Chapter 2: Home Is Where The Wings Rest
The Western Dragon Realm—The Artisans
Two dragons coasted from the magic portal, landing in the wind-woven grass.
"This is the main part of the Artisan lands, Cynder."
It was normally laid-back and quiet within the Old Castle battlements and the surrounding fields, but save for the twittering birds it was dead silent for miles. Cynder looked around anxiously as they walked. "It looks and feels nice here," she said. "But…where is everyone?"
"Town Square—the portal's just a quick jog from here."
"Oh…what's happening there, again?"
"The Dragonfly Festival. I've heard it's mainly the Artisan dragons who get it up and popping. What's up?"
She was staring at him sideways with soft doe eyes. "Do you think I can get a dragonfly like yours?"
"Sure! I don't see why not."
"Would it be fun?"
"I'd say, yeah. Your dragonfly winds up being your best friend that always saves your hide. But you know what?" Spyro said thoughtfully, "While Bubba was talking earlier, I realized something I hadn't noticed before."
"He didn't have a dragonfly."
"Right, yeah! None of the adults do."
"And they did have them? All of them did?"
"'S far as I know. Heh, there's a saying that goes, 'A dragon without a dragonfly is a dead one'."
"I guess they just don't live that long. They're just insects."
Spyro hummed, faintly bothered. "Well yeah, but they still have their own form of magic. I always thought that's what kept 'em going, but…I don't know. I hafta ask Nestor about this."
"Where is your fly right now?"
"Sparx? Poor guy's been feeling a little sick lately. He's been in bed, but he's doing better than he was a few days ago…he could barely move. Oh, look! You see Marco, waving us over? We're gonna hitch a ride on his balloon!"
The balloonist gave Cynder a friendly greeting, but she lowered her head and scurried into the balloon without a response. When they took off into the air she stretched her neck higher to peer over the basket. The sight of the rolling plains falling away from them made her eyes quiver.
"What's wrong, sis?" Spyro asked carefully. "If…it's not too soon for me to be calling you that."
"It's nothing. I mean, it's fine. I just…never expected to see a nice place like this. I miss the mountains, but this is different. In a good way. And your leader was kind, too."
"Might be feeling a little more like home already, huh?"
Spyro stood upright and braced his front paws on the edge of the basket. He waited to see if she would copy him and she did. As they passed over other parts of the Artisans, Spyro was glad to point out different kinds of topography and explained the wide variety of working dragons and craftsmen there. They passed over the swamps of the Beast Makers and she didn't seem too fond of the environment, instead opting to lie flat on the bottom of the basket (much to Spyro's mild amusement). As soon as he could see the peaks of the Magic Crafters fade into view he let her know and she bolted up, watching the mountains come closer with a sway in her tail.
"So…you've gotta be super tough," Spyro said, sitting back. She craned her head around, doing a double take. "I mean you've gone this long without a dragonfly and you lived in the mountains?"
"Oh. It's just that they—we never really had any conflict," Cynder said. She glanced back at the mountain peaks then took a deep breath, lowering her paws from the side of the basket. "And, um…I was thinking about what you said earlier about the egg thieves. It makes more sense to me now. I notice you got angry about them, too…"
Spyro soured, billowing smoke from his nostrils. "You bet. I've had to chase way too many of them down. It's never ending…it's a messed up thing for them to do."
"Did they do something to you?"
She had asked it innocently but it sent a jolt through his entire body and made his wings twitch.
"I…I mean, maybe," he said, letting out an unsure laugh. "I wouldn't know, right?"
"Would Nestor know?"
"Ahh…well, that's funny, since he doesn't like talking about things like that. He has told me that my egg was found in the Artisans. That's all I know."
"Where!" Cynder exclaimed in sudden realization, "Where are the mothers? Do they not live here? I've only seen males along with the babies…"
"Yeah, that's just how we do it here. The dudes and dudettes are separate, at least when they're adults. I don't really get why or thought about it much. Nestor has said everyone has their own role as a dragon, and it usually doesn't matter if we're separated somehow."
"Even between mates? Between parents and children? Why wouldn't the mothers want to be here?"
"I dunno, good point. Maybe there's something more to it we don't know."
Cynder frowned. "It sounds strange. I've never heard of so much separation within a culture. It wasn't like that at Heaven's Peaks, where I'd grown up with Colvoids…"
"What the heck are those?"
"They're lizard people. Burrowers and mountain-climbers…oh! I-I see some other dragons…!"
