Hi, here we have a new chapter. I want to thank everyone for the reviews of the last one, I really appreciated them. Anyway today's chapter is the first half of a longer one, which will be completed by next week. As always I hope you will enjoy it.

-Azotac

A couple of weeks passed since the beginning of the training and, during this period, new groups of refugees made their return to Warfang, which now hosted almost four hundred dragons. In addition the city was almost completely rebuilt, as the walls were now fully restored and the inner structures were being reconstructed. In general now the dragon capital was returning to normality and to its ancient splendour, but with it, the problems of a big city were also coming back again and the Guardians were completely submerged with stuff to do and administrate. To make things even worse, the three elders were planning to introduce a new festivity, to celebrate the ending of the war and the memory of the former fire guardian.

The Guardians had also the intention to dedicate the celebration to the two young heroes of the Realms, which hadn't yet received a formal thanks from the city. Of course they hadn't yet been informed about their participation, as the elders wanted them to be fully focused on their training.

The preparations had already begun some days before the designated date with the technical support of the mole engineers captained by Mason. The Temple as well as the city's street were being adorned with fiery violet and lustrous gold banners, clearly recalling a certain purple dragon. These ones were also interspersed by some silver flags, symbolising the colours of the capital. Moreover a series of stalls had been placed along the main street to offer every kind of food and products.

The day before the beginning of the celebrations the five youngsters were, as usual, training together with the Guardians. Once they finished, the three elders held back Spyro and Cynder, finally to inform them about their role in the festival.

"Young dragons, sorry for holding here for a bit longer, but we need to inform you about a really important thing."Spoke Terrador.

"As you may have noticed, the city is preparing to host an important festivity and of course we would like you to formally take part to it."He continued.

"Sorry if I ask Terrador, but what is exactly a festivity? I never participated to this kind of things…"Said Spyro, a bit ashamed.

"Well, the main goal of this event is to celebrate the end of the war and to honour all the victims of the conflict, as well to give thanks to the ones who saved us."Said the earth elder, watching proudly the two youngster.

"We would like you to join us during the closing ceremony as guests of honour. You just need to stand beside us while we address Ignitus's memorial. Then, Spyro, you should light a torch that will serve as a commemorative monument."He concluded.

Spyro and Cynder watched each other, then both nodded in response.

"We would be honoured, Terrador."Answered finally Spyro.

"Perfect, the festival is going to begin tomorrow morning and is going to end the day after tomorrow at sunset. At that time we will hold the celebration."Said Cyril.

"Now, off you go, young ones. We have already taken much time to you. Enjoy the rest of the evening."He concluded.

The two heroes bowed their heads to the Guardians and disappeared behind the wooden door that headed to their rooms.

Terrador watched them leave, finally sighing when they weren't anymore in sight. Cyril noticed his sudden low morale and inched closer to him.

"What's up my friend, something worries you?"He asked.

"I don't know Cyril, I am a bit concerned about those two. I mean, are we really doing the right things for them? After all they've done for the dragon kind, we're still asking them more and more, now that Ignitus has left us. We never thought about how they want to live their lives and what they want to become…"Said Terrador.

"I understand your preoccupation, we asked them to do impossible things for dragons so young, especially to our Spyro. I think that if they will ever feel the need to take a break or even retire from the training, we shouldn't stop them. They've already done so much for us, we can't oblige them to keep doing something they don't want to do. "Answered Cyril

"You're right, should I talk with them?"Asked the earth guardian.

"Maybe later, now let them rest."Said Cyril.

Spyro and Cynder arrived in the purple dragon's room, walked past the entrance and sat together in the balcony, admiring the beautiful sunset that was painting the evening sky with its majestic colours. Staying close like this and enjoying that beautiful landscape was the best way to alleviate the fatigue of the training.

"Spyro, can I ask you a question?"Said Cynder, with her gaze fixed on the scenery in front of her.

"Yes, of course. What is it?"Asked Spyro.

"Do you ever think about, what will you do… after all of this?"She questioned a bit uncertain.

