Chapter 11: The Exhibition
"We have 1 in 13 odds in favor of Cyrus!" a nicely dressed bear shouted to his crowd, his monocle occasionally reflecting sunlight. "Let's give the purple dragon some love, yes? Come on, place your bets, who will emerge victorious? The rising Minor League dragon of ice, Cyrus? Or Cynder's future mate and rare purple dragon, Spyro? Let's see those bets."
Passing by were Spyro and Cynder, who were making their way to the Fighter's prepping room before the match started.
Cynder smiled at her companion, "1 in 13 isn't bad, maybe you should place a bet on yourself."
"I don't have much to wager," Spyro replied, slight embarrassment in his voice.
"Moneybags won't care. Even if it's five gold pieces, he'll take it."
Spyro glanced to the black dragoness, a brow raised, "Sorry; Moneybags?"
"I'm sure it's a stage name. He runs the wagers for the Exhibition Matches and a few of the high-profile League Matches."
After Gale had passed on Spyro's acceptance of Cyrus' challenge; word spread fast. Usually, Exhibition Matches are set up several days to a week in advance, however, this one was set up in two days. The Exhibition Arena was just like the other League arenas, and would be used for League matches if needed.
The arena was buzzing with spectators who were eager to see the match, however, there were two groups. The majority of them wanted to see what kind of skills Cynder's future mate had, while the rest wanted to see Cyrus take down the purple dragon.
Cynder managed to sneak them to one of the Fighter exclusive halls to bypass the crowd, to avoid both eager spectators and pestering press members.
Spyro let out a sigh, "I don't know what the big deal is."
"They are all eager to see you in action."
The dragon grumbled, "More like to see if I'm actually worth your time and attention."
"True," she replied, "But if they came here to see you lose, they will be very disappointed."
"You really think that?" he asked, warmth filling his chest.
"Absolutely," she answered with confidence.
Eventually, they found the prepping area where Ember and Flame were waiting.
"Where's Gale?" the purple dragon asked.
"She is in the viewing box waiting for us," Flame said, "We just wanted to see how you were doing."
"Fine. I'm just a little nervous."
Flame laughed, "I remember my first match. I was nervous too, but I pulled through."
Ember spoke up, "Remember, after the match, the press is going to want to talk to you. Just thank the League for allowing the match to take place, thank the wonderful spectators for showing up to watch, and thank whoever you want to thank."
"Sounds easy enough," Spyro said, "What do I say if I lose?"
"Same thing, but add somethings that you will work to improve on."
Spyro was surprised, "You really know your stuff."
Ember stood proud, "My father and mother are owners of a Fighter's League merchandising company and sponsored a few dragons. You pick up on things after a while."
A loud sound of a gong erupted outside.
"Sounds like the match is ready to go ," Flame said, "We better get going. Good luck, Spyro. We're cheering for you."
Ember nodded, walking away with her betrothed, leaving only Spyro and Cynder.
The black dragoness scanned Spyro's face, he was still nervous, but was masking it. She smiled, "You are going to do fine. He's not Cyril, you have nothing to worry about."
"I guess so," he said back, feeling better.
She moved closer, pecking a kiss on the purple dragon's cheek. Spyro's frame froze, his amethyst eyes widening for a moment before he found himself relaxing. Cynder pulled away, giggling at the faint shade of red across his muzzle.
Teasingly, she ran her tail under his chin, making him shiver slightly. "Good luck, Spyro," she said, as her tail-blade stayed under his chin for a moment longer, before walking away to join the others.
Spyro's quickened heartbeat jumped again at the sound of the second gong. He turned to face the arena, seeing the other Fighter's prepping area archway. However, he could not make it out, but he knew that was where his opponent was.
"Welcome all," a voice boomed though out the arena, "to today's Exhibition Match! We have a treat today."
Spyro's nerves were playing with him again, both his heart rate and breathing picked up. He shook his head in hopes that, somehow, it would rid him of the feeling. But it returned moments later. The purple dragon took deep breaths, deciding to focus on something else for the time being; ignoring the match, the announcer's voice, the cheer of the crowd. He closed his eyes, taking deep breaths. The voices of the Guardians echoes in his mind, reminding him of their teachings.
First was Terrador's strong and serious voice, "There is no better teacher than life. Every scar you receive is a lesson learned."
He was followed by Cyril's proud voice, "Remember, young champ, the teachings of our proud ancestors of yore are always with us."
