Review Replies:
Austin: Cereal is only the tip of the iceberg. There will be a whole series about the dragons' experience with our delicate cuisine, don't you worry. The same goes for Spyro and doctors. They say opposites attract, right? Well, Spyro is a positive charge, and doctors are also a positive charge, so naturally, they will — oh.
You talk about Cynder and Cécile fighting as if they wouldn't team up to wreak havoc upon Xavier. But if something were to happen to their alliance, Spyro would be right there to capitalise on the confusion. Don't underestimate him. Moreover, movies sound like a nice idea, but it might end up being miscellaneous. On the other end, video games might literally blow the dragon's minds. We'll see what happens.
I'll have to stop you there. Spyro and Cynder are good boys and girls. :)
Not only did I miss the deadline for a Halloween update, but the story is set during summer break. In other words, it wouldn't work out. But don't you worry, if Spyro and Cynder pretend to be roleplaying fursuiters, I'm sure they can blend in just fine any day of the week. They would just need to deal with the odd glances shot their way.
Wait, you're throwing me into the mines so soon‽ But Brothership just came out — I need to get my licks in! NO, WAIT! AAAAAHHH—
Linkuser2: They say half the taste is in the comedy. If you look at it that way, I gave them something exquisite, no?
The contrast between science and magic will be a running theme as the dragons explore our modern society. I mean, what's the point of visiting someqhere if you're not comparing it to your home?
Thank you! I try my best to make these characters bounce well off each other. They're a tight-knit group in the making that will spend lots of time together. If they're not enjoyable to read, then we've got a problem, yeah?
Hey, I never said Male-douche wasn't Spyro's dad. And as for stealing the name, let's see...I'll let you rent it. 50$ per use. Does that sound fair?
Excellent. I am a firm believer that slow and steady wins the race. Look forward to the next upload. :)
Chapter 3 - Wash that Dragon
...
Spyro stared out the window as Xavier removed his bandages to check his injuries. The outside was right there, tantalizingly close yet so far. Exploring the house during the week had been cool and all — it had led to many wonders and neat discoveries — but that could only pale in comparison to what he could find outdoors. What about the city? Or the citizens? What did human marketplaces look like? What sort of infrastructure could they build that would defy Spyro's expectations? So many questions buzzed in Spyro's mind that would unfortunately go unanswered because of Xavier's paranoia.
Okay, maybe "paranoia" was a strong word, but Spyro still felt cheated.
The purple dragon sighed. He looked to the other couch, where Cécile was taking care of Cynder the same way Xavier was treating him. The two siblings were an intriguing pair. Their constant banter brought familiarity to Spyro; he could relate to their antics, as Sparx and he were pretty much the same.
Spyro's face fell. At the same time, it made him feel homesick. Sparx must be getting worried sick. I wonder if the Guardians are looking for me? I hope they're all okay...
Xavier clapped his hands, startling Spyro out of his thoughts. "Alright, you're free to go. You won't be needing bandages anymore; all your wounds are closed, and your scales are regrowing. You should be fine in a few days."
Spyro managed a smile. "Awesome!" He jumped off the couch they were sitting on and stretched, sighing as the tension left his muscles. "I think I could go for a bath, honestly."
"Wait, did you say 'bath'?" Cécile bounced up from her sitting position, startling Cynder, who let out a hiss. "There's something I want to try doing!"
The purple dragon was on high alert after that outburst, so he trod carefully. "What is it?"
She grinned. "A big surprise."
"Oi, what about me?" Cynder asked. "I still need taking care of."
The girl scoffed, waving her hand dismissively. "Don't worry. Xavier is right there, isn't he?"
Xavier put his fists on his hips. "Oh, so when you're all grown up and independent, I'll still need to clean up after every mess you leave behind?" He snorted. "Better be careful. You never know when I'll start charging for it."
"Oh, shove it! This is a rare opportunity, and I won't let it escape me!" She walked past him and gestured to the purple dragon. "Come on, Spyro! Let's dump this stooge."
