Chapter 8: Getting to Know You
"Well, here we go," Spyro said to himself as he, Cynder, and Gale stood in front of the Inside League building.
Of course, there was a crowd wanting to be the few lucky guests to see the interview. The trio got the crowd's attention, many shooting questions of their own, making Spyro uncomfortable. Now he definitely agreed with Gale, a conference was not for him.
Large earth dragons broke through the crowd to the three dragons, "Miss Cynder," one said, "Please have you three follow us."
The black dragoness nodded, gently nudging Spyro to follow, as the other dragons kept the crowd back.
This did not prevent some talking.
"I can't believe that she is engaged."
"It's was only a matter of time, but with him? What makes him so special?"
"She could do so much better."
You could not be more right, Spyro thought, as the he followed Cynder and the earth dragon, the comments continued; all positive to Cynder while snubbing him. Although, it was refreshing to not hear them comparing him to Malefor.
The group entered the building, getting the attention of the employees inside. The lobby was large and busy. Most took the chance to look at the newcomers before need to continue on with their work. Clearly, everyone was making sure that the interview with the two was going to be a seller.
"Follow me to the waiting room, your interview will begin shortly." The earth dragon turned to Gale, "You will be guided backstage."
Gale nodded, splitting from the pair she arrived with.
Cynder and Spyro followed the dragon through the building, walking up a flight of stairs. Soon, they entered a room filled with mirrors and dressers.
"The staff and interviewer are ready; we are just getting the audience settled in."
Spyro was taken aback: no one said anything about an audience. He thought that it was only Cynder, the interviewer, and himself.
The dragon continued, "When everything is ready, I will be back to escort you to the interview hall."
"Thank you," Cynder thanked, with Spyro giving the dragon a forced, thankful smile.
The earth dragon left, leaving the pair to themselves.
Cynder looked over to Spyro, who lost his smile and was deep in thought, "Are you okay, Spyro?" she asked, concern in her voice.
Spyro turned his attention to the black dragoness, "Ember said nothing about an audience."
Cynder could see the dragon's nervousness. She thought nothing of it at first, but realized that Spyro thought it was only them and someone else asking questions. Perhaps they should have been specific. She finally noticed the nervous look in his amethyst eyes.
She gave a comforting smile, "It will be alright. Just remember what we talked about, and be yourself."
"Well… no one outside sounded thrilled to see me…" Spyro trailed off.
Cynder stepped toward him, "It's okay, you can talk to me."
The purple dragon shrugged, "I was… part of me was hoping that Shatterpoint would be at least a little different than Warfang. What it seems that no matter what, everyone seems to find something to dislike about me."
Cynder felt something twist in her heart. Sure, Spyro was not a rich or famous dragon, but he was a kind and gentle dragon, something that Cynder greatly enjoyed. But to see Spyro look so dejected: first his home, now this. Her resolve to help and be there for him grew.
"I think it is more that they are jealous that you 'swept me off my paws,' rather than them."
"Do you always have a big crowd when you do these?" Spyro asked.
"Yeah, but you get used to it after a while. If I do these types of events, it satisfies them. They allow me to myself, rather than try to do something."
Spyro smiled, "They do know who you are, right?"
"I haven't had to use my skills outside of the arena, but if I have to, I will."
After a few minutes of more casual talk, a knock came from the door and the earth dragon entered.
"It's time," he said, gesturing the pair to follow him.
Spyro could feel his heart beat faster as he walked out of the room. As they walked behind the dragon, Cynder nudged him, getting his attention. She gave a comforting smile, clearly saying that it would be alright. Spyro returned a nervous smile.
Soon, they stood behind the stage, a feminine voice speaking to a crowd, "Welcome all to another Inside League exclusive. I am your host, Claire, and we have the joy to talk with not one, but two dragons today. First, she needs no introduction, please welcome, Cynder!"
The room erupted in applause, as Cynder walked through the curtain.
Spyro took a few beep breaths, the interview experience was still foreign to him.
He nearly jumped when Claire continued, "And with her is the lucky dragon everyone is talking about. Please welcome Cynder's fiancé; Spyro!"
Spyro gulped, took a breath, and walked through the curtains. The hall was filled with many dragons, along with a few moles and cheetahs. On the main stage with him were Cynder and an ice dragoness, Claire. Cynder offered him a smile, as the audience applauded, though not as much as they did Cynder. The purple dragon made his way to the pair of dragonesses, noticing Claire's out stretched paw.
