"Hello Young Dragon" Spyro raised his head and looked around, no longer was he in his room, but rather he was in the chamber of the Chronicler, and in front of him stood Ignitus.
Spyro smiled to see his old friend. "It's good to see you Ignitus."
"It's good to see you too Spyro." He said gleefully. A few moments of silence passed between the two.
"I'm guessing that you didn't bring me here just to talk?"
"In assuming that you are correct Spyro, but unlike before I bring good news." Ignitus paused. "Do you recall that the last time I spoke to you I mentioned the increase of Shadow energy?" The Purple Dragon nodded. "Well, ever since Ralakir was killed by Cynder it seems as if the use of Shadow Energy has gone down to what is almost nothing from what I can tell."
Spyro looked at him perplexingly. "Wait, so it was because of him that Warfang could have been destroyed?"
"I'm not sure, try and focus your energy and see if you get the same vision." Spyro sat and focused all of his energy to his mind, he got a vision, but it wasn't one of fire or death, simply the open plains outside of Warfang, and the city itself completely unharmed. "I suppose Ralakir would have been responsible for the destruction of the city."
"But how does that make sense, he was a random Wyvern separated from his people."
"Well I believe that we can get the answer with the with the Pool of the Past." Ignitus directed his head to the pool of water in the middle of the room.
"What, do you mean look at Ralakir's memories?" The Chronicler nodded his head. "But doesn't he have to be here, or at least alive?" Spyro asked.
"Not necessarily, while it is much more difficult, a Chronicler can in a certain sense, extract memories, and not long after I found out what had occurred, I sent a magic entity to retrieve the corpse, once it was here I extracted the memories from the Wyvern. Though it wasn't easy, Ralakir was mostly ash…" Ignitus began to walk to the pool. "Would you care to join me?" Spyro ran to the pool until he was standing next to Ignitus. Suddenly the surroundings of the Dragons completely changed. They now stood inside of a Dark cave, after a few moments Spyro seemingly gained night vision. He looked around in shock causing Ignitus to laugh.
"What just happened?" Spyro asked.
"I've been spending some time learning how to have a little control within memories, such as granting myself along with others with me night vision."
"Oh, wow." .
Ignitus smiled. "I would teach you how to do it, but a Chronicler is the only one with the ability to manipulate memories in the Pool of the Past." Many Wyverns appeared in front of the Dragons, most of them in the back of the cave, eating, except for a single Wyvern in the middle of the cave, Ralakir, whom was looking up to a ledge.
"We must take vengeance upon the death of the Master!" Ralakir shouted. Though it seemed as if most of the Wyverns had no idea of what Ralakir was saying, and seemingly ignored him. Spyro curious, turned to Ignitus.
"Why aren't they paying attention?"
"Because they likely don't understand. Wyverns are a very weak as well as unintelligent branch of the Draconic tree, at the very bottom of the tree are the Wyverns, and at the top are Dragons. It is very rare for a Wyvern to be intelligent enough to speak, and none of them have the ability to call upon any element." Once Ignitus finished speaking a voice could be heard in the shadows coming from the ledge, so dark that Spyro and Ignitus couldn't even see with their night vision.
"Are you a fool? The Dark Master has fallen, and you intend to seek revenge by attempting to kill the very being that destroyed him? The Dark Master had 10,000 times the power as you, if even. In comparison, you are a speck, so what makes you think that you can kill the Purple Dragon? A being powerful enough to fight against an army and kill Malefor."
"Malefor was direct with his intentions towards Spyro, but if I were to gain his trust, maybe even lead him here." The mysterious figure in the shadows growled with anger.
"You dare even mention the idea of bringing him here, where he could kill us all. This is a new era, the time of darkness has passed, before we may have served the Dark Master, but that was for our own survival. I should end your life for even mentioning the idea, but you are only a whelping." Ralakir began to growl with irritation. "Though, if you did manage to kill the Purple Dragon, we could not only avenge the Dark Master, but we could finish what he started, we could take that Dragon city, Warfang." Eyes of hope glistened in the eyes of Ralakir. The mysterious voice from the shadows sighed. "If you can kill the Purple Dragon, bring him here as proof, and we will continue the legacy of the Dark Master, and increase our own strength. If you succeed, unlike your many failures of the past, you can finally be considered one with our herd, and become my second in command." It seemed as if Ralakir wanted to hop with joy. "If you fail, don't bother returning, if you do I will end your life, do you understand." Ralakir nodded with a fearful look. "Now begone, I must return to my studies." A voice of a young female could be heard, faint, but still understandable.
"Father, do you not think that of being cruel?" Footsteps could be heard going deeper into the cave as the mysterious voices continued to chat, though the two Dragons could not understand what they were saying. Ignitus looked down to Spyro and suddenly their surroundings again returned to the chamber of the Chronicler.
"Well I believe we have our answer." Ignitus.
"Uhm, I'm still a little confused." Ignitus smiled towards the puzzled Dragon.
"Well, I believe based off that memory Ralakir was loyal to Malefor, and believed in his plan. This may explain the increase of Shadow energy, Ralakir may have been trying to take Malefor's place, and by practicing the ancient dark arts he may have made himself not only strong enough, but smart enough to get the drop on you, defeat Ember, and nearly defeat Cynder."
"It still doesn't make that much sense to me." Ignitus chuckled.
"Generally things like this don't make sense, but everything is going to be fine, there's nothing to worry about. Make sure to tell Cynder my thanks for saving Warfang." A few moments of silence passed before it was broken by Ignitus. "Spyro, before you take your leave there is one thing I would like to show you. Spyro looked curiously towards Ignitus until their surroundings began to dissipate, and reform to the city of Warfang, but something was different. There were Dragons that could be seen in all directions, talking amongst each other, walking down the streets, small hatchlings playing with each other. After a few moments Spyro could feel a smile go across his face.
"Is this before the wars?" Ignitus nodded his head.
"Though, what you see doesn't only remain in the past, but also the future."
"What do you mean?" Spyro asked.
