Here's a brief Q and A for this last chapter of the Gnasty Gnorc arc.
Guest Reviewer: Why of course I would. When I get to Ripto's rage, and Year of the Dragon, I'll see if I can expand those little stories in the games with Spyro's friends.
Storyteller 42: Thank you for the review. And thank you for pointing out the expansions I did. Just thought I'd give the worlds a little more expanding, and expand the story with the dragons.
As for the pairing, well you're gonna get your answers in this chapter.
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.
Also a little warning: There's gonna be blood in this.
Chapter 6: Gnorc Gnexus leader's last stand.
Back in Gnasty's world...
The four brave dragons were just exiting the balloon that then floated away, and landed onto the Gnorc Gnexus, which was the entrance to the other worlds that is owned by the infamous Gnasty Gnorc.
Which looked like a metal platform island in the middle of the ocean, and had some metal dragon heads surrounding the center of the circle, which is where they saw a pair of familiar crystal dragon statues in the center.
Meanwhile, A few Gnorcs were waiting for an ambush, paranoid that the pair of dragons that tried to escape could still be fighting back against them as they chased them to the entrance to the Gnorc worlds. Having seen some of their fellow Gnorcs getting killed in front of them, they merely waited in the safety of the dragon mouth fort to make their charge against the dragons outside that they knew were unable to escape, but were still able to fight back.
"Okay boys! Let's get out there, and finish those dragons off!" The lead Gnorc announced.
"No way! The dragons could still be kickin! I don't want my butt kicked!" Another Gnorc said.
"Fine then! One of us will scout the dragons! See if they're petrified yet!" The lead Gnorc said.
"Okay then, you go!" The other Gnorc said pointing at the other Gnorc.
"No! You go!' Another Gnorc said.
"No you!"
"ONE OF US IS GOING OUT THERE! OR WE'RE ALL GOING OUT TOGETHER!" The lead one yelled out.
Which little did they know, was heard by the Four Brave Dragons. Causing them to hide behind the crystal dragons, preparing to ambush the Gnorcs back.
"Alright then, let's draw straws!" The other Gnorc said.
"But if we do, then we'll be here for hours!" Another Gnorc said.
"Fine then! We're all going out!" The lead Gnorc said, before opening the fort doors. Being the dragon mouth's jaws, then leading the little regiment to the pair of dragon statues. "Well, what do ya know! They were already frozen when we got here! Alright boys, let's hide behind the statues, that way, we'll give those four dragons a warm welcome should they arrive here!" The lead Gnorc said sarcastically on the last part.
Before the rest of the Gnorcs could respond, "IRONY!" Spyro's voice sounded, before they then saw the mentioned Four Brave Dragons bearing down on them. But no Gnorc was fast enough to do anything about it (Other than screaming like little girls that is.) as the dragons proceeded to burn the Gnorcs in one fell swoop with their Fire balls and Fire breath. No Gnorc was left standing after that as only their Gems were left in their place.
Which left the Crystal dragons undefended by the Gnorcs. Now they had to free the dragons trapped inside, as they touched the pair of dragon crystal statues. Causing them to rumble like last time. Before shattering, and releasing the familiar dragons, being Delbin and Magnus themselves.
The former of which was dizzy from the spell, but he was alright? "Wha? Spyro and friends? You've came to- OOF!" Delbin tried to say, only to get tackled by his son Flame as he cuddled to Delbin.
"Daddy! You're alright! Thank goodness you're alive!" Flame said with tears in his eyes. Relieved that he didn't lose his father like his brother lost his parents.
Delbin proceeded to hug Flame back, as he too was relieved that Flame and himself is alright. "I'm glad to see that you're okay too son. As well as your friends." Delbin said. "I trust that Ignitus decided to send you four here, once he learned about our defeat?"
The question caught the four dragons off guard, as they hoped that Delbin, or Magnus wouldn't ask that question once they saved the pair. "Of… course he has!" Spyro decided to lie.
"Are you sure Spyro?" Magnus asked. Hoping that they aren't lying to them.
"P-positive!" Flame then said. With the rest of the Four Brave Dragons playing along with Spyro's lie. At least until they defeat Gnasty.
Delbin and Magnus wasn't easy to fool however. "Don't you dare lie to us. For we know, thanks to your stuttering." Delbin said softly, putting a shiver up the dragon's spines.
Which had them too scared of keeping up the lie to them, considering their quiet yet angered stances. So they had no choice. "O-okay! We weren't sent here by Ignitus. We came here by ourselves."
"See? That wasn't so hard." Delbin responded. As the four dragons were looking at the floor in shame.
"Sorry uncle Delbin. We just wanted to help save the dragons, and beat Gnasty. I swear, we just want to help!" Spyro said.
"He's right! We just want to save the rest of you, and defeat Gnasty. That's why we're here daddy." Flame said.
"So please. Let us keep going." Ember begged alongside Cynder.
Delbin held up his claw, requesting the four dragons to be quiet. Which they did. "Don't worry little ones. We're letting you go onwards. Because you all can do this. In fact, I feel that you all are the only ones who can. And I apologize for believing that none of you can, when all this began." Delbin said.
That had the four dragons smiling at him after getting over their surprise. "After all, we promised that you four would be the ones to beat Gnasty himself should he declare war. And it'd be cruel of us to deny all of you the opportunity." Magnus then said.
"But we must warn you four. Your all in Gnasty's world now. And he might be going all out at this point, once he hears that you four are here to defeat him." Delbin then said.
"Bring him on! We're ready to fight him!" Spyro responded.
That caused both Delbin and Magnus to smile at them. "Thank goodness your journeys to this moment didn't break your spirit." Delbin said. "Then you all must go through the two portals that leads to Gnasty's lands, save the dragons, and take away the treasure from the Gnorcs. Then you can challenge the Gnorc himself." He then said, pointing at the first portal, then the second portal in the dragon head that had some orange glows, then the dragon head that had the pink glows.
"Got it! What about that one though?" Spyro asked, pointing at the dragon head that had the green glow.
"I believe that, is Gnasty's treasure horde. But it's locked tightly to where none of us can get in, not even the Magic Crafters can break the lock. Unless, if your either Gnasty, or if you all have collected all the treasures in our dragon worlds, from what I heard from the Gnorcs during our battles. So if you all intend to go in there, then beat Gnasty first, then grab every gem you find until you all have at least One hundred percent." Magnus responded.
"Good to know. Thanks Magnus." Spyro said.
"But there is one more thing we must tell you four." Delbin said, before bending on one knee to Spyro and his friends. "You must keep moving little ones. And do not stop until Gnasty falls, no matter what. Otherwise, if he zaps any of you with his magic, we're all in grave danger."
"You got it." Spyro responded.
"Good. Now I must get going to Ignitus's castle, and tell Nestor that I'm alright. And that you've made it here safely." Delbin said.
"Meanwhile, I must find Titan. And see to it that he also returns to safety. So do you mind if I wait here until I recover, which hopefully isn't too long, or until Titan is found?" Magnus asked.
"No problem." Spyro said.
