was Spyro, sitting patiently. "Take the scenic route?" He asked with a smirk.

"Daddy!" Kaali said, jumping out and running to him. For some reason a similar urge came upon me, but I suppressed it.

Cynder walked over and nuzzled into him, "That was quick,"

He nodded, "It's hard to get more info from someone who saw the same amount as Norruth." He shrugged, "But it was still a useful conversation, I'll tell you later."

"Don't talk about me behind my back!" I said up at Spyro, a playful smirk on my face.

He chuckled, leaning down and putting on a mischievous face, "Oh? And what if I do you little hurricane? Are you going to air dry my scales?"

I could tell he was joking, suppressing a laugh to put on a similar face, "No, I'll take your breath away!"

He mock fainted with a paw to his forehead, "Oh the horror!" He shot right back up laughing, pulling me out of the bag with his forepaws. I laughed loudly as he swung me around a bit then came to a stop as my stomach growled again.

"Somebody's hungry. Wonder if it has anything to do with hide and seek?" He shrugged.

I blushed, "Yeah I'm too good for my body's own good." He laughed, ruffling my mane and passing me back to mo- Cynder!.. to Cynder.

She turned to Spyro, who gave a wide smile, "I'll make us something, you feed him, okay?" She nuzzled him and nodded.

We walked into the house, and Cynder took me to the living room while the other two went to help with dinner. While there she set me down, and I looked up at her sheepishly, "Cynder… how… old am I?"

She looked at me comfortingly, "You are six and a half months old. Specifically six months and seventeen days. Doctors told me when they were checking you physically."

I nodded, turning my head away, "When can I eat real food?"

"About a month or two left at least, honey. You'll get cravings for meat and we'll know."

"But for now…" I said, releasing a sigh.

She smiled and nudged me lovingly, "Mhm."

I sighed, this would be a long process, growing up again. But… the prospect was exciting nonetheless. I passed out immediately afterwards, the only things on my mind being… Well… for once he hadn't actually been wrong. You were right Spyro, doesn't mean I have to be happy about it though!

[Kenra]

I did not understand these odd living ways, but it wasn't hard to concede that what they made smelled good. Kaali was attempting to talk my ear off, but didn't seem to realize I was slightly ignoring her. She talked way too fast for me to understand most of her words anyway. I found it odd in comparison, at home they would punish us for days for speaking whilst awaiting our meals.

I looked up at Spyro, who smiled and offered me some odd platter-like thing, weren't these for kings and such? "Here ya go Kenra, my special steak recipe!" He said enthusiastically.

I nodded as he placed it on the table in front of me, and one on Kaali's side. I stared down at it, tilting my head as I tried to understand. "What's wrong Kenra?" Kaali said, mouth half filled with food. That's a week in the… uh… I'd rather not think of it.

I looked up wide eyed, shaking my head. "Just think, not used to." I struggled. This language was annoying, at least I understood it almost completely at this point.

Spyro looked at me worried, more so probably because I hadn't touched his dinner he made. Not wanting to be rude, I slowly lowered my face to the platter and took a bite. It was much better than almost anything I'd ever eaten. I dug in rather fast afterwards, regrettably looking savage as I almost cleaned my plate. I heard Spyro chuckle, as footsteps entered the room. I halted myself as I looked up to see Cynder, she looked tired and content. And even more so when she looked at me and giggled, "Slow down Kenra, there's plenty more." I nodded and reserved myself a little to not disrespect.

"Is he asleep?" Spyro asked her, probably speaking of my Kunmai. I knew Cynder wouldn't make the same mistakes again, so I listened.

"Yep!" She slowly pulled open the bag around her neck, and Spyro peaked in and nodded.

"Can't blame the little warrior either, it's been a very long day for him." Cynder nodded with agreement as she sat down across the table from me. Spyro placed a similar platter down before her. Spyro finally sat himself down with one as well, and they both began eating quietly. Conversing about things that weren't fully within my understanding yet.

