Review Replies:
Sir MountCastle: Xavier as a Crusader would be the funniest thing. It's going to happen in one of these omakes. And even if there is strict gun control, who's to say Xavier won't have a method to make up for it?
I'm afraid that if the dragons went anthropomorphic, it would catalyze Xavier's Crusader's awakening, especially in a satirical setting like my story. All the PTSD from quadrupedal Pokémon starters becoming bipedal would hit him like a truck.
I see you sighing about the cat and dog ears, but I assure you this is not the last bit that will operate on Rule of Funny. I try to keep the unrealistic hijinks exclusive to the quartet unless the alternative opens a more interesting path. I mean, I could have had Xavier and Cécile go shopping for the dragons on their own, but that would've been boring, right?
Thanks for the praise and the happy New Year. We'll be picking up the pace this year, so stick around for that!
Dr Kocktor: Anything goes when it's for the bit. Such is my writing motto.
Thank you, but I am not a romance writer. Any romantic scene that appears in my writing is because the story slapped me prone, held me at gunpoint, and demanded one to be written. Please send help.
Austin: It's good to be back. My battery is recharged and ready to make 2025 a productive year. I'm sure Dr. Kocktor thinks likewise.
I never called it an obsession, but sure.
Spyro and Cynder's human forms are both white because the human samples used for the spell were from Xavier and Cécile. And haircuts wouldn't affect their dragon forms, partially because I can't be bothered to think up the logistics of how the dragons' human forms are linked to their real ones.
The day Spyro and Cynder integrate society with their human forms is the day the harem subplot kicks in. This is, of course, an utter lie. The second anyone tries so much as breathing in one's general direction, the other will hit them with the Akakichi no Eleven meme: hand on the shoulder, big-ass chin, and a smile that says it all.
Shopping? In disguise? I mean, possibly, but I'd need to find out how to make it funny for it to be worth showing. Otherwise, to offscreen land it goes, like 80% of events in Pokémon Journeys.
There are a lot of things Spyro and Cynder would be vulnerable to due to a lack of appropriate antibodies. For the sake of the story, I'll be ignoring this. Unless it's funny — the vice-versa is also true, after all.
Minor holidays most likely won't get their own chapters. Maybe an omake. We'll see.
Oh, the dragons will be getting human names alright. When we get to that point, all shall be revealed.
Fan art of my characters is unlikely, but I would like to make it happen if I can.
Bold of you to assume there is a budget to spare on such fancy garments. Xavier's wallet has a limit, you know.
We'll get some villainous action once the introduction arc is over. It should be around 3-5 chapters until then.
Suggestions? Jotted down. For your reviews? Quite thankful. Hotel? Trivago.
Chapter 7 – The Big Sad
…
Cécile pointed at chess pieces as she explained what they were. "This one's a bishop; that one's the queen; and that one's the king. Did you get all that?"
Spyro nodded. For all the wacky things humans had invented to entertain themselves with, he was glad he could partake in one that had an equivalent back home. He'd gotten curious one day when he saw a set that was gathering dust in the library, and he got Ignitus to show him the ropes. It was a fun time, even if Spyro sucked at it.
The purple dragon's smile faded. Maybe this is a bad idea. I don't want to play if it'll keep reminding me of him… He shook his head. But what would Cécile think if I suddenly skimped out on her? Just don't think about it, Spyro. It's you, Cécile, and the game. No one else.
"Is something wrong?" she asked. "Should I explain it again?"
"Nope, I'm fine. Let's play."
Meanwhile, Xavier was climbing down from the upper floor, staring at his phone absentmindedly. When he made it down, Cynder jumped at him from his blind spot, hissing. Startled, he screamed and fell on his behind.
Cynder burst into laughter. "You should have seen the look on your face! Priceless!"
Xavier scowled. "You scared me half to death, and you're laughing? Fine." He pocketed his phone and jumped her, wrapping his arm around her neck while she was distracted.
Her laughter stopped abruptly. "Ack! What is this?" She tried to squirm out of the headlock, but Xavier's grip was too tight.
"Your punishment." He gave her a noogie.
Cynder hissed and flailed her limbs uselessly. "Stop that!"
"Ask yourself what you did to deserve it instead," he said with a smirk.