"You see Dragons living in the city, helping each other, or simply speaking to one another. You have already discovered one Dragon city, but believe me more remain. In time, they will reveal themselves. Many even today move towards Warfang now for the Choros, as well as to meet you, and in due time more will come to the city, and over time many Dragons will stay, all thanks to you." Spyro simply stared in amazement imagining just seeing Dragons speaking in the city.
"Wow." The Chronicler simply chuckled.
"It truly is something to look forward to." Ignitus looked down at Spyro. "Sadly Spyro, I believe our time together is up." Spyro's looked up at Ignitus with sad eyes. "Do not fret Young Dragon, you have a job to do out there." Spyro nodded slowly and unsurely, but then a smile came across the Purple Dragon's face.
"Well, at least I got to see you again."
The Chronicler smiled likewise. "And hopefully it won't be the last time." Spyro's surroundings began to evaporate to darkness. "Goodbye, Young Dragon."
"Goodbye Ignitus."
A great yawn came from the Purple Dragon as he raised his head up to see that Cynder had already woken up.
"Good morning Spyro." Cynder said with a smile.
"Good morning Cynder, thanks for not blasting me with wind today." A chuckle escaped from Cynder.
"Don't get used to it." Spyro slowly got up to find that he had finally regained his balance and was at least able to walk. "I was thinking that I could bring some breakfast to you, and if you're feeling up to it later we can go talk to the guardians."
"Actually, can we go to them now?" Cynder raised a curious brow.
"What's so important that it can't at least wait until after breakfast?" Spyro smiled.
"Alright, let's go eat breakfast and then go to the guardians."
"That sounds better." Spyro stretched out his body and wings.
"Alright, let's go." Spyro began to walk towards the balcony with a heavy limp. Cynder felt herself have a slight panic attack.
"Woah, I meant for me to bring you something from the dining hall."
"Well, let's go there together. I'm injured, but not injured enough to not be able to go get something to eat."
Cynder sighed, and then smiled. "Alright, well at least take the stairs, I don't want to find out that you can't fly as you're jumping off the balcony." Spyro slowly turned his head towards the stairs in disappointment.
"Yay, stairs." Spyro said sarcastically. After several minutes of going down the stairs, something Spyro, nor Cynder were used to, they finally reached the Dining hall. Spyro spotted Flame sitting at the end of one of the tables and turned his head to Cynder. "Do you mind if we sit with Flame?"
"Do you really need to ask?" Cynder said. As they were walking to the table to sit buzzing could be heard creeping closer from behind them. They turned around and Sparx was there.
"Sparx where do you keep going?" Spyro asked demandingly.
"I'll tell you in a bit, but can you do me a favor?" Spyro and Cynder looked curiously at the Dragonfly. "Flame pulled a nasty prank on me a couple of days ago, you think you can help me get back at him." Spyro chuckled and then looked at Flame, and back at Sparx.
"Alright Sparx."
"Great thanks, I'll tell you where I've been later, k?" Spyro nodded, and Sparx turned back around and flew away. Afterwards Spyro and Cynder made their way to Flame, Spyro sitting in front of Flame, and Cynder sitting next to Spyro.
"Oh, hey guys."
"Hey Flame." Spyro and Cynder both said in unison.
"So, Spyro I see that you were able to get here, so that's a good sign, right?" A couple moments of silence passed until Spyro leaned his head close to Cynder.
"I've got an idea, play along." Spyro whispered into Cynder's ear. Spyro hesitated for a moment until he looked at Flame. Flame eyed him very carefully. The Purple Dragon sighed. "I guess."
"What, is something wrong?" Flame asked.
"I, uh." Spyro looked at Cynder. "Should we tell him?"
She sighed. "He'll find out anyway, might as well." Flame had a heavy look of fear, dreading what would come next.
"Can you please just tell me." He said frantically.
"Do you want me to tell him Spyro." The Purple Dragon sighed again.
"I think that would be best." Flame began to quiver.
"Uhm alright. Well Flame, turns out the Wyvern's poison wasn't actually poison." Cynder began to tear up from trying not to laugh. "It was an infection. The infection it-it-it" Cynder took a deep breath. "It dissolves a Dragon's organs from the inside. Spyro has-he-he he has only a day to live." Spyro felt a thought going through his mind, 'wow, that's a bit dark.'
"Wh-what, how could that happen?" The Red Dragon began to shake heavily. Spyro sighed.
"Turns out it's extremely contagious too." Flame quickly jumped out of his seat and ran at least 20 yards away. "I'm sorry Spyro!" He called out. While he was running he could hear behind him Spyro and Cynder laughing. After realizing it was all only a joke he angrily stomped back to where he sat. After a few moments Flame began to laugh himself.
"Alright, you got me." Spyro turned his head around and saw Sparx by the door laughing, then giving a thumb's up.
For about 15 minutes Spyro, Cynder, and Flame engaged in simple conversation while eating, then Ember walked by and sat next to Flame. The Dragoness then noticed Spyro sitting in front of The Red Dragon and grew nervous.
"Oh, hey Spyro." She said quietly.
"Hey Ember, uhm I just really quickly want to thank you for what you did for me yesterday." Ember was shocked, she expected that Spyro would be upset. "If it wasn't for you I wouldn't be able to walk now, and honestly probably not ever again."
"I, uhm, no problem Spyro." Ember quickly perked up. Cynder watched, while feeling a little bit uncomfortable.
Spyro smiled and hesitated for a moment. "Can you do me another favor Ember?"
"Yeah, of course, what is it?" She quickly shot out.
"Later could you heal me a bit more." Fear quickly shot through Cynder. "Just not how you did it yesterday?" Cynder breathed a sigh of relief.
"Yeah, sure, I'll do what I can."
"Thanks, Ember." The Dragoness smiled, regaining her confidence and pride.
"Well, I kind of owe it to you since it was because of me that you got hurt anyway."
"You don't owe anything to me Ember, mistakes happen."
"Either way I'm sorry about everything. With Ralakir attacking you, and with what happened yesterday."
"Don't worry about it Ember." Several moments of awkward moments and thwarted gazes passed. Then Cynder remembered something she wanted to ask Spyro.
