Review Replies:
Sir MountCastle: Only ten? How about fifty? I fell down a rabbit hole; I will never be the same ever again. Everywhere I look, all I see is HERETICS!
Showing Spyro and Cynder our dragon myths, ay? That could be interesting.
Cynder deserved her moment of levity. And it's not like Xavier and Cécile are at each other's throats all the time. They may not play around like kids anymore, but they have their moments of being chill, nice, or genuine.
You're glad about Cécile helping Spyro with his grief as if I'm not going to make him crash out for the pettiest reason.
Bro, how did you know about that? Can you read minds? That's exactly what I was planning! We must keep this between us. I don't want the other readers to get spoiled.
Chinese New Year? I'm not Chinese, so I don't care about that — wait, I'm not racist! I'M NOT RACIS—
Dr. Kocktor: chuckles dangerously
I'm getting hit with the Cole allegations left and right, and it's time to address them once and for all. Ahem. The truth is that Cole is—
Linkuser2: I always commit to the bit, and that includes the bit of locking in and writing something serious.
I'm calling your bluff. The onions were not the source of your crying; you cannot trick me, peasant.
Austin: Ignitus' intel is pretty good. I'm sure he's already figured out where they ended up.
Spyro and Cynder are much stronger than the average human. Their strengths are the same no matter which form they take. The strongest man on the planet might be able to give Cynder a run for her money, but no (unawakened) human alive would even come close to Spyro's strength. That is, if they decide to use their lifeforce. If they restrain themselves, Cynder is stronger than the average guy, while Spyro is as strong as a pro bodybuilder.
I do not cry, and I doubt these songs will make me cry. The dragons might cry, though. I don't listen to music with lyrics because it will distract me. I throw on the occasional videogame soundtrack. I know of Epic the Musical; I think it's fine. I've only heard one song, though.
I don't care about the Super Bowl or sports in general, so it's unlikely.
I've got a videogame bit planned already, but if you think Cynder would be the crash-out, you have another thing coming.
Chapter 8: Home Alone in the Gremlin Abode
...
"Alright, I'm heading to work," Xavier said. "Spyro, Cynder, make sure Cécile doesn't burn the house down."
Cécile growled. "I'm not burning anything down!"
"Yeah, because Spyro and Cynder will prevent you from doing so," he said teasingly. "Anyway, I left a list of chores on the table. Make sure you do them, or you'll face the consequences." He swapped his glasses with sunglasses and made the "I've got my eyes on you" gesture before going out.
"Hmph, the nerve of that guy!" Cécile stuck her tongue out at the door.
Spyro stretched. "I feel you, but a little teasing between siblings is inevitable. Just don't let it get to you."
"Easy for you to say." Cécile crossed her arms. "Your brother's a dragonfly. You can counter anything he says by threatening or smacking him away. I don't have that luxury."
"You'd be surprised at how hard it is to get Sparx to shut up."
"Oi, you pair of dorks." Cynder walked up to them. "I've got the chores Xavier left for us. We ought to get started with them."
Cécile shot her an offended look. "Who are you calling a dork?"
"Who do you think?" She gave a smarmy smile. "I could call you 'gremlin' instead if you want. Both are fine by me."
"Cut that out!" Cécile snapped, growling.
Spyro chuckled. "Yeah, you need thicker skin. Can I see those chores, Cyn?"
"Sure thing."
She handed him the paper, and the purple dragon sat down so he could read it. However, as he was reading, Cécile snatched it from his paws. "Oi!"
"We have plenty of time to do our tasks later. Let's have some fun first." She crumpled the paper and tossed it away.
"That sounds like a bad idea," Cynder said.
"Come on, don't be like that. I have plenty of treats for you if you go along with it!" She flashed a brownie in front of Cynder's face.
Her eyes lit up, but she turned her head away, squeezing her eyes shut. "Y-you think you can bribe me that easily?"
"It's fine if you don't want it. I can give it to Spyro instead."
"Urgh...fine! Just give it to me, and I'll keep quiet."
Cécile smirked. "I knew you were a reasonable dragoness." She fed her the treat. Cynder purred, and her tail swished from side to side.
"Oi, aren't you forgetting someone?" Spyro asked, looking grumpy. "You have to buy my silence too."
