Hello, readers. I apologize for the long wait. I wanted to add more stuff to Chapter 11 before I post it. Enjoy.

P.S. To all those who were expecting a Groverge and Zephyrav moment in the story, here ya go!

Chapter 9

Ice Training

Back at the Dragon Temple, Spyro and his team got Cyril home safely. Spyro told me, Volteer, Emberor, Boltor, and Aquadus that the Ice element had come to him and Groverge had faith again about winning the war against Cynder. He had helped Groverge let go of the pain from the death of the eggs. We were all delighted to hear such good news. Spyro is getting stronger by the minute and we will need every bit of the young Forest Dragon's restored strength.

We are gathered around the Pool of Visions with Cyril.

"Yes, yes, Volteer," Cyril interrupts Volteer's rapid speaking. "I see that months of tortured captivity have done nothing to slow that electric tongue of yours from incessantly wagging."

"It's just that it's all so exciting, exhilaration, enchanting, enthralling…" Volteer says rapidly.

"All right," says Sparx. "No more thesauruses for you, pal,"

"All of you please be quite!" I shout.

Volteer and Cyril stop arguing and look at me.

"It is certainly encouraging that Spyro and the rest of these young Dragons have been able to free the two of you to allow this reunion." I say. "But haven't we forgotten someone?"

"I know who," Aquadus speaks, "Terrador."

"Yes, yes, my boy," Cyril nods, "Terrador and Whisperav. They might be somewhere very secure."

Everyone looks at Cyril in surprise.

"It seems you haven't heard, old friend," I state.

"Heard?" says Cyril. "Heard what?"

"Whisperav is dead."

The Ice Dragon gasps and looks at Zephyrav. She nods and explains that her mother had died to save the young Dragons, me, and her daughter from the wrath of Cynder.

"Oh, Zephyrav, please forgive me," Cyril says solemnly. "I didn't know."

"It's okay, Cyril," Zephyrav replies.

"The memory of Whisperav will live on with our Ancestors," I say. "Terrador is still alive, I assure you, but I don't know where he is being held captive yet. Now, where do we proceed?"

"I believe I can help, Ignitus." Cyril volunteers. He glances to Spyro and says, "Well, young chap, since you have gotten the element of Ice, I suggest we adjourn to the Training Room so I can teach you." He continues as Sparx places his hand on head shaking with frustration. "The legacy of the great Ice Dragons of yore…my Ancestors, who come from the best of the best of this somewhat bedraggled lineage, is long and storied. With my help, rescuing Terrador, Guardian of Earth, should be a certainty."

Volteer sighs heavily at Cyril. "Your pomposity, arrogance, and pretentiousness are odious to the extreme," he utters.

"Shall we, Spyro?" Cyril asks.

"Yes." Spyro says, dipping his head.

"Then, off to the Training Room we go."

In the Training Room, Spyro stands in the middle of the circle and Cyril stands on the edge.

"Tell me," says Cyril. "When you used Ice, how did you feel?"

"My left lung felt cold." Spyro explains. "It's as if a winter breeze was inside it."

"That's the feeling of your ice lung, alright. You have your fire lung and now you have an ice lung."

The Purple Dragon raises an eyebrow in shock and asks, "Two lungs each with one power?"

Cyril nods in response.

"I really didn't know that," he says shrugging. "By the way, how is it I used each element one by one for the first time when nobody taught me yet?"

"That is a good question, Spyro. Purple Dragons, like you, feel the elements and abilities they were born to use. When you first use each one unexpectedly, they're signs for you're ready to wield them."

"Now I understand."

"Good," says Cyril, making a curt nod. "Let's get to the Ice training. Like I said, the way to use the power of Ice is to use your left lung. While you use your fire lung to breathe Fire, you can use your ice lung to breathe Ice. You will have to concentrate on the sensations within each. First, close your eyes and then feel the coldness within it to open it. Show me what you can do."

Spyro closes his eyes and takes deep breaths as he goes deep in his body to the left lung. When he starts to feel it, his chest starts to get really cold. He opens his eyes and shivers.

"Excellent, Spyro," Cyril says. "Breathe."

