Chapter Thirty-One: Demons
A frog hopped along the grasses of Eon's Citadel, making its way to the marshy sections of the island's large gardens. Cynder stalked this frog, watching it hop along. Sometimes she'd pounce at it, but she always made sure she missed it. She wasn't exactly watching where she was going, causing her to bump into a leafy green dragon that was in the gardens as well. Cynder looked up at him nervously, his red eyes showing great anger.
"Watch it, ghoul lizard!" the leafy dragon, Camo, growled. "You could've stepped on my oleander sproutlings."
Cynder crouched low, nervous about her mistake. "I'm-I'm sorry," she stammered. "I promise I wouldn't have put them in danger on purpose. That's not me."
"I'll bet."
She backed away from him, taking care to watch her step. Cynder was uncomfortable with these confrontations. It had been a few months since she'd adjusted to her new life here with the Skylanders, and people were still looking at her like she was a monster. It didn't really matter, she guessed. That was how she saw herself, too.
Cynder flapped her wings and hovered above the grass, traveling by that means. She kept her nose to the ground and searched for the frog, making her way to the marshy areas where she was sure to find it. Voices were heard behind a few bushes, and her curiosity made her land and crouch over to listen. She poked her head above the bushes slightly, catching sight of the unicorn-dragon Whirlwind and the phoenix-dragon Sunburn.
"That Undead dragoness is weird, right?" Whirlwind asked. "I'm not the only one who thinks that?"
"Are you sure 'weird' is the word you want to use?" Sunburn asked. "I hear 'evil' is everyone's favorite term."
"No, she doesn't seem evil to me. Just weird."
"Well all of the Skylanders are weird. She seems weird to me as well, but also rather suspicious. I don't like the way she pokes her nose everywhere, like she's searching for something of ours. Doesn't that seem shady to you?"
"I guess, but we know other Skylanders who seem much more shady than her. And Eon's given her his trust, and his judgement is never wrong. It's only right for us to do the same. Come on, let's invite her to play dragon ball with us."
Cynder's heart leapt with a mixture of fear and excitement. She'd always watched the dragons play their special dragon ball game, but she was always too scared to join in. Before, they would probably tell her to buzz off. "We can't have you here, ghoul lizard!" they might say. Maybe they actually wanted her there. Maybe she could even make a few friends.
"I'm not sure...," Sunburn hesitated.
"Please Sunburn, it's not right to keep her out of these things," Whirlwind persisted. "How is she going to become one of us if we never let her belong here?"
"Hm, I suppose you're right."
Sunburn turned his head toward the bushes. Cynder lowered her head down, but the observant phoenix-dragon had already caught sight of her. "I'm guessing you heard all of that, didn't you, Cynder?" he asked.
"M-Maybe...," Cynder muttered.
"So how about it? Want to join us for a game of dragon ball?"
"Yeah. I'd like that."
"Meet us in the courtyard in a few minutes, then. That's where the game's going to be."
He and Whirlwind flew off. Cynder flew the other way, heading for the courtyard. She found herself frightened of making the dragons mad, but her excitement overpowered that. She'd never felt quite like this before. It was an amazing feeling.
Cynder saw another dragon making circles around the clouds ahead. She recognized him as the purple dragon Spyro, her only friend. She excitedly flew up to him.
"Hey Spyro, are you going to join the dragon ball game?" she asked him.
Spyro looked at her with a smile. "I was planning on it," he confirmed. "Are you joining in as well?"
"Yeah. Whirlwind and Sunburn just asked me, and I told them yes. This is a really big step for me, isn't it?"
"I should think so. I haven't really seen you try and join in on our games. Are you nervous at all?"
"Nervous and excited. Um...could I be on the same team as you?"
"Don't worry. I'll make sure of it."
The two of them chased each other around the clouds, tagging one another in a daily activity they always managed to find themselves in. They flew back toward the island, making their way to the courtyard. Whirlwind and Sunburn were already starting to arrange teams. A medium-sized ball was at the center of the courtyard- the hefty dragon ball.
"Hey you guys, Cynder and I would like to be on the same team," Spyro shouted as the two of them landed.