"Oh, don't give me that face, Spyro." Cécile scratched the underside of his chin. "You'll always be my favourite purple boy." She pampered him with affection, much to the purple dragon's delight. He rolled onto his back, and Cécile got down on her knees to give him belly rubs, which made Cynder scowl.
"Why's he the one getting all the affection? I want some too!"
"You've already had your treat," Spyro said. "This one's all mine."
"Hmph." Cynder sat next to Cécile and nuzzled her neck.
She squirmed away, giggling. "Hey, watch it; that tickles!" She stopped rubbing Spyro's belly so she could give Cynder some affection. Spyro scoffed, rolled upright, and sat by Cécile's other side. He brushed the side of his head up and down her side, which made her laugh.
Cynder hissed at him. "Buzz off. We're in the middle of something, here."
Spyro glared right back, growling. "You're the one who's trying to steal her away from me!"
"Guys, there's no need to fight." Cécile raised her hands, trying to placate them. "I have enough affection to share with everyone."
The dragons ignored her. They left Cécile's side to circle each other in an open space. They were like two predators locked in a turf war, sizing each other up and biding their time before the first move.
"Cécile's belly rubs are mine. I was here first," Spyro said.
"Think again. You don't have the monopoly over her affection," Cynder replied.
Cécile stood up. "G-guys, you really don't have to fight over this—"
The dragons leapt at each other, snarling.
"Why are we in cages?" Cynder asked.
"I'm more surprised she had those lying around." Spyro yawned. "And that she managed to lock us inside them."
Cécile huffed, putting her hands on her hips. "I had no choice; you were going to wreck the house otherwise! Do you have any idea what Xavier would do if he came back and found the house ransacked?"
Spyro and Cynder looked away guiltily.
"Yeah...sorry," the former said.
"I acknowledge that was rather short-sighted of us." The latter gave Cécile a hopeful look. "Could you let us out?"
"No. Think about what you've done thoroughly."
"Come on, Cécile. Could you please let us out?" She looked at her with pitiful, saddened eyes as she approached the border of the cage.
Cécile wavered briefly, but she turned her back to them. "Not a chance."
"Tch. My cute charm can't work if she's not looking at me," Cynder muttered as she backed up from the cage and sat down.
Spyro caught that and smirked. "That's because you're not thinking outside the box."
"Oh yeah? Let's see you do better, purple dork."
"Heh. Watch and learn." Spyro stretched his neck thoroughly, which produced satisfying cracks, then let out a pathetic whine. Cécile didn't budge, so he tried it again. Hesitantly, Cécile spared a glance their way. Spyro lay completely flat on his stomach, looking dejected as he shot her a sorrowful look.
Cécile mentally seemed to battle with a decision until she ultimately sighed. "Alright, fine. Just don't look at me like that! I can't stand it!"
Spyro dropped his act and gave Cynder a grin. "You see? It's that easy."
"Hmph. Maybe I'll concede you that point."
Cécile released them from their cages.
Cynder grinned. "Thanks, CC. You're the best."
"Yeah, yeah, whatever." She hummed. "You know, I'd like to see more elemental tricks from you. How versatile can you be?"
"Why the sudden interest?"
"Because it would be the coolest thing, duh! There's no magic here, remember? Besides, it could be useful for other things: Spyro could use his fire breath to dry clothes or something." Cécile tapped the side of her head smartly. "See? I can think of the bigger picture."
"When you want to," Cynder deadpanned.
Cécile growled. "Will you quit it!"
Spyro nudged Cynder with his wing. "That's enough teasing out of you. Cécile does make a good point. The Guardians have taught me elements aren't to be used exclusively for harm — they're tools, just like how a knife can butter a toast or stab someone.
"For example, here's something neat I learned how to do while I was bored." Spyro backed up from the others as electricity crackled in his maw, which he directed upward. Carefully, he let the gathered electricity gush forth; a spiderweb of yellow lightning bolts bloomed from Spyro's maw into the shape of a rose. The image lingered for a few seconds before dissipating.
Cécile clapped. "Whoa, that was awesome! How did you even do that?"
Spyro chuckled. "Practice, mana control, and execution. It's pretty easy once you get the hang of it."
"Neat! What about you, Cynder? Got any cool tricks?"
Cynder fidgeted with her paws, refusing to make eye contact. "I never really had the chance to learn a trick like that..."
Cécile was gobsmacked. "What? No way! We have to fix that! Do you like singing? Maybe you could use your Wind element to sing acapella? Or if you prefer theatrics, you could use your Shadow element to create shadow characters and mime a play."