"Hmm…Well, I don't really know for sure, maybe I could still help the Guardians with whatever they will need. My wish is just to have a normal life, even if I don't know how much possible it will be."He said, his gaze also lost in the panorama before his eyes.

"Why do you say so?"Questioned Cynder.

"I mean, it will be difficult to be treated like any other dragon. Everybody knows and will know what we've accomplished."He paused "And the colour of my scales doesn't help very much." He added, almost giggling.

"Well, nothing is impossible."Stated the black dragoness, snuggling under his wing.

"Yeah…Nothing is impossible as long as I have you by my side."He said nuzzling her forehead.

"There's no better place I'd like to be."She cooed in response.

They stood together for some more time, before they left Spyro's room, directing towards the Great hall to have dinner with their friends.

They flew for few minutes before reaching the place, which now was full of dragons and other creatures. The Hall had become the fulcrum of the city's life as it was the designated location for basically every kind of social interaction between the citizens of the great capital. It was a comforting sight nonetheless for the two youngsters, seeing this place so full of life, when a month before it was almost empty. They found the table where their three friends were sitting together and joined them. They instantly begun chatting about their training and about the upcoming event in the city.

"I wonder if there will be any kind of show. It would be very cool"Said Gaia.

The two young heroes gazed quizzically the earth dragoness.

"What do you mean with show?"Asked Cynder.

The youngster watched them back a bit astounded.

"You guys never seen a pyrotechnical show?A dragon duel? Or an elemental showoff? You don't know what you missed!"She exclaimed with a loud voice.

"Sorry, but we never had the occasion to experience this kind of things. During our life, all we did was just fight for survival."Replied Cynder, with a tinge of anger colouring her words.

Gaia recoiled a little, meanwhile Auros intervened in the discussion.

"I'm sure that the Guardians have thought about everything and I'm really curios of what they have in store for this great occurrence."He said smiling.

"Well, they already told to Cynder and I that we will attend the closure ceremony of the final day, but they didn't mention anything else."Said Spyro, shrugging. Then an unfamiliar voice interrupted their discussion.

"Young ones, you should check out the planning that's exposed in the square in front of the Hall."Said a passing mole waiter, pointing his furry finger to the door.

"Uh, thanks sir."Said the purple dragon, bowing his head. The mole smiled, then left in hurry.

"Well, at least now we know what to do."Said Cynder shrugging. Moments later another waiter arrived at their table, depositing on it their dinner.

"But before we should eat, don't you agree?"Said Spyro.

"Finally I'm starving!"Added Gaia. The five youngsters dived in their platters, eating with voracity their meal, before leaving their table and directing towards the outside to the Great Hall.

The sun had already left place to the moons which were dimly illuminating the great city. The small group moved into the big square and noticed the so told plan posted on a board in the middle of the place. In front of it there was something glowing and flickering almost incessantly. Spyro recognised instantly that light and speeded towards his brother.

"Sparx, what are you doing here?"Asked the purple dragon.

The little dragonfly turned around facing the group with surprised look.

"Hey, Spyro!"Said the golden dragonfly, moving towards his brother. He hugged swiftly Spyro's muzzle before addressing to the other youngsters.

"Ah, there's also your handle of friends."He continued grinning.

"It's a pleasure to see you too, Sparx."Replied ironically the black dragoness.

"In case you didn't notice, here there's someone who's working his tail off for this festival."Retorted the dragonfly pointing his finger towards Cynder.

"If you call a job working as a talking lamp…"Replied the black youngster.

"You…"Said Sparx, shooting a deadly glare to Cynder.

"Hey Sparx, why don't you tell us about the upcoming event? Since you're in the staff you should know something about it, right?"Interjected Spyro. The dragonfly snorted by finally answered to his brother.

"Well, the Guardians have organised a couple of interesting shows for tomorrow."He began.

"The first one is scheduled for midday, and it's going to be an exhibition of those weird and magical stuff that you dragons do. "

"You mean elemental attacks?"Asked Gaia.

"Yea, those things."

"Then, there is going to be a flying race. "Continued Sparx.