"Then it's settled. Go on ahead young dragons. And may the ancestors guide you to your victory." Delbin said, before preparing to fly away to the direction of where the four dragons left from until he recovers. While Magnus proceeded to guard the premises to keep the Gnorc Gnexus safe until he recovers to join the Four Brave Dragons, or once Titan returns to Magnus's side.
While the Four Brave Dragons decided to travel altogether through the lands of the Gnorc Gnexus, feeling that their journey is now at its most dangerous since they're in Gnasty's turf.
In the Gnorc Cove, the Four Brave Dragons immediately were charging ahead and fighting the Gnorcs with their Elemental Breaths, and their Dragon Kata moves that they remembered being taught back in Ignitus's castle, and from the book that they read on their way to the Gnexus, and by knocking the metal barrels into the large Gnorcs that tried to throw them at the dragons.
And they did a good job at taking down the Gnorc workers of the harbor, using their Fire fists, their lightning kicks, and ice tail attacks that left the Gnorcs falling to them one by one.
But they knew that this is just the tip of the iceberg, that is their current skill in Dragon Kata, as they quickly knew that their movements were refined, but still a bit clumsy in how they throw their fists, as well as swinging their tails, etc. And it shows, as they ended up missing some smaller Gnorcs a few times when they tried to headbutt them with their horns, or even tried to punch them with their open palmed, and clenched fist strikes.
Not only that, but they didn't do that much damage against the larger Gnorcs as they thought. Even though they were able to take them down with their Elemental Breaths, use their explosive metal barrels against them, and even weaken them with their punches and kicks, they knew that their close combat needs more studying and practice, before they're able to go toe to toe against the tough Gnorcs in a fist fight, and probably dominate them in that regard too.
So until that day comes, they either just used their stronger Breath attacks, like the lightning bolt javelins, the fire ball bombs, even their icicle spearheads, and their earth tornado bombs, or just hit the Gnorcs and have them fall in the water. (The Gnorcs couldn't swim well either. Which the dragons thought was amusing, and slightly saddening to hear.) As well as blow them up with the barrels.
After they took down the Gnorcs, they ended up climbing up on the stack of boxes that took up some space on the docks of the cove. Which was somehow still clean and unbroken from the fighting that happened not too long ago. Where the dragon Quartet ended up gliding around on the boxes to get to the other stack of boxes. Where they used some wooden TNT barrels to break the metal boxes holding the Gems, and use the crates to glide their way to the nearby small islands to glide their way to another dock in the Gnorc Cove, where they saw a pair of crystal dragons on one of the box stacks.
They ended up taking out the large and smaller Gnorcs though, so the trapped dragons would be in a safe place when they free them. So after they defeated the Gnorcs with the metal barrels, and their lightning javelins, they ended up touching the crystal dragons to free Lateef and Titan.
Whom were disoriented, but they quickly gained their focus when they saw that the four dragons freed them. "Little ones? As I live and breathe, thank goodness it's you four that freed us." Titan said.
"Your welcome Titan. It's great to see that you're both okay too." Spyro said smiling at them, while Lateef and Ember hugged each other. Happy to be reunited again.
"Likewise Spyro and friends. I pictured that this day would come. Why are you all here though?" Titan asked.
Causing the dragons to proceed to explain to the older dragons that they came to the Gnorc worlds on their own accord once they heard about the counterattack that Gnasty had done to the dragons, leading to this moment. "And that's why we're here. Sorry that we've put ourselves in danger, and disobeyed our teachers and our parents, but hopefully we'll live, and beat that Gnasty Gnorc!" Spyro said.
As protective as Lateef was to Ember, he knew she'd merely demand that she follows Spyro into battle with the Gnorc. Just like Lume when both of them were younger, whom he hopes made it out of the world alive. Besides, he feels that the Quartet might know enough of what they were taught by Ignitus and his guardians, so they could be more able to protect themselves. "Then Keep up the good work, dear friends. I'm getting the feeling that Gnasty is starting to worry about all of you at his doorstep." Lateef said.
"Oh I'd be shaking in my Gnorc boots and golden armor if I was him." Spyro said, trying not to giggle with his friends. After all, there's time to giggle later. Right now they had to save the trapped dragons again. Which they hoped, would be a short detour on their road to facing off against Gnasty Gnorc.
"That's the attitude we expect from you, little dragon. Now keep going onwards, we'll catch up once we're at full strength." Titan said grinning. Before the four dragons proceeded to run onwards through the nearby ship, and continued through the cove to take down the rest of the Gnorcs with the barrels, breaths, and their Dragon Kata, on their way to rescue the rest of the dragons.
Which did prove itself as a little hard, since they had to either jump or dodge the metal barrels that the large Gnorcs were rolling down a path like some sort of Gorilla. All while dealing with the smaller ones that tried to defend themselves with a wrench. The smaller ones they can deal with, but the large ones that threw the barrels showed more challenge since they made a row of rolling barrels that they had to jump over, like some red wearing plumber.
They were able to get to the large Gnorcs and clobber them with some Dragon Kata, but they did get hurt by the barrels flattening them like pancakes, which happened to Spyro and Flame, turning their dragonflies blue.
But they healed their dragonflies by killing the rats that scampered in the cove, releasing butterflies. So it wasn't a hard journey through the Cove.
And it wasn't too long a journey either, as they were able to find another pair of crystal dragons that was on their path to the empty well that was sunken in the water, looking like a circular underground base for the Gnorcs.
They had to release the dragons first though, releasing Tomas and Trondo. Whom were happy to see the dragons. "Wow! I never thought we'd be rescued again. Especially by the four little dragons. W-what I mean is, I always believed in you all!" Tomas said smiling, hoping he didn't offend the Four Brave Dragons.
Which they weren't as they were also happy to have freed the pair. "Well you know what they say, You gotta believe!" Spyro said with a snicker, quoting a certain fictional talking dog that raps.
*In another universe…*
"AACHOO!" An anthropomorphic dog wearing a tank top, baggy pants, and a beanie sneezed loudly. Startling his friends as they walked on the sidewalk. "Bless me. Somebody talking about me?" Parappa thought the last part.
*Back in Gnorc Cove…*
"Just make sure that your journey to kicking Gnasty's butt won't distract you four from saving all of us from Crystal. Are we clear?" Trondo asked.
"CRYSTAL!" They all responded. Accidentally making a pun. Which had them snickering at that as they ran through the cove to the finish, making sure to collect the gems along the way to the next world.
Meanwhile… back in Gnorc Gnexus...
A small gang of Gnorcs were near a sleeping Magnus, making sure that he's deep asleep before killing him. Now though, they were bickering among each other to see which one of them gets to take down the sumo dragon. Which was by the time Delbin was already recovered, and long gone as he flew towards the rest of the dragons, before going back to Ignitus's castle to tell Nestor that he lives.
"Okay, let's ambush the dragon before he wakes up, then report to the boss that one dragon is down." A Gnorc said.
"Okay! Let's draw some straws, see who will kill the dragon."
"No, let's play rock paper scissors!" Another Gnorc said.
"No, let's just refreeze the sumo dragon, then bring him to the boss for hostage taking!" Another Gnorc demanded. Which led to their bickering.