Cynder blinked repeatedly, her cheeks heating up from embarrassment. "I appreciate the gesture, but I'll be dead before I try such silly ideas."
She nudged her with her elbow. "You can't think like that! You have to expand your horizons or you won't get anywhere. Speaking of which, I just remembered something..." She gave Spyro a wicked look.
He frowned. "W-why are you looking at me like that?"
"Just stay right there."
Cécile disappeared upstairs and returned with a fancy suit in hand. "We need to get you outfitted."
Spyro sniffed the article of clothing. "But why are you giving me Xavier's clothes? Shouldn't we go buy my own?"
"Too much time, too much money. Xavier won't notice if we're swift with it." She started forcing the suit onto Spyro, much to his dismay.
"Wait, shouldn't I transform into a human for this?"
"Nope! It's funnier this way. Now work with me."
Soon, Spyro was fully clothed. Well, half-clothed. The suit miraculously didn't tear apart from wrapping around Spyro's wings. He shifted, discomfort flashing in his expression. "My wings are itchy."
"You can tolerate it. Can you strike some poses as if you were a model?" Cécile asked.
"What kind of poses?"
Cécile showed him pictures of male models on her phone.
"Okay... Like this?" Spyro reared on his hind legs and struck a pose.
Cécile burst into laughter. "Yes! Perfect! Another one, another one!"
Spyro obliged, striking another pose that sent Cécile into hysterics. Cynder observed Spyro, transfixed. Had he always been this...radiant? Seeing him like this sent her heart into a frenzy.
The purple dragon fell back on all fours, grimacing. "All right, please get this thing off me. It's killing my wings." He raised an eyebrow. "Are you okay, Cynder? Your nose is bleeding."
"H-huh?" She pawed at her snout. A dash of crimson liquid stained the back of her paw. She shook her head vigorously. "I'm fine. It's just an aneurysm because you were too hot — I mean, too dorkish — I mean, leave me alone!" The black dragoness escaped the embarrassing situation and dragged Cécile behind the couch by the scruff of her clothing, much to her surprise.
"You've got to help me out, CC!" she cried, dropping her voice into a whisper. "Make me look stylish too!"
"Whoa, what's with you all of a sudden?" Cécile smirked. "Trying to impress Spyro?"
"No! ...maybe a little..." Cynder sighed. "Yes..."
She grinned. "Thought so. I could tell by how you were looking at the purple dummy."
"Oi, you stick to calling him 'purple boy.' Only I can call him demeaning names affectionately."
"Fine, fine," Cécile said with an eye roll. "Let's have you seduce that purple boy!" She cracked her knuckles.
Cynder frowned. "When you say like that, it sounds nefarious."
"Hmmm... Let's have you charm that purple boy, then!"
Cynder wanted to say something but ultimately decided against it, sighing. Good enough, I guess. "Thank you."
"No problem."
Cynder and Cécile retreated to the latter's room (after helping Spyro out of his suit and putting it away). Cécile made her try a few dresses until Cynder settled on a design she liked the most. Then, she put makeup on Cynder's face — just enough to make her scales shine brighter.
Cécile made Cynder look in the mirror. "So, what do you think?"
The black dragoness reared up on her hind legs and examined herself. Her dress was too long, but she had to make do. Her face seemed to shine like the full moon, however.
A giddy smile stretched across her lips. "This is better than I could've hoped for. You're the best, CC."
"Save it for when you've worked your magic on Spyro," she said with a laugh. She clapped her hands together. "Allez! On passe à l'action!"
They found Spyro in the basement, who was enjoying reading a book.
"Oh, Spyro! I've got something to show you!" Cécile said.
He looked up from his book. "Yeah?"
She gestured at Cynder. "Ta-dah!"
Cynder reared on her hind legs and struck a radiant pose.
"Wow, you're looking good! But what's the occasion?" he asked, cocking his head.
Cynder fiddled with the dress. "Um, there isn't one, but I wanted to know what you think of me in this dress."
"Hm... I mean, you do look pretty, but to be honest, I think the dress looks silly on you." He chuckled.
"Really? That's all? You don't notice anything striking about me?"
He shrugged. "Not really. I've said my piece. If you want, we could try to find a tailor and get you a custom-made cloak. I think you'd look great in one!"
