Chapter Nineteen: Out of the Frying Pan Into the Fire
Aemus was once more in his throne room. He was preparing for what was coming. He now knew Cynder was somewhere in the castle, and he was ready to battle her. But he'd realized something quite recently: Spyro and a few more Skylanders were there at the fortress, as well. It almost made him laugh. Hadn't they learned anything after the Battle of the Ice Caverns? If not, then they were truly delusional.
Behind his throne was a tapestry portraying Malefor as the savior of the world, which was how Aemus saw him. Aemus smiled at the tapestry, bent to his back knees, and said, "I will avenge you, my lord." The Black Dragoness had taken Malefor from him, but Aemus had a way to revive him, or so he hoped. But he planned to kill Spyro and Cynder first, as they were no more than nuisances. When Malefor had returned to Skylands, Aemus would be by his side. He would make sure of it.
His plan involved something so brilliant that not even he could believe that he'd come up with it! It would most certainly be enough to end Cynder. That was something he had no questions about.
I've waited so long, Aemus said. This world was never meant for Cynder, but it was meant for me. I will prove that I cannot be defeated. I will prove that Cynder is nothing more than dust in the wind. I will crush her body. Her spine will break in my jaws, and when her body crumples, and her mate cries out in terrible pain, I shall kill him, just as I shall kill all those who stand in my way to ascending to Malefor's side. You may have once been my general, Cynder, but tonight, you are on the operating table. And I am the surgeon.
Aemus laughed in the most cold and evil way possible. He heard someone clear their throat behind him, and he found Jáco standing there. "Yes?" Aemus asked. "Can I help you, Jáco? Can you not see that I am busy preparing for tonight? What do you want?"
"You should know that we've detected a large amount of movement somewhere in the castle," Jáco began. "Not sure exactly where, but I sent someone to take a look, and they found the dead bodies of some of the guards. I should have been there, but I've been here, helping you. What do you wish for me to do?"
"The best thing for you to do is stay with me for the moment," Aemus told him. "I have a plan for you. You won't be fighting any of the Skylanders until I tell you to. Do you understand me, my soldier?"
"Yes, I do," Jáco said. "But when will the action begin?"
"Soon, Jáco. Soon."
Cynder and Sonic Boom were nearly there. They'd nearly made it. But there were still a huge flight of stairs, which Cynder didn't know if she could take. It seemed her limp was becoming worse as each minute passed, and she was beginning to shiver again. She was grateful for Sonic Boom, whose feathers were warming her more. But she needed someone else near her to warm her. She wanted Spyro by her side so badly.
But her mate was somewhere around here. He was close by, and she could still smell him. She was too cold to even try to establish a mental connection with Spyro. She was scared, too, as she was not sure if Aemus would be able to intercept the mental connection.
"Cynder?" asked Sonic Boom. "Are you okay? I can feel you shivering. If you want me to, I can get closer." Sonic Boom was panting, which was not good in the frigid air.
"I'm fine for n-now," Cynder told her, and it was half a lie, but not completely. She felt cold, and she was, but she also felt determined, which she realized was warming her somewhat, something she'd never felt before. Was some of her body heat returning? "I thank you for the help, Sonic Boom. You've been helping me through this adventure, and hopefully we'll end this soon enough. Spyro and Sunburn are somewhere around here. I can still smell them. And there are others with them. We'll be safe."
Sonic Boom nodded. She tried to think of something more to talk about with Cynder, but she couldn't think of anything for the moment. But then something came to mind.
"Cynder, I know this sounds weird, but I want to know, how have you and Spyro gone so long without fighting?" she asked. "I mean, Sunburn and I haven't fought ever, but I've been thinking of how long it's been since there was any conflict between any of us."
"You're right," Cynder replied. "Spyro and I have that kind of relationship that's kind of hard to break apart. We're too…together, I guess. I can't think of another word to use for that. It's the best kind of description I have. We have gotten into conflict with one another before, though. Before we went to the Ice Caverns, we sort of got into an argument. I felt bothered by that argument. I never thought Spyro and I would ever get into such an argument. But we have. It's been a bumpy road, but I hope we can patch things up. I'm ready to see him again. I feel I've been a bad mate to him, though I know it's untrue. I probably worried him sick by coming to save you. But I had to come and save you, because I can't live without my best friend. I felt it was all my fault for you being taken. I would have happily given myself up to Aemus if it meant saving you, even if I wouldn't be able to keep living with Spyro. I just wanted to save you, and I felt that was the best decision I could have made at the time. I left a note, and as I wrote it, I felt tears in my eyes because it was such an emotional moment. You don't know how it feels, to see your mate one last time, and then to leave for what might be the last time ever. I felt I wanted to wake him as I kissed him. I nearly began sobbing when I did so. And I continued crying until I finally arrived in this wasteland."
"Cynder, you're right," Sonic Boom admitted. "I don't know how that feels. I might have come close to thinking about it, but when it comes to what you've gone through, I can't hope to compete with such a thing. I don't want to compete with such a thing, because it wouldn't be right. You've been through too much, and you haven't even received a chance to rest. The most you've rested after one of these kinds of events was after we became Skylanders. Three years of that, and it was tainted. Then, when that was over, we had only three days, and then nearly a week…" Her voice trailed off. "Nevermind. I'm not going into that."
"I know what you're meaning," Cynder told her. "I never had that time to rest, because I was under the corruption placed upon me by Kaos and the red crystal he possessed. I don't know why it had to happen, but it did. I feel so bad for that night. I left, and you tried to stop me. I should've listened to you, and while you tried talking sense into me, I called you an idiot and hurt you so badly when it came to emotional pain. I feel so guilty all the time because of what I've done, and I'm not sure when it will end, even when Aemus is dead. I feel as if it'll ever end."