He chuckled nervously. "Um, alright."
"You'd better not try to swindle him because I'll get you for that," Cynder said, sticking her tongue out.
Once in the bathroom, Cécile took out an array of items, to which Spyro raised an eyebrow. "Um, Cécile? I can't help but ask what you're planning to do with all this."
There were buckets, brushes, sponges, bottles, and all sorts of stuff he didn't recognize.
"It's a grooming kit, don't worry." Behind her back, she held one arm with the other, twisting herself on an axis sheepishly. "So, if you ever needed a wash or something, I could, you know, offer my services?"
Spyro's eyes widened. Oh. So this is what this was about.
The purple dragon wasn't too sure of this. While he had grown more comfortable living with the humans, he wasn't sure if he was ready for such a big step up in their relationship. Besides, he could handle himself just fine after Xavier had taught him how to work the shower.
"How about this? If at any point, you feel uncomfortable, we can quit. How does that sound?"
Spyro hummed. I mean, at that point, there's no risk in trying. He nodded. "Okay, that's agreeable enough."
She pumped a fist in celebration. "Yes! You won't regret this, I promise."
I sure hope not. Spyro pulled the sheets with his teeth and hopped into the bathtub. "Alright, how do we proceed with this?"
"First things first, we get you all soaked up." Cécile grabbed the showerhead and sat down on a chair she had set next to the bathtub. "Do you prefer cold or hot water?"
"Hot water, please." That was a no-brainer. What sort of crazy lunatic would torture himself with a cold shower?
Cécile turned the faucet and directed the showerhead at Spyro's paws. Breezy water gushed out and met his paws, which had him retracting them as he growled in displeasure.
Cécile must have found it funny because she snickered. "What? Afraid of a little cold?"
"No!" Spyro retorted, frowning. "I'm perfectly capable of handling cold. Weather. Cold weather, I mean. The water stays away unless properly heated."
"Spoken like a true coward," she said, giggling.
Spyro harrumphed. "I'd like to see you try jumping in a basin of cold water."
"Is that a bet, Spyro?" Cécile asked, sounding intrigued.
"It sure is."
The girl chuckled. "I'll find some way to make the necessary arrangements, then. In the meantime, eat this!" Cécile jerked the showerhead at Spyro. Warm water splashed against his face, making him splutter. He turned his head away and held his paw up in defence until Cécile pointed her weapon elsewhere. He shot her an annoyed glare. "Oi! You're supposed to be washing me, not attacking me!"
Cécile grinned. "Right, right, sorry." She didn't sound the slightest bit sorry.
After dousing the purple dragon adequately, Cécile filled a bucket with water before turning the shower head off. She grabbed a sponge, soaked it up, then applied a helping of soap. "Let's start with your back. Could you turn around for me?"
The purple dragon nodded and obliged. Cécile started stroking his back with the sponge. It was an odd feeling. He'd never really been pampered like this. Flash and Nina weren't exactly suited for the job, and even if the Guardians had basically been his caretakers, they never got this personal with him — not even Ignitus.
Spyro's heart squeezed with remorse and grief as painful memories erupted to the front of his mind. He winced. This was not something he had meant to remember; anything was better than remembering his biggest failure. Spyro, the purple dragon of legend, unable to save his mentor. Some savior I am…
"Spyro, are you alright? What's wrong?"
It was then that the purple dragon took notice of his trembling self, his constricted throat, and his teary eyes.
Ancestors, he had almost broken down in front of Cécile.
Spyro sniffled and buried the geyser of tears that threatened to escape. He stiffened his muscles, forcing them still. "Y-yeah. Yeah, I'm fine, don't worry."
Cécile didn't seem convinced, but she didn't press the issue. She resumed her work, this time tackling his arms and legs before moving on to his chest, though the mood was noticeably sombre.
Spyro wanted to kick himself. This was supposed to be an enjoyable moment for the two, yet here he was ruining it with his sentimentality! He sighed. I didn't even know I had such strong, repressed feelings. Then again, I never had the time to mourn for him...
