One Day

by DragonMaster000

Can you imagine a life where you only have a single day? Where no matter what you do, see, or feel, you know that when you close your eyes at night it will all be gone? This is the story of Spyro, the purple dragon who saved the world, and as a consequence he is doomed to this very life.

3. 3 - Progress

(A/N): Time for another upload! I have to say, for something that I've been calling a "short" story, this chapter isn't very short. ^ ^; Whether you read it all at once, or break the sections up one at a time, up to you. I hope you enjoy it either way!

---

So, I'm not really sure what I'm supposed to put here...

Cynder's telling me that it's an idea my doctor suggested. No, my doctor's assistant. Scarlett. That's what Cynder says her name is. But yeah, apparently they think that the act of writing something down might help 'imprint' it somehow, since my memory is too screwed up to do that on its own. I have no way of telling if it's working, but hey, what can it hurt, right?

There isn't going to be much of substance here, I'm afraid. Honestly, I would be completely helpless if Cynder wasn't lying here beside me helping me along. She says to just write down what I can remember. I guess I'll give that a try...

I don't have much. Really, all I can remember is lying here in our room talking. I don't even remember when we walked in. That's a pretty freaky feeling when I think about it, but Cynder says I'm not supposed to focus on that. What I remember from our conversation is that we have to wake up early tomorrow because the Guardians have some dignitaries that want to meet us, but I have no idea where they're from or even what kind of creatures they are. Cynder seems excited about it, though. I also remember spilling my medicine when Cynder tried to pass it to me, and we did that cliché thing of bumping our heads into each other when we both went to clean it up. She just laughed, though. I really liked hearing it.

And yeah, that's all I've got. It feels so weird, knowing that there's supposed to be more there but it just being blank. It's like no time has passed since I blacked out in the core of the world, even though I know it must have. Cynder says the medicine is helping, though. I believe her. I looked back at some of my earlier journal pages. It was...pretty scary, how scattered and confused everything was...

That's the weird thing, though. I would expect to be freaked out and upset by what's happening to me. I mean, my life is basically slipping away and I'm not going to be able to hang on to any of it; not one single moment. But I'm not upset. Not too much, anyway. I feel...kind of peaceful. There's no war anymore. No fighting. No monsters. No fear. Just me and someone I care about, getting to spend a bunch of time together.

And when it's put that way, things don't really seem that bad.

-~.~-*-~.~-

Ancestors, how much shaking can this place take? It felt like it was going to rattle my bones apart! I had trouble grasping in my mind that right at that moment, literally the entire world was shaking like this, not just the cavern we were standing in. That was when it hit me full force. The absolutely deafening rumbling and grinding sound; the earthquakes; the light breaking through the cracks that were opening up in the cave ceiling...the world was dying.

We were too late.

I felt numb. I had expected to feel panicked, or angry, or...just something, but instead it was like I was already dead inside. I felt cold and useless, just standing there in a state of shock. Cynder was a different story, though. She was trying to stay strong, but I could see it in her eyes. I had never seen her looking this scared.

Ancestors, I hated seeing her like that. After everything she had already been through...I just wished that there was some way I could help her, make her feel safe somehow. But what could I possibly do when the entire planet was crumbling? I was just one dragon!

Except I wasn't just one dragon. I was one purple dragon...

It was like I could hear Ignitus in my head, calming me with his steady words and comforting tone. Maybe there was some slim chance that I could still do something. Cynder protested. I knew she would, and I almost smiled hearing her try to talk me out of what I was about to do. It was amazing that she could care so much after being trapped inside her own body for her whole life, exposed to nothing but death and hatred. Maybe after this, she would get to know something more.

I braced myself. I knew this was going to take absolutely everything I had. Every ounce of my power. All of my will. My spirit. I knew what the cost was going to be, but I still had to try. For everyone still hiding, counting on me. For my family, and friends. For her...

And that was when I heard it. The whisper. Those three words.

I smiled, suddenly feeling warm inside, but I doubted she saw it. My power was already flaring up like a miniature sun, and through the glare I could just make out her shape backing away and covering her eyes with her wings. I closed my own eyes as the glow became too bright to bear, still feeling my power swell throughout my body. It felt like I was being stretched from the inside, filled to the absolute brim with energy just begging to be released.

Then it was, and that was when the pain started. I gasped, the sudden, massive power drain stealing my breath and pulling at my chest like someone was trying to yank my heart right through my ribcage. It spread from there, burning like fire, hotter and hotter until it felt like I was going to physically ignite at any second. I wanted to scream but I had no air in my lungs to do it. My hearing faded as my blood pounded in my ears. My heart was beating at a million miles an hour and I was sure it was going to burst. My wings started to tingle strangely, and then my tail went numb and I couldn't feel my legs anymore, and oh Ancestors I really needed to breathe but my lungs wouldn't work, and the light was stabbing into my eyes like dagger blades. It just hurt so much! Dear Ancestors, it was like I was being ripped apart and I just couldn't take it anymore, the pain was too much and I wanted it to stop, somebody just make it stop! Please oh PLEASE, anyone help me I feel like I'm dying and I can't stop it the power just won't stop now things are going dark and it hurts it hurts SO MUCH PLEASE SOMEBODY HELP JUST MAKE IT STOP!

-~.~-*-~.~-

A scream finally managed to escape my mouth, air suddenly filling my lungs as I snapped upright with my eyes wide open. I sat gasping for breath like I had just flown the entire distance from the swamp to the White Isle and back in a single day. It took me a second to realize that the dark chamber I was sitting in was completely unfamiliar, and it was at that point that confusion really started to set in. I was in some sort of room with homely furnishings, so was I in a house? Whose house? It was small and dark because the curtains were drawn, and wait, what was I sitting on? A bed? I didn't recognize any of this and I couldn't remember where I was or how I had gotten there, or why Cynder was lying right beside me and looking at me—

Wait. Cynder?

I turned my head and sure enough there she was, propping herself up with her forelegs about a foot from my side in the single padded bed. She had a look of enormous concern on her face, her features difficult to make out in the darkness but the look in her eyes unmistakeable.

"Were you dreaming about the end of the world again?"

The phrasing sounded like it was supposed to be a joke, but her tone of voice was completely sincere and genuinely worried. I nodded in response without really thinking about it, and she reached up with a paw to stroke the back of my neck. It surprised me, but it felt...nice, actually...

I was given a sort of pause at how easily she guessed what my dream was about, and my mind particularly stuck on her use of the word 'again'. How often had this happened? And how would there have been time for this to happen multiple times anyway? That dream was the last thing I remembered. Wasn't I just waking up from that...?

I looked around at the room again, my thoughts once again tripping up at the present situation: Me and Cynder, one bed, in a single bedroom that I didn't recognize, with no indication of where I was.

My eyes found Cynder once more, my brow arched in a thoroughly puzzled expression.

"I think I missed something."

Her concerned look was very quickly replaced by an amused smile. She turned her body away from me and reached for something on a wooden end table beside the bed.

"I'll explain in a second," she told me. "But first drink this."

She turned back with a small cup resting between her forepaws. It was holding a strange orange-red liquid that was giving off an unusual smell. I frowned.

"What is it?"

"Medicine to help your memory," she replied, motioning for me to take the cup.

I cocked my head to the side. "My memory?"

"Yes. Here, take it."

I hesitated, still feeling very confused and honestly thinking that the drink didn't look or smell very appetizing, but under Cynder's insistent gaze I eventually caved. The taste was very bitter and caused me to grimace and almost gag, but at least it didn't hang on my tongue very long. I paused again when I immediately felt a strange rush to my head, driving away a little bit of the fuzzy feeling that I had attributed to morning grogginess. I didn't notice at first when Cynder took the cup from me and placed it back on the end table. Once I had I gave her another confused look, and after that my thoughts went back to my dream and my unfamiliar surroundings.

"I don't understand," I muttered.

"I know," she responded with a gentle, sympathetic tone. "Take a look at your journal. It'll help explain a little bit."

I frowned once again. Journal? As if reading my mind, Cynder pointed to the end table on my side of the bed, and when I looked I saw that there was a brown leather-bound book sitting on top of it with an ink pot beside it. Curious now, I pulled it onto the bed in front of me. When I opened it to the first page I recognized my own writing. I glanced up at Cynder, who gave me an encouraging nod. Well, might as well see what it said anyway. I saw a couple of small lines transcribed on the page and I started reading. However, I faltered again after just the first line.

'I have amnesia.'

I immediately looked up at Cynder again. Her expression was deliberately neutral. Now feeling anxious, I tried to resume reading.

Amnesia? Really?

'My brain can't make new memories.'

'My medicine helps me hold on to things for longer, but I will forget those things eventually.'

'I live in Warfang, and Cynder lives with me.'

'Cynder has been caring for me. Trust what she says.'

The word 'trust' was written in extra bold letters, and even though I was confused by what I was reading I somehow understood what I must have meant when writing these messages to myself. Even if I didn't understand what was going on, Cynder did. She was looking out for me, and so there was no point questioning what she said to me. I knew that she wasn't going to steer me wrong.

Still, this was a lot to take in. Was my memory really that screwed up? It would definitely explain the unfamiliar situation I found myself in, but then how much time had I lost in between my last memory and now?

I must have looked distressed, because Cynder stroked the back of my neck with her paw again.

"You okay?"

"Uh..." I stammered numbly. "I...Yeah, yeah. I'm just...not sure how to process this, I guess. Doesn't help that I was already rattled from that dream..."

A sympathetic look crossed Cynder's face, and she rubbed my neck a couple more times before straightening up.

"It still looks pretty early, but maybe it would help to go out and walk around a bit. What do you say?"

"Walk?" I repeated, considering it for a brief moment. I was about to protest, but then I looked back at the journal and saw the message I had left myself. "I...Yeah, okay. Sure."

Cynder smiled, and somehow just seeing it was enough to ease some of my troubles. She hopped off the bed and walked to the curtains nearby, pulling them back to reveal a doorway out to some kind of balcony or deck. I rose to follow her, but the journal bumped against my paw and I hesitated.

How much was in there, anyway?

Drawn by a morbid sort of curiosity, I tilted the book and let the pages start flipping past. Ten. Twenty. Fifty. A hundred. All of them were covered with my scribbled writing, and it was still going! I could feel my eyes widening. How long had I been like this!?

"Spyro?"

I jumped at Cynder's call, spinning around to see her looking back at me from the balcony.

"You coming?" she asked gently.

"Uh, yeah," I fumbled in reply, letting the journal fall back to the bed at the same time. "Yeah, sorry."

I left the room quickly, keeping the journal out of my line of sight as I moved to join Cynder on the balcony. I didn't have to worry about dwelling on what I had just seen, though, because what I saw next pushed it completely out of my mind.

The sun was just rising over the city, the golden rooftops and stone walls of what was apparently Warfang shining in the warmth of the sun. It looked completely different than I remembered from the siege. Instead of dusty and broken down it was proud and majestic. It looked bigger, too, and I wondered whether its population had expanded since the war ended or whether it was just me not being familiar with this area of it.

I looked behind me and felt my jaw drop slightly farther when I saw the living arrangements that I had just stepped out of. It looked like some sort of luxury apartment if I had to give it a label, spacious with decorated walls, large windows, healthy green plants and very comfortable-looking outdoor furnishings. It was clearly built with dragons in mind, the large balcony we were standing on being the only point of access that I could see and built with plenty of space for taking off and landing. It was actually built on the roof of the next apartment down, and the balcony for another one sat on the roof of ours. There were more similarly stacked residences to my left when facing our home, giving the entire complex the appearance of stepped terraces.