I looked down at my food, and waited. I hadn't expected Spyro to sit down at the table as well. Eventually the two adults looked at me oddly, "Something wrong sweetie?" Cynder asked, concerned as she leaned downward.

I looked up quickly in surprise, "No ma'am."

Cynder scrunched her nose up at that in almost a disapproving way, oh no, had I misstepped? Maybe they'd forgive me, because their culture is very new to me. She shook her head, "It's just Cynder, dear. While I do appreciate the manners. Ma'am makes me feel old." She laughed. So I had misstepped, thank goodness they were kind souls.

"Anyways, why aren't you eating buddy?" Spyro asked slowly.

I looked down at their plates then back up in confusion at the two. "Because you not finished yet, I eat when my superiors finish." I told them, it was always how things were. I didn't provide the food, so it was a generous gift when we were allowed to eat.

They shared a glance with each other, I couldn't tell if it was a bad one, it seemed worried, confused. Kaali yelled at me happily from nearby, "Usually I finish eating before either of them sit down!"

Cynder leaned down even more, and looked into my eyes, "Kenra… We aren't at your mountain anymore. We aren't your superiors, you're our responsibility. We don't have the same rules I promise."

I shook my head, "Is disrespectful to eat in dining presence, when house elders sit, we wait until they fed."

Spyro just chuckled lightly, "It's okay Kenra, We're pretty cool house elders. Our rules are; if you're hungry and sitting down, just eat!" Cynder rolled her eyes lightheartedly, then nodded in agreement.

I nodded slowly, it was weird, but I obliged their weird rules, leaning down and eating more. Everything in me told me I was doing something wrong, to a point where the silence became deafening. My ears started ringing and I grew lightheaded, I felt like at any moment I would be punished for my disrespect.

"Kenra you look pale-"

I heard Spyro's voice begin, I flinched harshly and yelped. So hard that I knocked over the bowl of water I had been provided with, and it shattered on the ground. The two adults stared at me in shock, and I recoiled downwards, scrambling to the floor and brushing at the shattered ceramic with my paws, "I-I'll clean! I-I-I didn't mean t-to-" I stuttered.

Cynder quickly rushed around the table and grabbed hold of my two front paws, "No no, Kenra honey you'll get hurt-"

I flinched again against my better judgement, "I-I got it, just let clean it first-"

Cynder pulled me up into a hug, and licked the back of my head gently as Spyro walked around slowly, "Kenra…" he didn't seem to have any words.

I was still shaking in Cynder's arms, she nuzzled me, "Kenra you aren't in trouble, I promise. Accidents happen all the time." Like me?

"Calm down and breathe for me, okay? Breathe in… then release…" I did as she asked, and quickly my panic attack subsided with help from Cynder's soothing back rubs.

She nodded, pulling me back and putting me down in the chair. "Now you sit right there and eat while Spyro cleans it up okay?" I badly wanted to jump down and continue cleaning but forced myself into a nod, and just stared at my paws for the rest of dinner.

After they cleaned it, they sat back down and once again it was silent, but I was eating again. "Is that what… they do to you up there? Kenra?" Spyro asked. I knew it was not to be a rude intrusive question, but I had no secrets to hide.

"We just have tradition. A-And it up to individual family on how enforce it. My parents…" I shuddered, "Don't want to talk about…" I said taking a slower bite of my food.

"Of course, you don't have to at all. Just know we're here for you when you want to talk alright buddy?" Spyro replied.

I looked up for a moment, Spyro was understanding, Cynder was very miffed. I had no clue if it was at me or not, but she looked like she could burn a village down. "Unbelievable." Cynder said under her breath.

She began ranting, "It's as if every other culture other than ours mistreats their young like-… like some kind of… pet!" She said releasing a sneer and some heavy breaths. Though she stopped and calmed when Kunmai seemed to shuffle a bit in the bag.

I tilted my head, "What other cultures treat that bad?"

