Dragon on ice, Part 1

Much thanks to EquinoxWolf for beta reading this chapter for me.

Next morning, Spyro slowly opened his eyes in the small room he was sharing with Sparx and Elora. He hadn't slept particularly well; one of his dreams had been of Flash and Nina screaming his name as they were consumed by flame. While it had fortunately ceased, it was still fresh in Spyro's mind. He shivered slightly, despite the room still being warm.

Elora and Sparx were still asleep. Spyro gazed at them both, feeling better for their company. He felt sure they'd get through this together.

I hope Spyro thought, nuzzling Elora's face.

Just then, there was a gentle knock at the door.

"Come in," Spyro said quietly, so as not to wake his siblings.

Ignitus poked his head in.

"Good morning, Spyro," he said. "You sleep well?"

Spyro sighed. "No, not really. I had a nightmare that my parents were burned in a fire…"

"Oh I am sorry to hear, young dragon. I know it must be hard-"

"It's okay... you know, I've just wondered; who were my other parents; you know, the ones who laid my egg?"

Ignitus seemed a little surprised at this question, and he hesitated. He seemed to be thinking long and hard about something. Spyro thought he saw guilt flicker across the Guardian's face for a moment.

"Ignitus?"

"I'm afraid I do not know who your father is, young dragon. But I do know who your mother was; a Sorceress Dragon, named Sibylla. However, I'm afraid she disappeared not long before you were born; we don't know where she is. But I am sure she would be proud to see you alive and well."

"Well, thanks…" Spyro said. "Do you reckon we might be able to find her?"

"Maybe we'll discuss it after we find the Guardians and put a stop to the Dark Armies."

"Okay," Spyro said. "That sounds nice."

"I'm glad it does. But right now, we have a big journey ahead of us. We've located the Electricity Guardian, Volteer; he's being held in Dante's Freezer."

"Right." Spyro nudged Elora and Sparx. "Guys, wake up. It's morning."

"Aww, ten more minutes," Sparx groaned.

"Mmmm, not now, Spyro…" Elora said, tilting her head on Spyro's side.

"Come on!" Spyro said as he tipped Sparx over; the dragonfly woke with a start.

"Ahhh! I'm up! I'm up!" Sparx shouted as he started flying about in alarm. The moment he calmed down, he glared at Spyro. "Rude, much?"

Spyro rolled his eyes. "Come on, it's time to get up!"

Elora yawned as she opened her eyes and got slowly out of bed.

"So, what is it for today?" she asked, stretching her arms. "More training?"

"No, today's the day we'll be traveling to Dante's Freezer," Ignitus explained. "Volteer, the Electricity Guardian, and his fellow Electric dragons, are being held there."

"Okay then, let's get going!" Spyro said.

"Wait! Wait! Hold on! We don't know where this Dante's Freezer place is!" Sparx said to Spyro.

"Oh yeah, you know where?" Spyro asked Ignitus.

"It is in the farthest north," Ignitus said. "The Professor has been working on a portal that should take us wherever we wish. Right now, he's programming it to take us to Dante's Freezer."

"That's great," Spyro said. Then, his stomach growled. "Umm... reckon we could grab breakfast before we go?"

"Of course," Ignitus said.

"Sweet, I am starving," Sparx said. "Hey, are there butterflies to eat?"

Breakfast was served in the refreshment unit of the haven. Spyro ate a slab of roasted meat, accompanied with a salad of small greens. Elora had a bowl of apples and tart berries; fauns being herbivores, she didn't appreciate the same tastes as Spyro. Sparx was disappointed that there were no butterflies, and resolved to share Elora's meal. The food was so delicious; Spyro and Elora almost had to drag Sparx away after his third helping.

"You'll never fly with that much food," they joked. Sparx brushed their protests off but followed them nonetheless, swiping one blackberry for the road.

After that, Elora had to get kitted out with armour, swords and a bow and arrows. Sapia helped her out.

"You feel alright?" Sapia asked, as Elora strapped a quiver of arrows to her back.

"I feel rather nervous. We're getting outside to fight bad guys," Elora said. "The kind of guys who kidnapped Mom and Dad."

"I know you're scared, kid… I was terrified when I had to face those Armies for the first time. I was barely older than you."

"How did you handle it?"

"To be honest, I don't really know how. I just did as was instructed and it went from there. But as time went on, I began to remind myself what I was fighting for: our freedom, and our loved ones. I suggest you do the same, Elora. It could help a lot."

