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Exclaimer: To people who don't like the story, just don't read it.

Chapter 2

A New Day

The sun was shining brightly up at the sky. The birds were chirping, and the trees were swaying as a light, fresh breeze went over them. The Avalar Forest was relatively calm and peaceful; the river flowed lazily, as the day began. The forest was coming to life, as the fauna began to wake.

In a clearing, somewhere inside the forest, two dragon bodies lay.

One was of a dark purple scaled dragoness; the other, a rich purple scaled male dragon. The two laid down the grass, a light snore coming from the male. As the sun's rays reached her cheek, the female dragoness opened her eyes. She blinked, feeling a bit lost. Sleepiness still clung onto her, as she rubbed her eyes. Cynder looked around, examining where she was. Spyro was lying still beside her, and from the looks of it, was still sleeping. His chest was moving up and down rhythmically, in tune with his light snores. They were in some sort of clearing in a forest. It took her a few minutes to recognize where she was, and when she did, she raised a brow.

They were alive! They had survived! Apparently the world had been saved! Spyro was successful! But along with this came questions.

How in the world did they ended up at the Avalar Forest, when just moments ago, they were fighting Malefor at his Lair? Was it really moments ago? Cynder herself wasn't sure. She closed her eyes as she relieved the memories she had that were now coming back to her.

~FLASHBACK~

Time Frame: During the fight with Malefor at Malefor's Lair

Cynder was panting heavily, tired and worn out. They had just taken down their greatest enemy, the Dark Master himself, Malefor. Spyro was right next to her, panting as well, but seem to be deep in thought. What could he be thinking right now? She was about to ask if something was wrong, when he looked up, a look of determination in his eyes. Something told her he was going to do something rather…drastic.

"I know what I need to do. Just get out of here, Cynder," he said, wanting to ensure Cynder's safety. Cynder was taken aback. Did he just say that? Did he just ask her to leave him? They were partners! He couldn't do that!

"Spyro, no... You don't have to do anything. Let's just go," said Cynder, accepting that it was the end of the world.

It really was. They were all going to die, as it would seem. The Great Destroyer had successfully done its mission, and now, the earth was even shaking to make them realize that the destruction of the world is nearing. It was quite ironic that all their efforts were futile. They fought so valiantly; sacrificed even the life of a friend, only to realize that doom was inevitable.

It was a sad fate.

"Where, Cynder? There'll be nothing left! The world is breaking apart. But I think I can stop it. I think I'm meant to," he said, a fire in his eyes.

Cynder stared at him, realizing that whatever she did, he wasn't going to budge with his decision. And deep down inside, this was where she'd rather be. If they were going to die, she might as well die alongside him. Her partner…

"Then I'm with you..." she said, standing beside him.

Spyro looked at her hopefully, before closing his eyes and concentrating. Cynder looked in awe as his body hovered above the ground, as he began concentrating all of his strength. She was reminded of how Ignitus sacrificed his life to save them. Spyro's power so great, she herself even began to float as a bright light began to glow from Spyro's being. She smiled, looking at him as their surroundings began to get destroyed.

…her loved one; she had fallen in love with him over the course of their adventure. She was just too shy to admit it. And now, it was now or never. They were going to die anyway, so it was best to confess to him. She floated close to him, putting her maw as close to his ears and whispered.

"I love you…"

~END OF FLASHBACK~

Cynder opened her eyes as she realized something. Something very fatal, that she had not considered when she had confessed to him. Did Spyro actually hear her when she confessed? She found herself staring at his sleeping body as she contemplated. He looked so handsome, perfect and at peace. Spyro was the only dragon that cared for her. Technically, she was the only one she ever met that was the same as her age. But she doubted that anyone would regard her with as much care as he did. Especially with her track record of being the "Terror of the Skies"; it didn't give her a good reputation.

She hoped deep down inside that he too loved her back. And the only way to find out about it is if he heard her, and that was to ask him.

Could she the find the courage inside her though?

She just shook her head.

Now was not the time to contemplate her feelings.

They needed to make sure if everyone had survived. And for them to do that, she needed to wake Spyro up.

She walked over to him, and gently nudged him.

"Spyro…Spyro…wake up…"

0 0 0 0 0

Spyro let out a tired groan as he felt himself come back to reality. His entire body ached and he was completely sore all over. It was like he was run over by stampeding sheep. He lethargically opened his eyes; one after the other, and the first thing that he saw…was Cynder. She was looking down at him; a concerned looked on her face.