She flopped back onto all fours, sighing. "Thanks, but it's fine." She scratched her head, a vexed expression forming on her face. "What a bust."
"Not yet," Cécile said. "I've still got one trick up my sleeve left. I just need time to prepare. Sit tight."
Cécile told Cynder to keep herself and Spyro busy as she prepared everything. And most importantly, that they do not come to the kitchen. Cynder was skeptical of Cécile but decided to trust her.
A long while later, her voice called them to the kitchen.
Finally, that nearly took an hour. Cynder frowned. What could she have possibly prepared that took that long to finish?
Nevertheless, she headed upstairs and into the kitchen with Spyro in tow. What met her sight was beyond what Cynder could imagine.
The blinds were closed, the lights overhead were dimmed, and a lit candle cast its soft light on the dining table, contributing to a tranquil atmosphere.
Wow, Cécile did all of this? I didn't know she had it in her.
Spyro looked around, visibly confused. "What happened here? The kitchen looks completely different. It's kind of…homely, in a way."
"Welcome, esteemed guests. A table for two?" Cécile asked.
Cynder noticed her fancy attire and did a double take. Why is she dressed like that? Wait, table for two — is she setting up a date for us‽ Cynder stiffened. What are you doing, CC? I'm not ready for this!
Spyro seemed unbothered, on the other hand. "Sure, I guess I am a little hungry. I'm still not sure why you had to redecorate the place, though." He headed to the dining table and hopped on a seat. The other chairs had been removed. There were only two, and they were facing each other.
Cynder's blush intensified as she padded her way over to the table and took a seat. Heart racing, paws twitching, she took deep breaths to try and calm down. It's alright, Cyn. Maybe this could work out. I mean, there's no way Spyro is so thick he can't recognize the romantic subtext of the situation.
"Are you okay, Cynder? Are you so hungry it's making you feel restless?" he asked, chuckling.
She sighed. This is the purple dork we're talking about. "I'm just fine, thanks."
Cécile gave each dragon a wine glass, then poured a dark liquid from a bottle that looked similar to liquor bottles Cynder had seen back in her realm. She frowned. "You're giving us alcohol? We're underage, you know."
Cécile snickered. "Relax! It's not alcohol, Cyn — uh, I mean, I understand your concerns, dear madam, but I assure you this is our highest quality grape juice," she said in a professional, polite tone.
Spyro lapped some of the drink. "Hm! She's right."
"Now, for the menu. Because you two are the first to visit our fine establishment, we have a special offer to give you. Would that be in your interest?"
Spyro's eyes lit up. "Ooh, special! I like the sound of that!"
No tact whatsoever, Cynder thought dryly. She nodded to Cécile. "We would love to acquiesce your special offer."
"Wonderful! I'll bring your meal in the shortest delay possible." She bowed and walked away.
She returned moments later with an extra-large plate of farfalle, furnished with tomato sauce, herbs, and meatballs, and put it between the two. "Here you go. I pray this fine meal is to your liking."
Spyro frowned. "You only gave us one plate. Who is this for?"
"The both of you. It's a part of our special offer."
"Okay… And where are our forks?"
"Not included. It's a part of our special offer."
His look went dull. "What sort of offer are you giving us?"
"A special one. It's in the name."
"I—" Spyro paused. He sighed. "Thank you. No further questions."
Cécile bowed and left them alone.
Cynder was in disbelief. Sharing a plate of food? Was that Cécile's idea of a date? How was that supposed to help?
"Are you going to eat, Cynder? It's actually pretty good."
She snapped out of her daze. "H-huh? Oh, yeah."
Without forks, eating was quite a hassle. Try as she might, it was impossible to take in food without staining her snout. It didn't seem to bother Spyro, though.
Soft jazz music reached her ears. Cynder looked around. She noticed a speaker on the counter. I don't remember that being there. Cécile, you cheeky little gremlin.
"You know, doesn't something seem odd about this setup?"
Cynder paused for thought. "In what regard?"
Spyro furrowed his brow. "I mean, this ambience, doesn't it seem kind of…personal?"
Cynder's maw hung agape. He…he brought it up on his own. She closed her maw, and her heart began beating faster. It saves me the trouble of bringing it up myself, but now I have to explain it to him, urgh… "Yes. This is, um, how should I say it? This is usually an event where two dragons who are romantically involved hang out. In other words, a date."
