A/N: Hey slapstick here. Now that wasn't a bad wait was it? For being so patient I made this chapter longer. This is sure to be an exciting chapter for you guys. Hope you enjoy.

Chapter 21

Everyone had been walking down the passage that Mole-Yair pointed to for some time now. Shun took lead with Ember next to him, Flame and Spyro following. Sparx couldn't take the quiet anymore so he decided to say something.

"Ok it looks like I have to be the one to say it. Did anyone else see the giant wall that appeared behind the ape or was that just me?"

"It's not just you, Sparx." said Ember. "I think Spyro created that wall."

"What makes you think that?" asked Flame.

"Well, the second Spyro stomped on the ground the wall came up."

"Oh come on that's just a coincidence."

"I don't think so, Flame." said Shun. "Spyro's just learned the earth element." Spyro's companions were stunned. To think that he learned a new element so quickly, it was just the other day that he was learning the ice element.

"So I learned earth huh?" said Spyro curiously. "I never thought I'd pick up on it so quickly."

"You think you can do it again?" asked Sparx.

Spyro tried to do what he did before. He used his front claws and repeatedly stomped on the ground to try and create another wall. He would stomp with his front claws, jump back on his hind legs, and jump back down on his front claws again. The whole thing made him quite silly but he kept at it. However, he found himself having trouble.

"Huh? I can't seem to do it." He looked up to see everyone laughing at his antics. "What's so funny?"

"You looked ridiculous," said Sparx.

"I have to agree with Sparx on that one," said Flame.

"Yeah, yeah laugh it up," said Spyro with a smirk. "I just don't get why I can't use it now..."

"Well, I wouldn't worry about it now," said Shun. "Once we get master Terridor back he'll teach you everything."

They continued to walk until they finally reached the end of the mine. As they emerged they noticed that the volcano was to the left of them, and a rather large ledge was to their right. Above them they saw mine tracks that lead around the ledge and further into the volcano. This was the only accessible route.

They then flew up and followed the tracks all the way down to the entrance of the cave. They waited for a moment until all the cars had passed before entering. As they walked they saw many different kinds of what appear to be honeycombs. Many beetles would fly in and out of them as they passed. At times they would attack the young dragons, but Spyro and Flame's fire would make quick work of them. As they continued through the cave they soon reached the mouth. Standing there was another mole.

"Hello?" said Spyro as he approached. The mole quickly turned and raised a shovel over his head. Spyro quickly backed up while Shun took a defensive stance. "Whoa, wait a minute. We're on your side."

"Ha, like I would believe that!" said the mole in the same accent as Mole-Yair.

"No it's true!" said Flame, "We're friends!"

"A likely story. For all I know you could be spy's for Cynder!"

"We're not, honest!" pled Ember hiding behind Shun.

"I'm not falling for it. Prepare yourselves." The mole jumped into action. He swung his shovel trying to hit Spyro. Before he could make contact, Shun pushes the mole into the wall. He placed one claw on the mole's face and another on his left arm. Shun began to growl viciously. This terrified the mole as he began to shake.

"Shun, let him go, he didn't mean it," said Spyro. "We need him to help us find Terridor."

Shun hesitated for a moment. "Drop it!" he ordered.

He quickly let go of the shovel. Flame then walked up and pulled the shovel away. With the mole unarmed, Shun let go of the mole and walked over to Spyro. The mole panted heavily.

"You spared me." He said. "None of Cynder's forces would have spared me. I guess I'm safe to assume that you're not one of them."

"Yeah dude," said Sparx, "that's what they tried to tell you. Jeez, is everyone in your family this hostile?"

"What do you mean everyone in my family?"

"Well," said Spyro, "your brother, Mole-Yair, told us where to find you."

The news came as a shock to the mole.

"My brother…is…alive." It was too much to take. He soon fell to his knees and began crying. "I heard…that he had died trying to escape."

