Forgetting Who You Are
Chapter 13
The purple dragon met with everyone at the bathhouse, where the grime of the day would be washed away. There were two sections, male and female. He of course went to the male section, where Flame, Ciezan and Takkye were bathing. There were separate baths for washing, and communal baths for relaxing. Ciezan was scrubbing down a pouting Takkye, as Flame picked the dirt from under his scales with a claw.
The purple dragon took the bath next to Flame. The water was warm, soothing and melted away all stress. "Quite the fight. Quite the power. You feeling okay"? Asked Flame, a bar of soap wraped in his claws.
"Yeah I feel fine. I never knew the thrask could be so powerful. I wonder if I could learn gravity magic".
"Not likely. Ash would have to teach you. And right now, that power is the only thing that guarantees his survival". Ciezan grabbed a stiff brush, lathered it with soap, and scrubbed down Takkye's back. The young gryphon squirmed and giggled.
"That tickles"!
"Well maybe if you stopped moving so much, it wouldn't". He splashed Takkye playfully, who retaliated with his own waves.
They shared a laugh before an attendant popped their head through the doorway. "No splashing".
As the attendant left, Takkye stuck his tongue out to them, and giggled more. "Alright, you're clean enough". Takkye got out of the bath and shook himself dry while drenching Ciezan. "It's a good thing I still need a bath". The gryphon got into the water tub next to Spyro, and began scrubbing himself down. "Children, you love them and want to strangle them at the same time. Love usually wins out though".
Takkye ran into the females side, looking for his sister. Spyro, Flame and Ciezan heard a shriek, splash and a "Takkye"! From a startled Cynder, Ember and Vesh.
The three laughed. "I can't even imagine what it's like to have children. I don't think I'd have the energy". Said Flame, sinking into the hot water.
"You find the energy, trust me". He began scrubbing down his feathers.
Spyro looked to Ciezan, who seemed to struggle. "Is it tough? Cleaning fur and feathers"?
"Meh. You get used to it. But when others clean you, they have trouble. You'd have to live with it before you could understand". He reached to his back, just barely touching the scrubber between his wings. He gave up with a huff. "That's the worst spot. I don't know about dragons, but gryphons always seem to sweat more between our wings. It's not fun".
Flame sat up. "Between your wings? Any idea why"?
"Our fur and feathers are layered thicker between our wings. Not to mention our muscles. Always easier when someone else does it". He sighed, looking at the dragons through the corner of his eye.
"Just let Cynder wash your back. No need to pawn it off on your friends". Said Ash, walking through the open doorway. He made his way to a bath opposite the three, and removed his bandages.
"I would, but the bath house is split into two sides. Male and female. I can't go over there".
"Oh please. It's just a few steps". He looked over his shoulder.
"But it wouldn't feel right. I can't just go walking over there".
"Why not? The worst that happens is you get told to go back to this side. That's like a slap to the wrist for taking a cookie. Why are you afraid"?
"I'm not afraid. It's just that"...
Ash narrowed his eyes. "Are you afraid of seeing her naked? Last I checked dragons tend not to where clothes".
"No! It's just not easy for me to go over there. We just started dating and I don't want to do anything creepy. I can't go over there. It's not that simple".
"Of course it is! Watch". He turned back and headed to the other side.
The attendant was heard. "Sir! You can't go in there"!
"Eat me". As Ash rounded the corner, he saw the rest of the group. Cynder was drying Vesh with a towel. Her head turned to the door, where the burned body of the thrask was wholly visible. She covered her eyes in respect.
"What are you doing"?! She exclaimed. "You aren't allowed to be on this side".
"Ciezan needs you to wash his back. I think he's both too old, and not old enough to ask for help bathing". He rolled his head. "Open your eyes. You've seen my kind before. Unless you're afraid of the scars".
"I'm not afraid". She opened her eyes, the burnt thrask coming into view. "I'm not afraid".