So deep was their bickering that they didn't notice that Magnus was woken up by the bickering Gnorcs, and that another certain axe wielding yellow Peace Keeper dragon was getting out of the portal to Gnorc Cove, and was sneaking up on them too as the other dragons by his side retreated back to their army.
So by the time their argument ended, it was too late for them, as they got attacked by both Magnus and Titan as they breathed their powerful flames on the Gnorcs. All the Gnorcs could do was scream like girls as they vanished into soot.
Which had both Magnus and Titan amused at the scene. "Ah typical Gnorcs. No sense of teamwork." Magnus said smiling.
"Yes. Quite unfortunate however, that they were the ambushers that had us trapped in crystal again." Titan said annoyed. Noticing the Four Dragons behind him running to the Twilight Harbor portal in the now open dragon mouth fort.
"I know. But at least the Four Brave Dragons were able to save us again regardless of the dangers. That's something to be proud of." Magnus said. Making Titan smile at the fact.
All of a sudden they heard some flapping wings, causing them to turn to the sound, and see Ignitus, Volteer, and Terrador arriving at the Gnorc Gnexus via flight. Before landing with thuds on the metal Island. "Greetings Titan and Magnus. I'm glad to see that none of you have fallen." Ignitus said, catching his breath from flying to the Gnexus.
"Greetings Ignitus, Volteer, Terrador, glad to meet you all." Titan responded respectfully. While giving Terrador a salute. "And I'm glad to see that you're still around, on the lookout for any evils, that the chosen one would defeat."
"Speaking of which, our chosen ones have escaped! Snuck off! Eluded us, and they're here in Gnasty's world. Is there a portal to the realm that they're currently in?" Volteer asked nervously. Hoping that the Four Brave Dragons are alright.
Which the pair of Peace Keeper dragons knew of their concerns for the four dragons, according to what Spyro told Titan and Magnus. Which is why they assured the Guardians that Spyro and his friends are still alive. "Not only that, but they're freeing us as we speak." Titan responded.
Which relieved the Guardians as they were hoping that the dragon Quartet didn't perish. "Thank the ancestors." Ignitus said. "But like Volteer asked, where are they in Gnasty's realms?"
"Well you just missed them. They just went to the Gnorc Cove." Titan said, deciding to delay the dragon Guardians in their attempt to retrieve the Quartet before they can defeat the Gnorc. Since they felt that the Four Brave Dragons are the ones to defeat Gnasty, and the Guardians retrieving them would not be helping their situation any.
Ignitus and Terrador thanked the Peace Keepers before dashing to the Gnorc Cove portal to find the dragon Quartet there. Not knowing that they were already done with the Cove, and was now in a different realm.
"AAAAAAAUUGH!"
Which was the realm where the Four Brave Dragons knew that indeed as Debin said, Gnasty was going all out in trying to vanquish them all. As they didn't make at least ten steps into the Twilight Harbor, when they were assaulted by some Gnorcs that carried rapid firing muskets that shot out nails that pierced the scales of Flame and Cynder, causing the former to scream in pain, and also turned their dragonflies blue, before the dragons were able to take down the single Gnorc. But they knew with horror that there is more where that came from. As another Gnorc ambushed Spyro and Ember before shooting them too before getting taken down too, turning their dragonflies blue.
It was like they were plucked out of the kiddy pool, and into the raging rapids of the mountainous Magic Crafter rivers that could drown them.
It was also like they were pulled out of a comforting bed and onto some burning hot sand of the deserts of Cliff Town in the summer time as a survival exorcise.
In other words, it was like they just stumbled into a horrifying warzone. And they have to fight to survive it. And they felt that they're actually out of their element inside. It's no wonder why the Guardians and Nestor warned them against going to this world.
"Are you okay bro?!" Spyro asked shocked and also hurt.
"I'll… I'll be fine." Flame said bearing the pain of the nails in his scales that he had to pull out of his torso's wounds alongside Cynder, which caused some blood to leak out of the wounds. Much to the Quartet's horror and disgust. Which had them thinking about retreating back to the Gnorc Gnexus and getting some help from the other dragons.
But they all knew that it would be a cowardly thing to do, not to mention how it's basically suicide since it'd show Gnasty their weakness, and give him a chance to counterattack them again as a result. And that would be the end of their dragon age if the Gnorc is able to go all out in attacking them again. Besides, they have their pride on the line. So they merely had to grin and bear the pain until they can defeat the main Gnorc himself, as they continued onwards cautiously, preparing for an ambush.
Which they had some successes in when they fought against some Gnorcs that charged against them, nailguns in hand, only to get burned by their breaths as well as clobbered by their Dragon Kata. But the Dragon Kata moves didn't prove to be much of a success when going up against some Gnorcs that kept their distance from the Quartet as they continued to shoot their nails at them.
Especially the larger Gnorc commandos that had bigger machine nail guns that shot out hot nails that also pierced Spyro and Cynder's scales, and burned them. Forcing them to get into some cover, lest they suffer more nails piercing their scales.
And of course, the Gnorc Grenadiers that threw grenades, and gunpowder barrels, both of which exploded at their feet, or when they collided with their backs or sides. Which thankfully, they didn't make a big enough boom to catch them, and… leave bloody dragon parts everywhere. But it turned their dragonflies green, and left a large burn mark on their scales.
Which forced them to rely on their fire balls, lightning javelins and icicle spearheads to take down the Gnorcs that was shooting at them since their Dragon Kata was useless against the gunners since they have to dash up close to them to defeat them that way. And they didn't want to for obvious reasons. And their normal elemental breaths didn't reach far enough to catch the Gnorc inside.
Thankfully for them, the ranged elemental breath shots were effective as they took down the Gnorc gunners, Grenediers, and commandos by hitting their heads, one at a time. Which gave them some breathing room to press onwards. Regardless of Spyro and Cynder's dragonflies turning green from the shots, and both of them sporting some blood leaking out of where the nails used to be after pulling them out.
All of the Quartet was covered in bleeding holes from the gunners, at least on their torsos so far, and they cringed at the sight of each other's painful looking wounds, as well as how they still have more Gnorcs to fight against. While they also looked around at the Harbor, and saw the lingering aftermath of the battle that their friends and family fought in as they saw some craters, blast soots, and most horrifyingly, some dead dragons that was fished out of the water onto some docks of the Harbor.
And little did they know, they were on video, as Gnasty himself was witnessing the battle that the Quartet was going through, and he was cackling in the room, confident that he has a chance against the four dragons, should he be forced to fight them.
"Keep up the pressure! Show those winged lizards, we mean business!" Gnasty ordered on his talkie. Making any Gnorc in the area continue their assault on Spyro and the Quartet.
Thankfully, they ended up pressing on until they found another pair of Crystal dragons. Which had them shattering the crystals to release Cosmos, and Zantor themselves. Much to Cynder's relief.
After they recovered from their dizziness, they ended up looking at the Quartet with thanks, before immediately looking on in horror at their injuries and burn marks from the grenades. "ANCESTORS ALMIGHTY! Are you okay?!" Cosmos asked Cynder as he hugged her gently.
"I'll be fine. It's just nails. No biggie." Cynder said, trying to tell Cosmos that she isn't bothered by the pain of the nails piercing her scales. On the inside however, she felt like she could pass out from the pain if it got worse from there.
