Chapter 2: In thought
Later on, after having the last meal of the day; the group of young dragons had headed out of the temple to the gardens just outside to have some time together before sunset.
Walking out of the entrance to the temple, the group comprising Spyro, Oculus, Flame and Frost readied to head over into the garden. However, Cynder stopped at the entrance and spoke out to the group.
"Hey guys, I've changed my mind. I will call it a day and head to my room, going to catch up on some stuff and some books before I turn in."
"Are you sure Cynder?" Spyro was the first to question back followed quickly by Frost.
"Come on Cynder just a while longer, you don't want to leave me alone with all the boys, do you?" pleaded the Ice dragoness which brought out a chuckle in Cynder.
"Well, as long as Spyro is around I'm confident you are in safe company." This comment earned some curious looks from the others.
"Oh, come on Cynder, me and Oculus may not be purple dragons but we are capable too you know." said a very confident Flame.
"It's you two that Spyro is keeping Frost safe from." Oculus slightly narrowed his eyes and his wings dropped a little unimpressed.
"Ha-ha Flame and I are very menacing."
Cynder giggled at that comment before turning to the purple dragon.
"If you're still coming over tonight Spyro for that study session; feel free I'll be up for a while."
"Yeah, definitely going to get as much as I can before the examination tomorrow, I'll come by soon." said the purple dragon with Cynder beginning to turn away back towards the temple.
"Right all of you I'll see tomorrow and I'll see you later Spyro," Cynder made a very discreet wink at Spyro with the purple dragon winking right back at her before she turned away and headed back into the temple with everyone shouting to her.
"Goodnight Cynder, see you tomorrow,"
Using her left wing, Cynder waved back before disappearing out of sight into the temple.
"Right let's get to the gardens, Last one there is a big fat hatchling" said Flame immediately jumping up in the air and beating his wings flying away.
"Unbelievable" Frost amused merely shook her head. Spyro chuckled at the reaction.
"You know Flame; likes to be a hatchling sometimes." Oculus said not surprised.
Spyro wasted little time and readied his wings to make chase.
"Well, let's not fall behind" shooting up into the sky the purple dragon flew to catch up the fire dragon followed closely by the other two all heading off towards the big Warfang gardens, the gardens itself took up about a tenth of the land inside the mighty walls.
Ground keepers are always renovating and looking after it showing a beauty green paradise full of trees and a big lake for if any of the inhabitants fancied a swim which is a favourite for dragons. Flame ahead of the trio looked back to see how far ahead, it pleased him he had a favourable lead.
Considering the size of Warfang, flight for dragons was an advantage and at top speeds most dragons could reach one side of the city to the other in a matter of minutes. Flame being boastful shouted back to the trio.
"I will win slowpokes if you don't take this serious" the fire dragon sped up moving faster away from the group, Oculus merely smirked before looking to the purple dragon.
"What you waiting for? You could easily catch him Spyro."
"I know I could but let's make him really feel it." said Spyro with Frost becoming excited by the statement.
"I like the sound of that Spyro, I feel you will impress me here." Spyro made a slight evil grin, turning his head towards Flame.
"Maybe,"
Ahead of them Flame could see the huge grassy landscape of the gardens coming into view widening his ecstatic smile.
"Well, I'm the winner it seems!" Flame mumbled, angling himself he started to head downwards slightly preparing to come for a landing.
He turned his head to check on how far behind the trio were. His expression however turned from one of excitement to one of confusion. He could see Oculus and Frost beating their wings at a steady pace, but there was no sign of Spyro. He looked closer to see there were grins on Frost and Oculus faces but one where they seemed a little flabbergasted.
"Huh… where is…" before he could finish his sentence, he heard a voice.
"Hi Flame" He turned his head to his left to see the Purple dragon flying right beside him. He was at a loss of words, he couldn't believe it
"But how did you…" Spyro had a big cheeky grin on his face.
"See you on the ground Flame,"
Spyro snapped his wings and shot away from Flame so fast it left the fire dragon speechless, the purple dragon opened his wings out fully slowing down and bringing himself into a landing next to a large tree on the grassy footing of the gardens. Looking back up he could see Flame was floating in place just looking at him in disbelief.
Oculus and Frost caught up and landed next to Spyro with the Shadow dragon speaking "Spyro that was just…. unreal, I've never seen a dragon go that fast before. Even a dragon using the wind element would struggle against that speed…. how you've never gone that fast with us."
"A lot of training, I've honed every part of training, my speed, reaction time, observing your opponent and picking the right time to strike and my accuracy with my powers."