"I deserve none of this!" Cynder tried her hardest to pull away. "Damn it, why can't I escape? There's no way I'm being overpowered by an unawakened simian!"
"It's like they say. If it's funny, it defeats all logic."
She growled. "Spyro, help! I'm being violated!"
"Kinda busy, here, sorry," Spyro said, not even sparing her a glance as he moved a rook.
"Spyro, I'm serious! He's going to kill me!" Cynder cried desperately.
He stared at the commotion dully. "Instead of crying for help, couldn't you just escape with your Shadow element?"
"Huh, right, I could do that," Cynder said, appearing lost in thought. She melted into a pool of shadows and slipped out of Xavier's grasp. She re-emerged at a safe distance, grinning in triumph. "Ah-ha! I have bested you, puny human, and escaped your clutches!"
He stood up. "Correction: You have escaped my clutches for now."
"Bold of you to assume you'll get your hands on me again."
"Wanna bet?"
The two stared each other down as if in a Western duel between sheriffs. The tension was so thick you could cut it with a knife. A tumbleweed passed between them, which flummoxed Spyro. When did that — how did that — WHAT.
"C'mere!" Xavier leapt for Cynder, but she dodged to the side. A grunt escaped him as he collided with the floor, but he swiftly recovered and began chasing Cynder around the house.
"So, is it just me, or are they acting goofier than usual?" Spyro asked.
Cécile leaned back on her chair. "I'm just glad he's not bothering me for once."
They continued playing chess. Cécile was surprisingly crafty and kept pulling off good moves. Spyro had to lock in, letting himself get immersed in the game.
Soon, Xavier staggered into the kitchen, out of breath.
Cécile smirked. "Wow, was Cynder too much for you?"
"Hush," he wheezed. "I'm simply switching tactics." He took a bag of stroopwafels from the pantry. After catching his breath, he raised his voice and said, "Wow, these stroopwafels are great! Maple are my favourite! Nothing beats a maple stroopwafel!"
Cynder's head peeked inside the kitchen. "S-stroopwafel?"
"Yes. Want one?" he asked with a sweet, innocent smile.
She gave a half-hearted hiss. "You f-fool! You think you can manipulate me that easily?"
Xavier shrugged exaggeratedly. "Oh well. More for me, I guess." He took a treat from the bag and inched it ever so slowly toward his mouth.
Cynder became agitated, her maw watering. Spyro had to raise an eyebrow. Cynder was usually the definition of composed, but here she was, losing her cool over a snack. Maybe this house was a blessing and a curse. He chuckled inwardly. I bet she'll be bolting in three, two, one…
The black dragoness bolted for Xavier and reared on her hind legs as she reached for the stroopwafel. "No, wait! Let me have one, please!"
"Sure thing." Xavier fed Cynder the treat. She devoured it, tail swishing behind her contentedly.
He used this crucial opening to grab and tuck the dragoness under his arm.
"I win," he said, laughing.
Cynder hissed. "You tricked me! That doesn't count!"
"Skill issue." He walked away with her in tow.
"Oi, where are you taking me?" With the way he had grabbed her, Cynder could only see behind Xavier. She craned her neck to see where they were going.
Her eyes widened, full of panic. "No! Anywhere but there! You can't do this to me!" She trashed against Xavier's hold but was unable to break free.
"It's time for your bath, Cyn. It's long overdue."
"I REFUSE!" she snarled. "Spyro, do something!"
The purple dragon pretended not to hear her. "Did you hear something, CC?"
She shrugged. "It must have been the wind."
"Don't ignore me!" Cynder's face contorted into sheer scorn. "I will remember your betrayal! You will rue the day you abandoned me—"
Xavier closed the door to the bathroom.
Spyro and Cécile got up from their chairs and stationed themselves in front of the bathroom door. Muffled voices screamed at one another inside. The cacophony of the struggle was so intense it made the door occasionally bend outward.
"I'll be dead before you put me in that bathtub!"
"Then you should write your last will and testament because you're not getting out of here dry! Take this, Anime Fanboy Atomic Suplex!"
Spyro shot Cécile a confused frown. "The what?"
"Don't ask me; I'm just as confused."
An explosion-like sound threatened to tear the door down, startling the two.
"Is it over?" Spyro asked tentatively.
The sound of Xavier tending to Cynder's bathing confirmed it.
