Forgetting Who You Are

Chapter 8

As they walked the halls, the guardians told them of the improvements to the city that had been made since they left. The biggest change being electricity and steam. With the combination of the two, new defenses had been created, more effective ways of lighting the city at night, and more accessibility for those either disabled or flightless.

Another improvement was the medicine. What could kill hundreds of thousands before, merely caused a cough or mild nausea. It wasn't anywhere as effective as the thrask method, but it came without the abundant side effects.

Spyro, Cynder and Ciezan shared different rooms. The rooms were rather far from everything, especially since they weren't expected. But they were fairly sizable.

They came to an old wooden door, beaten and battered as though the building itself hated the tree from which it was carved. "This will be your room Cynder. Be mindful of the door. We haven't had the chance to change it in a while".

As the creaky oak swung open, the circular room appeared before them. It wasn't large, but by no means tiny. Against the wall just opposite the doorway, lay a bedframe with a wool mattress, and featherbed on top, below linen sheets and a bright red blanket. Next to it was a small table with a low power lamp. A window with wood shutters was to the right. A light on the ceiling had a large wire going out the door and to the left. It connected to a steam engine on a lower floor.

"It's not much, but it's all we have at the moment". Cyril turned to the purple dragon. "Now for you, Spyro". They followed the ice, electric and earth dragons down a flight of stairs just next to Cynders room. It lead to a long, wide hallway, lit by the dim lights. They walked the hallway until they were stopped at a large ebony door decorated with symbols of fire.

"The only room we have left will be given to the gryphons. It is fairly large, and should accommodate the three of them well. Which means you will be staying with us. In the elder chambers. This is the room Ignitus used during his stay in Warfang".

The door flew open silently, and revealed a large, and fire oriented color scheme. Orange, yellow and red were the primary hues. A bed fit for a very large dragon was against the far wall. It's frame was carved to look burnt. And elegant, bright orange canopy hung from the ceiling over the bed, and a golden flame symbol was stitched into the center of the drapes. There was also a sunken seating area filled with pillows of various colors.

The room was lit by a large brazier in the center. Against the right wall was a desk, with quills of all sizes, scrolls and inkwells. At the desk sat a red and gold dragon, near Spyro and Cynder's age.

The young dragon looked up from their writings, and looked surprised to see the three guardians in the doorway. "Oh, Cyril, Volteer, Terrador! If I would have known you were coming I would have cleaned up a bit". They hoped off the stool where they had been sitting.

Terrador stepped in. "Do not worry. That isn't what's important right now".

"I'm sorry, I haven't finished the writings yet! I know I'm late, but I just need one more day! They'll be done by tomorrow I swear".

The earth dragon chuckled. "That's not what we're here for".

Cocking his head, "Then what are you here for"?

"You are going to have a guest sharing the room with you". He stepped to the side to reveal Spyro, who gave an awkward smile.

The red dragons eyes went wide. "You're.. You're... You're Spyro! The purple dragon! You saved the world"!

Spyro laughed. "Well, I-I did what I could. You know? As uh.. as one does. Their best. Yep".

"You didn't just try your best, you saved the world! This is awesome"!

Cyril looked to the red dragon. "Ahem".

"Sorry". Turning to Spyro, clearing his throat, and bowing in respect, "It's an honor to meet you. My name is Flame. I am to be the next fire guardian".

"It's very nice to meet you, Flame. I'd introduce myself, but you seem to know me already".

Rising from his bow, "Yeah, maybe not the best first impression for the future fire guardian, huh"?

"Well I wouldn't say that. At least I know we're gonna be friends".

Flame smiled widely and Cynder squeezed through the door. His eyes went wide again as he saw her. He glanced to Cyril quickly, who's gaze said 'No' sternly. Composing himself, Flame bowed in respect. "Cynder, it's an honor to meet you".

She eyed him over. Checking for anything amiss. "So you're going to replace Ignitus"?

"Of course not". He said defensively. "I'm going to continue the honor of fire guardian. Just as what will happen with all other elements".

"But you're so young".

Flame smiled. "Well thank you, but I'm actually nearing my fifth decade. And from the paintings I've seen, you two haven't aged a day".

Spyro and Cynder looked at each other. "What paintings"? She asked.

After leading them down a few hallways, they arrived at a large door with a message carved into the stone above it. It read; Hall of Heroes, May everyone Aspire to Their Bravery.

Inside the hall of heroes was an uncountable number of paintings. Ranging from the old Kings, to the new guardians. At the center of the room sat a portrait of four individuals. It had Cynder sitting on the left, Spyro sitting on the right, Ignitus standing behind them. And a golden dragonfly perched on Spyro's horn.