"R-romantically?" Spyro blurted out as he straightened up. "B-but we're just friends." He laughed nervously. "Is this a prank? Did Cécile put you up to this?"
"Listen, Spyro." Cynder swallowed. Her throat was dry and growing constricted. Moment of truth. "We've been through a lot. And, I've realized that, well, you make me happy — happier than any dragon ever could. You've helped me through so much that I wouldn't regret a lifetime spent by your side.
"So, I was wondering if we could…try and make it work out?"
Spyro stared at her with wide, blinking eyes. Butterflies churned in Cynder's stomach. Had she been too forward? Had she misspoken? Argh, it really was too soon to say anything, wasn't it?
"I-I…um…I, well… I need some time to think." Without saying anything more, he hopped off his chair and dashed away.
Cynder threw out a paw in his direction. "Spyro, wait! I'm..." Groaning, her paw slapped her forehead, and she shut her eyes in frustration. I knew it! I shouldn't have said anything! Urgh, now everything is ruined, and for what‽ She sighed and deflated, her lower jaw coming to rest on the table.
Cécile walked into the kitchen. "I saw Spyro running upstairs. What happened?"
Cynder buried her face in her paws. "I've ruined everything, that's what."
"What? Come on, it can't be that bad. Tell me what happened."
The two sat side-by-side on the living room's couch. Cynder recounted the events of the 'date.'
"And now, he's probably thinking of discreetly fleeing to another country." She rubbed her paws against her face, groaning. "I shouldn't have said anything! None of this would have happened otherwise!"
Cécile looked at her, incredulous. "Don't you think you're being too pessimistic?"
Cynder's paws slapped down on the couch, and she shot her a dirty look. "Pessimistic how?"
"Think about it. I mean, if Spyro is as oblivious as we know him to be, then you understand how your confession would catch him off guard, right?"
"Your point being?" she asked bitterly.
Cécile frowned. "He may have reacted harshly, but I think it's a good thing that he took a step back. He could've reacted spontaneously and shut you down immediately. Instead, he's taking the time to consider his decision."
"It takes a lot of optimism to come to that conclusion," Cynder said with a snort.
Cécile shrugged. "Optimism is the only available option right now. You can choose to have hope or let your defeatist attitude eat you from the inside out."
"Tch. 'Defeatist' is a strong word. I much prefer 'realist.' "
"And I much prefer a smiling Cynder, so let's see it!"
Cécile tickled her, and the black dragoness burst into laughter. "Stop that! Quit it!" Cynder cried between laughs. She broke off from Cécile's assault and jumped off the couch. She landed in battle mode, hissing. "CC! Never again! Or you're dead!"
"Nah, I don't think so." Cécile gave an innocent look. "I'm too adorable to die."
Cynder snorted. "Oh yeah? Let's see how you like it!" She pounced on her and started tickling her.
Cécile howled in laughter. "No! Cynder! Stop! Stop! I'm sorry!"
Cynder released her after delivering sufficient punishment. "Hmph. Serves you right." She had to admit, she felt a little better after taking her mind off things. "Thanks, CC. I think you're right. I'm not accomplishing anything by moping around. So, I'll try it. I'll try holding on to hope, even if it's just a sliver."
Cécile groaned as she held her sides. "My sides are killing me… No problem, though."
Cynder rubbed the back of her head sheepishly. Maybe I went too hard on her…
Cole woke up from a nightmare. His body quivered as he attempted to reconnect with reality. After making sure Lisa was okay — she was, and still fast asleep, thankfully — he made his way out onto the balcony. The vast expanse of stars above met his gaze, and the crescent moon glittered in the night sky. It brought some clarity to his mind, for what it was worth.
This new nightmare had been akin to the first one he had after touching the crystal, but with one key difference, this time.
He had heard a voice.
Clear as day, as the nightmarish scene played out in the dream, he heard a voice say, "Such is the punishment for not heeding my command."
His hands gripped the railing tighter. Punishment? For what command? What did this all mean, damn it! Was Lisa — and their child — in danger?
Grunting, Cole shook his head. "Come on, it's just a stupid nightmare. Lisa is fine. I'm just…I'm just being paranoid." He sighed, unconvinced by his poor attempt at reassuring himself. His throat felt as dry as sandpaper, and his palms were moist from sweat.
Moreover, his body felt like it was trapped in a sauna, courtesy of the anxiety that churned in his stomach like a growing storm. If Lisa really was fine, he wouldn't be feeling this way. His gut feeling screamed that something was wrong, but for the life of him, he could not pinpoint what.