"It must be." Cécile took a pensive stance. "What's up with Cynder and water anyway?"
Spyro shrugged. "Beats me. If there's a problem, she's never told me."
Xavier and Cynder came out of the bathroom half an hour later. The black dragoness was in a sour mood. Clean, but in a sour mood.
"I hate all of you," she said with a soft hiss.
He rolled his eyes. "Don't be like that. How about this? You like ice cream?"
The sourness melted away from her, replaced with glee as her eyes sparkled. "Do I‽"
"Then get your disguise. We'll go to Dairy King™."
She scampered upstairs to get ready.
"Spyro, make sure Cécile doesn't burn the house down while we're out."
Cécile huffed. The purple dragon saluted with his wing. "Aye-aye, sir."
Minutes later, Cynder came back in her human form, properly outfitted for going out. Xavier grabbed his car keys, and the two made their way out.
The house became uncharacteristically quiet.
"So..." Cécile fiddled with a chess piece. "Remember that time when I bathed you? You were shaking and stuff. What was that all about?"
Spyro's stomach twisted into a knot as he fought the urge to wince. Putting his elbow against the table, he rested his fist against his cheek and feigned nonchalance. "Nothing at all, don't worry. It was just...the shock of your incredible performance moving me to tears."
She giggled. "Thanks, but you don't have to pretend you're fine. There's no one home but us."
The purple dragon growled as his fist slid and thumped against the table. "I thought we were playing chess, not therapists. I'm fine, so drop it." The last thing he needed was to remember the biggest reason to hate himself.
Cécile raised her hands placatingly. "Alright, alright. Do you want a snack?"
Without waiting for his reply, she fetched a plastic good from the freezer and opened it. It was a frozen treat with two sticks. "Come on, let's get comfy." She headed to the living room and sat down on one of the couches.
Spyro was skeptical. What is she trying to pull here? Hmmm… Still, a free snack is a snack. He followed and sat down next to her. She snapped the treat into two halves and handed him one. He gave it a lick.
It was sweet, which made him smile, but then he frowned. "You're not trying to butter me up, are you?"
"Just enjoy the treat, purple boy."
Spyro narrowed his eyes. I've got my eyes on you, gremlin girl.
The two enjoyed their snack.
Once they were done, Cécile threw her stick on the ground. "I had a cousin, Samuel. His family and ours were close, so they would often visit. Unlike that annoying Xavier, he was pretty cool.
"It happened two years ago. Dad got a sudden phone call from our uncle in the middle of the night." She tucked herself in and was silent for a spell before finding her voice. "It was a car accident. Everyone was fine, b-but Samuel died in the crash."
Spyro winced. "Cécile... I'm so sorry..."
She sniffled. "I-it's fine." She sucked in a deep breath before continuing. "I didn't learn about the accident until morning, but when I did, I didn't want to believe it. It wasn't fair. Why did it have to happen to someone I cared about? Mourning him was the biggest ordeal I had to deal with. I shut myself in for days. If Xavier, Mom, and Dad hadn't taken the time to talk about him with me, I don't think I would've been able to let my wound scar.
"What I'm saying is, I know what it's like to lose someone close to you, but you shouldn't let the grief consume you."
Spyro wiped tears from his eyes. "How can you be so sure I've lost someone?"
Cécile wiped her face with her sleeve and gave a sad smile. "Call it a hunch."
Spyro sighed. Her story motivated him to confess in kind, but something held him back. Wouldn't confessing be tantamount to admitting he's a failure? The fear of that pain made him shove his memories of Ignitus into the deepest recesses of his memories.
But what would that make of your memories of him? asked his rational side. They would be a curse that would haunt him for the rest of his days. Would that really be what Ignitus would want, to inadvertently curse the purple dragon because of his memories of him?
Spyro gulped, a pit of dread forming in his stomach. "Ignitus...was like a father to me. He was the first dragon I ever met, so he made a strong first impression. He mentored me, guided me, nurtured me. Ignitus was like an infinite well of wisdom. He often lamented how they had to rely on me in the war. But really, I would give my life fighting ten times over for him, my friends, and my family."
"How young were you when the war was happening?"
The purple dragon frowned. "When I first started, I was twelve, but it gets a little complicated."