Oculus was in awe of his friends speed he couldn't hold a straight face at him.
"You really are amazing Spyro, no wonder the dark master couldn't win."
Spyro shook his head to that comment "I was nowhere near as strong as I am now and I couldn't defeat him alone. I don't like to brag, but training pays off."
Flame caught up and landed next to them, looking like he had got suckered punched "Just… I can't believe."
Frost giggled at the state the fire dragon reduced to "He's very traumatised by that guys, let give him a minute".
Both Spyro and Oculus came out with laughing to the comment, taking in the moment against Flame while they could. Once they were all settled down, the group went over to a hilly part of grass and sat themselves down to relax. Oculus wasted little time and laid on his side stretching himself
"Ahhh… much better this is the life" Spyro concurred with the shadow dragon laying down, his scales and underbelly brushing against the grass felt very comforting.
"Yeah every time coming here it's great to relax," The purple dragon sighed in content, glad he came with everyone. "After spending years fighting in the war, this will never get old,"
Sat opposite him Frost curiously asked "Bet you didn't get many times like this during the war you or Cynder,"
"Never had time to, really; back when we were living at the temple, we always had to remain ready in case the ape army attacked and well Cynder was under Malefor's control or always on edge or feeling guilty about everything," Spyro nodded agreeing with the ice dragonesses statement.
Oculus noticed Spyro's expression dropped a little when mentioning that and consoled "Hey but look at her now; She's happy and living a peaceful life thanks to you,"
"I know it's just…. It's been two years since the war ended and still some people belittle and hate her for actions she couldn't control or know after everything he put her through, still treating her as if she is still some evil entity of Malefor,".
Frost was quick to reassure Spyro "They don't have a clue Spyro, we all know the dark master used her. She is more innocent than most of these dragons. It's just arrogance and stuck up selfish behaviour; looking for someone to blame,"
"Definitely she's one of the nicest out there, she deserved her peaceful life after everything the dark master put her through," said Oculus backing up Frost.
Spyro felt touched by the support being given towards Cynders' predicament.
"I know and that really touches Cynder and I know she doesn't let it bother her but I just get so annoyed by it, even when we returned the council judged her to see if she could remain in the city.
"I bet that was a difficult one, what happened then?" Asked a curious Oculus facing the purple dragon.
"Well, obviously Cynder could remain but it was so difficult I had to be in the meeting," a big sigh escaped the purple dragon's maw ready.
Flashback… 1 year 10 months ago…
Roughly a month following the Dark master's defeat, the world was still reeling from the destruction caused by the great war. It devastated the city of Warfang, barely holding together after the golem attack and the dark army.
Craters from mortar fire all over the city, wrecked or destroyed buildings lay in pieces all over the streets and ground, it blocked entire streets off with debris covering the entrances and exits, some inhabitants still cut off or stuck.
Some creatures still were unaware the war had ended even after all the earthquakes and the world breaking apart and forming back together.
It was a time before they sent search parties out to find surviving communities in hiding during the war of any species; it disorganised everything the remaining population of Warfang had barely started on the restoration of the city.
The main populous areas were the first to focus on with the living areas, with access to the barracks and temple being the first to work on with access to the main gates. Fortunately for dragons, the moles were instrumental in this effort with the ingenuity of construction.
It was days ago that Spyro and Cynder had returned after their battle with Malefor.
At first, they were happy to have returned, finally hoping their struggles had finally ended and could live the life of peace at last. The Guardians were the first to welcome them both back with open wings and learn of the tale of their final battle.
Everyone was welcoming of Spyro. However, there were some who gave Cynder the cold shoulder and blamed her for what took place during the war, Spyro was quick to defend her along with the guardians.
It even reached aggressive once where a dragon tried to attack Cynder and while she could easily defend herself, she didn't want to risk something happening that would cause them to be mistrust her even further.
On one encounter an ice dragon half the size of a fully grown dragon had approached Cynder "I don't care if you are sorry, nothing you do can ever atone for what atrocities you committed."
"I didn't have a choice; my body wasn't my own, if I could take it all back I would in a heartbeat." said a disheartened Cynder.
She has always felt guilty and remorseful over what happened but all this sunk it to a new low.
"Oh well, that's very considerate of you, my father would be happy to hear that." the ice dragon rebuffed the apology away.
"But wait he can't because you and your apes killed him," Cynder lowered her head ashamed by those words as the Ice dragon edged towards her "It's time for justice to be done,".
