Chapter 7: Underwater Currents, part 1
Professor Mendelcomb sat in his lab, studying the enemy's map and comparing it to his own of the realms. He worked late into the night, only allowing himself a few hours of sleep. Then by dawn he had set back to work deciphering where the other Dragons were being kept. The Professor felt he was close to finding another group of them.
"Hmmmm, I'm close to solving this puzzle," The Professor said to himself. After a few more moments, he cried out. "Ah-ha, that's where the Wind Dragons are being kept!"
A little later, Spyro, Sparx and Elora were up and about. They yawned as they entered the lab to find the Professor deep in discussion with Ignitus and Volteer.
"Ah, you're awake, young ones," Ignitus said, spotting the trio. "I trust you all slept well?"
"Yes," Spyro said. He hadn't had a nightmare last night, so that was better than previously.
"Where are we headed today?" Elora said, with a soft yawn.
"The Crystal Island Cities," the Professor said. "I believe it's where the Wind Dragons are being held."
"Sweet, so we'll go there and save the next Guardian, right?" Sparx asked.
"I'm afraid it's not that simple," Ignitus said with a frown.
"Of course it isn't," Sparx said sarcastically. Spyro and Elora both glared at him.
"The Crystal Island Cities are the realm of the Water Dragons," The Professor explained. "As such, most of their habitat lies underwater."
"Indeed," Volteer mused. "The Water Dragons have respiratory systems that allow them to function in aquatic environments as well as on terra firma. You lot, however, cannot inhale water without filling your lungs."
"What?" Sparx said.
"We can't breathe underwater," the Professor translated.
"I swear he's not using proper words," the dragonfly complained.
"So, how will we get underwater?" Elora asked.
"Well, there is a village on the surface where the Water Dragons can trade with travellers. However, it currently under Ape control. If we drive them out, the locals might assist us," Ignitus said.
"Okay then, help the village and get underwater. But... how will we get underwater? We can't hold our breath very long," Spyro said.
"That's why you'll be getting underwater gear so you can survive down there," The Professor said.
"I trust you know how to swim," Ignitus added.
"Of course, we do," Spyro said. "We've had to retrieve fish from the rivers. Well, Elora and I know to swim; Sparx can't."
"We dragonflies aren't built to be in water," Sparx said, not sounding too disappointed. "Maybe I should sit this out."
"That's fine. We could use a set of eyes above the water, in case enemy reinforcements arrive," The Professor suggested.
"I'm sure me and Elora will handle this ourselves. With you and Volteer coming, nothing should stop us," Spyro said.
"Sorry, young lad," Volteer replied. "But Cynder's orb has depleted all my vitality. It is extenuating enough for me to navigate the hideout. In my current state, I would be an impediment on the battlefield."
"Indeed, and I won't be of use underwater because my fire won't work," Ignitus said. "I may be strong, but I have my limits."
"But who's gonna cover us then?" Elora asked.
"I will," Sapia said. She had just entered the room. "I'm a good swimmer myself, and I'd be honoured to fight alongside you."
"I don't see why not," Elora said, smiling.
"Excellent," the Professor said. "Now, before you go, I have one more thing to mention, I may be close to finding the location of the Ice Dragons. I can't be certain, but they could be at Tall Plains."
"I see," Ignitus said. He thought for a few moments. "Sapia, go tell your archers to prepare to head out to Tall Plains. Have them scout ahead and bring back any information that could help us. If possible, they should try and rescue some of the Dragons there."
"Yes Ignitus," Sapia said and she hurried off to inform her troops.
"Now we just need to set the coordinates for the Crystal Cities," The Professor said as he began inputting numbers into the portal's control panel. After a few moments, it activated.
"When you are ready, young Dragon," Ignitus said. "Let us seek out Aureole, the Wind Guardian and bring her and her fellow Dragons back safely."
"Best of fortunes and prosperity to you all," Volteer said, just as Sapia returned with a number of her best Archers.
"Take care, Commander," said a bearded faun with black hair.