"Okay, I'll take you both," Whirlwind decided. "And then...Bash, come over here with me."
Whirlwind arranged the two of them in a line, waving Bash over as the calloused brown dragon loped in line with them. Sunburn arranged his members in a row, consisting of a blue water dragon named Zap, a greenish dragon in metal armor named Drobot, and a frowning Camo.
"They've got three fliers on their team," Camo muttered. "That's not fair. Perhaps if we could split Spyro away from the ghoul lizard-"
"Calculations indicate that an even split of fliers and grounders would still not be achieved," Drobot estimated. "I have calculated every combination."
"Don't worry, we won't need it," Zap insisted. "I can carry the extra weight."
Sunburn stomped a clawed foot on the ground, ending all conversations. "Listen up!" he shouted. "We've set up two goals on either side of the courtyard, and that is where you need to take the ball. Fliers will be responsible for getting the ball to their team's goal. If the ball drops from the air, the grounders will be responsible for kicking it back up. No leg nips, no claw scratches, and no use of powers will be tolerated. Understand?"
Everyone nodded.
"Then let's begin."
Sunburn picked up the ball, he and Drobot taking to the air. Spyro and Whirlwind followed suit, but Cynder stayed where she was. She gave an awkward smile to Camo, insisting that her team could have two grounders as well. The ball flew back and forth from the fliers, thrown by Spyro, intercepted by Sunburn, knocked away from him by Whirlwind. The ball fell down toward them. Cynder leapt up and kicked it toward Bash, but Zap quickly moved in the way and tossed it up to Drobot. The air volley kept up until the ball sailed into Sunburn's goal.
"Zero-one for us!" Zap taunted them. "You'll have to be faster than that if you want to have any chance of winning."
"Oh, I can be fast," Cynder piped up. "Do you want me to be fast?"
"Zap, quit giving them ideas!" Camo yelled at his team mate.
The game continued. Cynder made it her duty to intercept Zap at every turn. Each time the ball fell down, she focused on veering him away from it so that Bash could get to the ball. Her method seemed to be working, as she was able to successfully keep Zap away and earn her team a new lead.
Near the end of the game, the ball fell down once again. Cynder and Zap bolted straight for it, nearly colliding into one another. She halted as a hot body of energy sailed above her back, attempting to harm her. Cynder turned her head to see Camo staring her down, scratching his red paw at the grass in fury. He stood like a guardian, ensuring that no harm would come to his friend. Sunburn teleported right next to the leafy dragon, looking just as angry if not more so.
"Hey! What did I say about using powers!?" Sunburn yelled. "No tolerance! No exceptions!"
"You should've seen her!" Camo argued. "That ghoul dragon was about to hurt Zap!"
Cynder crouched down, her heart pounding in her chest. "I'm-I'm sorry! I swear, I didn't mean anything!" she insisted.
"Honestly, we've bumped into Bash a number of times, and it wasn't any skin off your nose," Zap sighed. "Why is it different if Cynder's here?"
Camo stomped the ground. "You guys weren't so ready to defend her a month ago!" he yelled. "None of you except purple boy over here!"
Spyro flew back down, standing right next to Cynder. "Knock it off right now, Camo!" he hollered.
"Because why? 'She did nothing wrong, it was Malefor'?" Camo spat. "You know what? I think I'm done with dragon ball."
With that, Camo stomped off. Cynder relaxed her stance, though not her spirit. The other dragons stood idly by, watching the leafy dragon storm off, wondering whether or not to go after him. Eventually they left him and dispersed to their own activities- it would be better to let him calm down before talking to him, right?
"I'm sorry I ruined the game," Cynder muttered.
"It wasn't you," Spyro insisted. "He's just uncooperative at times."
That wasn't true. She'd ruined the game, and they all knew the reason why. Saying so would just make the bitter reality come forth.
"You know, it could be your guys' opposing Elements," Spyro shrugged. "Life and Undead are natural opposites. I've heard that he and Zap didn't really get along until-"
"Magic and Undead are opposites, too," Cynder argued. "Yet we get along just fine."
"Yeah, well the difference isn't as drastic for Magic and Undead as it is with Life and Undead."