"Don't say that. Your pain will end. When Aemus is gone, you will be able to move on. You won't have to worry about the battles anymore. We won't be going through anymore of them for a long time. After you took Kaos down, I'm pretty sure he won't be coming back for a long time. And even if he does, we can take him down easily. You have to believe me, okay? We're getting through this, sis. You are my sister, and you know what they say. Sisters should never leave each other behind. I'm not leaving you behind, and I'm sure you would never leave me behind. We're getting through this, together."
Cynder nodded. "Do you want to know how it feels when you're corrupted?" she asked. Sonic Boom looked over at her with a strange expression. "When you're corrupted in the way I've been, you feel no more than two emotions: hatred and anger. You have no say over what you do, and I was lucky to have Spyro there, helping me with it all. He had that heart of gold that allowed him to see the good that was in me, something I could never seen in myself. I've been returned to normal three times now, and I hope I never deal with that again. I have many more emotions inside me. While corrupted, you feel as if you want to kill and destroy, feelings I don't even know how to describe besides just using the words themselves. It's horrible. If anyone ever tries to hurt you in such a way, I'll stop it. But if it tries to take me over again, I'll allow it to kill me so it can end with me. I don't want the Darkness taking anyone else over. I can't allow it. I won't allow it. No one will deal with that pain ever again. I may not be trusted by everyone, but that doesn't mean I'll allow them to deal with the pain I've undergone for so long."
"That's brave of you," Sonic Boom said softly. "To think someone would do that for even those who dislike her is something I can't comprehend. You're probably the strongest person I know, Dragoness or otherwise. You've given me hope, and you will give everyone else hope when you get out of here. I'm going to make sure you get out of here, along with me. You and Spyro will be reunited. I'm going to make sure about that."
Suddenly, the two heard claws clack on the floor behind them. They whirled around, believing themselves to have been found by Aemus, but when they checked, they found it wasn't Aemus at all. It was Flashwing and Whirlwind. Both of them smiled brightly when they saw Cynder and Sonic Boom. They saw Sonic Boom's wounds, and worried expressions crossed their faces. Sonic Boom couldn't blame them.
Flashwing and Whirlwind ran to them and hugged them both. "Oh thank God!" said Flashwing. "I never thought I'd be this happy to see you guys! You always bring hope and joy to me, but seeing you both right now is so relieving! I don't know what I would ever do without you guys!"
"Is everything okay?" Whirlwind asked. "Sonic Boom, are you all right? You seem to have been injured!"
"It's okay," Sonic Boom told them. "I'm hurt, yes, but I'm not badly hurt. Aemus broke one of my wings, and it pains me occasionally, but I'll be fine. But what about you two? How the heck did you find us? And where's Sunburn?"
"Where's Spyro?" Cynder asked.
"They're both here, too," said Whirlwind. "Along with the rest of those who trust you, Cyn, and about thirty-five other Skylanders. We're all here to save you two." She hugged Cynder again, this time very tightly. "I'm just glad you're okay. The both of you. I don't know what I would have done if either of you had been killed."
Cynder smiled and pat Whirlwind's back. "Well, I would hope you'd continue to live your life. I know you love me, but you don't need to worry much about me. This is almost over, and we'll be able to sleep soundly tomorrow night. I'm sure of it."
"Do you want us to help you out of here? We can do that, if you want us to. We can fly you out, even," Flashwing volunteered.
"No," Cynder said. "Aemus might be expecting us if we do that. It's better to keep going this way. If you remember, I mentioned that this was once the fortress I occupied. I'm going to go my way. Not because I don't want to listen to you, but because I'm pretty sure this is the best way. You trust me, don't you?"
Flashwing nodded. "Yes, and you're right," she said. "You would know this place better than anyone else. But where will that path lead to? Hopefully the upper level."
"Yes. It'll get us up near the main hall, and the hall where I first fought Spyro," Cynder explained. At the end of her sentence, she swallowed hard. "Sorry, old memories creeping up on me, and they're not the kind I really like to think about." She sighed.
"All right," said Whirlwind. "We'll follow your lead. But would you like us to keep you warm? You're freezing to the touch, Cyn."
"Yes, please," Cynder answered. "I'm sorry I left. I just—"
"No need to apologize to us, Cynder. You were right; we just didn't listen," Flashwing said.
They began walking forward, and Cynder suddenly felt deep, searing pain in her broken back leg. She groaned in pain and leaned against Flashwing. Flashwing placed a paw on her shoulder and helped her to stand up straight.
"Are you okay?" she asked.
"My leg's in pain again," Cynder told her. "Do you mind if I lean on you a bit?"
"Not at all," Flashwing said. "I'm sorry they found out, Cynder. I tried to stop it, but…"
"It's okay. Flashwing, you've been a great friend these past few weeks, and I thank you for all you've done. I might not have given you the same love I've given to all my other friends, and I'm sorry about that. I should've been a better friend to everyone. I've been acting like a recluse, in the shadows all the time, believing there was no hope for me. But I know I was wrong, and I'm sorry I ever thought those kinds of thoughts. I hope you can forgive me for all of that."
"It wasn't your fault," Flashwing told her. "Your mistakes are what make you into the amazing Dragoness you are. You know what you made a mistake on, and you know how you can repair those mistakes."
"Wait a minute," said Whirlwind. "I was thinking of something you said, Flashwing. Did you say you knew of this? You knew of Cynder's plan all along?"
Flashwing sighed. "Yes, Whirlwind," she admitted. "I did. I didn't want to tell any of you because Cynder made me swear not to, and I didn't want to break that promise. But it no longer matters here and now. What matters is that we get out of here. Do you know exactly where this leads out, Cyn?"
"I do. Just make sure Aemus isn't anywhere near us. It's not hard to know his scent. Everything about him is evil, so that should give you some sort of an indication."
