The temple was silent, only the faint howl of the wind could be heard. The air was cool, but yet humid. Spyro and Cynder remained curled up together. His wing draped around her head resting against his chest. Their bodies keeping them perfectly warm despite the rather cool air flowing through the windows.
Cynder groaned and weakly opened her eyes. The room was still dark; she looked towards the window and saw a faint light. Dawn was beginning to break. Cynder knew that Spyro usually slept till mid morning. She could never sleep well her dreams always plaguing her rest. But for once she was not stirring this early because of dreams.
'So odd, no dreams through the night. But yet why do I awaken at this hour'. She thought. She let out a surprised gasp upon hearing a snore from Spyro. She wasn't waking up to be by herself, he was there still slumbering with her under his wing.
"Spyro." She whispered
She felt his body slightly shifting, and a low groan. Her eyes fell on his slumbering face, as a smile came to grace hers. 'He sure doesn't look like much of a savior while sleeping; he looks adorable to say the least.' She gazed at his golden chest, never before had she noticed how wore it was. So many small scars and indents. His brilliant purple scales carried scars in many places as well. But one on his nearby paw drew her attention; it looked to have been a rather deep wound a clean cut. She knew the source, the blade at the end of her tail. 'I'm sorry you have to carry marks I gave you.'
A sudden groan from him startled her. "Ignitus." He moaned.
'Oh my Spyro, even your dreams can't even permit you escape from your sadness.' She gently licked his cheek. 'Be strong, that's what ignites would want.'
"Cynder…" he groaned "Don't… leave me too…"
"I'd never leave you." She whispered
His groans continued and he began to slowly toss and turn making Cynder uneasy.
'Oh my poor purple dragon what nightmare are you enduring'
His fangs clinched together as he rolled over onto his back. "No…" he moaned
Cynder remained quiet and simply watched. Sweat beaded on his forehead his hind legs twitched. "Cynder no!" he yelled suddenly his eyes shooting open. His breaths were deep and ragged.
"Spyro I'm right here."
Relief rushed into his mind, he came to realization that it was a dream. "Cynder…"
"I'm here, and I'm just fine." She softly spoke
He wrapped his wings around her and pulled her close. "I was afraid. Ignitus and then you."
"It's okay, only a nightmare I have them almost every night." She replied pressing her head against his chest while gently stroking his side with her paw. His heart was racing.
"Malefor was in the dream too, he couldn't beat me so he turned on you and…" Cynder felt his claws beginning to dig into her back.
"Shh, just forget it Spyro."
Spyro looked to the window and saw it was just before dawn. "It's so early but I don't wanna go back to sleep now."
"I never do after my nightmares either, best thing to do is go on and not dwell on it and you'll forget it in no time."
"Any suggestions then?"
Cynder pondered the question for a moment looking for a decent answer. Finally it came to her. "Let's go out to the garden and watch the sunrise together." Spyro nodded in agreement.
The two stood up from the bed and walked up the stairway out of the room. The temple halls were dim with torches that were ready to go out. The two dragons walked down the hall heading to the garden.
Cynder looked at Spyro and saw that he was still shaken up. She moved up against him and laid her head on his shoulder. He looked down at her face and smiled, draping his wing over her. They continued to walk through the dim halls. Nobody was stirring but them. They finally reached the large door that lead out to the gardens.
The door slowly opened with the touch of Spyro's paw. It was slightly brighter outside in the garden than within the temple, but the sun was still not yet in sight. The two dragons came to a spot by a ledge overlooking the valley; Warfang was in sight as well.
"I've came out here so much alone and watched the sun rise." Cynder remarked "It's nice to have someone along with me for once."
"It must be lonely at this hour."
"Yeah…"
They sat down, Spyro's wing still draped around her, her head still resting on his shoulder.
"I'm glad its you who watches it with me." She said
"It rises over Warfang doesn't it?"
"Yes, it's an amazing sight."
"It can't be nearly amazing of a sight than you."
She blushed at his remark "Thanks Spyro, nobody has ever said anything so nice to me."
He chuckled "Well get use to it, if you're gonna be hanging around with me so much now."
She had never felt so welcome in her life, to know that someone cared for her; someone who wanted her to be close.
"Cynder, back in the core when I told you to leave. Why did you stay with me?"
"What kind of question is that?" he only returned a serious look. "Because I didn't want to be without you. Sure I could have left but what life would I have without you. You pulled us out of there anyways and even if we would have died I would still be happy because I would be with you."
"I guess I could say the same about you. Things wouldn't be the same without you."
"Ignitus did say our destines were intertwined, I think he was very right. If something happened to one of us, the other could never be the same."
"If anything happened to me though Cynder, I would want you to move on. I couldn't bare you suffering over me."