"OK..." Elora fiddled with the strap that held her quiver. "I just hope I see Mum and Dad again."

"You will, you will," Sapia said, giving Elora a quick hug. She then handed Elora a thick coat. "Now, put this on. It's gonna be cold."

"Thanks," Elora said.

Soon, they were all gathered around the portal as the Professor was adding the finishing touches.

"There, the Portal is ready and set to take you to Dante's Freezer," the old mole declared, as the Portal flashed to life.

"But it will get us back here, right?" Sparx asked.

"I don't see why not," the Professor said. "I did take the return journey into account after all. Just so long as the portal at your end isn't destroyed…"

"Then, I'll stay by the portal and keep watch," Sapia said. "The rest of you go on ahead and find Volteer and his Electric buddies."

"But what if... what if I need help?" Elora asked anxiously.

"I can provide you with advice," Ignitus said. "Rest assured; you won't be going into this alone."

"Cool," Spyro said. "Shall we go then?"

Ignitus and Elora nodded, while Sparx shook his head, looking nervous.

"Well then, let's go," Spyro said, smirking.

"Great, I need to meet new friends… They could back me up," Sparx said.

Elora chuckled. "Come on Sparx; we have Spyro and Ignitus to help us."

"Good luck, and be careful," The Professor said, waving goodbye as the team stepped through the portal.

In the far north, a large fortress was nestled among towering icebergs and glaciers. Snow and frost covered the ground. Evergreens dotted the landscape with only a sparse cover of bushes surrounding their roots. Just outside the entrance to the fortress, a portal came to life, and Ignitus, Spyro, Elora, Sparx and Sapia came through. Spyro tumbled out and skidded along the ice on his haunch. He shook his head, slightly dazed. "That was… unusual," he said.

"It does take some getting used to," Ignitus admitted, swaying a little himself.

"Brrr!" Sparx shivered. "It's cold."

"Well, what did you expect?" Elora said. "It is called Freezer, after all."

"Dante's Freezer was once the Winter Tundra; the beautiful home of the Ice Dragons," Ignitus explained. "But now, it is a fortress for the Dark Armies and a prison for their enemies. It also houses their machines of war. Many brave soldiers have attempted to retake these lands, only to fall and be frozen forever."

"Whoa, that is rough…" Spyro said.

"Indeed it is; we have to be careful around here, as there are likely to be many enemies about," Ignitus said.

"Certainly doesn't seem like a friendly place, huh?" Spyro said, standing on his hind legs and looking around. So far, there didn't appear to be anyone else, foe or otherwise. "Any idea where we should start?"

"Well, I'm no hero," Sparx said, "but I reckon we could take that clearly marked path that leads inside." He pointed to a path of footprints that led deep into the fortress in front of them.

"Seems like a good place to start," Ignitus agreed. "Sapia, you stay here and guard the portal. Any troubles, ignite a flare."

"Yes sir," Sapia agreed. "Good luck."

"Well, nowhere to go but ahead," Spyro said to the group. And so, they set off. Sapia watched them go, then turned her attention to the portal. She loaded a bolt into her crossbow and held it at the ready.

As the team stepped through the entrance, they looked around cautiously; there was no sign of anyone about. Even so, there was no guarantee that it was deserted. They entered the fortress slowly in a tight formation. Weapons stands littered the yard here and there and a catapult stood nearby, already armed with a frosted boulder to launch. There were also several oddly shaped blocks of ice. Each of looked like bipedal creatures. Sparx flew up to one of them curiously, and suddenly started back in fright.

"What is it, Sparx?" Elora asked.

"That thing just blinked at me," Sparx said, sounding scared.

"You must have imagined it. Just keep walking," Spyro encouraged. Too late! The ice suddenly burst off the figure, revealing a rotting figure with sickly green skin, glowing green eyes and wearing black and red armour. It was brandishing an axe and a shield. Next moment, the others nearby began breaking open, revealing identical looking creatures.

"Ice cubes alive!" Sparx shrieked and dived behind Spyro's head.

"Are those zombies?!" Elora cried.

"Yes!" Ignitus said, raising his spear. "Dead Trolls, likely reanimated by black magic, to attack anyone who gets too close!"

The Dead Trolls roared as they swung their weapons, making the group jump back. As soon as he landed, Spyro breathed out a jet of flames. The Trolls groaned in pain as Ignitus swatted them back. Then they heard cries of Apes.