Spyro blows and a breeze of snow comes out to hit the wall and ice forms on it crackling. Spyro then focuses on his fire lung to warm himself up. Spyro sighs heavily relieved that was over.

"Good job, Spyro," Cyril congratulates him. "That was a good try. Are you feeling okay?"

"Yeah," says Spyro, nodding. "I felt like an icicle."

"Be warned, young Dragon. If you concentrate on your fire lung for too long, you will burn. If you concentrate on your ice lung for too long, you WILL be an icicle. The two of them balance your temperature now. You cannot breathe with one at a time to live. Why don't we practice with it again? You will have the strength to withstand the cold as we go. Of course it's going to take a while."

"Okay," says Spyro, inhaling through the nose. "Let's give it another go."

Meanwhile, in a chamber in the Dragon Temple, Groverge pushes a big basket to one side of the wall. He picks up a foot-full of little broken shell pieces off the floor and puts them in it. On the floor all around him are colorful blankets and other pieces that appear to belong to eggs. Other baskets were burnt and torn apart. A fire had been lit in the fireplace on the back wall. The torches on the walls are lighting up the chamber. This place was where Groverge and his friends protected the Dragon eggs on the Year of the Dragon from the Apes and they all failed. Every egg was crushed by the Apes. Groverge found this room when the meeting at the Pool of Visions was over and needed to clean it so it was the way it was before.

He sweeps all the egg pieces on the floor into a pile and puts them in the only basket that was not destroyed. He folds up the colorful blankets and stacks them in two piles. He catches a glimpse of a Dragon standing next to the door as he reaches for a red blanket spread on the floor. It is Zephyrav. She enters the room to meet the Forest Dragon.

"Hi," Zephyrav smiles.

"Hey," Groverge replies.

"You need some help?"

"No, it's okay. I got this."

He grabs one corner of the red blanket and folds it in half. Zephyrav places her foot on Groverge's to stop him folding it again and he looks at her.

"I'm proud of you for moving on," she says. "Seeing you so devastated made me so sad."

Groverge nods in appreciation and sits down, "I was too overwhelmed to focus on what was important when the eggs were gone, too much for me to bear. Spyro is such a nice guy. I really owe him one. I needed someone like him." Smiling at her, he bravely adds. "Zeph, I want to thank you also."

"Me?" Zephyrav asks.

"Yeah, you see, my mind twisted and kept going as the images of dead babies flash in my head. But you stood by me trying so hard to comfort and cheer me up. You never stopped until I took your word for it. So, thank you for trying all you could. You've been the greatest friend to me. Without you, I would still be ashamed of myself."

Zephyrav smiles delightfully. "You're welcome," she says.

She takes a step closer to Groverge and strokes her tongue on his face. Groverge feels like his feet are stuck in place.

"This is what I like about you, Groverge," the Wind Dragoness whispers softly, "so loyal and very compassionate."

Groverge inhales deep and let out a sigh, excited for what he thought was true; their friendship has changed to love.

He nuzzles his head against hers and breathes softly, "Zeph, I…I…" He chuckles, trying to say it.

"I know." Zephyrav says, giggling. "You're in love with me." She nuzzles him back and gives him another kiss. "Guess what? I am, too."

Groverge stands in a daze, his heart beating fast from her words. While giggling, Zephyrav brushes her tail under his chin causing him to shiver. Without thinking, Groverge kisses her cheek multiple times. She smiles big, eyes closed. Zephyrav takes the red blanket from him to unfold it on the floor. They all lie down on the blanket and begin the best moment of their lives. Zephyrav nuzzles her head against his chest. As she kisses his right cheek multiple times, she, again, brushes her tail on his back foot and Groverge starts to chuckle.

"Oh," Zephyrav whispers interestingly. "I forgot how ticklish you are." She scratches her talons rapidly on his belly.

"No!" Groverge laughs hard. "Stop it!"

The Wind Dragoness stands up and uses her feathered tail to wiggle it on his stomach. While laughing, he struggles to grab her front legs and brings her back down on the blanket. He has the upper hand now.

"Okay," he says to his love, smiling. "Now let's see how you take it."