"It good to finally meet you, Spyro," she said, a smile on her face.
Spyro returned the gesture, shaking her paw, "Thank you for having us, I hope you are doing well." He stole a glance to Cynder as they got situated, the black dragoness gave a subtle nod.
"I am doing fine, thank you," Claire began, the audience settling down, waiting for the questions and answers. "Firstly, Spyro, how are you enjoying Shatterpoint? Have you ever been here before?"
Spyro knew he had to 'fluff' his answer, as Ember had told him, considering that he had only been in the city for a day. "This is the first time I have been to Shatterpoint, but now that I am here, I wish I had come sooner." He silently patted himself on the back for the answer.
"That's good to hear. Now, you two are the talk of the city and everyone wants to know where this," she paused to gesture to the pair, "started."
Cynder decided to start the answer, "Well, we first met at the temple in Warfang, where we both grew up. I was pretty popular, being able to use all four of the secondary elements. But most of my peers saw that, but did not see me for me. And soon I met Spyro."
Spyro decided to continue, "We met, and sort of hit it off."
Cynder turned to the dragon next to her and smiled, "He didn't see a popular dragoness with special abilities."
Spyro smiled back, "And she didn't see the purple dragon who could bring destruction like that last one did." Spyro turned back to Claire, "We became fast friends," Spyro said.
Cynder added, "Best friends. And we would always partner up for assignments and projects when we could."
"Partnering long before your engagement," Claire commented.
The purple dragon continued, "As the years went on, I got closer to her…" he trailed off. Was he really going to say it? In front of everyone? In front of Cynder? He stole a glance at the black dragoness, who was now looking at him, wondering what he was about to say. Then again, in the end, what did it matter? "I developed a crush on her, and during our last year," he paused as he rubbed the back of his neck, slightly embarrassed, "I realized that I… was in love with her."
A few 'aww's was heard in the hall, including Claire. Cynder turned to Spryo, hiding the shock that was bottling up in her. Did he really just say that? She looked into his face to see if what he said was what he truly felt. Spyro looked and sounded genuine.
"So, a childish crush bloomed into love?" Claire asked.
Spyro smiled nervously, "I wouldn't say it like that, but yeah."
"And you didn't tell her?"
Spyro shook his head solemnly, "I was going to when we graduated from the temple, but she came to me excited that she was scouted for the Dragoness Fighter's Minor League. It was a lifelong dream for her, and so I instead wished her luck and to keep in touch."
The last part caused a pit in Cynder's stomach, as she knew that contact between the two would stop; because of her. Cynder placed a paw on his own, "You should have said something."
The purple dragon shook his head, "It all worked out in the end, right?" He looked into her emerald eyes.
The dragoness smiled back, "Yeah, I guess it did."
The pair took a moment to stare into each other's eyes, emerald gazing at amethyst.
Spyro noticed the awkward silence, turning to Claire who was looking at the two. Spyro pulled his paw from Cynder, some heat on his face, "Sorry."
Claire, however, smiled, "No, no, it's fine. You are engaged, so it is understandable." The ice dragoness stole a look to the crowd, most of whom were showing interest in the couple. Some others were jealous of Spyro.
However, that was another blow to Spyro. It was fake; his feelings were real, but the situation was not.
The ice dragoness continued, "I was hoping to get a look at your engagement collar, Cynder." Claire then pointed at the silver necklace, an emerald gem at its center, "Is that it?"
It was an obvious question that Ember made sure that the pair talked about.
Cynder shook her head, "No, this is a newer piece from Heart Diamond Jewelry. My contract requires me to wear Heart Diamond Jewelry products for business, such as this. Ember is aware of the engagement and we plan on working out a compromise in the off season so I can wear the engagement collar more often."
Spyro glanced at Cynder, impressed that she was able to answer with no issue. His chest hurt, as he realized that the off season was most likely when this 'engagement' would end.
"So, Spyro," Clare started, getting Spyro's attention, "it goes without saying that everyone knows who Cynder is, but what about you? It sure was a surprise when everyone found out that the likely next Dragoness Fighter's Champion was engaged to the purple dragon."