"Looks like we have more company…" Ignitus said.

"Bring them on! We can take them!" Spyro got ready to fight them.

Apes wrapped up in warm clothing came running towards them, howling and shrieking in an ugly mash of war cries.

"Look, there's the purple dragon! And the Fire Guardian to boot!" cried one of them.

"Let's get 'em and claim the reward!" said another.

"Allow me," Elora said, drawing her bow and fitting an arrow onto the string.

She took aim at one of the Apes and fired. It hit the Ape in the arm and he screamed in pain.

Spyro smirked. "Wow! Nice shot, Elora."

"Thanks."

"Get them!" One of the apes shouted as the one with the arrow on him groaned in pain.

"Get it out of me!" he wailed pitifully.

Another soldier yanked the arrow free from his arm. The wounded one tried to stand but they had no time to recover as Ignitus and Spyro breathed fire at them. The Apes howled in pain. Some rolled in the snow to smother the flames, only for Ignitus to swipe them with his tail. Elora took advantage of the apes' disarray and fired three more arrows. The first hit an Ape in the head; the second in another's heart; and the last in a third Ape's leg. They all collapsed.

Taking a quick count, not a single ape was left standing. "Well, that takes care of them," Spyro said.

Ignitus moved over to one of the apes who were still alive. His hair was burned black and crisp and an acrid stink filled the dragon's nostrils. With the point of his spear, Ignitus pinned the ape down. "Now then, where are the Electric Dragons and their Guardian?"

"I'm not telling you anything!" the Ape croaked. Defiance blazed in his eyes.

"Either talk, or you're toast!" Spyro snarled, steam hissing from his nostrils and mouth. Elora pointed an arrow at him.

"It won't matter," the Ape said. "You can't stop us now. Lady Cynder will soon have what she needs!"

"And what is that?!" Ignitus demanded, angling his spear at the ape's throat. The ape merely laughed mockingly. Spyro charged forward and kicked him hard in the head. The ape crumbled into the snow, unconscious.

"It seems Cynder is up to something, and it involves the Electric Dragons," Ignitus said.

"Whatever it is, it can't be anything good," Sparx said.

"Then, I guess we'll just have to stop her," Spyro said. "Hopefully," he added.

They suddenly spotted a few Apes nearby, running away in terror.

"Follow them!" Spyro said, and they hurried after the Apes.

They went through the snowy area and saw a fortress or castle in the distance.

"Huh? Is that the Prison where Volteer is being held?" Spyro asked, pointing a claw at the building.

"I believe so. I've heard reports that this prison holds some of the Dark Armies' strongest prisoners, so it's likely to be heavily guarded. We will have to be on high alert," Ignitus warned.

Soon, they came to a courtyard, where several Apes were gathered around a large crystal statue of a Dragon. Ignitus gasped.

"That must be one of the Electric Dragons," he said.

"Err, that's a statue," Sparx said.

"Yes, but didn't Ignitus say that some Dragons have been turned into statues?" Elora said.

"Oh…" Sparx realized what she meant. "OH! That is seriously messed up."

"Well, let's stop talking and kick some Ape tail!" Spyro said as he made to charge forward, but then, Ignitus threw out an arm and stopped him.

"Allow me, Spyro!" he said, his face a grim mask that made the three youngsters shiver, and not from the cold. "It's time I showed you what a true Guardian is capable of."

Ignitus advanced forward, spear raised. The Apes spotted him in an instant.

"Ignitus!" cried the largest of the Apes, clearly the leader. "The last Guardian! Grab him!"

But before any of the Apes could advance, Ignitus unleashed a powerful burst of fire, so hot it melted the snow around them in seconds. The blaze seemed to be laced with streaks of magma. The Apes unfortunate enough to be nearest were disintegrated on the spot. The leader charged forward, but Ignitus slammed him back with a head-butt and swatted two more over with his tail. With a sweep of his spear, Ignitus sent out wave of fire from it, sending five Apes back.

"Whoa! He's got some moves for an old-timer!" Sparx cheered.

"You don't say!" Elora said, awed. "I always heard the Guardians were good, but that... that's just incredible!"

Ignitus summoned all his strength from within, glowing crimson like burning coals. Then he pushed it outward, unleashing a Fire Fury that reduced all the remaining Apes to ash. The Fury didn't stop there, as it then left the walls cracked and singed and nearby trees scorched entirely. Ignitus then slumped, visibly drained.

