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Chapter 13

After Link and Cynder had their little 'talk', it was near noon. Link made his way to the dining hall for lunch. He asked the cook for a couple of slices of cooked meat and a bowl of water. The cook gave him his order and asked, "What happened to you?"

"I just had a little 'talk' with Cynder." He grabbed his meal and started to walk away when the cook got his attention again.

"I would be careful with her, I would. You never know what she might do next. Anyway, enjoy you meal."

"Yeah... um...thanks," Link said hesitantly and walked to a table to eat. 'I guess some people are still wary about Cynder. Hmm... I should try something.' But he pushed that thought aside and focused on the task ahead. This would be the first time teaching someone else how to do the hidden skills he was taught. He didn't know how it would turn out. Sure it was easy yesterday, but that's what every swordsman learns, this is different. 'Well, I'll soon find out.'

Spyro has been looking around for Cynder for some time now. Crystal had gone home and Sparx, with nothing else to do, decided to hang out with Spyro. "Why are we looking for the she-dragon?" He asked, "She'll soon come to you, eventually."

"Maybe, but I haven't seen her in a while, and I'm getting worried," answered Spyro.

"Dude, she's been gone for a half an hour! Why are you worried about her now?"

"I don't know, I just am."

They went a minute in silence, and then Sparx spoke, "You're in love with her aren't you?"

Spyro froze in mid-step, blushes a little, and then continued walking at a slower pace. "Well, I guess. I have feelings for her. Does that count?"

"Of course it does! I should know," he boasted, "I'm a master at this kind of stuff."

Spyros' blush faded as he chuckled, "Then what happened with Angel?"

"Hey, how was I supposed to know she was allergic to Monarch Butterflies? I mean, they're the most common butterfly around!" Spyro smiled, "Okay, okay, so I'm not the 'master of love'. But I do know a few things."

"Like..."

"Like... wait, there she is!" Sparx pointed straight ahead.

"Where?" Spyro looked back and forth in panic.

"There," moving Spyros' head in Cynder's direction.

"What do I do?" Spyro asked desperately.

"Just be cool and act yourself. Now come on!" Sparx flew on ahead, Spyro hesitantly following behind, trying to calm himself.

'I can't believe him! That... that... green... bull headed idiot! Calling me average. Ancestors help him if he does that again! Hope that taught him a lesson.' Cynder thought to herself. She took deep a breath and exhaled. 'Calm yourself Cynder, it's all over. Just take deep breaths.' She did a couple more times to calm herself more. 'Now where's Spyro?'

"Cynder!"

'Speak of the devil!'

"Cynder!" She looked left and saw Spyro and Sparx coming up on her left. "There you are, we've been looking for you."

"We?" Sparx looked at Spyro.

"Well I was just looking for you," said Cynder.

"Told ya," smirked Sparx.

"Why were you looking for me anyway?" asked Cynder.

"Well, I... um... uh..." Cynder cut him off.

"Anyway, I was thinking, let's train harder!"

"Wha... why?" Spyro blinked at the sudden change in subject.

"Well to get stronger and powerful. There'll be enemies stronger in the future, and to be better than Link!" She screamed the last part. Spyro and Sparx saw the fire in her eyes; they stepped back at her fierceness. "Uhh... okay."

"Great, let's start now!" Cynder dragged Spyro to the training ground.

"Now?! What about food?" Complained Spyro.

"Oh, yeah, food. Food first, then training!" Cynder dragged Spyro to the dining hall.

'Why me?' Spyro thought.

Sparx snickered at the drama that played out in front of him.

Link made his way ever to the plaza after his satisfying meal. As he did, he was greeted with praise at what he did at the training ground earlier this morning. He thanked them all and continued on his way. When he arrived at the plaza, he wasn't surprised to see Terrador there waiting. "Afternoon, Terrador," said Link as he walked up.

Terrador turned around to face Link, "Good Afternoon -, Ancesters! What happened to you?"

Link sighed, "A life lesson." Terrador raised an eye ridge. "Never piss off a dragoness."

Terrador chucked, "It was Cynder, wasn't it."

"Who else?... Though, I guess I deserved it."

Terrador grinned, remembering the scene he saw this morning. "That was a great performance you did, by the way."

"Thanks, it was just for fun."

Terrador was surprised that he called his training fun. It was one of the highest skill levels. Although he was surprised, his face didn't show it. Instead, he decided to let him on something, "Link, you are a very skilled warrior, but know this, friendship is more powerful than any weapon. And because of that, it can act as a double edge sword. Remember that."

Link was silent for a while, then answered, "Thanks for the advice; I'll consider your words. Friend."

Terrador smiled, "Ah, here comes our new warriors. Get ready Link, I'll stay for today, but tomorrow I must get back to my duties." Link nodded.

"Do you have the shields I requested?"

"Yes, there right behind me."

"Good. Thank you." Terrador just nodded.