Volteer's energetic voice came next, "Strength, both physical and elemental, speed, technique, endurance, and strategy are all the factors you must consider while in battle. If even only one is lacking, it could mean defeat."
Finally, Ignitus' gentle voice, the tone of that of a father, spoke, "Always remember, young dragon, follow your heart. It will never fail you."
Spyro opened his eyes, a small smile on his muzzle as the words of his teachers, his family. He felt something that he had not in a very long time. He felt sure of himself.
"Now, introducing our Fighters. Please welcome Cynder's betrothed, the purple dragon; Spyro!"
The purple dragon walked out of the archway and onto the arena. He was surprised at the amount of cheering he received, he looked around taking everything in, from the crowd of what must have been hundreds of dragons, to the arena itself. Unlike the more flat battlefield Cynder had fought on before, it had many boulders and several dips and trenches.
Up in the viewing box, Flame leaned toward Ember, saying, "He goes for the confident entrance walk? Not bad, but I'd give it a five out of ten."
Ember rolled her eyes, nudging her fiancé.
Cynder was looking of the purple dragon in the distance. She could only make out his form, but the way he had carried himself and the way he stood, waiting for his opponent. She smiled; Spyro had found his confidence.
Spyro scanned the stands, hoping to see the others, but everything looked the same in the rainbow of dragons.
"Now," a voice boomed again, "The challenger, please welcome the rising star from the Dragons' Minor League; Cyrus!"
A gust of ice and snow blasted from the opposing archway, a trail of ice forming on the ground. Spyro was forced to cover his face, as a figure moved across the ice. Soon, the figure came to a stop, the ice and snow ending, and standing before the purple dragon was Cyrus.
The ice dragon had a smirk, "Are you ready? Because I am about to show everyone just how insignificant you really are."
Spyro stood firm, his eyes burrowing into Cyrus', "Then let's not disappoint them."
A fire dragon landed by the two dragons, "The rules are simple; you lose if you concede or are unable to continue. However, myself and the other officials will not get involved unless life is threatened. That being said, no killing. Do you understand the rules?"
"Yes," both dragons said.
The dragon nodded, "Good luck," he said before flying to the edge of the arena.
"Are the dragons ready?" the announcer asked.
Cyrus answered by digging his claws into iced that he had created for his entrance. Spyro's stance widened to hold a defensive stance.
"Begin!" the announcer boomed, hitting the gong to begin the match.
Cyrus opened his maw, a blast of ice aimed at Spyro. The purple dragon, jumped to the side, avoiding the attack. Cyrus gave chase, throwing a claw at Spyro, who blocked it. Cyrus continued his barrage of attacks, but Spyro held strong, blocking or dodging the coming attacks. The ice dragon blew ice below the purple dragon, freezing the ground, and causing Spyro to slip. Cyrus, smirked and dealt a few blows as the purple dragon tried to maintain balance. He then blasted Spyro with an ice, send the purple dragon away and into a bolder.
Many of the spectators groaned at the pain that Spyro was no doubt feeling.
Cyrus gave a satisfied smile, "I hope I'm not too much or you!" he shouted at him, loud enough for some of audience to hear, "We are just getting started!"
Spyro got up, shaking himself off, as if nothing happened. "It would be a disappointing match if it was."
Cyrus shot another blast of ice in Spyro's direction, but the purple dragon easily dodged the attack. Cyrus, once again, chased with the idea of clawing at Spyro.
Same approach, Spyro noted, as the ice dragon approached.
When Cyrus slashed at him, Spyro dodged, moving into the ice dragon's space. Before Cyrus could react, Spyro delivered a powerful blow to his midsection, knocking the air out of Cyrus. Spyro pulled back, using his body to build momentum, and hit the dragon across the jaw with his tail. The ice dragon tumbled due to the force of the it.
Cyrus got up, felling his jaw to make sure it was not disjointed or broken. He glanced at his opponent, who stood ready. Cyrus gritted his teeth, ready to reengage.
The two dragons continued on; Cyrus was nearly always on the offensive. Getting good hits on the purple dragon, however, Spyro was able to counter whatever Cyrus threw at him. The spectators were excited, cheering the two dragons on, but several muttered that Cyrus would end up winning, as Spyro had yet to get on the offensive.
Cynder felt concern for the purple dragon rise in her chest. She had faith that he would be able to win, however, she found it hard to see him get hurt.