"Spyro?" Cynder said, breaking the silence.
"Hmm?"
"Isn't the word Choros in ancient Dragonian." She asked.
"Uhm, yeah, why?"
"Well do you mind telling us what it means." All attention at the table turned to Spyro
"I, uh, it, uh."
Flame chuckled. "Come-on Spyro, tell us"
"It's not like it can be something bad." Cynder exclaimed. Ember sat, patiently waiting for Spyro's answer.
"It, uh, it means dance." Instantly the table went quiet. Cynder felt her heartrate increase, but after a few moments she began to grow excited.
"Sounds like fun." Flame awkwardly sat, and Ember began to daydream of a dance with Spyro.
"Yeah." The Purple Dragon whispered. Nearly a minute of silence passed. Spyro looked at Cynder and noticed that she was done eating. "Well me and Cynder need to talk to the guardians." Cynder stood up, then Spyro, though very slowly and carefully. "See you in a bit!" They walked away from the table. Flame noticed Spyro limping badly. The Red Dragon turned to Ember.
"I'm gonna go with Spyro, he's still in pretty rough shape." Ember slightly saddened nodded to Flame. "See you at training!" Ember smiled.
"See you Flame!" The Red Dragon chased after Spyro and Cynder.
"You two mind if I tag along."
"No, not at all." Spyro replied. They walked very slowly, yet still Spyro retained a bad limp, and at times came close to falling down.
"You need some help Spyro?"
"I think I'm good Flame, just try and catch me if I trip." Spyro turned his head to the Black Dragoness. "Cynder, could you go and tell the guardians that we'll be there soon?"
"You sure that you don't want me to stay here with you?" Cynder asked.
"I'm sure I'll be fine, I'd like to talk to Flame anyway."
"Uhm, alright, if you're sure." Spyro nodded. "K, see you in a few minutes… or more." Cynder took off into flight quickly down the halls
"So what'd you want to say to me Spyro?"
"Do you mind if I ask you about your home?" Flame was surprised from the question.
"Uhm, no. Why do you ask though?"
"Well, I've never known what it's like to live with other Dragons. I grew up in a swamp, where I didn't even know I was a Dragon for several years, the only Dragons that I've ever known is you, the guardians, Ember, Cynder, the chronicler, and Malefor. I'd like to know what it was like to grow up with other Dragons, in a Dragon City."
"Alright, well the city is actually built inside of a small mountain that was hollowed out thousands of years ago. Growing up was, I don't really know how to put it, relaxing yet fearful."
"What do you mean?"
"Well growing up I had friends, the Dragons had jobs, they all worked to benefit the city and everyone in it. Dragonlings go to school until they become adults."
"So where does the fear come from?" Flame heard a snap come from Spyro's leg. "Ow!" The purple Dragon shouted before falling to the floor
"Woah, are you ok?" Flame asked as he helped the Purple Dragon up. Spyro smiled.
"I've had better times." Spyro breathed a sigh of pain. "Give me a minute." Flame nodded. After several moments Spyro began to raise himself from the ground with the help of Flame. "Thanks Flame."
"No problem." They continued their walk to the guardians' chamber, slowly. "But to answer your question, the reason that we lived in fear was because we knew what was outside the city."
"What do you mean what was outside the city?" Spyro asked.
"Well the Dark Master."
"Oh." Spyro said in understanding.
"And before that, Cynder." Flame stated hesitantly.
"So how did that affect the city?"
"Well, no one was allowed outside of the city, not even the children. A lot of the time they would just sneak out to play." Spyro grinned.
"Were you one of those kids?" Flame anxiously looked around him.
"Why I would never do such a thing." Flame then winked to Spyro. The Purple Dragon laughed.
"So, did you know Ember before you two began to compete for guardian?" Spyro asked.
"Uhm, no, not really. I mean I would occasionally see her while walking, but we never even said hello until we found out that we would be the Fire candidates."
"How were you two selected to be candidates anyway?"
"The council had to figure out who they wanted to send here, they ended up choosing me because of my blood line and how I did in school. Ember was chosen I think because she was at the top in school."
"Bloodline?"
"I'm pure bred, my family is only fire Dragons."
"Why would that matter?" Spyro asked.
"I think it's stupid, but they believe pure bred dragons are more 'in touch' with their element."
"Huh." Spyro paused. "So, they just saw that you were pure bred and just sent you here?"
"Not exactly, the council selected 5 Dragons from each gender that they thought would make a good guardian. The Dragons would compete with each other in a bunch of trials based off of gender, so guys vs guys, girls vs girls. The victor out of all the males would come here, victor out of all the females would also come here."
"So, you and Ember were the ones that won?"
"Yup."
The two Dragons began to approach the entrance to the Guardians' chamber. "So could you tell me how you grew up, and, well everything that led up to you defeating the Dark Master." Spyro chuckled.
"Why are you so interested with what I've done?"
"Well, I told you before, you're a legend at home, we literally learn about you in school. all I know about you is that you defeated the Dark Master, along with a few myths that I'm not even sure are true."
"Fair enough Flame, I'll make sure to tell you some other time." Spyro pushed against the door to open it, with no success. "A little help please!" Flame quickly jumped to the door and opened it. "Thanks Flame." The doors opened wide, and inside Cynder sat in the middle awaiting Spyro and Flame."
"Ah, Spyro. It's good to see that you have recovered from your wounds." Terrador said.
Cyril shook his head. "Yes, yes, the well-being of Spyro is wonderful, but we need to speak of what happened the night the Wyvern attacked, I'm dreadfully sorry Spyro, and I don't mean to keep doing this to you, but we have more urgent matters to attend to." The doors behind Spyro and Flame creaked open. They both turned around and saw Ember enter the room.
"Sorry, I don't mean to interrupt." She said.
Terrador smiled. "No need to worry Ember, we needed you here anyway." Terrador looked at Spyro. "What can you tell us of that night?"
"Well, honestly not that much to tell, Ember brought me to the Wyvern-" The guardians motioned for Spyro to stop talking with their paws then their eyes turned to Ember.