"You wouldn't leave me though would you, by choice I mean."
"Cynder I'd never leave you while you wanted me by you."
She chuckled, while closing her eyes "I love you so much." She cooed
He smiled and blushed, but realized he never had told her the same. "Cynder."
"Hm?"
"Cynder I'd die for you, I'd even cross the sky just for you."
She opened her eyes, looking towards Warfang seeing the sun beginning to rise.
"I love you too Cynder."
Cynder felt her heart skip a beat; never had anyone spoke those words to her. She turned to him looking into his amethyst eyes. An evil grin appeared on her face. She stood coming out from under Spyro's wing.
"Where you going Cynder?" he asked
"Right here." She replied standing up onto her hind legs before playfully tackling him to the ground.
'What's this about?"
She simply kept grinning, looking down into his amethyst orbs.
"Cynder?"
She pressed her lips against his, forcing her tongue into his maw. He gladly allowed her to letting his tongue wrap around his. Their tails curled around each other, the tip of his resting in the gap of the blunt side of her bladed tip. Her paws fell on his cheeks, as his fell on her back just below her wings. He caressed her scales, feeling her muscles twitching at his touch.
A new idea came to him; he inhaled slightly and then released a light breath of ice into her maw. She moaned into the kiss, the sensation was soothing to her refreshing. Cynder broke the kiss after a few more moments.
"Even better than last night." She said
"Figured you'd like the ice." He chuckled
She rested her head on his chest "Keep it up and you'll go places."
He closed his eyes, resting his paw on her head. Cynder closed her eyes just as he did.
"Say it again Spyro, those three wonderful words." She cooed
"I love you." He whispered
"Oh yes you do."
Both of them grew quiet. Minutes passed words still left unspoken.
"Spyro?" she whispered. She looked up at his face. He was peacefully slumbering, she couldn't help but to smile "Sleep you wonderful dragon you need it." She closed her eyes once more. Spyro's steady heartbeat soothing her, bringing her peace. She slowly slipped into a peaceful slumber alongside Spyro.
~***~
"So we are expecting them around midday?" Terrador asked
"Yes, I already have the moles and avalarains preparing enough food to provide lunch for all of them." Cyril replied
"That basically leaves Spyro and Cynder."
"Volteer should be returning shortly with them." The door into the chamber open and Volteer walked in. "Ah speak of the devil, so where are our two young dragons?"
"Gone afraid, missing, nowhere to be found to say the least." Volteer replied
"A simple I can't find them would work just fine you know."
"They weren't in their rooms; they weren't in the eating area."
"Not where they would usually be in the morning, hm I wonder." Terrador said
"To the city maybe?" Volteer spoke
"Maybe you should leave me to find them Terrador, I know the places where Cynder likes to dwell, Spyro will most likely not be too far if they are both missing."
"Very well Cyril, try to hurry though."
"Of course, if I can't find them then they are gone." Cyril said walking out of the chamber.
'The gardens would be the best place to start; Cynder does enjoy the beauty there.' Cyril thought. He made his way through the halls. The temple was still rather quiet, but the hour was still early. Before long Cyril crossed paths with Hunter.
"Morning Cyril, surprised you're not conversing with the other guardians."
"Oh, I'm out to fetch Spyro and Cynder Volteer has failed to locate them."
"Well I'm afraid I haven't seen them either, but I just got here from Warfang."
"I see."
"I suppose you are prepping for the newcomers."
"Indeed."
"Ah well if you need any assistance let me know."
"Be well friend."
Hunter walked onward and Cyril continued towards the garden door. He finally arrived at the door a few moments later, placing his paw upon it making it open. He stepped out and looked about.
His eyes finally reached Spyro and Cynder. "Good ancestors!" he made his way over to them in a quick pace. "Spyro! Cynder!" he exclaimed
Both of them opened their eyes and turned to Cyril. It only took a moment for them to realize how awkward it was to be in their position in front of a guardian.
"Master Cyril." Cynder said quickly rolling off of Spyro.
"You two… Please do not say you have…" Cyril stuttered
Both Spyro and Cynder blushed. "Of course not!" Spyro exclaimed
"Yeah, we wouldn't do that don't worry Cyril."
"Indeed I would hope not. But we guardians must speak to the both of you."
"Of course."
The two followed Cyril back into the temple. They stayed a decent distant behind Cyril.
"Kinda an embarrassing turn of events huh?" Spyro asked
"Yeah, definitely." Cynder replied
"Well at least Cyril trust us and believes we didn't do anything."
"Yeah, highly doubt I would let you do anything." She chuckled
"But would be okay if you did something like that to me."
She laughed "Wishful thinking there."
"Call it what you want."
"Do you ever think about it though, you and me like that?"
"Sometimes, not very often."
