If you haven't made progress on your enemy, they probably have made progress on you

Arrowheadlock

Spyro's POV

For the past week Cynder and I (as soon as we managed to get rid of Sparx) took a long vacation, just the two of us. Rephrase, we took our honeymoon together. Traditionally, when two dragons become mates, there was no big fancy wedding ceremony or anything like that. The male simply gives the female an amulet or some sort of jewellery that matches their element. Simple, and straightforward.

Of course that is the tradition.

Cynder, being a purple dragon, made it impossible to find a jewelry set with the right stones. I did however managed to find a set of pure silver bracers for her. They matched her horns and smile perfectly, and she loved them.

So by the tradition started by ancestors eons ago. . . Cynder and I were now married.

Cynder and I continued onward, exploring forests and canyons and ocean shores together. The sun was out, the wind was strong, and I felt so alive! How could life get any better than this? We followed the shoreline south back towards Warfang when we found a cove that simply took our breaths away. . .

The view was incredible. The sea eroded away parts of the rock resulting in stone arches and other geologic landforms. The sun shone brightly as small light clouds danced across the sky. I took a deep breath in, inhaling the smell of the sea and surrounding plant life, and let out a huge sigh.

"You love it here don't you?" Cynder asked as she stretches out in the sun.

"Yes I do," I answered, "How about you?"

"Likewise," Cynder admitted, "Might even see if we can't build a home here, If you don't mind."

"No," I replied, "I love the Idea. But I still love you."

"Spyro you little rascal." Cynder laughed.

Spending that night in the cove and setting out agian in the morning for Warfang. Cynder and I needed to get back and share the good news, well with our friends that is. We'd never hear the end of it if news got out into the public. I just wanted to live a life were I didn't have to put up with fans all the time, Cynder felt the same. After a long day's flight we were following a river through a mountain range, soon the sun started to set so Cynder and I stopped for the night. After I went head to head with a bighorn sheep that is. Don't know why I did it, It was just fun.

And it made Cynder laugh and smile. . .

Ow my back's sore. . .

Shade's POV

"That was a good approach Shade," Brian complemented, "Nice and quiet, but your takedown still needs some work."

Brian and I were training in the mountains trying to get me ready for Appa. Brian really stressed the importance of knowing your enemy's tactics and weaknesses. If I wasn't practicing or sleeping Brian had me study a variety of subjects ranging from mathematics to history to the atonomy of humans, dragons, cheetahs, moles, apes, and all sorts of wildlife.

"You think I really am getting the hang of this?" I asked again, while I knew the answer, it was still nice to hear.

"Yes I do," Brian answered, "You've made amazing progress in the past few weeks, your mind is sharp, your body swift and silent, and you've tuned your fear into bravery and courage. Come on, we better get back to Warfang."

"So you think you're ready for Appa Shade?" Brian asked.

"I wish I knew Brian," I confessed, "I feel that I'm ready to face him, but I don't want to flinch in fear."

"You're afraid you might choke and screw up?" Brian asked calmly.

"Y-yes," I answered, "Is that bad?"

"No, that's good." Brian explained, "And don't worry about getting cold feet. You won't get scared until after it's all said and done not during."

"Thank you, Brian"

"That's what friends are for," Brian answered, "Or should I say family?"

I stopped in my tracks. Cold. Brian called me family. Family, The one thing I never had. The word had a mysterious feeling to it.

I felt like I was about to cry, all those years I've been trapped by Appa I grew up without a family. No mother to turn to for comfort, and no father to help me stay strong. While I was afraid of Appa, it was the empty hole in my heart that made me fear the world.

But when Brian said that word, Family, I felt something new, something different, something happy, the hole in my heart began to grow shallower.

Peace, Brian gave me peace.

The next thing I knew, I was hugging Brian as hard as I could as I cried.

Brian didn't resist it at all, instead he returned the hug comforting me all he could.

"Shade, we might not have the same parents or backgrounds but that doesn't matter. Love, trust, and loyalty, bring a true family together. Weather that's trust on the battlefield, or in your heart."

"You decide who's your family Shade, but let me welcome you into mine."

I couldn't hold it anymore! I started crying harder as I hugged him harder.

"Please, whatever you do, don't leave me by myself alone." I begged as I held him tighter

"It's okay Shade, just remember, you are never alone." Brian calmly reminded, "You're never alone. . ."

"Thank you, brother. . ."

Another one down! Sorry that I haven't been updating recently. My life has been a major pain in the "you know where" and I couldn't for the life of me write the romantic part.

Yep, its official Spyro and Cynder are now married. Why make a big deal out of it when it's between two lifelong friends? I was trying to balance it while still making it believable. My advice to other authors on this: Emotions are like salt, a balanced amount is good, but too much of it will ruin the whole thing. (Take notes Shakespeare)