The path to peace always ends at the heart. For this is where the treasure of life resides, a spoil meant for two.

A trial of love, a testament to his spirit,
Crash endured to stay where he was needed.
Spyro was forced to watch almost unable to bear it,
For the surprising victory left the love of his life unfairly defeated.

A war of hearts would over time silently emerge,
Between two different souls to Spyro they converge.
Till the climax of the latter rekindled the fires of the original,
It left the hero to many so intensely miserable.

Now he feels so much guilt, feels so much shame.
All Spyro can think of is his growing self-hate.
Towards a hero who doesn't deserve either soulmate,
Facing an impossible decision, with only himself to blame.

But what if I said fate has found a way to make things right?
To mend the aches of four hearts and weave two families ever so tight.

Reconciliation. The Path to Peace

"Thank you Cynder, Really. You've brought forth so much hope in him; he's better than I've ever seen him in the past seven years. Whatever you said to him… just thank you."

Coco and Cynder were both in front of her home, watching Crash stand by the beachside. Coco said her brother liked to listen to the ocean sometimes, though today she claimed it was the first time he had done so in a while on his own. It was the first time, really, that he had gone out and actively done something on his own in a very long time. How she phrased it just exemplified why she was miserable because of what had happened to her brother, but now Coco was so genuinely happy that Crash was acting more "alive" that she is so emotional. But what could Cynder expect. She never had a brother or sister, but even so she could understand the bond between siblings, and Coco for the first time in ages was seeing her brother act like he had before he lost his memories, his passion. And she had caused it to happen. All Cynder had hoped for in this trip was to understand why Spyro had fallen in love with a stranger from another dimension, but she had instead found that she empathized with this wounded bandicoot and now wanted with all her compassion to do something about it.

It has to do, Cynder suddenly thought to herself, with seeing Spyro so miserable yesterday. Crash was the reason why. Spyro felt too guilty to face him again, but he needed to. He would never be happy unless he did so. Regardless of his mental health, he was still alive and yearned to see Spyro again… for maybe in a way for the first time. "You're welcome, Coco. But I don't think it was solely my words that have reinvigorated your brother. I think it's what I promised him. I said I'd bring Spyro here tomorrow, so they could see each other once more."

Coco took the time to gaze at her brother who was standing still in front of the ocean before she responded. "I tried for years to find a way to help my brother. I thought I could figure out some sort of medicine or therapy that would cure him so he'd be whole once more. But I guess that was short sided, all he really needed was his soulmate back."

Cynder suddenly started to feel a certain uneasiness because of her actions. What she was doing — bringing Spyro here — it may cost her Spyro's heart. She previously was sure that she could do it, let go of him if she needed to. But as the prospect became more of a possibility, her hesitance was growing. She reminded herself that Spyro had chosen Crash before her, but that sentiment didn't help her conscious. I love him too.

But then another thought hit Cynder. Was it unfair of Spyro to retain these feelings for Crash inside of himself for years and then fall in love with me? Spyro brought this upon himself. What happened to Crash wasn't his fault, but the shame he's feeling is. Though Cynder wasn't completely unsympathetic, Spyro just doesn't know what to do. And in his sorrows he's made the wrong choice; to never find closure with the one he loved first. Well no more, I won't let him sulk in shame anymore. He has to choose. And I'll make him do it.

You said you had a guess where Spyro ran off to Elora?

Yeah. Hunter actually went to go check. Evidently, he has something important to say to Spyro.

You two really care about him, don't you?

It's what friends are for. To be there when you need them and when you don't.

Spyro's own thoughts were betraying him, causing him to loath himself even more. He couldn't even breathe normally now, for he felt so horrible he contemplated just for a moment finding out what exactly was beneath these floating islands. Maybe if he fell far enough he'd never return. Cynder and Crash… I don't deserve either of you.