Whirlwind suddenly gasped, and the others looked over at her. "Sorry," she said. "It's just—I had a vision about this. After I was injured by Aemus that one time. I've been going through these visions recently, and I even had one that allowed me to know Aemus knows we're here. Somehow. I don't know why I have this ability, but I have it, and we're in trouble."
"Calm down, Whirlwind," Sonic Boom assured her. "I know you've been having these visions." At Whirlwind's mystified expression, Sonic Boom continued. "Camo came to Sunburn and told him about it. He wanted to go to Spyro, most likely, but knew it wouldn't be the right time, as he and Cynder were trying to rest after her near-death experience." She looked to Cynder, who was shivering again. "But this isn't like that vision you experienced. Yes, it had Cynder, you, and I, but it didn't have Flashwing. This won't end badly, because we're all here together, not alone."
She smiled at her. Whirlwind smiled back, and then looked to Cynder. "Cyn, I'm becoming real worried for you," she said. "Your shivering's increased. Do you need me to get closer?"
"No," Cynder said. "I'm fine. I just need to get us to the end of this hallway. We have a few more hallways to go after we get out of here. Did you guys tell Spyro where to meet us? Is he planning to meet us in a specific place?"
"No," Flashwing told her. "I'm sorry. We should have, but we didn't. I'm sorry, Cyn! But you can smell him out, can't you? That might be the best option. I wish I'd thought of that, but I didn't! God, I'm so stupid!" She slapped her forehead.
"It's not your fault," Cynder told her. "We're almost there. We just need to keep moving a little bit more. I was nearly seen by Aemus, actually, when I was coming down here. But the idiot was too stupid to look back. So, when he walked away, I came down here and saved Sonic Boom. Now we're nearly there. When we get there, this whole nightmare will finally end. I know it will."
"That's the spirit, Cyn," Sonic Boom said. "You know, you might be shivering, but your teeth aren't chattering. Why is that?"
"I don't know," Cynder replied. "It's weird. Maybe some of my body heat is returning. Oh, how I'd love that. That way, I'd be able to go through Christmas without being under a blanket or near the fire for hours. Last Christmas wasn't as bad, and I was with Spyro during that time."
"Last Christmas, it was crazy," Flashwing said. "Then again, out of the sixteen months of the year in Skylands, it's always crazy in December. The only month where it's so crazy, and yet where we don't have to fight as much. Strange, isn't it? I still remember what happened last Christmas. Bash tried to give me a present, and truthfully, it wasn't a bad present, but it was still annoying to know he still loves me, despite the fact I've told him so many times I don't love him. I've told him nicely, and he still doesn't listen! But anyway, his gift was an onyx stone he'd found while adventuring with Eruptor. I gave him a smile afterward, and he finally left me alone." She laughed.
"I remember something even better than that," Sonic Boom said. "I remember Spyro and Cynder were so tired by the end of the night that they fell asleep while dancing with one another. Sunburn and I had to get them back to their treehouse. It was hilarious, because we'd believed they were drunk or something before we realized there was no alcohol at the party. Of course, just because it wasn't allowed doesn't mean it wasn't there."
"That was great," Whirlwind said, "but probably my favorite Christmas memory has to be the one the year we all become Skylanders. Well, the only problem I have with it is the fact I wasn't your friend back then, Cynder. Out of the three of us here, besides yourself, only Sonic Boom was your friend at the time. I still feel real bad for that. But anyway, the memory probably was one of those times when one of our guests brought alcohol and spiked the eggnog with it. I remember getting drunk by accident. Turns out, it wasn't that bad, because it caused me to kiss someone."
"Who?" asked Flashwing. "I know the Christmas party you're talking about, but I was probably asleep by the time this happened. Christmas isn't the best time to stay up, you know?"
Whirlwind nodded. "I kissed Camo," she said. "It was the first time we'd come anywhere near one another. He didn't remember that, but I did, and I still do. I haven't even told him about it since then, which is kind of funy, because we're going to become mates soon." She looked down for a moment as they walked, and then looked to Cynder. "Thank you, Cynder."
"For what?" Cynder asked. "I haven't done much for you guys, despite you guys having done so much for me."
"What are you saying? You've done a whole lot for us! You saved Camo from Kaos back when he and I didn't trust you while we fought at Kaos's fortress, and then you saved us from Malefor, and then from Kaos again! Then you saved me from being killed by Aemus, which nearly resulted in your own death! I'm in your debt for that one, because I feel like I need to do something for you. No friend should ever do that, but you did, and I'm in your debt for it. And finally, even though you decided to do this, you told us you'd still be my maid of honor. That meant a lot of me, and when Spyro told me, I nearly began crying, because it was so moving. You're the greatest friend I could ask for, Cynder. Not to hurt any of my other friends' feelings, but it's true."
Cynder was surprised by Whirlwind's words. They made her feel good, and she had never thought she'd hear them from anyone other than Spyro. Not even Sonic Boom and Sunburn had spoken them. Besides Spyro, only Flashwing had ever done something such as this. And now Whirlwind. Cynder didn't know what to say.
"Thank you, Whirlwind," she replied. "You don't know how much that means to me. Only Spyro, Sonic Boom, and Flashwing have said something like that to me before. I've never felt this way before." She swallowed. "Back when Spyro freed me from my corruption, I didn't know what to feel. I don't remember much of Shattered Island at the time, except for Spyro forcing some of the doctors to help me—they probably didn't want to because they recognized me as the Terror of the Skies—as well as the time I woke up and talked to Spyro a little, and finally when I woke up to find the doctors had finished and allowed me to leave. Spyro had left a note at the time." She swallowed again. "That note was one I'd never seen before. Back then, the only word I could use to describe it was 'nice.' But now, all I can say is that it was 'life-changing.' He'd left me enough money to live on my own for at least six months, which was around how long it was before he found me again, when he invited me to become a member of the Skylanders. My emotions back then were clouded, as I'd been under the corruption so long, and while corrupted, I'd only felt hatred and anger. However, some other emotions attempted to find their way into me, but they wouldn't come at the time, thanks to Malefor. But just as I left, I realized the emotion inside me was something that had come free, and I was able to understand it. But when I understood it, it…scared me." She swallowed one last time. "That emotion was love.