Cynder sighed. She flew off, hoping to be left alone. How silly of her. Of course she couldn't be friends with the other dragons. That just wasn't meant for her.
No, she knew why Camo was mad. She remembered every Skylander team she'd hurt while under Malefor's control. Cynder had tried to run away from them, had tried resisting the power in order to keep from hurting them. But her body seemed to oppose her wishes and attacked them all the same. Camo had been on one team with Sunburn and Whirlwind, the two of which were both seriously injured by her lightning. Out of everyone she'd hurt, Camo seemed to have taken it the hardest.
She couldn't blame him. Heck, she wondered why Whirlwind and Sunburn weren't on the same boat with him.
Cynder flew away from Eon's Citadel, making her way to a tiny grassy island that consisted of a single pond and tree. She'd found this island a few weeks back, and it was her secret refuge. There wasn't really anywhere in the Citadel where she could be alone, as each hallway was set on constantly reminding her of what she'd done to the Skylanders. And every other place in Skylands seemed to be a marker of the damage she'd caused. This little island was the only real safe haven that Cynder had, and as she landed on the grass, she felt more calm and safe.
At least, until she noticed that she wasn't alone.
An elven sorceress had made her way here as well. Her skin was cyan, a marker of beings cursed by Undead magic. She had a sort of winged black headpiece, matching her dark flowing dress. Cynder hid behind a tree to watch the elf, scared by her presence. Not because she was Undead- Cynder was of the same Element- but because she had trespassed on Cynder's only safe haven. Everyone hated her, and she didn't wish to be reminded of this. She didn't wish to disappoint another person today.
The elf wasn't doing much. She was laying on her back, watching the clouds float by. It was unfair- the least the intruder could do was muck up the place. This act seemed to be her taunting her authority. Cynder crept out from behind the tree, stepping tentatively toward the elf. As she noticed the dragoness's presence, the elf moved slightly, turning her head to see her.
"Ex-excuse me, ma'am, but you're kind of trespassing here," Cynder stammered, sitting as straight as she could in order to show authority. "This is my place. I come here to be alone, and...well, I don't really want anyone else here."
"I wasn't aware," the elf replied. "I'm sorry. But do you think you could allow me to stay here a little while longer? It's been a few weeks since I've adjusted to my new state, and this seemed like the perfect place to spend my time. It's a nice day today, and you're right- this is the perfect place to be alone."
No comment.
"When I was young, I neglected to relax like this. There were always more important things to do, I thought. Now, I think I should make it a point to relax when I can."
Cynder moved a few inches away from her, sitting at the pond. "Fine, you can stay," she decided.
They sat in silence for a few minutes. Cynder pawed at the water, watching the ripples distort her reflection. She wished that she could wash away the evils she'd committed, right the wrongs she'd caused. No one was willing to let her try, and...oh great, the elf was bringing Cynder's pain to this island with her mere presence. It wasn't fair.
"I'm sorry that you're cursed like this," Cynder suddenly said. "It sounds like this was very recent. It must be hard."
"It is, but I'll live- you know, in a matter of speaking," the elf noted. "Life is about pain. Scars are what make us interesting."
She wouldn't be saying that if she knew what the dragoness had done. "And...and I'm sorry I can't really relate to you," Cynder stammered. "I was born Undead, you see. I haven't experienced your kind of pain."
No comment.
"And I'm sorry I tried to shoo you away from here! I didn't know about your-"
The elf sat up, frowning. "Stop that," she groaned. "The word 'sorry' loses meaning when you constantly apologize for the smallest of things. I'm not blaming you for anything. You don't need to worry."
"Well, that's just kind of my state of being, I guess," Cynder explained. "I can't stand hurting others."
The elf's expression softened. "You can't completely avoid hurting others, either. That's a part of life as well," she continued. "You need to learn not to be so afraid. Why don't you travel with me for a while and I'll show you what I mean?"
Cynder wasn't sure. She knew she didn't want to disappoint anyone else. And she didn't really want to go anywhere she'd caused damage. But maybe it would be nice to get away for a while. "That sounds cool," she decided.