He looks so miserable, Hunter thought to himself. Elora went to comfort Cynder, so that leaves Spyro to me. Oh boy, I hope I'm able to help, for I can relate to what he's going through. Hunter landed on the current island Spyro was on; using his wingsuit to glide there from the portal he just came from to enter the Realm of the Dreamweavers. He landed, and Spyro jumped upon hearing someone land so close to him. Even from a couple yards away, Hunter could tell he was crying. For as long as Hunter had known Spyro, he always saw him as a cocky, confident, fierce hero. Spyro was always happy, was ready to face whatever dangers lay ahead of him and protect his friends from danger. But seeing him like this, so broken, it was tough to see. For Hunter respected Spyro a lot, held him in such a high regard. Even being several years older than him, Spyro was a hero and an amazing friend; it was an honor to know him, which was why Hunter hoped he'd be able to help him in any way he could.

"Hunter," Spyro said shocked "wha… what are you doing here?" I guess I was the last person he expected, Hunter thought to himself. He started to become nervous and unsure of what to say, but Hunter quickly gained his confidence. I'm here to help him, so I'll just be open with him, and tell him the truth.

"I guess I came to talk. I hope I'm not bothering you; I'll leave if you want. Though I was hoping I could tell you something that's been on my mind for a while, and maybe what I have to say can help you through what you're going through."

Spyro doubted Hunter knew what he was going through or would be able to help. But he was a close friend of his, and he certainly wasn't going to turn his company away. If Spyro remained alone for much longer, the prospect of leaping into that abyss underneath would become too welcoming. "You can stay Hunter. I'm just thinking… that's all."

The sorrow reflected in Spyro's voice. Seeing him like this was terrible. "Did I ever tell you about how Elora and I met Spyro?"

"No. I don't recall you ever mentioning it. You two are certainly such good friends."

"Well would you believe it was through her father?"

"Really, I didn't think he was still alive."

"No, he passed very early in Elora's life. When she was about fourteen years old, Elishua volunteered to join the Avalar Resistance after his wife died as a result of Ripto's invasion of his home in the Fractured Hills. I met him soon after I enlisted as well. I lied about my age to join yet was still accepted. His tales were always inspiring, but one thing I always remembered him talking about was his daughter, his soul and his passion, the reason he was there. I always looked up to him, him being a sort of father figure to me since I never knew mine. One day he was severely injured during a firefight, and I dragged him to safety. He told me there was a letter underneath his pillow back at camp, which he had written for his daughter in preparation for a moment like this. He entrusted me to give that letter to her. After he died and the war to repel Ripto's forces was successful for the time being, I ended up delivering that letter to Elora, unopened. She read it aloud and it made us both cry."

Spyro was silent for a moment, not expecting this heartfelt of a story from Hunter. He always thought Hunter and Elora just sort of knew each other because. They were both his friends but he never really bothered to learn much of their history. "Wow. Elora never told me any of this."

"Most of that happened before you came and freed Avalar from Ripto. And when you did, you made Elora happier than I've ever seen her."

"I never knew she had lost so much because of Ripto. She… never seemed upset or remorseful when I first met her."

"It's the way she is. So positive, so open, so caring; she got it from her father. I… always admired that about her." Spyro looked at Hunter, a dear friend whom he'd been away from for too long, glad to have his company in this troubling time. After a few seconds, he continued. "I was never able to admit this to myself until it was too late, but I loved her Spyro." That drew Spyro completely off guard. He was in love with Bianca now. Though Spyro after a moment understood what he meant. Before he and Bianca met, he must have had feelings for Elora but waited too long.

"Really?"

Hunter breathed in and sighed before he continued; preparing himself to say what came next. "The way she looks at the world, understands it and sees the best in it even in the worst of times, is something truly incredible… I was afraid to tell her how I felt. I don't know why even to this day, but I just was. And after you defeated Ripto, and Avalar was free from his tyranny for good, I thought we could finally… be together. But my cowardice cost me that. Then the Sorceress came along, and I met Bianca. I feel in love again and felt guilty because of it, for I still loved Elora. Once the Sorceress was defeated as well, and Bianca was free from her control, she was ready to be with me and I froze. But somehow… Spyro, you could say Elora has that same ability to understand her friends as well as she can see the world for what it is. Because one day she just sat down and talked to me. She told me how she felt about me and asked how I felt. It was awkward at first but I don't know what I would have done is she hadn't sat down and been honest with me. The guilt of loving two people, and not knowing what do about it, it can be so gut wrenching. But I know now it isn't a dilemma you can tackle alone."