"And finally at midnight there's scheduled a pyrotechnical show."He concluded.

Cynder was particularly attracted by the idea of the race, as she knew that she was the most skilled flyer of her group and in the best of the whole city. She might have a chance to win it.

"Sparx, do you know how can I participate to the race?"Asked Cynder.

"Hmmm, there should be a subscription list near the entrance of the Great Hall, but I don't know if it has been already collected. You should hurry."He said mischievously.

Realising that she had no time to waste, she nuzzled gently Spyro's cheek and without another word, speeded towards the entrance of the hall, leaving behind her friends.

"Spyro?Can we talk a moment…in private?"Asked the dragonfly.

"Huh, yes of course."He answered.

The two brothers moved away from Spyro's friends, towards a corner of the square.

"So, what did you want to talk about?"Asked quizzically the purple dragon.

"Oh I don't know, maybe about your…things going on with that black dragoness."Said Sparx.

"What do you mean?"

"Don't play dumb with me, purple boy. You and her have been acting quite weirdly since you returned. And you know what I mean with these words."Replied the dragonfly.

Spyro recoiled a bit, trying to find the best way to tell Sparx about his relationship with Cynder.

"What can I say…We…confessed our love for each other and the direct consequence is that now we spend more time together. Does this bother you?"Said the purple dragon.

Before him, his brother couldn't believe to his words.

"You…what?…How…"He muttered speechless.

"Sorry but I need to go, I think I'm gonna vomit…"Said the dragonfly, before flying away at incredible speed. Spyro giggled, then returned to his friends that were waiting for him with Cynder, that in the meanwhile had returned.

"What did you tell him to make him run away like that?"Asked inquisitively the black dragoness.

"Secrets of the experience."Said Spyro, winking at her.

"Anyway did you manage to subscribe for the race?"He asked.

"Yes, barely in time. The mole arrived to collect the list soon after."She answered.

The group finally parted, saluting for the night. While Spyro, Cynder and Auros directed towards the Temple, Nix and Gaia began walking along the main street and to their respective homes.

They stood silent for sometime, studying the rich environment around them. The stalls were all ready and the decorations were all set to the right place. The purple and gold banners were silently waving at the gentle breeze that coursed through the street.

Finally Gaia broke the silence.

"Soooo…Do you wanna talk about something?"She asked eagerly.

"I don't really know, do you have any ideas?"Replied Nix.

"Ooh… Why don't we talk about guys?"Said the earth dragoness grinning.

"Specifically about the white one with which we hang out usually."She continued.

"You mean Auros?"

"Exactly! Now, when are you going to tell him?"Said Gaia getting closer to her friend. Nix flushed red instantly and backed up a bit, gazing away from the dragoness.

"What are you talking about?"She said, almost stammering.

"Don't play dumb with me, girl. You've been eating him with those eyes of yours for the whole last session of training."

"I really don't know of what are you talking about. Auros and I are just friends. Now let's go home, it's getting late."Said the azure dragoness, taking flight. Gaia watched her and then sighed, following her soon after.

Meanwhile the other trio arrived at the temple, Spyro and Cynder saluted their white friend for the night before moving towards their floor. They arrived in the corridor and finally to their rooms.

"Goodnight Spyro"Said the black dragoness nuzzling Spyro's cheek.

"Goodnight Cynder"He answered, smiling fondly at her.

Then both youngster disappeared behind their respective doors.

Terrador directed towards the upper floors and to the two young dragons rooms. The Guardian arrived in the corridor, and knocked both the doors, calling for them.

"Spyro, Cynder? Can we talk for a minute?"He said. Both dragons exited their dwellings, Cynder with a quizzical frown etched on her face, while Spyro got out yawning .

"You need something, Terrador?"Asked Cynder wearily.

"Sorry if I bother you at this hour, young ones, but I need to talk you."Answered Terrador.

Spyro and Cynder moved in front of him, giving the guardian their full attention.

"I spoke with the other guardians today and we noticed that we never questioned you if you are ok with what we're asking you to do. "Commenced the elder.