"Well good". He walked to a bath just opposite of them, and lowered himself into the hot water. "Ooh. Hot. Not very comfortable. I prefer cold baths, soothes the skin. You know"? He stood from the bath. "Well, I guess I'll be going. This was nice. See you at the party tonight".
Ash walked back to the other side, where the three drakes were drying off. "I don't know if she's coming".
"We handled it". Said Flame, walking past the thrask.
"Oh really? Must have been fun". The three rolled their eyes as they left. "Not in the mood for jokes then. Suit yourself". Ash dried himself, as he picked up his bandages, he caught their odor. "Whoa. I gotta find something new to wear". He went to the attendant. "Do you know where I could find bandages like these? I forgot to pack extra".
The dragon looked him over, shocked by his outward appearance. "There should be a seller in the market".
"Wow, a store in the market? Who would have thought it"? The attendant glared at him. "Just give me an actual store. Preferably one with some standards of cleanliness".
"There should be a general store just past the market".
"Was that so hard"? On that note, the thrask walked away, dropping the bandages in the doorway. As he made his way through the city, he felt it's eyes on him. Uncomfortable with his appearance.
"Not the nicest of looks. Maybe we should teach them a lesson. Wouldn't that be fun"? Asked Koma, matching pace with Ash.
"Only fun for you. So no. I'd rather be left alone right now".
"But friends are so important"!
"Not friends like you".
Koma stepped in Ash's path. "Now that's just hurtful. We want an apology".
"Screw you". He said coldly.
"Well, it seems our true colors show. Don't care much for friends do we"?
"What do you want, Koma"?
His friend thought for a second. "Control. Power. Revenge on those who scared us". He brought a hand to the scars on Ash's chest.
Ash was quick to swat his hand away. "Last I checked, it was my problem. There is no us". He pushed past his friend.
Koma forced a crying face. "Are we breaking up? How could we break our heart like this"?
"It isn't hard".
Koma sighed, "We wasted a perfectly good performance. Don't we care"? He ran forward, catching up to Ash. "Look, we may have our differences, but we have to admit we work better as a team. Right"?
Ash stared him down. "What do you want with me"?
"Control, power, revenge. The usual. Didn't we go over this already"?
"I must have missed it".
"We've become bitter in our old age. We should go to couples counseling. They could help".
"Shut up, Koma. Why are you here? What do you really want"?
He threw his hands up. "We've been caught! What we want is to help. Revenge. That's our main goal. That's our ultimate end game plan. Isn't it"?
"I've let go of my anger".
"I haven't". Ash stopped in his tracks. Never had Koma refereed solely to himself. "You see, as much as you want us to be two, we are not. We are one in the same. We might as well own the same body. But the best we can do, is rest our anger into the bloody, caved in skull and liquefied organs of our enemies. We will break our fists on their face. Only that will put your scars to ease. Only then will you stop hurting".
Ash clenched his fists. "I'm not like you. Now leave me alone". He stormed off, and Koma stood there, a twisted smile curling up his face.
"Oh, Ash. You'll come around. They always do". He disappeared into a puff of smoke.
"The nerve of that bastard. Damn him. Why does he feel the need to invade my life? Why can't he anger others for once"? He stood at the door of the general store, looking up at the sign. Ash looked to his hands, to the scars. He clenched his fists and turned away. "No more hiding". The thrask stormed off, looking to occupy his mind with something happier.
Ash found his way to the training grounds, where he sat in the sand and meditated
"Little thrask taking a seat? Are we tired"? Mocked Koma, circling Ash.
"I thought you left".
"We can't be apart for long. We were meant to be! Didn't we have an understanding of this"? Koma pushed Ash with his foot. "Come on. Stand up. We can end your suffering now".
"Just shut up! Leave me alone Koma! I'm in no mood". He pushed back, moving his company a few feet.
"A little touchy, aren't we? If we'd rather, we could settle this like civilized thrask". He spread his arms, gesturing to the training grounds. "No death No worry. How about that"?
Ash cocked his head. "If I win, you'll leave"?
Koma held a hand out, wanting Ash to take it. "You have my word".