Cyrus brought up his claws, and soon a sharp layer of ice covered them. He moved forward with quick speed, slashing at Spyro. The purple dragon dodged a few attacks, but was caught on his right cheek. Spyro hissed through his teeth as the pain hit him, but he pushed it aside to counter. Spyro slashed Cyrus with his right claws, catching the dragon off balance. The purple dragon carried his momentum forward, his right paw touching the ground. Using his earth element to grip the ground, he pulled himself forward and used his leg to kick the ice dragon away.
Cyrus slid back, once again, as Spyro knocked him away. The ice dragon was getting irritated; how could he not hold his offense against his opponent for more than a few moments? The purple dragon always found a way to counter him and win the brief round of battle. Cyrus' claws dug into the ground in anger, turning himself to face Spyro. Ice began to build on his paws as he took several steps toward the other dragon.
Spyro stood his ground, knowing what the ice dragon was going to do, and how he was going to approach. His right paw gripped the ground beneath him once more.
Cyrus lunged into the air, both of his forelegs to his right side. A pair of ice blades formed in both of his paws, and he lashed both at the purple dragon.
The ice dragon landed, his paws still gripping the blades of ice, however, something felt different; they felt lighter. He heard a pair of thuds, as he glanced at the blades, his eyes widening. They were cut in half, water droplets slowing making their way down the blade and on the ground. Cyrus' head snapped to where he heard the noise; the upper halves of the blades lay on the ground, small puddles beginning to form. Finally, he turned to face the purple dragon.
Spyro's back was to him, his right paw extended with a blade of his own. The earth was very dark grey, almost black. The purple dragon had created a sword of earth, and heated it to easily cut through the ice. Thin flashes of lighting flickered around the purple dragon's body.
Cyrus was taken aback. Not only was Spyro able to create a stone sword and heat it, but he was able to use electricity to increase his speed to counter, without Cyrus even seeing it.
The ice dragon was shaken with the realization that; up until this point in the match, Spyro rarely used any of his elements. He blinked in shock at the conclusion he was drawing in his mind.
Spyro never needed to.
Spyro released his hold on the sword, the earthly blade hitting the ground with a blunt thud. He then turned to his opponent, his amethyst eyes showing seriousness and readiness. The flickers of lightning sparking a few more times around his body before dissipating.
By this point the crowd grew silent, as if any sound would break the tension of the match.
Cynder looked down, a smile on her face. Show them Spyro, she thought, show them what a great dragon you are.
Spyro widened his stand, ready for the next phase of the fight.
Cyrus then shot shards of ice at the dragon, not planning on losing to the purple dragon. Spyro easily dodged each of the attacks, moving his head away from one, and shifted to the side to avoid others. While he was dodging, Cyrus ran to the dragon to initiate claw-to-claw again. When Spyro cleared the ice shards, he saw Cyrus lunge to him, claws ready. Cyrus threw out a claw, internally smirking as he was about to make contact.
Then, his claws when though Spyro for the briefest of moments, and Spyro disappeared. Before Cyrus could process was had happened, he was hit across the face by a purple paw. Cyrus staggered back, wondering what had happened, however, Spyro decided it was his turn to play offense.
Cyrus was now in a losing battle, Spyro continued to connect punches, kicks, and claws. No matter how much the ice dragon tried, he could not turn the tide. Cyrus disengaged, icing the ground to skid away from the purple dragon. He grunted, ice forming around his blue scales. Soon, ice covered his entire body.
Spyro scanned over the ice armored dragon, everything looked to be covered.
Cyrus approached again, significantly slower than before. Spyro then realized that the ice dragon had learned the ability, but never adapted with the extra weight. An error that Spyro was going to exploit, similar to what Cynder had done to him when they sparred.
Cyrus clawed at the purple dragon, who dodged, and countered with a claw of his own. Cyrus managed to avoid the attack; however, he felt a wave of heat hit him as Spyro's paw moved past him. The ice dragon stole a glance, Spyro's paws were red as heatwaves emitted from the ground he stood on. Spyro rotated his body, his tail aiming for Cyrus' face, but the ice dragon ducked underneath it. He could feel the same heat from the tail as the paws. Cyrus lunged for an attack, Spyro lowering himself toward the ground. Cyrus looked down at the… red-purple dragon?
Spyro's royal purple body had managed to gain a crimson tint. Cyrus' eyes widened, reality crashing around him. Spyro then released a Fire Fury, fire and flames engulfing the pair of dragons.