"Thank goodness. But still, we should've known that Gnasty is gonna be pulling this trick against us! And it's our fault that he's trapped us again, killed some of our dragons, and provoked you four into coming here to his turf." Zantor said sadly. As was Cosmos who hugged Cynder, who comforted him.
"Well don't worry guys, we're here now! And Gnasty is about to learn the hard way, that he should've chose the safer option, and gave up! Now it's too late!" Spyro said both excited to take out Gnasty, and angered that he might've killed some of his friends in his counterattack.
Cosmos and Zantor smiled at Spyro for the boast. "You're right, but you're still hurt by those mean Gnorc gunners. Allow us to help you guys."
"No thanks." Spyro said, knowing what to use from their inventory in their saddle bags.
Which had some items inside the bags, that they were able to take with them in their saddle packs prior to making it to the Gnorc Gnexus. One of which Spyro and Cynder knew they'd need right now as they pulled the item out. The item being a jar of Butterflies. Which they were able to open to let out a pair of butterflies to feed Sparx, Spryte, Sira, and Starr, which helped heal Spyro, Cynder, Flame, and Ember of their wounds. Which calmed the Quartet as they had more butterflies in the jar.
"Ah, what a relief. But still, Gnasty is making sure to send more of them against all of you. So please, tread with caution! Or we'll all be in grave danger." Cosmos said.
"Especially when you go up against those Gnorc commandos. They're tough Gnorcs that can slay any reckless dragon, especially should they aim for the head." Zantor said.
"You got it! But need I remind you that no Gnorc scares me?" Spyro asked.
"Or me?" Cynder, then Flame and Ember said.
"Not really." Cosmos said, feeling both amused and relieved that Spyro still has his headstrong nature, that he believes comes from his Peace Keeper mother.
"I didn't think so." Spyro said, charging onwards with his friends, preparing to fight the rest of the Gnorcs regardless of the pain they're feeling, as they took notice of some rats that they could roast for the butterflies to feed their dragonflies with.
But deeper into the Twilight Harbor, the four dragons kept on getting ambushed by the Gnorc gunners, as they kept on shooting the dragons with nails. Even hitting all four of them in the process, turning their dragonflies green again. Which was a painful moment that had them yelling in pain at the feeling of the nails piercing their scales again. Even hitting them in the legs, making them bleed there too. But they kept on dealing out damage as good as they can receive against the Gnorcs as they took out the Gunners with a charge, or their elemental breaths. And they were still able to walk just fine enough.
The Gnorcs commandos were still a pain though, as they continued to be fan shooting left and right, which made it hard to dodge without jumping over, which continued to hurt the four dragons as their dragonflies turned invisible. Which had them on the ropes, even though they were able to take down the Gnorc commandos too, with a little help from the Magic Crafter dragons that they rescued.
And they also still had some butterflies in their jar to revive their dragonflies. So they didn't feel doomed yet. Even though they were getting low on butterflies in their jar. So they were gonna be empty at this rate.
Which is why they moved more cautiously as they remembered to expect the Gnorc ambushers, and take them down with their ranged breath attacks. Even though they started to feel a little weaker due to the pain, and since they were bleeding to where their blood dripped off their scales and onto the floor of the Harbor.
Which had Gnasty grinning in his chair at how the Quartet is probably on their last legs.
The only upside to the Twilight Harbor in their eyes though, is that it was not a long journey through it, as they crossed the bridge, where the Quartet found at least one more Crystal dragon in their path. Which they shattered for what could be the final time, to release Cleetus.
Who was dizzy at first, but quickly on alert after a second, before laying eyes on the Quartet. getting shocked at the sight of their bleeding forms. "By the ancestors! Y'all okay? Surely you four are still able to fight!" He said.
"Of course we are able to fight." Spyro said, still too determined to quit at Twilight Harbor, alongside his friends. "And don't call us Shirley." He then said.
After making a chuckle at the response, Cleetus nevertheless remained serious. "Well, you can't keep going at the current condition that you're all in. Thankfully, I have something for y'all." He said, before taking out a bag, before pulling out a bunch of caged Chickens. "Here, I wanted to make a stew outta these here chickens, but you need'em more then I do." Cleetus said.
The Quartet smiled at him for the chicken gift. "Thanks Cleetus, we owe you one." Flame said.
The dragons then proceeded to roast the chickens inside, causing four blue glowing butterflies to come out of the cages. Much to their excitement, as they saw their dragonflies eat them, turning back to their Gold, Yellow, Teal Blue, and Cerise Pink colors. Which caused their wounds to heal as well, even though they still had to pull out some nails that they forgot to pull out.
Which had Gnasty enraged and horrified at what he saw.
"Take care to proceed through this place cautiously. Ya hear?"
"Loud and clear." Spyro said grinning at him. Feeling like he could actually survive battling the Gnorc gunners and commandos. As he started to keep on going through the Twilight Harbor alongside his friends.
*Later*
Which they were barely able to, as the remaining section of the Twilight Harbor had a sudden increase in Gnorc Commandos, (And a sudden lack of grenadiers.) as they continued to be a huge pain in their tails. Not only that, but they were paired with the gunners as they also shot at the Quartet. Causing them to have blue dragonflies as a result. Thankfully, they figured out that the Commandos were merely adept at close to medium range of firing. Which means they're a cake walk when they shoot at them from a distance. Also, they merely shoot left and right instead of aiming at them in general, which had them charging down and beating the Commando with their Dragon Kata, which still needed some work and training.
The gunners on the other hand, was still a dangerous foe, even though they're easier to take down by charging due to their small size. But they make up for it in accuracy and firepower. Leaving the Quartet still feeling pain from their nails on their scales that they pulled off.
And worst of all, there was a boat gunner that had a freaking chain gun that shot at them in one section of the Harbor, having nails that was strong enough to send one of them, being Flame, flying into one of the walls and pinned them there as he screamed in pain again. Forcing the rest of the Quartet to take cover in some limited sections of cover in the Harbor as they all got hurt by the chain gunner. It was the most intense section of the Harbor that had them indeed on the ropes. But they were eventually able to distract the gunner into turning to one of them to shoot at them, only to end up getting shot in the back by an angry Ember's lightning javelin.
Which was a relief, as they all were able to free Flame, then they were able to heal themselves with their butterflies. And their unfortunately weak healing potions of their creation that gave them strength back, but only slightly closed their nail wounds to a more manageable degree.
That was a close call on their journey to fighting the Gnorc.
Currently, they were catching their breaths from the fight that they just finished, killing the Gnorcs, and collecting the Gems with their now blue dragonflies, which they healed from the last of the butterflies in their jar, as they rested near a return home podium in a little camp. As well as a magical pad that had a note nearby from Cosmos, that said they'll have the ability to fly for a period of time. Which is long enough to directly enter Gnasty's fortress in the distance that happened to have its drawbridge closed, leaving them unable to enter the fortress from the front.
And they still had some wounds that they were bleeding from all over their scales as their blood was dripping to the floor, but they knew that they'll survive their wounds.
