Here's another Q and A for this chapter.
Clown2107: Thank you for the review. And what you said about Ember, Cynder, and Flame gave me thoughts and ideas about what they'll be, someday I'll see if I decide to put them in.
Also, I thought that dragon kata also existed in the legends-verse as well since Spyro can fight like he knew that style from birth. And there'll be a villain like the dark master himself, but there'll be another too. And let's just say, he's from the underrated Spyro game that sadly is obscure. (And even more sadly, for good reason. Though I don't hate it in the slightest.)
Finally, Disclaimer: This is only a non profit fan based story. Spyro the dragon is created by insomniac games, and is currently owned by activision, and toys for bob. Please support the official releases.
The filler chapter: Road to Gnasty's nexus.
Meanwhile... in Gnasty's world.
It was in Gnasty's room that a therapy session was happening inside, with two individuals being Gnasty himself, and another Gnorc writing something down in his paper, while Gnasty laid on a couch by the side of the Gnorc therapist.
"So, tell me what's been bothering you." The Gnorc therapist said with a slight shiver.
"Well, y-you see doc, it's been a couple months since I casted the spell to freeze the dragons in crystal. And at least a couple weeks since losing Jacques." He said.
"You mean 'the' Jacques?"
"Yes. And that's my biggest problem. For once I froze the dragons, after one of them called me…" Gnasty sniffled and weeped a bit at the memory. "Ugly, I thought that every dragon would be frozen in my crystal prisons. But then I heard the news that there were four of them that I missed, that ended up freeing the dragons through some unknown means, and defeated my two strong minions. So I sent my stronger minions after those Four Brave Dragons-"
"W-with all due respect sir, we don't s-say their titles here. It is a s-safe place." The Gnorc said shivering.
At first, Gnasty growled at him for the interruption, before he just slumped back onto the couch. "R-right. Sorry doc. Anyways, I just assumed that I have three more strongest minions that are strong enough, so I sent them against 'them' in hopes that they'll all…"
"DIIIEEEEE!" Gnasty roared out loudly as he stood up, making the therapist cover his ears at the sound.
Before Gnasty slumped back onto the couch again in a sad mood. "But against all odds, my strongest minions were beaten by 'them' in return. Not even my best minions like Jacques, Dr. Shemp, or Metalhead were able to kill them, and now it looks like that I'm next on their list. And now, they are even able to breathe those other stupid elemental breaths as well." Gnasty said with irritation on the last part. "Now it seems that nothing I can throw at them can stop them. Other than my statue spell that I casted on the dragons, among other spells, but good luck hitting those small targets that keeps moving fast. I… I just don't think I can beat them."
"Ah yes, it seems that 'they' have become stronger than we thought. And that your strong minions might have some flaws that they were able to exploit, I reckon?"
"NO! Oh alright, they may have some faults to them, like Toasty did have a petty hatred on them, and yet he didn't practice in combat, let alone prepare for them, Dr. Shemp was more arrogant than me, but he's a great fighter so it was with merit, Blow hard had a liking to dragons which slightly interfered with his studies of magic, Metalhead needed power pylons to power him up since he didn't get delayed," Gnasty said, not knowing of Metalhead having packs on him due to the Tree tops delay. "and Jacques was my most craziest creation who may have a tendency to boast about himself before finishing off his competition instead of outright finishing them off first." Gnasty said.
"And I believe that there could be other reasons. Quite the conundrum."
"Yes. That could be the case. What is it called again?"
"Oh, just what the religious dragons call, divine intervention. Or something like that. But I think it's just a confusing or difficult problem." The therapist said.
"Yes, quite a problem. I wish there could be somebody, anybody that could help solve the problem with 'them'."
"One can only hope." They both said. Before a bunch of Gnorcs ended up entering Gnasty's room in a rush.
"BOSS! We have some news!" One of them said.
Gnasty couldn't help but moan like he was nonverbally saying "This is gonna suck." before standing back up and walking away from the seat. "This session is over. You may leave now." Gnasty said, dismissing the Gnorc therapist who proceeded to leave the room.
Now Gnasty picked up his macelike scepter and put on his helmet again as he prepared for the news. "What is it this time?" He said bored.
"There are dragons that are on their way here now that they're gathered up." The Gnorc said.
"Ooh. I wonder why. Are they delivering me some chicken to eat? I hope they lay off the gravy." Gnasty sarcastically said.
That caused the Gnorcs to look at him like he dribbled on his armor. "Umm boss? Are you feeling alright?"
"What's it look like? Does it look like I'm alright?"
"It's just that you don't seem to be panicking like you didn't expect them to be free and coming. Almost as if you're welcoming them to your domain like you no longer hate them. But aren't they trying to kill-"
"OF COURSE I STILL HATE THEM!" Gnasty yelled at them making them flinch. "And I'm not panicking since I know they're coming! They were freed by those 'four iguanas', and now they're out for revenge on me! What part of that isn't expected after the news I've got!?" He continued angrily.
"What're we gonna do boss?!" One Gnorc asked.
"I don't know." He now growled out. While hiding his nervousness too. "I guess if this is our last stand, then we're making sure to take as many of those dragons with us. So fight until your last breaths! And whoever kills those four dragons, are at least getting a promotion if we somehow survive, or a huge tribute if we don't!" He commanded.
"Yes sir!" They all chorused. Then they all ended up getting skittish like they were gonna tell the news to him. Which one of them proceeded to do. "But boss?"
"What is it this time?!" Gnasty growled out.
"Umm… you see, w-we've got word from the scouts that were a-able to s-scan their camps. And they told us that those four dragons aren't among them." The first Gnorc said.