"I always do, Zen," Sapia said. "You lot keep out of sight at Tall Plains and report anything that might be useful to us."
"Yes, ma'am," Zen said, saluting.
"Now then," Sapia said. "Let's go!" And without further ado, she, Ignitus, Elora, Spyro and Sparx stepped into the Portal.
In the middle of the sea, a small group of islands sat in close proximity. They were called the Crystal Islands, because large crystals grew everywhere, even on the palm trees. They weren't Spirit Gems, but they were beautiful, and had been used to by the Water Dragons as building materials, both above and below the water. It was a beautiful place; or at least, they had been until the Dark Armies took over. Now, the buildings lay in ruins.
As our heroes arrived on the scene, Spyro, Sparx and Elora were amazed at the surrounding scenery. "Wow..." Elora said.
Sparx whistled. "Okay, this place isn't that bad. I have now found my vacation spot."
"It is very beautiful here," Spyro said, looking at the ruins.
"Yes, indeed," Ignitus said. "However, the sight of these ruins breaks my heart. Not long ago, they were once buildings. Then the Apes arrived and destroyed everything around them. The Water Dragons were famous for their amazing craftsmanship. As an Artisan, myself, I think they were the best. But now, these crystals are being used for armour and riches. And the citizens are being forced to mine them."
"Well then, we'll just have to put a stop to that," Spyro said.
"Hold on, Spyro. We don't even know where they are!" Ignitus said. "We will save them, I promise. But be patient."
"Oh, right. Maybe you should lead, as most of us are new to this place," Spyro said.
Ignitus nodded. With that, they proceeded forward. The young trio continued to be enthralled by the Crystals here and there. Then, they came to the opening of a cave. Inside, they could hear a faint clanging like pick axes. Then a voice yelled from inside.
"Put your backs into it, you lazy bums!"
And there was a cry of pain from inside, like someone had just been struck.
"It sounds like someone is in trouble," Spyro said, concerned. "We have to help them."
"Not so fast. We should first observe the area and assess the situation," Ignitus said. "Sparx, care to do the honors?"
"Oh, it's because I'm small, huh?" Sparx sighed. "All right."
Sparx went inside, keeping to the shadows. Soon, he found himself in a large cavern. Several creatures were shackled together, mining crystals, while the Apes watched over them with cruel glares. There were turtles, seals, otters and a number of squat creatures in tattered robes. They all looked malnourished and beaten. They were swinging pick axes at the walls. Some were shaking so badly it was a wonder how they were still standing.
"Move it! Back to work!" one of the Apes ordered, cracking his whip at a turtle, scaring him. Sparx winced as he headed back outside.
"It's bad! Those Ape guys are forcing those creatures to get those Crystals," Sparx said. "They've got whips and everything!"
"What do we do, Ignitus?" Elora asked, but it was Sapia who spoke.
"You come in with me. We'll shoot them from behind; catch them unawares."
"That's too lenient," Spyro said. "They deserve more than that!" And without warning, he charged into the cave.
"Spyro, wait!" Ignitus cried, but it was too late.
"Oh great!" Sparx said, slapping a palm into his face
Ignitus hurried in after Spyro, just as the Purple Dragon ran into the mining side.
"Hey creeps, pick on someone your size!" Spyro shouted, making the Apes jump as they saw him.
"It's the Purple Dragon!" an Ape shouted. "Get him!"
Spyro charged at two apes, knocking them down. He then let loose with a stream of Electricity at another Ape and used it to slam him into his fellows. However, one of them nearly fell on one of the prisoners.
"Hey, watch it!" the turtle said.
"Oh, sorry," Spyro said.
"I thought I told you to be patient, Spyro!" Ignitus chastised; he had just entered behind him.
The remaining Apes cried out at the sight of Ignitus. "It's the Fire Guardian and he still has his powers! Get him!" the lead Ape shouted.
Two Apes leapt at Igntius and grabbed on to him, just as Spyro burnt another soldier in the face with his Fire. Before he could aid Ignitus, however, Elora and Sapia took out the two Apes that had grabbed Ignitus by firing arrows. They dropped to the floor with cries of pain.