He uses his claws to tickle her on the belly. Zephyrav yelps and laughs hard. She tries to protect herself but he is too fast for her. The Forest Dragon loves the sound of her laughs. It makes him happy. He stops, letting Zephyrav catch her breath. They look at each other and grin. Groverge wants to say more to this beautiful Dragoness, but his tongue is being held. All he wants to do now is stay with her, feeling the softness and warmth of her feathered body, and the nibble of her beak on his cheek. The Forest Dragon is enjoying it all and he never wants it to stop. There was nothing more that could make this young Dragon happier.

Groverge opens his eyes slightly with a blurry vision and lifts his head up. He moans and rubs his eyes to make it clear. The Nesting Chamber is quiet with the flagging noises coming from the fireplace and the torches on the walls. Beside him, Zephyrav snoozes peacefully on the red blanket. Her feathers were messed up from the cuddling. Groverge wonders how long they have been sleeping in this room. Spyro's training with Cyril must be done already. Groverge gently nudges Zephyrav's shoulder with his head and Zephyrav opens her eyes. She opens her beak to yawn. She turns over to see Groverge and smiles.

She kisses his chin and murmurs, "What time is it?"

"I don't know but I think we've overslept." Groverge says softly. "Let's get back to the Pool of Visions."

Zephyrav's eyes grow wide and she gasps, "Oh, oh, right. Yeah, let's go back."

She stands up, stretches her legs and wings, and fixes her feathers. Together, they walk quickly back to the room.

"Zeph, promise me one thing." Groverge says to her as they walk.

"Anything, Groverge," Zephyrav tells him.

"When we get married and have hatchlings of our own, let's raise them and teach them together."

The Wind Dragoness's eyes brighten and smiles big.

She nods and says, "Groverge, my love, that's definitely a promise."

Zephyrav presses her head against his head and Groverge licks her cheek smoothly.

They arrive at the Pool of Visions. Volteer and I are there along with the Dragon masters and apprentice. Spyro and Cyril are here as well, back from the Training Room. Groverge and Zephyrav are a bit late.

"There you are." Emberor says, seeing the two Dragons. "Where were you, guys?"

"Well, you know." Groverge replies, figuring out what he should say. "Just talking…in the Nesting Chamber."

Slowly but surely, Spyro and his friends figured out what were they up to. They did not bother telling them for it would be embarrassing.

"Oh, I know what you two have been doing," Sparx snickers.

"Sparx," Spyro says his brother irritably.

Understanding what happened in their absence, I tell everyone to pay attention.

"My friends," I begin, "I have seen something of utmost importance in the Pool. The loyal servant of Malefor is drawing near to complete her plan for her Dark Master."

"What exactly are you saying, Ignitus?" Cyril asks, leaning closer.

"Yes," Volteer says, agreeing to the Ice Dragon, "your hypothesis is an intriguing one but it is perplexing to the extreme."

"Huh?" Sparx says.

"He doesn't know what Ignitus is saying, either." Spyro clarifies.

"Dude, I never know what he's saying," Sparx states.

"What I'm saying is that Cynder is trying to harness power from us to unlock a portal that must never be opened." I say to Volteer and Cyril. "The Guardians before us, with the elemental powers; Fire, Electricity, Ice, Earth, and Wind, have something to do with this. Cynder has the orbs of Electricity and Ice from the two of you and, this I'm certain of, the orb of Wind. Cynder must have harnessed it from Whisperav before she killed her." I pause, hearing Zephyrav exclaim quietly to hear what the black Dragoness had done to her mother and mentor. Groverge nuzzles his love to comfort her as I continue, "All Cynder needs to gain now are the orbs of Earth and Fire from Terrador...and me."

The Guardians and older Dragons around Spyro and Sparx murmur amongst themselves in fright.

"Why can't this portal be opened?" Spyro asks me. "What is behind it?"

"That doesn't concern you right now, Spyro." I tell him. "What does concern you is getting to Munitions Forge."

Spyro cocks an eyebrow, "Munitions Forge?"

"Munitions Forge is a place on an island dominated by an unstable volcano named Boyzitbig. It makes life on the surface very hazardous." Groverge explains.

"The locals who live underground are being forced to mine the metals that Cynder uses to forge her army's armor and weapons." I put in.