The crowd gasp, at the sudden heat the was given off by the Fury. It was a common finishing move, as well as one of desperation, however, it was clear that the purple dragon had planned it. The Fury was not as large of what many were used to, but if felt more concentrated, as if having a purpose other than obliterating the threat.
Soon the flames and fire died, leaving only smoke as evidence of the Fire Fury's presence. Spyro stood with his limbs locked with his head held tall, then he relaxed. He began to pant, his breathing slow to keep himself relaxed. Fury attacks took a large amount of elemental energy to use, no matter the size, and the Guardians taught him to not rely on the raw power of the Fury for that reason. However, there was always a time for it, and Spyro had found it.
Cyrus, however, was not fairing the same. He lay a ways away, his armor evaporated by the Fury. The ice dragon struggled to move, both his physical and elemental reserves were depleted. Try as he might, Cyrus could not pick himself up. He was only able to lift his head and stare as the purple dragon, who's panting had faded. Spyro then took a few steps toward the ice dragon, showing that he was ready to continue.
Cyrus gritted his teeth, defeated. He lowered his head, a gesture of submission.
The fire dragon official flew up to the announcer, to deliver the results. The entire arena was quiet.
The fear dragon nodded, clearing his throat, and his booming voice spoke, "Cyrus has conceded the match! The winner of this Exhibition Match; is Spyro!"
The crowd was still silent for a moment, Spyro lowered his head self-consciously.
However, the arena boomed with cheers and applause, taking the dragon by surprise. He took a look around the arena in shock. He had expected the silence, and even some jeers from the crowd he thought would be against him. The blazing crowd of dragons roared, causing a feeling of pride swell up in the purple dragon. He let a smile form on his lips, waving a paw to the crowd.
In the stands, Flame said, "Way to go Spyro!" He turned to his fiancée, "I told you he'd win."
Ember smiled, "You were getting nervous and you know it."
Flame brought up a paw in defense, "Hey, he had a slow start, but when he got started it was-" Flame noticed Cynder getting up and walking away, "Cynder?"
"Where are you going?" Gale asked as the black dragoness was passing her.
"Cuts and bruises are something red gems can fix," the earth dragoness told Spyro, back in the Fighter's prepping area.
"Will Cyrus be okay?" the purple dragon asked, concern in his voice.
The dragoness smiled, "He will be just fine. He has several burns from the Fire Fury, as well as other wounds and is exhausted. Nothing some gems cannot fix."
Spyro let out a sigh of relief, "That's good to hear."
The earth dragoness smiled, most Fighters don't care to ask how their opponent was doing, it was a breath of fresh air. "You will just need to go to the first aid station at the end of the hall on the left for gems and you should be good."
"Thank you, I appreciate it."
The dragoness smiled, "Just part of my job. I have to take off, have a good day, and congratulations on the victory."
The dragoness walked out of the archway, flying to the other side to meet with the other healers to help Cyrus.
Spyro heard the sound of clawing clicking the ground. Turning he saw a black dragoness making his way to him, "Cynder?"
The dragoness' face held a smile, "Spyro, you were-" when she was close to him, she slowed to a stop, now seeing the bruises and cuts he suffered from the match. "Are you okay?" she asked, slight concern in her voice.
The purple dragon smiled, "I'm a little sore and it hurts to move in some places, but I feel fine."
Cynder eyes scanned over the dragon before her. His body was covered in some bruises, along with claw marks from Cyrus' attacks. On his face, he had a deep cut on his cheek, however, his amethyst eyes and bright smile showed that it did not bother him.
The dragoness smiled, "Let's get that cleaned up," she said, leaning closer.
"I was just about to head to th-" he froze and Cynder's muzzle was next to his face, her tongue against his cheek.
The dragon's eyes widened, both cheeks quickly changing to a scarlet tint. His heart beat quickened as her tongue glided over his scales. After one travel, Cynder gave the wound another lick, doing her best to clean the cut. Spyro found himself closing his eyes, leaning into the relaxing feeling the dragoness' actions offered. Soon, the wound was clean, but Cynder continued to lick his cheek, enjoying herself.
After one last lick, she pulled away, much to Spyro's disappointment, and asked, "Does it feel better?"
Spyro smiled, his cheeks still red, "Yeah, it does. Thank you."
"We should, get you red gems to get you healed up."
The male nodded, "Sure, but… could you show me," he said with a nervous chuckle, "I forgot what the healer told me."
Cynder giggled, "Of course I can. It's just down the hall."