"Here we are." Cyril said pressing his paw against the door into the guardian chamber.
The three entered.
"I see you found them." Terrador said
"Was there ever any doubt?"
"You wanted to speak with me and Cynder?"
"Yes, I'm sure you are both aware of the newcomers by now."
"Yeah, we are."
"Well firstly we'll need you to answer any questions they have, and show them where something is if they can't find it."
"Hunter has volunteered to lead them to the eating area after we finish their welcome." Volteer said
"Yes, I would like you two to join us with the welcome as well."
"Of course Terrador."
"So any idea of what the newcomers will consist of?" Cynder asked
"We don't know yet, just that they are either a year or so younger or older or the same age as you two." Cyril replied
"Of course that means, they will know of Cynder's past, but we plan to address that as well." Terrador added
"So what time does the welcome start?" Spyro asked
"Midday is when they are to arrive, so about two hours from now. But I want you two to join us guardians in the lower garden an hour before midday."
"The one by the ground entrance to the temple?" Cynder asked
Terrador nodded "In the mean time, I suggest you two get some breakfast."
"Certainly." Spyro said turning his back and walking to the door Cynder following right behind him.
"The two of them have grown so much haven't they?" Cyril said after the two of them were gone.
"Indeed, so much change within five years." Replied Volteer
"They are indeed at the age, that most dragons are considered mature." Terrador added
"Indeed, give it about twenty more years and they'll be as big as us." Said Volteer
"They are seventeen am I correct?" Cyril asked
"Yes, it has been about seventeen years since that terrible day." Said Terrador
"It is most unfortunate that Ignitus will not be around to see them come of age."
"That will be our burden I fear." Terrador chuckled
"Seeing how things are going between them, that burden may come sooner then we think."
~***~
Spyro and Cynder were making their way towards the eating area to grab a late breakfast.
"New young dragons, it's hard to believe in ways." Spyro said
"Yeah, things are going to change around here."
"I suppose with more dragons running around."
"I wonder if there will females in the group."
"More than likely, why hoping to make some new friends?"
"Yes and no."
"What's that mean?"
"Well more females mean more competition for you."
Spyro laughed "Cynder you're already my dragon, don't think for a second I'll let any other have me."
"I hope that's the case for your sake, I ever catch you without another I may have to use my tail for something else than cutting fruit again."
Spyro let out a nervous chuckle and they walked into the eating area. Both made their own blow of fruits and were seated at one of the tables.
"So I have somewhere I want you to go with me after the whole welcoming ceremony." Cynder said
"Oh really, any reason for it?"
"Well after this morning and last night just want to spend some more time with you alone."
"Well if it makes you happy, but I will admit it's not even midday and I'm tired."
"Well considering you're rough night and the endless work makes sense."
"Yeah, I just want some well deserved rest."
"Which reminds me you didn't ask the guardians for time off?"
"I figured I'd wait till after the ceremony."
"Well don't forget."
"Don't worry I won't"
The two finished their breakfast and simply walked about the temple for a good bit of time before they headed down to the ground level entrance. All three guardians and hunter were already present there when the two of them arrived.
"Right on time young ones." Terrador said
"Not a moment too soon either, the newcomers are arriving already." Volteer said
"Then I should go do my job and guide them to where the ceremony will take place." Said Hunter who turned and walked out the door.
"Now, both of you are to stay within until called when the ceremony starts." Terrador said
"Very well."
"Now since the newcomers are arriving we are going to move into position, please follow us you two."
Terrador and the other guardians moved to a nearby door followed by Spyro and Cynder. Through the door was a staircase that lead upwards. At the top was a small balcony that overlooked the garden in front of the temple entrance. Terrador was the first to step out.
"You two just stay in here till called." Said Volteer who turned and walked out onto the balcony with Cyril.
"Kinda pushy, we aren't even gonna see all the dragons yet." Spyro said
"Then let's enjoy these last few minutes of being the only two young dragons here in the temple."
Spyro chuckled
Terrador looked about the area directly below him. Twenty dragons of different colors and shapes stood. All of them talked amongst each other.
"Ahem!" Terrador blurted out "Attention please." The crowd of dragons grew silent. "Allow me to welcome you all to the dragon temple. I don't not know any of your names yet but now isn't the time to be asking. I along with the other guardians will have plenty of time to learn them, but for now I feel it more important to introduce ourselves." Terrador motioned to Cyril
"Cyril, guardian of ice." Cyril spoke
Terrador made the same motion to Volteer. "Volteer guardian of electricity."
"And I am Terrador, guardian of earth and Head guardian. Sadly we are currently without a fire guardian due to unfortunate events." The dragons all whispered amongst themselves. "You will all be assigned rooms after lunch, which is already being prepared. You will also soon be given your lesson schedule. Now if either of you Cyril, Volteer have anything to add."