"I can assure you he's still alive." said Flame. The mole whipped away the tears and got back to his feet.

"That's great to hear. I'm sorry for attacking you earlier. These damn apes have me on edge, although had you said his name earlier, that unpleasantness could have been avoided. The names Exhumor."

"It alright," said Spyro, "my name is Spyro. These are my friends Flame and Ember, and these are my brothers Shun and Sparx."

"It's nice to meet you all."

"Yes, it's nice to meet a crazed mole with a shovel." said Sparx.

"Sparx!" yelled Spyro.

"No, I'm being serious. It's better than meeting a crazed mole with a dagger." Exhumor began to chuckle at what Sparx had said.

"That's definitely my brother alright." he said.

"You must have a weird sense of humor because it wasn't funny to me," said Sparx crossing his arms.

"Alright enough, Sparx." said Shun interrupting the conversation. He soon turned his attention to Exhumor. "Mole-Yair said that you could help find our friend."

"He wouldn't happen to be a big and powerful dragon would he?" asked Exhumor.

"Sounds about right." Said Shun.

"Then I know exactly where he is. However…"

"Here we go," said Sparx throwing up his arms.

"I will only help if you can help free the rest of the Manweresmalls." Exhumor pointed out the mouth of the mine, and towards the labor camps Mole-Yair talked about. There were many cages scattered around, with apes on guarding them.

"What are we waiting for," said Flame. He was about to fly out when Exhumor stopped him.

"Hold on a second," he said, "why go in fighting when we could just wait. Their break will start shortly. You'll be able to go through with no problems."

"Wait here?" asked Sparx. "Um…aren't there mine cars that come through here?"

"Don't worry. It's the end of the day. The last of the carts was just sent out."

"Well isn't that convenient."

"How do you know all this?" asked Ember.

"I've been keeping track of the schedules. I soon picked up on when the apes went on break, and when mine cars were sent out. We'll just wait here until the apes go on their brake."

As they sat Flame, Spyro, and Sparx were having their own conversation on one part of the mine. While Shun and Ember sat on the other. Exhumor sat by himself eyeing Shun. He soon got up and walked over to Shun.

"May I speak with you, alone?" he said. Shun nodded and gestured Ember to leave them alone. As she moved over to Spyro and Flame, Exhumor sat next to Shun.

"I would like to apologize for my actions before," he said.

"It's alright," said Shun, "It's hard to trust strangers now-a-days."

"Yeah I guess you're right." Exhumor looked over at Spyro. "I'm guessing he's the little brother?"

"What?" asked Shun not hearing the question.

"The purple one," Exhumor pointed to Spyro, "he's the little brother, no?"

"Yeah," replied Shun a little shocked, "how did you know?"

"Only a big brother would rush in the way you did. I should know, being one myself."

"Really? I thought Mole-Yair was the oldest since he's leader."

"I didn't want the job, so Mole-Yair took it, but that's not what I wanted to talk about."

"Well what did you want to talk about?"

"Do you two fight at all?"

"No, not really."

"Well when it happens, and trust me it will, keep one thing in mind. Always be there for him. When you fight never let him think you hate him. Before Mole-Yair escaped we had a really nasty fight. I said some things that I didn't mean. After the rumor spread that he died…I regretted that fight."

"Why are you telling me all this?" Shun looked at him a little confused.

"I just don't want you to make the same mistake I did. Life can quickly take your brother away. So show him that you'll always be there for him."

"Thanks for the advice."

Suddenly their attention was averted back to the labor camp. They heard one of the apes say that it was the end of their shift. Soon all the apes in the camp began to move to a different location. Once they were all gone Exhumor spoke.

"Quickly," he said, "we have five minutes until new apes take their place."

They all jumped down and made their way to the cages. Exhumor approached a cage and the occupants were ecstatic to see him.

"Exhumor!" called on of the moles. Exhumor put a finger over his mouth and shushed them. "I can't believe you're here!"