By this point, Spyro's entire body was covered in white foam, safe for his wings, tail, and face. He closed his eyes as Cécile tackled the latter of the three next. The way she was scrubbing his face felt invasive, but he refrained from complaining; it was the least he could do right now.
"Alright. Stretch out your wing for me, please."
Spyro did as instructed, putting his left wing on her lap. Cécile scrubbed the main arm and the membrane, being extra careful with the latter. As she worked on his wings, and eventually, his tail, Spyro came to realize the amount of thoroughness Cécile was putting into this. It was motherlike, almost. All her movements reflected a deep care for what she was doing. It was enough to put Spyro at ease.
There was a splash, probably from the sponge landing in the bucket. "All done! All that's left is finishing up," Cécile said.
Spyro heard her grabbing the showerhead. Moments later, freezing water splashed against his chest. He screamed as he scurried to the edge of the bathtub. "What is wrong with you? You lunatic!"
"Sorry, sorry! I couldn't resist!" she said in a fit of giggles.
The purple dragon growled. She better not make a habit of this, or else she might start losing limbs for it. …Okay, I wouldn't go that far. But I'll get back at her for this.
When the water fell upon him once more, it was warm. The purple dragon relaxed as Cécile rinsed his body from head to toe, taking away the white foam and leaving him dripping wet.
She put away the showerhead and turned the faucet off. "Okay, you can get out, now."
Spyro clambered out of the bathtub, his paws touching down on the mat. Droplets of water cascaded down his scales and onto the floor. Normally, Spyro would use his Fire element to dry himself, but as he looked at Cécile, a devilish idea formed in his head.
Smirking, he shook himself furiously, firing water droplets every which way. Cécile screamed in surprise and shielded her face as water splashed her form.
She held her clenched fists down her sides, shooting Spyro a furious look. "What's the big idea!"
The purple dragon gave a goofy grin as he sat down on his haunches. "Sorry, I just couldn't resist."
Cécile huffed. "I suppose that does make it easier to dry you." She reached behind her, smirking. "But don't think I won't get back at you. Take this!"
A towel fwumped into Spyro's face. Cécile started to furiously rub him. He trashed and squirmed under her assault. "Ack! Cut that out! I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" Although his voice was muffled under the towel, Spyro sincerely hoped she got the message.
Cécile released him, grunting in satisfaction. "Serves you right, purple boy."
Spyro turned his head away, pouting. You're the one who started it…
Cécile wrapped the towel around Spyro again, this time being gentler as she rubbed the purple dragon dry. He sighed in pleasure. Now this was more like it. Honestly, he wouldn't mind being pampered like this more often in the future.
As long as she kept the shenanigans away.
"Aaaand all done!" Cécile put away the towel. "Now, for the final step. Let's polish those scales!"
She grabbed a bottle he didn't recognize and squirted some sort of pasty liquid into it. Curious, Spyro gave it a few sniffs. It smelled like coconut.
"It's oil. To make your skin all slick and shiny." Cécile rubbed her hands together. "Or in this case, your scales. Come here!"
She started by applying some on Spyro's chest. He shivered. The lotion was cool against his warm body. To make matters worse, Cécile's hands tickled him as she rubbed along his neck down to his belly. He had to put everything into trying not to squirm away from her. The girl continued her handiwork, giving his face and horns a good rubbing, then going down Spyro's four legs individually before tackling his back, tail and wings.
Cécile wiped her forehead after her handiwork was completed. "Phew! That ought to do it."
The purple dragon looked himself over. His lilac scales had gained a lush magnificence; they practically shone with a new vibrance. The same could be said for his golden underbelly. He craned his neck to look at his wings. The membranes were barely recognizable with how fresh they looked.
"Wow…" Spyro couldn't keep that in. He was impressed by the transformation. He walked over to the mirror and propped himself up against the counter with his front paws so he could look into it. His face looked livelier than it ever had been. His golden horns glistened with a renewed sheen.