A murderous intent was obviously on the agenda of the Ice dragon but Cynder was to oblivious and looking to the floor processing everything, before anything could happen though Spyro who had been on his way to Cynder arrived and stood next to her.
"Cynder are you okay?"
She gave him no words, all he could make out was the saddened look on her face. The purple dragon turned towards the Ice dragon
"What have you done?"
"Just telling the terror of the skies, the damage she has caused; she doesn't deserve to breathe" said the angry dragon who appeared unfazed by Spyros' presence, the purple dragon stepped in front of Cynder in a protective state.
"Malefor used her; the darkness corrupted her, I saved her and she helped me defeat the dark master, she has done nothing wrong,"
"Hah… that's easy for you to say; she didn't kill anyone you were close to, now she will learn that pain" the ice dragon said approaching the pair, Spyro angered by the words of the dragon stood strongly before him ready to protect Cynder
"Don't even think about it, stay away from her,"
"Or what, she deserves everything she will get" The Ice dragon yelled at the purple dragon which irritated him further and his claws dug slightly into the ground.
"I'm warning you, leave… her… alone" Spyro coldly threatened the ice dragon, a death glare from his eyes.
Ignoring the threat; the ice dragon lunged forward, claws out and aimed for Cynder, appearing slightly scared. Spyro angered by this lunged forward and activated the fire element into his claws and swiped the Ice dragon in the face sending him down to his side.
Hurt the ice dragon laid on the ground as Spyro leaned over his face and glared into his eyes, teeth bared ready as warning to the dragon.
"Never try to attack Cynder again…. She is my best friend, she helped me defeat Malefor and saved the world and you all repay her with this, you're all as bad as him. Don't come near her again… GOT IT."
The sight of the angered purple dragon was more than enough to terrify Ice dragon and wasted no time in lifting himself up and backing away.
"Why do you defend her? All I want is justice for my father."
"Yes, which you deserve but the one responsible for it all is Malefor, and he's gone so you have your justice, What you are doing is arrogant and selfish." baffled by such words the ice dragon backed up before turning away and leaving the hall as quickly as he could, Spyro inhaled a deep breath to calm himself.
Turning to Cynder worried for her "Are you all right?"
Cynder touched by his gesture could barely bring herself to producing a weak smile "I'm fine. Thanks Spyro, but I don't blame him for his anger. I brought a lot of suffering to these innocent people".
The purple dragon was feeling crushed to hear this "I just…. I caused so much pain and death to everyone… I am a monster like they say…"
Spyro upon hearing that placed a paw on the side of her face on her cheek and got her attention to look him in the eyes.
"Listen to me now Cynder." a little surprised by the assertive tone in his voice. The black dragoness was quick to give him her undivided attention.
"It was never your fault; That monster took you and put you through the worst experience possible. He did all of it, you did nothing wrong, you don't owe these dragons or anyone anything. Really, they should thank you.
We defeated Malefor together and saved the world, ever since we both got freed from the crystal, we fought side by side until we won and protected the innocent, you beat him and we made him pay for everything he did to this world."
The black dragoness taken aback by what he was saying, putting everything into absorbing every word "Cynder in all that time I have wanted no one else by my side, even when he tried to take you again you broke free…. you are the strongest dragon in this world Cynder and I am proud to call you my best friend, nothing will ever change that not even these stupid dragons."
A gasp escaped her maw. Such a speech blew Cynder's mind away, rocked to her core by the depth of his words, barely able to process it on how much he values her. Without a second to spare, she embraced him wrapping her wings and front legs around him getting teary.
"Spyro… I…. I… thank you" Spyro taking in the embrace's feel blew a cheerful sigh, relied he wrapped his own wings, hugging her back.
Whimpering in joy and relief in the embrace, burying her head into his upper chest, realisation of how much Spyro really will stay by her side and not let anyone come between that. They held it for a while, Spyro wanted to make sure Cynder knew he will always be there for her.
They separated but not before Cynder nuzzled Spyro on his cheek, the purple dragon caught off-guard by the gesture caused, red creeping onto his cheeks before she said to him.
"I couldn't ask for a better best friend Spyro" the purple dragon smiled deeply back at the dragoness.
"Always… I couldn't have gotten through it all without you" Cynder hearing that gave him a deep loving look before hearing a voice
"Spyro, Cynder everything ok… I heard some commotion down here." they both looked to see Terrador approach them.
"Yeah were ok… there was an Ice dragon here just giving Cynder a hard time but he's gone now." Terrador grunted to that answer swelling in the situation.