"I knew it! They'd let their heroes fight among- wait, what did you say?" Gnasty asked, hoping he heard that right.
"Those four dragons that rescued them are not in their army. It's like they're sent to safety before the battle is starting. I wonder why though." The leading Gnorc continued.
That had Gnasty shocked and relieved that the four dragons that he started to dread fighting, are not gonna be in the battle against him, and instead they're somewhere else. Like the dragons either sent them to a safe place somewhere, or felt that they'll handle him without their help. And that had him surprised that the dragons decided to reject the four dragon's help, yet relieved that they're out of the picture so far.
That was when an idea was given to him, and he ended up smirking and starting to cackle at what he plans to do. "Uh boss? Are you alright?" The Gnorcs asked when they saw his smile.
"Of course. Never been better than this." Gnasty said happily.
"B-but you're happy. W-why are you…" The Gnorc tried to ask.
"Because I just got an idea that is sure to turn the tide of this upcoming battle while those four dragons are out of the picture." He said.
Then he ended up whispering his plan to the Gnorcs in the room as they also started to smile at that. As they both knew that Gnasty was about to pull against the dragons. And it just might work this time.
Meanwhile… in Ignitus's castle.
In the lounge rooms, a red dragon was panting as he laid on a bench. That dragon being Flame himself. Who had Sira on his chest who was resting herself.
The reason why he was doing that was not only because of the physical education that he went through, but also the training that he also had to go through alongside his three friends. For a couple weeks at that.
Not to say that it was a harsh sort of training like what the Spartans of legend went through, but it wasn't a relaxing or lazy sort of training that the Dragon Guardians put the quartet through either as they didn't pull any punches in terms of educating them on using their breaths properly. After all, they were able to breathe the other elements including the recently unlocked Earth element, but they weren't as strong or skilled as they believed in that regard, as the guardians demonstrated.
Not only that, but they also had to go through training in Dragon Kata, which is a martial arts training that focuses on the hand to hand combat that the dragons would use against their enemies. Which is said to be quite a hard challenge to learn, and they weren't exaggerating, as it was as hard as it was said to be, for all four of them. And all four of them being quadrupedal doesn't help either.
Not to mention, the fact that the four guardians also gave discipline to the four dragons. (Especially to Spyro, due to his cocky attitude when he feels he's got the hang of it.) Not because they were trying to be mean in the slightest, but simply so that all four of them won't get arrogant due to their chosen one status. Which is bound to cause them to become villains if their arrogance is unchecked. (Not that it's definitely gonna happen, but as some dragons say, 'better safe then sorry'.)
They did have breaks in between though, which had four of them exploring more of the Dragon Guardian's castle, both inside and outside, which gave them great views of the scenery, like on the walkable sections of the castle's roof, which they admired, and they were also given fun games to play with the guardians. Like who could make the longest glide from the top of the castle to the bottom. As well as ring races with the guardians, or each other whether it's on the ground, or in the air when one of the guardians cast a temporary flight spell on them.
And all of the guardians, especially Ignitus, were friendly towards all four of them. They often politely point out their mistakes, and they sometimes talk down to them, but only when the four dragons get frustrated at them.
And, they were good teachers of dragon history, and they did their best to simplify some of the Dragon Kata moves to them, to good effect, but they left the rest up to the four dragons.
All in all, in the past few weeks, it was quite hard, but not too much for four of them to where they wanted to quit being a student to the guardians, nor was it too painful, or stressful.
"Whew. *Huff* If this is… to prepare us for those other more dangerous… villains that they told us about, then we could beat Metalhead, Dr. Shemp, Jacques, and even Gnasty in our sleep after this." Flame said to Sira. Who buzzed back to him in response.
"I know. This feels like we're fighting against Metal-butt again. But at least we aren't getting electrocuted, and they give us breathing room, and at least there was nothing at stake." He said.
"Not to mention the fact that they're far nicer than Metalhead." Spyro's voice sounded as he walked into the room himself before laying on another bench to rest.
"Oh, hey bro. How was your time with Volteer?" Flame asked.
"It was not bad. It actually had its fun moments with him and Ignitus overlooking my progress and easing me into my training. But geez, the exorcise was rough, as Volteer has more energy than me. And does he ever keep quiet? He even talks fast, fast enough to where I couldn't hear all of his words. And when I ask what he said, he looks at me like I drooled on the desk." Spyro said exasperated. "And I thought Sparx spoke too fast sometimes." He teased, prompting his dragonfly to buzz out "Hey!" In response.
"How was your time with Cyril, by the way?" Spyro asked.
"It's the same as yours." He said after he caught his breath. "It had fun moments, he was nice, and he did make sure that I'm eased into my training blow for blow. Even though I swear, he seems to have some arrogant aura to him, like he feels that his ice breath, as well as his ice magic are superior. Which in my case, he's got me there." Flame said deadpan on the last part, trying not to face palm. "But someday, once I get better, I'm putting him in his place." Flame said determined.
"Well, good luck. But seriously, at least they're friendly guardians, thank the ancestors. And they were pretty fun to be around. Like Terrador." Spyro said, even if he still feels annoyed at how they discipline him when he gets cocky.
"As well as Volteer and Cyril. It's funny to see them bicker." Flame said, remembering their argument through their intercom about the upsides and downsides of Lightning and Ice. As well as other stuff, like how to create a surfboard of their choice. Not that they ended it in fisticuffs.
