Chapter 2: Outing
"It's good to see Cynder home," one dragon said.
"She is the pride of Warfang," replied a dragoness.
"What is she doing with the purple dragon?"
"He is too far beneath her to be associated with her."
The whispers from the citizens have been constant since Spyro, Cynder, and Gale walked through the busy streets of Warfang. While Cynder was enjoying the praise from them, she felt awful for Spyro, as many comments toward him were negative.
To think, Cynder thought to herself, he has to endure this every day, alone.
Although the remarks made to him obviously hurt him, he made a good effort to remain positive. Although, part of her wondered if it was to avoid another stab of her tail blade. Cynder smiled, it gave her comfort that the purple dragon hadn't changed much. He still kept his promises, even if it was out of good fun, and still had his kind and generous nature.
Their destination came into view, "Here we are," Gale said, "The Heart Diamond Jewelry Warfang branch."
Spyro opened the door for the dragonesses, making Cynder smile, "Such a gentle-dragon," she said, walking into the building
Inside was like most other jewelry stores; glass cases holding different varieties of jewelry. Along the walls were other wares such as necklaces and chokers. Everything from the cases to the carpet was cleaned to perfection. Cynder's sponsor was not only concerned with the jewelry themselves, but the overall look of the stores.
The owner of the branch, a light blue dragon smiled as Cynder entered, who was followed by Gale, "Cynder, Gale, it is wonderful to see you." Everyone's attention was diverted to the pair of dragonesses. Excitement filled their eyes seeing that the Fighter representative of Heart Diamond Jewelry, as well as the possible Dragoness Fighter's League Champion, was visiting.
However, their joy ceased when the purple dragon walked in from behind the dragonesses. Cynder and Gale would be lying if they said did not feel uneasy about the change in the atmosphere.
"What are you doing here?" the ice dragon pointed, as if appalled at Spyro's mere existence.
"I-" Spyro tried to speak, but was cut off.
"You are not welcome here. As you can see," he gestured to the pair of dragonesses, "We have important guests, and I refuse to waste my time, and theirs, with your presence."
Spyro's head lowered, "Sorry, I'll just-"
"I don't think so," Cynder said, glaring at the ice dragon.
"I beg your pardon?"
"Keep begging. Because he is with us. He is my best friend and he has been kind enough to guide us here."
"The purple dragon, your friend?"
"Best friend," the black dragoness corrected, "I've known him since I studied in the temple. And let me tell you; he is the most caring, kind, and generous dragon in the realms, and I refuse to allow you," she paused looking over the store, "anyone, to treat him this way."
Gale felt the same as Cynder. Spyro had been nothing but kind to the pair, and she was sure that Spyro didn't want to be here because of this exact situation. The purple dragon was clearly self-conscious the entire trek to the store, under the scrutinized stares of the citizens. However, he stayed for Cynder, because she wanted him with them. Gale stole another glance at the purple dragon, his form was a bit slouched, but his eyes were bright at Cynder's words.
Gale decided to speak up, "After all, Ies, you would know that little detail if you were from Warfang in the first place. I have only just met him, and he has been nothing but generous. Not to mention he was kind enough to escort us here. In fact, I think I would rather be around him than you."
Spyro was elated to hear Cynder say those things about him. He was also taken aback at the fact that Gale, who he hardly knew, was also standing up for him.
"I don't want to cause trouble," Spyro replied, "I'll just go."
Before he could take a step, Cynder's head snapped to him, "Take one step towards that door and you will regret it!"
Spyro gulped at the threat and sat on his haunches.
The black dragoness looked to the ice dragon, "Now, you will allow him to stay with us as we go about our business here. And you will apologize for your distasteful behavior. If not, I will just have to have a talk with someone when I get to Shatterpoint." Ies' eyes widened at the threat, his blood running cold. He knew Cynder was clearly talking about her sponsor. Cynder smirked and continued, "I'll be there in a few days. Though, if I left now, and used the wind, I could be there much sooner."
Ies' smiled nervously, "Th- There will be no need for that. If he is with you, then he is welcome." He looked to Spyro, "I apologize Mr…" he trailed off, realizing that he did not even know the purple dragon's name.
"Er, Spyro," the purple dragon said, "Just Spyro, not need for titles."
"So," the light blue dragon said, clearing his throat and turning to the pair of dragonesses "shall we?"
He led the pair of dragonesses though the store, with the purple dragon in tow.