"Ember, explain yourself." Terrador said. Ember explained that she found the Wyvern hiding inside of a bush, and that he was trying to find his way home. "So why didn't you tell anyone that you found a Dragon that needed help?" Terrador asked.
"He made me promise to him that I wouldn't tell anyone else except for Spyro."
"Did you not discover that to be apprehensive" Volteer blurted out.
"What?" Flame whispered to Spyro.
"Did you not find that suspicious, is basically what he's saying." Spyro whispered back.
"Oh."
"Well he told me that if his people found out that he was asking for help from us he would surely be killed." Ember stated defiantly.
"In that case the Wyvern spoke the truth." Terrador looked curiously to Cyril.
"What do you mean Cyril?"
"Wyverns have had a rather brutal past with Dragons, especially us Dragons of the North. If they were to simply speak to us they would likely be banished, anything more than that would lead them to be killed." Terrador turned his attention back to Ember.
"Is there anything else, Ember?" The Green Guardian asked.
"Well after that a day passed and in the evening, I went to Spyro and we went to Ralakir. Just as we were getting ready to set out for the Enchanted forest to bring him home he betrayed us, and bit Spyro in the neck. After that I tried to attack him but he stabbed me in the leg, knocking me out with his poison."
"At least you had good intentions Ember." Terrador smiled. "What happened to Ralakir afterwards?"
"I think it was Cynder that killed him."
"At least he no longer poses a threat." Said Cyril. Spyro stepped forward. "Have you anything to say, young Dragon?" Spyro nodded. "Speak up then!"
"I spoke with Ignitus again." Wide eyes all turned to Spyro.
"Do tell." Cyril said
"Well, basically, we're safe." The Guardians wide eyes turned to eyes of perplexity.
"What do you mean, Spyro?" Terrador asked.
"Remember the vision that I told you about that showed the destruction of Warfang?" All the guardians nodded. "It's not there anymore."
"Are you're telling us that the fate of Warfang rested in the fate of that single Wyvern?"
"Indeed, I also do portion the identical incredulity as Cyril. It is relatively preposterous that a solitary Wyvern may perhaps have devastated this municipal."
"Hey Ember, could you give me a translation." Flame whispered.
She chuckled. "Yes, I also share the same doubts as Cyril. It is unbelievable that a single Wyvern could have destroyed this city." Ember whispered back.
Spyro explained everything that occurred in his dream thatrelated to the Wyvern.
"It still seems odd, but I suppose our issues have been resolved." Terrador said aloud. Cyril looked to the Earth guardian.
"Should we remove the added patrols and defenses?"
"I believe it would be best to keep them for a little longer, to be safe." A few moments passed.
"Spyro, would you like us to delay the Choros to give you time to heal, or do you think you will be ready?" Cyril asked.
"I think I should be fine by tomorrow." The Purple Dragon replied to Cyril.
"Very well Spyro. You all are dismissed." All the Dragonlings began to walk towards the door.
"No, you are not dismissed." Terrador said aggressively while looking at Cyril, causing him to flinch. The Dragonlings turned around again and waited for what Terrador had to say. "I'm sorry, but I must delay the Choros." The room quickly got loud with complaints from the Dragonlings, and even the other guardians.
"This is unconditionally imprudent," Terrador heard from Volteer.
"You are not the only bloody guardian here, we need to consult." Was the last complaint Terrador heard, coming from Cyril.
"And can you explain why we should not delay the Choros." Terrador asked Cyril with a drowsy tone.
"Why wouldn't we, Spyro claims to be fine by tomorrow, and with the healing skills of Ember it can certainly be done, and we've come to learn that we needn't worry for further attacks, and we likely already have Dragons flying here as we speak."
"Because not only does Spyro need time to heal, we could have the best healers in the lands here that wouldn't change the fact that Spyro was nearly killed. It's impossible to recover from wounds like that over a few short days. And you seemed to have forgotten that Spyro was still attacked, should Wyverns attack again on the night of the Choros when our defenses are going to be low, and we will be completely unprepared."
"With that many Dragons here we could easily fight off those pesky Wyverns."
"And do you think it's a good idea to put the lives of other Dragons at risk, including other Dragonlings just because you want to have a party that will be thrown anyway?" Terrador shouted.
"He makes a virtuous argument Cyril." Volteer exclaimed. Cyril didn't respond. "You're as stubborn as a Cyclops." Volteer muttered. "Very well Cyril, let us elect on the matter, mainstream conquests, marginal mislays.
Spyro already saw Flame turning his head to him. "Fine Cyril, let's vote on it. Majority wins, minority loses." Flame was confused for a moment until he turned his head back to the Guardians.
"Thanks." Flame muttered.
"Excellent idea Volteer." Terrador said happily. "Raise your paw if you believe we should delay the Choros." Volteer and Terrador both raised their paw. "Your vote counts as well Dragonlings." They looked at each other, then all raised their paw one after another. "And if you believe that we should have it tomorrow, raise your paw." Cyril angrily raised his paw up, and was the only one to raise it. "It is settled, now can we move on?" Cyril was clearly irritated and didn't respond, Terrador only rolled his eyes. "You're all dismissed." The Dragonlings all turned around and walked out the door. "And before I forget, Flame, Ember, you do not need to come to training today."
Both candidates turned around to the Earth Guardian. "Thank you Terrador!" Ember and Flame shouted before turning back to walk with Spyro and Cynder.
"I still don't get that though." Flame said as they left the room. Spyro looked curiously towards Flame.
"Get what?" Spyro asked.
"That only one Wyvern could have determined whether Warfang would have been destroyed or not."
"But didn't Spyro explain that?" Ember said. "If that Wyvern killed Spyro the rest of them would have invaded, plus if Spyro died, I honestly think a lot of our defense and morale would probably crash down." She explained.
"Still, it doesn't make sense to me. We haven't spoken at all about who it was that Spyro couldn't see in the shadows."
"Well, he did sound like he was on our side, you know, era of peace." Cynder exclaimed.