I couldn't believe it. I lived here? It looked like something meant for royalty or the rich, not a pair of young dragons with no prior wealth to their names!

"Come on," Cynder spoke up, snapping me out of my daze abruptly. "Let's head to the water gardens. This light is perfect for them."

She took off before I could reply, looking back at me expectantly over her wing. Feeling powerless to argue, I spread my own wings and took flight after her, glancing one last time at our home and its surroundings as we climbed higher into the sky.

It was a quiet flight. Cynder seemed content to just enjoy the calm morning atmosphere, and I was still caught up in trying to wrap my head around my situation. What was written in that journal scared me if I was honest. Really scared me. Just the knowledge that soon enough I was going to forget everything happening around me...it almost made everything I was doing seem pointless. I wanted to know more about the state of the city and what had happened since we returned to it, but what was the use of asking if none of it was going to stick? Why go out for this walk to calm down after my nightmare if I was going to forget that I had one, anyway?

I suddenly became thoughtful then, wondering what I could remember of the dream—at least I still knew I'd had one. I frowned, concentrating, and a small shudder ran up my spine. Yep, it was still there. Or at least, most of it was. I remembered pain, and noise, and...oh, right, it must have been me fixing the world when it was breaking up.

Another anxious chill ran through me. It was already hazy, and I could practically feel the details of it slipping away from me even then. It wasn't even that long ago! Wait...was it? Right, right, yes, it had to have been recent because we only just left our home a few minutes ago, and...Oh, dear Ancestors, I was so confused...

"Spyro."

My head jerked up, startled by the call. "W-what? Huh?"

"Look," Cynder told me, pointing with a talon and flashing a smile. "We're here."

I looked where she indicated, and again my eyes practically doubled in size—seriously, at this rate they were going to drop right out of my skull! Pretty much right in the middle of the city there was a series of pools and artificial ponds that had been constructed. The layout was complete with waterfalls, fountains, and all surrounded by a network of pathways, bridges and many decorative flowerbeds. The rising sun was reflected off of the smooth water surfaces, making them almost look like they were filled with liquid gold. It was literally breathtaking.

"Wow..." was all I managed to force out.

"I know," Cynder grinned. "It's great, isn't it? It's my favourite place to come and unwind whenever I'm tense or stressed."

I could only nod, easily able to see why. The tranquil setting was already helping to calm my nerves from the fears and questions I'd been caught up in seconds ago. Cynder banked down toward a small grassy clearing, which had clearly been designed specifically for dragons to land in and take off from. Once firmly on the ground with our wings folded, Cynder led me down a walkway of flat stepping stones toward one of the nearby ponds. We sat down at the edge, the sun to our right, and for a moment we just took in the stillness. There was barely anyone else in sight.

"I never saw this place during the war," I commented quietly.

"Me neither," Cynder replied. "It's surprising how much of the city we missed with all the fighting."

I simply nodded again, looking out at the pool. A second later I looked down and dipped a paw into the water, enjoying the coolness of it, but it was at that moment that I faltered. My reflection...there was something off about it. I frowned curiously and leaned closer to look.

I felt shock hit me almost immediately. An unfamiliar face was staring back at me in the water. I was still recognizable as myself, but many things had also changed. My snout had thickened slightly, my jaw line broader and more defined. My horns had grown longer, the crest on my head also slightly enlarged, and I could see the points of two secondary horns poking out of my scales just above my jaw—actually, now that I knew they were there they itched like crazy! At the lower corners of my jaw I could also make out the start of a pair of frills much like my crest, with golden points and a thin line of orange-red membrane tracing along the surface of my scales between them. This was not the face of the young adolescent dragon I remembered being! What had happened to me!?

Wait, that was right. The face I remembered, but my memory wasn't working properly. It was right there, on the tip of my brain from when I had woken up...whenever that was. Something was wrong with my memory, and so...So I couldn't know how long ago that memory from the world's core actually was.

"It's a shock, isn't it?" Cynder asked softly.

My head snapped up toward her, startled by her voice. I had somehow forgotten that she was sitting there for a moment—though this time it wasn't related to my other memory problems. It was only then that I clued in that she looked different too, and I wondered how I could have missed it.

Her wings were longer than I recalled, her neck and tail elongated and beginning to liken back to her adult form, and her body was filling out elegantly. Her horns had grown longer and sharper, and I could see the pair of ivory white bumps where her fourth pair of horns was beginning to grow in under her jaw. I also realized then that her accessories had changed. She wasn't wearing the thick metal bands around her wrists, tail and neck anymore. Instead she had a single fine necklace with a curved silver plate hanging against her chest, an emerald gem set in its centre that perfectly matched her eyes. There was also a matching silver band around her left primary horn. I had to admit, the effect was quite eye-catching and I couldn't help but admire her new appearance for a long, dazed moment.

One thing that hadn't changed was her eyes. They were still the same deep, shining emerald, and they still gripped my soul the same way as before. I could feel my face heating up as I stared into them.

"H...how long...?" I muttered, feeling dazed.

"We got back to Warfang just over three years ago," she replied.

I was instantly snapped out of my stupor, my head rocking back. Three years?

"About a month after that a mole doctor named Trill confirmed that you had anterograde amnesia and that your brain couldn't store any new information in your long-term memory because of the physical strain you suffered putting the world back together. There's no way of fixing it, but there's still a treatment that he's been working on since then. About a year after he arrived he started giving you medicine to extend the amount of time your short-term memory can hold on to things before they disappear. At the start things would only stick for one or two minutes at most, but now it's more like fifteen or so, and it's improving slowly."

I didn't answer, silently processing the information I was receiving. As gently as Cynder put it, it was still a pretty bleak revelation. Was fifteen minutes really all I had? And after that, anything I experienced would just be gone? Vanished? Talk about grim...

Well, it was at least somewhat comforting to hear that efforts were being made to help me.

"I've been living with you since we returned to help look after you," she continued. "The Guardians gave us a place to ourselves and they pay for everything we need. Since then we've basically just been living day to day together, making the most of the peace that you gave us."

I looked at her curiously. "We've been together for all that time? So, are we...?"

My cheeks heated up more from the question I was trying to ask. Cynder gained an amused smile, a sort of twinkle showing in her eyes as she giggled at me.

"We aren't mates," she answered bluntly. "We aren't of age for that. But we have been working on a relationship."

"Oh," I said with a very faint stammer, one that caused Cynder to grin again. "Uh...How is that going?"

"Slowly," she admitted. "But well."

I felt a light, nervous flutter in my chest and looked away sheepishly. I still didn't quite understand, though, and I met her eyes again a second later with a new question on my mind.

"How does that work, though? How can a relationship progress if I don't remember any of it?"

"Memory and emotion are different things," Cynder explained. "You forget events that happen, but your emotional state is more of a physiological thing that persists from moment to moment. I understand that it does make it more difficult to know how to act when you don't have a reference point on what stage of our relationship we're in, but just trust what you feel and things will work out on their own. Don't worry about forcing anything and just do what feels right to you."

I still had a frown on my face. "But what if I do something that 'feels right' and it ends up being too soon?"

Cynder gave me a sort of teasing smirk. "We've been a couple for almost three years, Spyro. At this point there isn't very much you can do that would be 'too soon'."

"Oh," I stammered, embarrassed. "Well...okay."

In spite of my now flustered state, the truth was that Cynder's words did strike a chord with me. Even if I couldn't explain it, it did feel right. I felt more comfortable around Cynder now than I could rationally explain; certainly more intimate than the close friends we had been at the end of the war. It was...I didn't really know how to describe it. Just from the context, it felt more familiar. Deeper. I smiled.

"You're really good at explaining all this," I commented.

Cynder chuckled. "Well, I have had some practice."

I laughed along with her, but a moment later a more sober through crossed my mind and I grimaced. Cynder noticed, tilting her head questioningly.

"Why bother explaining all of this to me, though? It'll all be gone in a few minutes anyway."

Cynder considered me in silence for a moment, but after that she responded by stepping forward and curling her wing around my back, pulling me in so that our shoulders rubbed together. After that she ran her muzzle under my jaw, and I let out an involuntary sigh and closed my eyes as I felt myself relaxing. It was impressive how easily she accomplished that, really.

"Because it puts you at ease," she answered. "And that's what matters most."

I let out another drawn out breath, and what was left of the tension I felt left with it. Without really thinking I pulled my wing around to wrap Cynder in a tight hug. That was when I remembered what she had just told me about following my feelings, and without any more hesitation I pressed my brow against hers and rubbed our muzzles together. She responded with a contented hum, turning her body to face me fully and holding tighter with her wing. I smiled, feeling warm and totally at peace inside.

"Thanks," I said quietly. "I feel a lot better now after..." I trailed off, my mind suddenly drawing a complete blank. "...well, whatever it was I was tense about before."

"You're very welcome, Spyro."

"I love you."

Silence followed after that, and I was happy to simply enjoy this peaceful mo—

Whoa whoa whoa! Wait! What did I just say?

My head jerked up, and when I looked at Cynder I saw that she was looking back at me with a strange sort of smile, somewhere between surprise and gleeful amusement. I swallowed nervously.

"Uhh...Is that the first time I've said that?"

Her smile spread wider. "No. But that doesn't mean I don't like hearing it."

I fumbled for a second longer, my heart rate spiking anxiously, but my embarrassment died when Cynder leaned forward and nuzzled my cheek tenderly. After that I felt a smile cross my face again, and I returned to my previous position. I heard Cynder sigh happily again.

As much as it surprised me, I didn't feel afraid anymore. In that moment it didn't matter anymore if I was going to forget this morning. This moment might be gone later, and that thought was a bit depressing, but that didn't mean that there weren't going to be more like it for me to look forward to. Judging by how Cynder was acting I felt assured that she wouldn't mind that one bit, and I certainly wouldn't either. It almost felt perfect...

And of course, my stomach decided that this was the perfect time to make itself known. A grumble loud enough for both of us to hear broke the silence, and I froze. Seriously? Well, I was hungry. We must not have eaten yet that morning. How long ago had we woken up, anyway...?

I then noticed that Cynder was laughing at me again. My cheeks turned hot once more.

"How about we find someplace to grab a quick breakfast?" she asked me.

"Uh, sure," I replied lamely, still embarrassed about the unceremonious way that I had ended our moment. "Where?"

"Come on," Cynder said, motioning with her head toward the city buildings. "I know a place that'll be almost empty this time of morning. We'll have it all to ourselves."

I nodded, a smile forming. "That sounds great."

"Perfect," she beamed. "Then follow me."

With a touch of reluctance I pulled my wing back, and after brushing her snout against mine once more Cynder did the same. After that she rose, tugged on my shoulder with her wing and started walking west toward the edge of the park. I watched her for a second longer, my mind flashing back over the past couple of minutes. Then I stood up, my smile stretching wider, and I followed.

---

Well, I have to say it. For someone with a permanent memory disorder, one thing I wouldn't expect to be very beneficial would be school. Apparently that's a thing that I'm doing now, though, at least according to what Cynder says. I can't remember anything before cleaning up after supper, so she could just be messing with me.

Really, I don't get it though. What good is it going to do me? I mean I am curious about dragon history and culture, since I never had a chance to learn about those things, but if I can't remember the lessons then it's just a waste of time, isn't it?