"Thanks," Spyro whispered to Cynder and Gale, "you both didn't have to do that."
"That would make me an awful friend," Cynder replied softly, "I've failed you once, Spyro, I won't again."
Gale added, "You don't deserve being treated that way."
The purple dragon smiled, "Thank you, both of you."
Ies droned on about the success of the Warfang branch of Heart Diamond Jewelry, along with the recent boost in sales, specifically Cynder's 'Obsidian Beauty' line, thanks in part from her performance in the Fighter's League. Spyro recognized some of the trinkets from the many dragonesses in Warfang who wore them, making him believe that whoever owned the company was an expert.
As they continued to walk, the purple dragon noticed that a green dragoness what reaching for a gold necklace. It had small sapphires at the ends, gradually getting larger, with a large sapphire in the center. Most would ignore and continue on, however, Spyro felt a tug on his body and pulled from the group. All the while catching the attention from a few bystanders.
"Excuse me, do you need some help with that?" he asked the dragoness, pointing toward the necklace.
The dragoness stopped her struggle to looked at the dragon, who stood back silently asking permission to come closer.
She blinked a few times, surprised at the offer, and absent-mindedly nodded.
Spyro stepped forward, reached up, grabbed the necklace with ease and gave it to the dragoness with care.
She blinked once more, before accepting the necklace, "Thank you."
Spyro gave a smile, "Your welcome," before turning to regroup with Cynder and Gale.
However, he was met with several glances, including the mentioned dragonesses and the owner of the branch. The looks, however, ranged from curious to grateful for the assistance. Spyro's head lowered at the attention, heat moving to his face. Perhaps handling expensive jewelry, though to help someone, was not the best course of action.
Cynder gave Ies a smug expression, clearly saying; 'I told you so.'
"Sorry, about that." Spyro said softly, embarrassment clear in his voice.
The black dragoness smiled, "Nothing to be sorry for."
The four continued for was seemed like hours for the purple dragon. As Ies was going over the newer products, Spyro was beginning to lose interest. Part of him wondered how Cynder was able to do it. Though, it may have helped that she spent three years doing this.
Cynder glanced over at Spyro, noticing his gaze was spacing out, as if trying to be interested. She smiled, "I think Spyro and I will take our leave." She looked to Gale, "Can you take over from here? Spyro owes me dinner."
"I wasn't sure if you were serious about that," Spyro replied.
"As serious as the winning the Fighter's League."
Cynder thanked Ies for his time, and Spyro even thanked him for allowing him to stay, which surprised the ice dragon, considering how rude he had been to the purple dragon at first.
Spyro and Cynder walked back out onto Warfang's streets, "So, where are you taking me for our little date?" Cynder asked teasingly.
"Um, not sure," he said honestly, "There are few places I can go without someone making a scene."
"Don't worry," she assured him, "I'm with you."
Spyro smiled, enjoying looking into her emerald eyes. They showed kindness, but also determination. "Well, there is one place that comes to mind. It's not fancy by any means."
"As long as we can enjoy ourselves, I don't care."
"Okay, follow me."
The pair walked thought the city streets again, talking and enjoying each other's company. Cynder noticed that Spyro was more relaxed now, ignoring the stares the they got and focusing on what she was saying. It was a good change, as Shatterpoint is city filled with more wealthy dragons and other races. Cynder had many friends and acquaintances, however, there were many arrogant individuals she had to force a smile. However, Spyro was more interested in her and her activities.
"Is it stressful?" Spyro asked as they walked.
Cynder nodded, "Sometimes, especially now at the end of the season."
"Don't worry. I know that you will do just fine." The pair walked up to a building, where Spyro opened the door, "After you."
Cynder smiled and walked into the building. It was a restaurant with many tables, and the kitchen in the back. At the front podium, was a red dragoness, who's chest, underbelly, wings, and two horns were a light tan. Her green eyes widened when they locked on the black dragoness.
"Ancestors, I don't believe it, Cynder?" she asked in disbelief.
Many of the guests also looked on in surprise that the famous dragoness Fighter from Warfang was there.
Spyro walked next to Cynder, the fire dragoness' eyes shifting to him. Cynder expected a similar reaction from the Heart Diamond Jewelry.
How she was wrong.
The dragoness smiled, "Spyro!" she walked around the podium and hugged the purple dragon, embarrassing him.
"Hey, Mrs. Kara," he replied, his face reddening.