"And he said if Ralakir killed Spyro they would invade the city. That doesn't sound so much on our side."
"He wanted power." Flame turned his head to Spyro.
"What do you mean?" Flame asked the Purple Dragon.
"That's probably why he worked with Malefor. Same reason as the apes, they wanted power. Difference is, it seems like whoever it is that leads the Wyverns doesn't believe in chaos and destruction. He wants to see the well-being of himself and his people without having to sacrifice." Spyro explained. The Red Dragonling chuckled.
"Wow, you got all of that just out of a short vision." Spyro smiled, then rolled his eyes.
"Well, think about it. He didn't want to try and kill me, but he realized that if I died it would leave room to invade Warfang, but he didn't want to risk the rest of his Wyverns, so he sent Ralakir."
"It still doesn't make sense to me, but I trust your instincts."
"What doesn't make sense to you?" Spyro asked.
"A lot of things, the main thing though is that of all the Wyverns that he could have sent, not only did he only send one, but he sent one that wasn't even fully grown."
"I do agree that is pretty weird." Ember added.
"I don't think so."
"Really Cynder? Why don't you think that's at least a little odd?" Flame asked. Cynder simply chuckled.
"It seems like you've forgotten that I used to be the second in command to Malefor."
"But what does that have to do with it?"
"What it has to do with it is that I know how the Dark forces work and the practices they use. They all need to partake in the ritual of ascension."
"What's the ritual of ascension?" Ember asked.
"The ritual of ascension is where the dishonored-"
"The Dishonored?" Flame said, cutting off Cynder.
"Basically, the screw ups." They all chuckled. "Anyway it's where the dishonored fails their outpost, clan, herd, pack, whatever that species uses (I'm just going to use the word group) to redeem themselves, and to do that they must partake in the ritual of ascension, which is where the leader of their group assigns them a task, which is generally extremely difficult, in Ralakir's case, killing Spyro. It's also used to bring a high-ranking member of the Dark armies to an even higher rank such as second in command, commander, you know that kind of stuff."
"Hold on, I thought that there were only apes in Malefor's armies before." Spyro said.
"Malefor was just hiding the rest of his forces. He didn't have very good control over them since he wasn't in the physical world. He wanted to unleash them once he was free, which is what he did."
"Seems like something pretty important to try and do that ritual on though." Flame said.
"Old habits die hard I guess." As they were walking Cynder noticed that Spyro began to fall behind. "Spyro, how are you doing?"
"I've been better." The Purple Dragon smiled. Cynder simply rolled her eyes.
"Can I get a serious answer now?" She said in an irritated tone.
"Alright." Spyro chuckled. "I'm doing better than earlier, I'm able to walk without tripping."
"Would you like us to slow down for you?" Spyro shook his head.
"No, It's fine."
"Are you sure?" Ember quickly asked before Cynder could, much to her irritation. Spyro simply nodded. Cynder backed up until she was right next to Spyro and slowed down anyway.
"Let's take you back to your room to rest."
"Haven't I gotten enough rest?"
"Spyro!" Cynder shouted, quickly causing Spyro to flinch.
"Alright, alright you win." All the Dragonlings chuckled.
"I'm sorry how I reacted Spyro, but it's very important for you to get rest when you're hurt, it's how your body heals." Spyro and Cynder noticed Ember nod.
"She's right." Ember said. Spyro smiled then rolled his eyes sarcastically.
"Alright." Spyro chuckled. "I'll go there now." Spyro along with Cynder began to turn at an upcoming corner. Spyro turned his head back to face Ember and Flame. "See you later."
"See you Spyro."
"Bye Spyro." Ember whispered with a shy smile. Spyro and Cynder walked off out of sight. Flame slowly and curiously turned to Ember. "What was that?"
"Huh, what?" Ember gave a dumb look.
"You know what."
"I don't know what you're talking about Flame."
He rolled his eyes. "Of course, how could I have thought anything was odd from your shy and awkward whisper and smile." Flame said sarcastically.
"What is it not ok for me to be a little awkward with the person that I love?"
"Normally it would be ok, but you've always been ridiculously confident, especially around him." Ember sighed.
"I don't know, I just, I don't know what's going on with me. I mean Spyro asked me to come over and help him, spend time with him. This might actually be my chance to get close with him, for, for him to love me."
"Ember, I hope the best for you, but Spyro loves Cynder."
She sighed again. "I know, but I've gotta try, he's the one that I'm meant to be with, I just know it."
"But how do you think Cynder would respond to that, didn't you tell me that Cynder had the thought of killing you yesterday?" Flame looked anxiously to Ember.
"She's all talk, she might put up a fight, but she wouldn't kill me."
"And that fight will probably hurt you in every way possible."
Ember smiled. "But if it gets to that point, how do you think Spyro would see Cynder, or how he would react." Flame was shocked and uncomfortable.
"Alright, let's stop talking about this please."
Nearly a minute of silence passed.
"Ok well I'm gonna go see if I can find Sparx, I need to get me some revenge." Ember chuckled.
"Revenge for what?" Flame looked around for a moment.
"Uh, I'll tell you later." Ember again chuckled.
"Alright, see you later Flame."
"See ya Ember." Flame quickly took off and flew out of sight.
"Ow!"
"Would you just sit still Spyro?"
"It's not that easy." Cynder rolled her eyes before she looked around Spyro's room.
"Then how am I able to do this?" Cynder walked by until she was right next to Spyro and sat down.
"Wow, I don't know. Did you get some sort of training or something?"
"Oh, shut up." They both chuckled. Spyro and Cynder have spent several minutes in Spyro's room, trying to put the Purple Dragon in a place where he would be comfortable enough to be still for most of the day. There was a knock at Spyro's door.
"Can I come in?" It was Ember's voice from the other side of the door.
"Yeah, come in Ember." Ember let out a blast of fire as for the new door can only be opened by a breath of a Dragon. The door swung open and Ember stepped in the room.
"Wow, cool door."
Spyro laughed. "You should have seen how long it took for us to find out how to open it." A few moments passed.
