Hey guys! It's so good to see you're reading this book in the series, and I can't wait to share more with you! I just wanted to let you know, in case you wonder how I think these characters should sound, there is actually a cast list I came up with on my profile page, and there is also a poll about who your favorite villain in the series is. Hope you're enjoying the story, and until the next chapter, have a great day, and God bless!

Chapter Fourteen: In the Evening

Three days passed without trouble, and all Cynder could think was, Thank God for that. There had been many more fights, with her fighting a group of small Goblins at one point, Spyro battling a horde of Chompies, Flashwing going up against a Midland Spider (a creature known for first sucking the blood from its victims, then eating its prey whole, leaving behind only the bones), and Belenus battling some of Roarke's own soldiers, a practice that Belenus told Spyro and Cynder one night wasn't common, but it was enjoyed, as it made him feel as though he was one step closer to helping them take down Roarke.

Meanwhile, Kelyse succeeded in remaining hidden. While it was not easy, especially because of Karis's inspections of their cell, it was made much easier when Hex was transported from the middle-class fighting ring to the high-class one. Now Kelyse was able to stay hidden whenever Karis inspected them. Even though the Maned Wolf seemed to be able to smell her, as he couldn't find her and he wasn't smart enough to tell whether or not there was some kind of Magic involved. As a result, each time he tried to find where her scent originated from, he left with a great deal of anger apparent in every step he took from then on out. This made the group very happy.

"We have to be careful, though," Hex told the group within their cell on the second of the three nights that passed. "While I can keep up my Magic for quite some time, there's always the problem of me making a mistake, and as a result of that, I could inadvertently allow her to be seen. I don't think we'll have too much to worry about, though, so don't worry. As I said, we just need to be careful." When she said this, Spyro and Cynder both nodded.

"I don't think we'll have to worry too much, but you're right," Spyro said. "I've seen many Magic-users fail when it comes to keeping up a specific spell like that, and you've done more than we could have ever asked for. For that, we thank you. Now, one thing I need to know is, how are the others? Are they ready for whenever we plan our escape? Because, if they aren't, then tell them they need to be. We don't have much time left."

Cynder nodded at this. "I talked to Sonic Boom and Flashwing, and they're both fine. Everyone else is fine. Of course, the idea of being forced to fight is on everyone's mind, and it's definitely not easy for anyone. But they've dealt with it, and that's all that matters."

Spyro nodded. "I hope this all goes by really quick," he said. "Wasn't there supposed to be a major fight the night after yours and Sonic Boom's, though? That's something I feel like I remember hearing, but…"

"You're right," Hex said. "It seems Roarke was forced to change when it would happen, and I wonder how angry that makes him."

"A good amount, I pray," Belenus said. "I hate that my sister has to remain hidden. I blame none of you, however. This is all Roarke's doing, and if that fool thinks he can stop us from defeating him, then he has another thing coming!"

"You'd best be careful, with the way you're talking about him," Daniel said. Hearing the young Dragon's voice surprised Cynder, but she wasn't too shocked that he was talking once she thought about it. "If he or that Maned Wolf hears…things could get much worse for you and for your sister."

"Daniel," Titan said. At this moment, Titan was the one looking after the young Dragon, as Nestor was resting to take his mind off the stress of all they were going through. "I do agree that we need to be careful, though. I'm not sure how thick these walls are, and it makes me wonder if you can hear another conversation outside."

"No, you can't," Spyro said. "The last time I fought, as I was being brought back, you were all having a conversation, and I didn't hear a single word of any of it out there. You would probably need some good magic in order to fully hear what someone is saying."

Titan nodded. "Good," he said. "Then I pray that Karis does not know Magic. If he did, that could prove problematic. Have you heard of what he did to the rodent Cynder was meaning to fight? The one who became frightened and was escorted out of there by Karis? He killed him in his torture chamber, and he brought the remains of the rodent's body to his wife and his children. The sick freak."

As she heard this, Cynder felt remorse. She felt as if she had had a full-on part in what had happened to the rodent. If she had not made him so worried, then maybe he could have escaped his untimely death. Her cheeks burned, and she hung her head. Spyro saw this, and he understood what she was going through. Reaching out with his mind, he found her consciousness, and when she realized that it was he who was trying to speak to her, he saw a smile smile form upon her face. This made him smile, as well.

"You know it wasn't your fault," he told her. "You couldn't have known what Karis was going to do to him. Stop blaming yourself, beautiful."

"Thank you, Spyro," she said. "I know it's not my fault, but the fact his wife and children now have to deal with the fact their husband and father is dead…I don't know how I'm supposed to fully deal with that."