"What do you mean Terrador?"Asked Spyro quizzically.

"I mean... Whenever we guardians ask you to do something, you always accept without hesitation. We want you to know that you shouldn't feel obliged to-" He was interrupted by Spyro.

"We don't feel obliged. We just do what we can to help the city stay safe and sound."Said the purple dragon smiling.

"And by the way, we don't really know what we would in any case. We're still trying to adapt to this new life."He continued.

"Anyway, thank you for thinking about us, but there's no need to worry. We will always be here to help."Concluded Spyro with a wide grin on his face.

"I agree with Spyro."Added Cynder.

The elder watched with pride the two young heroes in front of him.

"Thanks, young ones. Now sleep well and sorry again for bothering you. Have a good night."Said Terrador bowing his head.

"Goodnight to you too."Answered the purple dragon.

Morning came as soon as they closed their eyes as the sunshine was breaking trough the glass windows and the tied curtains. Spyro yawned wearily, raising his head up to look to his surroundings, exploring the game of lights that painted of a golden hue his large room. He finally stood up and directed towards his balcony, sitting in the shade and gazing the panorama once again. He then saw that a number of dragons, moles and even some cheetahs were directing towards the temple. Spyro watched them carefully, noticing that everybody appeared to be happy and smiling, simply enjoying the renewed peace that came after the disastrous conflict that now seemed so distant into the memory. Seeing all those innocent citizens finally living their life without the constant and pounding threat of war and death was the kind of view that made the purple dragon proud of himself and of his loved one. Spyro smiled and closed his eyes, resting his back onto the marble wall and enjoying the calm breeze that coursed through the air that morning.

"Spyro?"A female voice called. The purple dragon opened abruptly his eyes, only to find Cynder hovering in front of him with a concerned face.

"Are you ok? I've been knocking for ages but you didn't answer."She said worriedly.

"Yeah…I'm fine…I'm fine"He answered, his gaze lost.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes"

Cynder finally sighed."Fine, but we should hurry or we are going to be late for the beginning of the festival."She said. Spyro nodded and then, without adding anything else, they both darted up in the sky, descending towards the courtyard of the temple.

The couple landed near their friends, which were already there waiting for them. Behind the group, all the citizens were beginning to arrive in the courtyard, taking place in front of the great staircase.

Once everyone seemed to be arrived, the Guardians exited the wooden door and descended one level of stairs, placing themselves under the first arch. They faced proudly the audience in front of them.

"Good morning, dear friends. Today is the day in which we finally celebrate our victory against the dark forces and the peace that eventually arrived in our realms after this dreadful war." Began Terrador.

"Everybody made great and unthinkable sacrifices to come to this days, but there are two dragons, to which we owe a great debt."His gaze verged towards the two young heroes.

"I'd like to invite Spyro and Cynder to join us here."He said proudly.

The two young heroes watched each other and then their friends, which all nodded in agreement.

"I didn't expect this one…"Said Spyro in his head.

They finally stood up and ascended the staircase, standing beside the three Guardians.

"These two young dragons sacrificed everything they got, in a battle to death with the Dark Master. Still they came out victorious and saved our world from completely falling apart."Continued Terrador.

"They, like all of us, were ready to give their life to save our reign from an ancient and unbeatable evil. Because of this, today we honour you: Spyro and Cynder. In the name of our capital. In the name of our people."Concluded the guardian, bowing solemnly his head. Volteer and Cyril followed closely and finally all the creatures in the audience in front of them bowed their heads to the two great heroes of the Realms.

The two youngster remained astounded by the Guardian's words, as they silently watched around them. The sun shone bright on their scales and on the clear marbles, illuminating even more their form, which now seemed almost flooded by a divine light that engulfed the two heroes. Spyro smiled to Cynder which reciprocated gently. Eventually the Guardians raised again their heads, with a proud look in their eyes. Terrador then faced again the audience in front of him.

"Now, without further delay, let the feast begin!"He said with his powerful voice. In response a thunderous roar came from the dragons in the courtyard, which made rattle even the stone beneath their paws.