"So, do you want me to start healing you, or would you prefer for me to do it another time?" Cynder said nothing, only turning her head to Spyro.
"Yeah, now should be good."
Ember smiled. "Alright." She walked close to Spyro, Cynder intently watching as if she were stalking prey. "Can you lay down for me?"
"Uhm, how? Like on my stomach, side, back…"
"However you prefer but it would be easier if you laid down on your side." Cynder still carefully stared at the two. Spyro did as he was asked and laid down on his side. Ember sat down and raised her paw over Spyro's leg wound. Her necklace began to glow and after several seconds the red energy transferred from the necklace to the surface of her paw.
"Anything else that I need to do?" Spyro asked.
"Nope, just relax, and get some sleep if you can."
"Thanks Ember." Spyro closed his eyes.
"No problem, Spyro." Ember said gleefully. Cynder observed for several more moments until she relaxed herself.
Several hours passed and Spyro was fast asleep. Still Ember focused on healing Spyro. Cynder sat near the back of the room roaming around within her mind.
"How's he doing?" Cynder asked concerningly.
"Good, just slow." Ember's voice was heavily strained. Cynder grew worried.
"Is something wrong?" Ember took a deep breath.
"No, not at all." It became more difficult for Ember to speak with the more time that passed. "Can you come over here really quickly." Cynder instantly jumped up and ran to Ember. "Put some pressure on the wound." Cynder pressed down on the cut that was already significantly healed. Ember fell to the ground. "Thanks." Ember began to pant.
"What happened?" Cynder asked.
"I just need a few minutes to rest." Ember took in a deep breath.
"Oh." A few moments of silence passed. "How come his leg didn't heal from yesterday?" Cynder asked.
"Because Ralakir literally stabbed straight through Spyro's leg." Cynder cringed at the memory. "It's just not something that's very easy to heal." Nearly a minute passed. "Alright, I'm good." Ember stood up and motioned for Cynder to move. She returned to healing Spyro. After a few minutes Ember turned her head back to Cynder. "This is going to take all day, Cynder. You should go out for a bit." Cynder was shocked.
"Excuse me?" Ember quickly noticed Cynder's angered tone.
"I don't mean anything by it, just I'm going to be at this for a while, I'm sure there's more that you can do."
"Oh, sorry." Cynder sighed.
Ember only chuckled. "It's fine Cynder, I can understand the skepticism."
"Well, there are a few things I need to take care of." Cynder stood up. "But don't get any funny ideas Ember, if anything happens make sure to get me, I'll be in the library." Ember nodded, and Cynder walked out the room."
Ember would occasionally observe Spyro's room, she noticed a book that seemed to be under the Purple Dragon's pillow that appeared to be some form of diary or journal. 'I'll check it out later.' Ember thought to herself. Spyro's eyes slowly opened and he raised his head up.
"Oh, hey Spyro, sleep well?" Ember asked with a gleeful tone. Spyro shaked the drowsiness out of his head.
"Yeah actually."
She smiled. "Good to hear." Spyro began to look around his room curiously. "Is something wrong." Ember asked worriedly.
"Where's Cynder?"
"She went down to the library."
"Oh." Spyro said sadly.
"I'm sure she'll be back in a bit." Ember said, though in her thoughts she hoped that she wouldn't return for some time. Ember noticed Spyro staring at her necklace in awe. Her cheeks began to flush.
"Oh, I'm sorry." Spyro quickly turned his head away in embarrassment. "I just find your necklace, intriguing." Ember looked curiously at him.
"What do you mean?"
"I just find it interesting how it gives you the ability to heal." Ember smiled.
"Well actually the necklace doesn't give me the ability to heal." Spyro looked curiously at her.
"But I thought you said that it can heal?"
"What it does is it empowers my healing."
"Oh, so how did you learn to heal?" Spyro asked.
"My mother taught me, she was one of the healers back home." Silence came, causing Spyro's mind to wander. He remembered the first day Flame and Ember arrived in Warfang, and realized that nobody brought Ember to Warfang, only Flame's grandfather.
"Hey, if you don't mind me asking, how come your mother didn't bring you here?"
"Oh, uhm." Ember sighed. "She died a few years ago." Ember began to tear up. Instantly Spyro felt bad.
"I'm sorry, I didn't know." Ember smiled, causing Spyro to be confused. She wiped the tears off of her face with her tail.
"Thank you Spyro." Ember looked down at her necklace. "She was sick, the other healers did the best that they could, but none of them could cure what she had. She gave me this necklace just a few moments before she died."
Spyro and Ember spent the next few hours talking about childhood memories.
Ember chuckled. "So even when you were breathing fire and 20x the size of the Dragonflies you still thought you were a Dragonfly." Spyro grinned.
"Yeah, it's pretty silly."
"I think it's cute." Spyro smiled and his cheeks flushed, remembering that this was Ember's first response to learning that he once believed he was a Dragonfly. Unknown to the two Dragonlings, Cynder watched from the shadows for several minutes just outside Spyro's door. Just as she heard Ember say 'cute' she walked in the room.
"Oh, hey Cynder." Spyro said happily.
"You seem to be in a good mood." Cynder avoided speaking with a bad tone.
"Well yeah, just look at what Ember's managed to do." Spyro motioned for Cynder to look at his leg. When she did look it was only a deep cut, unlike the hole Spyro once had.
"Wow." Cynder was baffled.
"I know right." Spyro said excitedly.
"How long will it take to heal?" Cynder asked.
"Well I won't be able to finish today, the most I'll be able to do is get Spyro to the point where he can move around without too much trouble, but that'll be tomorrow."
"Well don't let me interrupt." Ember resumed to healing Spyro's leg. Cynder walked to the back of the room and sat down. A few minutes passed by when a mole walked in the room and moved to the back where Cynder was. They spoke with each other for a few moments, but too quietly for Ember and Spyro to know what was being said. Cynder very gleefully walked her way to the door. "I'll be back in a bit."
"Uhm, ok Cynder." Spyro said disappointingly. Cynder felt bad after hearing this, but continued on. Cynder exited the room, again leaving Ember and Spyro in there by themselves. The Pink Dragoness chuckled. Spyro seemed to be somewhat puzzled by this.