"Don't worry," said Exhumor, "I'm going to get you out."

Exhumor grabbed a rather large rock and struck the lock multiple times until it finally broke. The cage door opened and he was greeted by a female mole hugging and kissing him. He got her off and turned to see other moles crowding in front of him. He proceeded to count them and found that there were thirty moles that have been freed.

"That's all of them." said Exhumor.

"Ok we held up our end of the bargain," said Sparx. "Give us the info so we can get this over with."

"Sparx, can you go one day without being so caustic?" asked Spyro.

"Hey, it's my thing. Without that I'm nothing."

"Don't worry," said Exhumor, "I did not forget about our arrangement. Just go through that door there and follow the path. It will lead you to your friend, but be careful. The Conductor and his locomotive are sure to be close by."

"Who's the Conductor?" asked Flame.

"He is the one in charge of Munitions Forge."

"Thank you for your help," said Spyro.

"I should be the one thanking you. You didn't have to help us but you did. For that I am eternally great full."

"It was no problem at all."

Exhumor bowed his head and began taking his fellow Manweresmalls to safety. Before disappearing into the mines he looked back at the dragons.

"Maybe we'll meet again someday." With that he and the rest of the moles were out of sight.

The dragons turned to the door that Exhumor pointed to. As they entered Shun felt that someone was following them. He turned to see that no one was there.

"Shun, is everything ok?" asked Ember.

"Yeah…I just thought someone was…never mind." Shun turned back around and walked into the mines. When the door closed, the same figure from before stepped out of the shadows. It smirked slightly and disappeared once again into the shadows.

The dragons have been walking for a few minutes now. It seemed like a straight shot. They would come across a few apes here and there, but it didn't slow them down. However, they soon came to a fork in the path.

"Looks like mole boy forgot to tell us about this little problem," said Sparx.

"Which way should we go?" asked Ember.

"That way!" both Spyro and Flame said in unison while pointing in different directions.

"We don't have time to guess," said Shun. "There's only one choice. We'll have to split up."

"I'm going with Shun," said Ember as she quickly ran to Shun's side.

"Ember, can you go one day without acting like a squealing fan girl," said Flame.

"It's alright, Flame," said Shun, "I was actually going to have Ember come with me."

"You were?" everyone said in unison.

"Yes, I was. Flame, Spyro, Sparx, you three go to the left. We'll go to the right. If you don't find anything, come back and go down the other path. We'll meet up again."

"Got it," said Flame.

"Also, Flame, make sure you keep Spyro safe."

"Don't worry dude. I'll make sure he comes back with at least three of his legs." Flame puffed out his chest as he made the joke to show how confident he was. However, Shun didn't find it funny. Shun instantly bared his teeth and growled violently at Flame. Hearing this, Flame quickly pulled back into a submissive stance.

"Kidding, I was kidding. I'll make sure he stays safe," said Flame in a panicked tone.

"You better," said Shun maintaining a scowl on his face. "Let's go Ember." Without question she quickly ran next to him. The two disappeared into the right path.Spyro smiled and shook his head at the event that just took place. Sparx was trying his hardest to keep from laughing, knowing how embarrassing that was for Flame. Though, that didn't stop him from having a little fun.

"Man I was sure he was going to tear into you," said Sparx. "Look man, I know you're new here but let me give you one piece of advice. Never piss Shun off."

"Duly noted," said Flame still a bit shaken. "I guess he can't take a joke."

"He can," said Spyro, "it's just he becomes a little over protective of me." Spyro saw that Flame was still a little bit freaked out about Shun's hostility, so he decided to get Flame's mind of it. "Come on, we should find Terridor before it's too late."

"Yeah," said Sparx, "the sooner we find him the sooner we can get out of this oven. I could fry an egg on my abs."

"What abs?" said Spyro with a grin.

"This coming from the fat one of the group," Sparx quickly retorted.

"Very funny."