Spyro knew this dragonfly. He knew it had significance to his past. On a plaque just below the painting were words. "Ignitus, Cynder, Spyro and Sparx. Forever Remembered as Heroes.

"Sparx". He said quietly. He looked to the guardians. "Where is Sparx"?

They shook their heads. "I'm sorry Spyro, he passed nearly eight years ago". Tears formed in their eyes as they saw the purple dragon hold back his sadness and anger.

"That's not fair. I promised him I'd come back. And I failed him"! The sadness broke through, and tears fell from his eyes.

Volteer stepped closer. "Spyro we"...

"I DON'T CARE! It wasn't supposed to end like this. We were supposed to be friends forever. I left and he died. I'm a terrible person". He fought his tears, trying to regain control.

He felt a warm embrace. One he had not felt for a long time. He knew who it was, and he let it out. "Ignitus".

Spyro found himself in the fire guardians room, laying on the soft bed, the rays of light passing through the window. Flame was looking through the desk. Scrolls pilling on top. He pulled out a last scroll and looked to the purple dragon.

"Well hello. Sleep well"?

"Yeah. What are you doing"?

Flame picked up the scrolls to the beds and plopped in front of Spyro. "Looking for these. That desk is a mess. I gotta clean it up".

Inspecting one of the scrolls, it was addressed to Spyro. "What are they? And why are they addressed to me"?

"Well", started Flame as he sat next to Spyro on the bed. "after the remembrance ceremony for you Cynder and Ignitus, Sparx went back to the swamp. But he kept writing you. The guardians promised they'd keep them safe just in case you ever returned. And now you're here, so you can read them".

"He wrote me"?

"Everyday". He picked through the pile. "Sadly we couldn't save them all. We had a pretty crazy fire. My fault, I'll admit it. But We lost a good chunk of them. This is all we have now".

Spyro looked to Flame. "Thank you. It may not be everything, but it's far from nothing".

Flame smiled. "I'm glad I can help give you some closure". He stood and made his way to the door. "I'll let you read them. Give you the time and all. If you need me I'll be training with Volteer. Won't that be fun". The last phrase was muffled as the door closed behind him.

Spyro looked through the scrolls until he found the earliest one. It read; Hey Spyro! I made it home and mom and dad were really happy to see me. When they asked about you... well... they didn't take it too well. Mom hasn't stopped crying for an hour now. Missing you buddy.

He picked up the next scroll. So today was moms birthday! The whole swamp came to visit. When we sat down though, she looked around a bit confused. And she asked me where you were before she realized... you know. It took a while to get her to calm down. It's not the same without you. Come home soon.

I find myself telling a joke and looking around for you. You're never there though. I just want to hear you laugh once more.

Mom called me Spyro today. Which is weird since I'm not purple or fat! I'm sorry about all those times I teased you. I wish I could have told you.

Hey man, long time no talk! I'm sorry about that. You'll be glad to know I met somebody! She's awesome. Her name is Jada. I really wish you could meet her. Maybe you will!

She said yes! I'm getting married! When I was asked who my best man would be I said your name by accident. Then... well you know. I know you'd be the best man though. You've always been mine.

It's weird you know? I'm still not used to blowing out the candles on my own. I don't think I want to do it again. It's just too painful.

Hey Spyro, it's Jada. Sparx really needs you. Most of the time he just stays in bed. But we have great news. Sparx is gonna be a dad. Now we just have to pick a name. Come see your nephew. Please.

So I heard Jada told you. But she didn't tell you what we named him. We named him Spyro. Named after the best brother, and my best friend. Love ya. Come home soon.

So uh.. mom and dads funeral was today. I know you were there. I could feel it. Little Spyro is growing up so fast. I've been telling him about our adventures. It's getting harder and harder. I've still got so many. But I don't think I can tell them anymore. I'm sorry.

I think this is the last time I'm gonna write you. It's getting too painful to think about. I want you to know I love you. I will never stop loving you. You were and still are, the best friend, brother, and hero I've ever met. If you're still alive, I want you to be happy. Tell Cynder I'm sorry. For everything. She's really perfect for you. Sincerely yours, Sparx. Love you man. Forever.

As Spyro read the last note, he couldn't stop his sadness, his guilt, or his pain. He wasn't ready for today. He didn't want any more sadness. So he didn't leave. He stayed in bed, wrapped in the memories of his brother. Longing for the chance to see him again. Just once.