Ash took Koma's hand, and was pulled up from the ground. He stretched his body, readying himself for what would hopefully be a quick victory. Koma merely looked around, admiring the enchantment placed on the grounds. "Death prevention was our specialty. Strange they let a thrask blessed room exist. It does detract some of the fun though. Wouldn't we agree"?
"Not really. Just means the fight lasts longer. Nothing wrong with that".
"Maybe. But still"... Koma brought his right arm to his left shoulder, and swung it to the right. A blast of air knocked Ash off his feet, through the wall behind him, and into the city. "That's better". Koma turned to dust and materialized in front of Ash, who was digging himself out of a pile of rubble. "This should be a lot more fun now. First to die loses"? Ash didn't respond. "I'll take that as a yes. Begin".
Koma lunged forward, delivering a blow to Ash's abdomen and knocking the air from his lungs. "Time to fly". He pushed upward and sent Ash miles into the air. He raised his hand. "If all things fall to earth, that would obviously include you". He turned to dust again, and appeared several feet above the airborne thrask. "What goes up, must come DOWN"! He brought down a powerful kick, reversing Ash's direction and sending him into the market area in under a second. Koma landed just outside the crater. "Do our scars hurt without the bandages? Too bad. I thought you might provide a little challenge". He shrugged. "Oh well. Like so many before you, you die by my hand". Koma made a gun with his fingers and pointed it to the crater.
"I'm not done yet". Koma didn't see Ash burst from the crater, and deliver a kick to the side of his face. The thrask angled the kick, and consequently Koma's head, diagonally into the stone streets, creating a smaller crater. He jumped back, and Koma rose slowly.
His head was laying on his shoulder, neck broken beyond normal survivability. "That actually hurt". He pushed his head back into place and stretched his neck. "This might actually be fun".
Ash rushed him, fist ready. Koma caught the punch and pulled his Ash's head into his knee. The thrask stumbled back, but was soon met with a blow to his chest, launching him through a few stalls and the wall of the brothel in the district.
He pushed the rubble from on top of him, and turned his head to the dragons laying on the heart shaped bed to his right. "Ooh, she looks expensive". He joked, and jumped out the newly made door.
Koma stood over the ruined stalls, arms out. "Well, what is it"? Ash frowned. "Come get some". Mocked Koma.
They ran at eachother The blows they traded shook the dust off the city, and grabbed the attention of the guardians.
Koma laughed as Ash swung at him. "I know all your techniques. You did fight the purple dragon after all. That was interesting". He blocked a left hook and drove his fist into Ash's face. But instead of the impact he was expecting, his knuckles phased through. "An illusion"! He exclaimed.
He looked around frantically for the thrask. "You may have watched me fight, but you don't know all my techniques".
Koma looked around him. "What is this"?! He exclaimed, shocked. Surrounding him in a dome, were the arrow runes. So many there was no space on the ground or in the sky, one could go without being shot back down to earth. Ash stood just beyond the farthest ones. Fifty arrows stood between the two.
"Let's see how you like this". Ash covered the knuckles on each hand with singularity. He hovered a foot over the first arrow rune. "One thousand strikes will end you". He slammed his foot down and was carried to Koma in less than the blink of an eye.
In a matter of seconds, Koma was but a bloody pulp, kneeling on one knee, and wheezing through his shattered bones. Ash stood before him, and called forth the arrows to align themselves in a single row. "One thousand arrows! This is the end Koma. Now compress"! The line of arrows halfed it's size by stacking upon itself. "One thousand arrows stacked upon them self twenty times! Fifty between you and I! Can you react fast enough? Can you survive? No". Around his fist, he conjured a massive singularity, easily five feet in diameter. "My runes ignore mass. But you won't".
Spyro, Cynder, Ciezan and Ember watched in awe from the roof of the templeary. "Hey guys". Said Ember. "If those arrows really do do what he said... then he could destroy the planet with the shockwave. I don't think we want that".
The group gasped. "We have to stop him"! Ordered Spyro.
