Spyro (classic version)

Chapter Fourteen: The Truth

Spyro watched as Cynder flew into the darkness, the glowing light of the crystal visible in her talons. Suddenly, bright blue light erupted from nowhere, lighting the night sky. Cynder seemed to have vanished within it.

Spyro looked around. Ignitus was getting up weakly from the floor, occasionally giving a sideways glance at the place that Cynder had vanished. Spyro made his way over to him.

"Are you alright?" Ignitus asked as Spyro neared.

"Yes" replied Spyro. There was something he was burning to ask, but was now the right time? He hesitated for a second, then began.

"Ignitus... There's something I want to tell you about. It's about Cynder"

Ignitus looked at him, worried. But he nodded anyways to let him finish.

"Whenever we look each other in the eyes, something happens. She... Changes. Her eyes turn green and she seems to become, if anything, almost friendlier. She definitely looks a lot less intimidating. But, after a second or so, she snaps back to herself again. Why does that happen"

To Spyro's surprise, Ignitus looked like he had been expecting this. In fact, he actually smiled at the news.

"This is excellent news, Spyro!" he said

"Why?"

"You may have noticed that there has been a bit of crucial information I have been withholding from you."

Spyro and Sparx looked at each other, then Spyro nodded to Ignitus.

"Spyro, please understand, I have never lied to you. I have merely not told you everything," said Ignitus, "There is something crucial you must understand about Cynder. You saw her, she is able to pass through the gate, and there is one solid reason behind it. Spyro, I am about to tell you the truth. All of it.

After I rescued your egg and placed it into the raft, I returned to the grotto to find utter chaos. The guardians had been overrun, and all of the eggs had been smashed, the chicks within them dead, except one.

Gaul, the king of the apes, had taken one egg and was shielding it from harm. He took this egg back to his master, where they cast an ancient curse known as Val-Heath. This curse locks away the victim's heart and soul, turning them into a living puppet to the caster. The curse is nearly undetectable, as the victim is fooled into believing that they are in control, but it leaves traces."

"But if she's the same age as me, why is she so...so..." stammered Spyro.

"Big, monstrous, evil, sexy, oh wait did I just say that?" said Sparx. Spyro just looked at him.

"Because, Spyro, with control of the mind and soul comes control over the physical form as well. An infant dragon is not suited for fighting, so Gaul and the Dark Master transformed her body into the monstrous form she adopts now. If she were to fight the curse, the pain would be unimaginable," explained Ignitus.

"So Cynder isn't evil after all..." said Spyro.

"Speak for yourself, pal," said Sparx.

"No, she isn't," said Ignitus, "She has been corrupted by the Dark Master's infectious power. That is why she was able to pass through the gate. She alone has never committed an act of evil, and so she remains pure."

"And, also," said Spyro, "How can she open the portal when she's an element short."

Ignitus looked at the ground, looking hopeless.

"Spyro," he said quietly, "Cynder was born a wind dragon."

"So that means," said Spyro in shock. Ignitus confirmed what he had been about to say with a nod.

"The dark master means to use her as the last crystal. If he succeeds, she will ultimately die," said Ignitus.

"Good riddance," said Sparx.

"This is the true reason he needs her. She was born on the year of the dragon, which makes her powerful enough to fuel his escape. Please, Spyro, I ask you, don't let that happen," pleaded Ignitus.

"Is there a way to break the curse?" asked Spyro.

"Yes, but it will be difficult, and, as I said, very painful for her," said Ignitus.

"How can I?" asked Spyro

"You must convince her that she is not in control. Once she realises, she will be able to fight the Dark Master's influence, and hopefully break the curse in the process. But it is dangerous Spyro, she will refuse to believe it at first, and the Dark Master will try with all his might to destroy you before she finds out"

Spyro looked worried, even scared, but Ignitus added "But, as I said, It is possible"

Spyro looked up, and determination filled him.

"I'll do it" said Spyro. Ignitus smiled, and said "I wish you luck, Spyro. When the battle is done, if you succeed, I ask that you bring her with you to the dragon temple. I want her to know a true home, one where she can be herself again. When you return, the guardians will care for you both while you recover"

"I'll get her back, Ignitus," promised Spyro.

"Yes," said Ignitus, "At the very least you have to try."

Spyro took flight again, hovered for a second, then flew towards the light.

"May the ancestors look after you" said Ignitus, "May they look after us all"