"*Huff* *Huff* Whew! We made it!" Flame said happy. With his friends agreeing with him.
"I admit, there was some sections where I thought we'd end getting riddled with nails, and dying. Thank goodness we lived." Ember said.
After getting their breath back, Spyro ended up standing in front of his friends. "Alright guys! This is it! We're at his doorstep, and Gnasty is probably shaking with fear and anticipation towards us! It's time we leave him waiting for us no more! We're going in there, we're going to beat him, and we're kicking him in his ass so hard, he'd need to unbutton his collar to… well, you know." He humorously said like he's threatened Gnasty. Which had his friends giggling a bit at that.
"If anybody is ready, then it's time to make history, by defeating that Gnorc, then we'll be the best heroes afterwards!" He said grinning, feeling excited to defeat Gnasty.
Even though he also felt a little nervous about what Gnasty could have up his sleeve when they fight him. In fact, a part of him wanted to fly alone to face off against Gnasty himself to make sure his friends are safe. But he knew they'd not be happy about being ditched by him when he fights alone, so he decided against it.
After a few minutes, Spyro was preparing to go to the pad, when he heard Cynder calling out to him in a soft way. "S-Spyro?" She asked.
"Yes Cynder, what is it? Something wrong?" He asked.
"N-nothing's wrong. I just gotta say something Spyro."
"What is it then Cynder?" He asked curiously.
Cynder took a deep breath. Before looking at Spyro in the eyes. "I've gotta confess something to you. Something, that I wanted to say back in my Home world. But I felt that I could say later." She said softly.
Then she started to blush a bit. "J-just in case we might not live to beat Gnasty, or even live when we do beat him, I just wanted to say… to say that… that I love you." She whispered the last part.
"Huh? What was that?" He asked curiously.
"I… I love you Spyro. I love you so much." She confessed out. Much to both Spyro and Ember's shock.
With the former being at a slight loss for words. "Y-you…? Love… me? Is it… romantically, or like a brother?"
"Romantically. I love you romantically." She walked closer to Spyro. "Ever since we first met in my Home world, I thought that you'd be among the other more colored dragons that would've got under my skin because of my dark scales." She gestured to her black scales. "Granted you were initially like that, especially when you got arrogant, but you quickly proved me wrong when all of you met me and became my friends, and all of you treated me like any other dragon you'd want to make friends with instead of thinking that I'd become some dark sorceress like the others did."
"You even expressed sympathies with me when I was told that my parents disappeared too when I was a baby out of my egg. And I never forgot that moment when I truly felt like I got a brother I never had." She said smiling at him.
"But overtime, my feelings grew a bit to where I started to think of you a little more than like a brother, then this journey began. And you helped me back in Alpine Ridge. That was the moment that my feelings grew from that moment, and they kept on growing during our journey through the Beast Makers, especially when we all got hurt by Metalhead, and in the Dream Weavers before, and during our stay at Ignitus's, to where I started to want you as more than a best friend when this journey is over." She said, shedding some tears.
"Plus, you… look cute, even while we're gonna be beating Gnasty up for freezing our friends. And that's why… that's why I love you." She finished, before she decided to put her lips on Spyro's in a kiss that lasted for a minute.
Which surprised Spyro, as he never really thought about how his dragon friends would end up feeling about him during their road to defeating Gnasty. He thought he'd merely have some fellow dragon friends, and brother to do some Gnorc bashing and torching with. But Cynder confessing her love to him, had him now thinking about his friends that he went on a journey with in a different light.
Especially, towards Cynder. Whom he admits, he did have sort of a crush on even while younger, but he felt that he was too cool to find a romantic partner with her. And he believed that she might feel the same way. "Guess I was wrong on that part." He thought. While at first, he wanted to gently push her away and tell her that they need to take out Gnasty first before they can kiss, but he eventually accepted it as he started to return the kiss.
Ember on the other paw, was reeling from the scene in front of her, before feeling a bit saddened and disappointed in herself for being slow to make her own confession to Spyro, before Cynder could, when she saw that Spyro wasn't struggling out of her grasp. Especially since she too thought that Cynder didn't seem to love Spyro as much as she herself does. And now she feels that it cost her the chance to be Spyro's girlfriend, and future mate, because of it. And that had her feeling sad when she realized that Spyro was also returning the kiss.
And as if fates was confirming to her about her lateness in confessing her love to Spyro, the kiss ended when their lips separated, and Spyro ended up merely smiling back at Cynder instead of looking annoyed. "I… accept… that you love me." He then said with a slight stutter. Not knowing about Ember's sadness.
A part of her wanted to get rid of Cynder, but she didn't want to ruin her friendship with her. And she knew that it'd end, or irreparably strain her friendship with her three friends, so she merely conceded with letting Cynder win over Spyro. No matter how reluctant she was to do that.
Before she could start to inwardly cry though, she heard Flame speaking to her, grabbing her attention. "Hey Ember. I have something I got to confess too." He said to her, before taking a deep breath. "I just wanted to say… that… I kinda have a crush on you too." He quickly said the last part.
Now Ember was surprised again, only this time, she was pleasantly surprised. "What was that Flame?" She asked, trying to see if she heard him right. While she also realized at that point, that there was also some other dragons that could love her like she loves Spyro. "Of course! I still have him to turn to, if Spyro doesn't choose me." She thought.
"I said… I have a crush on you too." Flame said lamely. "And I have, for a while."
Ember ended up smiling at Flame in response. "And I'm guessing that you love me romantically?"
"Y-yeah. I do love you romantically. I have even before this journey began, even though it wasn't as much as I do now. But my feelings grew for you ever since we collided in High Caves, and Tree Tops." He said, having told Spyro and Cynder about their accidental cuddling while at Ignitus's place. Which had them teasing both of them about it. "So I hope that we can do more of that, when we beat Gnasty's-"
He was interrupted when Ember kissed him on the lips, which had him surprised, but he quickly accepted, and returned the kiss as they both made out with each other. After a few minutes, they pulled away panting at what they did. While Ember smiled sultrily at him. "I would love to do more of those too. Thank you for the offer."
"N-no problem." Flame said smiling.
While Cynder and Spyro both were surprised that Flame confessed to Ember, and yet, she didn't reject his love. Instead, she returned her love back to Flame as well, and she didn't even show signs of spurning him in return. Which had them feeling that their friendship with each other may never be the same after this. For instead of becoming four friends, they became a pair of lovers, with Spyro and Cynder loving each other, while Ember and Flame also became lovers too. But that's okay with them all, as they remained friends as well.
After they were ready, they stood on the pad, and flew towards the Gnorc fortress, ready to take on Gnasty themselves.
While little did they know, the three dragon Guardians were setting foot in the Twilight harbor, having got out of the Gnorc Cove. "Well, that was a waste of time." Said an annoyed Terrador, learning that none of the Quartet was there.
"Patience Terrador. We were told that they're here, now we just need to find them." Ignitus said, hopeful that they're getting closer to finding the four dragons.
"But should we be too late in finding them before they face off against that Gnorc, should we lend them a hand? Help them with their battle?" Volteer asked.