They passed a group of Magic Crafters below in the middle of a levitation study. The balloon casually drifted by a scholarly orange dragon, Cedric, who glanced up from his book and caught up with them with several flaps of his wings.
"Good morning, Spyro. Good morning, young miss," Cedric said. "May I ask who you are?"
"Cynder," she said.
Spyro exclaimed, "I just found out she's my sister!"
Cedric almost fumbled his romance novel. "Really, now?" he asked in light surprise, and she nodded shyly. "Well then, Cynder. Pleased to meet you. It's not every day you hear something like this…"
Now disinterested, Cedric put his head back in his book and slowed. Cynder gazed back at him, stunned.
"Don't mind him. He's always reading. I heard he crashes into stuff while he's flying because of it," Spyro whispered to her. "Isn't that hilarious?"
Chuckling, he leaned up against the door of the basket, throwing it open and sending himself tumbling.
"Oh!" Cynder exclaimed.
"This is gonna huuuuuuuurt!" Spyro cried. He only had thirty feet to fall since they'd been coming in for a landing anyway, but Sparx wasn't there so he'd be feeling the impact for a week.
"Bianca—!" a familiar voice suddenly cried, "Catch him, catch him, now!"
Spyro cringed. At the last second before he hit the ground he levitated to a sharp halt with his nose an inch from the grass. Then he plummeted and finally hit the earth, sneezing hard enough to start a small grass fire. Nearby the leader of the Magic Crafters, Cosmos, shook a finger. His new student was next to him pulling her long ears in frustration.
"That was almost immaculate given the time frame, Bianca," Cosmos said kindly. "But whatever happened to your poise at the end?"
"Agh, I'm sorry, Spyro! I messed it up at the last second, I got too nervous!" Bianca cried.
"Bianca, not trying to discount your feelings…" Spyro began calmly, pulling himself up. "But you literally did more than I ever could, and I'm the one with the wings."
"Yes, let's not focus all that much on the end of things. You dissipated all of his momentum!" Cosmos praised. "That served the greatest purpose."
Bianca sighed. "Oh, alright. I guess that's true."
She cast a short wind spell to put out the fire. Cosmos eyed the balloon, saying, "There's a first for everything, I suppose. I never thought I'd see you testing out the effects of gravity so eagerly, Spyro."
Cynder hopped out of the balloon before it landed. Bianca and Cosmos looked surprised.
"Hey, hey—that's Cynder!" Spyro said proudly. "My sister!"
Cosmos whirled on him, accidentally swinging his staff about. Bianca had to duck to avoid getting a concussion.
"Yo, Cynder! This dragon here is Cosmos, the leader of the Magic Crafters," Spyro exclaimed, then gestured towards the rabbit. "And this is Bianca, one of my best friends!"
Cynder drew closer, nodding at them. Cosmos staked the end of his staff in the ground, remarking, "How astounding! This isn't an unfair joke, is it?"
"No, sir…" Cynder said, looking up at him carefully. "I don't like joking…"
"Ah, well I never imagined! Long lost, only for the portrait of fate to draw you both together again. How do you like it here, young Cynder?"
"It's very nice. I grew up in tall mountains, just like these. It…I'm happy it's warmer here."
"Well, do take a look around! It's the season of ice in these parts all year-round. And we're quite secluded, if you hadn't noticed."
Bianca stepped up to Cynder, holding her hand out. "I never expected to hear any of this either, but it's really great to meet you."
Cynder eyed her up, ignoring the gesture. "What are you?"
"I'm…a student in training," Bianca said modestly, glancing at where the burnt patch of grass had magically healed.
"I think she means what creature, B," Spyro detected.
"Oh, I'm just a rabbit."
To that Cynder said, "I don't like rabbits."
Bianca's brows jumped up and she cut her eyes to Spyro, who wore the same awkward expression.
"Alright, can you tell us why on the matter?" Cosmos asked tolerantly.
"They're thieves…" Cynder said lowly. "They always stole our crops during the harsh weather seasons and caused us to labor and struggle more…"
"Surely you're referring to wild rabbits? Ms. Bianca is no thief and is a joy to have around."
"You know," Bianca spoke up suddenly, looking down at her wand as she twirled it in her hands, "that's true, but only since recently. Let's not forget that."
Cynder squinted at her. "You stole?"
"Yes, I did."
"What did you steal?"
"Dragon eggs."
Cynder's eyes flared like burning emeralds. "You're one of the egg thieves…?" she hissed, spewing scarlet embers from her mouth.