"Wait"! Protested Ciezan. "Trust me when I say he's an idiot for doing this. But I know he wouldn't do this unless he thought it was necessary. We can't stop him from killing whoever it is he's fighting. We have to keep him from destroying the planet". He turned to Ember. "Where's your scrying stone"?
"It's right here". She handed it to him. "Whatever you're about to do, make sure it works".
Ciezan handed the stone to Spyro. "From what theories I've read, when you pulled the planet back together you sectioned it off from everything else. Do that exact thing and try to direct it onto Ash. And concentrate on the stone".
Spyro looked at them, worried beyond belief. "What? I-I don't know what I did! It just sort of happened! How am I supposed to"...
Cynder slapped him quiet. "Look at me! I believe in you! Now do it"! She brought her mouth to his, and could feel him melt away.
Ciezan watched awkwardly as they parted, a string of saliva forming a bridge between the two.
"Okay". Said the purple dragon confidently, and turned to the fight going on. Spyro closed his eyes, feeling the power of the stone in his claws. Faces flooded his mind. His friends, family, mentors, and a few he didn't recognize. The stone began to glow, brighter and brighter. Spyro hovered off the ground, a purple aura surrounding his body. His eyes shot open, a bright white.
As Ash hovered his foot over the first arrow, fist cocked, he couldn't help but laugh.
"What's so funny"? Spat Koma, who sat on he ground, bloody and broken.
"You. I'll kill you here and the world will forever be rid of one so evil. We will be rid of one we knew not even existed"!
Koma smirked. "I'm not done yet". He stood, shaking on his broken bones. He cocked back his arm. "Come get some... Thrask".
A bright light enveloped the two, but they had not seemed to notice. "As you wish". Ash stepped onto the first twenty runes. And it was over. Just.. over.
Spyro was successful in sectioning them off from the world, containing the destruction. His aura died, and he made contact with the ground again. The purple dragon looked down to the scrying stone, a small crack in its flawless surface. It spread over the whole stone until it turned to dust in his claws, which floated off into the wind. He looked to Ember, worry in his face. "I'm sorry! I didn't know it would"...
Her eyes were wide. "You just shattered a scrying stone. That shouldn't be possible"!
"Are you mad"? He asked, scared of her rage.
She didn't yell. Instead she shook her head. "No. I'm... I have to go". She leapt off the roof and flew over the wall. Disappearing over the horizon.
The three that remained glided to the market, where two bodies lay on the ground. One whole, the other a bloody mess spread over the ground.
"Ash"! Screamed Ciezan, running to his friends side. "How the hell are you alive"?
The thrask had survived. If only by an inch of his life. His flesh was torn from his body nearly all over. His arm was a contorted mess of shattered bone and flayed skin. "Oh you know. Luck". He laughed a painful laugh. "I'm finally free".
"Who did you kill"? Asked the gryphon, looking over the red sand and lumps of bloody matter.
"Koma".
Ciezans eyes went wide. "That would explain why you used that much power. But you might have overdone it just a little". He gestured to the market place, where stalls now lay in shambles. "I'm amazed no one got hurt".
"Ha, as if Koma, would let anything happen to his 'precious test subjects'. Without a doubt I couldn't take a chance. He needed to die. And now I'm free. No more suffering. No more pain". He reached his destroyed hand to the sky, trying to grab rays of light. "Don't worry. I don't plan on dying here. Get a healer. Who knows, the guardians might have to make use of the healing baths we gifted them so long ago". His eyes shut slowly.
Ash awoke to a dark room, lit by torches. He was submerged under a familiar grey liquid. He looked to his arms, still covered in the burns left by Cynder. "Figures". Aside from that they were back in working order. He stood from the bath, dried the excess liquid from his body, and walked up a flight of unlit stairs.
At the top, was an abandoned building, filled with his friends. They looked to him excitedly. "That was fast". Remarked Cynder. "It took Spyro nearly three times what it took you".