"Hmmm…. it will take time for dragons to overcome this foolish grudge and behaviour… it is all born of vengeance and hatred over the deeds of the dark master."
He leaned his head down towards Cynder with a confident smile.
"But don't worry Cynder there are dragons who believe in you too, the guardians will always be here for you and with Spyro by your side, everything will be better, you are one of the most strong and resilient dragonesses I have ever met in my lifetime and you should be proud of yourself Cynder."
All these words of support and comfort were very touching to her; filling her with hope and relief.
"Thanks, Terrador; It really means a lot to hear that from you." she said with a deep smile.
"Your welcome Cynder; there can never be a deeper truth." said the earth guardian.
The sudden thudding of footsteps interrupted them and they looked to see four dragons. Three wearing armour and one with a medallion symbol strapped around his neck. Terrador quickly turned towards him.
"Councillor Seyrus, good to see you again"
"Good to see you too Terrador and to Spyro and Cynder as well" said the dragon named Seyrus with Spyro and Cynder both bowing respectfully to the City Councillor.
"Oh, there is no need for such display from you two after your heroic deeds… however I wish I was here under better circumstances.
A look of confusion came over the three dragons from what he said "What do you mean, councillor" said the earth guardian.
"I am here under orders from the rest of the council…. Cynder by order of the council of Warfang; you are to accompany us into custody immediately"
The three dragons were in shock upon hearing those words with the purple dragon immediately shouting.
"WHAT…. Cynder has done nothing wrong."
"What is the meaning of this Seyrus, I thought I made the guardians views over this topic clear." said an irritated Terrador quick to jump to Cynder's defence.
"Oh, my friend the council understand and this was not my choice believe me nor happy it has come to this, the council have decided they want a judgment on Cynder to pass regarding the accusations of charges on war crime, treason and murder; and they have tasked me with bringing her into custody until they pass the judgment."
Cynder's reaction to this was merely looking down to the floor while Spyro exhuming small puffs of smoke was furious about this alongside Terrador.
"This is outrageous Seyrus; she's a young dragoness becoming an adult with a whole life ahead of her after being freed from the dark master and now the council think that is acceptable."
"Trust me, I feel the same as you do on the subject but I am bound to my duty to Warfang and must carry it out, do not worry she will have a fair trial old friend, I made sure of that." stated Seyrus.
Turning his sight towards the black dragoness the councillor said to her "Cynder you will need to come with me and placed in custody for the hearing, you will get to voice your defence and anyone who wishes to speak in your defence."
"The guardians will not stand for this Seyrus, I will personally go to the council about this." explained by an angered earth guardian, he turned towards Cynder.
"The guardians will support you Cynder, we will not leave this unchallenged," declared the guardian.
The black dragoness nodded to the guardian, but all she felt was her spirit sinking "Thank you Terrador…. but it's clear what will happen"
"I'm sorry Cynder but it's time to go… will you come peacefully?" said Seyrus but before she could give an answer Spyro stepped in front of her.
"She is not going anywhere; she is innocent and is staying with me." said an angered Spyro draping a wing over Cynder's body, catching her by complete surprise. Two of the guard dragons stepped forward into a slight aggressive stance.
"I am sorry Spyro the world is grateful for what you have done but you need to step aside now, this is the law of the dragon world, I assure you will get to speak in her defence and have every opportunity to help her," expressed Seyrus, trying to command the purple dragon.
Undeterred by this, Spyro refused to move an inch "NO… Cynder is a hero, she helped me defeat Malefor; she saved the world, and this is the thanks she gets. This is unfair treatment of her over something that she couldn't be in control of. Why can't everyone understand that it was that monster who controlled her and corrupted her? I will not accept this and I will let no one take her."
Standing defiantly against them, the two guards looked like they were ready to charge at Spyro.
"I will go."
Everyone stopped when they heard Cynder speak. She used her own wing to put Spyros' down and looked into his eyes touched by his support.
"I appreciate what you're trying to do for me Spyro but if I will ever get the chance to move on from everything that has happened and have a fresh start, I need to cooperate and obey the dragon law… so I will go and I don't want you to get hurt trying to protecting me."
Spyro felt weary of this, his body fighting his urges to intervene. Cynder stepped up to him and placed a kiss on his cheek, Spyros face lit up red being surprised by the move. His body struck still, his heart got pumping and all he could do was give her a blushing smile. The black dragoness gave him a sweet smile of her own before stepping forward in front of him and Terrador.
"I will come with you."