"I know how you feel," Titan said. "I once fought in a battle that ended up taking the life of my brother. In that fight, I killed an enemy soldier who was remorseful for what he had done. He pleaded with me, telling me that he had a mate and children. I wanted to spare him, but another side of me took over, and as a result of that side of me, I killed him. I felt that I shouldn't have, and even now I feel there could have been something else that I could have done." A somber silence filled the air that surrounded them. "Cynder, I wish I had trusted you sooner. You're someone I've been able to confide many of my thoughts in, and if it hadn't been for you, I think I might have lost my way much sooner."

At first, Cynder had no idea what she was supposed to say. There were so many things that she could possibly say. But finally, after a few minutes of leaving his compliment hanging, without any reply, she finally said, "Thank you, Titan. That means a lot, and I'm glad to have you as one of my allies. While I don't know you as well as I would hope, I think we'll able to know each other even better soon enough. But first, we need to get out of here. The best way to do that is to fight as hard as possible, and to make sure that Roarke cannot keep this cult going for much longer. Anyone who is subjected to such torture as this deserves to be freed, and we're going to do that. We're going to save them from having to serve in this Hell. I've gone through enough Hell already, so I know exactly what it feels like. This may not be as bad as before, but that does not mean it's Heaven compared to those times, either."

"Well said," Nestor said, having finally woken from his slumber and having seemingly heard her speech to her fellow prisoners and allies. "I have been surrounded by Heaven and Hell my entire life. Of all the enemies I have faced, Roarke is not the worst. He is nowhere close to being the worst I've dealt with. But he is horrible, and we must now liberate the others from his tyrannical rule. This cult must be destroyed."

There was a sudden knock on the door of the compound, and when it slid open, they found Roarke and Karis standing there. For a moment, despite what Spyro had said, she worried that they had heard what they were saying. Quickly looking around her, she found that Kelyse was no longer around, but when she looked at Hex, a quick hand movement from her friend allowed her to know that the Vixen was hidden from view by her Magic.

"Hello, my high-class fighters," Roarke said. "I have been wanting to talk to all of you for so very long again, and it has been quite difficult finally getting over here. I've been forced to take on several more days than I would have wished to get to this moment. Well, it's finally here: the day we've all been waiting for. This night, we shall be having our greatest fights of all-time! First up, there shall be the Titan against…our greatest Giant of them all! While there is another Giant, one named Magnhild, but he doesn't matter, and he'll be fighting another of his kind—can't wait to see how that works out." He started laughing, and Cynder, with Spyro's consciousness still connected to hers, felt a spike of anger suddenly rise within him. She attempted to calm him down some, but it did not work as well as she hoped.

From here on, Roarke gave descriptions of a few more of the fights, and Cynder heard that Flashwing was going to be having to go up against a Fire Golem, which was explained by Karis, who took over for a few brief moments, as being the last of their Fire Golems.

Then it came down to Spyro and Cynder.

"Purple Dragon," Roarke said, "you shall be battling a horde of the Midland Spiders. Try not to get all the blood sucked out of you, because there are still some plans that I have for you. As for you, Cynder…" His voice trailed off, and he started laughing. "Ah yes, Cynder, my favorite of all the fighters there are. The most beautiful of them all, as well." He started laughing in a way that made Cynder feel great anger. "You shall be going up against our last cage of the Woodland Devils. There are seven of them in all, and I cannot wait to see how you do with them. I'm sure you'll do well, though, because you are one of the best fighters I have ever seen." He walked forward, bent down, and touched the right side of her face. Cynder wanted to jerk away from him, but as his claws were present there on her face, she could not move away, or else she would be bleeding from his claw marks. "I hope you will do what is right, because if you do not, then I will have to punish you. Trust me, I do not want to do that. And do you know why that is? It is because I love you, you beautiful creature."

For a quick moment, she thought he was going to attempt to kiss her. If he had indeed attempted that, then she would have killed him right then and there. But he did not do that, and she had to admit that he was smart not to try it. Even if she hadn't done anything, she was sure that Spyro would have. If he had, then it would have also caused Roarke to learn of their relationship, something that could obviously lead to much trouble for the both of them. That was what made Cynder so glad, and proud of Spyro for.

"Well, that is all," Roarke said. "I must be going, because I have a previous engagement. Do forgive me, because I really want to be with you all, but…well, duty calls. Farewell."

He and Karis left, leaving all of them together again. When it was over, Cynder turned to Spyro and hugged him. He embraced her, as well. "Thank you for not overreacting," she said.

"I wanted to, but I know how dangerous it would have been to do so," he told her. "Now we're going to have to deal with our fighting. You're the one who's in the most danger. I've fought those spiders before. But you haven't fought Woodland Devils before."