"Wake up…" she said, as she nudged him more.

"I'm awake…" he groaned, smiling toothily at her. With that, he rolled to his side, and yawned as he stretched his body. His joints were so stiff; it actually cracked back into place with that distinctive pop sound. As he did so, the memories of what had happened flooded back into him, catching him up to speed. Along with this, the sense of urgency came along.

"Wait!" he said, in full alert glancing at Cynder. Cynder was taken aback, blinking at him.

"We're alive!" he said enthusiastically.

"We are," said Cynder flatly. The enthusiasm Spyro had didn't pass over to her. She had already realized this earlier. Spyro let out a deep sigh.

"I'm so glad we're alive…I thought we were going to die…" he said.

"You're not the only one," added Cynder. Spyro chuckled.

"Well, I guess our job is done huh?" he asked her, stretching again.

"We have saved and rid the world of evil," Cynder replied.

"Mission accomplished then; I think we should head back though," said Spyro. Cynder raised a brow.

"Where?" asked Cynder. Spyro smirked.

"Warfang? Remember?"
"Oh right. That is where we live…now." Spyro nodded.

"Let's walk though, I'm too tired to fly at the moment," said Spyro, stretching his wings.

"That, I agree with you," replied Cynder, walking closer to him than normal.

0 0 0 0 0

Meanwhile, at another area of the forest…

A dragon body laid spread eagled at the ground. His body was covered in bruises and the grass where he laid look singed. His blue scales reflected off the sunlight brightly, as well as his yellow underbelly. In a matter of moments, the body moved, as he was coming to.

The dragon let out a throaty groan, as he woke up from his slumber.

"Ugh…" He sat up, rubbing his eyes, slowly turning his head, examining where he was.

"Where in the world am I…?" He sat up, trying to remember where he was.

"I feel like I should know this place." Again and again, he tried to search inside his mind the name of the forest he was currently in.

"Why can't I….why can't I…remember…"

Then, a startling thought came across his mind.

"Wait a minute…Who am I!"

He stood up panicky and felt something light swung around him. He turned his head, to find a brown knapsack resting on his side. Maybe this could tell me who he was, or where he was to begin with. He was confused and distraught. His memories seem to have been taken away from him.

"What's this?" He gently opened it, to find a scroll of parchment inside, tightly bound by a strap with a peculiar marking. As he tried to reach for it, to examine, something caught his attention. Something seemed to be…scribbled with black ink at the corner of his knapsack. He turned his head, trying to read the seemingly illegible writing. Once he did, he read it.

"Iz…Izra…Izrayl?" His brow rose. "Is that…my name? Izrayl?"

But before he could continue down that line of thinking, a sudden scream caught his attention. It seemed like a cry for help.

"No time to dilly dally," he said to himself, as he ran to the direction of the sound. He didn't know why, call it instinct, but he felt compelled to check it out.

0 0 0 0 0

"So Spyro…can I ask you something…?" said Cynder.

The two of them were walking at a casual pace for minutes now. Surprisingly, all they had come across were some fauna in the area; flocks of sheep, groups of squirrels, birds chirping and all that made up the forest critters. But no signs of cheetahs, or dragons; however, it was quite clear though, that they were nearing the Cheetah Village. Distinct markings made by claws were etched onto specific tree trunks. Spyro remembered vaguely that Hunter told him, this was the system of navigation for the cheetahs of their village; for them to not get lost, if they ever did.

"And that might be?" he asked back.

"Umm…do you remember the time when we were at Malefor's Lair?" asked Cynder, averting her eyes from Spyro's gaze. She felt nervous to even ask him.

"Okay…what about it?" asked Spyro, feeling curious now. Cynder was nervous. This was rather rare.

"Uh…do you remember me ever…saying something to you?" she asked.

This was it; time to know the truth. Cynder's heartbeat rose, reflecting on her anxiety.

"When?"

"During the part where…you were floating…you know, doing your thing to save us all…"

"Hmm…let me think about it…"

The suspense was killing her!

"So…? Do you remember me ever saying something?" Spyro was about to reply to her when a scream destroyed the silence. Birds flew from the trees they perched, as it completely disturbed the peaceful forest.

"What was that?" asked Cynder, caught off guard.

"I don't know." Spyro turned his head and sensed where the cry for help had come from. "But I think someone needs help. Let's go!"

"Right behind you!" Cynder's question could be put off later.

With that said, the duo ran forward, Spyro leading the way.

Please take some time to R&R.

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