The elf shook her paw. "My name's Hex," she introduced herself.
"I'm Cyn...Cynder," Cynder replied.
The two of them traveled in the Underworld for a few days, Hex trying to find something to help Cynder get over her fears. The dragoness felt surprisingly comfortable down there. All of the denizens in the Underworld were just as scary and menacing as she and Hex were. And nobody seemed to know that Cynder had been evil. They didn't glare at her when she walked past. They didn't make a move to run away or shoo her off. It was perfect.
They made it to Darklight Crypt, where Hex led her to a bakery. There was a crowd of ghosts and vampires sitting at the benches outside, where they ate large slices of pie. There seemed to be a crowd inside as well, flocking to the counter. It was a kind of situation that unnerved Cynder, even down here.
"Batterson's has the best pies in all the Underworld," Hex explained. "They're so good that almost every Undead species has given up their appetite for mortal flesh and blood for them."
"It certainly looks that way from the outside," Cynder gasped.
Cynder found herself surprised when Hex handed her some money. "Here's your mission," the elf began. "Go in there, and bring me back a rhubarb pie. You can get yourself something if you want, but don't come back without a rhubarb pie."
"Y-You're not coming in with me?" Cynder asked timidly. "You know, I've never exactly gone into a bakery by myself, and..."
"And if we don't start here, I have a feeling that you're never going to. I know you're scared by this, but fear is another part of life. You can either run away from it or face it. Show your fear that you're much stronger. Because I know that you're much stronger."
It was much easier to run from things, though. Cynder couldn't bear it to face her fears. She couldn't bear it to face the things she'd done. But Hex seemed to be counting on her for this one favor.
"Besides," Hex added, "it's just Batterson's. Nothing will hurt you there."
"Okay," Cynder muttered.
"You'll do great. Now stand straight and walk proudly. The way you present yourself leaves an impression on people."
Cynder stood as tall as she could, walking with big steps into the bakery. She paused in the entryway, taking in the crowd. Everyone hung around tables, talking and eating their pies. A few of them teased the janitors by poking at the wall memorabilia from a bygone age, threatening to send the artifacts to the ground. It was so crowded and noisy in there, but Cynder still had a job to do. She walked up to the front counter, ringing the tiny bell on it to get someone's attention. There was some scrambling under the counter, and a tiny Molekin chef came up to see her.
"Hello, tiny dragon. Welcome to Batterson's Bakery," the Molekin greeted her. "I'm Batterson. How may I help you today?"
Cynder set the money on the counter. "I need a rhubarb pie for a friend, and...something else with it, though I'm not sure what," she told him. "This is my first time here, you see."
"I get it. How does a pumpkin pie sound? In my opinion, you can never go wrong with pumpkin pie."
"That sounds good."
"Okey-smokey. I'll get that to you as soon as possible."
Batterson took the money and hopped down from the counter, heading into the kitchen. Cynder sat down and waited, looking around the bakery. A sudden commotion was heard from outside, and several ghouls came running into the bakery in fright. Hex was among them, heading up to the counter and turning her attention toward the entrance. She was in some kind of fighting pose, her hands glowing in some light purple color.
"Take cover, Cynder," Hex told her.
Cynder was confused. "I thought you said-"
"Nevermind that, just take cover."
Cynder ducked under a table with a trio of cowering vampires, watching Hex to see what was going on. She heard a smashing sound, and soon a large, brutish creature came into view. He was some kind of Goliath Drow, wearing a viking helmet on his head. There was a charm around his neck, protecting him from the realm's magic. He stomped around, making a big show of his strength and intimidating the bakery patrons.
"I hear ya've got the best pies in the Underworld," the Goliath Drow grumbled. "Why don't you give 'em up, so me and my army can get some chow? We don't have to fight."
Batterson poked his head above the counter. "We don't want you here, Brock!" he yelled. "You and your army can just go."
"Oh, you think you can chase us out? Wrong! I'll bring the rest of 'em in and you'll see what happens when you mess with the Drow!"
He was bluffing about bringing his army into the bakery. Somehow Cynder was sure of that.