"Thank you Cynder for understanding. I hope you can appreciate this isn't how I wanted things to happen but hopefully this will all resolve quickly. Said Seyrus content with the situation, trying to express hope for the black dragoness.
As Cynder reached to join them and leave, Spyro halted them walking up and stood beside Cynder draping a wing over her again.
"If Cynder has got to go, then I am too." this brought a reaction of shock and confusion to the dragon's present
"What do you mean?" asked the curious councillor.
"I'm coming with you; this isn't fair of the council and I don't trust any of them so this way I know Cynder will be safe. If the council don't like it, then that is their problem,". This decision flabbergasted Cynder. The length the purple dragon will defy for her was shaking her world, deeply touched by the gesture.
Flashback end…
Hearing about that was leaving the group in wonder with Frost saying.
"Wow that really happened, it must have taken place well before I came to the city" Oculus agreeing with her said to Spyro "So what did the council do?"
"Basically, they weren't happy that I would be in custody with Cynder so they let her go on two conditions. One: that at all times a guard and myself must be with Cynder at all times but in the temple just me excluding her room and two; She could not leave the city until after the judgment." explained Spyro having recalled the story.
"Wow Spyro, you never fail with impressing me. Cynder is lucky to have such a caring friend, always to support and stick up for her." Frost said amazed by the courage the purple dragon displays.
Spyro tucked one forepaw over the other, relaxing himself "I would do it again. She would do the same for me and after everything she had been through, it was the last thing she needed."
"Obviously Cynder is still here now, so how did it go down at the judgment?" asked a very curious Oculus, hearing that question had Spyro narrow his eyes slightly.
"Well, a few days later it started took place at the Council great hall, it took a long time to resolve."
Flashback… 1 year and 10 months… days after the confrontation…
Within the great hall of the Warfang council building one of the tallest buildings in the city Cynder stood in the centre of the room wherein front of her in a semi-circle four dragons and three moles were all sat which composed of the council.
Usually it would just dragons but as Warfang was a city of cooperation, it was only natural moles were on the council too.
Behind Cynder sat were Spyro, the guardians, a few other dragons and moles along with a few city guards who stood around the hall, one of the council dragons stood up hulking and looking down towards Cynder which looked a little menacing.
"Cynder we bring here you before this council to finally put the rest the one subject I'm sure you know of; the actions committed by you during the dark war and to decide on what out from this. We will call on individuals to speak to give their perspectives viewed on you on survivors of the war, the guardians and of course, the purple dragon himself. You will have the chance to speak of your perspective as well" spoken by another of the council.
"After we have heard everything the council will deliberate and there are two outcomes from the end. One: Innocent of all accusations of you and fully pardoned, freedom bestowed with no retaliation of any party of this decision".
The first decision was pleasant to hear for everyone, especially Spyro "And second; should we find you to have been responsible and guilty of everything discussed, it will carry a heavy punishment. Now it can be simple banishment from the city or a more severe case of exile from dragon kind entirely."
The punishments practically unsettled Cynder already stated to her.
"Or harsher punishment of death."
A wave of gasps echoing through the entire chamber, a puff of smoke erupting from Spyro's snout in a deep-seeded anger. He put a paw forward ready to shout out before Cyril had spotted him and leaned down to his eye level.
"Calm Spyro… any outbursts won't help right now; I know you feel strongly about this but the best way to help Cynder is to be calm and speak when they call for you" the blue guardian quietly exclaimed, trying to reassure the purple dragon.
"It's a disgrace how she is being treated, how can she be so calm about this?" Spyro said completely infuriated by the whole ordeal.
The trial had begun with many being called to give their account of what had transpired during the war. It was at a dragon not too much older than Spyro or Cynder to speak in a marked spot near Cynder.
"I was just helping my brother with fixing up the roof on our hut, it collapsed on one side and while replacing the stone on it, we suddenly heard shouting my brother and I rushed outside to see other huts on fire. Other dragons and cheetahs wounded, hurt or fighting, apes had swarmed all over our village.
"We ran in to help and fought the apes, it was a long battle while we tried to provide cover for the hatchlings and young with some adults to escape while any warriors already fighting until a huge fire ball shot and knocked me back hitting the hut, I was down for a while dazed." everyone listening in on what was being said.
Cynder struggling to hold it together, hearing of the many stories that already spoken of horrible nightmares.
"When I recovered, I could see my brother on the ground bloodied and hurt bad with sharp claws around his neck with a huge black dragon stood above him" A female dragon on the council said
"And would this dragon bear any resemblance towards the accused" noticing towards Cynder.