"Ignitus!" Spyro said, he, Elora and Sparx hurrying towards the Fire Guardian.

"Are you alright?" Elora asked.

"I am fine, child," Ignitus said, breathing heavily. "It becomes more draining to unleash Furies as a dragon ages."

"Then, why not let me?" Spyro asked.

"I wished to make it a point. To you, to the apes, and to myself," Ignitus said. "Seeing that dragon as a statue reminded me of all the pain and destruction the Dark Armies have wrought; and I'm ashamed to admit that this battle got a bit personal for me. Yet, I feel better taking this one dragon back with my own power. Still, I should probably take it easy for a while."

"Yeah, probably, old timer," Sparx said. "Don't want to 'burn' yourself out." He chuckled at his own joke, until Elora slapped him.

"That was rubbish!" she said, as Sparx stumbled into the snow. Ignitus, however, couldn't surpass a smile.

"How do we release that dragon?" Spyro asked, looking at the crystal statue on the plinth before them, which he now noticed was shaking slightly.

"I don't really know," Ignitus said. "I never understood how this spell works."

"Well, we can't just leave him there… or her," Spyro said, and he climbed onto the plinth. The moment he did, though, there was a sudden blinding flash of light. All four of them covered their eyes, and when the light died away, they saw - to their amazement - that the dragon was no longer crystal, but alive and moving again. Like Ignitus, he stood on two legs. He was mainly yellow, with grey wings and belly. He had metallic spirals on his large horns, shoulder plating and gauntlets.

"Ah, finally!" he said in relief, stretching his limbs and flexing his digits. "It seems like an inordinate amount of time has passed since I was turned into a statue. It can give you such stiffness and cricks." He winched as he flexed his back.

"Cosmos!" Ignitus said.

"Ignitus!" Cosmos said, spotting the Fire Guardian, as he flexed his neck. "Thank goodness. We were worried sick about you."

"Ah, it is good to see you again," Ignitus said, smiling.

"Err, who is this?" Spyro asked, confused.

Cosmos spotted Spyro and gasped. "A purple dragon! I thought the latest one was killed during the Year of the Dragon before last?"

"Well, we were lucky and I saved him just in time," Ignitus said. "This little one safely escaped to the swamp and found a new family, as well as new friends."

"Yeah, I'm Spyro, and this is Elora and Sparx."

"Cosmos, leader of the Magic Crafters, at your service," Cosmos said, with a bow.

"Magic Crafters?" Sparx asked, curiously.

"We are the ones who practice the mystical arts," Cosmos explained. "We craft artefacts to serve as conduits of magic for other dragons to use. Volteer and Cyril are the most powerful Magic Crafters, but due to their status as Guardians, leadership of the Magic Crafters falls to me."

"So you can cast spells?" Spyro said, intrigued.

"Usually, yes, but unfortunately, my staff was taken by those wretched overgrown chimps!" Cosmos said. "I still have my Electricity powers, of course, but they may be a little rusty, given I've been a statue for so long."

"Maybe you can be a big help for us," Elora said. "We're here to rescue Volteer, who Ignitus believes is also being held prisoner."

"Well, I can certainly confirm that. I also know that the other electric dragons are here as well," Cosmo said. "The old Guardian, himself, is in the main prison. And there are eggs that need rescuing as well."

"Eggs?"

"Yes, from the last Year of the Dragon; they were taken in the hope of raising them as new slaves to the Dark Master. We must get them back."

"Then you can count on me!" Spyro said, firmly.

"What about Volteer?" Elora asked.

"We'll save him, don't worry," Cosmos said. "Anyway, we won't be able to get into the main prison where he's being held, yet. There is a portal over there that leads straight inside, however we will need the Orbs that activate it." He pointed to the large portal right behind him. Around its frame there were three empty slots that were round in shape.

"There are other portals around that I believe should still be active. We'll need to use those get to the other areas of the Tundra. In each location, we'll be able to free more of the other dragons, rescue the eggs, and get the Orbs that we need."

"Sounds like a plan," Sparx said.

"You go on," Ignitus said. "I'm too tired to follow right now."

"Will you be alright?" Spyro asked anxiously.

"I'll be fine; I'll keep watch over the Portal into the main prison. You go and find the Orbs. Cosmos will take care of you."

"Okay then." Spyro turned to Cosmos. "Lead the way."