"That will teach you to treat people that way!" Spyro said, smiling triumphantly.
"Spyro, that was incredibly reckless of you!" Ignitus scolded furiously.
"Well, these Apes were hurting innocent people, and I had to teach them a lesson," Spyro said, somewhat uneasily.
"Did you even stop to consider what you might have been about to charge into? How many Apes there were? How they were armed? How easily they could have surrounded you? Did you think to check any of that before you revealed yourself, fangs blazing?!"
When pressed, Spyro found he had no answer and his gaze dropped to Ignitus' feet. "In battle you need to think before you act, or else you could end up captured or worse!" Ignitus continued sternly. Feeling that the young dragon was appropriately scolded, he turned away and instructed Spyro to help him free the prisoners. Meanwhile, Elora and Sapia started tying up the Apes.
"Dragons here to save us," said a sea blue and green turtle named Frank. "Thank the powers above."
"Bless you, noble creatures," an otter named Tod said in agreement.
"Don't mention it," Spyro said, rather sheepishly. "You lot alright?"
"We are. Some of us are just tired from all this mining. Some of us were badly wounded by those Apes' whips," Frank said.
"Yikes, I certainly don't want to see that..." Sparx said, wincing again.
"Are there more of your people? Do they need help as well?" Ignitus asked.
"Yes, Guardian Dragon," Frank said. "There are more mines across the islands. My wife; my children; our friends; they are all working in separate mines and we haven't seen them for weeks! Please save them!"
"We will," Ignitus promised, gently. "No one is being left behind here."
"While we're here," Spyro said, "you couldn't tell us where the Wind Dragons are being kept?"
One of the squat creatures came forward.
"They're all being kept underwater," he said. "Apparently, the idea is that even if someone frees them, they'll drown."
"Oh boy…" Spyro said.
"I know, those Ape jerks aren't dumb as they look," Sparx agreed.
"Hey, we can hear you!" yelled one of the bound Apes. Sapia knocked him out with a punch.
"Well, Ignitus did say we'd be going underwater," Elora reminded her brothers.
"Ah yes," Spyro said. He turned back to Tod and Frank. "You don't know where we could get some underwater gear, do you?"
"Well, there is a store that sells that stuff. I think it's still standing. The shopkeeper's a bear called Moneybags," Tod said. "Word is, he's a travelling merchant."
"Moneybags? Sounds like a real cheapskate," Sparx said.
"The shop is in the south," Frank added. "But you are right, little dragonfly; Moneybags usually charges an arm and a leg for his wares. Although..." He thought for a moment. "He loves these Gems. I bet he'll happily give you what you need for a generous amount of them."
"But what if he rats us out to the Apes?" Elora asked.
"I doubt it," Tod said. "All that bear cares about is money; just pay him to keep quiet and he will."
"Very well," Ignitus said, though he looked very weary.
Unfortunately, what our heroes didn't know was that one of the Apes had managed to send a signal to Gaul, to inform him that the Purple Dragon had appeared again. Gaul and Cynder were pleased.
"Perfect! Aureole is next," Cynder grinned hungrily. "We need to leave immediately, before that Purple whelp reaches her."
"Don't worry, my dear," Sirorrialth said, as he approached with Bianca in tow. "I'll deal with him."
"So is that Dragon dangerous?" Bianca asked nervously.
"He is, but he may also prove a powerful ally" Gaul said. "Sirorrialth! Make sure Spyro is separated from Ignitus, and then subdue him! No killing!"
"As you wish," Sirorrialth bowed in respect, as he and Bianca left. Gaul handed Cynder the next Orb she needed to do her part. She nodded, inclined her head and flew off.
Back on the Crystal Islands, the group set off to search for the shop and Moneybags, after freeing the prisoners in the mine.
"So, where will we find this Moneybags guy?" Sparx asked.
"Well where we find his shop," Spyro said. "But Frank is right, we do need gems and treasures to get underwater gear."