Well, I guess it isn't going to hurt anything. At the very least it's something Cynder needs to do, and it's a lot easier for her to care for me if I'm actually there with her. And who knows? Maybe there's something I actually will pick up in my time there.

-~.~-*-~.~-

"...and it is for that reason that the act of spreading one's wings inside the council chambers of the griffins is considered both a challenge and a horrendous insult, and in the presence of their king is a banish-able offence. In addition, do recall what we discussed yesterday concerning the rigidity of griffin laws and customs. Even if a visitor were to flare a wing accidentally, there would be no concession given. No second chances. Therefore, if at any point any of you do find yourselves visiting the griffins on official business, please do remember this fact and spare our race the international embarrassment."

I could hear a number of voices murmuring to each other in the wake of this information. Some of the late-teenaged dragons sitting in the theatre-like room were hurriedly scribbling notes in parchment pads, while others exchanged skeptical glances as if trying to decide whether the Ice Guardian standing at the head of the room was actually serious—although it didn't look like Cyril noticed. He was too busy writing another line of notes upon the large flat writing board on the front wall which appeared to work by enchantment, letters appearing behind the movements of his talon.

Cynder was one of the diligent note-takers, her ink-covered claw flying across the parchment in front of her at a speed that almost made me dizzy. I didn't have any notes in front of me, though, just the bare surface of the elongated desk that sat in front of the row of bench seats that Cynder and I occupied. I felt like I was dazed, sitting there trying to follow what Cyril was saying but very quickly finding myself completely lost. I shuffled my paws and swallowed, both anxious and restless. Though I felt a bit guilty for it, I eventually couldn't take just sitting there any longer and I leaned my head closer to Cynder.

"Should I be writing this down too?" I whispered. "I kind of lost track of what we're talking about."

"It's okay," she whispered back. "I've got it. You can re-read mine later if you want."

I looked toward the front of what I could only conclude was a classroom again, where Cyril was continuing his lecture on griffin something-or-other, and though Cynder's words were obviously meant to be reassuring I couldn't really say that I felt comforted.

"But..."

"Sorry, Spyro, but I need to focus right now. Just try and listen as well as you can."

She gave me a brief apologetic smile, and all I could manage in return was a reluctant frown. Still, I wasn't going to do any good by continuing to bother her, so I let out a quiet sigh.

"Alright, I under—"

"Is there something someone would like to add to this lesson?" Cyril spoke up suddenly with an irate tone of voice.

I jumped and let out a rather un-masculine squeak at his harsh tone, and for a moment I froze when all at once I found myself pinned by several stares. Sheesh, talk about awkward. That was when I noticed Cynder straightening up and opening her mouth to answer, though, and my guilt turned to panic. If she was about to do what I thought she was then there was no way I was letting her take the blame for my disruption.

"Sorry, Cyril!" I called before Cynder could. "I was just...uhh..."

I could see Cyril's expression ease a bit, a look of understanding replacing some of his anger. Well, apparently disabilities did come with some benefits. Instead of a harsh lecture all I got was a long sigh.

"That's alright, Spyro," he told me. "I understand it's difficult, but just listen quietly if you please. If there's a chance you'll absorb anything from the lesson, it will be while you're focusing."

I simply nodded. It looked like Cyril was satisfied with my answer and turned his back on the watching students while he resumed his monologue. I glanced at Cynder once it seemed certain that I was out of trouble and mouthed the word "Sorry" to her. She smiled quickly in return and gave my forepaw a squeeze with hers, which did help settle my guilt somewhat. After that I gave a frustrated sigh, though, wondering how I was going to follow a lesson that I had no context for. I flopped down on top of the desk with my forelegs crossed, letting my chin rest on the bare wood. Hopefully this didn't last too much longer.

I spotted an hourglass sitting on a table at the front of the room and my head perked up slightly. There wasn't actually that much sand left in the top of it, though it was hard to judge how fast it was draining. At the very least it looked like my boredom wasn't going to be as long-lived as I was afraid of.

Cyril was saying something about how griffin laws were passed...or was it how council members were appointed? Something about votes. I suppressed a yawn and gave up at that point, laying my head back down and just staring at the hourglass as the grains of sand continued to slowly filter down. I thought I saw Cynder glance at me while she was writing, but I could only see her out of the corner of my eye and couldn't tell whether she looked sympathetic or disappointed. It didn't really matter either way. I didn't have the mental energy to keep trying.

The rest of the lesson passed in a sort of trance for me, Cyril's droning voice not quite enough to lull me to sleep. My mind wandered randomly, but unfortunately my apparent lack of any recent memories whatsoever meant all my brain really had to work with for diversions were scenes from the war, things I didn't particularly want to re-live. I ended up counting the scales on my forepaw as a way to occupy myself.

Pretty pathetic that this was the best I could come up with...

Finally, I saw the last grains of sand fall through the hourglass and a few moments later I heard a large bell chime somewhere. Cyril stopped writing on the board and looked up, surprised.

"That appears to be all for today," he declared. "Remember that for next week everyone should have studied the materials in the Academy library on the roles of social classes in griffin society, because I will be testing you on them in our next lesson. Until then, you are dismissed."

There was some grumbling around the room at the news of this test, which honestly I was a bit worried about. Hopefully Cyril wasn't expecting me to take it, but if it was required for the class then maybe I did. Actually, that was a good question: Was I even enrolled officially in the class, or was I just there to observe?

I jumped when I felt something touch my side, but I relaxed when I looked over to see that it had just been Cynder.

"You coming, or are you going to stay there and daydream a little longer?" she asked with a smirk.

Well, it seemed like she wasn't too disappointed in me for losing focus after all. I still frowned at her teasing, though.

"Oh, ha ha," I answered flatly. "Lead on, then."

She only chuckled and turned to start climbing the steps to the nearest exit after putting her notes in the satchel that hung against her shoulder. We emerged in a noisy corridor and I was taken aback by how crowded it was. Cynder and I were frequently jostled by other dragons of varying ages that were hurrying past in the hallway. I felt frozen, the sudden rush of activity overwhelming me for a moment.

Cynder nudged my side again, earning another jump.

"You still with me?" she asked, still grinning. "You looked like you were having a hard time in there."

I offered a sheepish smile in return. "Sorry. I tried, but..."

Her smile softened, and she used her wing to give my shoulders a reassuring squeeze. It was unexpected, but not unwelcome, and I was a bit sad when she pulled the wing back.

"I get it. That class is hard enough to pay attention to without amnesia."

"Oh, Ancestors, tell me about it," a new voice cut in, and I turned a very puzzled look past Cynder at the red dragon that had just stepped up on her right side. He was stretching his neck out like he had a cramp in it, and I wondered for a second whether he had fallen asleep in Cyril's class like I almost had.

Actually, forget that. Who was this dragon anyway? Either he was the extremely chummy type or he knew Cynder already, but I obviously didn't recognize him.

"Have I ever said how much I hate International Society class?" he continued. "I can't believe we need to know all of this trivia."

"Well, sorry to say it, Novus, but if you're going to be a Guardian then that kind of involves interacting with other cultures," another unfamiliar voice stated. This one belonged to a moss green earth dragoness that had appeared beside the fire dragon. Seriously, who were these people?

It was almost like they had heard my thoughts, because at that moment all three of them turned to face me. I froze, suddenly feeling more than a bit uncomfortable, and though I opened my mouth to say something I couldn't think of any words.

"Looks like introduction time again," the green dragoness said in a surprisingly bright tone. "I'm Flora, and this idiot is Novus. We've all known each other for about a year and a half now."

"Yup," the fire dragon nodded, a proud sort of look on his face. "Talk about your day of surprises. Get called to the Citadel to be told that you're a candidate for Guardian apprenticeship; meet the world's two greatest heroes a couple of minutes later. Gotta say, really wasn't expecting that."

He chuckled at that, to which the dragoness, Flora, just shook her head with a smirk. I just stood there like a statue, trying to think up some kind of response. What I came up with wasn't really all that impressive.

"Uh...hi?"

Flora giggled, causing my face to heat up slightly from embarrassment, and Novus smirked alongside her. The way Cynder was trying not to laugh didn't exactly help the matter. They moved on before I could really start to feel offended, though.

"So, pop quiz!" Flora declared with the same bright voice as before. Clearly she was the outgoing, energetic type. I was surprised she wasn't an electricity dragoness. "What's the earliest thing you remember from the class?"

Wow, right to the point. I fumbled for a second, considering just refusing to answer after being put on the spot like this, but Novus and Cynder were both clearly curious as well. I sighed and concentrated.

"It was..." I grunted, frowning at the difficulty I was having. Trying to grasp the memories that had almost completely faded...It was like trying to pick up water with my bare claws. "...something about..." Suddenly it clicked and my head jerked up. "It was about royalty and heirs, or...something like that."

Novus blinked, looking surprised. "The griffins' succession laws?"

That sounded reasonable, so I just nodded.

"That was almost forty minutes ago," Cynder remarked, and in her eyes I saw a sort of blend between surprise and a great deal of pride. A warm feeling swelled up in my chest at that.

"Wow. That's a new record!" Flora beamed.

"Really?"

"It definitely is," Cynder nodded, a broad smile appearing on her face. "That's great!"

She shifted closer to me, patting my shoulder in a praising manner with a folded wing. I grinned back, the enthusiasm of the other three dragons quickly rubbing off on me.

"So does this mean that whatever's wrong with my memory is getting better?" I asked.

And just like that, the joyful moment was smashed. Apparently that was the wrong question for me to ask because I saw Novus cringe, and Flora suddenly couldn't look me in the eye. Cynder's smile had become noticeably strained, and all at once I felt cold and nervous inside.

"It means your medicine is improving your symptoms." she said carefully, trying to hide the sigh that came out with her words.

I picked up on her meaning immediately. My symptoms, but not my condition. Oddly, I felt more guilty for crushing everyone's good mood than disappointed in this news. The fact that it had apparently upset Cynder stung especially. I looked awkwardly down at my paws.

"Oh," I said, trying hard to think of some way to turn things around again. "Well...that's still good news, right?"

I forced a smile onto my face, and after a second it seemed to work. Cynder looked into my eyes for a moment before her own genuine smile returned. She looked relieved, which in turn was a relief to me. As worried as I was about my condition, seeing her smiling made it a lot easier to cope with.

"Yes, it is," she agreed, nodding determinedly.

"Maybe by next month you'll hit fifty," Flora added, resuming her bright tone.

"Next month?" Novus said. "At this rate you'll be there by next week."

Cynder smirked and gave a small shake of her head, and by that action I deduced that Novus was exaggerating—that was the suspicion I'd had from his tone anyway—but I still appreciated the comment. If it was true that my memory really was improving steadily, I was eager for the longer stretches of time I could look forward to.

The crowd in the hallway was starting to thin out. Cynder seemed to realize this at the same time I did.

"We should get to our next class," she said to the others. "Don't want Terrador making us fly laps around the Academy for being late."

"Oh, don't remind me about that," Novus groaned.

I glanced between the others. Clearly there was a story here that I was missing, but it didn't look like I was going to get to hear it.

"Come on, Spyro," Cynder told me. "It's this way."

She turned to the right down the corridor and started walking, looking back at me as she did so. I followed obediently, curious about what this next class was. Terrador, and laps. Some sort of physical activity seemed like a safe bet. Turned out that I was right.

"Fitness and Conditioning class," Flora explained when I asked. "But most students like to call it 'Boot Camp'. It's basically physical and elemental training to make sure we're all in fighting form."