Spyro sensed danger and bolted in between them. "Wait—wait, wait, hold on, sis! She's past that. She's not a repeat offender like the other egg thieves running around!"
"That's accurate, very accurate," Cosmos agreed.
Cynder continued to glare as if they hadn't said a single word. Bianca drooped, creasing the corners of her mouth back. "Well, um…" she said to Cynder, "I hope you like it here. Everyone here is pretty generous and kind. So…enjoy your stay."
No response. Spyro glanced over at the nearest portal. "Uhh, yeah, thanks Bianca. We're heading to Wizard Peaks over there next, we're kinda on a schedule," he said urgently, making a point of passing in front of Cynder heading in the right direction. "Thanks again, guys! See you soon, you coming, sis?"
"Yes, yes, we'll see you both at the festival!" Cosmos cried, flaring his wings. "I can't wait!"
Cynder still hadn't moved, holding her stare on Bianca for a few more uncomfortable seconds before following Spyro.
Magic Crafters—Wizard Peaks
"You gotta understand, Cynder…she's not like that anymore."
As they traveled through the crystal-encrusted halls, Cynder still wore a dour expression. Spyro could feel the heat simmering from her.
"I don't get it," Cynder said coolly. "Why would you be friends with someone like that?"
"It, ehh, it'd take a while for me to explain. I can swear she's changed."
"How long have you known her?"
"Not that long? I'd say six months."
She suddenly glowered at him and Spyro caught her implication, quickly adding, "I know. It's been a short time, but, ah…I trust my gut. It's not just me, either. Just putting that out there."
Cynder huffed. A strong gust of icy wind blew through the corridor and she reared her wings.
"You can fly any time you want," Spyro reminded her. "There's a ton of updrafts here."
"I don't want to leave without you."
"Oh! Okay, then. Ooh, look over there! Let me show you what a supercharge ramp does!"
He galloped up the hill to show her. When he demonstrated just how fast a dragon could move on the magical speed ramps Cynder went almost cationic, wide-eyed as she watched him launch himself towards the heavens. He reached his peak and cut a sharp turn, gliding all the way back to her.
"H-How can you even move your feet that fast?" she whispered.
"Practice! Once you get going, you're not that outta control. Wanna try it?"
She did not. So, Spyro settled with just showing her around. He was beginning to sense she wasn't that much of a thrill seeker, which was fine. He would accept his sister for whoever she was.
Throughout the day they moved throughout the Magic Crafters territory. It was hard to tell at first but Spyro was certain Cynder was growing more comfortable, at least to the point where she didn't fold in on herself as much. They had fun racing wild goats up icy cliffs, gliding over frosted, sunlit meadows, and exploring the endless maze of mountain caverns. Every now and again they'd bump into another dragon and Cynder was greeted with universal surprise and cordialness. Spyro tried to see if maybe she would crack a smile or even laugh, but it seemed she wasn't that kind of dragon. They were cold and nearly sapped of energy by the time they were boarding the balloon back to the Artisans. Even then she seemed a little reluctant to leave.
"Whew…this constant chill is no joke," Spyro said, hunkering down on the basket of the balloon. "You said it's colder where you came from? Wow."
"Yes. Much colder. I guess I just got used to it," Cynder said, pulling her tail in before the balloonist accidentally closed the door on it. "…I know dragons are creatures of fire. I wasn't expecting to see there were those who willingly lived in cold mountains."
"Yeah, I used to find that weird too, until Cosmos told me that we can get familiar with other elements than fire. He says we're really adaptable."
"I've…heard that, too."
Cynder paused, seeming ready to ask a question. By the time she asked it though, Spyro got a feeling she'd changed it at the last moment.
"Spyro...who was that faun from earlier?"
"Elora?"
"Yes. Is she the only one of her kind here?"
"Uh huh. Well, as far as I know," Spyro said, scratching his cheek. Cynder's eyes tensed.
"I've never heard of fauns living with dragons," she said.
"Technically she lives all the way in a place called Avalar, but we hooked her up with a portal," Spyro said, grinning. "Kinda like the one we took earlier, but this one makes five hundred miles passable in five seconds for her."
Cynder's eyes widened. "That's strong magic…"
"Yeah, and it's all thanks to the dragons we just left behind."
Frustrated, Cynder inquired, "But…why? She isn't a dragon. Why does she even want to stick around them?"
"You don't have to be a dragon to hang around here. We don't go around evicting outsiders."
"I'm guessing the rabbit is the same way?"
"She and another one of my best friends actually do live back in Alpine Ridge, remember there? They're building a house there."