Cécile gawked. "Twelve‽ I'm so sorry..."
He waved a paw dismissively. "It's fine. The fondest memories I have of Ignitus are the quiet moments we spent in the temple's library. That, and the pranks Sparx pulled on him and the other Guardians." He chuckled. "He would always drag me into his shenanigans, even when I protested I had too much respect to prank Ignitus. Sparx's reply would be something like 'If you respect him so much, you'll realize we're doing him a favour by breaking him out of his moody funk!'."
Spyro grinned. "Cécile, Ignitus is one of the most serious dragons I know after Terrador. Believe me when I say I treasure the rare times he's snickered after Sparx pranked him or the other Guardians."
Cécile mimicked his grin. "I can already envision it. Those days must have been awesome."
"They were." He sighed, smiling wistfully. "They truly were..."
Spyro licked his lips, the mirth evaporating from his expression. "When the time for the final battle dawned, Ignitus had to accompany Cynder and me through the Belt of Fire, a giant wall of flames summoned by Malefor's magic. Ignitus shielded us from the blaze with a magic bubble he conjured."
He shut his eyes tight, teeth gritted. The trauma was rushing back to him, threatening to overwhelm him, but he pushed it back with a deep breath. "On the way there, Ignitus' strength began to wane. I told him that we should go back — that we could find another way across — but the look he gave us and what he told us said everything. He knew this would happen. He had already accepted that he would need to sacrifice himself to get us across.
"I didn't want to believe it. There had to be something I could do — I was the purple dragon, for Ancestors' sake! But I couldn't do anything as Ignitus threw us to safety with the last of his strength!"
Spyro's voice was breaking at this point, and hot tears streamed down his face. "If I had been stronger — or more knowledgeable about magic — or better — or just something, I don't know! I could have saved him!
"He's dead, Cécile! He's dead because I was too weak to save him!"
The purple dragon couldn't keep it in any longer. He burst into uncontrollable sobs. All the sorrow, anger, grief, and shock erupted to the surface, all of which were purged through his tears.
Cécile wrapped her arms around him. He returned the hug and sobbed over her shoulder.
.
.
.
When Spyro was finished crying, he felt exhausted. It wasn't a bad exhaustion. He felt like a weight had lifted off his chest. He filled his lungs with fresh air and exhaled. "Thanks, Cécile."
She nodded. "Ignitus could have been selfish and saved his hide, or he could have clung to his life and doomed all of you in the process. Instead, he chose to sacrifice himself so you could live. I don't think he would want you to tarnish his sacrifice this way."
He snorted. I know that. I just wish it didn't have to end up like this, he thought with a sigh.
"Have you told Cynder?"
Spyro shook his head. "I don't want to bother her with my issues when she has her own I need to help her deal with."
"That...doesn't sound great," Cécile said with a worried grimace. "Where's your confidant?"
"Back in the Dragon Realms. I used to have two, but uh...one sort of burned to death," he said bitterly.
"Yikes," she said, wincing. She cleared her throat. "Right. Let's fix that." She thumped a fist on her chest. "If you ever need to talk about something, I'll be right here. Or if it's too boyish of an issue, I'm sure Xavier wouldn't mind lending his ear."
Spyro's expression flashed with surprise. "No, no, it's fine, really! I wouldn't want to bother you with my—"
"Don't give me that!" Cécile pulled at Spyro's cheeks. "Sticking up for others is great and all, but you should think about yourself too!"
"Ow, ow! Okay, I get it!" He broke free from her grip and rubbed his sore cheeks. "Why are you willing to do this for me, though? We've barely known each other for a month."
She scoffed, crossing her arms. "Spyro, if I have to answer that question, I will slap you."
The purple dragon averted his gaze, claws drumming against the couch nervously. What happened to her usual, cheery self?
But when he thought about the answer, it was pretty obvious. He had gained something he didn't have many of in the Dragon Realms.
Spyro grinned. "Thank you, Cécile."
She beamed. "Don't mention it."
Cynder savoured her Snowstorm® Treat. "Ah. Thanks for this, Xavier. I might just let you live for a few more years."
He rolled his eyes. "Yeah, sure whatever. So, how's progress on going back home?"
She paused, eyes widening. "Huh? Oh, that?" She fidgeted nervously. "It's going pretty well, yeah. We, uh, figured out some stuff, and, uh, you know, did some other things..."