"It would be my honour, young dragon," Cosmos said, bowing in respect. The gesture made Spyro a tad self-conscious.

"Uh… you can just call me Spyro."

So, the three young friends set off with the magic dragon along one path leading out of the courtyard.

"So, how will those Orbs, whatever they are, help?" Sparx asked.

"The Orbs are special artefacts that are rich in magical energy, and can power all manner of amazing devices, such as the Portals," Cosmos explained. "They were crafted from Spirit Gems many generations ago, back when we were still building our settlements throughout Avalar. The Orbs can also provide brief boosts of strength to a dragon, which could prove useful to us."

They arrived at a Portal at the end of the path. Crystals of ice grew around the frame, glittering in the sunlight. "This should take us to Ice Citadel," Cosmos said. "Now, we should tread carefully. The local Trolls there serve the Apes, and may rat us out if they choose to. A silver lining is those ones will still be alive. I find those reanimated ones awfully disturbing."

Just then, they heard a screeching roar, somewhere in the distance. It echoed through the mountains, making the sound seem to come from multiple sides. "What was that?" Sparx said fearfully.

"I think it might be Cynder," Cosmos said, pointing into the sky. A black shape was flying away from the fortress in the distance.

"Whoa…" Spyro's eyes widened. Even from this distance, he could tell Cynder was big.

"She does look threatening…" Elora said in agreement.

"Well yeah, she is evil!" Sparx said.

"And that's why she must be stopped," Cosmos said. "Let's go!"

With that, the foursome stepped through the portal to get to the Ice Citadel.

Inside the Ice Citadel, the walls were metal, lined with ice. Cosmos, Spyro, Sparx and Elora arrived inside a safe spot, in a chamber that was full of iron cages; prison cells. Each one was filled with poor souls of various species. Spyro saw some bearded prisoners wearing long robes and pointy hats. Cosmos muttered at the sight of them, calling them Wizards. They were shivering and Trolls were patrolling the hallways.

"Whoa," Elora said as she looked around.

"This place is a dump…" Sparx said.

"Indeed," Cosmos said. "This place was built for prisoners to slowly freeze to death. We have to free them, and the other Dragons that are in here."

"What about the Orb and the eggs?" Spyro asked.

"If I'm right, the Orb is likely kept in the centre of the Citadel, and the eggs too. I dread to think of how they are coping in this cold. Now be careful. We'll need to move quietly so that we don't alert the guards."

"Oh, so we're going all stealthy then?" Sparx said, intrigued. "Swift and silent; I like it."

"I'm glad you do," Cosmos said with a thoughtful expression. "But then again, it's possible the guards have measures to detect any dragons that enter this place. Moving around without being noticed may be almost impossible."

There was a moment's silence, and then Elora spoke up. "Then, I'll go."

"You sure you can handle it?" Spyro asked his sister.

"I'm positive. I can be quiet and avoid being seen," Elora said. "It'll be just like those games of tag we played in the Swamp."

"All right but be careful, and stay away from the Trolls. It's best you can't let them find you," Cosmo said. "Otherwise, they'll raise the alarm. Once you get to the centre, shut off the security and we'll meet you there." Elora nodded in acknowledgement.

"Sparx, I think you should go with her, and make sure you be quiet," Spyro said.

"Sure, sure, quiet as a mouse" Sparx said. "You think I don't know how these things work?"

"Come on, let's go," Elora waved for him.

She and Sparx proceeded down the corridor. Elora hid behind a chest, as a Troll slowly walked past on patrol. The moment the coast was clear, she went on silently, Sparx following close behind her. The Citadel was freezing. Elora was thankful for Sapia's coat, but Sparx was shivering uncontrollably. Up until now, Spyro and Ignitus had given off enough heat to keep them warm. Now though, without either dragon, Sparx was completely exposed to the cold.

"C-can I share your coat?" he asked through chattering teeth.

"Yes, but be quiet," Elora hissed. "You'll give us away." Sparx disappeared inside one of her pockets. Elora realised that this would also keep the guards from seeing his bright, golden body.

Soon, they saw a door guarded by two Trolls that were half asleep. Elora looked for a way past them and saw some rocks nearby.

Guess I'll have to knock them out, she said, and she bent down and picked up a rock. Remembering how her father taught her to knock fruits from high tree branches, Elora rotated her arm a few times. She then threw the rock at the nearest Troll.