"Fighting?" I asked, raising a brow. "Isn't the war over?"

"It is," Novus said with a nod. "But if you haven't gathered it by now, the upper-year program we're all in is geared toward high-level civil and leadership positions, like Guardians, or councillors, or military officers. The Academy's higher-ups want to make sure everyone coming out of this program is equipped mentally and physically to handle any situation that comes up in the world."

I regarded the fire dragon with surprise. His business-like tone seemed at odds with the behaviour I'd seen from him so far. Cynder noticed and leaned slightly closer to me.

"He might act like a goof a lot of the time, but he does actually take this program very seriously. Being a Guardian is his dream."

I nodded, feeling a new sense of respect. I might not know him well enough to be an accurate judge, but I was getting the impression that he would be a good choice for the job. He was...charismatic, in his own sort of impish way. Flora was somewhat harder to pin down with her somewhat innocent, up-beat attitude, but those qualities definitely made her likeable. She seemed responsible too, and I continued to learn more about both of them as we made our way to the training yard where our next class was already held.

Now, when the others had said "training yard", I hadn't been expecting them to mean indoors. Nonetheless we arrived at a massive interior chamber that looked like some sort of arena, minus the stands. There were already several dragons of our age inside, seemingly warming up in their own various ways, alone or with partners. Terrador sat in the middle of the floor, two other adult dragons with him that I didn't recognize. After Cynder, Novus and Flora had deposited their bags on a nearby shelf they started walking over to Terrador, and I followed close behind them. A few more students filed in through the doorway after us, and a minute later the bell from before chimed, apparently signalling the start of the class. Terrador lifted his head and cleared his throat loudly.

"Everyone, gather around," he instructed. The students all complied without delay, sitting down in neat rows in front of the Guardian. I quickly took my place beside Cynder. Terrador's eyes paused on me for a moment and a small, friendly smile appeared at the corner of his muzzle for a fleeting second. After that it was back to all business.

"Today we're going to be splitting you up into groups to evaluate your progress over the past few weeks. In these trials you may be facing dummies or each other, and in either case I want your focus to be on applying the combat techniques we have been studying in the last several classes. For those sparring against partners, please exercise appropriate caution to avoid injuring each other. Understood?"

"Yes, Master Terrador," the students all replied in unison. I was easily starting to see where the "Boot Camp" nickname was coming from now.

After that, Terrador started dividing the class into three groups, each one moving off into their own third of the yard. From the sound of things one was for elemental training, one for team combat, and the third was dueling. The first two were being supervised by the two adults I didn't know—assistant instructors for the class, Cynder said—and the third was undoubtedly going to be headed by the Guardian himself once he was finished sorting out the groups.

"Novus, duels," Terrador called, pointing at the red dragon. "Flora, team combat. Cynder, elements. Spyro, duels."

I froze, quickly turning to look at Cynder as I felt my gut knot. Separation anxiety wasn't something I had struggled with in the past, and I especially wasn't expecting to feel it when the two of us were going to be in the same room, but there it was. Cynder either read my expression expertly or this had happened more than once before, but either way her response was immediate.

"You'll do great," she told me, gripping my paw and flashing a warm, confident smile. "Don't worry, it'll be no problem for you. Good luck."

I opened my mouth to protest, but I didn't get the chance because before I knew what was happening Cynder had leaned forward and kissed me on the cheek. I froze again, this time with my face burning and my heart doing flips in my chest. I only snapped out of it when Novus waved his forepaw in front of my eyes.

"Hey, lover boy. You still in there?" He grinned. "Come on, let's get this show going."

I only realized then that Cynder and Flora had already walked off to join their groups. I coughed and shook my head.

"Sorry about that," I said. "She just...caught me by surprise."

Novus laughed. "Yeah, I know. Just like the last two dozen times."

I blinked. "That many?"

"That's just the recent count," the fire dragon snickered. "But seriously, forget that for now. We're going to get in trouble if we don't get moving."

I jolted. "R-right. Sorry, I'm good. Let's go."

We hurried over to the sparring area, which was marked by a large ring carved into the stone floor. A few other dragons were already gathered, some stretching, others just talking. Novus moved over to an electricity dragon and struck up a conversation—another friend, probably. I lingered behind for a second more, turning back and trying to find Cynder across the room. I eventually spotted her facing a set of stationary straw dummies, a few other students warming up their aim around her while waiting for the evaluation to start.

As I watched, Cynder took up a wide stance and shot a barrage of elements at the dummies faster than my eyes could follow. Before I knew what was happening a glob of poison had hit one in the head, an orb of fear exploded when it hit another, a jet of wind punched a hole through the torso of a third and a plume of shadow fire incinerated the fourth and closest one. This all happened within maybe a second, at most. It took much longer than that to realize that I was standing there staring with my mouth hanging open. In that time she looked around, spotted me and winked.

...That's hot.

"Alright everyone," Terrador called out from right beside me, and I jumped when realized that he had walked over to our group after the last of the students had been divided up. "Let's get started. What we're going to be doing is a King of the Hill style contest. Two of you will duel inside the ring, and once a winner is decided a new challenger will enter to face them. Your goal is to either knock your opponent out of the ring or incapacitate them physically."

An ice dragon raised a wing, and Terrador nodded to him.

"Are there rules?"

Terrador nodded again. "Elements are allowed, but beware of hitting your observing classmates. Reckless elemental attacks will result in a forfeit, as will causing injury to your opponent or an observer. We're here to test you on what you've been learning, not to maim each other."

Several students nodded their heads obediently. Appearing satisfied, Terrador pointed at two of them.

"Berg, Tremor, you're up first. Begin when you're ready."

The two dragons walked out into the ring and faced each other while the rest of the students cleared the area. I followed suit, finding Novus after a bit of searching and sitting next to him when he waved me over. The duel began a moment later, the ice dragon—who I assumed was Berg—rushing Tremor in the blink of an eye. Tremor caught his charge and they began to grapple, the earth dragon clearly at an advantage.

Apparently realizing the same thing, Berg stabbed his tail blade into the floor and caused a sheet of ice to appear. Tremor slipped, allowing Berg to escape his grip and jump back to safety.

"Good disengagement," Terrador said approvingly.

The duel continued, and I could only watch in a sort of daze as the two dragons battled. Their skill and precision was impressive! Much more developed than mine had been the last time I had been in a battle—at least one that I remembered. I swallowed nervously, suddenly feeling like I might be out of my league.

How ironic was that?

"Hey. Relax," Novus said, nudging me with his elbow. "You've got nothing to worry about."

"But how am I supposed to keep up with that?" I whispered back.

Novus waved a paw dismissively. "You say the same thing at the start of every class. Trust me: You'll surprise yourself."

I frowned. 'Skeptical' wouldn't even begin to describe what I was feeling at that moment, but there was no time for me to argue. In the ring, Tremor had managed to pin Berg's legs in stone. While Berg tried to break the rock with his ice, Tremor wasn't letting up and kept repairing the stone with his own power. Eventually Terrador signaled the end of the round.

"Tremor wins. Good work both of you in using your element conservatively. Now, for the next challenger let's have..."

Please not me please not me please not me ple—

"Spyro, how about you?"

Damn it!

I couldn't move or answer for what felt like ages, knowing that at that moment everyone's eyes were on me. Going out there was going to be a disaster! What did Terrador hope I was going to accomplish? The only thing I was going to manage to do was embarrass myself! I mean, sure, I was a good fighter and all. I did beat Malefor, and...

Wait a minute. Why was I so scared of this? I beat Malefor! There was no way one earth dragon who hadn't even reached adulthood could compare to him, trained or not!

I couldn't believe how timid this memory thing had made me. I was better than this!

I tipped forward unexpectedly, and after catching myself I looked back to see that Novus had given me a push toward the ring. I scowled at him, but even so I stood up and walked into the ring across from Tremor. He was watching me with an unwavering expression. I had to give him credit: He didn't look intimidated. He settled into a combat stance and I mimicked it.

"Begin," Terrador said.

I did just that, rushing forward similarly to what Berg had done, but after watching the previous fight I knew that a direct assault wasn't going to work against an opponent this solid. Tremor hunkered down, ready to catch my charge, and that was when I jumped. I saw surprise register in his eyes for a split second when I flew over his head and I wound up for a hit to his back, but he quickly rolled out of the way before I could land it. By the time I touched down he was already back on his paws and facing me.

I tried again, this time aiming for a claw strike to his chest. He blocked with his own claws, spinning me off balance, and when I looked up I saw his clubbed tail swinging right for me. Thinking fast, I called up a wall of ice to blo—

Where was the ice?

The club hit me square in the chest while I was distracted, and I felt my breath rush out of me all at once. Before I knew it I had been knocked on my back, my chest burning like crazy. I vaguely heard a collective "Oooh..." from my classmates.

So apparently my elements didn't work. Wonderful.

Groaning from the pain in my chest, I rolled over onto my paws and stood up. Despite feeling dazed and in pain, I was still fully aware that Tremor could have easily pinned me while I was down and ended the fight right there. Maybe he held back out of courtesy because of my condition—maybe he had known already that my elements were out of action and was expecting this to happen—and I wasn't sure whether to feel grateful or irritated. Either way, I had to refocus on my opponent and I braced for the next round.

This time I knew that I was at a disadvantage. He had his element, and I didn't have any of mine—I checked, and not a single one of them worked when I tried to call them up. That was a problem. My elements were normally a key part of my fighting style. Without them I felt defenceless. This was going to be rough...

I was right. This time Tremor pushed the attack, swinging with his forepaws and horns. I somehow managed to deflect every blow, but when he started using bursts of his element to trip me up he started getting hits through. He was forcing me back toward the edge of the ring with each slash and punch. I needed some kind of opening!

That was when Tremor lunged forward to deliver a paw strike to my chest, probably to knock me back and out of the ring, and I thought for sure I was done for. My body, however, seemed to have other ideas. Without even realizing what I was doing, I ducked low and swung my wing upward to deflect his paw. The parry forced Tremor's strike to miss high, and his own momentum carried him forward right into my horns, which I planted straight into his gut with as much force as I could gather—the curved parts, not the points. Instinctual as it was, I still regretted it. He was as solid as...well...earth. The impact rattled my skull and jarred my neck painfully. Was it supposed to make that crunching sound? Regardless, I apparently wasn't done yet. With a burst of strength I didn't know I had, I reared back and tossed Tremor right over me. He landed roughly on the ground behind me and rolled, coming to a stop in a heap a few feet away.

Outside of the ring.

I stared, my eyes going wide as I processed what had just happened. How did I do that? I hadn't even had time to think! My body had just reacted on its own. When had I learned to do that?

Applause came from the watching students, a few of them calling out congratulations—Novus notably among them. Then Terrador spoke up.

"Excellent counter, Spyro," he said, smiling widely. "That's what I was hoping to see. You advance."

"Uh..." I stammered, still in shock. "Thanks, but...I don't get it. What did I do?"

"That was a defensive melee technique that we've been working on recently. Using an opponent's mass and momentum against them is a particularly useful strategy, especially in the absence of elements to aid in self-defence."

I looked up at him quickly. "Yeah, about that. I'm...guessing that my elements not working isn't a new thing?"

Terrador's face clouded slightly. "Unfortunately not. You haven't had use of any of your powers since you reversed the destruction of the world. I'm sorry."

"Oh, no, it's okay," I told him. Unexpected as it was, I still didn't really feel surprised...as strange as that sounded to say in my head. I certainly didn't want anyone else feeling down or uncomfortable about it, though. "If that's just how it is, then...well, fine."

