Chapter 3: Day of a Celebrity
"Hello everyone," a light green, earth dragoness said, addressing her audience of nearly 100, "Welcome to another Warfang Gazette exclusive interview. I am your host, Flora, and we have a very special treat for you all today."
She was met with some applause from the audience. While the majority were dragons, there were a few moles and cheetahs spotted in the room.
Flora continued, "It is my honor to welcome our very special guest today. After she started in the Minor Dragoness Fighter's League five years ago, and now three years into her tenure in the Dragoness Fighter's League, she is very close to becoming the champion. Currently holding onto 1st place in the League standings. Please give a warm welcome to Warfang's very own; Cynder!"
The room erupted in cheers and applause as the mentioned black dragoness made her way onto the stage. After her dinner with Spyro and meeting back up with Gale, she had her scales and favorite jewelry polished for this occasion. She gracefully walked to the host from backstage, the pair shook paws, and made herself comfortable, sitting on her haunches on the rug with the green dragoness.
"Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to appear with us today."
Nearly every interview Cynder had done started with some variation of that sentence, "It is not a problem, Flora, it's good to be back home."
As the pair spoke, a few dragons would write down what was being said for the physical copy of the Gazette's paper that would come out.
"So, what brings you back home?" Flora asked, "A much needed vacation?"
Cynder laughed, "I wish. I am here for business purposes, though, it is good to get away from the League for a few days."
Flora nodded, "I would say that you should be relaxing, being on top of the League's standings, but the competition seems tough."
Cynder nodded in agreement, "Especially those of us in the top ten, where the skill gap is nearly non-existent."
"You seem to be holding up well, do you think that you will hold on to your lead?"
"I am doing my best to. The only problem is that Skyla still has a match to fight. Once that is done, we will be evened out in the total matches we fought. And I am not going to count out Vulca either."
"If you are concerned with Skyla and Vulca, who are 2nd and 3rd respectively," Flora stated, for those who did not know the standings, "Are you at all concerned with those under them?"
Cynder shook her head slightly, "There is only a few more matches left in the season, and it is pretty telling who will be placing where. Though, that isn't to say that there will not be any surprise upsets in the coming days." Cynder then gave a small smile, "I just hope I won't be one of them."
Flora smiled, "It's good to know that you are taking this very seriously."
"Of course, I would not be where I am at if I wasn't."
"Any words of advice for your fans out there, including those that look up to you as their role model?"
Cynder turned to the audience, noticing a few younger dragons and dragonesses in the crowd, and spoke to them, "Strive to be the best you can be. Every goal you set is worth the effort." Cynder paused, remembering something she was once told before departing Warfang. "One of the Guardians once told me; follow your heart, it will never fail you."
She was met with another round of applause from the crowd. Her chest with filled with pride, seeing the excitement of the younger dragons as they cheered.
Flora clapped with the crowd, "Wonderfully said." When the room quieted down, she continued with the interview, "On a different topic, Heart Diamond Jewelry is taking Warfang by storm. Not to mention that your brand, 'Obsidian Beauty' is the favorite among younger dragonesses. What contributes to this success?"
"I know many will say my performance in the League, but I know the owner very well. She is a close friend and she is committed to her business. Like me, she strives for success. I will even go as far as to say perfection. It is something that I admire about her."
The interview went on, from more about Heart Diamond Jewelry to some fun facts about Cynder. Cynder was well relaxed, as she was used to the attention. Of course, it was a skill she picked up early on back when she was still competing in the Minor League. The audience was in love with the dragoness, and enjoyed her time with them.
However, one thing Cynder learned over the years, is that there is always a curve ball in an interview. And Flora asked about a topic that Cynder had not expected.
"One last topic," Flare continued, "Word gets around Warfang surprisingly fast for a big city. And the talk of the city has been that you have been spending time with the purple dragon."
Whispers wrapped through the audience; a few stating that they had heard about it, others saying that they knew someone who saw Cynder and the purple dragon together. Fewer even whispered that it wasn't true, as Cynder would not associate herself with someone like the purple dragon.
It took Cynder's willpower to not lash out at those hurtful comments about Spyro. She knew that the question was a trap, though she did not know if someone higher up in the Warfang Gazette wanted the question asked or if Flora did.
"What reason do you have to be around him?" Flora asked.
Cynder knew that she had two choices; her reputation or her renewing friendship with Spyro. Part of her told her to choose the former, as her sponsor would tell her to. But she remembered the way Spyro was when she met with him. He was back to his introverted, and unconfident self, like before they became friends. But as her stay continued, he opened up to her, and even to Gale. He still had his kind nature, helping those in need, even if they don't ask for it.