"I've fought Aemus before, though," she reminded him, even though she was sure he would never have forgotten something as important as that. "You have to remember, Spyro, I've changed over the years. I'm no longer the small Black Dragoness you came to know after you saved me from Malefor, nor am I the one whose emotions could not be easily controlled. My battles have changed me over the years. I started as someone who misunderstood many, and I lashed out at many who wanted to help me. But many of them stayed by my side, and that helped me to know I wasn't alone. That's something I could not be more grateful for. When I first took on Kaos and Deathmatch, there was a part of me that thought I could bring them back from evil. I know you used to deal with something similar. I dealt with the pain of keeping my feelings a secret. The fortunate thing was that I could finally show them to you, and reveal just how much I loved you. At first, I thought you would reject me. As a result, knowing that you loved me, as well, allowed me to know even more than ever before that I was not alone. That final battle against the Dark Elf changed me, and for the first time in such a long time, I smiled. You helped me to do that, and that's what I thank you for.

"Being kidnapped by Malefor caused me to retreat into a shell, and after you saved me yet again, you helped me to come out of that shell. You revealed to me that I was much more than I really thought of myself. I had believed that I was nothing more than a pawn, and you helped me to show that wasn't true. Even when I gave myself up to Kaos, something I did on my own accord, I still had your words in my mind. There was moment where I thought of myself as a pawn yet again, after I was saved for the third time. But thanks you, and Flashwing, and Sonic Boom, and everyone else that trusted me, I saw that wasn't true, and all I was doing was doubting myself. I saw that I was something more. As I fought Aemus, I was able to think of that and know that I was never alone. Thank you for all of that, and I hope that you know that I am always there for you. I will never leave your side. You helped to show me I was more than what I was brought up to be. Because of you, I had a chance. Because of you, I was able to continue on despite all my obstacles. If we stay in this together, then we can stop all of this, and together is the only way in which we can do that."

When she was done, a silence enveloped them once more. She did not know how anyone was going to be able to say anything now that she had finished.

But then Belenus cleared his throat. "You have inspired me," he said. "I never knew some of your story, and now that I know more, I can see that you are one of the strongest individuals I've ever met. Not many can go through such challenges and find that they still have the will to go on. I am honored to be your ally, and your friend. You are someone I would give my life for."

Cynder was somewhat shocked by his words, but they heartened her very much. The only reason she felt some shock was because she had never thought she would inspire anyone in such a way, unless she had known them for a good while, such as Sonic Boom or Sunburn.

"So," Sunburn said, speaking for the first time in a very long while, "now that that's out of the way—and forgive me if I seem like a real jerk there—I think we need to be ready to fight. What about all of you? We need a plan for how our fights are going to go."

"I know how I can defeat those Midland Spiders," Spyro said. "During one of my first major missions as leader of the Skylanders, I already took down an entire horde of them near the Ancient Grove. Those things were horrible, but they weren't hard to best. I can do it, and it shouldn't take me long. I hope Roarke sees me as one of his best fighters afterward, because it might help aid us in our escape."

"As for the Woodland Devils," Cynder said, "it is true that I have never fought so many before. I once fought two at the same time, and that was nearly two years ago now. I wasn't wounded, though, but that was also because I had a friend near me, and that friend was Hex. I know she can't help me as much as before, but I don't think I'm going to need her help. I can do this on my own, because I'm stronger than I used to be. I can release a Fury of my Electricity, too. I prefer not to use either Shadow or Flame, or combine them, because it's just not my style. My main Element is Electricity, and that is the main Element that I am going to use until the day I die, unless circumstances otherwise demand it."

"We're going to be there around you, though," Nestor said. "So we can help in some way. You may not want it, but in order to show Roarke that you are one of his best, we can find some way to get you to seem one of the strongest he's ever taken in."

"No," Cynder replied. "I can't cheat like that. In this fight, I need to fight on my own. I can do this, and I don't need help from anyone during that time. Afterward, then maybe. But for now, doing this alone is our best option."

"She's right," Kelyse said, and now everyone in the compound saw that she was visible once more. They guessed she had been for a while, and that they had just gotten used to her sudden reappearances yet. "Despite what Hex was able to help her accomplish with my supposed death, this cannot be something any of you can help her with. In order to prove yourself, there are times where you must do it all on your own."

Cynder saw Spyro nod. "Then we know what we're doing," he announced. "And I know the rest of you have a good idea, am I right?"

Titan and everyone else nodded. Cynder smiled. "I know we're going to succeed," she said. "Nothing is going to be able to stop us. Every other villain has tried to stop us, but this time around, we're finally one step ahead of them. When this night is over, we'll have won, and Roarke will be done."

Flashwing stood by Drobot, both of them hoping to share one last moment together before she would have to be taken to the pit, where she was set to fight one of the creatures Roarke had ready for her. Drobot prayed it would not be an enemy she couldn't handle.