The rock hit the Troll right in the forehead. "Oof!" he grunted. The Troll swayed for a moment. Then he collapsed to the floor, unconscious. The other Troll woke up but failed to notice the rock rolling across the floor. He went over to rouse his partner but Elora hit him with a second rock. He collapsed across his partner.

"Yes... Two for two." Elora scurried up to the Trolls and took the keys from one's belt. She unlocked the door and slipped through. On the other side, she found she was in another prison block with more people trapped inside cells.

"Whoa, this isn't good," Elora said to herself in worry. This was way more than she was expecting to be dealing with.

Just then, the prisoner in the nearest cell came forward. It was an Emperor penguin that looked rather the worse for wear. His feathers were dirty and unruffled and he looked very underfed.

"Are you here to liberate us, miss?" he asked; his voice came out rather raspy, but still sophisticated.

"I am," Elora said. "I'm Elora, and I'm here with my friends, Spyro and Cosmos."

"Smashing! The name's Byrd; Sergeant James Byrd," the penguin said, inclining his head. "I was one of the leaders here against the Dark Armies, until they tossed me in here, and decided to let me starve to death."

"That's awful!"

"Yes, indeed." Sgt Byrd coughed, as Elora offered him a water jug resting in front of the cell. Perhaps it was there to taunt him out of reach.

"Here, it's not much but it could help you."

Byrd drank most of the jug in one go and lowered it with a satisfied sigh. He appeared to look a bit better. "Thank you, miss. Now if only I could get back my rocket launchers and some fish to fully regain my strength…"

"Well, for now, let's get you out of here," Elora said, as she unlocked the door to Byrd's cell and helped him out. "But first, I need to reach the centre and retrieve one of the Orbs. We need it to rescue the Electric Guardian, Volteer." She unlocked the doors to the other cells, allowing the other prisoners to step out. Many of them were Moles, each of them shivering violently.

"Thank you, faun…" one of the Moles said.

"Bless you for saving us…" another Mole said.

"It's no problem. Just stay with Sergeant Byrd and be careful on your way out. Head towards the portal and you'll meet up with two Dragons, Cosmos and Spyro," Elora said.

"They are Dragons here?" a Mole asked

"Yes, and you'll be safe with them." She turned to Byrd. "Will you be okay to lead them? "

"I'll be fine, miss…" Byrd said as he coughed a bit. "Just be careful if you're venturing deeper. Some Apes are here, as well."

"I know." Elora crept back to the door, and cautiously peeked out. The coast was clear.

"Okay, go," she whispered to the others, and stood back to let them pass. Once they were gone, she locked the door behind her and replaced the keys on the Troll she'd taken them from. As she crept off, she soon heard a yell.

"Hey, are you two sleeping on the job again?!"

Elora giggled quietly to herself as she went ahead, and continued sneaking past Trolls in the halls. Soon, she and Sparx arrived at the centre, which, surprisingly, was deserted. The faun looked around and spotted an orb in a pile of gold. Further along the room, she also saw dragon eggs that were being kept under a heater.

"There's the orb and those Eggs," Elora said, as Sparx peeked out of his coat pocket.

"Sweet, let's get the stuff and get out."

"We can't leave yet, there are still more prisoners who we have to save. But first..." Elora went over to the control console and began shutting off the security system. The monitors appeared to display images from the heat scanners and sensors made to detect the Dragons.

"There, now Spyro and Cosmos can move around."

"Hey, boys! There's a faun in here!"

Elora whirred round. Her heart leapt into her mouth. The Ape in charge of the Citadel, Voty Ghostthief, had just entered the room.

"Oh swamp muck..." Elora gasped.

"Eeek! Busted..." Sparx said, diving back inside his pocket, scared.

"Tell me, cutie? Why are you here alone?" Voty asked Elora. But she remained silent, slowly reaching for her sword. "Silent, huh? We'll have to manage that!"

Voty drew a stick of dynamite and threw it at Elora. She dived out of the way. The dynamite exploded as more Apes arrived.

"Grab her!" Voty cried. His compatriots charged forward with howls. Elora dodged one of their axes and swiped her sword at the owner's back, causing him to collapse with a shriek of pain. She then stabbed the next ape in the stomach and kicked the third in the face. His jaw shattered under her hoof. The third ape grabbed Elora by the sword arm. With her other hand, Elora grabbed an arrow from her quiver and drove it into his neck. The final ape went down when Elora kicked him hard between his legs. Clutching where her hoof had struck, the ape threw up over the floor. Elora danced away from the mess.