His advice was exactly what Spyro needed to hear, but how could he know what was troubling him so? "Hunter… how? How did you know?"

"Isn't it obvious? Elora cares a lot about you. And it's in her nature to know her friends. She told me where to find you, so here I am."

"She… told you to come find me?"

"Well, she would have come herself, but she instead went to speak with Cynder. I told her that maybe this wasn't any of our business to intrude in, but then she reminded me of the conversation we had so many years ago about us. I'm not sure what she intends to say to Cynder, Spyro, but I do know you picked one hell of a Dragon to be with, and I'm kind of glad I don't have to face her."

Spyro didn't respond to Hunter's sudden change in tone, for he was still too depressed to laugh any of this off. "You said Elora cares a lot about me. Does she… did she tell you about Crash?"

"Yes" Hunter said in a more serious tone. "You know, those are the same wings you borrowed from me seven years ago which Crash used to glide around this magical place beside you." Hunter pointed to the Elytra lying on the ground, and they brought up a pleasant memory for Spyro which instantly made him even more remorseful.

"I… I hurt him so bad Hunter. Crash crippled himself for me. I don't deserve him."

"Love… is something you never deserve, Spyro. For it's mutual, and it's something you have to earn. Regardless of whether Crash's trial of love was your fault, and I don't believe it was, he endured it because you earned his heart. I remember seeing you by his bedside as he lay comatosed. He meant the world to you, didn't he? Trust me when I say I know the feeling of helplessly watching someone you care about die. But Spyro, you're not in the same boat I was with Elishua, for Crash is still alive. You could go see him whenever you wanted, but your guilt kept you at bay. The shame in what you felt you caused still riddles you to this day, and It's keeping you from Cynder as well, isn't it?"

Spyro was losing it again at this point. It was just too hard to hear that his decision to stay away from Crash was the wrong choice and that in doing so it allowed him to fall in love with Cynder. He caused this misery he now feels, his hesitance and his guilt responsible for how he now feels. But what can I do! How can I possibly choose!?

"It's okay Spyro. I know you're sad and confused. Trust me when I say I've been there too as well. But you have something I wish I had more of. Courage. You saved the world from destruction; you can face Crash again. And you can face Cynder too. Just talk to them. Say the truth. I believe in you, and hope for the best. You of all dragons deserve happiness."

He was still tearing slightly, he still felt guilty, but… Spyro now believed there was a way out of this depression. All he needed was the courage to overcome it. "Thanks Hunter… you're a true friend."

"You're welcome Spyro. It means alot coming from you."

She said her final goodbyes, promising that she'd return soon, then activated the device which would summon a portal back to her home dimension.

I promise Crash, you'll see him once again… but would that mean you'd have him as well?

She walked into the bubble, closing her eyes as to avoid the disorientation that came with interdimensional travel, and she reappeared through an archway on the Professor's Island (or Agent 9's island, they still couldn't settle the debate). To Cynder's utter surprise, Spyro was waiting for her. Elora, Hunter, the Professor, and Agent 9 were there as well, but the purple Dragon is what stole her interest. She hadn't seen him since the moment they shared above Summer Forest's Castle. When he ran from her. But here he was, ready to face me. Cynder felt so nervous right now, she couldn't imagine how he feels.

"Could you give us a moment, guys" Spyro said softly. Elora gave him a nod and everyone left, leaving Spyro and Cynder alone to talk. To reconcile, decide their future and address the elephant in the room. Neither Spyro nor Cynder could initiate the conversation. Both were scared of this, this awkwardness. Spyro felt ashamed of what he's done to Cynder, both yesterday and before. Cynder worried of her future with Spyro, whether it was compromised or not. They needed to talk to figure this out… if they needed each other.

