Chapter 1: Reunion
The streets of Warfang were busy under the afternoon sky of the Dragon Realms. Dragons, moles, and cheetahs went about their daily routines, whether for work, lunch, or merely spending time with friends and family. A figure walked through the streets himself, receiving some glances, however, he also received a few glares of malice, angry, and even fear. His royal purple scales were unique, as he was the only one in the realms to have scales of this color. Accompanying them were orange-gold chest, wing membranes, and two horns that were large and jagged. Similarly colored spines ran down his back from the back of his head to near the end of his tail.
A red dragon bumped into the purple dragon, "Watch where you're going!"
It was obvious that the dragon had purposely shouldered him, to instigate a confrontation, but Spyro knew better than to retaliate.
"Sorry," he replied, as he went on his way, now self-conscious about the stares he was getting.
Many years ago; the purple dragon before him, Malefor, was a gifted student and a very powerful dragon. However, his view on the world was twisted, and he wished to bring destruction to the realms and recreate it in his own image. The Guardians managed to stop the mad-dragon, but at a grave cost. Many lost their lives and loved ones to the power-hungry dragon.
Spyro continued his walk, trying to ignore the glares and whispers from the citizens. Once he was in an open area, he adjusted the satchel slung around him, and took to the sky. His wings carrying him to the temple, his only sanctuary. He had been living in the temple with the Guardians for most of his life. He had no memories of his parents, other than what Ignitus had told him. That they had feared for their son's life, and saw it best to give him to the Guardians. Their whereabouts, if they were even alive, are unknown.
Spyro landed at the entrance of the temple, entering through the large double doors. Many younger dragons walked among the main chamber, either going to their lessons or enjoying their free time. Many gave the purple dragon glances of uneasiness, clearly their parents had warned them about the purple dragon, however, Spyro never gave them a reason to fear him. He did not blame them though, as he knew that they were only doing what they were told.
He continued though the temple to the training room. As he approached the doors opened, revealing several young fire dragons with an older dragon watching over them.
"Very good, young dragons," Ignitus said, a smile on his face. He glanced up and saw the purple dragon walk toward him. "That will be it for today, class is dismissed."
Most of the dragons sighed in relief as they relaxed from their physical activity. They made their way to the door, walking past the purple dragon, casting him glances, a few gave looks of pity.
Spyro ignored them and continued to Ignitus, "How was the class?" the purple dragon asked, sitting on his haunches when he was in front of the Guardian.
"Very good," the older replied, "they are promising students. They remind me of your class when you were finishing up your time here."
"I was 20 years old when I finished, Ignitus," Spyro replied, "That was five years ago."
"And yet you remain here."
Spyro's expression darkened, as he reached into his satchel, "We both know why." He gave the Fire Guardian several letters.
"What happened this time?" he asked, browsing through the letters.
"It was going fine, I stopped to get some ink, and go your mail. But then it turned to the same old thing; angry glances, rude or hurtful comments, getting charged extra for a snack, and not to mention getting shouldered and then yelled at." He rubbed his shoulder where the dragon from earlier had bumped him.
Ignitus paused, looking to the younger dragon, who was staring a hole in the floor. He could easily see that the dragon was hurting. The Guardian saw a delicate flower who could bloom into something truly beautiful. However, Spyro was surrounded by weeds that were the citizens, who stole the sunlight. Spyro had skills in elemental manipulation and claw-to-claw combat, and he noticed that some of the students liked seeing Spyro spar with the Guardians. Ignitus had hoped that everyone would see Spyro the way he and the other Guardians did, and even though he saw some improvement, more so with the younger generation, Spyro did not.
"Things will get better, young dragon. You are not Malefor-"
"You've been saying that for years!" Spyro shot back, teeth bared. Spyro's breath hitched as he realized he had snapped at the Guardian, "I'm sorry Ignitus. It's just…"
Ignitus gave a soft smile, "I know, it's not fair. But they will realize that you are your own dragon."
Spyro's eyes still showed the sadness he had been bottling up for years. Ignitus could not recall the last time the purple dragon was genuinely happy with life. Sure, Spyro had some fun times with the other Guardians and their families. But with his own life?
Spyro began to walk away, "I'll be going then."
Ignitus nodded, "Thank you for running that errand for me."
Spyro said nothing, as he exited the training room, leaving the Fire Guardian behind.
The purple dragon walked, with no destination in mind, wondering what life was going to throw at him next.
"Here it is," the black dragoness said to her companion, "Warfang, home."
The pair of dragons were hovering over the large dragon city, their wings beating to keep them in the air.