"I'm glad now that I found my way, and that I decided to take up Spyro's offer to become a Skylander, because I was able to meet you all. Now, we're in this together. I'm not leaving any of your sides. You can bet on that. I wouldn't leave your sides. Even if remaining by you all means I'll die, I don't care. I would happily give my life for you. For all those who call themselves my friends. To be honest, I would even give my life for those who don't trust me, even Slam Bam. I'm not someone who lets others just stand there and die, even if they are those I don't like or don't trust. As a Skylander, you have to be selfless and brave. I've gone through a lot, and I've found it's hard to keep those emotions up, but I've done what I can. I am not someone who will just stand there and watch someone I love die. Or someone on my team die. I am one who will save all, so long as they deserve it. And when I say 'deserve it,' I don't mean those who have gained my trust, because God knows there are many Skylanders who have not gained my trust, but I mean those who are on my team. You should never leave a teammate behind, no matter what they've done to you."
"You're right, Cynder," Whirlwind said. "I never looked at it that way, but I know you're right. You've proven to me the right way to think of this. Now, all we have to do is keep those thoughts in our minds and get the heck out of here. There's still something more to go through, but it's almost over. You'll be free of your demons soon enough."
Flashwing looked around them. She wondered what was around them. She knew the fortress had once belonged to Cynder, and though she wished she could ask Cynder about it, she felt she didn't want to, as it might cause Cynder to become angry, or emit some sort of emotion such as that. To think that Cynder had been the owner of the fortress surprised her. She would have never believed it was possible. But it was.
Cynder felt warmth spreading through her, thanks to Sonic Boom and Flashwing. She enjoyed the feeling, hoping it wouldn't be ending anytime soon, though she knew it would be coming to an end once she found Spyro. However, she didn't care. All that mattered to her was reuniting with her mate, as well as reuniting Sonic Boom with hers. That was all she cared about. Even if Aemus arrived at that very moment and attempted to attack them, she would let the others leave while she fought the white demon.
"Hey, Cyn, what do you think we should do when this is all over?" Flashwing asked. "I know it's a weird question, but I feel like it's the best thing to ask. I would like to know what we can do once this is over, once Aemus is gone. I wouldn't mind taking a trip to Merinda Falls. I heard that area is awesome, though I've never been before. It's beautiful, from the pictures I've seen of it."
"It's beautiful, all right," Sonic Boom said. "Sunburn and I spent our honeymoon there. It was a good time, because we were able to spend some time alone with one another without having to worry about any of the troubles in Skylands. Of course, when we returned, there were a few troubles, but that didn't matter to us, because they were easily taken care of not long after. But during that honeymoon, Sunburn allowed me to sleep as long as I wished. I was able to think clearly for the first time in months, because I had been so tired before then. When the honeymoon was over, I hated it. I had hoped it would continue just a little longer. But oh well, we can't always get what we want, can we? But tonight, Cynder will get what she wants."
Cynder smiled at this.
"Where did you spend your honeymoon, Cynder?" asked Whirlwind.
"Spyro and I spent the honeymoon in the Autumn Plains," Cynder explained. "It was so beautiful there, and though the air was cold and crisp, Spyro kept me warm. We hung out with a few friends of his, though I can't remember their names at the moment. But I agree with Sonic Boom. When our honeymoon was over, I hated it completely. That was one of the best times of my life, and I'm sure Spyro would be agreeing with me. Neither of us wished for it to end. I just hope we can keep this up. I don't know where Aemus is, and I don't know where Spyro is. I just hope we can find him before Aemus finds us." She looked over to Whirlwind. "Sorry if that triggers the memories of your visions, Whirlwind. I didn't mean to say it like that."
"It's not your fault, Cynder," Whirlwind told her. "You're just trying to talk. My visions are going away now, either way. I'm pretty sure they are, because I haven't had any since that night after you rescued me from Aemus. That was the vision where all of us, except for Flashwing, were together. I'm going to go ahead and guess that with Flashwing here, the visions no longer work, which is something I like. I couldn't stand to see you guys hurt anymore than you already are. I've gone through enough of seeing that, and I won't allow anymore of it to happen as long as I live."
Cynder nodded, as did Sonic Boom and Flashwing. They were hoping the idea of the visions being stopped was plausible. If so, then they were happy about it.
If this plan works, so thought Cynder, then I'll be seeing Spyro again quite soon, and I'll be keeping my promise of Sonic Boom returning to her mate, and I'll be allowed to be Whirlwind's maid of honor, something I'm really happy about. But there's still Aemus to deal with. I know I'll have to deal with him, but I hope I won't be injured despite the upcoming battle.
"Hey, I'm just wondering, what should we do this Christmas?" Flashwing asked. "I know it might seem a little early to be thinking of distant seasons, but I thought that because we were talking about our favorite Christmas memories, we can talk about this."
"I'm not sure," Cynder said. "There's a lot we could do. Have you ever visited the Winter Tundra? Spyro and I went there the Christmas before last, and it was beautiful. It's part of this three-realm system that are connected to the main Home Realm known as Avalar. We haven't been there for a long time, and I would love to go back, especially with you guys. We're all good friends now, and when Spyro and I were there, we were hoping for some of our other friends to be with us. Sonic Boom and Sunburn did join us at the very end of it, but they were only there for five days, while Spyro and I spent three weeks and two days without them there. It felt a little lonely. So, I was just thinking that we could have more next time. It would fit real well. I'd just need to have some of you guys near me, if you know what I mean. It'll be cold there, just as it is year-round. Of course, you guys are doing quite well with keeping me warm now."