"What are you waiting for already?" Brock teased them. "You gonna call the Skylanders here first?"
"We don't need them," Hex threatened him.
A barrier of bone brambles was summoned around the tables, blocking the patrons off as the fight began. Brock tried charging after Hex, but the elf was too quick to be mowed down. She avoided his moves, sending barrages of her own magic at him. Her strongest spells were sent at him, knocking him back toward the counter. But he wouldn't go down- Hex was using Undead spells, and his charm protected against the worst of the damage done that way. Maybe he was waiting for Hex to wear herself out before...
The thought sent a kind of passionate fury into Cynder's heart. She slid out from under the table, climbing over the bramble barrier. She shot lightning at Brock, dashing forth to knock him on his feet. Brock looked at her, fear taking hold. His eyes started at Cynder's brand, recognizing it and her.
"You...I've heard of you...," Brock gasped. "You can mow down armies...the-the Terror of the Skies...they called you."
"Then you should probably get away from here," Cynder said in a low voice. "I don't want to see you or your army around here anymore, got it?"
Brock scrambled to his feet, rushing out the door. Everyone waited for a moment, wondering if he might come back. Hex soon lowered the bramble barriers, and the patrons allowed themselves to come out of hiding and relax. Cynder still felt uneasy- now the Underworld knew of the kind of monster that she was.
"You did a good job standing up for yourself," Hex noted. "You've got some talent."
"Same to you," Cynder replied. "You know, there are a lot of things I can't stand, but I knew I couldn't allow that thug to have his way here."
In a short while, Cynder made her way back to Eon's Citadel, with Hex coming along. The dragoness was adamant in making the elf a Skylander- it was just too perfect. Hex, of course, had known before that Cynder had been Malefor's servant. Cynder figured that she stayed quiet about it once she saw how meek the dragoness was. They sat around in the courtyard as Cynder explained her tale.
"...And then I fought Spyro, and he was the one to figure out how to break the spell," Cynder explained. "You know, I thought dragons couldn't be mind-controlled."
"They can't," Hex insisted. "That cursed amulet was likely given its own sentience, so that it could control your body. Your mind and spirit were unaffected for the most part, other than the psychological damage that the experience caused, but the amulet gripped your limbs and forced you to do those things.
So she understood like Spyro did. "I was actually kind of worried about telling you," Cynder admitted. "I didn't want to chase you off before we got to become friends."
"Malefor's a monster. I know his tricks, and I know you better."
No comment.
"He might still have control over you. Through fear, I mean. You're so afraid of standing up for yourself because you think you might step out of line and become that monster again. Fear is a monster's worse tool. It can turn the wisest creatures into beasts that solely want to preserve themselves. That's why we have to be bigger than fear, so that we keep our wisdom and our good nature."
A ball flew at them. Hex stopped it in mid-air with her magic. The dragons had started another game of dragon ball, and they worriedly ran up to the two of them to see if they were hurt. Camo was among them, and he frowned when he saw Cynder. Whirlwind flew between them, frowning at Camo.
"Oh look, the ghoul lizard's back," Camo huffed.
"Don't worry about him, Cynder," Whirlwind insisted. "Camo's had burrs in his side all week."
Likely due to her part in the game. "Hey Camo, you're pretty worried about your friends getting hurt again, aren't you?" Cynder asked him.
This seemed to catch him off guard, as his expression became more quizzical.
"I'd take back what I did if I could. But I guess we can only move forward from the past. You can't keep worrying about this, or you'll miss other stuff that needs your attention."
Whirlwind's expression softened around Camo. "Are you really worrying that much about us?" she asked him. "It's been months since the incident. We're okay now."
Camo backed away from them. "It doesn't matter," he argued. "You'll just get hurt again. I need to be on guard, or else..."
Whirlwind wrapped her wings around him, allowing him to pout. "You know how many Skylanders there are here?" she asked rhetorically. "You don't have to be on guard all the time. We're a team, and we can depend on each other."
Cynder felt Hex set a hand on her shoulder. The elf smiled at her, congratulating her for taking her lessons to heart. Cynder felt that she could now accept her situation with the Skylanders. Now she might actually grow from her past.