Cynder glanced at Spyro, hiding her weariness. Spyro being the purple dragon was not something Ember went over with Spyro. It was a sensitive topic, and she wondered how he would handle it. Ember had mostly wanted to get their story straight, and how to deal with Cynder's fame. Spyro's status as the purple dragon never got brought up.
Spyro's body was stiff for a few seconds, before he allowed himself to relax. "I might have a… unique scale color, and extra elements to go with it, but Claire, I am just like any other dragon."
There were a few mumblings in the crowd as Claire asked, "How so?"
Spyro smiled, "I eat and sleep. And also work… a lot."
A few laughs and sounds of agreement made its way around the hall, boosting Spyro's confidence.
"What does your work entail?" the interviewing dragoness asked.
"I assist the Guardians in the temple in Warfang."
"Do you assist their sessions, or do you have your own?"
Spyro nodded, "Both; I have my own class of dual element dragons. But I also have individual sessions with the students. Although it is usually one-on-one."
That grabbed the attention of Claire and the audience, specifically any younger dual element dragons in the hall.
"Really? What do you do?"
"It's common knowledge that dual element dragons sometimes struggle with their elements," Spyro explained. "They either nervous that they have little to no ability to use one of them, or scared that they can't control them very well."
A few dual element dragons nodded in agreement, thinking of their own past experiences.
"What pushed you to teach them?" Clare asked, wanting Spyro to elaborate.
"There were a few dual element dragons who struggled, and Ignitus, the Fire Guardian, asked me to help them. His reasoning was that I understood what they were going though, I myself had problems with my elements. For example; I got my earth element later than my others, and I had problems controlling fire and electricity."
"I wonder; did Cynder have this problem?" Claire asked.
"Of course not," Spyro said, smiling at the black dragoness, who nudged him.
"I can speak for myself, Spyro," she said, smiling back, "but no, everything came natural to me."
"As to be expected," Spyro said, earning another playful nudge from the dragoness.
Claire launched at their antics, "So Spyro, is being a teacher something that you see yourself doing?"
Spyro shrugged, "I suppose so. I enjoy helping younger dragons, and helping them better themselves.
"What would you say is your least favorite part about it?"
"The beginning."
Claire blinked in surprise, "Really? Why is that?"
"I see the uncertainty and lack of confidence in them. I recognize it perfectly, because I was the same way. I also see the struggle they go through. Sometimes, words of encouragement just aren't enough."
Claire nodded at the answer, "So what would your favorite part be? The end when they overcome these challenges?"
Spyro smiled, "Not quite. It's more around the middle; when they are finally getting the hang of things. Their excitement when they pass their tests is the best part about it."
"That's wonderful," Clare said, and based on the positive sounds of the audience, they agreed.
Claire was honestly touched. When she heard that she would be interviewing Cynder and her betrothed, she imagined he would be a selfish dragon, and someone with an inflated ego to have gotten together with the famous black dragoness. Another part of her even imagined someone as twisted as Malefor himself. But she was glad she was wrong; Spyro was kind and polite. Which was a breath of fresh air when compared to some of the more arrogant and 'high and mighty' dragons she had to interview. And seeing the two dragons exchange those looks was the cherry on top.
Cynder smiled at Spyro, who now had a bashful smile on his face.
"On a different topic," Claire said, looking to Cynder, "What would you say are your favorite things about each other. Cynder?"
Cynder glanced at Spyro, "His kindness."
Claire gave a nod, then looked to Spyro, "And how about you?"
Spyro looked into Cynder's emerald eyes, "Her confidence and hard work ethic."
Claire gave a smile, "No one will disagree there. Now," Claire's smile turned playfully devious, "How about your least favorite thing? Spyro, you go first this time." She giggled at the mortified look he gave her. "Tread lightly."
Spyro gulped, looked to Cynder, who was waiting with a challenging smile, daring him to say something.
"Do I have to?" Spyro asked, earning a few laughs from the crowd, and from the two dragonesses on stage.
"Absolutely," Cynder smirked, enjoying the purple dragon squirm.
Spyro tried to think, however, he could not think of anything. To him, Cynder was perfect. Perhaps say something more fun? What could he possibly say?
"How competitive she is," he said.
No one expected that answer. The awkward silence filled Spyro with embarrassment.
"Why is that?" Clare asked, confused.
"She turns everything into a competition."
Cynder scoffed, "Competition is an essential part of life!"
"But everything?" Spyro asked, "Like brushing your teeth?"
