Prelude

In shade's grasp

He couldn't see anything. For a moment, his world had gone blank, and he knew not where he was or what he'd been doing just a few seconds ago. Then his world began to come into focus. Pillars of fire were before him, but faded as if strangled by a haze of blood. He blinked, but the darkness would not lift.

What is this? Long spans have I slept, but...

He then heard a voice, the familiar voice of his vessel. He listened, hoping for some inkling of why he'd been asleep so long.

'... Ignitus! No!'

What? If he could have snorted with derision, he would have. He'd never heard such a pathetic, weak cry.

Another voice, softer, yet firmer, entered his eardrums, and his vision shot backwards to a dark, slim figure with shining emerald eyes. He didn't catch all of what the two said, musing over the name. Ignitus. Memories of his vessel filtered into his mind – sudden and overwhelming. A dragon. The first of its kind the vessel had encountered.

It... can't be... a creature of magic, lost? No... it... can't be! Magic is all that matters! I must have it!

Forcing his embodiment to move, he smothered the memories with the overriding will of his own, blending with the grief generated by the warm memories.

It's mine.

As he rose in place, flapping his large appendages, the shining figure pulled back on something that bound the two bodies. He ground his teeth in frustration at the figure. Who was it to stop him?

'You can't stop me.'

The figure was unmoved, staring directly into his eyes. His vision cleared again, and suddenly he recognised the figure. Another dragon - the second his vessel had encountered. His attention was quickly fixated on the energy chain binding them, and the implications of maintaining his tugging away from it.

'You're right. Only you can do that! Please, Spyro... don't do this...'

Spyro.

The memories of the black creature began to mix in with those of Ignitus, and Spyro's will was strengthening once again. He quickly surmised his entrance into this world ending.

I cannot. This one is another creature of magic. I cannot risk reclaiming one and destroying another in the process. For now, these two must continue...

He felt his thoughts fading away, his being swallowed up by those of Spyro's returning. He felt a last pang of frustration at this happening so quickly.

When will I glimpse this world... a world of magic... again? I want to know... more...

If he could have sighed with helplessness, he would have.

Spyro stirred from his slumber, blinking his eyes and yawning widely, emitting a slight growl. It was too early to wake up, he told himself. Please, just a few more hours...

After a couple of minutes, with his wing draped over his face, he quickly gave up the fight of falling asleep. After that dream, he knew he would have a hard time sleeping again before dawn. In fact, he could see tiny rays of light shining through the thin scarlet membrane of his unfurled wing.

Why was I remembering... that time? I still feel a little guilty for Cynder having to talk me out of it... and... Ignitus...

Grief threatened to overcome him again, but the recent relief at seeing the world whole again, soaring alongside Cynder, would not allow it. No. Ignitus did his duty, and I did mine. The best I can do for him is to honour his actions... and sacrifice. He believed in us to the end... Ignitus...

He let a single tear slide down his cheek before spurring his body to do something. There was a reason he woke up now, and he wanted to find it.

Folding it down and shifting his weight, he quickly felt Cynder's warm flank against his, curled up sleeping against his side. Getting up, he couldn't help but smile down at her warmly. She looked so content that part of him wished, just for a moment, that they'd be able to sleep under the shade of the tree forever. He gave a quick glance to their discarded armour; Cynder's silver rune armour, and his gold steel armour, left on the ground as they decided to rest. Looking up, he craned his neck for a better view of his surroundings.

The Valley of Avalar was subtly lit up by the rising sunlight. The colours of the clear water waxed and waned through the colours of the rainbow, mixing in with the dimmed colours of wildflowers surrounding the bank and rolling plains. He couldn't help but sigh in gratification. He felt it the last time the two of them were here alongside Hunter and Sparx; being surrounded by nature in all its glory couldn't help but put him at ease. Especially in Cynder's presence.

Ah, Spyro, you are such a fool.

He blinked, surprised at the suddenly cold thought. His wings drooped a little, his thoughts returning to that of Terrador, Cyril and Volteer, along with Sparx and Hunter. He'd nearly allowed himself to forget about them, if only for this one night.

Would that be so bad? For once, there are no questions, no uncertainty... in this little world under the tree with Cynder. Can't I just enjoy it while it lasts? For once in my life, can't I be selfish?

Deep in his heart, he knew he would have to return to the rest of the world, and soon. If the others were trapped or otherwise in need of his and Cynder's help, then he needed to be there. Not to mention the other possible ramifications of the world nearly breaking apart.

Thoughts of food quickly shifted into his belly's rumbling, and he decided to find some game before Cynder woke. However, just out from the shade of the tree, he made out an incredible sight glowing in the sky. Nestled amongst the silver stars was a massive spectral figure, glowing a warm orange. It's likeness was that of a dragon, but more serpent-like with two regal wings on either side, proportionally larger than any dragon's Spyro had seen before. He could only stare back into its silver eyes in awe, jaw agape.

Who is... that? Or is that anyone at all?

The thoughts of game vanished, and Spyro was at Cynder's side, nudging her cheek gently with his muzzle.

'Cynder...' he whispered gently. 'Come on, you have to see this.'

The black dragoness opened her eyes slowly, gazing up at Spyro drearily. She became curious as she saw the somewhat childish grin adorning his muzzle.

'It's still... so dark, Spyro. What's got you all worked up?'

Spyro just jerked his head back wordlessly, prompting her to get up and follow him a few steps. They both looked up at the silhouette. She couldn't help but smile at the sight herself.

'Wow. Just... wow.'

They stood there together in revered silence for a few minutes. Then Spyro spoke up.

'Who do you think it is?'

Cynder paused thoughtfully as she lowered her head.

'It doesn't look like any dragon we've seen. Maybe... maybe it's one of the Ancestors, acknowledging us? Or...' She chose her next words carefully. 'It could be Ignitus... telling us he's... proud of us.'

Spyro's gaze didn't falter, but his voice wavered a little. 'Both sound fine to me. I hope... Ignitus knows how much he'll be missed.'

Cynder inched closer to him, gently nuzzling his neck. 'He will be.'

Spyro returned the gesture against her cheek. They both closed their eyes, and for one more moment, they were the only two under the spectre's gaze.