"Well, an adult version of her fully grown so, she growls and speaks into his ears but I couldn't hear because of everything happening and then… well." Seyrus on the council stopped him
"It's ok…. you need not tell us what happened… we understand it's hard, thank you,". thanked a councillor, applauding the dragon.
The judgement continued on after that, with the council now deciding to speak to Cynder after a few more witnesses to the war. One of the councillor moles turned to the black dragoness "Cynder…. when you were a servant to the dark master you weren't directing your own actions in his name."
Despite the deep guilt eating at her, she mustered her voice "No, I wasn't in any control but I knew of everything that occurred, I felt shame that I couldn't do anything to stop everything that was happening"
It continued on with the council asking difficult questions on her, trying to make her crack "Yet isn't it true that you ran away from the temple because you felt guilty of your actions?"
"Yes, I did, I couldn't stand seeing all the deaths I cause but not stopping it. I couldn't take it," answered Cynder, looking down to the floor, unable to face anywhere else.
Eventually the council had moved on and called upon Sparx to come up to a few this was shocking but from what he had seen in the war it was no surprise as he did witness a lot. The dragonfly floated into place but didn't even give the council a chance to speak.
"So, I'm guessing you want me to tell you about my time with she-dragon, well yes I did sort of despise and have trust issues of her after everything that had happened"
Taken aback by the dragonfly's very confident posture, the female dragon councillor stepped up. "Right… okay… So Sparx is it? You travelled with the purple dragon on his journeys during the war correct?"
"You bet me and my bro we went through many sorts of butt kicking the apes never had a chance against us, even the evil dark master had to wet himself when he would see what we did to his army" proudly announced by Sparx.
Spyro and Cynder looked to each other sheepishly amused with Spyro holding a paw to his face and shaking his head thinking to himself 'Oh Sparx… you never cease to amaze me'
Most of the council were looking between each other, not sure of how to comment on that, finding the dragonfly to be an odd one, moles and dragons never acting this overbearing.
"So… I'd like to ask about Spyro's battle against Cynder at the realm of Convexity." Said Seyrus after regaining his composure.
"Ok so Spyro and Cynder had like the fight of the century where all is on the line like winner takes all scenarios then Spyro to finish unleashed his awesome power and beat her down. Then she turned back from a giant hulking monster dragon back into like how she is now just when she had a baby face."
Spyro couldn't resist himself and chuckled as Cynder gave Sparx an evil glare at that comment, slightly inflamed but amused at the same time showing a hint of a smile.
"And then well Spyro saved her from being pulled into the portal where the evil dark master was and then we went back to the temple where like a group hug celebration was in effect but without touching. So, then time passes and I'm all nervous about Cynder being around and being from evil and all then she's leaving and my dumb brother goes after her to convince her to stay while I'm ready to chill. Then we go on another journey to the well of souls to save her from Gaul and end up getting frozen in a diamond cube for three years and wake up to another adventure of more butt kicking but with Cynder now joining us to do the butt kicking. There's me being the great leader showing them who to fight and where to go cause they would get lost without me, then after we get to the massive scary destroyer getting through I had to stay behind and Spyro, Cynder and Ignitus have to go fight scary dark master, it left gutted but I did something I never thought I would do…. I asked Cynder to promise me she would keep Spyro safe and bring him back"
Sparx paused for a moment, seeming more serious "And she did just that. Despite everything she kept her promise to me and brought my brother back and that is something I will never forget…. it made me realise she wasn't evil as she claims to be,". He looked towards Cynder, throwing a cheeky smile at her "I knew deep down she had a soft spot for me."
The black dragoness winked at him before giving a look of amusement and hidden irritation, but overall, his words of the promise touched her. Spyro too was pleased with the words and could see the Council looking at each other not knowing how to respond with whispering between them.
They deliberated before Seyrus announced to the room "Ok Sparx thank you for your input, it was very enlightening" Hearing this caused the dragon fly to cheer.
"Oh, you are welcome sometimes I wonder what the world would come to without me" Sparx flew over and joined the purple dragon who whispered in his ear "A star performance right, bro?"
"Oh yeah, definitely we couldn't do it without you Sparx" said Spyro in awe of Sparx's interesting display of explaining. The trial after that came to the guardians where Volteer gave his statement.
"Honestly, my fellow dragons, there should be no need for such a judgment on a dragon like Cynder. She performed and saved the world alongside Spyro; that alone should pass judgment on her loyalties and devotion to the dragon race, not surrounded by pomposity and arrogance of our gestures of judgement when an age of peace has begun" said the electric guardian in one go.