"We'll do whatever you want us to do, Cynder," Whirlwind said. "You do remember you're one of the two leaders of the Skylanders. You're the second-in-command. That gives you the rights to make us obey you." She laughed when she said that.
"Well, here's the thing, Whirlwind," said Cynder. "I'm not going to make you obey me. I'm not a dictator. I'm your friend, and I'm going to tell you this: I will never make you do something for me. I would never make someone do something for me just because I want them to. There are exceptions to that, of course, but you know what I mean. To force people to do things for me is just wrong. Even when I receive the chance to be the leader of the Skylanders, I still won't do anything like that." She sighed. "I hope I never have to be the leader of the Skylanders. It's amazing that Spyro can still remain the leader, because he's been worrying so much about me. If he can do all that, then he's definitely amazing. Of course, I've always thought of him being amazing." She smiled and laughed a little. "I can't wait to see him again."
"You're the amazing one, if you ask me," Flashwing said. "You're the only Dragon, male or female, that I know who would dare to go through so much just to save others. None of the other Skylanders have the guts for that, other than Spyro. But even then, Spyro hasn't done all you've done. He's saved you, sure, and I admire him for that, but you are the one who gave herself up to Kaos just to save everyone, and while I know you don't like talking about this as much because of what happened, you did something no one would dare to do, just to save all of us, despite the fact not everyone trusts you. You risked your life to save Whirlwind, and you nearly died during that! And finally, you've done this, and it's amazing. I can't even tell you how surprised I am by it. I've never been so grateful to someone before. It's thanks to you all my friends are still here. You've saved us all from unimaginable fates."
"One thing you forgot is the fact she destroyed the Dark Master," Sonic Boom said. "Of course, you weren't there, so I understand, but she's the reason Malefor is dead. She's the reason for our salvation from that demonic monster."
"Look, as much I love how you guys are complimenting me on this," Cynder began, "and as great as this sounds, I'm not as amazing as you're saying I am. I know, you're about to say, 'What are you talking about? You've always been amazing!' or something like that. But the truth is, I'm just who I am. I can't take the credit for all this, because it wasn't just me! I always had help when it came to this! In those situations, at least one person helped me. When it came to Malefor, Spyro saved me from my corruption, and he distracted Malefor for me. He sacrificed more than I did, by giving up his Elemental abilities. I still feel guilt over that. But they've returned, and that's what matters. When it came to driving Kaos off, he helped me there, too. He protected me from an attack from the little tyrant, because my leg had been broken during the fight."
"But he didn't help you when you saved me," Whirlwind reminded her softly. "You did that on your own accord. Cyn, when it comes to personal heroes, I have a lot. Camo and Spyro are two of them. But you're my true hero. You are one of the greatest friends I'll ever know. I'm in your debt, and I'll help you in any way that I can."
Cynder felt tears coming to her eyes. She wiped them away, acting as if something had gotten into her eyes. But Whirlwind saw this, as did Flashwing and Sonic Boom, and they knew what was actually happening. They wouldn't push her on the subject, however.
"You know, let's talk about more positive things," Cynder said. "We need more of that, if you ask me." She tried thinking of something to say about herself, but she couldn't think of anything at the moment. "Flashwing, do you have anything to talk about?"
"How about our crushes before we met those we truly love?" Flashwing suggested.
"Well, here's the thing: I can't get into that subject well," Cynder said. "I've only loved one person my entire life, and that's Spyro. It ended perfectly, if you ask me."
"I had a crush on someone else before Drobot, actually," Flashwing admitted. "Actually, I've had three. The first was Sunburn." Sonic Boom looked over to her strangely. "Then there was Blades, which I know sounds real weird. He didn't even join the Skylanders until last year, so that's what makes it so weird for me. But the weirdest one for me was the fact I had a crush on Zap. Just so you know, that one was short-lived." She began laughing, and the others joined in with her.
Cynder looked in front of them, and they were just about to start up the flight of stairs, which she knew would be hard for her broken leg. But she believed she would manage.
"I've had two crushes my entire life, and one of them is my mate," Sonic Boom said. "The other one would probably have to be…Jet-Vac. I don't know…when I first came, I thought it was the best idea to find someone who was like me. But after a while, I thought it was best that I found someone else. Jet-Vac's a little annoying." She giggled. "I wonder how he'd feel if he learned his Captain was talking about him. But anyway, after Jet-Vac, Sunburn came, and that was just after I met Spyro. It's thanks to Spyro I was introduced to Sunburn. And so now, Sunburn and I are mates. It's thanks to Spyro that I have a lot of things: my mate and my best friend are two of them."
It was Whirlwind's turn. She seemed reluctant to go. But finally, she decided it was best she did so, as she was the last one to go.
"Well, I've had three crushes before, and one of them is Camo, but he was the third. However, in the nearly four years since I've been a Skylander, I lost my interest in Camo at least once. It's back again, and it will remain that way. But here's how it all worked: First came Zap, and after the second one came Camo, who I lost interest in, went back to number two, and then went back to Camo." Whirlwind swallowed. That was all back before and after I became a Skylander, all in the same year." She looked to Cynder. "To be honest, the second crush was Spyro. I had a crush on Spyro. It was because I thought he was so good-looking. I stopped having an interest in Camo because of my interest in Spyro, believe it or not! But then you came along, and after you and Spyro became mates, my interest in Camo returned. We never confessed our love for one another until after we began trusting you, though." Whirlwind sighed. "To be honest, if it hadn't been for you, I would have never met the love of my life. There's something else I'm in your debt for. That and your rescue of me are just two of many things I'm in your debt for. I don't know how I can thank you for all you've done."