"You just don't like going a minute without her near you do you." She giggled. Spyro's cheeks grew somewhat red.
"I guess I'm just used to always being around her."
"And how did that start?" Ember asked.
"Actually, when we awoke from the time crystal-"
"Woah." Ember quickly cut him off, not knowing of any time crystal. "What time crystal?"
"You know when me, Cynder, and Sparx went missing for 3 years?" Ember simply stared with eyes in shock.
"You went missing?" Spyro only laughed.
"Yeah."
"Wow, I thought those 3 years you guys were still facing off against the Dark Master."
"Nope, stuck in a crystal."
"How'd you get in it though?" Spyro explained that they were stuck in a collapsing tower, as a last result Spyro froze them all so they could, in the words of the previous chronicler, 'live to fight another day.' "Wow," is all Ember could manage to say.
"When we woke up the Dark Master had already found us and they put these weird, green serpent chains around our necks. They kept us from going too far away from each other making it more difficult for us to move around."
"But couldn't you just break the chain," Ember asked.
"They worked through black magic, there wasn't a chain attaching us two it was a green stream of dark magic. Here let me show you." Spyro stood up and to his surprise it didn't hurt.
"You should be careful Spyro." Ember exclaimed worriedly.
"I'll be fine." He said as he walked to a chest on the other side of his room. He began to rummage through it and found what he was looking for, the green serpent. He grabbed it carefully with his jaws, trying to make sure that he doesn't get stuck with it again. He walked back to where he was sitting before and put the cuff in front of Ember. "That's it right there, or one of them at least."
"Woah." There were many scratched and char marks on the piece.
"I can try and show you how it works."
Ember looked at Spyro in shock. "But wouldn't that mean you would have to put it on and it would be stuck with you forever."
Spyro only laughed. "No, I'm not putting it on." Ember only grew more confused. "I have the other one, if I move it too far from this one it should create the energy stream." Spyro again walked to his chest and pulled the one that Cynder once wore. This one had many more bite and scratch marks on it, and even a marking where Cynder spat some of her acid trying to escape from it. Spyro began to walk farther and farther away until he was at the balcony. A green beam of energy was created when Spyro would pull it, and the one next to Ember would move towards him as well as if he were tugging on a rope.
"How were you two able to fight!?"
"Better than ever." Spyro exclaimed. The Pink Dragoness looked at him with the utmost curiosity. "Malefor did this to try and make things more difficult for us, but it was a weakness that turned into a strength. Two minds work better than one, instead of fighting on our own we worked as a team, relying on each other, fighting with and for each other." Spyro grabbed the two serpents and put them back in the chest.
"Wow, that's really cool. So, is that how you guys got together?" She asked as Spyro walked back to where he was sitting.
"Well it probably had something to do with it." He said as he laid back down. Spyro now felt oddly comfortable with Ember, he was enjoying the time he spent with her. She no longer acted strangely towards him, making Spyro much more comfortable around her.
Ember resumed to healing Spyro feeling the upmost joy within her heart. Cynder soon walked in the room carrying a tray in her mouth, and close behind her was Flame doing the same. Spyro looked at them curiously until Cynder put one of the trays in front of him. It was his favorite meat, lamb. It's very typical for lamb to be the favorite meal of a Dragon, but Spyro's lamb was not very typical whatsoever. Years ago, Spyro learned from Ignitus that in times of celebration 4 Dragons each one of the 4 core elements, Earth, Fire, Ice, and lightning a piece of lamb would be cooked by these 4 Dragons. The meat would first be seasoned then would be layered by ice, then earth, then cooked by fire, and once completed and no longer covered by the layers of ice and earth a stream of electricity would go into the meat. Spyro would eat lamb like this regurely since he was a Purple Dragon and didn't need three others to help cook it. This in fact was a meal Spyro, Cynder, and the Guardians had after they saved the Black Dragoness.
"Wow, thanks Cynder. How'd you manage to make this?" Spyro asked.
Cynder smiled. "I got some help from the guardians, and Flame." The Red Dragonling carefully and slowly walked, trying to not trip, and placed the tray just next to Ember. It was her favorite meal, beef. Though it wasn't special, she grew accustomed to it at home, like Flame.
Ember smiled. "Thanks Flame."
"No problem."
A few minutes passed, Cynder and Flame moved to the back of the room and began talking with each other. Spyro and Ember both slowly ate their meals.
"You wanna try this Ember?" Spyro asked.
Ember smiled and shaked her head. "No thanks Spyro, I've had lamb plenty of times before."
"And you've never had lamb like this."
Ember looked curiously at Spyro. "Uhm alright, I'll try it."
"Go ahead and cut off a piece, I would, but I don't have a tail blade. Ember cut off a small piece and took a bite, her eyes grew wide. "Good, isn't it?" Ember quickly nodded her head.
"I've just found a new favorite food." Ember said quickly.
Spyro chuckled. "Want some more?" He asked. Ember shook her head.
"It's all yours Spyro."
"Do you know where Sparx has been going off to?" Cynder asked the Red Dragonling.
"I'm telling you again Cynder I don't know, I'm sure he'll turn up soon though."
"I hope so." Cynder sighed. Sure, enough the familiar buzzing of a Dragonfly came through the balcony. Cynder again sighed, but a sigh of relief. "There you are Sparx, where have you been?" Cynder quickly asked as she ran to him.
"Just a second princess." Cynder looked at him in shock as she opened her mouth to speak, but shut it, knowing no good what come out of it. "Uhm, Flame, Ember, you mind leaving for a minute, I've gotta talk with Spyro and Cynder." The fire candidates looked around curiously before they made their way to a corner on the other side of the room.
"Is something wrong." Both Spyro and Cynder asked.
"No not at all, I just got something to tell you." A few moments passed.
"Are you gonna tell us?" Cynder asked, somewhat aggressively.
Sparx gained a mischievous grin. "What do you say?" Spyro and Cynder both looked at each other trying to comprehend what he meant.