"You've done zilch amount of work, haven't you?"
Cynder pouted. "Can you blame me? Can't I enjoy my vacation a bit before looking for ways to go back home?"
Xavier licked his ice cream cone. "Sure, but it's also almost been a month. I'm sure you have people that are worried about you back home."
"Not that many actually. Most would be thrilled if I never showed up," she said, her fist resting against her cheek.
Xavier looked very concerned. "I'm…sorry?"
She sighed. "It's a long story. Fine, I'll start looking for ways to return home. Where would I even start, though? We're talking magic that can warp the fabric of dimensions. It's uncharted territory for me." Though, Malefor did know portal magic. If it's a purple dragon perk, I could get Spyro in on the action.
Xavier hummed. "I don't how much of it would relate, but I could get you some books and articles on theoretical physics."
"Theoretical physics?" she said, frowning.
"You know, wormholes, space-time continuum, all the good stuff that exists only in theory."
All those terms flew over Cynder's head, who frowned in confusion. "Sure thing. I'll see what I can do." She cleared her throat. "Question for you."
"Yeah, what's up?"
"So, you're male, right?"
Xavier blinked. "I was born with XY chromosomes, yes." He crunched on the remains of his ice cream cone.
Cynder jammed her spoon into her cup and drummed her fingers against the table. "How do you think a girl could get your attention?"
He chuckled. "Well, the prideful in me dictates that I should be the one to make the first move. How oblivious are we talking? What have you tried to woo the purple draco?"
Cynder recoiled. "What‽ I never said this was about the purple dork!"
"No, but that outburst and a smidgen of logic confirms it," Xavier said, smirking.
She gnashed her teeth and tightened her fist. "Why you..." Played me like a damn fiddle. She sighed. "I mean, I've tried whispering some hints when he was in range, and I've also thought about some lines really hard whenever he was in my vicinity."
Xavier gave her a look of disbelief. "And what do you think his reaction will be if you don't express yourself clearly?"
She sagged. "I know that, but w-what if he says no?"
"If he says no, then it's no." Xavier shrugged. "You can risk the non-zero chance of him saying 'yes', or you can say nothing and guarantee that he'll say neither 'no' nor 'yes.' "
"Or, the third option, I give him hints, until he makes the first move."
He raised his eyebrow. "Okay, and how do you suppose you can get through that dummy's thick skull?"
"That's why I'm asking you for advice!"
"And my advice is this: Just say it outright."
Cynder wanted to slump off her chair as she groaned. Why did it have to be so complicated?
"If you complicate everything with extra steps, you'll feel foolish once you realize the simple answer was the better one."
She pouted. "Fine. I'll think about it." Stupid humans and their stupid advice…
For the umpteenth time, Cole read through the results of his examination. The physical tests turned out fine, nothing peculiar there. But when they scanned his brain, the machine detected abnormal brain waves. It was something the scientists didn't know how to explain; the waves they detected weren't anything they had ever seen before. Without knowing what to make of it, they were at an impasse on how to proceed.
Cole threw the paper at the table, sighing. This was a conundrum. While he was glad to have not gone through more nightmarish episodes in the past few days, he had to settle for dealing with migraines instead. The best part was how ineffective medicine turned out to be against them. A small part of his mind told him about how this could be another side effect of that incident. Cole tried to banish the thought but found out he couldn't. Lately, his anxiety had been growing, a feeling of dread festering in his mind like a cancerous disease. What if something else came of this? This could mark the beginning of something unnerving, something that could doom his future if he couldn't do something about it now. What then? How would he deal with it?
And there was also the matter of that strange crystal they had found. The lab team ran countless tests, but they needed more time to analyse the results; the crystal's properties were an enigma to categorize, whatever they were. It was another dead end for now.
"What's got you in a foul mood?"
Cole looked up at Lisa. She set down a cup of tea in front of him before she sat down, her own cup in hand. He waved his hand dismissively. "It's boring work stuff. Nothing to concern yourself with." Naturally, he hadn't told Lisa about the incident. The last thing he needed was to give her a reason to worry. That wouldn't be good for their child.
She huffed teasingly. "It must be some truly boring stuff for you to look so absorbed by it. How's your head?"