They had considered taking some gems from the mine they'd just been in, but they had nothing to carry it in; plus, they'd decided to determine the price first before anything else.
"What about the other prisoners?" Elora asked.
"I'll see to them," Ignitus said. "You lot deal with this Moneybags guy, but stick together and tread carefully."
"Will you be alright?" Spyro said, a note of concern in his voice.
"I'll be fine," Ignitus said. "I've still got a lot of fight in me."
"What if you get captured?" Elora asked.
"They won't get the chance," Ignitus replied. "I can take care of myself. I trust you'll do the same." He raised a warning eyebrow at Spyro.
"Yes, Ignitus," Spyro said, hanging his head. Ignitus nodded approvingly, spread his wings and flew off.
The remaining group set off in search of Moneybags' store; all the while making sure to avoid any patrols of Apes. The Apes here sported harpoons and spears and they seemed to be well-equipped for swimming, though their gear was clearly too large for Spyro, Elora or Sapia to use.
At last, they came upon a small stand, close to the water's edge. Besides stood a large bear with a smart suit, a monocle over one eye and a large money bag in one hand.
"This that Moneybags?" Elora asked.
"Hmmm, snobby bear in a fancy suit... yeah I think it could be our guy," Sparx said.
"Well let's ask him and find out," Spyro said.
The group approached the stand, just as Moneybags spotted them. "Ah, hello there, my fellow creatures, are you new here?" the bear asked.
"Yeah, we're travellers," Elora said. They decided beforehand that it would be best not to tell Moneybags who they really were.
"Hmmmm, you guests look different from the sea creatures and Apes on the islands."
"So what if we do?" Sapia said. "We wish to explore the ocean, and we understand that you sell diving gear. We've heard you'd be happy to trade them for gems, I believe."
"That is correct," Moneybags said, jangling his bag. It clicked with the sound of many small gems bouncing against each other.
"How much for three sets of breathing apparatuses?" Sapia asked. She spoke calmly, but her right hand was wrapped around the handle of her dagger sheathed in her belt.
"Hmmm, why for each set of underwater gear, I would say, two-hundred gems, each!" Moneybags said with a smirk.
"Any idea where we can get those?" Spyro said.
"So you don't have them?" Moneybags frowned with clear disappointment. "Well, if you are short on treasure, I heard that the Apes keep piles of gems in a vault somewhere on the island."
"Hold up, you suggesting that we steal the Apes' treasure?" Elora asked, an eyebrow raised.
"I suggest nothing of the sort. Though, it would hardly be a crime to steal from thieves," Moneybags replied as though butter wouldn't melt. "Those Apes are so greedy, they'll hog anything that glitters. They even refuse to deal for my wares! What nerve!"
He then touched a finger to his chin thoughtfully. "Although… I also heard that they're offering a nice reward to anyone who apprehends a certain dragon. Can't remember what kind, though..." His eyes fell upon Spyro appraisingly. "Why, the amount they'd offer would be enough to bury myself in."
Sapia whipped out her dagger and seized Moneybags' collar, holding the blade to his neck. "You breathe a word about us to anyone and you will be buried in your money six feet under!" she hissed.
"Whoa, easy there," Moneybags blustered. "I can happily keep my lips sealed for a little extra; let's say, three-hundred gems?"
"Fine!" Sapia said, angrily tossing the bear onto the ground. "You better have the gear ready for us when we get back!"
"Well, no need to be rude about it!" Moneybags grumbled, dusting the sand off his suit.
"Come on, we should find this treasure cave," Spyro said.
Meanwhile, Sirorrialth and Bianca had arrived on Crystal Islands. As soon as the islands were within sight, Cynder broke off to drain Aureole's energy for her next Orb.
"That signal came from this island," Sirorrialth said. "So the Purple Dragon must be here."
"Unless he flew off to another island?" Bianca suggested.