"Okay, on second thought, never do that again," she said to herself, disgusted.

"You're a tough girl," Voty Ghostthief said, "but it'll take more than that to stop me."

"Then, how about three of us?" came a voice from behind Elora. Spyro and Cosmos ran to join her.

"The Purple Dragon!" Voty said. "Now I can claim that reward!"

"Not on my watch!" Cosmos said, and he fired a blast of Electricity at Voty. But Voty activated a shield that repelled the blast, causing it to hit Spyro instead, sending him flying backwards.

"OW!" Spyro cried, stunned by the shock as he lay on the floor.

"Spyro!" Elora and Sparx said in worry.

"Ha, ha, ha! Not so tough against my barrier huh?" Voty laughed mockingly.

"Then I guess we'll just have to work round it!" Cosmos said. He charged forward, aiming a jab at the Ape. The Ape blocked it with the barrier and used his elbow to strike the dragon's cheek. Cosmos ducked and swiped with his wing, managing to gash the Ape's face. Growling in pain and anger, the Ape kicked out at Cosmos' knee. He missed, but hit Cosmos' ankle instead. The Magic Crafter yelled in pain as he dropped onto one knee.

"Pathetic!" the Ape sneered. "You dragons have lost your touch!"

"Not quite!" Spyro said, as he got back up. The shock he'd received had left him with a strange tingling all over his body that now seemed to gather into his mouth. A moment later, a bolt of Electricity sprang from his lips and hit the Ape in the side, making him scream in pain.

"Whoa, that was cool!" Sparx said surprised.

"Heh, yeah!" Spyro said with a smirk as Voty twitched violently, stunned from the shocks. He shook his head, and then, scrambled to his feet, hissing furiously.

"You'll pay for that, you little whelp!" he snarled, and activated the shield again. Cosmos and Spyro fired Electricity at him, shunting him backwards as he struggled to hold off the combined blasts. Elora took advantage of his distraction to draw an arrow and shot Voty in the arm. He howled in pain and foolishly lowered his guard, allowing the Electric bursts to hit him in full force and send him crashing into the wall, leaving Voty electrocuted, with a broken neck.

"How's that for a little whelp?" Spyro said, smugly.

"I am impressed, young dragon," Cosmos praised.

"Heh, thanks," Spyro grinning. "I think I'm really going to enjoy using this Electric Breath. But I can still use my fire, right?"

"I believe so. You just need to focus on which element really suits you in the moment."

"We do need to get the Orb and Eggs out of here before more Apes come by," Elora reminded them. "And we need to rescue the other Dragons in here."

"Right, matters first."

Cosmos and Elora quickly grabbed the Orb and Eggs and made their way back through the Citadel to the Portal, where Sgt Byrd and the freed Moles were waiting, along with the wizards who had been released by Spyro and Cosmos earlier.

Meanwhile, Spyro went looking for the other Dragons imprisoned in the Citadel. The first he found in one of the higher cells. Remembering how he had released Cosmos earlier, Spyro walked up to the statue and touched it. The Dragon released was a male named Zantor, who was lean and dressed like a wizard, with a pointed hat, bound-up cape and a cloth around his waist.

"Thank you so much, young dragon," Zantor said, straightening his hat. "So glad to be able to move again!"

The other, found on the lowest level, was a female named Eldrid, an alchemist with goggles, tubes for horns and calculations written on her wings.

"That's more like it," Eldrid said, adjusting her goggles. "Your timing is most adequate."

Soon, they were all gathered in the courtyard.

"Thank you for the daring rescue, you sure came at the right time," Byrd said, saluting his new friends.

"Glad to be of help," Elora said. "I don't suppose any of you know what they've been doing to Volteer."

"Oh, the old Guardian of Electricity in the main fortress," Byrd said. "Well, I heard those two guards outside my cell saying something about some kind of crystal Cynder had brought along, but they didn't know the details."

"Well, we saw her leaving so I guess whatever she's been doing with it is done," Spyro said. "I guess the only way we'll find out what it was for is by getting into the fortress. We have two more Orbs to go! Come on!"

"You go on ahead," Cosmos said. "We'll tend to these guys. Take care."

"We will," Spyro said, as he, Elora and Sparx hurried off to the next Portal.

A/N: I decided to make Eldrid female here, for more diversity, you know.