When Spyro opened his eyes, he was surprised to see Ignitus peering over him, visibly relieved.

"Spyro! Finally, I thought you'd never wake up!" Ignitus said as he helped Spyro up. His back was sore from sleeping on the floor at home and he groaned in discomfort as he stood up.

"Any reason why my back hurts?"

"You were sleeping on the floor at home."

"Oh." Spyro replied absent-mindedly as he stretched and looked around the Chronicler's study.

"So, why'd you bring me here, Ignitus?" Spyro asked, still thinking about Cynder's condition back at Avalar, he let out a small sob despite himself.

"I'm sure you've already heard about this," Ignitus started solemnly as he led Spyro to the nearby chair and table. After clearing the table of books and scrolls, they sat down and Ignitus put a paw in Spyro's shoulder, clearly bracing himself for the terrible news he was about to break to Spyro.

"Malefor's back?"

"Yes, he is. However, he has not only returned, he is apparently residing in the form of a spirit in Cynder's heart." As he finished his sentence, he looked up into Spyro's eyes, now full of dread and fear.

"After the both of you defeated him, he released his spirit before he died. I'm not sure how he did it but, after I became Chronicler, I reread the scroll of Malefor's defeat and I found out about this…" Ignitus continued in a quiet tone, barely above a whisper as he picked up one of the many scrolls on the ground and lay it open before Spyro. As Spyro's eyes scanned the words, he shook his head in despair.

"As Malefor breathed his last, a thin, ghostly wisp escaped from his mouth and entered Cynder's body, sowing its seeds within Cynder's heart, waiting for some unknown time when he would return as a force stronger than ever before…"

Spyro stood up unsteadily and walked over to Ignitus. He stood before Ignitus for a while before beginning in a menacing tone.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"Spyro-"

"WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME ABOUT THIS, IGNITUS?" Spyro shouted into Ignitus' face as he knocked the scroll off the table violently, visibly enraged that Ignitus had hidden this truth from him all these years. He sat down, his face in his hands as he contemplated the truth behind those cruel words. Cynder was a vessel for Malefor's spirit for the past 3 years, how could she betray him like this?

"Spyro, I'm sure Cynder didn't know this past three years that Malefor was hiding in her heart." Ignitus strode over to Spyro and placed his paw on Spyro's shoulder.

"Besides, I think I know of a way to save her. But it will be perilous for both you and Cynder. Are you sure you're ready for this?"

Spyro looked up, his eyes red with tears. He nodded, wiping away the tears with the back of his paw.

"I would do anything for her, even if it means risking my life."

Ignitus gave a hearty laugh.

"Said like a true purple dragon! Now, there is a city in the East, Lazarus, where they should be able to assist you. While we guardians in Avalar are versed in the Terrarian elements: Fire, Ice, Electricity and Earth…"

"Wait, what are do you mean by "Terrarian" anyway?" Spyro asked with a puzzled look on his face.

"Well, the elements you have mastered are called Terrarian because they originated from the land. However, the guardians of Lazarus are versed in the Ethereal elements: Wind, Poison, Shadow and Fear, much like Cynder's elements. They are called "Ethereal" because they are intangible and originate from otherworldly sources."

"Alright, so how can they help me?" Spyro asked with a renewed hope that Cynder could be saved.

"As for how they will help you, I cannot say for sure,"

Spyro's heart dropped like a stone.

"But, they will definitely be able to assist you in curing Cynder. I can say that with absolute certainty. Unfortunately, you will also have to bring Cynder along with you to Lazarus as, from what I know, the physical body of the afflicted has to be there. That's why it's going to be a long and tough journey. Cynder is in no condition to fly from what I have seen in your home. I sincerely hope for Cynder's recovery, Spyro. She's not an evil dragoness."

"Thanks, Ignitus. Uh, sorry I kinda blew up just now. It's the stress getting to me and I just needed to let it out somehow. Don't take it personally." Spyro apologised sheepishly, his head lowered.

"Don't worry, you're still young and I don't blame you. Now, I'm sure you need a map, right?"

As Spyro left Ignitus' study with the map depicting the way to Lazarus, Ignitus stood there for several moments, looking at the ceiling both in admiration and nostalgia at Spyro's youthful spirit. It reminded him of someone he knew a long time ago, a good friend. He strolled back to the hourglass and as he looked at Spyro awakening in the bedroom, he mumbled with a small grin.

"Well, Baero, your son really takes after you, you must be proud, my friend."

Update: 3 August 2011- Changed the title of this story from "Chapter" to "Book". Seemed more fitting.