Spyro and Cynder seemed to realize something at that moment. They shared a long look with each other before nodding. Then Cynder approached me from around the table, sitting down carefully, "Kenra, I don't think Gale's told you any of this but…"

She began explaining to me the types of people Gale's parents were, and how it had affected him so negatively that he had constantly let himself run away from his problems, from us who wanted to help him. Of course, I already felt like Gale had a rough time before meeting me, I just never pressured him. Now knowing I was right, I would have to keep him just as safe as I'd always tried to. "And that's… all we know…" a heavy silence filled the air, Kaali had been nearby to hear the explanation, I assumed it was to help us understand. Kaali seemed heartbroken, well as much as an energetic young dragoness can be.

I nodded after a long silence, "But that why we here now. Make Gale feel safe and loved." I finished with a smile.

Cynder leaned down, looking into my eyes for a long enough time that I felt my smile slip. "I was giving you a comparison, Kenra. Do you… understand? That your family was abusing you as well?" She gingerly placed her paw atop my shoulder, and I had no words.

I stared down at my paws, my smile slipping completely and a terrified look on my face, I shook my head, "I had to… deserve it. They wouldn't just…" I teared up, I hated showing weakness. But I had no suspect that these three would take advantage of me. I looked back up into Cynder's face, "No. I was the problem, that's what they all said."

Cynder and Spyro just shared a glance and stared at me in pity, I didn't quite like the look. Cynder lifted her other paw to my shoulder, slowly bringing me into a hug. "They're gone now Kenra, you can be yourself."

I could be myself, but… that's exactly what made everyone hate me back home…

Spyro and Cynder had laid the two brothers to sleep in their room with Kaali, and just outside with the door still open, Cynder paced. "I just… we fix one, and now the other as we come to find out, is just as broken!" She half whispered in rage.

Spyro waved his paws downward, "Calm down. Yes we didn't realize because his manners are so good, and he wasn't as good at speaking before. He's been so focused on Gale, I don't think he bothered to think about himself until just now."

Cynder whipped her tail against the ground and sighed, "I just want my hatchlings to be a little bit less traumatized, is that too much to ask?" She said sitting down.

Spyro wrapped a wing around her as he plonked down beside, "We could get him help-"

Cynder shook her head, "That came out wrong. I want professional help to be a last resort. I don't dislike helping them… Gale already had help, he just needed a family that would love him to finalize it. Kenra…"

Spyro leaned against her, "Kenra is different, he's old enough to go to school, he might just need to soak in our culture."

"You think school will help him?" She asked incredulously.

"I think a routine, and potential friends his age would help immensely."

Cynder thought for a long minute, "Okay, it makes sense. Should we sign him up tomorrow, you think?"

"The sooner the better, before he takes our job of raising Gale." He smirked.

Cynder raised her brow, "Yeah no, I'll get into a fight with him over that, no claws barred." She giggled.

The sound of a short whine came to their ears, and Spyro nudged her, "I think Gale needs his momma."

She rolled her eyes and began walking to bed, "Probably nightmares, you coming to bed?" He nodded, following after her as they both wrapped around the three, falling into a deep sleep.

[Kenra]

Other than being the first one awake in the household, and having to squeeze my way out from in between everybody. Everything started off, relatively good, forgetting my mental breakdown of sorts from last night. Cynder had the senses of a hawk, I was surprised. On more than one occasion she had opened her eyes, and silently closed them again when I pretended to just be shifting in my sleep.

The sun was still nowhere to be seen, it was dark out. But this was when I was most used to waking up anyway. I stumbled off the oversized pillow and into the hallway, scanning each room in the dark, not finding much of interest to occupy myself. Going to the living room downstairs and seeing a bookshelf, I shrugged. I needed to learn this language one way or another. Their house was decorated quite oddly, but the effort was admirable. I was no more used to Rena's place, than I was of this one.

I flipped open my first book, I'm pretty sure it was a history book. Struggling on some words I finally managed the first paragraph, "In this… book you will find that not every… side was of the wrong… order… after all, the ones who… write the history books…. are generally the victors.." I read out loud, practicing each word multiple times until it sounded right. Becoming fully intrigued, I hauled the book over to a pillow a bit oversized for me, and laid down with it. My vision was impeccable in the dark, I had no idea if it was a northern dragon only characteristic.