I saw Terrador give me a small smile. "A very mature answer, as always. I do admire your resilience, my young friend. You've been able to take so much in stride these last few years."

I couldn't help but give a slightly awkward smile in return. "Thanks. But, I'm still curious. How did I know how to do that technique?"

"Muscle memory. It has proven quite useful with your condition. Even if you can't remember your lessons, your body remembers what actions to perform given enough repetition."

"Oh. Well...cool, I guess."

Terrador chuckled. "Indeed. Now, let's continue with our assessment. Tesla, we'll have you for our next match."

An electricity dragon stepped into the ring, giving me a quick nod as he did so. At the same time Tremor walked over to me, coming to a stop facing me and staring hard into my eyes for a moment. I shifted, starting to feel uncomfortable, but it was then that he held out a forepaw. I was surprised at first and not sure how to react, but eventually I shook his paw with my own and his harsh gaze turned to one of respect.

"Good fight," he told me.

"Yeah," I answered, nodding and giving a quick smile. "You too."

He returned the nod, and after that he turned about and walked out of the ring. With him gone, I faced Tesla. The electricity dragon looked ready and eager to begin. I settled into a ready stance of my own, pushing the pain from my bruised chest aside and focusing myself. No elements, and a fast opponent from the looks of him. This one could be tough.

But, it could also be fun. My confidence was rising after my last battle, and now I was curious what other moves I knew without knowing I did. However things turned out, it was definitely going to be interesting.

From the side of the ring, Terrador called, "Begin."

---

Well, it's happened. Apparently I'm now officially an adult.

From what Cynder tells me, in dragon culture someone is declared an adult when they turn twenty-five. She said my hatchday was a couple of days ago. I was a little bit surprised that there was no entry in here from that night, but maybe I just couldn't write one for some reason? I don't really know.

The weird thing is that I'm not sure I feel any different than I did when my memory was still working right. Or...maybe? It's hard to tell. It's so strange. Fighting Malefor feels like it happened yesterday...but at the same time it doesn't. I don't know how, but I can just tell that these memories are from a long time ago. It's so weird, but that's just the thing I'm talking about: With the amount of time that's passed, would I even know if I felt different now?

Actually, no. That's not true. I do feel different. I feel happy. Extremely happy. Cynder seemed really happy tonight too. Something happened. Something good. I don't know what it is, but honestly I don't really care. I don't want this feeling to ever end. Memories or no memories, it doesn't matter.

I feel...whole.

-~.~-*-~.~-

This had to be Volteer's doing.

He was the only one of the Guardians that I would ever expect to put something like this together. Terrador was way too serious and he had that military sort of discipline to everything he did, and Cyril...he was too...proper. Volteer was the only one who was both enthusiastic and down-to-earth enough to pull a party like this off.

Not to say that the other Guardians weren't there, of course, or that they weren't enjoying it. I could see them smiling even now, but they did so off to the side, observing rather than participating. Volteer was the one in the thick of it, keeping everything on track.

Who knew that he could organize a hatchday party like this, though?

There were people everywhere! We were currently inside some huge, grandiose banquet hall or ballroom or something, with rows of tables and benches, appetizers of all types and colours on a buffet table to the side, and decorations everywhere. A band consisting of a mix of strings, flutes and drums was playing a set of lively tunes, and a large patch of clear floor in front of the small stage was filled with guests of all species dancing and enjoying themselves. It was complete organized chaos, and it was both overwhelming and fantastic.

It was an extremely surreal feeling, only knowing that it was my hatchday because it was my name on the banner hanging above the main entranceway inside the hall. That, and the very obvious purple and gold theme to the decorations. It was almost as weird as the realization that everything around me looked much smaller than I remembered, such as the moles that had come up to my chin the first time I was in Warfang, but now that barely passed my elbow. Even the Guardians didn't look nearly as massive or imposing as they had used to. I barely had to look up at all to meet them eye to eye. They still had about two heads over my height, but still!

The banner said that it was my twenty-fifth hatchday today. My last memory, defeating Malefor, was when I was a bit shy of sixteen.

Where the heck did the last ten years go?

"Hey!" a familiar voice called out suddenly, jolting me out of my thoughts and making me jump.

I looked ahead and saw Sparx hovering in front of me, smirking. Seeing him had been one of the biggest shocks in all of this. I almost didn't recognize him when I first saw him...at some point before now. He looked almost like a golden coloured version of our father!

"What's the big deal, sitting here all anti-social like when there's a party going on?" he joked, waving a hand at the festive scene. "You're supposed to be the star of this show! Instead, I'm the one that has to take all the attention."

I grinned back at him, holding back a laugh. "Oh, how can you stand it? You're normally so quiet and reserved."

"I know! Oh, poor me. I'll be ruined at this rate!"

We both laughed quietly, but a second after that Sparx became a touch more serious.

"So, is there something wrong? You looked like you were having fun until a moment ago."

"Yeah, I was," I nodded quickly. "I mean, I am. It's a great party! I just started to feel kind of...I don't know. Out of place."

Sparx cocked his head at me, looking genuinely baffled. "But it's your party."

"I know, I know. But the thing is just that I don't know any of these people. They're all greeting me and congratulating me on coming of age and all that, and I'm just standing there thinking, 'Thanks, but I have no idea who you are...'"

"And? News flash, pal: That's what being famous is like, even without amnesia."

"I know that, Sparx," I groaned, annoyed. At the same time, in the back of my head I thought, Amnesia? Well, that makes sense... "I'm not talking about strangers, though. I'm talking about the people that say they actually know me, like Flora, and..." I frowned, a name on the tip of my tongue. "There was another one...N...Nov..."

"Novus," Sparx offered.

"Yeah! Him! And uh...Scarlett? And...um..."

I let out a loud groan, giving up. There had been others that had introduced themselves as friends of me and Cynder. Neighbours. Old classmates. Training partners. It was just too much at once to keep straight in my head.

"Hey, bro, it's okay," Sparx cut in, his tone shifting to one of comfort. "I get it. This isn't the first time you've talked about feeling this way. It's a lot to handle all at once."

"I'm just not really a fan of big events like this," I sighed. That was something I could remember. It had always been that way. "I find it hard to believe that I would want something like this for my hatchday."

"Well, it was a surprise," Sparx pointed out. "We kept it a secret."

I looked up at him dubiously, but I felt a tiny hint of a smirk starting to form. "Isn't that kind of...redundant?"

Sparx also grinned. "Well, yeah, but it was fun. And I know you're not crazy about making a big deal of things, but this kind of is a big deal. It's not every day a dragon comes of age, you know. You're a full-blown adult now, big guy!"

I was quiet for a moment, mixed feelings filling me. I was proud, but also at the same time I felt a pang of...regret? Was that the word I was looking for? I was an adult, but what did that really mean for me? I still couldn't remember anything past fifteen. I had lost so much time...

"Yeah," I nodded, putting on a smile. "I guess it is a big step."

"Yeah it is," Sparx agreed, and I caught a mischievous undertone in his voice. "So, what's next? With all this newfound freedom, what is the mighty purple dragon going to do? A career in government? Conquer the world? Maybe...a certain someone we both know?"

He jabbed me with an elbow at that last one, and my face instantly heated up.

"Sparx!"

"What? You two are basically mates already. Don't tell me you're not interested!"

"I'm not dignifying that with an answer."

"Ah. Good old 'no comment', huh? See? You do know how to be famous!"

"Sparx..."

"Hey! Speak of the literal devil!"

Sparx waved to someone to my right, and when I looked I saw Cynder walking toward us with a glowing spot of almost pure white light following beside her—another dragonfly. She was smiling broadly at me, her scales and horns shining in the light of the hall's many torches. She looked like a smaller, less sinister, much more cheerful version of her corrupted form, and it was stunning. Even though I knew I had seen her earlier in the party, I was still lost for words for a moment.

"And where did you slink off to?" Sparx quipped as Cynder and the other dragonfly reached us. "Off poisoning someone's food?"

"Please," Cynder scoffed with a grin and a flick of her head. "Poisoning meals is so unrefined and error-prone. Which plate is whose? What do you add the poison to? How do you know if the person doesn't like something and won't touch it? No, it's just a mess. Drinks are a much simpler option." A gleam appeared in her eye. "Like the one you had a couple of minutes ago."

Sparx gave a mock gasp. "I knew it! I knew it tasted off! Well, I hope you're happy, babe. Your best friend just confessed to murdering me."

The female dragonfly hovering beside Cynder covered her mouth and snickered while Cynder and Sparx glared at each other. I could easily tell that that they were just fooling around, though. There was no animosity in Sparx's accusations, unlike the jabs he had made about her during our past adventures, and Cynder was grinning cheekily the whole time. In spite of their bickering, it was a joy to see them having fun together like this.

"You two are impossible," the other dragonfly laughed, shaking her head before turning her attention to me instead and smiling. "Hi again, Spyro."

I smiled back. "Hi...uh..." I frowned as my memory failed me again. I knew her name was in there. We had met earlier. She was with Sparx...Oh! Right! "Celeste! Hi. I hope you're enjoying the party."

"Absolutely!" Celeste answered eagerly. "We never have any events this big back at the swamp. It's always a blast coming to visit. Happy hatchday again, of course."

"Thank you," I said with a grateful bow of my head.

"So," Sparx spoke up, sliding over to Celeste's side and putting an arm around her. It clicked in my head that they were together. Dating? No, wait. Mates—Dear Ancestors, Sparx had a mate! "Where did you girls disappear to? I was starting to think you had ditched us."

"Now, would we do that?" Celeste answered innocently, but with a mischievous gleam in her eyes. Them being together was already making more sense.

"Yes," Sparx answered, deadpan. "At least you would. Cynder, I'm not so sure about. Those two might as well still have those snake collar things attached."

Cynder grinned and sat down beside me, nuzzling my jaw tenderly. A smile instantly grew on my face, and I actually felt rather disappointed when she stopped.

"Hey, handsome," she said to me, and my cheeks turned slightly warmer again.

"Hi," I answered, smiling again. "So, where did you get off to?"

"We were just chatting," she explained finally. "It's been a while since Celeste and I were able to get away for a bit of girl talk."

"Oh?" Sparx spoke up. "And what were you chatting about?"

"None of your business," Celeste laughed.

"So, us," Sparx stated. "I thought I felt my ears burning."

I watched as the two females chuckled and exchanged a look, though I did notice both of them glance my way for an instant, then back at each other. I was confused, but I still laughed along with them after a second. It was at that moment that I spotted a mole walking toward us carrying a tray of refreshments. I realized that I was feeling a little thirsty, so when he stopped at our group I reached for one of the glasses.

"Oh, wait. Not that one," Cynder said quickly, intercepting my paw with hers. "Alcohol doesn't play nice with your medicine."

I looked at her curiously, almost asking what she meant about 'medicine', but it didn't really feel worth it for some reason. I shrugged it off.

"How about..." Cynder hummed to herself, studying the selection of glasses on the tray. Soon she picked up a small round glass with a fruity red colouring, sniffing at it curiously, then giving it a quick taste. I saw her eyes brighten. "Yep, that'll work."

She passed the glass to me, then took a drink for herself from the tray—purposely selecting the same kind that she had just given me, I noticed. Looking down at the glass, I slowly mimicked her earlier actions. There was a strong scent of citrus, and the taste was quite pleasant. I turned to Cynder with an approving look.