Spyro drew in his confidence, motivated by the speech his friend gave him yesterday. "Cynder… what I did to you yesterday… I'm sorry. But worse, what I've kept secret from you and from everyone else I'm even sorrier for. Because the truth is that I do love you. You're the perfect Dragon for me. We make each other better, and I want to spend my life with you. I just… felt guilty knowing that my happiness with you could only have happen because I abandoned Crash, who you've met today. I don't know what to do Cynder; I don't know if I can do it. Face him and tell him I'm sorry and that what he endured seven years ago was for nothing, because I now want to share my life with you. What kind of dragon does that make me? I failed him and now want to be with you."

He was genuinely sorrowful for what he thinks he's done to the both of us. It's bringing him to tears. He's must of shed so many in these past two days. After saving the world and giving his all to do so, he still thinks he's a horrible dragon. Though there is some truth in what he's saying to me, that the division in his heart is partially his fault. Well I forgive him, but he still must correct it. He must face Crash; I won't let him not do so. "Spyro, the last thing I ever thought you were was a horrible dragon. You're courageous, humble, noble, caring, and compassionate. You've risked your life for me and for everyone you've ever cared about. And I think that what happened to Crash… that you were unable to protect him, is why you're so broken up about it. It was the first time you had to watch helplessly as someone else fought for you. For the first time in your life you weren't sacrificing yourself for those you care about. But that's the thing Spyro. You don't always have to be perfect, save everyone, bear the responsibilities of the world on your shoulders. You've done it your whole life so that's what you've come to expect of yourself. But that's not what I expect of you, and neither does Crash. We don't want you to be our hero even though you're great at it. We just want to be with you. I forgive you Spyro, for all that troubles your heart. Because I love you too, and I accept all of what you are. And you know what, I love Crash and his sister too. Maybe not like you do, but I met him and now understand him. You need to face him again and be there for him Spyro, cause he needs you to."

"I… aren't you… mad at me? You can't just forgive me; I loved him and you at the same time. That's not… I can't do that, you don't deserve that and neither does Crash."

"You love me and I love you. That's enough for me. Because you're the best thing that's ever happened to me. The lifetime of darkness you saved me from, I will always be in your debt for that. I could never stay mad at you." Spyro bowed his head in shame, until Cynder appeared beside him, earning a look. "You're an amazing dragon, the greatest ever. I see it in your eyes, in your smile which I miss, in that cocky calm arrogance which has faded. I want that Spyro to return, one no longer weighed down by guilt, the one which accompanied me over Avalar yesterday."

He now looked at me, beads of tears in his eyes. But he was now smiling. "That Spyro wants to return too."

"I think he has."

They then kissed, and this time they held it and did so multiple times, their heart rates elevated and their breaths increased. Their lust for one another cemented in a kiss which they both yearned for, the culmination of all they've been through together over the years.

"Tomorrow, we head back to Crash's dimension. He needs to see this Spyro as well."

Spyro was silent for a moment, concerned with what will happen when he does see him for the first time in seven years. "I… we will. Though I have no idea what to say. It'll be so hard Cynder, after what happened to him… letting him go."

"I don't expect you to let him go. He's too special for you to do so. Just tell him the truth. He misses you, you know. Here, look at these. He drew these himself."

The first pic was of him and Spyro sitting next to one another above Summer Falls Castle. The next was of them gliding together with Crash wearing a wingsuit. The third pic was of a battered and bruised Crash wrapping his arms around Spyro, and the last was of Crash being kissed on the cheek by Spyro while he was smiling happily, Spyro tearing up as he did so.

"He… remembers me."

"Crash's come a long way in the seven years since his trial. His sister reassured me so after I spoke with him. But I think all he needs now to be happy once more is his best friend. Will you do that for him, Spyro? It'll mean the world to him, his sister, and me if you do."