"Better," he replied, taking a sip of tea. That was technically true. He hadn't had a migraine yet today.
"Maybe it would do you some good to take your mind off work. How about going for a walk? The weather is good for it this evening. Besides, I could use the exercise, and you, the fresh air."
Cole hummed. He tried to rationalize some reason to decline, but she was right. Obsessing over this issue when there was nothing to be done about it would be foolish. Besides, a bit of fresh air could do wonders for his headaches. He sighed, smiling. "Sure, I don't mind."
AN:
Yeah, we had to get sad with this one, boys. That's why I channelled all the comedy into the beginning of the chapter.
A mourning chapter was bound to happen. I mean, come on. It's free real estate. Moreover, as you can see, Cole is still alive; he's doing just fine. Headaches are a natural consequence of overworking himself. Source: I made it up.
In any case, if you have anything to say, you can leave a review. Consider dropping a favourite and a follow so I can get that extra dose of dopamine and motivation.
As always, thank you to the amazing Linkuser2 for being my beta-reader! Check out his story, Daybreak, after this. He's cooking a fine story.
That's all from me. See you guys in a fortnight!
Author-san, signing out.
Cynder found Spyro in the kitchen fiddling with a stone tablet. "Spyro?"
He started with a squawk and whirled around. "Cynder?"
"What are you making?"
Spyro turned the tablet over, smiling bashfully. "Ah, don't worry, it's nothing you need to concern yourself..." He paused, expression souring. He sighed. "I'm making a tombstone for Ignitus. If I could have a bit of your time, we could maybe work it out togetheeeerrr?" His voice grew squeakier and more uncertain as he spoke.
Cynder tilted her head to the side. Why so timid? "Of course I'll help you. Let me see."
He was surprised. "A-are you sure? I don't want to bother you if—"
"Spyro, it's fine. Now, let me see what you're doing."
He sighed in relief and showed him the tablet. The words "IN MEMO" were etched onto the stone in the runic alphabet. She hummed. "What do you want it to say?"
Spyro whispered into her ear.
She grabbed the tablet, grinning. "Got it." She threw it in the air, much to Spyro's stupor. The black dragoness leapt after it and lashed out with her claws. Chips of rocks fell to the floor as she carved out the words.
Cynder fell back down with grace. She snatched the falling tablet from the air and flashed it to Spyro. "And voilà."
"You nearly gave me a heart attack," he said with a paw on his chest and wide eyes. "Did you have to be so reckless with it?"
"It's not 'reckless' — it's 'stylish!' " she exclaimed, scoffing. "Excuse me for wanting to add spice to the mundane things in life."
Spyro grabbed the tablet, beaming. "In any case, it's perfect. Let's plant it outside."
Cynder followed him as he made his way out into the backyard. Spyro planted the tablet in a secluded spot in front of the fence and sat down. She sat down next to him.
A pang of sadness squeezed Cynder's heart. She owed Ignitus a lot. When the other Guardians wanted her cast out, he was the sole one who advocated for her to stay. She hadn't exactly been the most pleasant guest to hang around with, but Spyro and he had showered him with kindness she felt was unearned. For the first time in her life, Cynder had felt like she was in a place she could call home.
Until she ran away when the Eternal Night was nearing, but that was another story.
Ignitus' sacrifice came as a great shock to Cynder, but an even bigger one to Spyro. He would've thrown his life away — and hers — if she hadn't been able to stop him. She was not as attached to Ignitus as Spyro was, but losing him did hurt, even if she was incapable of showing it. Thinking about Ignitus' death only made her numb. She could feel gratitude for everything he had done for her, and she knew that she would miss him, but something stopped her from feeling sorrow.
Spyro sniffled. Snot and tears streamed down his face, and he spoke between sobs. "He's dead, Cynder. I'm never going to be able to spend time with him in the temple's library; I'll never get to hear his stories about the history of our world; he won't be here anymore to scold me for the pranks Sparx and I pulled on the Guardians; I won't get to train my Fire with him anymore...
"I'm going to miss Ignitus!" He broke down into sobs.
Cynder wrapped her wing around him and pulled him close. In any case, Spyro could cry for the two of them.
IN MEMORY OF IGNITUS
A GREAT FIRE GUARDIAN, AND AN EVEN GREATER MENTOR