I flipped threw a few pages. There were illustrations that usually pertained to what the chapter was about. Flipping through until the familiar sight of a purple dragon came to view. I've heard the tale many times of the great purple dragon of legend who saved us from the scourge of Malefor. But I wanted to see how a different culture told the story, "The Purple dragon named Spyro, who us all, … even I the… author owe our lives to. His tale is one of bravery… heroic..ism… and compassion… owing tribute to the many who made… sacrifices along his path." I think I remember tales of sacrifice, the original fire guardian I believe?

"There's my little fur ball. Up so early just to read?" Cynder's voice said as she finished descending the stairs, almost making my heart jump out of my chest.

I looked sheepish, "Sorry for waking you."

She shook her head, "It's my fault, really… I'm so paranoid about you three I never fell back asleep the moment you moved earlier. I pretended to sleep to see if you'd go back to sleep as well."

I nodded, "I see, I apologi-"

"Quit it." Cynder said sternly, and I bowed my head respectively. She sighed, looking out the nearby window, the faintest hints of a sunrise, yet it would still be behind the wall. She walked over and laid on the pillow with me, a comfortable distance away. "You're used to getting up this early aren't you?" She said looking down at me in intrigue.

I nodded slowly, "Every morning parents make me get up… and I do chores sunrise to sunset."

Cynder looked downcast as she released a long breath of air, "Were they that awful? Hatchlin- dragonlings need much attention and playtime." I smiled at her correcting to dragonlings. I was younger than the normal age you would usually start calling me a dragonling, by a year or two. But "hatchling" made me feel weak, unintelligent, not that my Kunmai was any of those things. He was almost smarter than me a lot of the time.

I shrugged at her question, "I not have anything to compare before. But if what I see from you guys, I guess they really were… awful."

Cynder shifted closer to me, and put a wing over my back, she hummed happily, "You're getting much better at our language Kenra, I'm proud of you."

I don't think I'd ever heard those words before, they sounded good but I had no clue, "Cynder," she looked down at me with a happy smile, "What that mean? "Proud" of me?"

She tilted her head, "It's means like… being so happy with somebody that I myself feel happy. Does that make sense?" I shook my head no, there was no equivalent in my language. At least none I had heard.

Her smile shifted downward into sadness, oh no, had I made her upset? "Kenra," she seemed to notice my expression and she put her forehead to mine, "It means that… You are very brave, intelligent, and compassionate. And we love you for that."

Those were similar to the words in the book I was reading… about Spyro. Was she really saying I was all those things? My family always made me feel the opposite way, feel sick and hated. But right now I felt, warm and fuzzy, and I had butterflies in my chest. I'd felt it before when Kunmai near me. But what was this feeling? Love? I didn't know, but found myself leaning to the side and nuzzling against Cynder's muzzle, which she returned eagerly. "Nobody ever say things like that about me. Thank you Cynder."

She licked the side of my head, "Then nobody deserved a little one like you around." She wrapped her paws around me and pulled me close. "The other two look up to you, Kenra. You're their big brother, you know that?"

I nodded, "It feel good. I have siblings to look after. But I have two others looking out for me. Is new."

She groomed the back of my head gently, "Do you think you'll be able to handle going to school?"

I thought for a long while. School was much different here than I was used to, but it was a good difference. I slowly nodded, "I will be slower than… others. That okay?"

She laughed deeply, "They'll understand your language problem. But I just know that you'll learn so quickly, and then you'll be one of the smartest ones there."

I finally nodded, "It sound okay."

She went back to grooming me after humming happily, "Keep reading, just making sure you look good for your first day."

"Wait, my first day is today?" I said slightly surprised. She didn't do so much as hum, so I followed her advice and returned to reading. Cynder helped me with pronouncing and explaining what words meant. She was very calm and patient with me, I never felt like I had a mother until this point, it was… a great feeling.