The question got a giggle from Claire, and chuckles form the crowd. Cynder could only give a playful glare.
"And what about you, Cynder?"
Cynder's eyes narrowed playfully at Spyro, who's form slouched a little, a nervous smile on his face. With a sincere smile she said, "How he puts himself down."
Spyro blinked, "What?"
Cynder moved her paw, placing it gently on his own. "Spyro, you are a great dragon, and sometimes it feels like I need to give you a good poke of my tail to get it through to you." She earned a few chuckles, but it did not district her. "You are a wonderful dragon, and someone I am glad to be engaged to." She then gave Spyro a peck on the check, the purple dragon's eyes widening in surprise, with a small blush.
'Awws' echoed though out the hall.
Claire herself, had her paw on her chest with a smile. When Cynder pulled away, Claire said, "Beautiful. There is no doubt that you two make an adorable couple."
The response from the audience and the comment from Clair caused a hole in Spyro's chest. It was all an act; none of it was real.
No matter how much he wished it was.
"That does bring up a point," the ice dragoness said, with a subtle smirk, "have hatchlings ever gotten brought up?"
Knocked from his thoughts, Spyro's eyes widened, heat rushing to his face. When he glanced at Cynder, she was also surprised. "Um, well…" Spyro was speechless.
Luckily, Cynder saved them, "We have only just gotten engaged, and hatchlings have not come up yet. After all I am still working in the Fighter's League."
"Fair point," Claire replied, now speaking to Cynder, "But have you thought about if you wanted a boy or girl? Or perhaps, how many?"
Cynder shook her head, "No, not really."
Claire looked to Spyro, "How about you, Spyro?"
Spyro nodded, getting everyone's attention. "I've thought about it. Personally, I imagined having two; a boy and a girl."
'Awws' once more echoed though the hall.
Claire smiled, "And why is that?"
Spyro shrugged, returning the smile, "I'm not sure. That's what I always imaged when hatchlings come up."
"That sounds wonderful," Claire then turned to Cynder, changing the topic, "So, you have a match tomorrow, how are you feeling?"
"I am prepared, I am going to do my best to win," Cynder answered with full confidence in her voice.
"With four matches to go, and one win ahead of Skyla, you are on your way of becoming this year's champion of the Dragonesses Fighters League."
"I try not to let that get to my head, every match counts."
"Well said," Claire replied, looking to Spyro, "Will we be seeing you at Cynder's matches."
"I would be an awful future mate if I did not," Spyro replied. He had not thought about it, but he was probably to be expected to attend.
"Have you ever thought about joining the Fighter's League?"
Spyro was taken aback by the question. Gale had mentioned it as well. He very much interested in the Fighter's League and the thought of competing had crossed his mind. After all the talk Cynder had told him about it, his interest grew. However, he faced the reality that no one would sponsor him, so he would never get that chance.
He answered, "It had come across my mind every so often, but I might stay with teaching."
"Would anything change your mind?"
Cynder smirked, "I think I can."
Spyro chuckled, "Maybe."
Claire laughed as well, "If you do change your mind, we look forward to seeing you in the arena."
"Thanks," Spyro said bashfully.
Claire looked over to a fire dragoness, who was giving her a gesture. She nodded, "I am afraid that is all the time we have."
There were a few disappointed sighs from the crowd, wanting more from the 'Golden Couple' as most of the citizens called them. Spyro was mostly relieved, not that he minded the interview. The purple dragon thought that it went very well.
"However," Claire said, "before you go, we would like an image to use for the cover of the Inside League. So, I was wondering if it was alright… if we got a kiss for the cover."
Spyro was completely taken by surprise, his cheeks heating up at the thought of kissing Cynder. "I uh," Spyro tried to speak, but was still shocked by the ice dragonesses request.
"It's fine," Cynder's voice pulling Spyro back to reality.
The purple dragon nearly forgot that the dragoness was sitting next to him. He looked over her face, her emerald eyes looked into his amethyst ones. A small smile was on her lips, and under her black scales was a tinge of red from the blush they attempted to hide.
She's really cute when she blushes, Spyro thought, his own blush deepening at the thought of calling her cute.
The pair slowly leaned forward, everyone in the room watching, however, to the acting couple it was only the two of them.