"That too. They were hilarious." Spyro said, having heard them bicker too, especially with Volteer and Ignitus as his teachers. "And at least they weren't boring to be around. Otherwise, we could've been sneaking out of here, and defeating Gnasty at our first opportunity if they weren't." Spyro said.
"I'm inclined to agree. Even though it's a bad idea in the end." Ignitus's voice sounded as he also entered the room. Alongside both Ember and Cynder. Both of whom rested on the benches alongside both dragons. "For you see, the fight against the Gnorc that caused all this trouble, is a battle that none of you are ready for."
"What?! But we are ready! We've been defeating his minions, as well as his generals like Toasty and Metalhead! What makes us not ready?!" Spyro said, exasperated at what Ignitus said.
"I know. I know." He said. "But so could Gnasty Gnorc if he knew you're coming. And trust me. He could be prepared for your arrivals, and he could be cunning enough to find a way to defeat all of you. Especially since despite his unintelligence, he could learn from the defeat of his minions that you've beaten, and do something different from their tactics. And that's not a battle that i'm sure you're ready to face."
"But-"
"But don't worry Spyro." Ignitus said, interrupting what Spyro tried to say. "We're teaching you all, so that you all could be ready."
"He's right Spyro. Considering the odds of what Gnasty could plan against us, especially if he plans to learn from where his minions failed, and possibly find an advantage against us in the chaos of the battles should we have joined them instead of being here, not to mention the traps he might have for us, then it seems like we should be stronger and more prepared for when we fight Gnasty." Cynder said.
That response from Cynder actually had Spyro thinking about what she told him. Considering how cowardly Gnasty is, as well as how much of a dirty, and pragmatic fighter that Gnasty could be, Spyro did feel a bit nervous about what he'll do to all four of them once they meet face to face. Especially since they faced off against his minions, and almost got beaten themselves. (Especially against Metalhead.) He didn't show his nervousness to Cynder, but he had to concede with her response. "Good point. Again."
"But don't worry Spyro. If you're still out for that Gnorc's head, then we'll definitely send you to face him, when the situation calls for it, and when you truly are ready." Ignitus said smiling at him.
Spyro ended up nodding at Ignitus in return, conceding with him as he and Cynder rested on the bench, much to her slight embarrassment as she looked at Spyro's scales that were pretty slick with his sweat. Especially since she did witness him in the training circle as he practiced Dragon Kata, working up a sweat on his scales and underbelly, especially in his torso region.
Which is what Ember also went through with Flame after seeing his sweaty scales too.
"By the way Ignitus, should Gnasty Gnorc escape from prison, are you gonna send us out to take him down?" Spyro said, feeling like gnasty could escape if given the opportunity. Despite his unintelligence.
"In a heartbeat." Ignitus said smiling. "It'd be a cruel idea to refuse to send the likes of the chosen ones after our current threat. Especially since the four of you would be ready, and seems to be excited to fight him."
"Dang right Ignitus." Spyro said grinning with his friends.
"But until that day comes, I'm hoping that you all could be ready for another round of history of the chosen ones? After all, those who don't learn from history, are doomed to repeat it as the book says." He then said.
The four dragons ended up sighing at that, as they didn't feel themselves to be history buffs in dragon history. Not to say that they're awful at that class, just not as fond of it as others could be. But they knew that it has to be done.
So they followed Ignitus to the classrooms, where he and his guardians were gonna be in to teach the four dragons.
*A few days later*
Meanwhile… back in Gnasty's world.
A little regiment of dragons, led by Lateef, Titan, and Lume, and with Magnus, Trondo, and Tomas among them, was currently in Gnorc Cove. They were currently in a camp in the lower floors with three caves that led somewhere as they were currently resting themselves after a battle against the Gnorcs in the cove, which they were able to win against as the other dragon regiment charged against Gnasty's stronghold from the Twilight Harbor.
"This is it my comrades! We're not too far from Gnasty's domain, and the Gnorc himself!" Titan called out.
"This is it indeed, once we get past the rest of this Gnorc blockade, we'll be at Gnasty's door alongside the regiment in Twilight harbor! And he'll have no choice but to either surrender to us, or die by our hands should he resist." Lateef said, hoping it'd be the former.
"And what about the spell book that he should have? I'm sure we need to confiscate that too." Tomas the lute playing, yellow scaled Artisan dragon asked.
"That too. Some spell books, are not to be used by any sort of hands that would do bad things. Gnasty being among them." Lume said, feeling that Gnasty got great use out of the spell book, which caused the mess with the crystal dragon statues to begin with. Which made her and Lateef nervous since there could be other bad creatures or dragons that would use the spell book for bad purposes.
But so far, they had to keep their focus on Gnasty. Until they're able to defeat him, and imprison him for the crystal dragon situation. Then they'll find the book that they're after.
"So once we get Gnasty, and once we keep that book for safe keeping, what next? And what'll we do if Gnasty is able to escape?" Magnus asked.
"Then we shall send those four dragons that saved us after him. They shall defeat him for good." Lateef said. "After all, they do seem, as the younger dragons would say, 'stoked' to fight him."
"Oh yes. I can see that." Magnus said humorously. "You should've been there at our party, after Dr. Shemp's defeat, he couldn't stop talking about what he and his friends would do to him once they fight against Gnasty, and win. It was funny. But now it seems that it's gonna come true, once they fight Gnasty someday." He then said with a chuckle.
"And hopefully, once they win." Lateef said smiling at Magnus. "But for now, we're gonna make him pay, and imprison him for his attack on us. And should he somehow escape, then we know who to send against him."
"Works for me." Magnus said, flexing his muscles. While Tomas also felt confident that Spyro and his friends could beat Gnasty, should he escape, or continue to fight, regardless of his nervousness about the risks of the four dragons dying by his hand.