"When was the last time you were here, Cynder?" The grey, wind dragoness asked. Her chest, underbelly, and wings were a lighter shade of grey. She had four, smooth white horns on her head. Her blue eyes glancing at the dragoness.
Cynder smiled, "Too long. It's good to be home."
"Well, you have to make use of your time. Remember, we are only here for three days. Then we have to head-"
"I know, Gale," Cynder replied, "Let's not waste any time."
"So where to first?" the wind dragoness asked.
Cynder thought for a moment. Whenever she visited her home city, she would go see her parents. This time, she thought of also dropping by somewhere else, "It would be nice to visit the temple."
The pair of dragonesses flew to the large stone structure, a few citizens from below looked up, but paid little mind. As the pair landed, Cynder felt a wave of nostalgia wash over her. From her lessons with the Guardians, to the fun she had with her peers.
Gales noticed Cynder not moving, "Are you okay?"
Cynder nodded, a smile on her lips, "Yeah, just reminiscing."
Cynder opened the large double doors, entering the temple with Gale following her. Many of the dragons, she guessed mid to late adolescents, stopped to see who entered. Whispers soon turned into speech of astonishment.
"I don't believe it!" one said to their friends.
"It's the Queen of Conquer!" another said.
"The Terror of the Skies!"
"The Queen of Darkness!"
"Obsidian Beauty!"
"You mean Cynder is here?!"
All of the dragons made their way excitedly to meet the black dragoness. Before Gale could do anything to stop the masses, Cynder moved forward.
"Hello everyone, it's good to be home," she said with a smile, enjoying the excitement the younger dragons showed.
"What is the commotion about?" a feminine voice asked, causing the crowd of dragons to split from the two dragonesses, as they turned to see who it was. The female dragon was an all-black dragon, with grey-blue eyes. Even her two smooth horns were black as the night. When she got a good look at the black and red dragoness, her eyes widened, a smile on her face, "Cynder?"
Cynder's smile grew, nodding in respect, "Yes, it is. Hello Master Samara."
The Guardian of Shadow replied, "No need for that." She took notice of the grey dragoness with Cynder, "And this is…?"
"I am Gale, Lady Guardian," Gale replied with respect, "I am Cynder's assistant."
"And a very good friend," Cynder added, "she has been very helpful since I joined the Dragoness Fighter's League."
"Ah yes," the Shadow Guardian said, "Being scouted right as your graduated from the temple, and now, five years later, very close to becoming the champion."
A round of applause from the temple's students echoed around the main hall.
The Dragon Fighter's League is the most popular competition in the Dragon Realms. Even moles, cheetahs, and other races enjoy it, though, not quite as much as dragons. The League is divided up into three divisions; the first is the Minor League, for newcomers or those not skilled enough to jump into the next division. The second, and the largest, is the Dragon Fighter's League, where dragons put their skills to the test to become the champion. Both are divided between dragons and dragonesses. However, the final league, the Dragon Realms Fighter's League is where legendary competitors face off, and both dragons and dragonesses go against each other.
"It will be close, but I will do what I can to win," Cynder said, "I am only here for three days, so I wanted to stop by the temple before doing business."
"Of course," Samara replied, looking at the students, who were more than excited to talk with the famous dragoness. "I am sure many of them would be thrilled."
Cynder spoke with the Guardian and answered questions from the students. Many had said that they wanted to be a part of the Dragon Fighter's League as well. Cynder would reply that if that is their dream, they should pursue it. She enjoyed interacting with her fans, more so the late adolescent dragons.
As students, unfortunately, had to go to class, others would take their place. Not that Cynder minded, she loved the attention, it was something she grew into over the years.
After sometime, Cynder wished to explore the temple alone, to reminisce. Everyone respected her wishes and let her go. Gale would stay with Samara until Cynder was ready. The black dragoness walked aimlessly through the halls, with no destination in mind. It was hard to believe that she left five years ago. Part of her wondered what her friends and peers were up to.
She never saw the body move from around the corner and two collided. Both letting out yelps of pain, and rubbing their heads with a paw.
"I'm so sorry," the male voice said, his eyes closed as he continued to rub the pain away.
"I should have paid more attention," Cynder replied. She stole a glance and her breath nearly stopped. The dragon, who was still rubbing his head, was had purple scales, and there was only one dragon that had that color, "Spyro?"
The dragon ceased his rubbing and looked at the dragoness he ran into, shocked at who it was, "Cynder?"
There was a pause, Spyro stared at his best friend from his days in the temple. He doubted that he would ever see her again, yet there she was. She had definitely grown more beautiful since he last saw her. The thought caused heat to slowly move to his face, and it only got worse when Cynder leaped forward and embraced him.