"Yes, of course Volteer." Ignitus said, not wanting to lose the Quartet by Gnasty's hands as they were now dashing through the Twilight Harbor. Where they ended up meeting up with Cosmos, and Zantor, who recovered from the spell, when they noticed them. "Greetings Cosmos. I'm certain that the four young dragons came through here?"
"Greetings Ignitus. And yes, you just missed them. They were going through one heck of a battle here, thanks to the Gnorcs that littered this place." Cosmos said.
"My word! Were they hurt?" Ignitus asked surprised, as was Volteer and Terrador.
"Uh… yes. But not too bad, as they kept on fighting and running ahead to save the rest of us. Now we just need to send in our army when we meet up with them. Even though I'm certain that those Four Brave Dragons could be the ones to defeat that Gnorc, and make him pay for the fake surrender that he pulled a day ago. Especially since he cost me some of my dragons!" Cosmos said angrily on the last part. Feeling enraged that Gnasty killed some of them while he was frozen.
"Are you sure they're the ones to beat him? They were still being taught by us when we heard the news, and they ran away! Skedaddled! Charged brazenly to this place without consulting us before we could assist your armies in rescuing you. And you feel that they can actually defeat that Gnasty Gnorc?" Volteer asked surprised.
"You mean, none of you sent them to fight that Gnorc?! Well, I don't know how they got so lucky to get this far, but I don't know if I should praise the dragons for having the gall to stop the Gnorc and save us, or to disapprove of their actions that got them here in the first place." Cosmos said.
Then Cleetus ended up walking up to the dragons. "Ignitus! I didn't expect to see you and your fellow Guardians here in this here Harbor! Is Bruno and Bubba alive?"
"Yes Cleetus, they're alive and well." Ignitus said smiling, much to Cleetus's relief. But Ignitus instantly got serious. "But there's a problem. The four young dragons are here, and they're charging ahead. Do you know where they went?"
"Why yes I do. They're headed to the fortress as I speak. And I'm certain that they're now about to fight Gnasty Gnorc himself. Hopefully they're gonna win and end that darn Gnorc's attempt at this new age he's boastin about." Cleetus responded.
That was the answer the Guardians needed. "Thank you Cleetus. We hope to reward you for directing us to the young dragons someday. Take it easy!" Terrador said, before flying ahead towards the fortress.
"Wait Terrador! Don't charge ahead!" Ignitus called out as he and Volteer flew behind him to the fortress's direction. While the Magic Crafter dragons and Beast Maker dragon shrugged at each other.
In Gnasty's fortress…
Gnasty himself was taking deep breaths, preparing himself for battle against the Four Brave Dragons, who he knew was on their way to fight him in the fortress. So he did some practicing spell casting on some targets.
The targets being his incompetent Gnorc minions who failed him in catching all the dragons in his counterattack. With each of them turning into Gnorc Crystal Statues.
Some of them ran around in panic, but all they did is have Gnasty practicing his casting aim with leading the targets. Which he ended up missing on some shots. But pretty soon, he had them all petrified in Crystal.
But he still felt horrified that he's about to face the dragon Quartet. And that had him trying not to panic himself as he tried to prepare to fight the four dragons. Not only that, but he too wanted to retreat from his fortress to fight another day. But he had a reputation to uphold.
Especially since he wanted to brave his fear of the four dragons coming for him, and prove to the dragons that indeed, he is a threat that will end their era.
The only comfort that he got from the ordeal was that the dragons were hurt on the way to him thanks to his Gnorc gunners and Commandos. He also felt confident that he has his minions to fight against the dragons with as he got ready to attack with his macelike scepter.
At least initially on the latter, when he saw some Gnorcs with some blanket bags on sticks as they started to leave the circular room they're all in. Which he quickly knew was some disloyal showmen Gnorcs that was making a retreat. "Huh? Where do you guys think you're going?! We've got dragons to terminate!" He barked at them.
The gnorcs however, were not so willing to listen to Gnasty. "Well, I'm sorry to say this boss, but so far, the other way around is happening to us! And we're too scared to risk our lives for ya!" One of the Gnorcs said.
"Our commandos have hurt them! They should be weakened enough for us to take out those lizards once they arrive here! You should stay-"
"No, we won't!" The same leading Gnorc said, standing up to Gnasty. Much to his surprise. "This plan is bound to end in failure thanks to their courageousness! As well as their wins against all odds! And we'd rather be long gone when that happens! Besides, you're scared!"
"I'm not scared! I know we can beat them together! Yet you're all running away like cowards?!"
"We may be cowards! But at least we're living long enough to see that your proposed golden age for us Gnorcs isn't happening! Admit it! You're scared of them! And it's cause those Four Brave Dragons is still runnin and freeing the dragons from the Crystal prisons! And through all this madness, all you did was keep yourself in this fortress, afraid to fight them yourself because even you know that they'll kill you! And you can't do anything about it! So, say what you want about us, but we're smarter than you think, and our guts are telling us that fighting them with you is suicide!" Another Gnorc said.
"I agree with this Gnorc. Sorry boss, but you're on your own here, good luck trying to kill those dragons, while we make a real living. Hopefully under their mercy, cause better that, then death!" The same leading Gnorc said, before all of them ran away out of the room, feeling that the Four Brave Dragons are now about to enter the room.
And they're right.
"COWARDS! Get back here!" Gnasty yelled out as they exited the room, before the Quartet then entered the room seconds after they left. Which Gnasty ended up noticing when he looked in their direction.
"Hello Gnasty Gnorc. I have to say, I expected a welcome party with your minions when we got here. I guess they're smarter than you when it comes to giving up." Spyro said, noting that Gnasty is all alone in his room.
"Especially when against impossible odds! Like me, bro, and our friends!" Flame proclaimed.
The Gnorc in question ended up growling at them as he backed away. Which gave Flame a shiver up his spine, but he stood his ground. "So you must be the Four Brave Dragons! I have to say-"
"Let me guess. You expected bigger? Well too bad, you got us! And you must be feeling pretty embarrassed that these 'tiny whelplings' ended up defeating your minions!" Spyro interrupted.
Gnasty growled at the interruption. "I was gonna say that I was waiting for this moment. After all, you're all hurt aren't ya!?" He said, noting their nail wounds, as he prepared to fight the dragon Quartet. He just hopes that he'll beat the Quartet one way or another as he pointed his scepter at the dragons after climbing up a platform that he knew is out of their reach if they can't fly. "It's time to finish this! End this war on you filthy lizards in victory! Show you all that I'm more of a threat than you think when I win!"
"Or when you lose!" Spyro said.
"No, I'll win! And I'll finally get my throne, and rule the entire realms!" Gnasty boasted.
"From beyond the ashes of your demise?" Cynder responded, causing her friends to chuckle.
And to cause Gnasty to growl at them. Even though he also noticed that they might not be able to fly. "You all think you're heroes? A bunch of dragon whelplings that can't fly?! Your kind must be more pathetic than I thought if you guys are their only hope! Go home to your parents, if any of you have any that I didn't kill that is!" He taunted back.
Which had them angered at the insult, as they would've given anything to take down Gnasty, and shut his trap for good. However, they all knew that he had a point about them being unable to fly without magical help since he was on a platform that was out of their reach with nothing to climb on, and had a keyhole.