"Now, Tomas. Can you give us a little campfire song? Just so that our spirits will be raised?" Lume asked.
"Oh but of course." Tomas said, sounding French for a bit as he bowed, which amused Lume, Magnus and Titan, and slightly annoyed Lateef. "Now, let's see…" He wondered what song to play next at the moment. When suddenly, some noises had all of them looking around. "What's that?" Tomas asked nervously.
"Hopefully just Gnorcs that are trying to fight back against us. Darling, let's get ready." Lateef said, while using meditation to look for the Gnorcs, as the dragons braced themselves, with Lateef catching a few of which were found around them in the caves, via the crawl paths that they use to hide from them. "Skirmishers. That's original." Lateef said deadpan, having fought against them before in the cove alongside Titan.
"Such cowards! If they had nothing to hide behind, I'd whoop them with an arm and leg tied to my tail!" Magnus boasted, as he too wasn't fond of the skirmishers that ran from the battlefield, instead of fighting to the last Gnorc.
"I second that thought Magnus. A Magic Crafter would put up more of a fight than these Gnorcs. And they'd rather turn us into frogs instead of torching us outright." Titan said with a mocking chuckle towards the Gnorcs.
Lume suddenly saw something that had her and Lateef looking at it with confusion. Before resisting the urge to snicker at what they saw as what they felt, was bait. As they saw a plushie of a Gnorc.
Which Magnus also noticed, as he then realized that it's a plushie. "What is this? Does Gnasty think we're stupid enough to fall for this? A baby dragon could make a better trap than this!"
"Not to mention those monkeys from the Beast Makers." Tomas added in, provoking a chuckle out of all of the dragons.
"How about we humor those Gnorcs. Lume, if you please?" Lateef said, planning to counter the Gnorc ambush with their own.
"Yes dear." Lume said while kissing Lateef. Before using her telekinesis to grab the plush towards her hands to spring the trap. That they expect would be an ambush.
Which it was, as the Gnorcs went out of hiding, and they were charging with weapons drawn, being spears, axes, bows and arrows, and even nail launching machine guns. And also grenades too.
Which they all expected as they drawn their own weapons, with Titan bearing his axe that he chopped the Gnorcs with, Tomas with a hanwei two handed lowlander sword that he wields with one hand, while wielding his trusty sitar that has an axe blade added to the body, with his other hand, and both Lume and Lateef wielding shaolin monk-esque staffs to whack the Gnorcs with, with Lume's staff being a double sided mace staff, etc. As they proceeded to fight the next group with their weapons, their magical spells, and their elemental breaths that they used against the Gnorc gunners, and archers, as they cleaned house and was easily gaining the upper hand in the Gnorc cove.
Little did they know however, was that there's a different kind of trap that was among them, that they also pulled. And they were gonna feel it in a minute.
Meanwhile… in Twilight Harbor.
"You what?!" A shocked and confused Cosmos with his own scepter in hand, asked as he and his regiment of dragons, with Zantor, Nestor, and Delbin among them, and Bruno with his right hand dragons, Cleetus and Bubba also with their regiment, confronted Gnasty himself, who was in the Twilight Harbor that is in front of his fortress.
"I said, I surrender!" He called out to Cosmos, as he and his Gnorcs commandos were now kneeling on the ground to the dragons, looking like they're accepting their defeat by the hands of the dragons.
Which had them confused, and exasperated. After all, if they knew him right, he was a cunning sort of creature who wouldn't accept defeat that easily, let alone gracefully. Especially in the manner that he did, since they didn't even reach his fortress's interior to fight him. Which is a sign that either,
A. They were that stronger when they unite against their common enemy, to where even Gnasty himself wouldn't want to fight them at their current strength, or…
B. Gnasty could be up to something bad. And he's merely pretending to surrender.
Which the dragons felt, that the latter was his intention, as he is a more dirty fighter than that. (Which in the battlefield, anything goes. Regardless of ticking off the honorable dragon folk.)
That's the reason why the dragons were hesitant about lowering their guard to Gnasty, as they felt that he's up to something. But they feel that there's no harm in talking with him. At least to see if his surrender is genuine, or if he's planning something bad.
"If your surrender is genuine, then you are to be brought before all of us for your punishment. You shall be in chains and brought before our counsel, where we'll pass judgement." Cosmos said crossing his arms. "Which is where we'll punish you for your crimes of freezing us all in crystal, upsetting the balance of the Dream weaving magic, and of course, your… horrid table manners." He then said, feeling grossed out at the tales of his eating habits that the Beast Makers told him about. (Which oddly enough, gave him newfound respect for them too.)
"I'm aware of that. And I… I… I'm… sorry." Gnasty reluctantly said, feeling annoyed.
"If you really are, then come forward without that scepter in your hands. And try not to make sudden movements." Cosmos said, pointing his scepter at Gnasty.
"You better do what he says. Or we all might crush your Gnorc minions." Bubba said, having Bruno keeping him calmed down so that he doesn't kill Gnasty.
Gnasty had no choice but to oblige. He got closer to Cosmos after putting down his own scepter behind him. Before he kneeled to him in a loyal fashion. Which he thought of as a degrading and embarrassing gesture. But Gnasty knew that he had to go through with it to make his plan work.
"I'm… sorry that I trapped you all in Crystal. And tried to conquer your realms. It's just that one of you called me …Ugly." He growled out the last word.