"Thanks," I told her, smiling. She gave me a broad smile back.

"Aww. You two are always so cute together," Celeste said, causing me to cough awkwardly. Instead of answering I went to take another gulp of the punch. "Reminds me of us before the kids, Sparx."

I gagged and instantly spit out my mouthful of drink. What?! Kids? Sparx? I did not see that coming!

"Wow," Sparx said, watching the fruit-coloured mist dissipating. "That's three for three today, babe. You're timing these on purpose, aren't you?"

Celeste crossed her arms and grinned, looking quite proud of herself. I coughed roughly, trying to clear my windpipe.

"That's not nice..."

"No, but I do have to admit, it doesn't get old either," Cynder snickered. I gave her a hurt glare, but she immediately disarmed it with a coy smile and I groaned. Damn this power she had over me...

We continued talking like that for a few minutes. It was difficult to focus sometimes, since the party was still roaring around us. The band was still playing, and their songs were picking up in speed. Most of the guests were dancing now, except for frequent stragglers that would come over to wish me a happy hatchday. It was very kind and thoughtful of them, certainly, but it also left me feeling a bit...flustered.

Eventually we were interrupted when Volteer wound his way through the crowded hall toward us. He greeted us all brightly and bowed his head to me while wishing me a happy hatchday. Like Celeste, it probably wasn't the first time he had done so today, but I appreciated it nonetheless.

"If you aren't presently occupied, perhaps you would like to accompany me," he said. "Someone has just arrived and they are quite eager to wish you their best."

"Oh. That must be Mom and Dad," Sparx said. My head perked up.

"Okay. Well, let's go then."

I started following Volteer as he turned back toward the front of the hall, but that was when I barely noticed Cynder, Sparx and Celeste trading a look with each other out of the corner of my eye. Was something wrong? I turned a confused look toward them.

"What is it?"

"Nothing!" Sparx answered—a bit too quickly. "Never mind. Are we going?"

He moved past me, Celeste with him. Cynder stepped up to my side a moment later, nudging me with her snout and catching my tail with hers. She smiled at me again.

"After you," she told me.

I paused to give her a questioning look, but she maintained her smile. I eventually relented and smiled back, but behind Cynder's cheerful look I could just pick up on a hint of tension. There was definitely something they weren't telling me.

What wouldn't they want to tell me?

I shook the feeling off. Volteer's mystery guests were waiting. If it was my parents then I was becoming quite excited. This would be my first time seeing them since I left the swamp three years ag—Wait, wait, no. That was wrong. It was more than three years, and come to think of it there was no way I hadn't seen them at all in the thirteen years that had passed since I left home. Still, it felt like a first reunion to me, and that excitement wouldn't leave me.

I was in for more than one surprise, as it turned out. We caught up to Volteer at a table near the entrance where a small group had gathered around a cloaked newcomer, including the other Guardians, Sparx and Celeste. It only took me a second to place the stranger as a cheetah, with mostly yellow fur and a couple of greying patches ringing his jaw line and ears, as well as the tip of his tail. As if noticing our approach, he turned toward us and...Wait, Hunter? That was Hunter! I almost couldn't believe it!

"Greetings, my friends," Hunter said when he spotted us, giving a small bow and a smile. "It's very good to see you again."

"You too, Hunter," Cynder answered warmly. I was a bit surprised when she stepped forward and pulled him into a one-winged hug. Apparently she had become more openly affectionate than I last remembered during the war, but I couldn't say I had anything to complain about in that case. "We're glad that you could make it. Aren't we, Spyro?"

My head jerked up at being called on, but I recovered quickly and nodded. "For sure."

Hunter gave me a large smile and stepped up to me, gripping my shoulder with his hand. That was when I realized that I was looking down at him, which felt just a bit weird.

"I believe congratulations are in order," he told me. "A quarter century is quite a milestone for dragons. You have my best wishes for your future."

"Thank you."

"So how was your trip?" Cynder then asked.

"Smooth travels, for the most part," Hunter replied. "You'll be pleased to hear that my cargo arrived safe and sound as well."

He gestured with a paw to a sort of open-faced basket that was sitting on the table, the inside padded in the shape of a small seat. A chuckle sounded from within it, and that was when I finally noticed its occupants. Upon spotting them, I instantly froze.

Oh...

"Cargo?" my mother chuckled. "Please. You make us sound like a burden."

"You can't tell us we're that heavy, Hunter," my father joked. "You really are getting old!"

I couldn't believe my eyes. I should have expected this, considering how much I had grown, but it still blindsided me somehow. Mom and Dad...When I left home, they looked like they were in their primes. Now, though...

I was having a hard time processing it. The most obvious sign of advanced age was their severely faded glows, Dad's looking especially pale compared to usual. Mom was looking the better of the two, but there were still obvious wrinkles around her eyes and her form wasn't as trim as before. Dad in contrast had become very thin. It almost looked like I could break him just by breathing on him. He was also missing the end of one of his wings. A run-in with a frogweed or bulb spider, maybe?

Ancestors, they looked old...

"Hey!" Cynder greeted them joyfully, leaning her head down toward them. My parents both reached up and hugged the tip of Cynder's snout when it was close enough. "It's so great to see you guys again. We were starting to worry that you weren't going to be able to make it tonight."

"My apologies," Hunter said sheepishly. "That would be my fault. Rain had softened up much of the ground in the area, and I neglected to leave enough time to account for that when I departed Avalar to get them."

"Now, now, Hunter did a fantastic job to make up as much time as he could," Mom said quickly in his defence. "And we're very grateful for that. We wouldn't dare miss this day for anything. Spyro, come here. Let me see my grown up boy."

I didn't register what she had said for a second. I was still too stunned, but quickly enough I clued in and realized the way that I was staring. I shook my head roughly. How would I feel if someone was looking at me that way? I put on another smile and stepped closer, lowering my head down the way Cynder had and letting my parents hug my muzzle.

"Hi Mom. Hi Dad," I said, keeping my head as still as I could to avoid hurting them. The hug was already making me feel much better. "It really is great to see you. Thanks for coming."

"Of course, Son," Dad told me. "Like your mother said: We wouldn't miss this. Happy hatchday. We're both so proud of you."

My smile grew significantly. Regardless of any visits that may have occurred in the years I had lost, it still felt like I had been through a whole war since the last time I saw my parents. Seeing them now and hearing them say that to me was more than just heartwarming. It lifted my spirits more than this entire party had so far.

"Oh, look at you," Mom gasped. "My little one, all grown up into a big gentle giant. I can hardly believe that we thought you were big when you hatched! I can never get over the fact that your head now is almost bigger than your entire body was back then!"

"Not to mention being about a thousand pounds lighter then," Sparx added.

I glared at him, but everyone else laughed.

"Well, now that all of our expected guests have made their arrival, perhaps this is the appropriate time to partake in the feast that the moles have so masterfully prepared for this joyful, prestigious, honourable occasion," Volteer said eagerly. "I shall go and inform the chefs."

He hurried off before anyone could say anything. I turned a surprised and confused look toward the other two Guardians.

"Feast?" I asked. "Doesn't that seem like a bit...much?"

My breath caught as soon as I said that. How ungrateful could I sound?! Before I could correct myself, though, Terrador let out a chuckle.

"Perhaps, but everyone enjoys a chance for a big celebration from time to time, and your coming of age is the perfect opportunity."

"You underestimate what you represent to the world," Cyril added. "I guarantee that this isn't the only gathering taking place today. The citizens of the Dragon Realms want to celebrate your life with you. Don't question the merit of it. Accept this gift from them."

I hesitated, struck by the Guardians' words and trying to decide how I felt about them. Eventually I nodded, smiling despite myself when Cynder licked my cheek encouragingly. I could tell by the look in her eyes that she agreed with them.

A minute later Volteer called out from the centre of the room and announced that the food was being served. The guests started moving as one toward a doorway that seemed to lead to an adjoining dining hall. Sparx was through the door almost instantly, Celeste chasing after him and scolding him half-teasingly as she flew. The Guardians joined the crowd next, and Hunter picked up the basket with my parents and carried them through the crowd soon after, leaving me and Cynder alone. I lagged behind for a second, watching them, and a hollow feeling settled in my chest. I jumped slightly when I felt Cynder rub her shoulder against mine and nuzzle me again.

"You okay?" she asked.

I nodded quickly. "Yeah. Yeah, I'm fine. It's just...a bit of a shock." I paused to shoot her a quick, crooked smile. "But I'm sure this isn't the first time you've heard that, is it?"

She didn't laugh or grin back. Her expression remained serious and compassionate, and it was apparent that she had no desire to make light of my troubles. "It's not, but that doesn't matter. I know it's hard on you."

I sighed and nodded again, slowly. "Yeah, a bit..."

"But," she continued forcefully, levelling a talon at me, "what I want to see right now is you walking in there with a smile on your face. No moping on your hatchday, hero. I'm sure that's not what your parents would want."

Her change in tone caught me unprepared, but a second later I turned thoughtful. "You're probably right."

"As usual."

And there it was: the teasing I expected. I chuckled, and that was when she finally grinned at me.

"Thanks."

"No problem. Now, how about that smile?"

One formed on my muzzle before I even tried, and Cynder nodded approvingly.

"Not bad, but I think you can do better. And I think I know just the thing to help you out. Close your eyes. I have an early gift for you."

I tilted my head in confusion, but nonetheless I obeyed her request. I was only left wondering what she had planned for a few seconds before I suddenly felt the tip of her lips press against my own. My eyes instantly snapped open as if to confirm what was happening. Yep. She was kissing me! Warmth immediately spread throughout my body as my heart started pounding. When she pulled away a short while later I was left dizzy and had a lopsided smile plastered across my face.

"Do you like it?" she asked me teasingly.

"I love it," I answered without hesitation.

She smiled broadly at me. "Perfect. Now, let's go join the others."

Feeling my confidence renewed, I stood up and Cynder did the same beside me. Without really thinking about it I pulled her closer with my wing and placed a quick kiss on her cheek. Part of it was gratitude, and partly it just felt like the right thing to do in that moment. Cynder gave a contented hum in response. After that we walked through the doors into the dining hall together.

The rest of the party passed in a sort of blur, but a very enjoyable one. The feast was delicious, and by the end of it I was so full that I felt like I could pass out on the spot and sleep for a week. The crowd of guests called for a speech, though, ensuring that this didn't happen. I gave the best one I could, which really was just me thanking them for coming and their kind wishes, but even so they all cheered when I was done. The dancing and music resumed after that. Cynder even dragged me out to dance for one or two songs. Actually, I didn't embarrass myself quite as badly as I was afraid I would. We must have practiced at some point.

After that my family, the Guardians, Hunter, and mine and Cynder's friends that I didn't really know—Novus and Flora—retired to a side room to rest and talk away from the noise. Gifts were given during this time. The one that really struck me the most was the one from my family: the small, petrified mushroom cap that had served as a decoration in my little shelter when I had been a child in the swamp. I'd kept it because of the unusual swirl of colour on its top—a shade or purple, instead of the common reds and browns—that would still glow faintly in the dark. It was such a deceptively simple gift, but it meant more than I could describe. Now, no matter where I found myself living with no recollection of my time spent there, I would always have something familiar to make it feel like home.

I felt a sting in my eyes, and I quickly brushed my forepaw across them. After that my gaze found my parents, both of them watching me with large smiles.

"Thank you," I said, emotion thick in my voice. "This is..."