Ash stretched his aching body. "Yep. The liquid is suited to heal thrasks. It works on others, just not as effectively. And thrasks don't need to go through a removal process".
"But you're missing out on such an experience"! Said Spyro sarcastically.
The thrask laughed. "Don't worry, you can go through the process for me. Okay"?
The purple dragon shook his head. "I'll pass. Twice is enough for me".
Ash looked to the sun, setting behind the mountains. "Well would you look at that. It's almost time for the party. Let's get going. I'm starving. We can clean up the mess I made tomorrow. For sure the guardians are gonna remind me about".
The red drake to the left spoke up. "They came by looking for you a little while ago. They seemed angry. More so than usual".
"I might want to prepare for that. Do you know if they like brownies"?
When they arrived at the tavern where the party was being held, they were quick to separate. Cynder and Ciezan moved to get drinks, and spend time together on the dance floor. And Ash went to do... whatever he was going to do. Probably mouth off to the wrong dragon and get thrown out.
So Spyro got a drink, and started conversation with a variety of others. They told jokes and shared stories. The purple dragon could say he was truly happy in that moment, free from all worry and just having a good time.
A group of dragoness' approached Spyro, giggling and fluttering their eyes. "Excuse me"? Said a jade dragoness. "You're Spyro right"?
"I am, yes".
She turned to her friends and smiled. "Well we were wondering if maybe you'd like to... dance with us"?
"Uhhh... sure. I guess so".
They squealed and brought him to the dance floor. The music started to pick up as they each vied for his affection. It was safe to say Spyro didn't really know what to do. From the sidelines though, jealousy was building inside a certain black dragoness.
"Look at that"! She exclaimed to her date. "How could he possibly enjoy that"?
"Oh come on. Don't tell me you're jealous of them. You said it yourself, he blew it, you've moved on". Ciezan raised his eyebrow. "Or have you really"?
"I have. It's just... I don't know. I guess it's weird. I want him as he gives up on me. And now he wants me as I give up on him. It's not right. If I would have waited"..
Ciezan pulled her gaze. "Then we wouldn't be together".
The black dragoness couldn't help but feel warm when looking into his eyes. She brought him close as they pressed their foreheads together. "You're right. Hindsight might be twenty twenty, but the view in front of me is pretty damn incredible".
"Wow. I knew I was good looking. But that good looking? You flatter me".
"Alright mister high horse. Don't ruin the moment".
"You're right, I'm sorry. I have to say, that polish on your scales looks amazing".
"You would notice that. What else do you see"?
He looked her over. "Well for one, that bartender looks like she knows how to use a shaker. I bet that translates to other activities pretty well".
"And the moment's ruined. Good job , featherhead". She said playfully as she strode away, back to the dance floor.
Spyro watched them as his dance partners left. He saw them embrace, kiss, and all in all love eachother. He longed for someone like that. But knew he wouldn't settle for anyone who wasn't Cynder. So he stepped off the dance floor, and sat alone at a table, watching the couples so happily together. The band playing music was pretty good. It had become okay music to dance to at any speed. He spent a fair amount of time watching. His new found hobby was interrupted however when Ash pulled a chair out next to him, and sat down, tall glass of ale in his hand.
"Having fun"? He asked, already knowing the answer.
Spyro rolled his eyes. "Oh of course! Why wouldn't I be? Maybe because I'm hopelessly alone? I don't even care even more. I blew it. I don't deserve anyone".
"You don't deserve anyone. You're right".
"Thanks a lot. Really uplifting".
"And the reason, is because you aren't willing to try. You want one and won't settle for anyone else. I couldn't think of anyone who'd want to be with someone so entitled. Maybe open yourself to new options. I can guarantee you, if you asked someone to dance they'd say yes. Being a hero does have it's perks". He knocked the table once. "Well I've had enough fun for one night. And for sure enough to drink. I hope you break out of this mood". He stood from his chair. "Oh, and remember, a dance can be fun, it doesn't have to be romantic". The thrask headed out the door, a slight stumble in his walk cycle, but he turned one last time. "I'm waking you up early tomorrow. So don't get too hammered". He continued his way out the door, leaving the purple dragon at the table alone.