Cynder smiled, "Well, we are close friends." The answer earned a few whispers and fewer soft gasps from the audience. The black dragoness continued, "Is there a problem with spending time with your best friend?"
"Aren't you the least bit concerned about your wellbeing?"
Cynder had to hold back a laugh, "Why would I be?"
Her question took Flora by surprise, "Are you not aware of what the last purple dragon did to Warfang? He could-"
"Spyro," Cynder interrupted Flora, emphasizing the name, "is the exact opposite."
There was a brief pause, then green dragoness followed up, "How so?"
"He is a wonderful dragon who is willing to help however and whoever he can."
"Where did you first meet?"
Cynder noted that there was genuine curiosity in the question, "We met at the temple. I was very popular growing up and everyone expected great things from me. Everyone wanted to be my friend. And though I enjoyed the attention, I wanted people to see me as someone special because of who I am. Spyro never gave me special treatment for being a rare and special dragoness. He treated me as a friend, and for that I am very grateful."
The words sank in not only in Flora, but the audience as well.
Flora spoke, "Well, thank you for your time, Cynder. We hope to see you again, and good luck at the Dragoness Fighters League."
Cynder stood up with a smile, "Thank you for the opportunity."
There was one last round of applause as the black dragoness walked behind the stage, part of her felt good for standing up for Spyro. As Cynder walked off to the back stage, she saw Gale, who wore a concerned look.
"That last part of the interview could have gone better."
"I spoke only the truth," Cynder replied back.
"I have no problem with that, in fact, I completely agree with you. But I'm sure you will be getting an ear full about it."
Cynder knew who the wind dragoness was referring to, "We will cross that bridge when we get back to Shatterpoint. Right now, I plan to visit my parents."
Gale nodded, "That interview was the last thing that is required of us. I'll take care of anything that might pop up, you just enjoy yourself. I think you earned it."
Cynder smiled, "Thank you, Gale. I will see you later."
After some time with her fans and more of the staff at the Warfang Gazette, Cynder stood in front of her parents' home. She knocked on the door, her heart beating with anticipation. Soon, the door was opening
The door relieved a black dragoness with her underbelly, wing membranes, and chest being a lighter shade of black than her body. She had six white horns that looked like Cynder's, her eyes were the same emerald color as Cynder's eyes. On her forehead, shoulders, and lower back were symbols, similar to Cynder's own.
The older shadow dragoness' eyes widened at the sight before her, "Cynder!"
The younger dragoness smiled, "Hey, Mom."
Her mother lunged forward, pulling the surprised Cynder into a hug, "It's so good to see you."
"You too Mom," she replied, returning the hug.
"Umbra?" a voice called from inside the house, "Who's at the door?" The voice was gradually getting louder, indicating that they were approaching.
"Come see for yourself, Shadow."
Soon enough, a dragon, slightly taller than Umbra by a head, appeared. His chest, underbelly, and wing membranes were a dark shade of red. He had two black horns that curved back a little. He had light blue eyes, which were locked onto Cynder's emerald ones.
"Cynder?" he asked, though it was more of a statement.
"Hey, Dad," she replied, hugging her father.
"It's so good to see my little girl," he said.
Cynder pulled away, "I'm not so little Dad."
Umbra laughed, "Cynder, you will always be our little girl. Now come on inside, I'll make us some lunch."
The house was larger than average, as both Umbra and Shadow here well-off dragons. They were not rich by any means, but enough to enjoy themselves. Cynder looked around the house she grew up in, noting that very few things had changed. One of which was a decorative table with things that she sent to her parents. Including some replicas of her awards from the League, with the only thing missing was her Minor League Champion's trophy, which sat in her room back at Shatterpoint. Her lips tugged upward, she hoped to have the Fighter's League trophy to replace it.
"Would you set the table, Love?" Umbra asked, pulling meat out of an ice box to cook.
"Of course," Shadow replied, getting place mats and dishes for the three of them.
Umbra pulled out a piece of steal, grinding it against a grindstone, causing a few sparks to spit into the stove. After a few strokes, the stove lit up. Because most dragons were not fire or electric dragons, every house had some alternate way of starting a fire for cooking. The grindstone and a piece of steal was the favorite way to do it.
"How have you been, Cynder?" her father asked as he set the table, "It's been… how long since we last saw you?"
Umbra turned her head, "Nearly a year." She turned her focus back to the slips of meat.
"Yes," Cynder replied, "it's been really busy. Especially with the end of the season approaching."