"And we apologize for the insult. Even though it's true. And we do hope for your forgiveness, but that gives you no right to attack all of us with your magic spell. So if you plan to do this peacefully, then promise us this. Promise us that you'll do what we demand." Nestor interjected, coming to Cosmos's side with Delbin.
"And what is your demand for me?" Gnasty asked.
"Give us your word that you'll accept your prison sentence, which is added for every dragon you froze in crystal, but you'll have a chance for parole and early release if you behave, and you shall be doing some service for us dragons along the way to atone for your spellcasting." Cosmos said, feeling that Gnasty should at least be given a chance to atone, which would've disappointed Spyro and his friends who wanted to take down Gnasty. But Cosmo knew that they'll still have their opportunity to do that should he relapse into his evil ways.
"Any violation of these terms, is another act of war, and a refusal to accept surrender. Not to mention lying. So any genuine attempt at surrender afterwards, shall only end in your, and your allies defeat, and your death." Cosmo said, putting his foot down. "Nothing, and nobody, has ever declared war on all of us dragons, and for good reason. So think it through Gnasty Gnorc. And choose wisely." He warned.
"I have thought this through, dragon." He said while hiding his smile and his growling. As he was gonna execute his plan without trouble, as long as he makes sure that the dragons are caught off guard.
Unfortunately for Gnasty, Delbin and Nestor was looking around at their surroundings, later alongside Bubba and Bruno, feeling that a trap was being laid for them. Which he was gonna pull off, and ensure that it'll go off without a hitch. But since he saw them looking around, expecting the ambush, he knew that there was gonna be a little hitch if some of them escapes.
But he feels that he'd be a fool to waste this opportunity, as long as he can get an advantage to where not even the Four Brave Dragons can beat him. (Unless they bite the bullet, and free the dragons from his spell regardless of his minion's efforts. Then he'd be a fool to just take this opportunity, with that in mind.) So he made sure to stand up with his permission. "There's something you should know first, before I choose my fate."
"Go ahead. Just try not to rush to your scepter for a sneak attack. You'll regret it." Cosmos warned.
"Fine fine." He said, as he stood up tall to where he's just as tall as Cosmos. "But first, let me tell you something." He said smiling. "Let me tell you a little secret about us Gnorcs."
'And what is it?" Cosmos asked, concerned that an ambush was about to happen.
Which it was, little did he know, but the dragons had feelings about. "Let me tell you something about us Gnorcs in battle. To make a great ambush, is like making a punchline to a joke." Gnasty said with a chuckle. Then there was silence as the dragons and Gnasty looked around. "I said, 'is like making a punchline to a-" Gnasty was harshly whispering into his radio, when…
*BOOOOOOM*
All of the dragons turned to the direction of the explosion that sounded from a bit far away. Which had them thinking that the bomber is blind since he seemed to intend to blow them up with that explosive, and yet the explosion was farther away from them.
Right as Gnasty planned it, as he levitated his scepter to his hand, and proceeded to zap Cosmos before he could realize why there was an explosion there. Only to realize too late, that it was merely a diversion as he now stared in horror at what was happening around him, while being powerless to stop it due to being frozen again.
"As it is the best ones, that are usually the ones you don't see coming." He then said smirking as his Gnorcs proceeded to ambush the dragons in droves, as Gnasty provided magical support with his scepter, hitting the leading ones in the regiment.
One day later…
Meanwhile… Back in Ignitus's castle.
Spyro and his friends were now back in the training circle, where they continued to practice their Dragon Kata with Ignitus and Terrador watching over them. Giving them some lessons, and making sure that no fights break out between the four dragons that they were teaching.
"Try not to make a clenched fist! Use your palm!" "Put your tail into it!" Was among the advices that Ignitus and Volteer told to Spyro, Flame, Ember, and Cynder as they assaulted the training dummies in the circle with their Dragon Kata. Which they were able to get the hang of, but not without plenty of screwing up with their moves, which happened often before this day.
But they made sure to learn from their mistakes, and try to improve with their stances, and their fighting moves in their Dragon Kata. Which with the help from the Dragon Guardians, they were able to use some moves of the Dragon Kata against the dummies to decent enough effect to show their improvements to Ignitus and his fellow guardians. Not only that, but they learned that they could add some elemental properties to their Dragon Kata attacks, like having a fire fist that left a burning fist mark on the dummy, or a lightning kick that electrocutes enemies and leaves them charred while jittery, and even an icy tail that makes an icy patch on an enemy's mark, etc.
And they also were taught on how to use their breaths in special ways to where they could launch an elemental projectile, whether they launched fire and ice balls, or bolts of lightning, or even making tiny tornadoes from the earth bombs, like the Dragon Guardians did. Making them proud that they're learning well in their breath education in their couple weeks with the guardians. All four of the young dragons felt that learning the breaths were pretty easier than the Dragon Kata education, but it was not easy either.
And they all knew that it was only the beginning of their road to mastering their breaths, and the Dragon Kata, and becoming the chosen ones that Ignitus hoped for.
"Yes, you're all doing well! At this rate, you'll all become great-"
*Thud* *Thud* *Thud* *Thud*
The sounds of what sounded like landing dragons that came from the top of the castle, startled all of the dragons as they looked upwards where they felt the source of the noise was. "Say, Volteer and Cyril, can you investigate that sound while we continue?" Ignitus requested.
"Of course Ignitus! We'll investigate, and hope that those aren't enemies on the roof." Cyril said as he and Volteer walked through the doorway to the upper floors.
"As for you four, you may have a break for now." Ignitus said, causing them to sigh in relaxation as they now walked to the benches to take a rest from their Dragon Kata training.
"What do you think happened up there?" Terrador asked.
