e621.net · 5568838

(Loved how this one turned out along with the background. Next page is the last one to conclude the story.)

Start/Cover: https://www.deviantart.com/zilonking/art/Shadows-of-The-Past-Cover-901426269Previous: https://www.deviantart.com/zilonking/art/Shadows-of-The-Past-Pg-10-917758607 Next: https://www.deviantart.com/zilonking/art/Shadows-of-The-Past-Pg-12-918286859

*Cynder and Elder Drake arrive at the fog where Cynder was transported from. Now accepting her past as it happened and herself she can finally move on forward to choose what she decides. But first, she wants to talk to the Elder Drake before she leaves.*

Elder Drake: “Well… here we are, to where it all started.”

Cynder: “Yeah… before I go, I wanna ask you something.”

Elder Drake: “And what is it?”

Cynder: “Why do you live here? All alone; where no one would ever come here?”

Elder Drake: “Hmm… well…, because I sought my purpose here when I felt the presence of the shadows.”

Elder Drake: “I do not tell anyone this when they meet me, but, I too have suffered a past trauma I could not let go easily.”

Elder Drake: “Although I do not reveal it all, I have lost those that held dear to me.”

*Cynder is surprised to hear this, not just because he reveals his past. But the ash dragon Grendel she knew had lost those he held dear to him as well.*

Elder Drake: “The shadows came to me and led me here when I lost myself. It was hard for me to move on, but I accepted what happened, and thus chose to live here to help those who suffered from those who served the Dark Master.”

Cynder: “You lost your family to those who lived here well under the Dark Masters influence?”

Elder Drake: “Not my family, but a young brother who I lost too soon from them.”

Elder Drake: “My past trauma which the shadows helped me move on. Is the reason why I helped you and all those who struggled to accept their past from the very enemies who lived here.”

Elder Drake: “They all were like you, they could accept, so the shadows helped them, and they have accepted and moved on like you did.”

Elder Drake: “Well… not all sadly could, to the best the shadows tried, even me. I still hope that they move on at some point in their lives.”

Elder Drake: “It does however make me happy and proud that some were able to. Like you.”

Elder Drake: “Although I am not entirely alone, the creature that helped up the well I live around still lives here. This place does have a fishing hole I go to fish, to then cook and eat them, as well as water around here as well.”

Cynder: “Hmm… well… thanks, for helping me, really… I never felt happier than before.”

Cynder: “Maybe I'll be able to train now with the guardians of fear and shadow.”

Cynder: “But…”

Elder Drake: “What is it?”

Cynder: “I'm just afraid, not because of my past, but to what people may think of me. In the wrong way if I choose this.”

*A brief pause within the conversation. The Elder then tells Cynder something to remember.*

Elder Drake: “Cynder… no matter how many may think of you as a danger. You should never let them bother you, nor let them tell you what you decide.”

Elder Drake: “Like Ignitus said, you choose your destiny and your path. No one in the world decides what you do with your life. You’re in control of your own choices. If people cannot accept that, then ignore them.”

Elder Drake: “They only choose to not accept as they cannot move on from what they once heard from your old life. You are strong on your own as well. Never forget that you are in control of yourself and your destiny.”

*Cynder tears a bit, but is happy to hear what he had to say.*

Cynder: “Thanks, and you heard the conversation between me and Ignitus?”

Elder Drake: “I may be old, but my ears still hear from afar. And yes, I am well aware that he is the new chronicler.”

Cynder: “Hm… Again thank you so much for helping me face my past. Though if I leave will I see you again?”

Elder Drake: “This was a one way trip here and back as I can only do this one time to someone new. You will have to travel here to see me again, but I will be here. You’re more than welcome to come visit me anytime, as long as I live.”

Cynder: “Alright… heh… sorry if I’m repeating myself so much, but I'm really glad I met you, and Ignitus again for helping me.”

Elder Drake: “You’re very welcome Cynder.”

Cynder: “One last thing though…. ”

Elder Drake: “Hmm?”

*Cynder walks up to the Elder and hugs him, as a thanks for helping her overcome her worst fear, her past. The elder is surprised, then does the same to Cynder as one last moment before Cynder leaves.*

Elder Drake: “I’ll see you again. Little Terror.”

Cynder: “Ok, call me little terror again and I’ll show you what this little terror can do to you.”

Elder Drake: “(Chuckles) Sure you will.”

Cynder: “Heh… see you then.”

Elder Drake: “Until then Cynder.”

*Cynder walks through the fog, and arrives back to where she came from. The moon's light shines upon the forest and Cynder has a moment of peace. Sounds of rustles come from the trees. She waits for it as it comes to her from within the forest.*

*She is surprised to see her shadow again, showing more of what her corrupted-self looked like in color.*