"Just by being yourself," Cynder answered. "And by being my friend. You've done the latter for a while now, and I thank you. I know what it's like, to want to be someone different. I've wanted that for a while, but I know I'm in the right place. So long as I'm with Spyro, everything in my life should remain just as it is…with the exception of all this going on right now."
The four of them had finally made it up the stairs. Cynder hadn't even noticed. Her broken leg hadn't even pained her, which was very surprising. But there was still a little ways to go. Hopefully Aemus hadn't caught on to anything. But she was sure he must have caught on to something by now. It would be the only thing that made sense.
She sniffed the air again, and she found that Spyro was much closer now. She looked to Sonic Boom and nodded, letting her know they were almost done with the journey. Sonic Boom looked at her and smiled. She rested her head on Cynder's shoulder for a moment, letting her best friend know she was grateful for all she'd done. Cynder didn't take it pridefully. She took it as the compliment it was. She took it as something to love and always remember as a good memory, not as something to be prideful about.
Just as they were beginning to make progress through the hall, Cynder heard something that scared her.
"I smell you," came the cold voice. It made the four friends stop in their tracks. Cynder looked fearfully at Whirlwind, Flashwing, and Sonic Boom, who looked to her and got closer. "You know, this is just as big a present as resurrecting my master. I have Cynder in my grasp, as well as two creatures I never got the chance to finish off. We can go ahead and start on that, don't you think? It'd be the best thing at the moment."
Cynder snarled, "If you want them, Aemus, you'll have to go through me! I won't allow you to hurt my sisters! If you want to hurt anyone, hurt me! I caused all this to happen, and I know your anger is something that cannot be quelled. But that doesn't mean I can't stop you in some way. You are not going to hurt my sisters! I am the only one you want, so take it all out on me, you freak!"
A growl sounded through the tunnel. "Careful how you speak to your advisors, general," Aemus hissed. He spoke the word "general" with a great deal of anger, and Cynder knew he was referring to his time under her, back when she'd been corrupted.
"I'm no longer your general," Cynder told him, wherever he was. "I'm no longer a slave. I am—"
"SHUT UP!" came Aemus's voice. "You have no right to keep speaking, freak! You are my mortal enemy, and I will do whatever I can to make sure you stop breathing!"
"Such puny threats," Flashwing muttered. "Even Kaos is better at coming up with that kind of crap."
She, Cynder, Whirlwind, and Sonic Boom laughed at that.
"STOP LAUGHING!" the voice of Aemus commanded. "THIS MADNESS ENDS HERE, CYNDER!"
"You're right," Cynder said. "It does. I've gone through way too much for this madness to keep going. After tonight, I'll be free from all I've gone through. I know it. You have no way of keeping me in your grasp, or of keeping me in the Dark Master's grasp. That ended when I destroyed him, and when I drove Kaos off. If you try anything, it will end with you."
Aemus finally appeared before them, walking toward them with gray smoke flowing behind him. He was a monster, so thought Cynder. He'd caused her life to spiral out of control. But after tonight, it would be over. She told herself that fact and told herself to keep believing it.
"Why do you think you can keep me off?" Aemus asked."I'm part of your past, Cynder. I'm one of those who won't leave, ever. I'm a demon from your past. You can't get rid of me…ever!"
"I can try."
The words slipped from Cynder's mouth before she even knew it. But she believed them. She readied herself to fight, even though she knew her broken leg would stop her from getting too far into a battle. The larger White Dragon was stronger than she was in strength, but she had the advantage of agility. He also had the advantage of Ice, and with Cynder's lack of body heat, he could attempt to exploit it.
There was at least one other thing Cynder could use to her advantage, but as she looked into the gray eyes of the White Dragon (or as she liked to call him now, the White Demon), she knew he meant business. And so did she.
"Ready for this, freak?" he asked.
"Born ready," she replied.
Just as Aemus ran at her, she called out with her mind, throughout the entire castle, with just one word. Or one name, rather:
SPYRO!
Spyro, Sunburn, Camo, Drobot, Hex, Stealth Elf, and all the other Skylanders that had accompanied them were walking through the fortress, wondering when Flashwing and Whirlwind would show up with Cynder and Sonic Boom. They knew they would have to be returning soon. Hex had been keeping time, and according to her mental clock, it had been at least an hour since they'd gone down below to search for the two.
"Everything's fine, I'm sure," Spyro told Sunburn. "It's got to be. They would have called back to us if it wasn't."
"I know," Sunburn replied. "It's just hard, you know? Oh, what am I saying? Of course you know! You and Cyn have gone through enough without me talking about it like this. I was acting as if you would never understand my feelings here, but you do. God, I'm stupid."
"No, you're not," Hex told him. "I understand, your mate was kidnapped, but that doesn't mean you have to blame yourself for any of it. It was Aemus's fault. We'll find him soon. We'll find Cynder and Sonic Boom soon. I prom—" She stopped speaking suddenly.
"Hex?" Spyro asked. "Everything okay?" And then he heard it. The voice he loved most.
SPYRO!
Knowing it was in his mind, he spoke back.
Cynder, thank God! What's going on? You sound like you're in trouble, he said.
We are, she replied. Aemus has found us. I'm with Sonic Boom, Flashwing, and Whirlwind, and Aemus has found us. None of us have been injured yet, but I've made him real angry, and while I did that on purpose, I have the feeling I might regret it soon! While I've known this for a long time, this goes to show, I'm not perfect in any way!
All right, I'm coming! Spyro said. It's good to hear your voice again, my love.
You too, she replied. I'm sorry.
Don't be. This isn't like last time. This will end in the way everybody wants, including you.
I know. Now hurry!