"Well, he can't have gotten far," the Sorcerer said. "If he wants to save the Wind Dragons, he'll have to go into the ocean. The Purple Dragon has many remarkable abilities, but not even he can breathe underwater. Assuming he appeared recently, he'll be searching for a way to traverse the sea floor."
"Alright then," Bianca said. "That makes sense."
"Now, to find that dragon and handle him personally," Sirorrialth said with a grin. "And if we can separate him from Ignitus, we can have all the more fun."
"I don't think you have to," Bianca said, pointing to a nearby island. There was Ignitus fighting through a group of Ape Guards to free more locals in chains.
"Ah," Sirorrialth said, grinning more widely. "That Purple Dragon will be a cinch to capture now."
"Oh, of course," Bianca said, remembering her orders from Deina. "Such a powerful Sorcerer like yourself should have no trouble whatsoever. I dare say you could take on that Dragon with only a fraction of your power."
Sirorrialth chuckled smugly. "Wait until you see what I can do to the Dragon. You'll be impressed."
"I'm sure I will be," Bianca said, hoping that she wouldn't have to.
Back with the group, they were looking for the cave where the Apes were housing their treasure. "So, where do you think this cave could be?" Sparx asked.
"Somewhere on this island, Moneybags said," Sapia answered. "Apart from that, I have no idea. We'll have to search every cave we can find, I think."
"Maybe I can 'elp, ye landlubbers," came a voice from above them. They all jumped and looked up. A pelican was flying down towards them. He was wearing a bandanna around his head, a backpack and a sash with a hip-flask.
"Hang on!" Sapia said. "You're a Breezebuilder, aren't you?"
"Aye, that's me," the pelican said, as he landed in front of them. "Name's Glen, but me mates call me 'Beaky'. Them Ape landlubbers keep their treasure in a vault at Breeze 'Arbour, where they're 'olding me mates. I managed to escape meself, but only just."
"Nice to meet you, I'm Elora," the younger faun said. "This is Sapia; and this is Spyro and Sparx, my foster brothers."
"Hello," Spyro said, waving at Beaky.
"Well, scuttling crabs, a Purple Dragon 'ere," Beaky said, looking at Spyro in wonder. "I thought the last one was either dead or 'ad abandoned us."
"Well, I am here and alive. So there's treasure in Breeze Harbour?"
"Aye, lots o' riches an' gems. The Apes 'ave been stealin' riches fer about a yearrr since the last Yearrr o' the Dragon. They 'ide 'em there until their ship comes to take it all away."
"Can you take us there?" Sapia asked. "We need gems to pay Moneybags so we can rescue the Dragons trapped underwater."
"Ah, that money-grubbin' bear," Beaky said. "I've dealt with 'im before; take my advice, an' always carry more than you initially bargained with. Ye never know when 'e might alter the deal. But to answer your question; aye, I can. An' will you 'elp me save me mates?"
"Yeah, we'll save your friends," Spyro said nodding.
"That's what we heroes do," Sparx said, a slight hint of resignation in his voice.
"Then follow me, mateys," Beaky said as he took off again. Spyro, Sparx and the fauns followed him. Not too far behind them was Sirorrialth and Bianca.
The Sorcerer was following Spyro's scent. "The young dragon isn't too far now..."
Beaky led the group to a boat moored at the shore, which he used to help those who couldn't fly like him. He, Elora and Sapia climbed into it to travel to the Harbour, while Spyro and Sparx chose to fly. After sailing around the islands for a few minutes, they saw smoke ahead and heard machinery.
"'Ere it is mateys, Breeze 'Arbour."
There was a large ship moored at the dock, with Apes embarking and disembarking regularly, carrying Gems on board. Beaky moored the boat a good distance from the dock, and the group quietly made their way towards the harbour. As they hid behind a large boiler, they spotted another Breezebuilder driving a trolley that was pulling a cart full of gems and supplies. The track the trolley was on led away towards the cliffs.
"Move it, you bird brain! Otherwise, we'll cook you!" the Ape on watch roared at the Breezebuilder, cracking his whip.