After the council had finished Cyril came up next who in while similar but more calm and somewhat elegant approach and gave his view to the council on Cynder.
"You ask me about my capture by Cynder, yet it is irrelevant when considering that only a month ago she was here in this city with Spyro protecting us from the golem of the deep that threatened to ravage us all had they not been here to save us. These two young dragons fought on even when we guardians fell against the monster and she helped us battle the destroyer and then the dark master himself"
After they had spoken to Cyril, they moved on to the now current semi-retired leader of the guardians Terrador who had plenty to say
"Guardian of earth Terrador, may we ask you when you were captive of Cynder, could you say that she held no remorse for her act…"
The council member got cut off by the guardian "All right I don't need you to finish that question, yes I was captive by Cynder and the armies of the dark master; yes my power had been drained by the crystal and I tried to battle her, but my vision, my judgment was never in question to me…. They took Cynder from the temple when she was an egg and not even born yet, and the first thing that happened to her when she was born is something horrible I will never wish to see happen to anyone"
This caught the council's curiosity and murmurs between them begun as Terrador continued with his speech.
"They poisoned and twisted her with dark evil powers of Malefor. His desires rocked her to where she knew nothing else before growing up like some experiment into a monster where she had no control, no feelings of any kind. I had failed in my duty to protect her and the other eggs of the year of the dragon and Cynder paid the price for it. I think we can all be thankful though for Spyro's heroic deeds and saving her from the clutches of Malefor, she is just as innocent as anyone else in this room, she helped save this world and this is how we repay her for her efforts. The guardians trust her and she deserves it for she saved us all."
Terrador after his speech turned away and went back to join the other guardians waiting. The Council took in his words before deciding to move on. Seyrus stood up "And now can we call forth the purple dragon Spyro to join us, please."
The purple dragon inhaled a deep breath and blew out slowly contemplating everything before standing up and pressed himself forward and stood in the marked area near Cynder standing before the council "Welcome Spyro, we all the council appreciate you taking the time to be here and understand your opinion will carry a great weight in the passing of this judgement having spent the most time with the accused more than anyone else"
Spyro stiffened his body up, preparing himself as the female councillor stood ready. "Now Spyro please tell us when you returned of your affiliation with the accused"
"Her name is not accused! it is Cynder. When I freed her from Malefor's corruption she spent her time trying to redeem herself form something she had no need to, as Terrador stated they took her when she was an egg not having any decision in how to lead her life. Even after the adventure of saving her from the mountain of Malefor and waking up three years later, she joined me side by side to face off against the dark armies.
She even after receiving abuse from others she still strove to protect them from the dark forces, risking her own life so others may live, she fought with me to defeat the golem, to stop the Destroyer before we had to power through and get to Malefor himself, in all that time Cynder showed courage, she wasn't my ally". He stopped, turning his gaze towards the black dragoness, a confident smile taking hold "She was my partner."
Those final words blew her mind, struggling to contain her content as Spyro turned back to the council.
"She journeyed with me all the way and we faced the dark master, I couldn't defeat him alone, Cynder stood by my side and we defeated him together, she saved the world and freed us all from the rule of darkness. All she has done is put others first; She is one of the bravest and selfless dragons I have ever known and I am insulted and disgusted that people treat her otherwise as if she is some incarnation of darkness and put on a judgment that she doesn't deserve to be on after everything she has done, she did more than any of you did and she gets treated like a criminal for something she had no control or choice over, any who treat her in mind is just as bad as him, just being arrogant, selfish and petty for no reason, this is an age of peace and new beginning's so let's show it instead of clinging to the past."
Spyro finished and stared down to the floor "That's all I will say, If I continue I may lose my patience in this farce."
Turning away, he moved and sat himself beside Cynder and draped his wing over her showing his support in front of the council, easy sensing the defiance he imposed at them. At this point they knew better than to challenge the purple dragon.
That's one advantage for Spyro, they are more lenient towards his actions or what he does, likely because of being a purple dragon. Occasionally he would wonder if it was possible they shared their fear of Malefor in him a little.
The council looked at each other with mixed expressions they called and went away to reach a decision on what would happen. Spyro looked around in the hall and could see many individuals who looked conflicted, confused or ashamed. He hoped he had gotten through to them.