They began to follow the path that they were given. As they would follow the path they would come across their usual strand of apes as they made more armor for Cynder's forces. They would make quick work of the apes and continue down the path. After about twenty minutes of waking they were prepared to turn back when Spyro insisted that they keep going for a few more minutes. Reluctantly, the others agreed. After a few more minutes of walking they came across a ledge. The approached it and looked down. They had come across a rather large crater. With train tracks that circled it. There were also tracks that made a cross in the center of the crater; creating a short cut through the circle. On far side of the crater, in the corner, was the person they were looking for, Terridor, asleep. He was trapped inside a large purple sphere with metal wrapped around it. Also a large metal fence was in front of him. To the right of Terridor, on a nearby wall, was large metal door. Almost like the one they've been walking into but much larger than the other.

They jumped and flew down into the crater, land just a few feet in front of the metal fence. Flame couldn't help but become star struck. Terridor was the most renowned guardian. He saved countless lives during the war. He was most famed for saving thousands in the Battle of Avalar. He was also famed for being one of the greatest teachers to ever walk their world, next to Ignitus of course. Thousands of young dragons dreamed to be trained by him, Flame being one of them.

"Flame," said Sparx waving his hands in Flame's face. Flame quickly snapped out of his daze.

"Sorry," he said, "just a little star struck."

Spyro walked close to fence and tried to wake up the sleeping dragon.

"Excuse me, Terridor," said Spyro. Terridor slowly opened his eyes. He lifted his head and looked down at the young dragons. He was completely surprised by Spyro's appearance.

"It can't be," said Terridor in a low, booming voice, "the purple dragon lives."

"My name is Spyro, sir."

"I'm Flame, and let me tell you that it's an honor to meet you, sir. I've heard so many stories about you and your accomplishments. I'm a huge fan."

"Easy, Flame," said Spyro.

"Sorry."

"My turn," said Sparx, "my name is Sparx. I'm the former God of Tall Plains."

"Well it's nice to meet you all," said Terridor, "especially you, Spyro. You cannot believe how happy I was when rumors of the purple dragon reached me. Let me ask you something, in knowing my location, does that mean you've met with Ignitus?"

"Yes we have." replied Spyro.

"Then that means you've met Shun."

"Yes, we met him too."

"Even though it wasn't a friendly greeting," said Sparx.

"I hate to be a spoil sport," said Flame, "but I think we should get Terridor out of here."

"You're right," said Spyro, "we'll get you out, Terridor."

"There's no point," Terridor replied, "This sphere can only be opened with a special gem. Unfortunately…"

"Let me guess," said Sparx, "that gem is with the Conductor."

"Yes…how did you know?"

"With the way our luck is going it wasn't hard."

"Terridor," said Spyro, "let me ask you something. Has your energy been drained at all?"

"No," replied Terridor. Flame and Spyro looked at each other with smiles.

"That means we got here before her," said Flame.

Suddenly, their attention was diverted when the giant metal door against the wall flew open. However, nothing came out. The dragons slowly walked in front of it. As they looked they saw something fly out of it. As it landed in front of them Flame knew what it was. A stick of dynamite had been thrown. Flame quickly tackled Spyro as it detonated, causing a huge amount of black smoke. They were standing in front far away from the smoke, standing on the tracks.

"Are you all alright?" called Terridor.

"Yeah we're fine," said Flame. They then began to feel the tracks vibrate rapidly. They also heard something approaching them. They looked at the smoke waiting for what was coming. It got louder and louder, and the tracks vibrations got stronger and stronger. Suddenly a giant train came barreling through the smoke. Spyro and Flame both jumped off the tracks to different sides. The train came to a halt on the outer ring of the tracks. The Conductor was soon revealed. He wasn't very big. He was a normal sized ape who wore a conductor's hat. There was also a purple gem around his neck.

"I had a feeling that those moles couldn't have escaped by themselves!" said the Conductor. "I knew that they had to have been dragons coming to save their precious friend."