Shadow brought glasses of water, and placed one by each plate. He then took a seat to converse with his daughter, "Close to winning the League I hear," he stated, his voice full of pride.
Cynder nodded, "Though, the other competitors are not going to make it easy for me."
"Skyla is favored to win her next match," her father said. He was very interested in the Fighter's League, more so with his daughter competing. "If she does, she is only one win behind you."
"If she and I win all of our next matches, I will still be one win ahead and become the champion. Any loses she has will only benefit me."
"Same for her," Shadow pointed out, "You can't afford to breathe easy. And if you both aren't careful, Vulca, or even Leora could snatch that champion's trophy."
"You know I'm not one to take things easy, Dad," Cynder said.
Umbra spoke, "You do have to find some time to rest and relax. There is a perfect balance you must find."
Shadow smiled, "As usual, your mother is right." The dragon got up and stood with his mate as she continued to cook.
"If you had listened to me, you wouldn't have been so exhausted and might even had a chance at being the Shadow Guardian," she teased, poking him with her tail.
Shadow was on a list of candidates for the role of Shadow Guardian. He had the strength and skill, however, eventually he had tired himself out from overexerting himself and was eventually dropped from the list. Samara had taken the title sometime after.
"It was worth it, though," Shadow replied, pressing himself against his mate.
"Oh? And why might that be?"
"I lost the Guardianship, but won the heart of the most beautiful dragoness in all the realms."
Shadow gave Umbra a kiss on the cheek, however, she turned her head and their lips met.
Cynder looked at her parents with happiness, seeing them so close and so in love. She thanked the Ancestors for bringing them together, and making them perfect parents for her as she grew up.
Returning to the table, he teasingly asked Cynder, "Is there anyone that I should give the 'dating me daughter' lecture to yet?"
"No Dad," Cynder answered, "Besides, I can take care of myself."
As part of her profession, Cynder was required to go to many events and dinners with other members of the different Leagues. This included interacting with males. Sure, they were good to her, and a few that got her attention. Others though, only saw her as an easy meal ticket, and tried to sweep her off her paws, assuming that she would swoon at their presence.
"We know Cynder," her mother said, passing out the freshly cooked meat, "but you may have some trouble looking for a partner and potential mate." Umbra smirk, "Not many dragons like a dragoness who can easily overpower them."
The family shared laugh and continued on with their meal, talking more about what Cynder had been doing, and more about the League.
Cynder went on to talk about her time in Warfang; including the interview she had just done and visiting the temple, "And I ran into Spyro; literally I might add."
"You finally met up with Spyro?" Umbra asked.
The daughter nodded, "He guided Gale and me to Heart Diamond Jewelry, and took me out to din…" She trailed off, noticing the looks her parents briefly gave each other. "What do you mean; finally?"
"After five years," Shadow began, "you never went to see him."
"We wrote to each other after I left," she said, conveniently omitting the fact that she stopped after two years.
"And you stopped," Umbra added, almost as if expecting it.
That surprised Cynder, "Who told you that?"
"Spyro," her mother answered.
The pair have been on good terms with the purple dragon since Cynder introduced him to them. Their daughter becoming friends with the purple dragon was shocking at first, but Cynder convinced them to give him a chance. Spyro proved to be a kind and polite young dragon, and the pair enjoyed his company.
"We would see him every so often, and he would tell us how you were doing from those letters you'd send him. Eventually those letters stopped coming, I suppose he thought that he had less of a reason to drop in and visit. We see him every now and again for meals and such."
Cynder wanted to know why she never visited her best friend. She visited her family every chance she got, as rare as it was. So why not? She tried to tell herself that she just had been too busy. However, a voice in the back of her head told her the harsh truth.
You forgot about him.
Some friend she was. While she lived the life of a celebrity and role model for many young fans, her friend was left alone. But he made due with what he had and continued onward.
"I've noticed things have gotten better for him," Cynder said. "He is teaching dual element dragons."
"Yes," Umbra said with a smile, "and he seems to be either good at it, or enjoys it. I'm sure it is a mix of the two." She gave a soft sigh, "I hope that it will show everyone the type of dragon he is, not the type some think he is. Although, he has lost the confidence he had built up during his temple days. You were a major part of that; giving him a chance."
Cynder was deep in thought, she knew she had only a day before she had to leave for Shatterpoint. She wanted to at least do something for Spyro, but what do you give someone who has little, but doesn't want anything? She wanted to make some kind of positive impact on the purple dragon, something to give him a feeling of accomplishment. Something that would give him that boost in confidence. Like back when they were taking classes at the temple…
The black dragoness' eyes widened, her smile bright, "That's it!"