"At least we still have our fathers! Unlike you." Flame spoke out, insulting Gnasty back.
"Yes, I have no father, but you don't hear me crying about it. But enough! Less talking, more killing!" He yelled out, before beginning the battle with his spell blast from his scepter. Which was dodged by the dragons.
All of whom proceeded to dodge his blasts like they were dodging snow balls from their snow days when they were younger. Which had Gnasty roaring in bloodlust. "Stand still you Iguanas!" He demanded.
None of the dragons would obey though, as they kept on running as they collected the Gems while looking around for how to get to Gnasty's platform to chase him.
Which ended up showing itself when they heard a thief taunting them near a doorway. Making them turn to see a key wielding thief in yellow robes. They quickly chased the thief through the halls that was thankfully out of the Gnorc's reach when they realized that they can use the key to get to Gnasty.
The thief was very fast though, which did have them chasing him through the halls in a circle, for a few cycles before they had to think up a tactic to beat the thief.
"Is that the key that unlocks the platform that Gnasty's on?" Spyro asked.
"Maybe." The thief responded, which was the first time the dragon Quartet heard the thief speak.
"I'm guessing you're not fond of Gnasty? If not, then why did you steal it?" Flame asked.
"Because I'm hired to do it by that Gnorc? Duh-"
The thief was distracted though, as it failed to react to the charging dragons as they torched the thief with their fire breaths, and took his key. "Just being curious. Thanks for the key." Flame said again. Before they ran out of the halls.
Where they dashed towards Gnasty's platform while dodging the green blasts from his Macelike scepter as they remembered Delbin's demand to prevent Gnasty from zapping them and getting crystallized. (Not that they needed to be told twice though, seeing it happen to their friends.) Until they reached the platform, where Spyro quickly put the key in the keyhole before turning it with his teeth.
*click*
At the sound, the platform fell under Gnasty's feet. Causing him to scramble backwards in his panic before he then ran down a path that happened to be a walkway near the oil and boilers, desperate to get away from the Quartet as they all gave chase to him, digging their claws into the metal.
Which had them laughing along the way during their chase when they saw how much of a coward Gnasty is during their chase on him. They even flung some insults at him.
"Why are you running? You know we can catch you! Why? Because we're faster! And you may roar like a lion, but we make you look like a sheep!" Spyro said laughing.
"Your Gnorc minions put up a better fight than you! They might've been the head honcho's instead of you if they weren't chicken!" Flame said giggling.
"You think you're tough? I've seen tougher from Metalhead!" Cynder said grinning.
"My stuffed animals were more scarier than you! And all they needed was darkness!" Ember said smiling.
All of which Gnasty ignored as he kept on fleeing from them as they kept up the chase, only being slowed down by some Gems and chests they needed to break. But the chase kept on going.
Until it ended with Gnasty at the end of a path where he ended up seeing that he has nowhere else to run other than on the same path he took to flee from the Quartet, which could lead to him running around, and getting chased by the Quartet, in circles.
Which had him initially panicking as he saw them coming his way fast, on the verge of catching him with their elemental breaths. He initially wished to make a genuine surrender to them, but he knew that they wouldn't accept the surrender after what he pulled on the dragons. So he had a different solution.
Which he felt could be tricky for him, but he merely went through with it as he raised his macelike scepter. "Baubillius, Fluctus!" He called out before slamming the mace down on the floor, making a shockwave.
Which caught the dragons by surprise as they spazzed in place at the shock while their dragonflies turned green at that. Before they ended up falling on the floor for a brief moment. "Woah, what was-"
Which was all that Gnasty needed, as he hit all four of them with his petrification spell, turning them all into miniature Crystal dragons that stood in place on the path with only their bags unfrozen. Much to the horror of the dragonflies that was still close by before they turned invisible.
Gnasty now stood in front of the Crystal dragons with shock on his face at what he just done as he had to catch his breath. Before he then grinned at the sight of them frozen in Crystal, before he raised his macelike scepter up to the now dusk sky with a mighty roar that could be heard for miles. Which little did he know, brought attention to himself from the Guardians. Who was now flying in the direction of his shout.
"Yes! I did it! Those dragons that became a pain in my butt are now frozen and out of my way!" He yelled out after getting done with his roar. Celebrating the fact that he just took down the Quartet in one fell swoop.
"Now the new age for us Gnorcs shall truly begin! And I'll start by showing those four iguanas to the rest of their kind, before becoming king with a fake promise that I'll let them out. But instead, they'll all just join them in crystal as I now get to rule these lands with my Gnorcs now! Nothing can stop us now! And I have me to thank." He grinned.
As he celebrated however, he ended up failing to notice that their pack had fallen off their saddles for some reason. Causing another jar to fall out of it, which was full of one blue glowing butterfly. Which he felt he would use for himself or one of his friends when their life was in danger. Which in this case, all of their lives were as the jar shattered on the ground, letting the butterfly out.
The Gnorc's second war cry drowned out the glass breaking sounds as the butterfly ended up vanishing when it touched one of the dragon statues. Causing the dragonfly to appear while the crystal statue ended up shattering.
With a groan, Spyro ended up shaking his head to get the swimming vision out of his head. Before he noticed that Gnasty was in front of him, his friends were frozen in Crystal, and a golden Sparx was in front of his face, trying to grab his attention. Without fear, Spyro ended up charging at Gnasty before he could notice that one of the dragons are free, and then breathed fire on Gnasty.
The Gnorc yelped in pain when he felt fire on himself, causing him to notice that Spyro himself is free from Crystal, and was bearing down on him. Causing him to run again into a cave. Spyro could've followed Gnasty, but he then saw that his friends were still frozen. Giving him a choice to either continue the chase against Gnasty, or to free his friends first.
Spyro didn't hesitate, when he chose to save his friends, so he shattered their statues to release them all. "Are you alright guys?!" Spyro asked alarmed.
"Yeah. We're okay. Thank you." Cynder said, recovering from her dizzy spell, alongside her friends. Before kissing Spyro, before nuzzling him, relieved that he somehow got out of his statue, or dodged Gnasty's attack.
As flattered and a little embarrassed as he was, Spyro knew he had to hurry and defeat Gnasty Gnorc before he can escape. "Thanks, but listen, Gnasty's running, and I have to catch him! Please stay here and recover your dragonflies while I take care of him!" He firmly said to Cynder, noticing that she, Flame and Ember are missing their dragonflies.
She merely shook her head however. "No. We're all taking him down together Spyro. Remember, you still have us." She said, not caring that she's gonna fall on her last hit from Gnasty.
"She's right bro. We aren't leaving your side even if that Gnorc has us to the wall. We're all finishing him off." Flame said with Ember nodding in agreement.
Spyro felt that he should be face palming at their response, considering that their friendship with him is just too strong to make them stay behind while he takes out Gnasty. "I should've expected that response. Very well, but we need to hurry!" He said, dashing away with them close behind. Hearing them say "Right behind you!" in response.
It was a short dash through the cavern when they saw Gnasty himself on some wall platforms over the lava, daring them to chase him on there. A dare that the dragons were willing to take.