She frowned in suspicion. "What other best friend?"
"Two others you haven't met. I'm talking about Hunter, though. He's a cheetah."
"What is that?"
"A type of scaredy-cat," Spyro cracked. "Nah, nah, I'm kidding. He's cool. One of the bravest folk you'll ever meet. All of my friends are like that. So, just to let you know…you don't ever have to be fearful."
"Why shouldn't I?"
"While you're here? You'll be protected by all of us."
"I would only want you to protect me, though."
"I wish I was that hardcore," Spyro said lightly. "It's miles better to have a group of friends and allies to watch your back. I know it's what's kept me alive up until now."
"You aren't serious, are you?"
"Couldn't be more serious."
She was unconvinced and her stoic expression wouldn't change. It did seem like his words had some impression on her; when they reached the Artisans, Spyro watched her exit the balloon with her head low and tail dragging.
Man…I feel so bad for her, he thought. It definitely looks like she's got a lot of issues.
Cynder quickly noticed she was alone. She turned but he was already at her side, putting a wing over her back. She froze and stared him in the eyes.
"Too much?" Spyro asked gently.
"No. It's fine," she said. To his slight surprise she copied him and draped a wing over his shoulders. The dragons stayed hip-to-hip as they waded through the twilight-battered grass. And right before they reached the portal to Stone Hill, something in her changed again. Cynder sagged, lowering her head.
"…Spyro, I…um…need to tell you something," she said softly.
"Yeah, what's up?"
"I…I'm not really…"
She grimaced, baring her teeth slightly. Spyro shook his head.
"Hey, it's okay if you're not ready to say something," he told her. "I don't want to force anything out of you, sis. Just take your time, alright?"
"I, um…alright. I will. Thank you, Spyro."
Stone Hill—Spyro and Sparx's Spire
Further out past the battlements was a displaced spire, mysteriously offset by a large measure from the other parts of the castle. Maybe a dragon armed with an odd sense of humor and crafty magic had gotten a hold of it, as it was imbedded in the ground at a perfect seventy-five degree angle. It was rooted deep within the grassy firmament, rising over a small pond of glittering freshwater.
When Spyro and Cynder made it there, a golden glow waited for them at the opening of the spire's base. It bolted for them.
"Hey, Sparx!" Spyro laughed as his dragonfly twirled around his head and horns like a miniature comet. "You look like you're feeling better."
"It's about time," Sparx exclaimed, hovering between Spyro's eyes. "As soon as Nestor left after giving me my medicine, I couldn't sit still anymore. I look good, right? Zzt, no green?"
"Nope!"
Sparx did a few loop-de-loops in the air to show off, then finally noticed Cynder. His gold aura flickered in surprise. "Oh, uh, whooooo...?"
Spyro grinned. "You're not gonna believe this, pal. I found out today that I have a sister."
Sparx looked at him, then to Cynder, then back at Spyro. He blinked his large eyes once.
"This is her. Her name's Cynder," Spyro said.
Sparx scoffed. "Nuh uh, you're playing around. I don't even see any resemblance."
Cynder flinched, darting her eyes to the ground.
"Yeah, but to be fair I don't know what our parents looked like," Spyro countered humorously. "You didn't trash our place, did you?"
"No. Only a little. Yes. Why ask?"
"Still good with being at our place tonight?" Spyro asked Cynder.
"Oh!" she said. "I…if it's alright…"
"Sure! Just give me a minute and I'll gather up some stuff to make another bed."
"Don't bother. I would like to stay up top."
"All the way up there?"
Sparx added, "It's steeper than it looks."
"I'll see," Cynder said. She spread her wings and beat them effortlessly, whipping into the air and climbing with the angle of the spire. She perched atop the pinnacle and folded her wings.
"Yes, this is fine," she called down. "There's a groove up here that's the perfect size for me. I would just rather be able to see everything from up here."
"Okay, cool. Need anything to cover up with?" Spyro called. "Winter's passed, but it still gets a little cold here at night."
"I should be fine. Thank you, though."
"Mountain dragons," Spyro muttered teasingly to Sparx, then said back to his sister, "Hey, 'fore we turn in I'm gonna head over to Town Square and pick us up something to eat. How does flame-broiled sheep sound?"
"What is that?"
Sparx's eyes bulged and almost fell out of his head. Spyro stuttered, "Uh, it's…really good?"