"No, no, no," she said, shaking her head, "Just Kara. How are you?"
"Fine, just thought I would take Cynder out for a good dinner."
Kara smiled, "Well, you came to the right place for your date." She asked in a lower tone, "How did you get with one of the most famous dragonesses in Warfang."
Spyro blushed, "It's not like that."
She wouldn't want me anyway, a voice added in his head.
"I'm just teasing Spyro," she turned to Cynder, "It's wonderful to have you in our little establishment. I hope you will enjoy yourself; I will have you seated right away.
Kara guided the pair to a table, they had gotten a few stares, but Cynder noticed that they were more friendly towards Spyro.
Kara gestured to a table and left them menus, "Drinks?"
Spyro answered, "I'll just take a water." He then looked to Cynder, waiting for her answer.
"Just tea, if you have it."
Kara smiled, "Of course, I'll be right back."
Cynder glanced at her menu to decide what she felt like eating. Everything looked good, as she continued to scan over the various choices. However, she noticed that the purple dragon hadn't even picked up his menu.
"Aren't you going to get something?" She asked.
Spyro nodded, "I already know what I want."
Cynder raised a brow, "You come here often?"
"Yeah, I know the owners very well; Kara is one of them. She and her mate run the restaurant."
Kara returned with a tray carrying a glass of water and tea for the pair, "Here you are," she said, placing the glasses down. She looked to the black dragoness, "Have you decided yet?"
"Not really," Cynder replied, "Go ahead and start with Spyro."
"I already know what he wants."
Cynder looked to Spyro, "What are you getting?"
Spyro opened his mouth to speak, but before Spyro could even get a word out, Kara answered for the purple dragon, "The Spyro Special."
There was a brief pause. Then, a smile slowly formed on Cynder's maw, and soon she was giggling. Spyro's form hunched in embarrassment, his cheek heating up.
"The- the what?" Cynder managed to ask in between giggles.
"Did you really have to tell her that?" Spyro mumbled to Kara, who was clearly enjoying herself.
"It is a roosted lamb; with a glaze of our special sauce, fruit on the side, and a soup to start with."
Cynder smiled, noting Spyro's reddening face, "That's sounds delicious," she said, giving the menu back.
"Two Spyro Specials it is," the fire dragoness stated, getting Spyro's menu, "I'll let the cooks know."
When Kara left the two alone, Cynder smirked at the purple dragon, "So… the Spyro Special?"
"Yeah, I'm not proud of it either," he replied embarrassed, yet smiling.
"There has to be a story behind it, to have something named after you on the menu."
"Technically it's not on the menu. I love their lamb, but you know I was not a fan of vegetables, so I would replace them with fruit. But it was not quite filling enough, so I would add soup. I ordered it so often, that Kara kept calling it… that."
"One Spyro Special please," a voice from several tables over said.
Spyro groaned, placing a paw on his face, "You would think that it would hurt their business naming stuff after me."
Cynder smiled, "Or perhaps you might be more marketable than you think."
"All you are telling me is that my hypothetical sponsor for the Fighter's League is going to be a restaurant chain."
"I might know some people who own restaurants that just might be interested."
"Please don't."
The pair continued to enjoy themselves with chatter and a few more laughs. Eventually the soup had come out, and Cynder was very satisfied, saying that it was even better than some of the soups she had back at Shatterpoint.
After a few minutes, a young dragon walked in, "Mom?" His scales were red, while his chest, underbelly, and wing membranes were a dark brown. His two horns where shaped like Kara's, but the color was dark brown.
Spyro moved his head over to see the dragon, "It's Blake."
"Who?" Cynder asked looking behind her to see.
Kara smiled, "Blake, how was the temple today?"
"Great! I aced my test today!"
Kara smile brightened, "That's my boy. Guess who's here," he pointed to the table where Spyro and Cynder sat.
Blake smiled at the sight of the purple dragon, "Spyro!" he exclaimed, quickly making his way to him.
"Hey," Spyro replied.
When Blake was near the table, he froze at the sight of Cynder. "Is… is that Cynder?"
"Yep," Spyro replied, "the one and only."
"Wow," the younger dragon said, "I heard you were in the city."
Cynder replied, "I'm just enjoying some dinner with a dear friend."
Blake turned to Spyro, "You never said you were friends with Cynder, one of the most famous dragonesses in Warfang."
"Well, for one," Spyro noted, "I was friends with Cynder before she was scouted for the Fighter's League."