Cécile walked up behind him. "So? What do you think?"
"What do I think?" Spyro grinned. "I think this is awesome! Thanks, Cécile!" He moved in and nuzzled her neck.
She squirmed away, giggling. "Ack, that tickles!"
The pair exited the bathroom soon after. They headed to the living room, but Xavier and Cynder weren't there. They found them in the kitchen; they were sitting across from one another and discussing something with great interest. At least, that's the impression Spyro got from how they were scribbling on sheets of paper.
"What are you guys doing?" he asked.
The two turned their attention to them.
Cynder gawked at Spyro. "What in the moons? You look like a brand-new dragon! What happened to you?"
"No kidding." Xavier gave Spyro an approving look, bringing his hand to his chin. "Your glow-up came early, my guy."
The purple dragon puffed up his chest. "All in a day's work. You can thank Cécile for that." He jerked her head to his side where she stood. "She put great care into her work."
She blushed and brought her arms behind her back, hips wheeling back and forth. "Oh, it's nothing. I just like animals and want to work with them. It's why I want to be a veterinarian when I grow up."
Spyro tilted his head to the side. "I have no idea what that is, but I'm sure you'll do great!"
"Thanks, Spyro," Cécile said, smiling. "But back to the matter at hand: What are you doing?"
"Oh, something incredible," Xavier said. "I was chatting with Cynder, and our conversation led us to this." He held up a piece of paper. "Check it out: They have their own Dragon Realmian alphabet! It's made up of runes, but most of them have a direct equivalent to our English letters!"
"Wow, that is, uh...very interesting," she said, trying not to sound bored.
Xavier sighed. "With it, we could have a secret code between the four of us, for example."
Cécile bounded up to attention. "For real? Omigosh, we could be secret agents, like James Bond!"
Spyro frowned, looking worried. "Wait, you humans have a different alphabet? Does that mean I have to learn how to read again?"
"Unfortunately, yes," Cynder replied with a shy smile.
The answer crushed Spyro's hopes. Shell-shocked, he fell to his rump. He clenched his chest with his paw and gritted his teeth. Even in another world, he couldn't escape homework. Why? Whyyyy‽ Full of sorrow, he wailed into the heavens, crying an endless "Why‽" as he deflated. His voice eventually petered out into a pitiful croak.
Xavier and Cynder stared at the purple dragon. Cécile knelt and patted him on the back soothingly. "There, there. Don't worry. You'll learn to live with it."
Cole chopped away at the vegetables on the cutting board. He slid them into a heated cooking pot; they sizzled, wafting their innate aroma through the air for him to smell. Cooking wasn't exactly his strong suit, but with how busy work often had him, he had to do something nice for Lisa when he could.
Sounds from a commotion behind him reached Cole's ears. Someone was entering the house. Cole ignored it and kept his focus squarely on cooking, even as silent footsteps stalked toward him.
A pair of hands covered his eyes, followed by a female voice that said, "Guess whooo!"
Cole hummed. "Why, I have no clue who could it possibly be. It's not like I live in this house alone with a gorgeous woman." He removed the intruder's hands from his face and turned around, locking eyes with Lisa. "Hello, beautiful." They shared a tender kiss.
"You know you could have played along, right?" she asked with a teasing smile after breaking off the kiss. "It's not often you're back home from work before me."
"I took precautions so I could leave early." Cole put his hand on her pregnant wife's protruding belly. "I can't stay too far away from our little angel, after all. How is he, by the way?"
Lisa scoffed. "Restless. This little bugger has been causing me quite the stir, lately. He must get it from you." She groaned. "I think I'll go crazy having to deal with a child with your level of energy."
Cole laughed. "Don't worry. I'll make sure he channels it in the right place."
"You'd better." Lisa huffed before looking past him. "Now, this is unusual. You, in the kitchen? Feeling bold today, aren't we?"
"And what's that supposed to mean?" Cole asked, eyebrow raised.