The citizens gradually left the courtyard, flooding the main street and alleys. Exploring all the different stalls that were prepared days before.

Spyro and Cynder descended the staircase and reached their friends, which were waiting for them with another figure. The purple dragon recognised almost instantly the newcomer. His red cloak was waving in the wind, with his bow and his quiver firmly placed across his back. His golden fur shone bright in the sun, as well as his deep azure eyes which were fixed on the couple.

The two heroes sped up on the last steps before running to meet him. The cheetah knelt to hug them, while both Spyro and Cynder embraced him with their wings. Soon after they released from the embrace smiling at each other.

"Hunter! It's so good to see you!"Said the purple dragon excited.

"It's good to see you too, young friend. I'm sorry for not coming back earlier but I've been quite busy with the village lately. Chief Prowlus had me on tight leash and buried me with stuff to do. I hope he manages to chill a bit during our permanence here in Warfang."He answered.

"No problem at all, Hunter. Actually, since you're here, do you want to join us in checking out this festival?"Asked Spyro.

"It would be a great pleasure."Replied the cheetah.

So the small group began to walk along the main street, chatting about their relative post-war experience and exploring all that this beautiful festival had to offer. The purple dragon had never seen the city so full of dragons and other creatures. It was almost difficult to walk without bumping into someone else.

Many citizen noticed the presence of the two young heroes in the crowd and often someone stopped them to ask a paw-print or even just to say hi and then run away in embarrassment.

Spyro, even if this had already happened before, did never get used to this kind of treatment, sometimes it actually bothered him as he just wanted to be treated like anyone else, but he also knew that getting angry wouldn't help him in any way, that's why he always tried to please the crowd of fans.

After sometime Hunter left the group, because he needed to go back to his chief. Spyro and Cynder saluted warmly their friend, before returning to the exploration of the festival.

In few minutes of walking the group didn't notice nothing of really interesting, until their eyes got drawn by particular stall near one crossroad. It was a shop of jewellery and mole craftsmanship. The black dragoness inspected closely the products exposed until her eyes posed on a sparkling silver neckband. The jewel had a jaw-dropping emerald mounted in the middle and it was also adorned with fine and beautiful engravings that reminded the shape of the roots of a tree.

"Quite a beautiful piece, isn't it?"Said a voice, breaking Cynder's trance. She watched who called her and then noticed that there was the owner of the shop right in front of her, accommodated on a wooden stool.

"Yes. It's really beautiful."Answered the black dragoness.

"If you're interested in buying it, the price is two hundred and fifty coins."Said the little mole grinning. Cynder instantly frowned at the hearing of the price. Even if the Guardians had begun to give her and Spyro a weekly amount of money to spend at their own pleasure, it would take her months of savings to even think to afford that piece of jewellery.

She finally sighed."I'm sorry but I don't have enough money. Thank you anyway."She said moving past the stall. Spyro noticed from behind the scene and when Cynder left, he directed towards the mole.

"Sorry, sir. How much is for that one?"He asked, pointing his digit towards the neckband. The mole's eyes widened almost in shock.

"Master Spyro! It's really an honour to meet you."Said the mole, grabbing and shaking energetically Spyro's paw.

"Anyway, for that one it would be two hundred and fifty. But for you I can do a special price. How does one hundred and fifty sound like?"Asked the owner expectantly.

Spyro pondered for a moment how much money did he actually have left, then sighed in defeat.

"I'm sorry sir, but I only have one hundred or so coins. I'm forced to renounce."He said bowing his head. The mole stood silent for few seconds, before calling back the purple dragon.

"Master Spyro, wait! One hundred it's fine, after all you did for us its the minimum I can do."Said the owner smiling. The young hero remained a bit astounded, but finally nodded back.

"Thank you so much sir. It's ok if I come here this evening to retire it?"Asked Spyro.

"Sure, Master Spyro. See you later."Answered the mole, bowing his head. The purple dragon saluted back and the caught up with his friends that, in the meanwhile, had proceeded further into the main street.