"I think it might be referring to me."
Cole's blood ran cold. The voice was male, chilling, rich in timbre with some gruffness to it. He whirled around, glaring. "Who's there‽"
But there was no one. Just the door that led back to the house.
Cole groaned and brought a hand to rub his face. Great, now my nightmares have evolved into hallucinations. I need help.
"Believe me, I am no mere fabrication of your mind."
A gasp escaped from his lips. The voice had come from…inside his mind? Cole was on high alert, now. "Wh-who are you?"
"Who I am, I do not know myself. But what I do know is that I need your assistance with a certain goal I wish to accomplish." He chuckled. "Either that or your obedience; I don't care which."
"Tch. Give me one good reason why I should help you."
"Because otherwise, your family would pay the price. Or do you not remember the warnings I've been sending you?"
Cole's mind worked in overdrive to put everything together. From the nightmares, to the abnormal brain waves noted by his examination, to the voice, it all pointed back to that incident. His eyes narrowed. "You…you're from the crystal, aren't you? You're some sort of alien parasite."
Vertigo overwhelmed Cole from the realization. He turned around and gripped the railing, knees growing weak. The prospect of this parasite trying to take him over disgusted him. Gripping the railing tighter, Cole glared in defiance. As if he would let that happen! "Why me? And why didn't you speak up until now?" he spat.
"Simple. I needed someone with high ranking and power. I overheard your coworkers talking about showing me to their superior and conjured the plan then. But after establishing the connection, I realized from my first test that it was too weak for communication. I needed time to strengthen it, which I did by drawing energy from you." He sneered. "I hope the headaches weren't too hard on you."
Cole gritted his teeth. "You're scum — infernal, scat-ridden scum!"
"Ouch, that's not very polite," the voice said mockingly. "We can't have the servant addressing his master with such disrespect." He hummed. "Let's see… You may call me 'Fragment.' "
Cole snarled. "I couldn't care less! Leave me and my family alone if you know what's good for you! I'll smash your crystal without a second thought!"
Fragment gave a throaty laugh. "I wouldn't do that if I were you. The consequences would be unsightly."
"What are you insinuating?"
"My, I don't know. You could always mess around and find out," he jeered.
Cole had about enough of his smarm. "I'm done talking with you. I don't know what it is you want, but I refuse to be a pawn in your scheme."
Fragment's chuckles sent chills down his spine. "I'm not worried. I'll soon teach you where you stand."
Cole didn't even gratify that with a reply as he made his way back into the house.
AN:
Guys, I know this may come as a shock to absolutely all of you, but I think Cole might be in trouble. It happened so suddenly too! …What? You knew something was wrong already? From day one? Incredible. You must have read my mind and learned of the non-telegraphed, out-of-nowhere, never-before-seen plot twist I was planning.
Okay, I'll drop the bit. The villain has arrived, and he's villainous. Fragment of what? You're smart enough; I'm sure you already know. But can he break Cole's spirit and get him to submit, though?
On the other side of the spectrum, things haven't gone according to keikaku for dear Cynder. Will Spyro be fleeing to Ohio or will he address her question? I think the funnier option is looking hot right now.
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.
Spyro wouldn't be showing up to sleep with her, Cynder realized. Try as she might to sleep on her lonesome, she couldn't make herself comfortable. Without Spyro's familiar warmth by her side, something crucial felt amiss.
She sighed. She knew Spyro needed the time to think but couldn't help cursing the inconveniences it brought.
Cynder crawled out of bed and headed out into the corridor. Her claws clacked softly against the wooden floor as she headed to Cécile's room. She knocked on the door and waited for a reply.
"Yeah? Come in."
Cynder cracked the door open, just enough to peek her head through. "Sorry, I'm not bothering you, am I?"
Cécile was sitting up in her bed. The lamp on the bedside cast a soft, yellow light around it. "Not at all. I was having trouble falling asleep anyway. What's up?"
Cynder looked at the floor timidly. "Um, do you mind if I sleep here tonight?"
"Oh? Did something happen?"
"Let's just say I'm alone for the night, which I'd rather not be."
Cécile smiled. "Sure. I don't mind."
"Thanks." Cynder entered the room and closed the door. She cautiously made her way up to the bed, hesitating. Would she mind? Maybe I should sleep on the floor, just in case.