"Hopefully just large birds or other flying creatures on the roof. And not Gnorcs that somehow infiltrated us. And pretty lousily at that." Ignitus said deadpan on the last part, as Spyro and his friends hoped to catch their breath, so they'll battle the Gnorcs. That is, if it was them.
Only for a different surprise to be given to them. As both Volteer and Cyril was running back to the room after a couple minutes passed, and they were alarmed. "Quickly, get to the medical ward! We have four wounded dragons here!" Volteer called out, shocking Ignitus, Terrador, and the four dragons.
"Wounded?! Oh dear, are they alright at least?!" Ignitus asked.
"Why we're able to heal them! But you must come!" Cyril said, causing both Ignitus and Terrador to dismiss the class, before running to where the dragons were being healed.
*Time skip*
The Dragon Guardians and the Four Brave Dragons, ended up learning from the four wounded dragons, being Lume, Bubba, Bruno, and Nestor, that Gnasty ended up being the cause of their wounds, that they were able to be healed from. They said that he was quite as cunning as they thought he'd be, but they didn't think he'd be going as low as fake surrendering to them, when he was planning to sweep the rug from under them. Now they were currently bandaged, and healing from their wounds as Nestor and Lume held both Spyro and Ember respectively.
And they told them that the rest of the dragons have yet to be deployed against Gnasty.
"And where are the other dragons that you were all with?" Ignitus asked them. While Cynder and Flame hoped for the good news.
Lume was the first to answer. "Some of us were able to escape from his prisons. But some others were either unable to make it with us, or some were frozen in Crystal again. My husband, Cosmos, and Titan being among them." She said with tears in her eyes.
Which Nestor also had in his eyes when he also told Ignitus that Delbin was also frozen when he tried to save them from Gnasty's counterattack. Much to Flame's and Spyro's sad dismay as they had to stop themselves from crying. As was Cynder and Ember too, as they tried to stop themselves from crying too, with partial failure as they had to be held by Terrador to calm them down.
"And we heard on our way out, that he plans to keep them as hostages! With us leaders, minus myself, and Nestor, trapped in Crystal again, he might be planning to use them to force the dragons into a ceasefire, so that he could be planning another counterattack against us!" Bruno proclaimed. Causing some of the dragons to gasp, as they were shocked at what Gnasty could be planning.
While Ignitus was looking at the floor, like he was nonverbally saying that he had a feeling that this could happen, he just didn't think it'd happen while the four young dragons were getting taught by him and his fellow guardians. Which the Dragon Guardians noticed, as they patted him on his back, nonverbally telling him that it's not his fault.
"What can we do now?" Terrador asked.
"We're making sure that you four are recovering from your wounds, then we're going to face the Gnorc himself with the rest of your army, and hopefully unfreeze our friends along the way, once again." Ignitus said. "Hopefully, your roads to recovery shall be short."
"And hopefully, my dragon people and me will do well in rescuing my fellow dragons along the way." Bruno said determined.
"But what about us?!" Spyro asked.
Which caused Ignitus to sigh, as he knew what response Spyro would make to his own from a mile away, yet he had to say it. "With Gnasty Gnorc as he is now, it'd be idiotic of us to send you four in first, without somebody to guard you four. So please try not to freak out when I say that none of you are ready to face him yet. I'm sorry."
"But I know that even if we aren't, which we are ready this time, we can't just leave them frozen again!" Spyro said.
"He's right." Cynder said, taking Spyro's side for once due to Cosmos being in danger. "I don't want to learn that Gnasty has killed daddy to prove a point! I don't wanna lose daddy, not again!" She said with tears in her eyes, causing Spyro, Flame, and Ember to put their comforting wings on her. Which gave her sympathies from Lume, and Bruno, who also heard about Cynder's missing parents.
"And we won't. We're just planning on how to save them alongside the other dragons who're waiting for their orders from the leaders. Which will lead to another chaotic battle, which hopefully would lead to our victory, but would be dangerous for all four of you to partake in." Ignitus said.
"He's right. Wars are dangerous. And none of you should be involved in them, because of that. None of you are ready." Nestor said, standing up in his bandages, hoping to calm them.
This time though, none of them are backing down. "We are ready! This time we are!" They chorused, much to the dragon's surprise as they thought that they'd end the argument here. But they understood why, as they were just hoping that their parents are okay.
"I know you four think you are, but all of you should know that this is a dangerous battle that your all gonna put yourselves in! One of you are bound to die!" Nestor argued back.
"We know. We know it's dangerous! We know that Gnasty could be a dangerous foe!" Flame said.
"But we refuse to be left here while all of you are in danger of what Gnasty will do to you all. And we've gotten skilled enough from our teaching by the guardians! So please, let us fight too!" Cynder said.
"She's right! I don't wanna see you all in danger by Gnasty's hands! Uncle Delbin needs us!" Spyro said.
"Daddy needs me too! I don't want him to die!" Ember said feeling a little teary eyed at the thought.
What followed was an argument between the dragons. The four young dragons didn't back down this time since they wanted to save their relatives, and show themselves as more than just the young dragons, they wanted to be heroes too. But Nestor, alongside Terrador and Cyril was not so willing to concede that quickly, while Bruno, Lume, Volteer, Bubba, and Ignitus watched it unfold with horror, hoping to find something to say to break up the argument.
Unfortunately, they couldn't come up with any by the time the argument ended, with Spyro and his friends walking back to their rooms with a huff while being followed by their dragonflies, who tried to calm them down. Not that the argument ended in insults, or anything bad being said, but Nestor, Terrador, and Cyril felt guilty about the argument that ensued, as they hoped that their little ones would cool off and hopefully they'd apologize to each other.