"I'll take whatever you get for me," she said. Sparx tugged at Spyro's horn to get him to start walking. When they were out of Cynder's earshot the dragonfly went in, quipping, "Okay seriously, who is she and where did she come from? She's a little more than off, dontcha think?"
"Ease up on her, Sparx. She's a dragon that hasn't been around other dragons her whole life. It's really sad. And she doesn't really seem all too confident in herself, either."
When Sparx heard everything there was to know about the black dragon, he turned sober and unusually contemplative. Spyro wanted to pretend that didn't put some sort of doubt in him.
"I mean…it checks out, right?" Spyro asked carefully. "Even the adults can see it being true. What's up, what's on your mind?"
"I don't know. I guess it's because I just met her. I got a weird feeling from her, but maybe it's because she is so different. Still…you haven't considered she could always be lying?"
Spyro paused, dropping his mouth open. "Uhh…I would hope not, right? It'd be kinda farfetched. What'd be the point, anyway?"
Sparx didn't have an answer to that, but Spyro felt it was because it may've been something he didn't want to hear. As they traveled eastward under the starry sky, the dragonfly continued to flicker like a distress beacon.
Cynder watched Spyro and Sparx, but at such a distance and height she could only see the dragonfly due to his light. Frowning, she turned away to stare westward. The sight of the sun lowering over the mountain range overwhelmed her and she collapsed to her knees.
That little fly doesn't trust me, she thought bitterly, flaring her nostrils. He's not wrong. But he caught on so quickly. That makes me nervous.
She forced herself up, checking to see if she was truly alone. From what she was told from the reconnaissance reports, she had no worries about being spied on by the locals. But she had been watched and scrutinized for most of her life and some feelings couldn't be shaken. She had almost forgotten she was there for a reason, and it wasn't for a good one.
I need to contact Commander Colidon…now! It's gotten way too late!
She dropped to her front and squeezed her eyes shut, covering them with her paws. Her entire day flashed in front of her and it felt like a single lifetime of love, companionship and generosity she hadn't ever gotten before. It kept her rooted.
…this isn't fair. Being around other dragons has done something to me. I feel wanted here. Like this is the place for me.
A warm pressure she had never felt before was swelling in her heart. Before, all there had been was a stark coldness, a dull chill she felt every time she sat alone in her thoughts for too long.
…I really don't want to do this anymore. Just after one day, I don't want to do this anymore. Do I really have to continue to be an agent conspiring against Spyro and the others?
How could I even think any of this? I know what will happen if I don't obey. Something worst than I can imagine will happen to me if I become a traitor to the fauns. But I don't even know how long I can keep pretending now. I was supposed to do what I was taught, but I've already failed. I'm still as useless as ever.
I should dread even speaking to the Commander or Lord Kingston again. They'll be able to notice my weaknesses. That would be enough to make them come after my head.
She uncovered her eyes, which were now glistening. The sun was almost gone. She should have reported to her superior at least an hour ago. A sudden comprehension spirited into her mind.
Commander Colidon is relying on me. They all are. They couldn't infiltrate these realms without me.
They're too…scared.
I can see why. Everyone here is so loving and kind to one another—even to the non-dragons. I'm jealous of that.
But if something were to happen, then…maybe what Spyro said about me being safe here really is true. I can see it…everyone would band together and destroy anything that dares to come in and disturb the peace.
…especially if it's a full-blown invasion targeting the baby dragons.
She felt sick, and she felt hypocritical. Selfishness and bitterness burned at the back of her throat and she wanted to spew scarlet fire into the faces of those who had forced her into this terrible position. Now she was contemplating something new, if only because of her desire—the idea of rebelling, after being subordinate for most of her life. She never even imagined the thought would cross her mind.
I can…I can have the power, here, Cynder thought. If I were to turn my backs on them, and tell Spyro the utter truth…I'm sure he'll understand. He's already been so trusting. Maybe…he'll accept me for who I am if I explain it to him. Agh, but…
She grew restless as she considered what she was going to do, but her dark, mixed feelings twisted into excitement and eagerness. She couldn't shake the desire, the addiction to being with other dragons in a safe, loving environment. She was going to do it.
She was going to do something brave. She had the chance to change her life and turn it into something better than it had ever been before. But she was still scared.
Cynder tucked her legs underneath her, trying to get comfortable. Her heart was on fire. She wouldn't sleep a wink that night.
Maybe not…tonight. But soon. I'll tell him.
All she had to do was lie a little bit longer, then make her move when the time was right. She couldn't wait.
By the night's end, her superior and fellow dragon Commander Colidon, still hadn't heard from her.