"What are you waiting for?" Cécile scooted to the side and patted a spot next to her. "Come on up."
That surprised the black dragoness. "A-are you sure? I don't want to feel like I'm intruding."
"Don't give me that. It'd be rude to make you sleep on the floor."
Cynder's tail swished behind her as she grinned. She took Cécile up on her offer and hopped onto the bed. She found a comfortable position to lie in and anchored down.
Cécile turned off the lamp. "Good night, Cyn."
The black dragoness purred. "Yeah, good night."
It Ruins Friendships. 10/10 Video Game
...
"Makio Party?" Spyro echoed as he tilted his head to the side.
"Yeah. Very fun video game. Not toxic whatsoever. Wholesome fun for the whole family," Cécile said, grinning.
He blinked. "That's an oddly specific way to describe it."
Xavier crossed his arms. "Some people just want to see the world burn..."
"What, are you too scared to play Makio Party?" Cécile stuck her tongue out. "Coward."
"I could take you on anytime. However, we have two new variables and—"
"All I'm hearing is excuses! If you're good, prove it in the game, bozo!"
"Tch. You're on, you little gremlin!"
Spyro and Cynder watched the siblings glare at each other. "If they're getting that competitive outside of the game, how is it going to be when we start playing?" she asked.
"I'm sure it won't be too chaotic. We can mediate."
...
And so, the gang booted up Makio Party Superstars on the Wintendo Glitch.
"The rules are simple," Cécile said. "We have twenty turns. You win coins; you win mini games; you buy stars. The one with the most of both currencies wins."
"You move around the board by rolling dice, so it's a luck-heavy game. You can get items to help you or impede others," Xavier added.
Cécile gave a wicked smirk. "But if you're a true agent of chaos, you'll go for Chance Time or Browser Spaces."
"And what do those do?" Spyro asked.
"You'll see."
...
One Game Later...
...
"This game is stupid!" Spyro roared. "I hate it here!"
"I don't know what you're talking about," said Cécile, who had won the game. Her victory made her radiate sass. "You all tried your best, gave it your best shot, but you simply couldn't compete when facing the queen of Makio Party." She flourished her hair.
Spyro bared his fangs. He was ready to pounce Cécile with murderous intent. "Do not give me that when you won the game with my stars that you stole from me!"
"It takes a lot of skill to get the optimal outcome in Skill Time."
Cynder snorted. "Chance Time, you mean. And that's rich, coming from you, purple dork! Your stars? Most of those were stolen from me! You could have picked anyone else, but no! You just had to ask that stupid ghost to target me specifically!"
"I pressed random every time!" Spyro said defensively. "It's not my fault if it landed on you."
"Don't give me your excuses!" She pointed a talon at Xavier. "He was right there, the biggest threat to you. Why didn't you target him‽"
"To be fair, the bit was calling out to me."
Cynder snarled. "And these claws are calling out to tear your face apart!" She prepared to pounce.
"So, you guys want to go another round?" Xavier asked.
Various calm murmurs of agreement ensued from the rest of the group.
No Heresy Allowed
...
"Why'd you call us down in the basement, Cyn?" Xavier asked.
"I've been thinking about it and thought I should make some changes to the whole human transformation spell." She grinned. "I think you'll find the modifications I made to be quite striking." She handed Spyro his ring. "Ready to go?"
He nodded.
The two dragons activated the spell. Their morphology changed, turning them anthropomorphic by the time it was finished.
Cynder tested her body's new proportions. "So, I was thinking, cheetahs, minotaurs, and such walk on two legs, so why not dragons? What do you think?"
Cécile clapped. "You look rad!"
Eyes wide, Xavier was breathing heavily and erratically. Seeing the dragons' new forms triggered repressed memories to resurface.
Furries? Those same beasts who have been orchestrating my downfall — plotting for my demise ever since the day of my inception!
They made Gamefreak turn the cat starters bipedal. They were the reason why I scraped my knee at the age of four. When Veronica dumped me before the sixth-grade dance, it was orchestrated by FURRIES! And let's not forget it was a FURRY who overturned my application for my top-choice college! When I got jumpscared by unfortunate art on the internet, the art had been drawn by FURRIES!
"I'VE HAD ENOUGH!" A golden aura enveloped Xavier. When it subsided, he was clad in a Crusader outfit, glaring Spyro and Cynder.