"Spyro!" she said, "It's so good to see you!"
Warmth swells up inside of Spyro's chest as he returned the embrace, "It's good to see you too, Cynder."
The dragoness pulled back, "It's been so long. How are you? Why haven't you kept in contact?"
It was you that didn't keep in contact, a voice said in the back of Spyro's head.
"I have been," Spyro replied, "Writing letters, but you stopped responding about three years ago."
After no response from his letters to the dragoness, Spyro assumed that Cynder had either forgotten about him or just did not see him as a friend anymore.
Cynder's emerald eyes were then filled with guilt, "I'm so sorry. I was getting ready to move from the Minor League to the Dragoness Fighter's League and I was needing a sponsor. Not only that, the Fighter's League is very demanding and…"
As she rambled on, Spyro noticed the genuine sadness in her expression. Cynder was probably one of the few dragons that actually cared about him, something his had always cherished.
"Cynder," he cut in, getting her attention, "it's fine."
She shook her head, "No, you w… are my best friend, Spyro. A real friend would have kept in contact, or visited, or even invited you to Shatterpoint with me."
Spyro shrugged, "Not sure how much better I could interact with the citizens there as opposed to here in Warfang."
The black dragoness smiled, "Well, I am here for three days, and you are going to accompany me."
Spyro raised a brow, "I am?"
"You are," Cynder replied back, stepping next to him.
"You know, I am still not exactly the most popular dragon around," he warned.
Cynder smiled, "So?"
"I mean; the most famous dragoness in Warfang walking around with the most infamous dragon in Warfang."
Cynder let out a soft laugh, "Such as scandal would make the headlines."
"Future champion, Cynder, spotted with the purple dragon," Spyro teased with a small, somewhat goofy, grin.
Cynder giggled, swatting his shoulder, "Are you implying I'm crazy?"
"Implying nothing," he replied, "Just stating facts," he was awarded with another hit and a giggle from the dragoness.
Cynder glanced at the purple dragon, who had a soft smile. When she first met him in the temple, he kept to himself. Dragons would treat him like an outcast, never including him, and never wanting him as a partner for activities or projects. However, he always treated them kindly and would offer help, even if it was thrown back in his face. She gave him a chance, got to know him and she found him to be a wonderful dragon. Despite the negative things her other friends had told her about him, she knew the truth.
She was a very popular dragoness in Warfang, as she was gifted with all four of the Secondary elements; wind, shadow, fear, and poison. Even though she enjoyed the attention, she wanted to be liked for being herself, not just for being a special dragoness. That was something Spyro had offered, and they formed a friendship, something she appreciated and loved.
The dragoness was scouted for the Minor Dragoness Fighter's League, something she dreamed of. However, that would mean leaving her home, her family, and her best friend. She met with Spyro after their temple graduation ceremony to tell him the news. He was excited for her, and only asked for her to win and to keep in contact. The latter, she failed to do.
"So, what are your plans?" Spyro asked, kicking Cynder out of her thoughts.
"Well, I was going to go around the temple," she eyed the purple dragon, "I could use a tour guide, and I wouldn't want anyone else."
Spyro smiled, "Whatever the lovely lady wants."
"And after, we could go out to eat."
The statement caught Spyro off guard, "What? L-like a date?"
Cynder shrugged, "Sure," Spyro's face turned red, making Cynder giggle, "Relax, I was just pulling your tail."
Of course she was kidding, he scolded himself, trying to push down his sadness, Because who would want to spend that kind of time with me?
The black dragoness was already walking away, "Come on, tour guide."
Spyro was snapped back into reality, "Hey, wait." The purple dragon run up to catch her, "So, where do you want to go first?" he asked.
However, the dragoness shrugged, "What has changed?"
"Nothing much, do you want to go anywhere in particular?"
Cynder thought for a brief moment, "Well, how about the gardens?"
"Your wish is my command," Spyro said with a smile, earning a roll of her eyes, yet she still held a smile.
As they walked Cynder asked, "So what do you do now-a-days?"
Spyro shrugged, "I help around the temple, run errands for the Guardians, and I tutor some of the students."
Cynder stole a glance at the purple dragon, wondering why Spyro chose to stay in the temple. He was good in training back in their temple days, and was close to the top in many of their lessons. He could have become a teacher, or maybe even try out for the Fighter's League.
"Why do you stay?" Her heart sank when he looked at her, she could easily see the sadness in his eyes.