"I… will. So you really met him, huh? And you like him?"

"All you friends do… including me too."

"Elora… she told me she spoke to you yesterday after I ran off. I can't thank her enough for that. Though I still feel bad about the whole situation."

"I heard Hunter spoke to you yesterday as well. You have a lot of interesting friends Spyro. I'd like to know them all. I started with Crash, but eventually I've got to get to know the others."

"In time, I promise. Though for now, let's get out of here and get some rest. I'm really anxious about this Cynder. I still don't know what I'm going to say. I don't want to break his heart, not after all he's suffered through to have mine."

Cynder sighed before she said what needed to be said. She knew it would tear Spyro down but it was the truth. "To be brutally honest Spyro, not seeing him in seven years probably did that already." She paused to see his reaction, it being exactly as she thought it'd be. His dejection was almost too much to bear, and she hated making Spyro feel like this. But it was the truth. "But know that he's already forgiven you Spyro. He just wants to see you again. Maybe what could have been is too late to be… but you two are still the best of friends. That won't never change. Being there for him will be enough. The words will come naturally afterwards."

What she had said to him had pierced right through him, hurting him badly, but he also knew it was the truth and not intended to scold him. She loved him too much to do so, and was willing to help him through this turmoil as best as she could. Trusting in her, Spyro spoke honestly. "Will it be wrong of me, to always be remorseful of the life I could have had with him? Is that wrong of me, Cynder?"

"No. And I'll tell you why. It was never your fault, what happened to Crash. Believe that, know it is true. Maybe you waited too long to see him again, but you're going tomorrow, and I'm going to be proud of you when you do."

"Th… thank you Cynder. I'm so lucky to have someone like you."

Cynder beamed at the dragon before her then reached out for Spyro again, and once more their tongues made contact, the kiss elation for the both of them. "We're lucky to have each other."

Spyro then glanced at Crash's drawings of them together, each bringing up pleasant memories of what could have been. "I… was… am lucky to know him as well."

He had a strange dream last night. It was of his future, not his past. It was of what he wanted in life. Not battling to save the world, defeating evil. It was of lounging on the beach, hugging his sister, surfing downstream with his jet board, riding a motorcycle. Things he's done before… yet would gladly do again. It was so happy, it made him smile. He then recalled the last time he was actually this happy. It was after a hug, after a kiss. During a time of total bliss.

Spyro. There was a name to that face. The dragoness told me. She is his friend. I was his friend. It was so long ago. I miss him. He is real. I was going to see him again. She promised me. The prospect was euphoria. I was going to be happy again. All these thoughts changed something in his mind, in his memories, he felt whole again.

‒‒‒‒

He woke up with vigor. He was focused; his thoughts weren't a cloud of confusion like yesterday, like days before. He got of his bed and felt at the collar on his neck. How long has that been there? His jeans were folded on a vanity. He put them on. There was a smell coming from the kitchen. Coco. So he exited his room and walked into the living room. Once there, he walked into the kitchen, garnering Coco's attention. He greeted her by waving his hand and smiled brightly, his teeth showing just a little.

"Cr… Crash?" she said confused.

Crash nodded his head slowly up and down a few times as he continued to smile endearingly at his sister. He then pulled out a chair and sat on it. Coco then approached him, startled, baffled, confused, and hopeful all at the same time. She was so close to him. Weird? Crash tilted his head to the left to signal his confusion.

"You… you're smiling?"

She looked so surprised because of it. It was bringing her to tears. Crash got up from his chair and stood next to his sister, wiping the falling tears from her face "K‒ aus I luv u."

That pushed her over the edge; she then tackled him in a hug. Crash returned the gesture, folding his arms around her and resting his head on her shoulder as Coco let out years of pent up grief and emotion go. Yesterday was a sign, but this morning Crash was acting normal. He was acting like she remembered seven years ago. He said he loved me, with his own voice! And I didn't have to make him!