"Heresy shall not be tolerated in this household!"
He grabbed his shotgun and pointed it at the dragons.
Spyro and Cynder panicked. "WAIT, XAVIER! STOOOO—"
Pizza, the Redemptioning
...
Xavier dropped a pizza box on the table. "Pizza time. And this time, the flavour is acceptable," he said, shooting Cécile a glare.
She stuck her tongue out. "Keep crying."
"Ah, sweet!" Spyro licked his chops. "I've been craving to get a taste ever since I was denied my chance last time."
Xavier smirked. "Then you'll love the condiment I've brought." He slid a plastic bottle onto the table.
Spyro brought it close to him and inspected it. "What is it?" He gave it a few sniffs.
"Just a little BBQ sauce. Goes great with pizza." Heh. He doesn't know it's actually a bottle of Hot Ones hot sauce I disguised to look like an unassuming BBQ sauce. Xavier's smirk spread to a dangerous degree. The look on his face will be priceless.
"What are we waiting for, then? Roll out the pizza."
Spyro helped himself to the first slice of pizza he could get his hands on. It was topped with chicken, onions, and mushrooms. He slathered a generous portion of what he thought was BBQ sauce onto his slice of pizza.
Xavier's eyes widened. "Spyro, that's… that's not the right — you're supposed to put a little on the side and dip your pizza slice into it."
"What's the problem with doing it this way? I can't go wrong with more flavour, right?" he asked, frowning.
"No, but that's...you're...it's..."
"Look, if you're worried about me hogging all the sauce for myself, I'll leave some for you."
"That's not it! That pizza slice might kill you!"
Spyro quirked a scaly brow. "Wow, it's that good? Now I have to eat it." He dangled the pizza slice over his head, maw hanging open expectantly. He let it fall in, and Xavier tried not to cringe.
It's over. He's ending up in a hospital...
Spyro seemed pleased as he chewed his food, however. He swallowed. "Phew! Yeah, that was good! I wouldn't call the taste 'deadly', though."
"Ha! Looks like Xavy was trying to scare you out of a good meal," Cynder said. "However, I'd prefer it if you ate with more class. Seriously, try following my example sometimes."
That's when Xavier noticed Cynder had prepared a pizza slice for herself, slathered with a similar amount of the hot sauce in disguise. "Wait, Cynder, don't!"
She stuck her tongue out at him. "As if I'd fall for that." She took a bite of her pizza slice.
Her body burst into flames.
Cynder inhaled deeply, then screamed.
The Implications Terrify Me
…
"Oh, young Spyro. I'll always be watching over you, even if I cannot come see you myself." Ignitus closed Spyro's book.
Now that he had been appointed as the new Chronicler, Ignitus had quite the workload on his shoulders. Managing the library, maintaining the spells that ran the place, etc. Still, Ignitus always made time to monitor the books of his close friends and pupils.
It had been a huge surprise to see a foreign pair of books appear in his library.
He let Spyro's book go, and it floated back to its rightful place on the shelf. Two new books floated to him and set themselves down in front of him. Ignitus shifted from lying on his stomach to sitting on his haunches.
Xavier and Cécile, the two humans who had befriended and taken in Spyro and Cynder. From his observations, Ignitus had decided to dub their world the 'Human Realms' for simplicity's sake. He couldn't make heads or tails about how Spyro and Cynder had ended up there, but when he saw how happy they were — how peaceful it was, there — he figured that maybe this was a stroke of luck.
"Of course, all good things must come to an end, but you young dragons have earned your vacation."
The fact that there existed other realms out there was a fascinating concept to ponder. Ignitus couldn't believe it at first. Even if Volteer had often theorized the possibility, he'd dismissed the idea as preposterous, as did the other Guardians.
He chuckled. "I guess that makes me the foolish one in retrospect."
Ignitus had thought about contacting Volteer and telling him about the whole thing, but he wouldn't want to spoil the surprise.
He frowned. There was something that concerned him. Contacting Spyro was impossible. Ignitus had tried to more than once, but his magic could not breach into the Human Realms. And yet, Spyro's and Cynder's lives continued to be catalogued into their books, and their human friends' books appearing in his library proved that whatever barrier existed between their realms was not infallible. He would have to put more time into researching it later.
"For now, however…" Ignitus opened the humans' books and flipped through the pages, a frown contorting his face. "What is this 'skibidi' I've seen these humans mention?"