"You're very welcome, Spyro," Mom answered, seemingly knowing what I wanted to say even when I couldn't find my words. "We thought you might appreciate it."

"Hopefully this can help make things feel a little less confusing for you," Dad said.

"I know it will," I nodded quickly. "This is so great." I looked up at Sparx and Celeste. "Were you guys in on this too?"

"You know we were," Sparx chuckled, crossing his arms. "Who do you think suggested it as a gift in the first place?"

"Celeste?" Cynder quipped.

"Hey!" Sparx exclaimed indignantly, and the rest of the group laughed.

I looked back down at the mushroom cap in silence after that, cradling it between my forepaws delicately and letting the memories from my childhood come forward. The others simply observed quietly for a short while, allowing me to have this moment, and I was extremely grateful for that. Eventually, though, Flora spoke up.

"So, I guess that just leaves your gift, huh Cynder?"

She had a knowing sort of smile on her face. Did she already know what the gift was? Cynder also smiled, an eager look in her eyes.

"I guess it is that time, isn't it?" she said, rising to her paws. "Well, I suppose that means we're going to be taking our leave now."

I looked at her in confusion. "We're leaving? Where are we going?"

"That's part of the surprise, silly," she snickered.

"O-oh," I stammered, feeling a bit flustered. "But..."

I looked around at our gathered friends, feeling guilty for bailing on them during the party that they had thrown in my honour. My gaze especially hung on my parents, who were both watching me with warm smiles. I had barely spent any time with them so far tonight, and now I was leaving? That didn't seem fair after the trip they'd made to be here.

It seemed that they knew what I was thinking before I could even say anything. Parental intuition, undoubtedly.

"Don't worry, Son," Dad said with an encouraging nod. "Go on. We'll see you when you two get back. We aren't going back to the swamp for a few more days."

"Go and enjoy yourself," Mom added. "And happy hatchday."

Their reassurances were enough to relieve most of the guilt I felt, and with another huge smile covering my muzzle I stepped in for another hug. Mom, Dad, Sparx and Celeste all joined in, practically covering my whole face with their arms. When I finally pulled away a moment later I turned to Cynder and nodded.

"Let's go."

The excitement in her eyes seemed to grow even stronger, and with a quick farewell to the rest of the group she left the side room and disappeared into the main hall. I followed after thanking everyone for the gifts and the party, finding Cynder just as she was accepting a satchel from a light red-scaled dragoness. Oh, right! Scarlett.

"What's in the bag?" I asked as I joined them.

"Money," Cynder replied, shaking the satchel lightly and causing the clinking of coins to be heard. "And your medicine. We're going to be gone for the next couple of days, so I asked Scarlett to bring extra."

I cocked my head to the side in confusion. "A couple of days? You still haven't even said where we're going."

"And I'm still not going to," Cynder replied cheekily. "You're just going to have to trust me."

I fumbled for a second from this blunt refusal, but in the end I relented with a sigh.

"Well, I suppose I can do that."

"I'm glad to hear it. Now, I think that's everything we need. If you're ready, let's go."

I nodded in response, and together we turned toward the main doorway.

"Have a good time!" Scarlett called brightly.

We exited the hall a moment later, and when we did I was surprised to see that it was daylight out. I had fully expected it to be dark, since why would anyone hold a party like this during the day instead of in the evening? Cynder gave a slight chuckle when I asked.

"We planned it this way," she explained. "Otherwise the two of us wouldn't have time to make it to our next destination, and I would have hated to have to wait for tomorrow for this."

"Wait, so everyone else knows what this surprise of yours is?"

"Yep," Cynder answered with a large grin.

I groaned. Before I could ask again what this destination she kept hinting at was, she spread her wings and took to the sky. Calling after her in growing exasperation, I followed and soon we were both flying toward the southwest. The sun was just now beginning its descent ahead of us, signalling that it was fairly late in the afternoon, and I had to squint a bit from the glare.

We didn't talk much during the flight, happy enough to just enjoy each other's company. By the time an hour or so had passed, though, my curiosity was beginning to get the better of me. Without knowing where we were going, the only thing my mind could turn to was the gradual erasure of my memories of the party. I could no longer recall what I had eaten from the feast, though I knew there had been one, and bits and pieces following when the meal must have been were also beginning to fade. The people. The dancing. The laughing. I didn't want it to go.

I could barely even remember what the party had been for in the first place. Oh, wait. Of course. My hatchday. The gifts were a dead giveaway. And it was my twenty-fifth. That I did remember from the conversations with our friends. The age of adulthood for dragons, which meant...

What did that mean, exactly?

I asked Cynder, and she was all too happy to explain.

"Well, for starters, it's considered the age of responsibility in our culture," she stated. "It's the start of true independence. A dragon's parents or guardians don't have any control over their life choices anymore. It's all up to them. It's also the minimum age for things like enlistment, or for apprenticeships in many careers like Guardianship."

"Oh, okay," I said, nodding along. "What else?"

"Well..." she continued more slowly, and I frowned in confusion when she turned her head away bashfully. That seemed a bit unlike her to me. "...It's also the age where dragons are considered old enough to take a mate."

My face instantly went red beneath my scales. Well, that certainly explained her sudden shyness. Taking a...Wow. I should have expected that one, but somehow I hadn't.

Was I ready for that kind of step? It felt strange, and honestly kind of awkward to think about given that in my last memory I was barely into adolescence. But even as I thought that I found my eyes getting drawn to Cynder as she flew, to her graceful adult features, to her curves, and the flowing, controlled way she moved through the sky...

Gah! Spyro, get a hold of yourself! If I kept thinking like that, I was going to get myself in trouble! Would Cynder even want...Wait, she was looking at me. What was that smile? Oh, Ancestors, I was starting, wasn't I? Did she see me staring? What if she knew what I was thinking? Oh, dear Ancestors, kill me now...

"Hey! Spyro, look!"

"Ah!" I yelped. "Huh? What? What is it?"

Cynder laughed, shaking her head. "We're here."

I frowned, my panic instantly replaced by confusion. "We're where?"

Grinning in amusement, she pointed below us. I looked and faltered, almost missing a beat of my wings. We had flown over the coastline without me even realizing it, and down below us I could see a wide, pristine white sand beach bordered by sheer cliff faces. In the orange light of the sun that was just beginning to set I could make out a set of bamboo huts with thatched roofs spaced around the base of the cliffs, a larger central building located against the back cliff wall. There was also a strange sort of luminescence coming up from the cliffs and in patches under the water, but I couldn't make out the cause.

"Wow," I breathed out. "It's incredible! What is this place?"

"It's called Crystal Bay," Cynder answered. "It's a private beach, and it's very exclusive. You can only get in by either paying a huge amount of money, or by invitation."

"Oh. So, how are we getting in?"

Cynder grinned smugly and reached into her satchel, pulling out two folded pieces of parchment sealed with wax. "Invitation."

I gave a wide-eyed look that was both surprised and impressed.

"Really? Wow. Were those hard to get?"

"Not really," she grinned. "I know four words that can open a lot of doors."

"Yeah? What are they?"

"'The purple dragon wants'."

I faltered again, my pace slowing down. "Cynder, I...I don't know if I'm okay with that. I mean—"

I was cut off when Cynder turned around in the air to hover facing me, her paw placed against my mouth. The smile she gave me quickly eased my worries.

"I know taking advantage of your status makes you uncomfortable," she told me gently. "I promise I don't abuse it. But this is my hatchday gift to you, and I wanted to make it as special as I could."

She removed her paw, and for a minute I just hovered there, frowning while I considered what she said. Slowly my concerns faded, though. I knew that I could trust Cynder, and that she wasn't going to use my name frivolously or unfairly. Plus, this was a special occasion, after all...

"Okay," I nodded, offering a smile. "Thank you. I do appreciate you doing this for me. This place looks beautiful."

"I'm told it's the absolute best place to just escape everything," Cynder agreed eagerly. "And everyone says it's one of the most romantic getaways in the region for couples too, if you can afford it. I plan to take full advantage of that. For the next two days it's nothing but the two of us." Her smile turned into a smirk. "I hope that sounds acceptable to you."

I chuckled quietly. "That sounds fantastic."

That was clearly the right answer. She beamed at me like I had just made her year, and my heart practically melted. Two whole days with just her...It seemed like paradise already. It sounded incredibly sappy, but it was true. I had to give her credit: She knew exactly what to get me for my hatchday.

"Well, enough hanging around here!" she declared suddenly, startling me. "We can't get this getaway started until we check in. Let's go."

Holding the invitations in her paw, she began an easy descent toward the cliffs. I followed her, and halfway down I noticed a large wind dragon flying up to meet us. Cynder drew to a halt as he pulled up in front of us, and at his request she held out the invitations for him to see. A glance at the seals was all he needed before he allowed us on our way with a respectful bow. After that he returned to his post overlooking the beach from above. I noticed a few more similar guards positioned along the cliff edge. From the looks of it, Cynder wasn't kidding when she said exclusive.

We entered the main building. The receptionist at the front desk was a kind female seal standing upright on her back flippers and wearing a blue sun dress. She greeted us in a suitably welcoming manner and accepted our invitations promptly, issuing us a number for one of the beach huts that would be ours for the length of our stay. After thanking her, Cynder and I walked out to the beach and found a free sun shelter made from the same materials as the buildings. As we walked I looked around and realized that the colourful glow I had noticed before was from massive formations of spirit gems that were growing out of the cliffs, covering the beach in their light. The glow in the water was from more similar crystal growths, some tall enough to poke up out of the water like tiny islands. It was pretty apparent where the beach got its name from now.

"So, what do you feel like doing first?" Cynder asked me as she deposited her bag underneath the curved sun shelter. "Want to relax, or go for a swim?"

I wasn't going to lie: Taking a moment to relax after our flight sounded like a very appealing option. That said, with how soft the sand felt under my paws right then, if I lay down then I probably wasn't getting back up that evening.

"A swim sounds nice," I answered. "Shall we?"

Cynder smiled. "Let's."

The water was perfect. It was clear, warm, and calm thanks to the cliffs that sheltered the beach from the main surf. Our swim was calm for the most part, but I admit that I couldn't resist the urge to splash around a bit when I noticed Cynder floating with her guard down at one point. A brief battle ensued after that.

She won, of course.

We emerged back on the beach a short while later, thoroughly tired from the flight and the swim, and the sun was truly setting by that point. We returned to the sun shelter, lying down in the sand together and letting the ocean breeze dry us off. An otter dressed in formal server's attire walked out to us without us even having to call, carrying a tray with a couple of glasses of water and wet cloths, which he set down on a small wooden table for us. I had to say I was impressed. This place had some very good service so far! I almost felt like royalty being here.

I picked up the cloth first, and all Cynder had to give me was a look for me to understand that she wanted hers as well. That was also kind of impressive, actually; that we had that level of non-verbal communication going. Well...actually, we'd had a fairly strong intuitive sense between us from pretty early on, didn't we?

"So?" Cynder spoke up, setting her cloth aside after wiping the dried salt off her face. "Who knows how to arrange a killer hatchday gift?"

I laughed, shaking my head at her 'humility'. "You are without a doubt the greatest gift giver alive. Compared to this, any other presents I got today have been erased from my memory."

She laughed along with me at that. At the same time my smile softened.

"Seriously, though. I doubt I've ever felt this happy. Thank you so much for doing this."

She stopped laughing as well, a tender look in her eyes. "It's my absolute pleasure. You have no idea how impressed and proud I am of the way you've handled this condition, and the way you've made me feel loved throughout it all. This really is the least I could do to repay you for that."