The heroes took cover to discuss a plan. "Well, they sure know how to run a nice place..." Sparx said, annoyed.
"It used to be a nice place until the apes took o'er an' turned our island into a minin' site fer gems. We'll need to get the Breezebuilders together to take back our land," Beaky said. "That 'ere track leads up to the vault where they keep their Gems; me mates are tasked with minin' the cliffs for more.
"I suggest we wait until that Ape we just saw is completely alone, and I drop him with an arrow," Sapia said. "Unless Spyro here wants to rush fangs blazing again?" she added, an edge to her voice.
"No, no," Spyro said, Ignitus' anger still fresh in his memory. "I'm not gonna do that this time."
"Good lad," Sapia said. "Very well, then..." She loaded an arrow into her crossbow, took aim and waited.
As the Ape they'd seen earlier walked by on patrol, he smelled something for a moment, but then he shrugged and walked on. Sapia fired her arrow into the Ape's back, causing him to fall over with a howl of pain that was swiftly silenced when Sapia ran forwards and knocked him out with a kick to the head.
"Okay, the coast is clear," Sapia said, signalling to the others, and together, they proceeded along the track towards a gate guarded by two Apes.
"Quiet, them scurvy dogs be defendin' the track," Beaky warned.
"Allow me," Elora said, and in seconds, she hit the two Apes with two arrows fired in quick succession. They cried out in pain, then Elora charged forward, and slammed her hoof in the chest of one of them; Spyro dropped the other with a charge.
"Nice work," Beaky noted, as Spyro grabbed the key they needed.
"Hey, Beaky, me ol' mate, is that you?" The Breezebuilder they had seen earlier had just approached the gate with his trolley and empty cart.
"Aye, it's me, Fisher," Beaky said. "These are me new friends; we've come to get you and the others out of 'ere."
"Oh that's good to 'ear," Fisher said, with hope in his face. "Come on, jump onto this 'ere cart; I'll get ye there!"
"Cool!" Elora said, just as Spyro unlocked the gate. They all jumped into the cart, which was a tight fit, and Fisher wheeled them off.
"All aboard the 'Arbour Express!" Fisher said.
The cart rattled along the track. As they climbed up towards the cliffs, Spyro and Elora noticed various boilers around the areas and several ships.
"Whoa, this place is impressive," Spyro said amazed.
"Gives us another good reason to save this place," Elora agreed.
"Glad ye think so," Fisher said. "Once our mates are freed, we can take this here place back from those scurvy Apes."
Soon, the track levelled out and the heroes saw a ledge where a number of Breezebuilders burrowing into the rock, watched by two Apes.
"Get down!" Beaky hissed, and he and the others ducked under the rim of the cart.
The Apes on patrol noted the cart rattling by, but did nothing to stop it, allowing it to pass. The heroes were safe.
"Whew, that was close," Spyro said.
"You said it," Sparx said. "Now where are the rest of those Breezebuilders?"
"They're likely at the Vault, preparin' more trolleys," Fisher replied. "I suggest ye stay down an' surprise 'em when we get there."
"Good idea," Sapia said, and they ducked down again.
Soon, they reached the Vault at the end of the track. Two Apes were standing guard.
"Ready to collect the next batch," Fisher said.
"Proceed," said one of the Apes in a bored voice. But as Fisher went on, Sapia and Elora quickly dropped him and his companion with shots to the neck. The two Apes dropped dead as the trolley entered the vault and the heroes saw the other Breezebuilders forced to work in the Vault.
"Well we're here," Spyro whispered. "Now it's time to free them."
"Let's go!" Beaky said, and they climbed out. The Breezebuilders gasped at the sight of them.
"The Purple Dragon, 'ere?"
"Shivers me timbers!"
"Avast, saviours 'ere!"
Spyro, Elora and Sapia began going round, breaking the chains that trapped the Breezebuilders.
"You guys alright?" Elora asked.
"Oh we are. Thanks to ye heroes."
"We thought the Purple Dragon was gone."
"Well, as I said before, here I am to help," Spyro smiled.