He did not want to lose her, as he had almost lost her during their journey to stop Zelophehad from using the Heretic Jewel to destroy Skylands. They had not been a couple then, but now they were, and remembering how she had almost died was something he could not bear to go through again.

At the same time, he did not want any of the other Skylanders to have to watch as any of their allies were badly wounded. Watching Cynder battle Aemus those three months ago—or was it almost four?—had made him hurt for her, and if he was forced to watch such a battle once more, then he did not know what he would do. He wanted this all to be over, for the Skylanders to return to the Ruins and not have to worry about another threat for quite some time.

And that had almost happened, until Gaul had come along. He had never met the Ape King, but he already despised him. If he came into contact with Gaul, then he would do everything in his power to take him down so that they could return to the way their lives had been before.

Looking around him, he found there were other Skylanders walking around them, as though they had been released from their prisons. He saw Slam Bam walking past their cell. He called out to him, and the blue four-armed Yeti turned his attention to them. He seemed surprised to see them, but he smiled when he finally did see that it was Drobot who had called out to him.

"Hey!" he said. "It's been a long time since I last saw you. I assume you all came here with Cynder—wait, yeah, she told me that you were here. Anyway, is there something I can help you with?"

"Yes," Flashwing said. "I was wondering, why are you all able to walk around when the other Skylanders aren't?"

Drobot looked over to Flashwing, surprised that she had known the question he had been about to ask. But he returned his attention to Slam Bam, hoping there was an answer he could give them that would satisfy them.

"After the last few fights, Roarke told most of us that we could get out of our cell and walk around," Slam Bam explained. "But there are those who aren't able to get out of there, and Spyro and Cynder and Sunburn are some of those."

"How're Spyro, Cynder, and the others?" Whirlwind asked, coming up to where Flashwing and Drobot stood. Not far behind them was Bash.

"I'm guessing he's fine," Slam Bam said. "Look, I'm sorry, but I don't have much to say other than that. I haven't been able to talk to him much since we first arrived. I really want to help you, trust me."

"Understandable," Flashwing said. "Look, all that we need to know now is how you plan to help us escape."

Slam Bam thought about it. "Well, that won't be too easy, but I suppose that, if we're about to have a major revolt like Spyro was talking about, I can get one of the stronger Skylanders and help you to take these doors off."

"I don't think it's going to be that simple," Camo said. "Trust me, I want it to be, and I want everything to go the way we want it, but there are just so many problems that could happen!"

Slam Bam nodded. "The truth is, I'm not sure how this is all going to work out. There's still a lot of fighting that's left to be done, and I've heard that both you and that Mountain Troll with Sonic Boom are set to fight," he said, the last part going to Flashwing. "Are you going to be ready for that fight to come, or do you want someone to possibly take your place? Because I could do that. I want to help all of you as much as I possibly can."

"That's great of you," Flashwing said, "but I'm going to have to do this on my own. Right now, I'm not sure how much longer we're going to be here. All I know is that we're going to have to fight as hard as possible. There is something else that I know, though. According to Spyro and the others, two of our allies are already checking on ways to help us get out of here. Hunter and Elora are their names. Elora's a healer, and she works with Cali, whom we've been told by Sonic Boom is here, too. We have a plan, Slam Bam, and while I appreciate you wanting to help us, we need to do this on our own for the time-being."

He nodded. "Trust me, I get that," he told her. "I'm sure you'll need me during our escape, though." With this, he gave them a smile. "I can see how you won't need me yet, but I know you'll need me later."

Flashwing smiled back, glad that he was able to look at the positive side of things rather than looking only at the negative.

"Well, I'd better get going," he then announced. "I need to stop by the healing tent and talk to Cali later. She told me she also wanted my help, and I can't let her down. I'll see you guys later."

He walked away, and when he was gone, Whirlwind turned to Flashwing and Drobot. "He took that better than I would have thought," she admitted. "It's hard to believe he's become more of an ally of ours than ever before, to be honest, but I prefer it this way. The fact that almost all of the Skylanders now trust Cynder makes me happy."

"I do pray that they all do so," Drobot said. "After all she's done for us, if there is one that doesn't…then I'm not sure what to do. I was going to say something, but now I think there's no point."

Flashwing laughed. "Well, even if I have to fight, at least I know have some of my greatest friends in the world watching me, as well as the love of my life," she said happily. "I know I won't fail with you guys there to cheer me on."

"All I want to tell you," Sonic Boom said, "is be careful. I mean, it should be Drobot who tells you this, but I want to tell you it, as well, because I can't afford to lose any of my sisters. You have to promise me that you'll be okay."

She nodded. "I'll do my very best," she promised. Then she turned to Drobot.

"I want to tell you the same, and I also hope that when this is over, we finally get to live our happily ever after," he said.