"Nowhere else to go, I guess," I replied, "I mean, it will be hard for someone hire me to work for them, few parents would want their children to learn under me, and I doubt anywhere else is any better. So, the most I can do is be a simple temple assistant."
As if to reinstate his point, when ever the pair walked by some dragons, they would look to Cynder with admiration and joy. However, when their gaze went to Spyro, it would be for hesitant and weary. When they did, it was obvious that it affected Spyro.
Cynder had to wonder, what happened to Spyro? Sure, he had some confidence issues, but when they were friends, he was building it up, and was doing well for himself. So, what changed?
You left, a voice in the back of her head answered, and you took his confidence with you.
"You could always join the Fighter's League," she floated to him.
"You and I both know that I would need a sponsor to even be able to compete, let alone make a descent living. And no one would sponsor the purple dragon."
"I'm sure someone would," she replied, not knowing why she was adamant about it, "I could talk mine into it."
Spyro gave a sad, yet grateful smile, "I appreciate it, Cynder, I really do. But I don't want to ruin what you have."
Cynder almost forgot who she was talking to. Spyro is a dragon that was always thinking about others over himself. It was something that she both admired and hated about him. It meant that she could depend on him, yet he would miss out on opportunities, if they ever opened to him.
Spyro noticed the saddened look on the female's, he hated seeing her like that. "Besides," he said, hoping to brighten them both up, "I'm not sure if a jewelry brand is right for me."
Cynder's sponsor was the owner of a large jewelry company, 'Heart Diamond Jewelry.' And Cynder even had her own brand under the company's umbrella, 'Obsidian Beauty.' She was required to wear any products that came out, to promote it. Not that she minded, her sponsor was very talented.
Cynder smiled back, "Don't see yourself as the jewelry dragon?" she teased back, rubbing her silver choker, which held an emerald with an obsidian outline. It was one of her favorites.
"What would your sponsor call my hypothetical brand?"
"Definitely something with a gem," She laughed, "It would probably include Amethyst in the name." She then said, "I do need to go to a Heart Diamond branch here in Warfang, would you please accompany me?"
Spyro got a little nervous, "I don't do well in crowds. Besides, I don't want to be the reason your hurt your image."
"Hey!" she replied, giving him a hip check, "No more negative thoughts while you're with me, got that?"
Spyro noted the smile on her face, and the seriousness in her eyes. He smiled, "Okay… I am positive that I will hurt your image." Cynder poked him with the tip of her tail blade, "Ouch! Okay, I promise, only positive attitude."
Cynder smirked triumphantly, "That's what I thought."
The pair continued their tour, going from the gardens to the training room. While some dragons would want to speak with Cynder, she stood by his side. She even said to them that Spyro was her best friend, and to treat him with respect. That gave the purple dragon a warm feeling in his chest.
Soon enough, they met back up with Gale, who was still with Samara. It was the Shadow Guardian who greeted them first, "Hello again, Cynder. I see you found your own personal guide."
Cynder smiled, "Yep, he has been the perfect tour guide."
"Good to know that my talents are being acknowledged," Spyro replied, earning a chuckle from the pair of dragonesses.
Gale froze as she looked over the purple dragon. She heard many things about purple dragons, especially Malefor, and when word got out the there was a second purple dragon, everyone was on edge. Gale always thought of herself as someone who judged someone on character, rather than what others said. Spyro's smile, and positive attitude toward Guardian Samara and Cynder was an indicator that he was nothing like what people say.
"Are you here with Cynder?" Spyro's voice jumped the wind dragoness from her thoughts.
She blinked, starring at the purple dragon, "Yes… my name is Gale. Her assistant."
Spyro raised a brow, "Assistant?" He looked to Cynder for confirmation.
Cynder nodded, "Yes, but more importantly, she is a very good friend." She turned her attention to Gale, "Spyro, as you know, is the purple dragon, and is my best friend."
"Spyro?" She asked, starring at the male again.
Spyro nodded, "Yeah, that's me, pretty unimpressive right?" Spyro's head lowered a little, with a bashful smile.
Part of Gale imagined an arrogant dragon who was self-obsessed and only cared about power. Then again, that was who Malefor was. The dragon in front of him was friendly, though, she had to wonder why he introduced himself the way he did.
Gale, pushed any bias aside, "It's good to meet you Spyro."
"He will be joining us to the Heart Diamond Branch," Cynder said.
"Are you sure you want to leave now?" Samara asked, "You have not been here for that long."
Cynder smiled at the Guardian, before stealing a glance at Spyro, and looking back, "I'm sure I'll be coming in and out while I'm in Warfang."