"What do you mean?" Spyro asked
"What's the magic word?" Both Spyro and Cynder rolled their eyes. "It starts with a P."
"Oh, poison." Cynder said as the back of her throat began to turn to a bright green.
"Woah, whoa, whoa, Cynder, no magic word, no magic word." He quickly said. Both Spyro and Cynder laughed. "Alright, so, the goal today is to do this without anyone dying." Sparx said as he eyed Cynder. "Ok, so, I'm gonna go back to the Swamp."
"What!?" Spyro quickly blurted out.
"I'm not staying there, I just want to spend some time over there with Mom and Dad, we haven't seen them in a long time so I'd like to spend some time with them."
"How long are you gonna be there?" Cynder asked.
"What are you gonna miss me sweet cheeks?" Cynder's eyes quickly turned red.
"Sorry, sorry! Remember the goal Cynder remember the goal!" He said as he flew back behind Spyro. Her eyes reverted to normal. He flew back out to the open. "Probably around the time one of those two takes the old man's place." He said as he pointed to Ember and Flame whom were talking with each other on the opposite side of the room. "But don't think I'm going to miss the party, I'll still be there."
"You know it's been delayed, right?' Cynder asked.
"Yeah, I know, I'm just gonna come over here when it happens."
"Oh."
"Uhm, ok Sparx. If this is what you wanna do." Spyro said.
"Thanks for supporting me little bro, big bro, hold on, which one of us was born first?"
Spyro smiled. "It was me." He paused. "So, when are you leaving?"
Sparx began to look at his wrist as if it were a watch. "Right about now." Spyro seemed disappointed, yet happy at the same time, he knows that Sparx missed his parents very much, and this was his chance to spend time with them. Sparx hugged Spyro, the best he could anyway.
"Just, stay safe Sparx." The little Dragonfly smiled.
"You should be telling yourself that."
"Are you sure about leaving so late Sparx? It'll be dark soon," Cynder pointed out. The Dragonlfy nodded his head. "Do you want me to at least come with you until you get there?"
"Nada, I've already got someone to escort me there, and he moves faster than you," he said as he looked at Cynder, "and the fat one," he also said, but looking at Spyro. The Purple Dragon could only think of one person that could move faster than Cynder.
"Hunter?" Spyro asked.
"Si, amigo."
"Where is he?" Spyro asked.
"Right outside the door, he can't figure out how to open it with your new little security measure." Spyro quickly ran to the door, the best he could anyway, (while doing this Flame and Ember looked at him rather curiously) and opened it, Sure enough, there sat Hunter, looking down, inspecting his bow. He quickly raised his head.
"Ah, hello Spyro." He stood up, and pulled his hood back.
"It's great to see you Hunter, where've you been?"
"My apologies Spyro, the mission I have been on has been requested by the guardians, and they asked me not to mention anything of it." Spyro nodded in understanding. "May I come in?" Hunter asked.
"Of course!" Spyro quickly jumped back to make room for him to come in. Hunter bent over when trying to walk in since the door was designed to only have moles and Dragonlings can enter. When he was able to get through the door and stand upright Flame and Ember eyed him carefully and cautiously, unsure of what to make of him.
Hunter looked at Flame, noticing his attentive eye. "I believe we've already met." The Red Dragonling looked at him curiously, recognizing the voice, but nothing more. "Your name is Flame, or am I mistaken?" The Red Dragonling still had no clue where he recognized the cheetah from, or how hunter could have known his name.
"Where do I know you from?
"About a month ago I spoke with your grandfather." Flame finally remembered. Hunter entered their city rather briefly to speak to Blazeus and the council, Flame did not know what of exactly, but he assumed that it had something to do with the Fire guardian.
"Oh, right I remember now." Flame relaxed, though Ember was still not completely sure what to make of him. Hunter looked down at the Pink Dragoness.
"Though I don't believe we've met." Hunter took a bow. "I am Hunter of Avalar."
"Nice to meet you Hunter, I'm Ember." She paused. "So, you know Spyro and Cynder?" Hunter nodded.
"He's the one that saved me and Cynder when Malefor's forces found us." Spyro said. Ember also relaxed after hearing this.
"Sparx, we should get going. It will be dark soon."
"Alright mittens, let's go."
Hunter rolled his eyes then he looked at Spyro. "I'm sorry." The Purple Dragon was instantly confused.
"For?" He asked.
"I'm sorry that you had to deal with him for so many years." All the Dragonlings laughed, though Sparx looked at him with irritation.
"Real nice." Sparx muttered. The Dragonfly flew to Hunter and the cheetah opened his pouch and Sparx flew in. "Try not to make this too bumpy, please." Hunter closed the pouch and looked at Spyro and Cynder.
"I'm sure I will see you again soon." Hunter said.
"Bye Hunter." Spyro and Cynder both said. The Cheetah waved a hand of goodbye before taking off with lightning speed down the stairs and soon to be Spyro's home. After a few moments Ember walked next to Spyro's bed and sat down.
"Spyro, can you come over here and lay down, I need to get done healing you." The Purple Dragon quickly walked over and did as she asked. "Thanks." Ember resumed to her work. All that was on Spyro's mind was Sparx. He had gone his entire life with the Little Dragonfly at his side, the longest he had gone without his brother was 2 weeks, but he at least knew that Sparx was safe. Now he won't see him for months, and he doesn't know if he's completely safe. Then an old memory came to Spyro, the day that he first found his powers, how he almost lost Sparx, twice in fact. The frogweed, and the apes. He quickly shook these thoughts out of his head. "You should get some sleep, Spyro."
"Isn't it a little early?"
"Please Spyro, don't be stubborn, you sleeping makes this whole things easier."
"Fair enough." He said. "Goodnight Cynder, goodnight Flame."
"G' night Spyro." They both said. Ember became a little upset since Spyro said nothing to her.
"Goodnight Ember, and again, thanks." Ember smiled as she felt joy rush into her heart again.
"No problem Spyro, goodnight." The Purple Dragon closed his eyes and drifted to sleep.