The trainees filed in and stood in their spots from yesterday. Once they settled, Link spoke, "Now that everyone's here, we'll begin. Behind Terrador are shields that you will use for this skill. Com up one by one and grab one, then spread out like you did yesterday." Terrador stepped aside and let the cheetahs take their shields.

When everyone got one, there were still a few left. Link looked at his green friend, "A couple extra. Just in case." Link smiled

He turned back t the group, "Today, we're doing two skills, since one follows the other. The first is called Shield Attack." Many of the cheetah warriors looked confused. "I know it might sound strange to attack using your shield, but it's used to stun your enemies to make it easier to strike. I'll do a demonstration. You, front row, come over here." The cheetah warrior walked over to Link. "What is your name?"

"Sharp-Claw, or SC for short, sir," replied SC.

"Okay, SC, stand here and get into an attack stance." SC did what he was told. "Now this is only a demonstration," talking to SC and the group, "Ready your sword and shield and get close enough to your enemy, shield in front. Next bash the enemy in the chest or higher to make him stumble backwards." SC tried not to trip while doing this in slow motion. "Then slice or stab your enemy in the mid-section," Link rested his blade on SCs' stomach, "And that's the Shield Attack. Thank You SC, now get back in line. Now like yesterday, dummies will pop up in front of you. To dispatch them, complete the Shied Attack. I'll say when to stop. Begin!"

Cyril had spent the last 24 hrs. helping the moles going over the battle procedures. They've been preparing for another attack by building a couple more cannons. The preparations are under way. Cyril has been directing the placement with the help of Mole-Yair. The stress has already gotten to him, due to his old age. He decided to take a small break and see what Volteer was up to. 'No doubt in his Studies. The book worm,' he thought. As he walked down the long hallway, his mind drifted to Link. What Link said about the trainees worried him to no end, but what he saw this morning gave him new hope. Soon he passed by the training ground and saw Spyro and Cynder. Seeing he had some time, he stopped and watched.

"Cynder, behind you!" Spyro shot the dummy with an earth missile.

"Thanks. Now, keep them busy." Spyro nodded and ran in the middle of the crowd of dummies, getting all their attention.

Cyril was confused by this, 'What are they doing?'

While Spyro ran around, Cynder stood at the side building up energy. When Spyro ran towards her, she gave a signal and he dove out of the way. A blast of wind came out of Cynders' maw in a huge tornado. Spyro came beside Cynder and powered up his own energy. When at the breaking point, he let loose a massive jest of fire, even Ignitus would be impressed, and combined with Cynders' wind to create a fire tornado. The dummies turned into ashes in no time and both young dragons stopped their attack, ashes falling like snow around them.

"*cough* We did *cough* it," said Cynder.

"Yeah *cough, cough*, but next time *cough* we should do it in an open space *cough*," replied Spyro, Cynder just nodded.

A glowing dust cloud flew over their heads, "Spyro? Buddy? If you can hear me, follow the sound of my voice!"

Cyril was highly impressed with the two young dragons. He would have congratulated them, but he had a time schedule. But before he left, he noticed them both looking at each other before looking away, a hue of red on Spyros' face. Cyril chuckled as he walked away, 'Ah, young love.'

A couple minutes later, he arrived at Volteers' Studies. He was just in time to hear a big THUD and a groan, and when he looked in; it took all his will to not break down laughing.

Volteer has been in his Studies for quite some time now. Mountains of books surrounded him, some in stacks and others in piles. He was hunched over his desk reading a large book at a fast pace. With his quick mind, he could read a page in a couple of seconds. Page after page he turned, but he couldn't find what he was looking for. He confronted Link yesterday, asking him all he knew about this new enemy, and/or enemies. Now, a day and a hundreds of books later, he found nothing that fits anything Link said. Not even a prophecy. Frustration got the better of him and slammed his head on the desk and gave a frustrated groan. He heard a sound coming from the door, looked up to so Cyril chuckling.

"Not now Cyril. I'm not in the mood for your comments," he growled in annoyance.

Cyril continued to chuckle, "Sorry old friend, it's just that I haven't seen you like this since we were hatchlings." When Volteer didn't reply, he continued, controlling himself, "I just came in to see how you are doing, a quick visit."

Volteer sighed, "I've been trying to find anything that might help us against this new evil, but haven't found anything, not even a prophecy!" His face went even grimmer, "If only Ignitus was here, things would be better."

Cyrils' grin was replaced by a frown in remembrance of his friends' death. He walked up to his friend and placed a paw on his shoulder. "Volteer, we all morn for the loss of Ignitus, but we cannot do so under these conditions. Peace there might be now, but for how long? Plus Ignitus would want us to keep moving on."

Volteer looked up at Cyril and gave a smile, "Your right."

"Always am," Cyril said teasingly.

Volteer shoved his friend playfully, "Thanks though, Cyril, I needed that. I'll keep searching."