The sun climbed far up in the sky, reaching its zenith. Most of the citizen had gathered in front of a great stage that was set up that same morning in front of the Great hall.

Everything was ready to host the elemental showoff and, first in line of the audience, there were the two young heroes with their friends. Spyro was actually thrilled at the idea to see full trained dragons performing advanced elemental attacks in public. He actually looked forward to learn all those new techniques that the Guardians had anticipated to him. Today he was going to have a sneak peek of what he will be able to master in the future.

Finally the contestants arrived on the stage, and the show began. The youngster remained simply astonished by the never seen and uniques attacks that the dragons in front of them performed.

A fire dragon casted a fire bomb that, after detonating, sent countless fire rays in every direction. Instead an ice dragoness used an interesting variation of the ice shot. Practically, she sent an ice globule up in the air, with then exploded making rain down tens of deadly ice shards.

Spyro studied cautiously the participants one by one, trying to learn their moves and preparations to their performance. The show progressed seamlessly and it finally came to an end. The winner, an electricity dragoness, was announced and everybody acclaimed her witch cheers, roars and applauses. All the contestants bowed their heads to the audience, thanking them for their attention and eventually left the stage.

The viewers had already began to left when a voice shouted loud:"Where's the purple dragon!? We want to see him on stage!". Silence fell over the place.

In hearing those words, Spyro just wanted to get away as soon as possible, hoping that nobody heard whoever shouted.

"Yes, I want to see him too!"Yelled another dragon.

"Me too!"

"C'mon go on stage!"

"Show us what you got, young hero."

The voices began to multiply in the crowd until it began impossible to distinguish a word. The purple dragon gazed his friend, with a doubtful frown etched on his face. Cynder got closer to him, nuzzling his cheek.

"I'm sure you can do this. Give 'em a test of the purple dragon."She said in his ears.

Spyro sighed and finally, with a flap of his wings, he jumped on stage, facing the crowd. The audience cheered loudly at the young hero, before falling into silence once again. The purple dragon gulped, as anxiety began to rise in his chest. He closed his eyes, trying to focus as much as he could.

"What can I do of different? I'm not even remotely as good as the others…Think Spyro…Think!"He said in his mind. Then a spark ignited in his head.

"Convexity! It's been a while but… I could try…"He thought. A smile etched on his face as he began to focus on the energy flowing inside of him. The same power that permitted him to face Malefor now awaited to be called once a gain.

"I just need a bit of it. Too much and it would be disastrous."

He felt that ancient power rise inside of him, flowing in his veins like and with his blood. He continued in pursuing that feeling, while around him a purple aura began to form. Tendrils of violet magic began to expand from his body as the energy continued to rise in his chest.

"There it is, now focus."

A globule of purple magic formed in his jaws. When he couldn't hold it anymore, he blasted open his eyes, raised his head aiming upwards in the sky and finally he released all that power.

A violet beam exploded from his mouth, casting a pillar of energy that darted in the air at extreme speed. He then shut his jaws closed, cutting off the flow, while the audience watched in awe the beam rise up in the sky, warping the clouds at its passing.

In the end, the ray exploded like a firework, sending down purple ashes that glimmered in the daylight. Spyro dropped his head, panting. He felt extremely drained by the use of his power, he could feel every muscle tensed and contracting, also his hearing was deafen by the blood pumping.

That noise gradually faded away, being only replaced by the loud cheering of the crowd that literally was in awe, after that majestic display of power.

After few minutes the purple dragon walked down the stage, directing towards his friends. Cynder watched him with a concerned gaze, getting closer to him.

"Spyro, are you ok?"She asked, gently nuzzling his cheek.

"Yeah, I'm…Just a bit drained."He said with his gaze lost."…Let's go on, don't you have to attend the race soon?"He then said.

"Yes, but you are more important. Are you sure it's all ok?"Asked the black dragoness.

"Yes, Cynder, I'm fine. Now, c'mon I don't want you to be late because of me."He said with a weak smile.

Cynder finally sighed and followed him and with their fiends on their side, they began to walk in the cheering crowd.

See you next week, thank you for reading!