"Nothing. Just wondering if there is anything I should have on hand, say an antidote, a gas mask, or a fire extinguisher?"
It was Cole's turn to scoff. He crossed his arms. "My cooking's not that lethal. You need to have more faith in me."
Lisa shrugged. "The proof will be in the pudding." With that said, she went to freshen up.
"Hmph." Cole turned back to the stove. "I'll show her."
.
.
.
Cole was almost ashamed when he had to present his cooking to Lisa. Despite his best efforts, the dinner he managed to cook for them turned out…less than great.
Lisa eyed the meal with a wry smile. "Need to have more faith in you, huh?"
"You stop it. There were simply a few miscalculations. Besides, our child needs to develop a strong immune system. Better to start early than late."
"My hero, poisoning me for the sake of our child," Lisa deadpanned, her teasing smile never fading.
"Tch." Cole rubbed his temples, trying not to blush. "I get it, I get it. I'll just order pizza or something."
Cole's phone rang. Curious, he fished it out of his pocket, brow furrowing when he saw who was calling. It's from work? They're calling me despite me having left work already? He groaned. This had better be important.
He answered the call, hiding his irritation behind a polite mask. "Hello? … What, an emergency? Can't you bring this up with the Lieutenant or General? … Right, they're off on a mission." Cole sighed. "Fine, I'll be right there."
The man made no effort to hide his annoyed frown when he hung up. "Sorry, Lisa. Something came up at work. They say it's an emergency."
The news made her bummed out. "Oh. They won't keep you for too long, I hope?"
Cole smirked. "Oh, don't worry, I bet I'll be back before the pizza is delivered."
"Don't let me keep you, then, Mr. government agent!"
"Right." Cole pecked her on the cheek. "See you soon, love." He made his way out of the house after changing into his work clothes and ordering pizza.
Getting to the base was no complicated matter. Cole made his way into the facility, then the meeting room. "So, what's all the hubbub about?"
Everyone looked at him. "Admiral!"
A spokesperson walked up to him. "Well, you see, recently, our satellites detected a suspicious frequency in some remote part of the world. The scout team we sent found something…odd."
Cole raised an eyebrow. "Define 'odd', Mr…"
"Jim, sir. And, well, it's better if you see for yourself," he said, rubbing the back of his head. Jim led Cole down to the laboratories and scanned his keycard on a door labelled "Lab #6." The scanner glowed green, and Jim ushered Cole inside as the door slid open.
A plethora of gadgets and equipment filled the room. Cole recognized the beakers, test tubes, and other such things. What grabbed his attention, however, was a glass case on a table in the middle of the room. Inside rested a purple-ish crystal cluster. Protrusions and all, it was small, around the size of a tennis ball. Its dull glow splashed a soft, pink hue onto the white table below.
Cole leaned over to inspect it with squinted eyes. "A curious little jewel, yes, but I'd hardly call this emergency material. Perhaps calling in a jeweler would have been more appropriate?"
Jim shook his head. "It's more than some unassuming jewel, sir. Its properties defy what's expected of normal gemstones. We weren't sure how to proceed and decided it was best to get your opinion on the matter."
"Does anything hint towards it being dangerous?" he asked.
The scientist paused before giving his response. "Not yet, I would say, but our research is still in its infancy."
Cole straightened up. "Then I see no reason to worry right now."
"I see plenty of reasons to worry," Jim said, shuffling his feet. "For starters, its sudden appearance gives rise to many suspicions. For all we know, it could an alien gemstone!"
Cole laughed, then beamed. "That's rich. Look, you did well to query my opinion on the matter. I can see things with a level head, and currently, I see no reason to be paranoid. Keep tabs on the gem; if it does anything out of the ordinary, give me a holler, and I'll react accordingly."
"I-if you say so, sir." Jim gulped, probably as a way to keep his emotions in check.
"Hmph." Cole gave the crystal another cursory glance. While unrefined, he had to admit it was gorgeous. And it was purple, too, one of Lisa's favourite colours! "It's a shame, really. If I had discovered this around two years ago, it would have made a beautiful engagement ring."