After freeing the Breezebuilders, they all gathered together to discuss their plan.
"Thanks for freein' us, if there's anythin' ye need, let us know."
"Well we heard that the Apes keep gems and treasures in this Vault," Elora said. "Could you help us gather, um, nine-hundred gems into a trolley. We need it to pay someone named Moneybags."
"Why are ye doin' business with 'im?" Fisher demanded. "That bleedin' ol' snob!"
"We need to purchase diving gear," Spyro said. "We're going to free the Wind Dragons trapped underwater."
"And we're aware of what sneaky he can be," Sapia said. "Don't worry, I'll make sure he doesn't try any monkey business."
"Right. Well, I suppose it be 'em Apes footin' the bill, anyhow," Fisher said. He and the rest of the Breezebuilders began gathering Gems and loading them into the cart.
"Once we get back down to the Harbour," Sapia continued, "we'll deal with the rest of the Apes. You lot with us?"
"'Course we are," Fisher said. "With you at our side, we'll stand a good chance."
At the other end of the track, Sirorrialth and Bianca had arrived at the Harbour and were trying to pick up Spyro's trail.
"Ah, the dragon is here," Sirorrialth said. "Though it appears the Apes are unaware of him being here."
"Well, should they know?" Bianca asked. Just then, they heard the sounds of scuffles, cries of pain and whooshes of fire
"I think they know now," "Sirorrialth said. "Stand back, Bianca. It's time to show this whelp what a real dragon can do."
"I wish you luck, O grandiose one," Bianca said. "Give him a taste of your power. But remember; they want him alive."
"I know," the Sorcerer said, as he charged towards the battle.
After travelling back down from the Vault, Spyro and his allies had begun their mission to take back the Harbour, but the Apes were putting up stark resistance. And it was about to get worse.
Just as Spyro tail-whipped an Ape, a blast of magic nearly hit him.
"What was that?!"
"Well, well, well," came a slithering voice, "the second Purple Dragon." Sirorrialth stood before them, staff in hand.
"Wh-who are you?" Sparx asked, looking scared.
"It's the Sorcerer, Sirorrialth!" Sapia said.
"Siro-what?" Spyro asked, confused.
"Sirorrialth, you foolish boy! Since you're new here, I should introduce myself; I am a servant of the Dark Master and an expert in dark magic."
"Not to mention a traitorous freak, along with Red!" Sapia said, glaring at him. "You know dark magic is a forbidden practice!"
"Do I care, goat-legs?" Sirorrialth hissed. "I am not so afraid to delve into such portents as those timid Magic Crafters! For I am a real Dragon!"
"Oh, really?" Spyro said. "How do you think that?"
"Because..." He then removed his hood. Spryo gasped as the Sorcerer revealed himself to be a Purple Dragon like him. However, there was something unsettling about the darker shade of his scales. "I can be your greatest nightmare because I have the power to do that!"
He raised his staff and fired a dark magic blast at Spyro, who dodged out of the way.
"Is that the best you can do?" Spyro smirked.
"No, this is only the beginning," Sirorrialth said. "Now, are you going to come quietly or not?"
"You guys deal with the Apes," Spyro said to Elora. "I'll deal with this magician!"
"You sure?" Elora asked anxiously.
"Just go!" Spyro charged at Sirorrialth with a burst of fire, which the Sorcerer blocked with a shield, before swiping Spyro away. Spyro quickly caught himself with his wings, just as Sirorrialth used his magic to levitate several crates and throw them at Spyro. Spyro quickly barrel rolled out of the way, and the crates crashed to the ground, spilling gems and supplies everywhere.
"Yikes," Spyro said, surprised. Shaking it off, he charged at Sirorrialth but the Sorcerer disappeared in a swirl of dark magic and reappeared behind Spyro. He swatted Spyro, knocking him aside. Sirorrialth then fired dark energy balls at him. Spyro got up and flew away from them and they hit a metal boiler instead; steam came pouring out. Spyro coughed, feeling a bit sweaty.