Spyro looked to Sunburn and all those behind them. "They're in trouble," he announced. "Cynder, Sonic Boom, Flashwing, and Whirlwind. Aemus has found them, and that means we need to hurry to their location." He looked to Stealth Elf. "Can you sense them?"
"Yes," she said.
"We need to hurry!" Camo yelled. "If Aemus is there, then that means all our mates are in trouble!"
"What the heck do you mean by 'mate?'" came a voice from behind him. Zap came out of the crowd. "I'm in love with her! You can't say you're going have a lifemate ceremony with her!"
"Forget about this right now!" Drobot exclaimed. "We have four friends who need rescuing! And by the way, Flashwing is mine!" He ran off, leaving the others to follow after him.
Spyro hoped that when they arrived, Cynder would be all right. It was all coming to and end, however. There wouldn't be much left for them to do once they arrived. He was sure that Cynder would be able to deal with Aemus until they arrived there, as she had Flashwing with her, and Whirlwind would be able to help, as well. He wasn't sure what condition Sonic Boom was in, however. He just hoped it would all end as they wanted it to. But that was all he could do:
Hope.
Cynder dodged from one of Aemus's Ice attacks. It came right near her, however, and she thanked God it did not slice through her flesh. It probably would have done so if she had not dodged. She looked to Flashwing, who nodded at her. Whirlwind and Sonic Boom did the same. Flashwing and Whirlwind were able to fight, but Sonic Boom was not. Her injuries would not allow it. Her sliced and broken wing were paining her more than ever all of a sudden, and neither she nor her friends knew why.
"If only life were fair for you," Aemus taunted Cynder. She rolled her eyes as she heard this; she'd gone through enough of his taunts. "I've wanted to see my old general for a while now, but you still haven't allowed her to come to me. Why is that?"
"Because I'm not that monster!" Cynder replied indignantly. "I am who I was made to be!"
"Silence!" he snapped. "Your life is meaningless, you little freak!"
"Keep calling me a freak," Cynder told him. "I can deal with it. I've dealt with that crap for nearly four years now. Do you really think I can't deal with it any longer?"
Whirlwind smiled. She also felt bad for being one of those who'd called her a freak once, but she knew that was behind her, and that she wouldn't have to worry about that any longer.
Aemus growled, breathed in, and released the barrage of Ice that flew all around the tunnel. Flashwing attempted to stop any of the Ice Shards from hitting Cynder, and she nearly succeeded, but one grazed Cynder's right side. Cynder groaned, feeling blood drip down her side.
Aemus smiled at the fact he'd caused her pain. But it was all short-lived, as a burst of fire hit his side and knocked him into one of the tunnel's walls. He roared as his head collided with the stone, and when he turned around, he found something he hadn't wished to see.
But when Cynder, Sonic Boom, Flashwing, and Whirlwind saw it, they all smiled.
Spyro, Sunburn, Drobot, Camo, and the other Skylanders stood there.
"This isn't over!" Aemus yelled. He disappeared in a blast of Ice.
Cynder looked to Spyro just as Sonic Boom looked to Sunburn. Both ran to their mates.
"Thank God!" Spyro exclaimed as Cynder ran into his embrace.
"Sonic Boom, what happened?" Sunburn asked when he saw his mate's wounds and the wing she held awkwardly.
"Aemus tortured me," she explained. "He used the blade cursed with the Ill Luck to slice my wing, and then he broke it." She swallowed. "He also showed me a memory from his past…one with Cynder."
"What memory did he show you?" Spyro asked.
"The day I was corrupted," Cynder answered.
Spyro looked slowly to her. He didn't see tears in her eyes, which he'd seen so many times while she spoke of her past. This time, she seemed stronger, something Spyro admired about her.
"Are you okay?" Sunburn asked Sonic Boom. "Are you going to be okay? I just need to know."
"I'll be fine," Sonic Boom told him with certainty. "I have Cynder to thank for all this. She's the one who came to save me."
Cynder looked to Spyro. "I'm so sorry I left like that," she said. "I know you were worried sick for me when I did that, and I felt so terrible for what I'd done, but I had to do this. I had to come and save her."
"I know," Spyro said, "and I understand your reasoning behind it all. I should've thought more about my decision. I just didn't want to put you in harm's way, is all."
"I know, and I admire you for that," Cynder said. She kissed him.
Spyro touched the side that the Ice Shard had grazed, and he was alarmed to find blood on his paw when he brought it back. "Are you okay? What happened? What did Aemus do to you?"
"It was an Ice Shard," she replied. "It grazed me, but I'm fine. I'm not freezing, either, which really surprises me. But that doesn't matter right now. We have to get out of here."
"I agree," Flashwing said. "So long as we're here, we're in trouble, Cynder especially. Aemus will now stop at nothing to end her. We have to keep her safe."
Spyro nodded. "Let's get out of here. If Aemus returns, he'll likely have the rest of his army with him, and that means we'll see some action," he announced to all the Skylanders present. "And when Aemus is defeated, Cynder, you'll be able to give him the final blow."
She nodded. "As long as he doesn't have the crystal containing Malefor's energy," she said. "We have to destroy that. He now knows that he can't end us without using that crystal. So be prepared to do something as soon as you see it. He can't use it without taking it out, so at least you'll have time to attack him."
Spyro nodded.
They began walking out of the tunnel. Hex smiled at Cynder, and Cynder returned it. She was happy the nightmare was almost over. She'd rescued Sonic Boom, and now Aemus was about to be defeated once and for all.
It didn't take them long to make it to the hallway that would take them back to the main hall.
"Cynder, your note…" Spyro began. "It was something I'd never seen before. I know it was hard for you to write, because I saw the tear stains. I wish I could have been like you. I wish I could have understood exactly what we had to do, just as you did. But I didn't, and I'm sorry."