"Is it you? Is it really you! How? How have you come back to me?!" She said this still hugging him, but now looking right at him. Crash smiled meekly, a little embarrassed, blushing, and scratched the back of his head. Wow, I guess I've been away for a while. It must have had something to do with the haze. Well that was gone now. "Come with me!" Coco then grabbed his arm and yanked on it, leading him outside. She led him to the edge of the beach, avoiding a small crab that was moving sideways. "You see that box right there, spin through it!" After a moment of confusion, Crash obliged, walking up to it and spun directly through it, shattering the crate to piece. Once he finished, he turned to face his sister, only to be embraced by her once more crying uncontrollable tears of joy.

"It really is you! Oh it's been so long Crash. I had almost given up hope, but yesterday Cynder came, and now here you are. I love you!" She cried on his shoulder again. Cynder… the black dragoness from his dream… no, from yesterday. She came from afar to speak with him. She knew Spyro. She would bring Spyro here today.

"Sh e's cum ing to day. W it Sp I ro."

Coco let go of her brother and remembered that Cynder had promised this yesterday. And her brother remembered! "You remember them Crash? You remember Spyro? Oh… you can use your communicator to… or don't. You know what, it's up to you."

Crash looked at his wrist. This was a gift Coco gave to him a couple of years ago. He remembered that day. He was in the haze then. Looking at it for a bit longer, Crash started tapping at it. "You've- always- made- my- life- better- Coco. Thank- you- so- much- for- that. I've- been- lost- the- past- several- years. Know- you've- helped- bring- me- back."

"No Crash... Thank you. For being an amazing brother. It's good to have you back." They hugged once more.

Crash for the next two hours waited patiently. Today was going to be a good day, he could feel it. Something about what he dreamt of last night told him this. It was a premonition of sorts. He would finally be reunited with someone he missed dearly. Someone he remembers now. Spyro. It's been so long, and things were different now. Cynder, she was his friend now like he was, and Crash liked her. She was like Spyro in a lot of ways. Hopefully she was coming today too.

The portal opened a few yards in front of him, exactly where Coco said it would spawn. Two dragons emerged from the sphere, one black and one purple, standing side by side. They both froze when they notice he was waiting right in front of them. Spyro and Cynder.

Crash got up from his seat on the ground… smiling. Spyro could only look at his face and be reminded of when he looked at him seven years after he survived his brutal duel with Dark Spyro. They both were looking at each other, fully aware they were staring at their former soulmate. But now here they were seven years later, with so much changed. Spyro knew this was going to be hard, but nothing prepared him for the swirl of emotions he felt upon seeing Crash smile, a sight he thought he forgot.

To his utter surprise, it was Crash who started talking first. "It's- been- so- long, and- so- many- things- have- changed. I- remember… faltering- after- fighting- to- be- with- you. Then- I- remember- years- of- a- haze. A- clouded… mind, obscuring- things… preventing- me- from- remembering- who- I- was. I- missed- you, buddy. Every- day- even- though- I- didn't- know- it. But- yesterday- Cynder- came- to- me, and- reminded- me- of- what- once- was… and- now- it- is… can- be. I- feel- alive- again, for- the- first- time- since- you- held- me- in- your- arms- seven- years- ago."

Spyro was speechless. He… he remembers me? He after all these years is complete once more. Coco was now behind Crash, ecstatic to see Cynder once more, forever grateful for helping to bring her brother back from his haze. Cynder was not going to speak, for this moment was between Spyro and Crash. Crash was now smiling, and that was bringing Spyro to tears. So many tears! It was stupid!... That stupid feeling is his chest, which he remembered from so long ago, even before the Trial of Love… Oh it was back, and he was so glad it was that he was smiling as passionately as Crash was.

"I missed you too Crash. So much. I'm so sorry for waiting so long. I don't know what I was thinking."

Crash then knelt in front of Spyro, and he tackled him in a hug so similar to how his sister tackled him this morning. They savored every moment as they held each other in an embrace seven years overdue, Crash's tears falling on Spyro as his fell on him. They hugged for what felt like an eternity.