"What are the locals called?" Spyro asks me.

"They're called Manweersmalls, blind creatures. They see by smelling."

"Right, do I need to write that down?" asks Sparx.

"Rumor has it that Cynder is holding Terrador somewhere in the mines." I say. "We know she's using him to power another orb that she needs to activate the portal. Free Terrador before Cynder can get away with it."

"And before the volcano…" says Volteer, making an explosion noise. "…blows its-"

"That's enough, Volteer." I interrupt him. To Spyro, I say, "Don't worry. There's plenty of time…plenty of time. Emberor, Cragen, and Boltor will go with you."

"Let's go, then." Boltor says.

"Let's rock and roll!" Cragen hollers. "Master, we're coming!"

Spyro is amazed there is another apprentice in the group. He walks with his friends to the platform outside. The other Dragons wish them luck as they leave the room.

"'Plenty of time'?" says Sparx, freaking out at Spyro's side. "What? We need more time to have horrible things happen to us?" Sighing in frustration, he adds. "Why didn't we just stay in Tall Plains? Oh, I'm a big deal there."

Spyro smiles and says, "Quit complaining, Sparx. Maybe there's a tribe on Munitions Forge you can save too."

"Yeah, but there's always something special about the first tribe you save. Ya know?"

Meanwhile, in Cynder's fortress, Cynder walks through the black halls lit with torches with her white eyes glowing. She passes three pedestals close to two doors guarded by Apes with spears. On top of each pedestal she passed are the elemental orbs. The blue Ice Orb with a pair of icicles rotating, the blue Wind Orb with a little tornado in it, and the yellow Electricity Orb with an electrical beam. The Ape guards open the doors for Cynder. They reveal a room with a big glass globe on a pedestal, in front of a window. Cynder enters the room and the doors behind her closes. She faces the glass globe and bows to it. The interior of the glass globe slowly fills with dark shadowy clouds. Bright glaring yellow eyes with round black pupils appear and blink.

"Malefor, my Dark Master." Cynder rasps, gazing at the eyes.

"Cynder, my loyal servant," the Dark Master speaks in a deep, distorted, and menacing voice. "Thank you for coming back. It is a pleasure to see you again."

"Likewise," she replies.

"You have something to report?"

"I have good and bad news. The bad news is the Purple Dragon has survived as you said he would and I didn't believe it. He rescued two of the Dragon Guardians, Cyril and Volteer, with the help of young Dragon warriors. The Dreadwing spies say he's getting stronger by the minute. The Dragons are almost together, master. They need to be destroyed."

"We'll take care of them," the Dark Master guarantees, "just not yet. Give me the good news."

"The good news is I still have the Wind Orb from Whisperav and I have two more from Volteer and Cyril. Terrador is almost finished with the fourth one. After that, Ignitus is next. I will find him and get his energy."

"Perfect," Malefor's eyes shine. "You're doing well, Cynder. I'm most pleased with your progress. Continue making the orb from Terrador and find Ignitus. All five must be brought to Convexity once you've open the portal. My revenge on those Dragons will be glorious. Then, I shall resume my plans on the world with you by my side."

Cynder's eyes glow, "I will bring the orbs, master. Nothing can stop me."

"And when you see that Purple Dragon," the Dark Master concludes, "kill him. I don't want another one getting in the way this time."

"Yes, my master." Cynder dips her head. "I'll end him."

Malefor's eyes vanish in the glass globe along with the shadowy mists. Suddenly, the doors burst open behind Cynder and the Ape general runs to her.

"Milady!" the general yells.

"What is it, General?" the black Dragoness whips her head at him in anger. "What did I tell you about disturbing me?"

"Yes, yes!" the general says, kneeling to her. "I'm sorry to intrude but I have news of the Purple Dragon."

"What about him?" Cynder demands. "Spit it out!"

"The Dreadwing spies reported he and his allies are heading to Munitions Forge. We presume they're trying to rescue the Earth Dragon, Terrador."

Cynder's white eyes glow in surprise. She moves her head closer to the general's.

"Munitions Forge?" she breathes.

DUN DUN DUUUUUUUUUUN!