He tapped the case with his knuckle. A bolt of lightning arced between the crystal and him, sending a burning pain through his hand. Yelping, Cole jerked his hand away. He held it in his other hand as he sucked in a sharp, pained breath.
"Admiral!" Jim was beside him in an instant. "Are you alright‽ Let me see your hand."
"Don't worry, I'm fine. It barely hurt." Son of a bitch, that thing is evil! My hand feels like it's on fire... Damn it, what was that?
As the other man inspected the hand that got zapped, goosebumps ran along Cole's arm and coursed through his whole body, making him shiver. However, the episode was over seconds after it started. He frowned. That was odd. Is that what it feels like to get electrocuted?
"No visible injury, that's not normal…" Jim looked up at Cole. "Does it still hurt?"
By now, the pain in his hand had grown tolerable — just a dull sting. "No. It gave me a few chills, but I'm fine, now." Cole retrieved his hand. "Say, did that crystal have a nasty habit of zapping whoever touched it?"
The scientist shook his head. "No, sir, this is the first time it happened. I'm just as clueless as you."
"Hmph. I think it might better to destroy it after all," Cole said, giving the crystal the stink-eye.
Jim cringed. "We could do that, but we have no idea whether it would blow up in our faces. There's some kind of energy in there, but we haven't yet figured out its potency or nature."
Cole rubbed his temples. "Fine, then. Keep it here, keep it secure, and exercise utmost caution when handling it."
"Yes, sir!"
"Now, then, I'll be going back home."
Nervousness marred Jim's demeanour. "Are you sure that's a good idea, sir? We should run tests on you, just to be on the safe side."
Cole waved him off. "I'll be fine. It was just a little zap. And besides, it left no injury, right?"
He heard Jim muttering about how that was more concerning as he made his way out of the lab.
AN:
His full name is Jim Addik, by the way.
Your eyes do not deceive. This is indeed an inkling of plot entering the story. But what does it all mean? What's in store for our gang? For Cole and the wife? Ah, I'm sure it's probably nothing. In the meantime, pummel the favourite and follow buttons for me. Those bastards stole my lunch money when I was eight. The only way I can emotionally recover is if you leave a review.
I am, of course, LYING. I sorted it all out with my therapist. And if you think Brothership will stop me from updating the story on time, you have much to learn about my discipline. See you in two weeks.
Author-san, signing out.
Cynder found Xavier sitting on one of the living room's couches. "Oi, Xavy, now that I can finally write in a language you can understand, could you run a small errand for me, please?" She held a rolled-up piece of paper for him to take, which she had written shortly after Spyro's "crisis."
Xavier looked up from his phone. "Hm?" He noticed the piece of paper, took it, and unrolled it. "Yeah, sure, let me see what I can do."
Cynder's writing of the human alphabet was quite unrefined, so she put the utmost care for it to be readable. Or at least she hoped for it to be.
Xavier adjusted his glasses and squinted, muttering, as he read the paper. "Chalk sticks, candles, incense, a mortar..." He looked up from the piece of paper, giving Cynder a dull look. "Say, you're not planning on summoning an eldritch beast in our house, right?"
The black dragoness feigned shock. "Whaaaaat? Come on, now. Me? Do that?" Cynder scoffed repeatedly. "I can't believe you would ever insinuate such a thing." She grinned. "Seriously, though, it's for Cécile. Do it for her?" She batted her eyelashes, trying to look as innocent as possible.
Xavier stared, unaffected. "You remind me of Cécile when she's in Gremlin Mode." He rubbed his temples, sighing. "Alright, fine. I'll get them soon enough. We already have an incense burner, thankfully; the rest should be a cinch to get."
"Awesome." Cynder shuffled her paws, a timid blush painting her cheeks. "And, um, another thing, if you don't mind?"
"What is it?"
"I mean, it's not like I'm asking you to give me pets, but if you were so inclined, I wouldn't stop you, is all I'm saying."