Flashwing nodded, though she had hoped he would have said something else. However, she also understood that it was not something that was easy to say, and that he would say it when the time finally came.

And when this fight was over, and they had escaped the cult, then she was sure they wouldn't have to worry about too many other threats, other than that of Gaul. But now that they had their allies, she was sure they would be able to take him down even easier.

A consciousness touched hers, and she recognized it almost immediately, allowing her to know she didn't have to block it out. Flashwing, are you there? Cynder asked.

Yes, she replied. How are you and the others?

Good, Cynder said. Please tell me you're going to be all right when it comes to fighting these enemies.

Don't worry, I will be. We've gone through it all, and I have faith that everything will be just fine. There's no need for you to worry. What about you and Spyro? Are you both fighting, as well? I mean, I think we were told you were, but I'm not completely sure.

We are. How are Camo and Whirlwind? I'm praying they're going to be all right, as well. While I don't think we're going to have to worry about them fighting, there's still the possibility that Roarke could turn this all on us. That's something I don't want, but unfortunately, I've seen how Roarke can ruin some of our hopes.

I know. I hated what he did to that rodent you almost fought. I could see you were just attempting to put on a show, and I know you felt horrible when it was all over. I know that he's dead now, because Karis passed by a little while earlier, and he wouldn't stop singing about it.

I know, and I want to kill him so bad. Flashwing heard her growl, and then sigh. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to do that. It's just…I wish I could have done more to stop that from happening.

I think we all could. But for right now, what matters is that we stick together. We all know how this all seems so tough, but I know that you're going to do amazing, that you're going to be able to show Roarke that we can take him down. He is not going to be able to ruin anymore lives with this cult. And all that requires…is faith, wouldn't you agree?

She felt happiness in Cynder's connection, which heartened her. Yes, she said. Faith is always the answer.

Sonic Boom was not far from Chill and Flameslinger, while Magnhild stood quite close to them. All four of them took a quick, deep sigh, and then looked at each other. Suddenly they burst out into laughter, and Sonic Boom felt as though everything was going to be all right. She hoped Sunburn was doing okay, but she was sure he was, or else Cynder would have told her otherwise.

Cynder wasn't one to hide such things from her, for she knew it was better if the truth came out first. Cynder had told her something during the three months she had been recovering, and it'd stuck there with her ever since then.

"The bitterest of truths are better than the sweetest of lies," Cynder told her weakly, as she had been sick for over a week at this time. Her voice was hoarse from all the coughing she had been doing, and her eyes were bloodshot from the lack of sleep she had received.

"Where'd you learn that?" Sonic Boom had asked as she swept a cool cloth over Cynder's forehead, hoping to cool her down and stop her from sweating.

"I read it in a book, and ever since…I read it…it's been something I've held true," Cynder replied. "I think…it works…really well…" As soon as she said this, she broke out into another fit of coughing, and she groaned, as a few of her ribs were still broken, and the coughing caused them to hurt. It was a pain that Sonic Boom could not imagine. She'd received a broken rib before, but in this case, Cynder had been forced to deal with all but three being broken.

"Well, it just goes to show how wise you are, Cyn," she told her best friend, trying to make her smile so as to take her mind off the pain. This did cause the Black Dragoness to smile, despite the pain, and Sonic Boom smiled back.

Flashwing had been close to them during this, and Spyro had been resting so that he could have energy to take over for them during the night. Flashwing took another damp cloth and ran it over Cynder's forehead, just as Sonic Boom had moments earlier.

"Here," Flashwing said, offering Cynder a water-skin. Cynder allowed Flashwing to put it in her mouth, and Flashwing then tilted it upward so that Cynder could gulp down some of the water.

When it was done, Cynder sighed, her sigh raspy and tired-sounding. "I think I need to try to sleep," she said.

"That's fine, because that's exactly what you need to do," Sonic Boom had told her. "Spyro will be here in a few hours. Until he gets here, we'll be by your side, Cyn. You don't have to worry."

Cynder smiled and nodded as well as she could, despite the pain it caused her. "I know," she had told them. "After all…that's…why I chose…you three…to help me. That, and…Spyro's my mate." She laughed, but then groaned a little.

Not long after, she'd finally fallen asleep, and Sonic Boom remembered looking to Flashwing, who smiled at her, as they both knew they were doing the best they could to make their friend feel better.

Looking back on that memory made Sonic Boom happy, as she had been able to help her best friend, as well as get more knowledge from the Black Dragoness. There was definitely a good amount that came from her, and she loved hearing it.

As she finished her thoughts, she saw Magnhild coming towards her, smiling.

"How does it feel, with the fact Hex isn't in here?" he asked.

"It's weird, but it makes everything easier," Sonic Boom said. "I mean that, as in, it helps Cynder and the others some. But right now, I'm just happy that you're here with us. I hope you do really well tonight."