Cynder gave him a grateful smile. As much as being famous was nice, sometimes she just wanted to be liked because of who she was. Something Spyro never forgot, even after these last few years.
"And two," the purple dragon continued, "You wouldn't have believed me."
"You're probably right," Blake said honestly, but changed topics, "I totally aced my earth test today."
Spyro looked at the young dragon with pride, "Good for you."
"Can I show you a trick I've been working on?" he asked, pleadingly.
"Umm," Spyro began, glancing at Cynder, "I'm a little busy."
Blake glanced down, muttering an apology, making Spyro feel bad.
Cynder easily saw the conflict in Spyro's form. He wanted to please both the young dragon and Cynder. She smiled at his kindness, "Go ahead, Spyro."
Blake perked up, while Spyro turned to the dragoness, "Are you sure?"
"It's fine."
Blake happily cheered and pulled Spyro away, causing Cynder to laugh at both the young dragon's excitement, and Spyro's requests to slow down. Blake took Spyro to the front of the restaurant, while Kara walked to Cynder.
"That would be my son."
"He's very excited," Cynder commented.
Kara nodded, "Not always, he used to have trouble with his elements. Being a dual element dragon was hard on him."
Cynder looked to the dragoness, "He is?"
Kara nodded, "He has my fire, and his father's earth."
Dual element dragons were not rare, but uncommon, among the dragon race. Dragons usually only have one element, however, there are a few dragons that can have two, usually from their parents or grandparents. It is rare, though not impossible to get a second element from farther down the family line. Many younger dual element dragons will have trouble with their two elements, usually favoring one over the other, or unlocking their powers later than average.
"He had trouble with both his fire and earth," Kara continued, "Some days he would use one, but not the other. He was discouraged, and my mate and I went to the Guardians to get him help."
"What did they do?" Cynder asked, watching Blake encase one paw in stone and the other in fire, showing Spyro who was smiling at the dragon and offered words of encouragement.
"The Fire Guardian, Ignitus, wanted to have Spyro tutor Blake; saying that the best way to help a dragon with more than one element is another." Kara then looked down, shame clear on her face, "I was appalled at the idea."
Cynder's head snapped to the older dragon. Kara was nothing but kind and happy to see Spyro, but what she just heard that was not what she was expecting.
Kara continued, "I told Blake to be careful around the purple dragon, and to take his words with a grain of salt." The mother looked to her son and the purple dragon, who were laughing and having a good conversation. "He came home after his first session with Spyro," Kare smiled, "He was so happy. He went on and on about his lesson, and that he could not wait to go back." Kara looked to Cynder, "I am ashamed that I thought so negatively about Spyro, but he never held it against me. I am grateful for what he has done for my son."
The story touched Cynder, especially after the episode at the jewelry store. She glanced at the purple dragon, who earth-covered claws in one paw and ice-covered craws in the other. Spyro spoke a few words, with Blake nodding listening intently. It warmed her heart that there were dragons that saw Spyro the way she did; a kind and wonderful dragon who is willing to help others anyway he can.
"It's good to know that there are others that see him in a good light," Cynder said, "From what he said, and from what I've seen, it must have been hard for him."
Kara nodded, "Yes, but those hurtful dragons are fewer that you would think. Look for yourself."
The black dragoness glanced around the room, most of the customers were minding their own business. A few were looked toward the front of the restaurant at the purple dragon and the red and brown dragon. She saw some of them exchange a comment, but noted the smiles they had.
Kara pointed a claw to a couple at one of the tables next to a wall, "Their daughter is also taking lessons with Spyro."
The mentioned pair were looking at Spyro and Blake, which the purple dragon noticed. The female dragon gave a smile and waved, which Spyro sheepishly smiled but returned the wave.
Kara continued, "He only sees the negative, which is why he probably only talks about them to you." She earned a nod from the black dragoness, "He probably spends most, maybe all, of his life thinking that few would care about him. But I will show him that I care, and that I am thankful for him helping Blake."
Cynder smiled at the older dragoness' words, noticing Spyro walking back to their table.
"Sorry about that Cynder," Spyro apologized, "I teach Blake and other dual element dragons at the temple, and he likes to keep me updated on his progress."
So good to know you haven't changed, Cynder thought to herself before echoing what she said at Heart Diamond Jewelry, "Nothing to be sorry for."
Eventually, their food had come out, and the pair enjoyed their meals with more talk, and even some laughter.