I felt a small blush forming, and I gave a bashful chuckle. My eyes turned away, but they were forced back to Cynder's own when she placed her paw against my cheek and turned my head back. We stayed stuck like that for a moment, but then slowly Cynder brought her head forward and I instinctually leaned in as well. Our snouts touched first, and a second later we pressed forward into a kiss.

Almost immediately Cynder pulled back with a short gagging sound. I looked up at her in confusion.

"Bleh!" she spat. "Ugh. Spyro, you still taste like salt! Did you even clean your face at all?"

"I did!" I said indignantly.

"Uh huh," she said, smirking at me. "Sure. Here. Give me that cloth. You're hopeless..."

She grabbed my cloth before I could stop her and began roughly scrubbing my face and mouth. I spluttered in protest, but she ignored me and grabbed my horn to hold me in place when I tried to pull back. Finally she stopped, lowering the cloth, and I was just about to make an irritated exclamation when suddenly her lips were against mine again. That pretty much wiped out any argument I had right on the spot. The feeling that the kiss stirred inside of me...It was like I was flying without even needing my wings.

"That's better," she murmured when she eventually pulled away.

"Yeah..." was all I could get out in response. This seemed to amuse her greatly.

She let out a sigh of what I could only describe as bliss after that, and she lay down on her side looking out at the setting sun over the ocean, her back facing me. I scooted closer without a second thought, wrapping my foreleg around her middle and covering her with my wing like a blanket. It was a delicate matter to find a spot to rest my head without impaling myself on one of her many horns, but I somehow managed it without even really thinking as if it was something I had done a hundred times before. Actually, maybe I had.

It was utter peace after that point, and I could have stayed like that forever. Or, at least, I thought I could, but then my mind began to wander and my eyes swivelled to gaze around the beach. We weren't alone on it, I noticed. There were a few other dragons and assorted sea creatures in sight, some swimming but mostly all resting on the beach like us. Almost all of them were in pairs.

I vaguely remembered the age I turned that day. The conversation Cynder and I'd had about it was barely discernible against the haze that seemed to eat up any memory that I hadn't actively thought about for a while, but there was enough left to remember the gist of it. Her last comment especially stood out.

I cleared my throat quietly, fighting past a swell of nerves. There was more I wanted to know, more I wanted to ask her, and if I didn't do it now then I would lose the memory and I would miss this seemingly perfect chance. Seriously, when was it going to get any better than this? She'd practically laid it all out for me!

Huh. I wondered if that was her plan?

No. That didn't matter. I had to do this now. I wanted to do it. I couldn't chicken out of this.

"Hey...Cynder?"

"Hmm?" she hummed lazily in response.

"About our conversation earlier. I...I had a couple more questions on this whole 'coming of age' thing."

She didn't answer for a moment, but I could almost swear I saw her smiling from the small bit of her mouth that I could see from this position. A second later the end of her tail wrapped around mine, holding tightly.

"What did you want to know?" she asked me.

"Well..." I cleared my throat again, finding that it felt a little dry. I could get a drink from one of the glasses, but I really didn't want to move...Oh, just deal with it! "When a dragon...um...takes a mate, do they both have to be of age?"

"They do," she answered easily. She was much more collected on this topic than I was, obviously.

"Okay." I hesitated, trying to think of how to word my next question without it sounding too blunt. I cursed myself when I couldn't come up with anything, so I just forced out, "Are you?"

This time I was sure she was smiling. She shifted so that she was pressed completely against me, which did not help my composure. I was blushing fiercely at this point. She was definitely doing this on purpose!

"I am," she nodded, which caused our cheeks to rub together in the process. "My hatchday was two days ago."

That caught me a bit by surprise. I lifted my head to look down at her.

"It was?"

She faced me, smiling. "Yep."

"Was there a party for yours too?"

"There was. Not as big as yours, though. I wanted it to feel more personal, so it was just our friends. You got me an absolutely beautiful gift."

I cocked my head to the side. "What was it?"

"A carving made of emerald and obsidian, shaped like a black rose," she answered, with the largest, warmest smile I had seen yet. "You had it custom made by the finest craftsmen in Warfang."

"Really?" I looked off distantly, trying to imagine it. "I suppose I had help with that, huh?"

"Not as much as you think. Flora—our friend—took you out one day to look for gifts, and that was when you came up with the idea and placed the order with the craftsman. After that, she came to tell you when it was ready and that was it."

"Huh," I grunted, feeling a small swell of pride. "And you liked it?"

"I love it. It was incredibly sweet. When you gave it to me, you said it represented how beautiful and precious I am in your eyes, and that just like that rose, that feeling will never fade. I'm keeping it right beside the bed so that it's the first thing I see every morning, to remind me of that."

I just stared at her, surprised and processing this news. My chest felt like it was swelling with joy, and I could hardly form the words for my next question.

"I said something that corny?"

Cynder punched my shoulder, almost knocking me over despite my larger size. Smaller or not, she was strong! I rubbed my shoulder with my forepaw, giving her a mock glare, but she wasn't fazed at all. Smirking, she lay back down in the sand and after a moment I returned to my earlier position as well, holding her close. My original train of thought returned to me slowly after that, though, and with it came the nerves that constricted my chest once more.

"Cynder, do you...Do you think I would make a good mate?" I asked hesitantly. The words almost didn't want to come out, afraid of the answer.

She didn't seem to react at first, but then she turned a thoroughly puzzled look toward me.

"What are you talking about?" she responded. "You would make a fantastic mate. You're the most caring, thoughtful, honest and noble dragon I know. Any female would dream of having a life partner like you."

"But my memory," I protested. "Wouldn't I just be a burden?"

Her eyes narrowed, and I shrank back. She actually looked angry at me for saying that.

"Spyro, don't sell yourself short," she told me firmly. "I'm not the only one that's put work into this relationship. You've been there for me every step of the way, always there to pick me up when I start to feel down, or overwhelmed, or second guess myself. Yes, it's true, the last ten years haven't been the easiest. Early on especially, it was rough. But it wasn't just hard on me. It was hard on both of us, and we made it through together. We always have."

I looked away again. I wasn't expecting that answer. I would have thought that with my memory screwed up the way it was that being with me would be a chore. Cynder seemed adamant that this wasn't true, though. I mean, my biggest desire was to see her happy. No matter what happened with my memories, that wasn't going to change...

I didn't have any longer to dwell on these doubts. Cynder spoke up again, adopting a teasing sort of tone.

"So, now that that's out of the way, what is it you're really trying to ask me, Spyro?"

I faltered, feeling like my heart had just jumped into my throat. It was pretty obvious that she knew. There was no fooling her on anything. I knew that much from our time in the war. She knew what I wanted, and she wasn't going to let it go until I said it. I could just come out and ask her straight up, but that didn't seem right. I needed to make this meaningful, and special, just like she had done with this whole trip.

Well, no turning back now.

"Cynder," I began shakily. "I...I may not remember any of the time we've had together, but...there isn't any question about how I feel about you. I feel like...like there's nothing you wouldn't do for me, and for us. The kind of care and attention that must have gone into making this hatchday so perfect...That's the same kind of attention I want to show you. You are an amazing dragoness, Cynder, and I'm so, so grateful that we're together. And I don't want that to ever change. I want to be able to call you mine, forever. I love you."

The look of joy on her face was indescribable. It was like she had just been given something she had wanted for her whole life. There were no tears or anything like that, but she was giving me the biggest, brightest smile imaginable, and her eyes...There were no words.

"I love you too," she said quietly. "So much."

I smiled weakly in return, my whole body feeling shaky and frail, like my limbs had turned to mush. For being the 'legendary' purple dragon, I didn't think I made a particularly impressive image right then. I was a mess! But, despite this, Cynder's smile gave me the courage to continue.

"Cynder...Would you accept a dragon like me to...to be your mate? With all of my problems, and all the work that must come with them, but also all the love I have for you? Would you let me try to make you happy, in what little spans of time I have to do it?"

She didn't respond right away, and my heart started beating more and more frantically as fear built inside of me. Her smile didn't waver, though, which was the only thing that let me keep it together. Then, without a word, she rolled herself over to face me and pushed me so that I was lying on my back. After that she pulled her upper body up so that she was lying with her chest on top of mine, staring down into my eyes.

"How's this for an answer?" she murmured.

She brought her head down, and I instinctually closed my eyes. We met in another kiss, but this one was on a whole other level from the last one. It completely removed the need for words to express our true feelings for each other. I couldn't tell whether we stayed like that for hours or just a few seconds, but eventually Cynder pulled away. This time I could see a trace of moisture at the corners of her eyes, accentuating her smile of pure happiness.

"I would love nothing more than to be your mate, Spyro. I can't imagine being with anyone else."

I beamed, excitement filling me to the point that I thought I was going to explode. She said yes! I couldn't believe it! Cynder was going to be my mate!

Best. Hatchday. Ever!

I was euphoric, and I couldn't form any kind of words in response. The only thing I could think of doing was holding Cynder tighter with my forelegs and pulling her in for one more kiss. I could have stayed like that for the rest of time and been perfectly satisfied. This moment was absolutely perfect.

All too soon, though, Cynder broke away again and spent a moment just gazing down at me fondly. I looked straight back into her eyes, a massive smile still stuck on my face. That was when some of my earlier concerns decided to worm their way back into my head, though.

How was this going to work? How could I make a meaningful addition to this new partnership? And what would we do when I forgot that I had even asked her to be my mate, and she had agreed? What would I think when she told me?

"So...now what?" I asked, giving voice to my worries.

Either she didn't interpret that the way I'd meant it, or she did and simply dismissed my fears for more...immediate matters. Whatever the case was, a devious, alluring smile crossed her lips and she chuckled quietly. I gulped as my face began to heat up, and I was sure my scales were turning bright red.

"Well, first you need your medicine," she said, motioning with her chin towards her bag. "After that, what do you say we head back to our hut, find a bath to get this sand cleaned off, and then..."

She leaned closer until we were face to face, running the side of her muzzle along mine as she moved toward my ear. Her voice lowered to a near whisper.

"...we can see about making this official?"

I shivered from the chill that her voice sent down my whole body, and for a second all I could do was stare back up at her in shock while she pulled her head back and grinned down at me. I didn't know how to respond, but at the same time I couldn't deny the thrill of excitement that I felt at her suggestion. It was...such an odd mixture of feelings. Surprise. Anxiety. Doubt. Desire...

Oh, dear Ancestors, did I want this!

She seemed to take my silence as the answer she was looking for. With a highly pleased smile she stepped off of me and picked up her bag, backing away to let me up. My eyes never left hers as I did so, and when she turned toward our hut and started walking I followed obediently. She glanced back at me regularly, and when she did it was as if I could see my own feelings mirrored in her eyes. The same anxiety. The same longing. My heart was racing faster with every step.

This was really happening. It almost felt like a dream.

Please, oh please don't wake up...

Yeah, she had definitely planned this. I could tell from her smile that this was playing out exactly the way she had wanted. This place. The atmosphere. The feeling of seclusion and intimacy that it created. She was playing on my feelings like a pro.

And I had absolutely zero complaints.

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(A/N): And there's chapter 3, all done. Thank you for reading, and hopefully this was a little less gloomy than the last two chapters were. Also, massive thank you to everyone who left reviews on the previous chapters! :D I'm thrilled with the reception this story has gotten so far, and I'm looking forward to hearing more of what you think!

Until next time...