"I honestly can't wait to tear some of these freaks apart!" Magnhild exclaimed. "I've been trying to do so for quite some time, and if I'm able, I'll try to clear a path for all of us during the escape."

"You have to be careful, too," Sonic Boom told him. "We may not have known you very long, Magnhild, but you've already become an ally we know we can trust. Make sure that you're not too badly injured during your fight, because you're too valuable to lose."

Magnhild's eyes suddenly became wet, and though he wiped them quickly, seeing this made Sonic Boom's heart warm. She wanted Sunburn to be around with her, but she knew she would see him sometime in the night.

Someone passed by their cage quickly, and Sonic Boom caught sight of who it was. "Hunter?" she said. He turned to look at her. "What are you doing? It's dangerous for you to be outside of the compound where Spyro and Cynder are without any of Hex's Magic on you, isn't it?"

"It is, but I know I'm going to be all right," he assured her. "Elora and I have been going around, trying to find more allies, among other things. Thus far, we've found several, and they're ready to help us. We're going to be finished with all of this very soon, don't worry."

Sonic Boom smiled and laughed at this. "That's amazing!" she said. "I'm sorry for laughing, but I just can't help but believe how this is! I mean, everything's about to become so much easier now!"

He nodded. "I would stay and talk to you longer, but I think that if I am to go ahead and not be caught by the Maned Wolf, then my best course of action would to not be caught by him as I stand still. I need to keep moving, so if you'll excuse me…"

Sonic Boom nodded, still smiling. "Go ahead, and make sure you get as many as you possibly can!" she encouraged. He smiled at her again, then walked away. "God, this is amazing!"

"Amen," Chill said. "We're not far from the end of this now. We'll just have to deal with Gaul when this is all over, won't we?"

"Yes," Sonic Boom said. "But according to Cynder, we have one of his soldiers to deal with, as well. Nestor explained to her that there's a Violet Dragon who betrayed them, named Sadiki. Gaul killed him, then, with Dark Magic, brought him back to life, meaning that he's undead. He probably won't be as hard to take down as Gaul, but he could still prove a challenge."

"I'm glad to know that we're ready for what's to come," Flameslinger said. "We shouldn't have to worry much, now should we?"

"No, not at all," Chill said.

"Try not to be overconfident, because that can get you into trouble," Magnhild told them. "I know, because I nearly lost my life when I did that, and because of my overconfidence, I let my guard down. Consequences come to those who think too much of themselves. Ever since then, I've learned humility, and I always look for the best, even when there's nothing for me to look at that can be considered good."

"That's probably one of the best things I've ever heard you say," Sonic Boom admitted to him. "Let me just tell you, Magnhild, I'm glad to have met you, and I hope this all works out, because if it all does, then we might have a new Skylanders on our hands. I'll definitely talk to Spyro to see if he can't do something to make that happen."

Magnhild smiled. "That would be one of the best days of my life, if that were to happen," he said.

As evening began to wane into night, their small group stood together, waiting for Karis to come and find them so that he could take them to the fighting pit. Sonic Boom wasn't sure if she was going to fight as well, but she wouldn't be surprised if that were to happen.

Sonic Boom? a voice in her mind suddenly said, and she immediately recognized it as her mate's.

Sunburn! she exclaimed mentally. Oh, thank God! Did Hex set up a mental connection between us? If so, tell her that she's awesome! It's so good to be able to hear from you finally!

It's good to hear from you, too, he said. How are you? Over here, we're preparing for the fight night to begin.

As are we. As far as we know, Magnhild is the only one fighting. But I won't be surprised if I'm forced to fight, as well, to be honest.

If Roarke forces you to fight, then it'll be one more thing to want to kill him for.

Well, I'm sure you'll get your chance. What we need right now it to stay connected so that we can stop Roarke even sooner. How is everyone over there? I know Spyro and Cynder are fighting, but who else?

Titan, one of Nestor's allies, and we've just learned that Nestor is supposed to fight, as well. It seems there might be some surprise fights. Just be prepared if they decide you're going to fight.

Trust me, I will. I love you, Sunburn.

I love you too, Sonic Boom. Be safe.

Warnado and Pop Fizz walked along the edge of one of the latrines. Thankfully, neither of them were going to have to work in one of them for quite some time, as they were about to go to the fighting pit to watch the fights. Not only that, but they had been able to wash off the stench that had once clung to them.

"Boy, am I glad that's over!" Pop Fizz said out loud. "I hate those latrines. I hate having to deal with actual crap!"

Warnado smiled and laughed. "Trust me, I know how you feel," he said. "Well, at least we get to watch the fights now. Let's just hope everyone fighting stays safe, because I would hate it if they were to be injured."