Nestor especially as he still loved Spyro like his own son, and he hoped that would never change regardless of the argument. "Am I… a bad father?" He asked tearfully.
"Oh no! Not necessarily. You're just trying to keep your son from running into danger, like he's trying to prove himself. Even if this argument occurred, it's because your just trying to keep him safe." Ignitus responded.
"He's right of course, I know you're just keeping him out of trouble with Gnasty Gnorc. Who knows what he'll do to them if he captures them too?" Lume said.
"So try to cheer up. We're just keeping them safe from that Gnorc. It's for the better." Terrador said, with the dragons cheering up Nestor. Who smiled at them in relief at their friendship.
"Thank you my friends. By the way, when are we healing Volteer?" Nestor asked.
"Hopefully by twenty-four hours after now to recover from your scratches, which is at least a day to heal from your wounds. Which is at least… eh you know the rest." He responded as Ignitus looked at him like he was telling him not to go on another one of his speeches.
"But until then, feel free to stay here as long as you all need. Then once your strong again, we shall join the other dragons in helping them fight the Gnorc, and hopefully, we'll be rescuing the leaders from his grasp." Ignitus said. "As for who will watch the four young dragons, I will watch them until you all come back."
The dragons ended up thanking Ignitus for his hospitality, as they discussed how they'll rescue the dragon leaders, and how they'll defeat Gnasty before he could use his leverage against the dragons, and think up a counterattack against them. Which continued into the night as they planned in the medical room.
It was now dark outside as the dragons were now asleep in their beds, with the Guardians sleeping in their rooms, and the healing dragons sleeping in the medical ward to sleep off their wounds until they're okay to fly and fight again.
And initially, the Four Brave Dragons were also among the sleeping, with Ember, Flame and Cynder sleeping like a baby. Until they were woken up by the sound of ruffling and scratching, and some light in their vision. Causing them to look at where it's coming from, to see that Spyro himself was awake, and writing something in a paper like a message while packing up some belongings, like some jars full of butterflies, some food, and potions, with an awake Sparx by his side.
"Spyro? What are you doing?" Ember asked quietly, hoping not to awaken her friends. Only to see that they're awake too.
"Oh, sorry to wake you Ember." He said as he got done writing on the paper. Which they quickly saw that it looked like a message to somebody. "I was just preparing to go."
"Go where?" Cynder asked.
"To the place where Gnasty Gnorc lives. So that he'll pay for refreezing our friends. And to become a hero." He said grinning at them.
That was when they saw that the message that Spyro wrote, was for a balloonist that can fly them to the Gnorc Gnexus where Gnasty's home fortress is. Where they knew that Spyro was gonna fight against Gnasty, regardless of the risks involved with fighting him, and rescuing their friends and parents. Yet Spyro didn't seem to care that he was charging to where they believed is certain death.
After looking shocked for a bit, they ended up looking at each other as they were initially hesitant to either follow Spyro, or stay at Ignitus's castle to complete their training, before turning brave and determined at how there's also risk of what he'll do to their parents.
So after some mental preparation, they ended up deciding on the sentence that was gonna either lead to their deaths, or change their lives for the better. "Then take us with you. You need us after all." Cynder said.
"Yeah. I can't just stand here and let my bro face off Gnasty alone." Flame also said.
"Especially since we're gonna save our parents, and hopefully become heroes together." Ember then said as they got out of bed. "So let us come with you."
Spyro was initially hesitant to let them follow him to where it's gonna be more dangerous than Metalhead, but then he thought about what they went through on their journey to rescue the dragons from Gnasty's spell, and that was when he knew that indeed, he's better off with his three friends by his side. "I had an idea that you guys were gonna say that. I just hope that all of you know what you're all getting into." Spyro said.
"We know. But we don't care. Because we'd be bad dragons if we don't take this opportunity. No matter the results." Cynder responded as she too packed up some things into her own pack alongside Ember and Flame.
"Can't argue with you there." Spyro said, as he was almost done packing his stuff.
When he ended up packing in a book that interested the three dragons. "What kind of book is that?" They asked.
Spyro grinned at them when he showed them the book in his pack. Which was a book on the basics of Dragon Kata, much to their surprise. "I was able to sneak into the library for this beforehand. It was a useful tool to study on in my room, during our weeks here." Spyro said.
"And let me guess, we're gonna be using this book to learn some more Dragon Kata moves, during our journey in Gnasty's Homeworld." Cynder said smiling.
"You betcha." He said putting the book back in his pack. Before he then got packed up with some food and proceeded to put on the pack on his side alongside his friends, before sending the message through to a balloonist via magic mail. Then they then got packed up, woke up their dragonflies to have them follow, and headed to the outside to wait for the balloonist.
Before that though, Spyro had something to do, so he had the three dragons and Sparx to go outside saying that he'll meet them out there, before sneaking onwards through the castle. Until he came across the medical room where his father and the other escaped dragons rested inside until their wounds heal. Where he proceeded to leave behind another message on the end table by Nestor, before sneaking out of the room. Before he got out, he took one last look at the sleeping dragons with a sad look in his eyes, as well as a smile.
As even he knew that there was a chance that he might not make it out of Gnasty's world alive, so he felt that leaving behind a message for Nestor was the right thing to do before he proceeded to leave the room.
Then he proceeded to sneak through the halls, all the way to the outside of the castle. Where his friends were waiting for him on the pathway, next to the spot where the balloon would land. "Thank goodness you're here Spyro. Are you done with something?" Cynder asked.