"It's all right," Cynder told him. "There was someone who knew of my plan, but I forced her not to tell anyone. Flashwing knew of it before I left, and I'm sorry that I forced her to not tell anyone." She looked to her friend. "I shouldn't have done that, because I put a lot of pressure on you when I did it."
"I understand," Flashwing said. "You had to tell at least one person, and I was there when you needed to talk to someone, is all. But there's no need to worry about that. This crap won't be lasting much longer, you know? So no need to apologize."
They were near the main hall, when Cynder noticed a large door. It was unlocked, she saw. It almost seemed to be drawing her toward it. She wasn't sure what was behind it, but she wanted to know.
"We have to go in there," she said to Spyro. He looked at her strangely. "It's the only way to make sure Aemus is defeated for good. He might have a weapons stash in there! He might have more crystals filled with Malefor's energy, for all we know! It's best we check on it, because I don't want to leave this castle with the knowledge Aemus might be able to come back, or that one of his soldiers might come back to kill us! We have to end this, and we have to end this now, Spyro. Are you with me?"
Spyro finally nodded. He turned to the other Skylanders. "Are all of you coming with us?"
"We might as well," came Slam Bam's voice. "It's not like we have any other plans. And I'd rather not stay up here for the moment, if you understand what I'm saying."
Spyro nodded. Something seemed different about Slam Bam, but Spyro was unable to place what exactly that was. He put it beside him and looked back to Cynder. He noticed she was suddenly shivering. He went over to her to help her warm up a small amount.
"You okay?" he asked. She nodded. "Okay, let's go inside."
He pushed the door open with her help. Though it was hard, they finally managed, and they found inside…an octagonal platform.
"What the heck?" Spyro said. "It's an empty room."
"So that's it?" came Bash's voice from within the crowd.
"I could have only guessed," said Chill. "It was Cynder who thought something was in there, you know?"
"Spyro, that's no empty room," Cynder said. "That's an elevator. You've used that elevator before, too. Just before you…faced me."
The memory came back to Spyro, and he realized she was right. "I faced you in the dungeons, though. That elevator brought me up from some weird room far below. I don't know what we're going to find if we go down there."
"Well, I'm going down there, just in case," Cynder told him. "I need to make sure about all this. I need to make sure Aemus can never return after this is all over."
Spyro nodded. She went into the elevator, followed by him, and then all those who trusted Cynder filed in. Looking back, Spyro found those who had accompanied them who did not trust his mate. They were all speaking amongst themselves, and Spyro believed they would not even dare to stand on the elevator. But once more, he was proven wrong.
They all filed into the elevator as well, and as soon as the last Skylander, Tree Rex, came into the room, the door shut behind him.
"What in the name of God?" he exclaimed. Tree Rex looked to Spyro. "What's going on here?"
"I don't know," Spyro began. He looked to Cynder. "Do you know what's about to happen?"
She shook her head.
The elevator started, and Spyro realized they were going down. Before he could do anything else, Aemus's voice appeared. "Don't try anything, savior boy," he taunted. "If you attempt to fly out of here, you will be incinerated by the invisible forcefield. Do you hear that, Cynder? If your little mate tries anything, he'll be dead, and you'll have nothing to live for! As much as I want to kill you, I'd believe it to be cheating by doing something such as that. So for the time being, stop him from flying up. I have plans for the rest of you once Cynder is dead." Aemus cackled.
"God, I hate him," Flashwing said. She looked to Cynder. "I'll keep you safe, if it's the last thing I do, Cynder. You can count on that."
Cynder nodded. But she knew what was coming. And when it came, she would have to do it on her own, she decided. No one else could help her. She sighed and rested her head on Spyro's shoulder.
"I'm sorry I brought everyone into this," she announced. "I didn't mean for any of you to face this. You can go ahead and say it's all my fault, and I'd probably agree with you there. No matter what someone else tells me, even if it were you, Spyro, I know I'm responsible for all that's happening right now. If I hadn't been corrupted by Malefor, then maybe this would have never happened." Cynder sighed again and waited.
Spyro rubbed her back as the elevator continued going down. They didn't know when it would end.
And then the scene before them changed.
Instead of blank black walls, before them was a large room filled with ice and snow. Fires were around the arena, but none of them were filled with enough warmth for Cynder. Almost immediately, Cynder began shivering. Spyro got close to her.
"Oh n-no," Cynder said. "I know what Aemus is d-doing. He plans to m-m-make us f-fight his army. I know you p-probably decided that would happen, but this is w-worse. This p-p-part of the army is the m-most-trained. Oh God."
"So what does that mean?" Sonic Boom asked.
"It means this is going to be the fight of our lives," Spyro said. "We're going to have to fight as hard as we can, or Aemus will kill us. He has the power to do that, too. He has some of Malefor's energy, and that's the most dangerous crap you could ever experience. I just hope he doesn't attempt to use it on any of us."
"He already d-did," Cynder told him. "Th-that m-m-means he'll probably t-try it again. We have to be v-vigilant during this b-b-battle."
There were no soldiers around them when they arrived, but Cynder knew they would be coming quite soon. There was no way there would be no soldiers. Aemus knew he couldn't fight all the Skylanders on his own. Aemus would come first, and his soldiers wouldn't be too far behind.
Cynder looked to Spyro. "Y-you know w-what this m-m-means, right?" she asked.
He looked to her and nodded. "Out of the frying pan…"
"…Into the fire," she finished.
"Well done!" came Aemus's voice. "And I thought I was the smart one. Well, I still am! I've led you into this trap, Cynder. And you led all the Skylanders into a trap without even meaning for it to happen!" He cackled. "Oh, how I love this moment! I never would have thought I would get this chance! Not for a while, at least! But here we go! This is the time where I kill you, you sorry little freak!" And the White Demon cackled as he roared, "WELCOME TO HELL!"