"Listen!" said Spyro. "We don't want to fight. Just give us the gem and we won't hurt you."

"Hurt me." The Conductor began to laugh at the notion. "It's you who should be begging me no to hurt you. There's no way out of this. Tonight, you dragons die."

"If that's how you want to play, then fine," said Flame getting into a fighting stance. "Get ready, Spyro. This is not going to be easy."

Meanwhile…

Shun and Ember made their way through the path they chose. It was eerily quiet, and they hadn't stumbled upon any apes at all. It struck Shun as odd but he wasn't paying much attention since Ember kept talking.

"So my dad's a real hard ass," she said, "he would always get mad over everything, but he's sweet."

"Uh huh," said Shun giving her a small sign like he was listening. However, Ember noticed this quickly.

"You don't really care, do you?" She looked down a little hurt. Shun looked back and felt bad.

"It's not that," he said, "I just got a lot on my mind. I'm sorry."

"It's ok…I guess I shouldn't bore you."

"Hey," he turned to look at her. "You're not boring. In fact you're quite fun, when you want to be." Ember smiled at the complement.

"Thanks." There was a small pause as things got quieter.

"So," said Shun breaking the silence, "about your mother?" They began to continue down the path while Ember spoke.

"Well my mom is just as hard as my dad, but she does it in a different way. She wouldn't get as mad as my dad, but she would give me lectures. Even though my parents are strict, I know they only do it because they love me; so enough about my parents, tell me about yours."

Shun stopped immediately and turned to look at her.

"I really don't like to talk about my folks."

"Were your parents mean or something? You can tell me." Shun sighed under his breath.

"They died." Ember was taken aback by that statement.

"I-I'm sorry," she said walking next to him. "I didn't know."

"It's ok."

"How…how did they die?"

"I'm sorry…I just don't like talking about it." He looked at her and gave her a little smile. "Come we should keep looking."

They continued down the path until they came to a small area. It had various machines scattered around, all were broken. It was obviously a scrap yard. Above them was a hole in the roof that led to the outside. They were about to continue onward when they heard chatter coming right for them. They quickly jumped behind a machine to hide. Two apes came into the area and stopped.

"Man I'm sick of this." said one of the apes.

"I know what you mean." said the other.

"How long do we have to pretend that we don't know those dragons are here?" Ember and Shun both gasped at what they said.

"I don't know but we have orders."

"Yeah, but they're stupid."

"What are they talking about, Shun?" whispered Ember. Shun quickly shushed her.

"Look," said the more in control ape, "she just needs to determine the threat of the dragons. We won't have to pretend for long."

"I just wish we could have faced them. I would have loved to kick some dragon ass."

"You and me both."

"Wish granted." The apes turned to see Shun standing behind him. He pulled back his head and fired a dark blast at them. They screamed at the top of their lung until they were surrounded by the attack. Ember came out from hiding and walked over to Shun.

"They knew we were here this whole time." said Shun under his breath.

"Shun," said Ember, "What's going on? Who's she?"

"Fly back to the temple and get help!" ordered Shun.

"Why? What's going on?"

"They knew we were here the second we landed, and it get's worse. Cynder's here."

Ember gasped at what Shun said.

"Are you sure?"

"I'm positive, they said she. The only she that's in charge is Cynder. Look we don't have time for this. Fly back to the temple and get help."

Ember nodded and flew up towards the hole in the roof. Before leaving she turned around.

"What about you?" she asked.

"I'm going to stay here and find the others. Now go, hurry!" Ember flew out through the roof and made her way to the temple. Shun turned and sprinted as fast as he could back down the path. "Hang on Spyro," he thought, "I'm coming!"

To Be Continued…

A/N: Uh oh, looks like troubles brewing. I hope you guys enjoyed it. It took longer to make than I thought. The next chapter will be up as soon as possible. See you soon.