Pop Fizz nodded. "What do you think about Cynder?" he asked.

Warnado was caught off-guard by the question. He hadn't expected his best friend to suddenly ask him that, and now that he was going to be forced to answer, he wasn't sure he wanted to. Was this some kind of trick question?

"Well," Warnado said, trying to think his words through carefully. "I used to hate her, that much is clear. But I don't hate her as much as I used to. It's not easy, to keep hating someone that saved your life on a few different occasions. I mean, she helped save us from Kaos that one night, and then she stopped Aemus all on her own. I know that I've done nothing but hate on her for so long, and now, I feel bad for it. So…that's it. Let me guess, you think I'm crazy for feeling that way, don't you?"

"No," Pop Fizz said. "Why would I? I know how it feels to have once really hated her. Trust me, I did it, too, and now I feel that there were times where I went a little too far. I wish I could take it all back, that I could let her know I don't really hate her as much as she might think. But it wouldn't be easy for her to let me live it down, I'm sure. Does she boast about how some of the Skylanders are now trusting her, even when they didn't before?"

"No," Warnado said. "She just seems happy that they do like being around her again, and I'm happy that she's happy. I was such a jerk about her, though, when we were moving through the Maradmtsvane. She saved me from a trap, though, and I appreciate her for that. That helped me to know that I was wrong."

"I'm sure she understands that," Pop Fizz said. "She was able to deal with us for a while, and she's turned out all right. I wish I had trusted her a bit sooner, because the amount of hate some of the others heaped upon her was just sickening. When I saw how some treated her throughout her fight with Aemus, I wanted to go up to her and tell her that it was all right. But I had nerves, and I was also friends with Slam Bam at the time. I didn't want to stop being his friend, because he was a good guy…in some ways. But now I don't have to worry about betraying him, as he might have once put it."

"That's true, and that's definitely good," Warnado said.

"It certainly is," Slam Bam said from behind them, and the two turned around to find him smiling at them. "It's good to see you both, especially you, Warnado, and to hear that you're Cynder's ally now."

"Hey, you have to stop being a piece of crap at one point in your life, you know?" he said. This caused Slam Bam to laugh, as well as Pop Fizz, and soon Warnado joined in. The three of them continued on their way to the fighting pit, hoping everything would turn out all right for those fighting.

"I know Cynder's one of those fighting, and so is Spyro," Pop Fizz explained to them. "Is there another Skylander who we're going to see fight?"

"Flashwing," Slam Bam said. "Hopefully it all goes well with her. Saw her earlier, and she seemed ready for it, thank God. So, we should be able to do pretty well, don't you think?"

"Have we gained many new allies since we arrived?" Pop Fizz inquired.

"The Night-bringer Twins, and a Mountain Troll named Magnhild, the latter of whom is also fighting tonight," Slam Bam replied.

"Well, this should definitely be interesting," Warnado said. "Let's just hope everything goes good tonight, because I really want to get out of here as soon as possible."

Roarke stood before a hologram of Gaul. He hated seeing the Ape King in front of him, but he guessed it was something he and Karis would have to deal with for quite a while more.

"Have you many fighters tonight?" Gaul asked.

"Yes, my king," Roarke replied. "There is a Mountain Troll named Magnhild, Nestor, and one of Nestor's allies, the Dragon Titan. But not many more. I hope it all goes well. It also saddens me that you will not be able to attend."

"I wish I could, but what matters is that I remain here and plan for what's to come," Gaul retorted. "You had better do well tonight, or you will face the consequences. You know what those consequences are, do you not?"

"I do," Roarke said, nodding his head. Looking to his left, he found Karis standing there. The Maned Wolf remained emotionless. "There is a good crowd thus far, and I am sure that it will only grow, so there is no problem here. I hope all goes well with your planning, my king, because nothing would make me happier than seeing you succeed."

Gaul snorted. "I hope you're right, Roarke, or I'll have your head soon enough," the Ape King growled. Then, with a deep, guttural laugh, the hologram switched off, leaving Roarke and Karis standing alone.

Roarke sighed, then cradled his head in his hands. "I don't know what in God's name I am to do, Karis!" he roared. "How can I possibly deceive Gaul any longer? And what do you think will happen if Sadiki suddenly appears during the fights? He will learn that I have the two Dragons Gaul is looking for!"

"Roarke, you must calm yourself, for anger ill becomes you," Karis said. "I am not one to know how to feel calm, to be honest, but I know that feeling well enough that I can help you, if you would like."

Roarke laughed. "Oh, yes," he said. "I would like that much…NO! All I want right now is to find Gaul and murder him! I cannot stand being under this condemned contract with the sorry fool! I pray to the gods of bloodshed and war that we will not have to deal with any of this for much longer." He sighed.