Spyro sighed as he looked over the crowd of couples. "Did Ash say anything interesting? Or was he just an ass"? Flame took over the spot next to Spyro, a half empty tankard pressed against his lips.
The purple dragon looked at his red friend. "No. He actually gave some pretty good advice".
"Wow. Shattering expectations. What advice did he give"?
"That dancing is a good way to unwind and cheer up. Or something like that".
"Well", he placed his drink on the table, and jumped from the chair, "in the case of happiness, would you like to dance"?
"I don't know. I've never danced with another male before". He leaned in, whispering. "Besides, what would others think"? He chuckled.
"Let them think what they want. Don't let opinions get in the way of your happiness".
Spyro nodded, finding comfort in his friends words."Well then, in the case of happiness, let's dance". They laughed as they walked side by side to the near barren dance floor
Cynder and Ciezan were off to the side, talking to another couple. Ciezan nudged her and pointed to the two males. She smiled as she watched them get ready to start dancing.
"Will you lead? Or shall I"? Asked Flame.
Spyro looked around, eyes gathering on them. "You can lead. I don't really dance".
"Then it's a good thing I do". Flame laughed.
The music started, a fair speed. Good for energetic dancing and fun moves. Flame was obviously more experienced, and he turned elegantly, his body in tune with the music. Yet, there was a sort of harshness to him, like he was someone who shouldn't be underestimated.
Their heartbeat grew steadily along with the music. The dance was perfect; everything from the breathing to how their feet moved and stayed in sync.
"Flame," Spyro whispered, "everyone's looking at us."
Flame looked into his purple eyes. "Really," he chuckled softly, "I haven't notice."
Flame lead well, and Spyro followed to a tee. He went right, Spyro went right. He sped up, Spyro sped up. They seemed to become one with the song, with the dance and with each other.
The audiences' applause filled the tavern, and Spyro couldn't help but smile at the fire drake, who returned it graciously.
Cynder cheered from the sidelines. "Wooo! Yeah Spyro"!
It was in that moment, Spyro knew they had something special between them. A friendship like no other.
Flame seemed to think the same, and as the song died down, and their hearts raced, he acted. Launching himself forward, pressing his lips to Spyro's. The tavern went quiet as the red drake forced his way between Spyro's teeth.
The purple dragon however was dumbstruck. He didn't know what to do. So his eyes darted around the room as Flame pulled away, a darker shade of red than usual. His smiled faded when he saw Spyro's confusion. The red drake shook his head, "I'm so sorry". and ran from the tavern, tears running down his face.
Spyro ran after him, while the room was still processing what just happened. "Well that could have gone better". Joked Ciezan. All he got was a smack from Cynder.
As Spyro rounded the corner to the templeary garden, he caught a glimpse of the red drakes tail, leaping over the wall on the far end. Spyro followed his trail across a grassy field. Flame had stopped at the top of a hill, head hung low in shame. The purple dragon crept behind him, speaking softly. "Flame"?
"I'm sorry Spyro. I don't what came over me". Tears fell from his red eyes, watering the bed of flowers at his feet.
"It's okay. Don't worry about it".
"No it isn't"! He yelled. "I just assumed you'd be okay with it. I've seen the way you look at Cynder. Stupid. My first kiss and it turns out to be a mistake".
Spyro raised an eyebrow. "That was your first"? Flame nodded. "Well for a first kiss, it was pretty good".
Flame rolled his eyes. "Oh please, I'm sure you've had better".
Spyro shook his head. "Nope. First time". He lied.
The red dragon was surprised, surely a hero would be flocked by fans. But the thought ran away, and he was quick to drop his head. "Great, I stole your first kiss".
Spyro puled his gaze. "You didn't steal anything. Cynder's with Ciezan. She wouldn't kiss me while that's going on. And it isn't my first if you consider Ciezan licking me. Which I don't".