"That's the book worm I know," they both chuckled. "I'll see you around then. Got to get back to the planning for those cannons."

"Where's Terrador? Wouldn't that be his job?" Volteer asked.

"Yes it would, but not surprisingly, he's stayed to watch Link train the trainees. He said he'll take my place tomorrow, but today, it's my job."

Volteer nodded, "Very well then. I'll see you soon." Cyril nodded and walked out of the Studies.

Link had been going around the group helping those who needed it. When he thought they we ready, he moved on. "Okay, stop!" all the dummies disappeared, the cheetahs relaxed their stances and turned to Link. "Very good, all of you. Some of you need to practice your stance, besides that, you're doing well. Now, the next skill is just one step added in. Your do the same as the Shield Attack, but instead of chopping your enemy here, you jump over the enemy while performing a front flip, bringing your blade on the enemies head. This is called the Helm Splitter. I'll demonstrate." A dummy appeared next to Link. He took his stance, shoved his shield in the dummies face, making it stagger backwards. Next he jumped over the dummy, flipped, his blade slicing through his head, slicing it in two. Link landed and the dummy disappeared. He turned around to look at the group. Some were amazed, while some looked eager to learn this skill. "Now, you will perform this skill till it's perfect. Begin!"

The trainees got to work while Link stepped back to watch. Terrador walked up from behind, "That's a fancy skill you have there."

Link smiled, "Yeah, I guess it is."

"Just out of curiosity, how many skills are there?"

Link turned, "There are seven in all, but I can only teach four of them."

"Why's that?"

"The other three, I'm able to do because of the Triforce. Anyone else who tries to do these won't succeed, it'll be impossible. I'm only teaching the ones that can be taught. That's why I said it probably won't be enough. I just hope I'm wrong."

"Well. With the way your teaching, you better be!" both laughed.

"Come on Spyro, one more time," said Cynder in a tired voice.

"I can't Cynder, I'm totally drained of energy," Spyro laid on his back gasping for breath.

"But we need to train."

"Yes, but in one day!"

"Okay," Cynder fell over with exhaustion, "we'll rest, and then continue."

"No."

"What! Why?"

"Cynder, I'm at my limit! I can't do any more!"

"You were able to keep going when we went to defeat Malefor!"

"That was different! The whole world was depending on us! Besides, ever since we defeated Malefor, my powers haven't been at full strength."

They both lay there quietly. Sparx had already fallen asleep a while ago, and both were feeling its affects now. Then Cynder spoke, "I'm sorry Spyro," Spyro turned his head to face her, "ever since Link said those things, I've wanted to prove him wrong. So much so, I forced it on you as well."

Spyro smiled, "It's okay, I forgive you." Cynder smiled back. Soon they both drifted off for a quick rest.

"Alright, that's enough for today!" The dummies disappeared as the cheetahs panted with exhaustion. "You've done a great job today, I'm very proud. Be back here same time tomorrow. Take your shields with you, I expect you to bring it tomorrow with your sword. Dismissed!" The cheetahs dispersed and headed home. Hinter accompanied Link and Terrador as they headed for the dining hall. "You did a fine job Hunter," complimented Terrador.

"Thank you, but not to be rude, I need to eat something before I talk anymore," Hunter said, holding his stomach.

Link and Terrador laughed, "Agreed."

When they reached the dining hall, Terrador went to sit with the other Guardians, while Hunter and Link went to their table. When they sat down, Spyro, Cynder, and Sparx were already there. Spyro greeting them.

"Link, Hunter! How was training?"

"It went very well," said Link as Hunter chowed down on the meat platter. "Hunter here has been doing extremely well."

"You talk as if I'm your favorite," joked Hunter.

"What, you don't want me too?"

"No, no, that's not what I meant. I meant... uh...well you know what I mean." The table busted up laughing. As they continued to eat, Hunter noticed Cynder wouldn't look at Link. What he didn't know was that Link noticed as well. When they were done eating, they parted ways, though Link pulled Cynder aside.

"Go on Spyro, I'll catch up to you in a minute," Cynder said. Spyro nodded and walked off. Cynder turned around, "What is it Link?" Her voice more demanding then she meant it to. Link stayed silent for a few seconds before answering.

"Look Cynder, I'm sorry about the way I acted this morning. It was uncalled for, even if I was joking. I like to show off, a lot. And I just caught up in the moment. So if I offended you in any way, I'm sorry."

Cynder listened while Link talked. When he finished she sighed, ""I forgive you Link. I guess I over reacted to. Sorry about that."

"It's okay; just don't tell anybody I got beat up by a girl, okay?"

Cynder giggled, "Okay, and thanks."

"Thanks? Thanks for what?"

"Thanks for apologizing. I made me feel better."

He knelt down and patted her shoulder, "Anything for a friend." The next thing he knew, she was hugging him. He was surprised at first, but returned the hug. They parted, said goodnight and went to bed, dreaming about their friendship.