Minutes later the Council returned and took their positions, Cynder felt a surge of feeling, struggled to stay still. Regardless of the decision given, Spyro would do everything in his power to protect her even if it meant him being declared a traitor. His loyalty is to her, his best friend and not a load of dragons he barely knew. He placed a paw on Cynder looking towards each other. He could easily spot the fear in Cynder's eyes
"It will be fine Cynder, I promise I will not let anything happen to you" said Spyro hoping to keep Cynder calm.
Cynder delighted to hear that whispered to him "I know Spyro you're the best friend anyone could ask for but…. we must respect their decision" They turned back to see Seyrus step forward with his eyes set on her.
"Cynder"
The black dragoness gave him her full attention "We have deliberated and for the record we could not reach a unanimous verdict but we have reached a decision based on numbers…. Cynder on the deeds accused of you and hearing the countless insight on perspectives the council of Warfang have decided…"
Cynder could feel her heart beating so quickly it was excruciating to bear. Spyro could sense the nervous disposition just looking at her. He draped his wing over her attempting to calm her nerves and keep her composure.
She looked towards him showing a glint of fear but made forced a smile towards him whispering silently towards him "Thank you"
"Innocent of all crimes."
Cynders' world instantly spun around, her wings dropping to the floor, a gasp escaping her jaw and breathing another out, her body shaking for a moment as those words processed into her mind.
Spyro became ecstatic with a huge smile crawling onto his face, big breaths of reliefs and a chuckle coming out of his maw.
"YES" Spyro shouted in delight, throwing a forearm upwards in a cheer.
Taking in the verdict before retaking his composure, relaxing and turned to Cynder "I knew they would see sense Cynder."
Without wasting time Cynder embraced Spyro deeply burying her head into his upper chest and neck, Spyro held her close hearing the whimpers of delight. "Thank you Spyro…. I couldn't have done this without you."
"We realise that after everything said everyone has misjudged the severity of what the former dark master had forced on you, not being given a chance at a proper childhood, only becoming a weapon. We can only express our apologies for what you had to suffer through this harrowing experience. You are free to leave and set foot outside these walls, a free and innocent dragon with spirits lifted and chains broken" expressed Seyrus, speaking on the councils behalf.
Cynder lifted herself up and broken away from the embrace with a deep smile straight into Spyros' eyes, this was the point now she felt could move forward in her life.
May the ancestors guide you Cynder, may the ancestors guide us all" Said Seyrus pleased by the verdict.
Flashback end…
"Wow, that must have been intense Spyro but great that everyone realised their foolishness" said Oculus.
Spyro cheerfully expressed "It opened everyone's eyes, it still frustrated me it even happened in the first place but I'm glad it all opened many eyes of the city, the tally it turned out was 4-3 of Cynder being innocent"
Frost perplexed by this said "So it was a close one to be honest."
"Yeah and for one's who voted guilty they all resigned from the council, that felt like justice there" said the purple dragon pleased with how the events had played out back then.
"And Cynder put it all behind her and we moved on from it before we began to find ourselves after all this time of peace, it's another reason I wanted to become a guard so, I can further promote peace and justice with no unfairness like that again."
"And what an honourable role you have taken Spyro." said Frost highly impressed by Spyros' action turning to flame who seemed deep in thought.
"What did you think of it all Flame?"
The fire dragon looking at the ground in front of seemed like he was very focused in thought.
"I just can't fathom it all still."
"Fathom what Flame?" asked the purple dragon very curious of what he was thinking.
"How you beat me so easily in that race." everyone's expressions dropped to pure blankness hearing that looking to each other Frost curiously leaned her head forward towards him
"Wait is that what you have been thinking about this entire time?"
"That was a massive thing, Spyro's speed was I never have seen before" The three dragons looked to each other again before erupting into laughter, Oculus rolled onto his back bursting out into endless laughter.
Flame looked between the three, perplexed by their reaction over his thoughts "Hey it's not funny, it's a genuine cause for concern for me. I always thought I was fast myself"
"Dude… ha… is that all you have been thinking about since we got here?" exclaimed Oculus after calming down from the sudden laughter
"Yeah, it was amazing… I'm kind of jealous." Frost shook her head, fascinated by what the fire dragon had just said.
"You know Flame, you really amaze me sometimes you know that, definitely a long way to go for you before you become the fire guardian."
"Wow, I left quite the impression then." said the purple dragon before looking to the sky he could see that it would soon hit sunset but a little time remained before then so he had time to relax with his friends.
Wow that was a really long chapter. Longest I have done in a long time. Boy did it take time to do. Well I hope you all enjoyed that because I enjoyed that and it sprung a few ideas my way. Hope you enjoy and look forward to the next chapter. See you next time.