"It doesn't matter". He sighed, "I still made us look like fools. And it wasn't even that good".
"Hey, it was definitely better than Ciezan's".
Flame laughed through his tears. "Don't make me laugh. I'm angry right now".
"You shouldn't be. I'm flattered you feel this way".
The red drake grew slightly happier. 'R-really"?
Spyro nodded. "Of course. I mean, we share a bed. And with Ciezan, it was weird. With you, it was just unexpected. I could have done without the audience though".
Flame laughed some more. "I don't know what came over me. It just felt like the moment, you know"?
"I can understand that". He wrapped a wing around his friend. "Look, I'm not angry about the kiss. I am angry that you didn't tell me beforehand".
"I kind of figured. But yeah, in case you haven't already guessed, I sort of have a crush on you". He looked away.
A silence took over for a small while.
"How long have you wanted to do that"?
Flame looked him over, thinking about his time spent studying the heroes of the dragon realms. "Since I first read about you".
Spyro looked out over the field. "The stories must be pretty good if they get this reaction out those who study them".
His friend nodded. "Yeah, they really played up your heroism and sense of honor. They had my hopes up on your appearances though. So that was kind of a disappointment".
Spyro smiled. "Hey, you had paintings. You knew what you'd be getting into". Flame laughed. 'What's so funny"?
"Think about what you just said".
Spyro gritted his teeth. "Could have thought that out a bit more". He smiled. "Thanks for not making it weird". He said sarcastically.
"Oh I made it weird"?
Spyro bobbed his head. "Well you did kiss me in the middle of our dance. In front of a city might I add".
"Okay, point made". He looked up to the night sky, the stars seemed to glow brighter that night. "You have no idea how long I've wanted a moment like this. With that special someone. I was hoping it would be you. Thinking there was a chance even when I saw how you looked at her".
Spyro nodded. "Yeah, that was most likely because of a 'very vivid' dream I had of her and Ciezan... you know".
Flame raised an eyebrow. "So you're jealous of him? Do you think maybe it's fueling your desires a bit? Maybe it wasn't meant to be"?
"It's crossed my mind. I don't know why, but I feel like we were destined to be together. Either because everyone told us we were, or because I actually do love her. And it's kind of perfect. The heroes that saved the world by eachothers side, fall in love. Happily ever after".
"It does sound pretty poetic. But just because something sounds nice, doesn't mean it's the way it should be. As much as I'd like it, I wouldn't want you to give up on her for me. No, I'm saying you should tell her how you feel, and see if she feels the same way".
"That's the thing. I know she feels the same way".
"Perfect"!
"Except for the fact that I blew it. Bad. She was there, nuzzling me, and I just walked away. Saying we needed to hurry".
Flame nodded. "You blew it pretty bad. But that doesn't mean she's stopped loving you. Ciezan's great and all, but he isn't you".
"That's quite the compliment".
"Then again", He smiled, "you are a terrible kisser".
Spyro shoved him playfully. "I'm a great kisser".
"Did your pillow tell you that"?
"Hey, my pillow would never lie to me".
As their laughter died down, they looked to eachother once more. "Thank you, Spyro. For not letting this ruin our friendship".
"I'd never let a kiss ruin what we have". He looked back to the city, glowing a bright yellow against the night sky. "Do you wanna head back? Let everyone know we worked it out"?
Flame stood. "Let's do it".
Together they flew back to the tavern, where the crowd applauded them as they arrived together. Cynder and Ciezan stood at the door, awaiting their return. "So"? She asked. "Is everything okay between you two"?
They nodded. "Everything's good". Said Spyro as he peeked inside the tavern. "From what I can tell, I don't think the night is over yet. So that means we still have some celebrating to do".
"Yeah"! The rest shouted in unison. They stepped back inside and grabbed another drink.
"You got some moves, Flame". Said Ciezan. "And not just dancing".
"Kind of lost in the moment y'know"?
"So long as you have fun". The gryphon nudged Spyro, shaking him from his trance like state. "How about you"?
"I had fun. Just, a little surprising is all".