When they could feel the other's breath, they closed their eyes. It was Spyro that initiated the kiss, the purple dragon gently pressed his lips to Cynder's. After what felt like a few minutes, Spyro found himself ever so gently, deepening in the kiss. His heart jumped as he felt Cynder do the same; Spyro was on top to realms.
Unfortunately, it had to come to an end, as Cynder slowly pulled back, still having the faintest of blushes. Spyro swore his face was more like that of a fire dragon's.
The room clapped for the pair, as Claire did the same, "That is going to be a cover for the ages."
Spyro smiled bashfully, as Cynder replied, "Thank you for having us."
The audience erupted into applause as Spyro and Cynder walked backstage, and saw Gale waiting for them. "That was an interesting interview," she turned to Spyro, "I think it went very well."
"Part of me was afraid that someone would cause a scene," Spyro admitted.
"Absolutely not," Gale replied, "Cynder is very popular and well liked. Though, I think they like you."
I highly doubt that, Spyro thought to himself, I think your first answer was right.
Cynder said, "I'm sure that Ember will be happy that it went well. You were great Spyro."
Spyro knew she was talking about the interview, but a small part of him wished she was talking about the kiss.
Cynder continued, "We should head back to the suite, I need to rest up for my match."
"Good idea," Gale said, as Cynder walked ahead of Gale an Spyro. Gale said to him, "Ember's advice seemed to work."
However, to her surprise, Spyro's face fell, "Nothing I said was a lie or exaggeration," he said as he walked to follow Cynder.
Gale blinked a few times, wondering what exactly he meant and decided to brush it off.
"Alright, Gale, we'll see you tomorrow," Cynder said.
The trio made it back to Cynder's suite and had discussed to general plan for the following day. Cynder, Gale, and Ember would get Cynder prepared for her match as usual. However, Flame offered to show Spyro around the arena and get to know the world that Cynder lives in. Spyro was nervous not being near Cynder, but he knew that Flame meant well, the least he could do was give the fire dragon a chance.
"I'll see you both at the match," Gale said, as she departed, closing the door behind her.
Cynder locked the door and turned to Spyro, "Well, we should be getting some sleep," she said, making her way to her room.
Spyro nodded in agreement, but wanted to talk to her in private about the interview, "Cynder?"
"Yeah?
The purple dragon scratched his neck nervously, "I wanted to apologize for what happened at the interview."
Cynder raised a brow, "What do you mean?"
"I mean," he paused feeling heat on his muzzle, "the kiss."
"Oh," she said, her own face heating up, "It's fine, we are supposed to be a couple, so I should have guested that it would be brought up."
A thought popped into Spyro's head. Was it personal? Yes. But he figured he knew the answer.
"Hey, um, can I ask maybe a personal question?"
"Sure," Cynder replied.
"Was… was that your first kiss?" Spyro asked, "I mean… real kiss?"
As the words came out, he thought about how dumb the question was. Of course not, she probably had a few boyfriends in the past and-
"Yes."
Spyro's train of thought was completely derailed. "What?" he instinctively asked, taken aback.
The black dragoness giggled at the dragon's expression, "You thought that it wasn't?"
"Well, I was sure that you had a boyfriend or two."
Cynder shook her head, "Sure I found a few attractive, and maybe have a peck or two. But no one I would spend that kind of time with." She stared at the dragon and asked, "What about you?"
"Yeah, it was."
On the inside, Spyro was chastising himself. He was too busy thinking about what a great feeling it was to him, that he forgot about Cynder's feelings. He realized that he had stolen Cynder's first kiss.
Spyro decided to end the conversation, "We should probably get some sleep, you have a big day tomorrow."
Cynder nodded, "Alright, good-night, Spyro."
"Good-night, Cynder."
The two went into their rooms, closing their doors. Cynder soon lay herself under her covers, patiently waiting for sleep to take hold of her. However, a lingering feeling prevented her desire for rest. Cynder brought up her paw up to her lips, still feeling Spyro's lips against hers. It had been bothering her since they left Inside League, and for the life of her, she could not figure it out why. Cynder decided to do what she could to brush it off, she had an important day tomorrow.
Spyro let out a sigh. The purple dragon made his way to the bed, and allowed himself to collapse on it, bringing the covers over him. To Spyro, Cynder was to most wonderful and beautiful dragoness in the realms, and was perfect to him in every way. The purple dragon could not fight it, he was in love with her.
And because of the veil they had created; she would never know it.