"I would like to add, that it is wonderful to see more young dragons here after so long. I look forward to meeting each and every one of you." Said Cyril
"This is indeed a new chapter here at the temple, I'm quite excited, to pass my knowledge on to the young." Volteer said
"I'm sure we all are." Said Terrador "Now Hunter will be leading you all to the eating area preceding the ceremony, there you are all to wait until we bring you all your assigned rooms. But we have one last matter of business before concluding." Terrador turned to Spyro and Cynder who still sat somewhat inside the door and motioned for them to come out. "Two others we will like to introduce today."
Cynder took a slight gulp; Spyro looked over and placed his paw on hers.
"Come on, any of them say anything I'll give them a nice whack later."
Both stepped out onto the edge of the balcony. Many words passed among the dragons below.
"First I'd like to introduce, Spyro the dragon savior." Terrador said
Spyro looked amongst all of the dragons, all of them about the same size as himself. Of all of them a pink dragoness caught his eye; she was gazing directly at him. He simply looked up and away.
"Secondly, I'd like to introduce Cynder." Many whispers ran through the dragons "I know what you are all thinking, and I assure Cynder is as far from evil as any of us guardians. You are all to treat her with no less respect than any of us. All three of us guardians and Spyro trust her, which should be good enough for you."
"Perhaps Terrador, Spyro and Cynder would like to share a few words with our newcomers." Volteer said
"Of course, Spyro, Cynder anything you wish to add?"
"Well." Said Spyro "I'm glad to see more dragons around my age and I look forward to getting to know all of you."
"And you Cynder?"
"What Spyro said."
"Very well that concludes our welcoming ceremony. Hunter if you would, I'm sure you are all hungry."
Hunter and the dragons entered the temple.
"Spyro, Cynder thank you for participating."
Terrador and the other guardians began to head to the stairs.
"A moment of your time?" Spyro said
All three of them stopped and turned to Spyro 'What is it Spyro?"
"I have a request."
"By all means let us hear it." Said Cyril
"I would like to ask for time off from mine and Cynder's lessons and repairs to the city. Just until the newcomers are settled, which would only be two or so weeks."
The guardians all pondered.
"Would it be that much of a burden." Cynder said "I mean Spyro has worked for the past five years to save the world. Now all he ask for is a few weeks for himself, really in all honesty isn't that fair?"
"I want Cynder to have time off as well so I have someone to keep me company.'
"Well considering that Warfang is repaired for the most part, we can spare you of that. As for lessons we will need time to organize the newcomers." Said Terrador
"I say let them have a month or so to themselves, I'd say they have earned it. Besides we all wouldn't be here if not for their labor." Said Cyril
"Yes, I agree with Cryil for once Terrador."
"Very well, Spyro, Cynder you have our permission to take a month for yourselves, no lessons, no repairs. However I still must insist you assist the newcomers should they need it."
"Of course and thank you all."
The three of them walked down the stairs.
"Wasn't so hard now was it?" Cynder asked
"Not at all."
"Now I believe you were going to accompany me."
"Lead the way."
Cynder leap up and spread her wings and hovered slightly above the ground waiting for Spyro to take flight. As soon as he was airborne Cynder flew upwards. They climbed half the height of the temple before Cynder started flying around it. After a few seconds a small ledge that jutted out from the temple came into view. A tree and a few clusters of spirit gems rested at the end of it. Cynder descended towards the ledge Spyro close behind.
"Here we are." Cynder spoke touching down.
"I never noticed this before."
"Yeah, I think I'm the only one who has. I come here by myself a lot, it has a wonderful view of the river." She said making her way to the tree and gem clusters
"So why bring me here?"
She dropped onto her belly under the tree patting the ground next to her signaling for Spyro to come over and lay beside her. He complied and walked over and fell next to her.
"Because, no one has ever came here with me before. Just like the early morning in the garden."
"I see."
"More importantly, I like to come here to take naps for an hour or two."
"Is that why you brought me here, cause you want to take a nap."
"Actually so we could both take one, you said you were tired and a short nap would give you a boost."
Spyro chuckled "I suppose so."
"Would you say those three words to me again." She cooed
"I love you." He replied before pressing his lips against hers for a brief but sweet kiss.
"And I love you." She said resting her head on the ground, closing her eyes.
He yawned and rested his head by hers, also closing his eyes, close enough to the point where their noses almost were touching. He felt her tail curl around his.
"I'll most likely wake up in an hour so I'll get you up after I am."
Her words were in vain, for he had already drifted into a light slumber.
A/N: This is going to be a 3 parter at this point I still have ideas for it floating around and the next part will most likely include a lemon within it, please take the time to review.