"Well I think you make great dance partners. How about you Cynder"?
"Oh, yeah. But maybe Spyro should take some lessons before he goes into any competitions. Maybe dance with others, learn from them".
"Others? Like who"? Asked Spyro, looking for a specific name.
"Maybe a dance instructor, or a friend. If you asked, I might be able to help. If you want".
"Okay. How about right now"?
"Now? I don't know. It's kind of crowded".
"Great for.. spacial awareness.. training. Yeah. What do you say"?
She watched the crowd, wanting but scared. "I guess we could".
"Great"! Spyro grabbed her and pulled her into the sea of dragons, disappearing in the mix.
"Must be hard watching your significant other dance with a legend, huh"?
"Not as hard as getting turned down in public".
"Should have seen that coming".
Ciezan sighed and finished his drink. He looked the tankard over, rolling it in his talons. "Screw it. I'm getting hammered. Wanna join me"?
Flame shrugged. "Is it gonna lead anywhere"?
"It seems you're comfortable after having coming out so recently".
"It's out now. Now I joke about it with more freedom".
"Are you in or not"?
"Hell yeah"!
The pair of dragons waded through the crowd, and into a small clearing. They set up to dance there.
"Now I haven't danced much myself, but I have been told I'm a natural".
"I am too. Naturally bad".
"We'll see if we can fix that. So get ready, I'm gonna lead". As they got ready, the fast, fun music stopped and it was replaced by a slow, calm melody. The dragons around them closed the gap and laid their heads into eachothers neck. Spyro and Cynder looked around, then back at eachother awkwardly. "The music changed".
"We're still gonna dance though, right"?
"Well... we can if you want". Cynder hesitated.
"Of course I do! We are here now. So we might as well".
"Very well". They got into position, "bow to me". He did, and she followed. "Now come closer". He did. "And.. do like the others". They pressed themselves into one another, sharing warmth and pulse. "Now lead". He took a step to the right, and Cynder followed. Then he went forward, then back, then right again. "Good, next step; balance". She laid her front right paw on his shoulder. "You do the same". He raised his left. "Other one". He switched and continued moving the way he had before. Cynder swallowed, taking in the moment. Spyro on the other hand, took in her scent. Soft and sweet.
As they waltzed, they lost themselves in the moment. They felt as one, truly at peace. Until the music stopped at least, and they were jerked out of the moment. The crowd became more rowdy, bouncing and moving fast. But Spyro and Cynder were content with their slow dance. So they stayed that way, even through the fast songs.
When they did finally have enough, they pushed back through to the table, disappointed by the sight that awaited them.
"H-hey. Flame! Look! It'sh dem. Dey're back! How ya been"?
"Great. You're hammered. Why am I not surprised"?
"Hey", interrupted Flame, "That's not fair. So we're partying! Who cares? Live a little"!
"I've lived enough for one night. Come on Ciezan, it's time to go".
He raised his head and smiled. "We're going to bed?! Okay"! He was quick to stand.
Cynder looked to Spyro. "I had a great time. Thanks for the dance. We should do it again sometime".
"Yeah. Definitely".
"Wooo! Let's go"! Shouted Ciezan as he and Cynder began walking away. "Get me some o' dat"! He smacked her hindquarters and she jumped forward.
"CIEZAN"! She yelled as they cleared the doorway.
Spyro looked to the red drake before him, whose eyes were heavy and tankard empty. "So Flame, are you ready to go"?
The fire dragon nodded. "Yeah. I've had enough to drink tonight. Not as much as Ciezan. He can sure hold his alcohol".
"Trust me, I know".
They traveled to their room, and climbed into bed, a nagging feeling in the back of Spyro's mind. "Hey, Flame"?
"Yeah"? He said sleepily.
"Is it wrong that I feel weird sleeping next to you now"?
The red drake sighed. "I didn't all of a sudden start liking you. The only difference is now you know".
"Oh, yeah. I guess you're right. Sorry".
"Don't worry about it". His words trailed into a snore.