The pair made their stop at the infirmary to get Spyro gems to heal. As healers worked to get him what he needed, they were surprised that they didn't need many green gems. Green gems were used to restore a dragon's energy and elemental magic. When asked about feeling physically or elementally deprived, the purple dragon shrugged and said the felt tired from the match, but other than that; he felt fine.
The black dragoness that accompanied him concluded either; his years of training with the Guardians really paid off, or it was a bonus for being a purple dragon. She decided to go with both.
Spyro and Cynder said their thanks as they departed to the press room. Spyro made sure to pay attention this time, as to not get lost again; that and the fact he was sure many of the spectators would want to talk with him.
As they made it to the door, Cynder said, "Your first presser, you nervous?"
The dragon nodded, "What will they asked? What do I say?"
The dragoness smiled, "Just remember what Ember told you, and be yourself."
She opened the door for the dragon, beckoning him to enter. Begrudgingly, he complied and entered. Like with Cynder, just days ago, the room was filled with members of the different newspapers and magazine publishers. The room burst into different questions that Spyro had trouble trying to make out. When he stood in the middle of the small stage, Cynder continued to Ember, Flame, and Gale.
The press kept shooting out questions, much to Spyro's irritation. Do they even know that I can't understand them? he asked himself. He spoke up, voice clear, "Hang on! One at time, please!"
The room fell silent, making Spyro chuckle to himself, "Thank you." He brought up a claw to scratch his neck, "I've uh, never done one of these. And if I told myself a week ago that I would, then I would have called myself a liar." A rumble of chuckles circled around the room as he continued, "So could we please do this one at a time? It would make it easier on me."
"Spyro," a voice from near the middle of the room said.
Spyro found the voice of the black dragoness, "Yeah?"
"How are you feeling after your first ever Fighter's League match?"
"Alright, I guess. I had gotten some cuts and bruises, but the healers got me fixed up with a few red gems."
Two dragons stood taller, one ice dragoness, the other a wind dragon. The wind dragon however, spoke, "How do you feel you performed?"
Spyro shrugged, "I mean… I won right?" he chuckled to himself, a few in the audience did as well. "But honestly, I think I did well and I can't complain." He looked over to the ice dragoness who had wanted to ask something, "You wanted to ask something too?"
The dragoness nodded, "You have said that you learned at Warfang's temple with Cynder. Who were your teachers, and did they teach you what do did in the arena?"
The purple dragon nodded, "I learned nearly everything from the Guardians. And I mean all eight. While I spent most of my time with Guardians of the primary elements, I was pushed to spend some the other Guardians as well."
A fire dragon jumped to question, "Are all of those techniques that you used from the Guardians?"
"Yes, but the physical claw-to-claw style is my own. Though, I learned to incorporate some lessons I've learned over the years to my style."
As the conference continued, Spyro grew more and more relaxed. Though, not enjoying the vast amount of attention, he found himself not minding it as much as he did before.
After several more questions about the match, the purple dragon noticed Ember moving her paw in a circular motion, it was time to wrap it up. "I think that is plenty, at least for today." There were a few groans, mostly from those who did not get a question. "I want to thank the Dragon Fighter's League for getting this Exhibition Match set up in such short notice, not to mention the wonderful spectators who came out watch. I also want to thank the Guardians back in Warfang for everything they had done for me." Spyro paused for a moment, glancing to the four dragons off to the side, "I have to personally thank some dragons as well."
All four looked amongst each other and took note that Spyro wanted to them to come onto the small stage. When they were lined up Spyro continued, "Gale has been amazing at getting events set up for Cynder and me, including this Exhibition Match. I hear it usually takes nearly a week, but she managed it in only two days."
Gale smiled at the dragon, as a form of a 'you're welcome.'
"Ember and Flame have been great at helping me adjust to my time in Shatterpoint, and Flame has been a great friend who I can go to if I need someone to talk to."
Flame smiled, leaning against the pink dragoness, who pecked his cheek.
Spyro finally looked to Cynder, who was nearest to him. "And Cynder, well… she convinced me to accept the challenge. She said that I would do great. And part of me hates that she gets to say she told me so." He earned laughter from the room, including the dragoness in question. "But, the other part of me can't thank her enough for showing me how wrong I was."
Cynder smiled, stepping up to the dragon, pecking a gentle kiss on his cheek, and nuzzling under his chin. The purple dragon was taken slightly aback, but closed his eyes, content at the contact.
Finally, things were starting to go his way.