"Yes. Just thought I'd give pops a message, telling him that I still love him. Just in case we aren't gonna make it." He said as he waited alongside the dragons for the balloonist that would transport them to the Gnorc Gnexus.
It took a little while, in the dark sky that looked like it was gonna rain at the castle in the Dream Weavers, when the balloonist arrived in the hot air balloon. That balloonist being Amos. "Good evening dear dragons. I'm guessing that by the message one of you sent, you're all going to Gnasty's world?"
"Yes. Can you send us there?" Ember asked.
"Send you all there? Why of course. But try not to ask me to follow you four through there, considering who owns that world." He responded.
"No problem, we have each other for that world. So no need to return there for us." Flame said as they got on the balloon's basket.
"Okay, good to know. Do you four have everything you need by the way?" Amos asked.
The Four Brave Dragons looked at Ignitus's castle for what could be their final time in the night sky with only the lamps and lights and the stars illuminating the castle, as they remembered the good and rough times at that place, before they told Amos that they indeed have everything they need in their packs. Before he then proceeded to lift the balloon that carried the Four Brave Dragons, upwards into the sky, then towards the direction of where the Gnorc Gnexus is as the dragons stared determinedly at that direction, feeling ready to enter that place and fight against Gnasty and his minions there, and rescue all of the dragons that got frozen in crystal again.
They just hoped that the guardians won't be too mad at them by the time they are awake, and learning about Gnasty's defeat.
Meanwhile, as their balloon was flying away from the castle, a certain red Dragon Guardian was tossing and turning in the bed like he was having a nightmare. But for Ignitus, it wasn't just a nightmare, but a vision that left him horrified.
For he saw that Spyro was running away from the castle with his friends and dragonflies, and fighting Gnasty in a big battle in his vision. Which he knew was coming true thanks to his vision, and so he was tossing and turning in his bed, hoping to wake up in time. Which he was able to do as he woke up with a gasp. But he realized, he was too late.
Before he quickly alerted his fellow Guardians with the fact that the four dragons are gone, before proceeding to the medical room. "Wake up! The four young dragons are gone!" He spoke out, waking up the dragons.
"What?!" Nestor asked as he was the first to awaken, as Lume, Bruno, and Bubba also woke up. Before Nestor then saw the message that Spyro left behind prior to leaving, then opened it up to read inside of it before a look of pure horror was seen on his face.
In the message, it said that in case he dies, Spyro apologizes for the argument between themselves, and that Spyro still loves him, and then thanked him for raising him from his years as a hatchling to this very day.
And then he apologizes for his death, saying that he at least went out in a blaze of glory, taking out the Gnorc and saving his friends.
"No. No!" He spoke out as Lume also realized what the message was, which had her horrified too as Nestor stumbled out of the bed and speedily walked to the entrance outside where it now rained on his scales and clothing.
Where he saw that the walkway in front of the entrance was purely empty and spotless, showing him that he was too late to at least say good bye to the four dragons as he trudged on the walkway. "SPYROOOO!" He screamed out in anguish and sadness as he tried to fly, but he was too tired from being awakened too soon, and too hurt to fly as he merely fell onto his front where he stood on his hands and knees as his tears was streaming down his face. Which Lume also had on her face as she walked to Nestor's side along with Bubba, and Bruno. All of whom were also saddened and horrified.
"Nestor. I'm so sorry. I didn't think this would happen." Lume sadly said. "I hope that they'll survive, And I hope we'll be healed enough to save them."
"No. I should be apologizing. I shouldn't have argued with my son. I just wanted to keep him safe." Nestor said tearfully.
"Then we shall. We just need to heal, then find them." She said. Determined to save her daughter and her friends.
"There is no need Lume. We'll find them and save them from Gnasty." Ignitus said, standing under a rain shield spell to keep his clothing dry. "We… just need the directions to the Gnorc Gnexus." He then said awkwardly. Not knowing where Gnasty's home is.
Lume and Nestor pointed to where Gnasty's world is. "You must let us help. Our children could be killed." Lume said, wanting to heal from her wounds, and save her daughter.
Ignitus declined however. "If Gnasty is able to capture any of you, they will be." He sadly said. Causing Lume to gasp, before she hugged Nestor, both of whom were trying not to weep.
"But we'll do our best to find them. Go back and rest." He then said before turning to his Dragon Guardians. "Volteer! Terrador! The time for resting is over for now! We are rescuing the young dragons before Gnasty takes them, or worse." He then said as they prepared for their rescue mission, while Cyril was told to watch over the wounded dragons. And report to them once they're healed.
By the time they were done packing up, they waited for the rain to stop, which it unfortunately did after a little while. Then they proceeded to take off into the sky together, intent on getting to the four brave dragons, and fighting Gnasty Gnorc, in case they meet him.
The day of either the Gnorc's defeat, or the demise of the Four Brave Dragons, was about to begin.
And done.
This is the first filler chapter that I've done, of probably more chapters that I'm gonna write for this fan fic. Which for this chapter, is the preparation of the Gnasty's world chapter that is gonna be the end of the first Spyro the dragon game, and the first arc of this story, before Ripto's rage.
I hope that the filler chapters would be interesting reads once they're out. And I hope not to release too many of them between the main arcs.
Finally one more thing.
I hope that you enjoyed the chapter,
please give constructive criticism, just don't be rude,
do not forget to read and review,
and I hope that you all have a merry Christmas,
and once again, I do not own spyro the dragon. It is created by insomniac games, and is owned by activision and toys for bob.
Theodore the poet signing out.