"Maybe you won't," Karis said. "Oh, and by the way, what should I do with the body of that rodent, Alaric? Should I throw it to his stupid wife and children, or should I keep the carcass and hang it over the entrance to the encampment, so that all those who enter know what will happen if they disobey either your or me?"

"I honestly do not care what you do with that body. All I care about is what I am going to do from now on. This is so infuriating! Why can't we just move on from this profession and go on to better things? Why can't that condemned fool just leave me alone for once? I want some peace and quiet! That is all I ask from Gaul, and then he does this to me!"

"You must calm yourself, if you are to be ready for tonight," Karis said. "I agree, all of this is infuriating. But we have good plans. We cannot tarry when it comes to enacting those plans, either, because the longer we tarry, the less time you will have to show just how great you are to all your guests! I'm sure you want to be seen as a beacon of hope to them all, am I correct in thinking so? Or should I go ahead, shut up, and just get out of here so you can think for a longer period? Because I can do that, if you want it."

Roarke looked right at Karis. "When this is over, I hope you'll know that I only want what is best for this encampment, that you will know I am the only one who can keep this ship from sinking!" He growled, and then took another deep sigh.

"It will all soon be over, Roarke, and when it is, you will no longer have to think about either Gaul or Sadiki. They will soon be history, and when they are finally history, it is then that we can move on with our lives! How does that sound?"

Roarke thought about it for a moment, and then realized that he did, in fact, like what he was hearing. He looked to Karis with a great smile upon his face. "You are one of my greatest generals, Karis, and I do not know what I would do without you."

Probably be killed by your fighters, is my guess, the Maned Wolf thought.

Spyro and Cynder were waiting for that specific moment to finally come. Evening was about to come to an end, and when that finally happened, they were going to have to fight.

Neither of them wanted to fight, for both believed what was going on in this cult was truly barbaric, and they believed that if they had to fight any longer, then it would be pure torture.

By this time, Nestor had been revealed to be joining them in the pit, for he would be facing an enemy that they did not know. He seemed disappointed that he would once again have to fight, but he had also told them that he was glad they were one step closer to bringing all of this to an end. He explained that his bandages were signs of his resilience, and they were there to show Roarke that he was not finished just yet.

"This is almost over," the King of the Haven Realms said aloud. "When it is over, then we will be able to return to the Haven Realms, reach my castle, and take back everything that Gaul stole away from me. He will soon learn that he cannot stop me from succeeding, nor can he stop the Skylanders."

Spyro and Cynder nodded, happy Nestor was ready for his battle. Titan was also with them, while everyone else was behind them. They knew they were going to be watched by almost every single prisoner, and sometime during this fight, they would have to find a way to distract Roarke so they could escape and free the prisoners. Once they freed every prisoner, then the revolt would finally begin, and both Spyro and Cynder prayed everything went exactly as they hoped that it would. If not, then they would be in grave danger.

The sound of cheers and howls from the spectators that surrounded the pit in their stands reached their ears, and Cynder sighed. She was not worried, but she knew there was no going back from this. She was about to be involved in one of her most dangerous battles, as she would be going up against seven Woodland Devils. Just one of them had succeeded in wounding Nestor with ease, as well as Sonic Boom with the same amount of ease.

But then, she thought that it shouldn't be as hard as before. She had gone through enough where she knew how to be just as careful, and she had faith everything would go fine. Just as she had heard from Flashwing, faith was always the answer. She definitely agreed with that, as it was what had helped her both through all of this, as well as during her ordeal with Aemus.

Spyro thought the same thing. He hated that he would have to fight again, as he definitely didn't want to do so. It was already so hard to know that he and Cynder would have to spend more time apart, but now due to the fact they would be in danger of being wounded, everything was even more nerve-wracking.

But he wouldn't allow it to control him too much. He'd gone through it all before, and he'd felt these thoughts before, as well. He wouldn't allow them to control him, as he believed that, if he were to allow them to control him, it would be much easier for him to be wounded.

I'm not going to allow myself to be wounded here, he thought to himself. Cynder isn't going to have to worry much longer, because we're going to be able to get through this without receiving any wounds. If anyone dares to wound my mate, then they are going to have to answer to me! I'm not going to allow it, because of how much I love her. I can't allow myself to be wounded, either.

Cynder looked over at Spyro and saw that he was struggling with his thoughts. She reached into his thoughts and comforted him with her mental presence. She saw him smile, and he turned to her.

"Are you scared?" he asked her.

"No," she replied honestly, "and that's because you're with me."

Then they heard footsteps outside the tunnel, coming towards them. Karis appeared, and even though the both of them were forced to make it seem as though they didn't know one another, they intertwined their thoughts, finding solace, and preparing themselves for what was to come.