"Give it up boy! You will never defeat me, and you won't be able to defeat the Dark Master!" Sirorrialth taunted.
"I'm willing to try," Spyro coughed.
"Then you're willing to die!" Sirorrialth said. This time, floating metal mines appeared out of thin air and whirled at Spyro. Spyro quickly flew off, but they seemed to chase him through the air. As Spyro tried to think of a way to get rid of them, he remembered the ship moored in the dock, and so, flew towards it; the mines followed. At the last moment, Spyro pulled up and the mines hit the ship. There was a massive explosion that shook the harbour. Metal, wood, Gems and Apes flew everywhere. Spyro himself was flung into the sea by the shock wave.
"Oh dear," Bianca whimpered to herself. "I hope he's not dead. Deina will kill me otherwise."
A moment later, Spyro popped his head from the water, spluttering and gasping for air. Sirorrialth approached.
"I'd show you more of what I can do, but you don't deserve that," he sneered. "Instead..."
He began firing shots into the water, and Spyro had to duck beneath the surface and swim around frantically to avoid them.
Oh ancestors he thought Please help me!
As if on cue, a small voice in his head whispered Drink up as much water as you can and heat it in your stomach.
Spyro was tempted to question this, but in this situation, he overrode his doubt. He opened his mouth and began drinking the water. He almost gagged on the salty taste, but he kept at it.
Sirorrialth kept trying to stun Spyro with magic blasts; until Sapia, taking advantage of his distraction, shot an arrow into his arm. The Sorcerer howled in pain.
"You'll pay for that, goat legs!" he snarled, and turned his staff on the faun. But at that moment, Spyro burst out of the water and shot a blast of scalding water at the treacherous Dragon.
"Ahhhhh!" Sirorrialth shouted as he staggered back, his cloak steaming.
Sapia fired another arrow but the evil dragon managed to dodge it, just as Spyro flew to Sirorrialth, and charged into him, knocking him to a boiler. He collapsed to the floor, unconscious.
"Ah, I got him!" Spyro said.
"Luckily," Sapia said. "Now we need to make sure he can't escape." She hurried forward and grabbed the Sorcerer's staff.
"We'll make sure the Sorcerer is locked up," Beaky said. "Thanks for 'elpin' us out, lads an' ladies."
"No problem," Spyro said. "Blargh, but I'm gonna have the taste of salt in my mouth for a long time."
"Hopefully, the gems will be enough for Moneybags," Elora said.
"It will," Sapia said. "I'll make sure of that. And now that we've got Sirorrialth's staff, so we should make sure it's destroyed."
She smashed the staff down on the ground, but it remained intact. She tried stamping hard on it with a hoof, but that did nothing either.
"Tough thing, this," she said.
"We'll see if we can destroy it," Beaky said. "Ye lot just go and rescue the ol' wind whistlers."
"What?" Sparx said.
"I think he means the Wind Dragons," Spyro said.
"Sheesh, I never get these weird words," Sparx said.
Meanwhile, Bianca was remaining hidden. She had observed everything, and decided to report to her mistress. She used a spell to contact Deina, and soon, an image of Deina appeared before her.
"What is it?" Deina asked.
"Siororrialth has been beaten and Spyro freed the Breezebuilders in the Harbour," Bianca said. "They've taken his staff and plan to destroy it."
"Interesting..." Deina said. "It seems Spyro is tougher than we thought."
"Well, I don't think Sirorrialth gave it his all," Bianca noted. "He underestimated Spyro and his friends, and that led him to getting blindsided twice."
"Excellent," Deina said. "I knew his ego would impede his logic."
"What should I do now, mistress?" Bianca asked. "I think Gaul and the others will ask serious questions if I just leave Sirorrialth here."
"That is true," Deina said, looking a little disgruntled. "Do what you have to do, Bianca. But make sure he doesn't get another chance at Spyro. I doubt he'll hold back on the child a second time. And we want him alive. Free him and then see to Spyro yourself."
"Understood," Bianca said, inclining her head in acknowledgement.