Xavier gave her a look. Cynder looked back with big, sad eyes.
The boy rolled his eyes. "I knew it was over the moment Cécile first convinced you to let her pet you both." He patted the spot next to him. "Fine. Come here."
Elated, Cynder jumped up and curled up beside him. He started caressing her back, which felt heavenly. A purr rumbled in her throat. This house was great, peaceful, and served amazing food — and sweets! Those things were simply sublime! Her time here may be limited, but she would make sure to enjoy her vacation to the fullest.
Spyro & Cynder, Food Critiques Extraordinaire! — Episode 1
...
Spyro and Cynder banged their paws chaotically against the table, repeatedly chanting, "Feed us! Feed us! Feed us!"
"Alright, alright, you two! Settle down!" Xavier snapped. "Sheesh." He unpacked the rest of the fast-food takeout he ordered, groaning. "I'm not surprised Spyro would create such a ruckus, but you too, Cynder? Really?"
She grinned. "Spyro said it would be funny."
Xavier rolled his eyes. "Whatever." He slid a tray of food to each dragon, each containing a burger, fries with ketchup, and a cup of soda. "Dig in."
Spyro popped off. "Alirght!" His eyes burned with a ravenous, hungry fire. Literally. Xavier worried he might be reaching for a fire extinguisher soon.
Cynder took a few sniffs of her meal. "Smells salty. And seasoned. And greasy."
"That's fast food for ya." Xavier winked. "Good for your soul but not for your health."
Spyro dipped a fry in ketchup and ate it. "Hm, it's not bad!" He took a sip from his soda, which made him bristle. "Whoa! This one's sweet, but it feels weird in my mouth."
"Yeah, that's the point of sparkling soda," Xavier said.
Cynder took her burger in her paws and analysed it. "This is a weird shape to give food."
Xavier smirked. "If you don't like it, I can eat it for you."
She wrenched it away from him. "Hmph." She took a bite out of her burger.
A terrible, undescribable taste hit her taste buds.
Cynder's face contorted with disgust. "Ugh, what is in this? It's disgusting!"
"What?!" Xavier snarled. His expression softened into a sheepish smile. "Oh, wait, that might be the one with pickles in it."
"Pickles?"
Xavier took her burger and plucked them out before handing it back. "Okay, try again."
Cynder accepted her burger but gave it a disdainful stare. Tentatively, she took another bite.
This time, it was delicious. A flavourful blend of savours hit her taste buds, making her gaze grow dreamy. "Mmmm... Never mind, this stuff is great!"
"Glad to hear it."
"Um, Xavier?" Spyro said shyly.
"Yeah?"
Spyro nudged his empty tray with his snout. "Can I have seconds, please?"
Xavier poked the purple dragon's snout. "No. I don't want you to fatten up. Perhaps another time."
He couldn't hide his disappointment. "Awwww..."
Spyro & Cynder's First Time — Visiting the Bathroom
With Spyro...
"Wow, this place is amazing. You have specialized installments for hygiene?" Spyro asked.
Xavier nodded. "It's nothing special, really. Just a toilet for your waste, a sink for brushing your teeth and washing your hands, and a bathtub for showers and baths."
Spyro frowned. "Wait, toothbrushing? What for?"
Xavier did not like where this was going. "You guys don't brush your teeth?"
"Not really. We might chew on mint leaves to fix up our breath, though."
Xavier took a deep breath, grimacing. "I'm almost afraid to ask this, but could you show me your fangs real quick?"
The purple dragon gave him a dubious stare but obliged, parting his lips. His teeth were a disgusting yellow.
Xavier recoiled in disgust. "EW! It's worse than I thought! We are getting you up to speed on proper dental hygiene!"
Later, with Cynder...
"Evil! That thing is eviiiiil!" Cynder snarled as she pressed herself against the wall, staying as far away as she could from that infernal contraption.
"Cynder." Xavier slumped, exasperated. "That's just the bathtub."
"EEEEEVIIIIILL!" she hissed.