"Come dumb dragons! So I can finish you all off!" He yelled out. Losing his sanity at his false victory as he had no choice but to run to an advantageous spot.
"You can't finish us off if your running like a coward!" Spyro responded before he glided alongside his friends onto the platforms, resuming their chase towards Gnasty.
Only to hear a noise of gears turning on one of the platforms, as they felt themselves moving even though they weren't walking. Which Sparx noticed as he buzzed to the dragons what's happening.
Causing them to look at their platforms, then the others to see that they were starting to retract into the walls. "Oh crap! Come on guys, we have to run!" Spyro said, shocked and scared as they all felt themselves in an adrenaline rush that was bigger than killing Gnasty, as they ran over the platforms to another platform, as they felt the metal of the platforms getting pulled deeper into the walls. They all were scared since the bottom of the hall they were running, and jumping over, was filled with lava, which would've been hotter than regular fire to where they could melt inside should they fall in.
And at the end of the hall, Gnasty was in sight on a safe place, while the remaining platforms were about to vanish. "Let's see if you foolish lizards can get out of this!" He yelled out grinning, feeling that his lava would do the trick against the dragons.
And the Quartet knew that he's about to be correct if they don't hurry. So with their horns lowered, they sprinted with all their might on the remaining three platforms that was on the verge of vanishing under their feet. After getting into column formation, they felt their four paws on the first one, only to feel only two of their paws on the second one, and only the sides of their paw and foot on the final one that they knew would mean their fall into the lava. Which had them feeling that it could be it for them.
But they instantly swallowed that fear, as they all pushed forwards and twisted their legs onto the walls using it as their launching pad as they were able to, against all odds, wall jump up into the air before tumbling together onto the safety of Gnasty's floor at the end of the hall. Thus saving their lives for now.
"No! No! NOOOOOOO!" He roared out, having reached the limit of his patience. "IT CANNOT BE! IT'S NOT FAIR!" He roared in rage and horror. "THAT'S IT! I'VE HAD IT! BAUBILLIUS FLUCTUS!" He then yelled out, creating another shockwave.
Which unfortunately for the Gnorc, they all jumped over it as they dashed to Gnasty, ignoring the pains in their legs from their messy landing as they were able to make it to the top Gnorc while he was pulling his macelike scepter out of the ground. By the time he pulled it out, it was too late. As the Quartet quickly put their current skill in Dragon kata to good use.
As Spyro uppercut him with his lightning horn headbutt zapping him, while Cynder fire kicked him in between his legs, while Ember and Flame Ice and Earth punched him in the solar plexus, while Spyro then Fire kicked him in the chest, while Cynder Ice kicked him in the stomach, etc. They were basically wailing their fury on the Gnorc who was too slow and clumsy to respond with his own strikes from his macelike scepter, while the Quartet was too fast and flexible to get hit by him. He was merely at their mercy, before they finished with their final strike on him while breathing their elements on him too.
Gnasty now crumpled to the ground in pain as he was now holding himself up by his hands after stabbing the hilt of his macelike scepter to the ground. He was trying to get back up to fight them again, only to feel something heavy land on his head which slammed his face into the floor. Which was the head of his macelike scepter landing on his own head, crushing him under it before he vanished into soot, leaving a pile of purple gems popping out of where he used to stand.
Finally, after all the time passed since their adventure began, they have accomplished their goal, and did what others failed to do, for it has happened.
Gnasty Gnorc was defeated.
Spyro and his friends ended up standing there, catching their breaths and gingerly avoiding adding pressure to their now sore paws as they managed to smile at what they have done to the now former top Gnorc, as they were celebrating with a rest on the floor near where Gnasty was.
"You're toast Gnorc!" Spyro said with a chuckle.
Now they merely sat there catching their breaths and smiling at each other for a job well done. Before both Cynder and Ember threw themselves to Spyro and Flame, as they made out with each other in victory regardless of their pain from their sore limbs and nail wounds, happy that they're all alive at the end of their battle with Gnasty as they cuddled and kissed each other romantically.
Suddenly, it was minutes later when they heard frantic flapping of wings that started to get closer, making them turn to where it came from to see Terrador flying fast towards their location before landing on the floor a few meters in front of them, his morning star in his hands ready to be swung.
"ALRIGHT GNASTY GNORC! IT'S Time… to…" Terrador yelled out, expecting to face Gnasty in the room, until he laid eyes on the Quartet, all alone in the room together, with no Gnasty Gnorc in sight. Causing him to quickly put the pieces together in his head. "Oh." He then said softly.
The Quartet couldn't resist chuckling at how late Terrador was to see them fight and kill Gnasty. "Hey Terrador, what's up?" Spyro said as they all got up and straightened themselves out.
Before Terrador could respond, a pair of flapping wings sounded behind him, making all of them turn to see Volteer and Ignitus flying to the same place, before they landed to catch their breaths. "Goodness gracious Terrador! You should've known better at this point, not to pull a Leeroy! You could've been killed or refrozen you know!" Ignitus chided, as Terrador looked awkwardly at the floor.
"What's a leeroy?" Flame asked, catching Ignitus's attention.
Who was looking at them in surprise, seeing them looking hurt, but alive and walking still. And no Gnasty was in sight too, which had him coming to the same conclusion that Terrador did. "Y-You're all alive. And standing there victorious? By the ancestors, you're all full of surprises I must admit." Ignitus said surprised. "And as for your question, Leeroy was once one of our fellow Guardians like us, who gained an unfortunate reputation of flying and charging into battle without any planning, hence the term. May he peacefully rest with the ancestors." He said, as he, Volteer and Terrador gave a moment of silence for Leeroy.
"But you Spyro and friends, you all have done the unbelievable. You've defeated the Gnorc that froze us in Crystal, saved the dragons from the Crystal prisons, and saved our realms from the attempted Gnorc uprising that he tried to create. And we give you our thanks." Ignitus then said, making a polite bow to Spyro alongside Terrador and Volteer.
Which the Quartet accepted with smiles, as they feel that they've been given a hero's thanks from the Guardians. "Hehehe, no problem Ignitus. Somebody had to put that bad Gnorc in his place." Spyro said.
"Especially since he fake surrendered and froze our friends again. So he got what he deserved." Cynder said.
"That we can all agree on. No creature should fake surrender, because it's a bad idea in the long run. It's merely a terrible strategy that only delays your inevitable defeat, and you'd have more enemies hating you because of that." Terrador said, remembering his Peace Keeper training.
"Besides, you should've been here, we had him running for his life like he was a girl." Spyro said with a chuckle alongside his friends. "Only for him to shock us with his spells, and he basically froze us, but I broke out, then freed my friends before continuing the chase through this hall, it was scary. But we made it here, and now he's gone. Poof! That kinda makes you proud right?" Spyro said.
As proud of them as the Guardians were, they had something to say. "Mind if we say something first? If we're being honest, we're also disappointed in you four." Ignitus said, looking down at the Quartet.
That wasn't the answer they expected from Ignitus that time. But they knew that it was coming nonetheless as they looked guilty.
"Not only did you four run away to fight Gnasty Gnorc, without our permission by the way, you also put each other in danger by not calling on your allies. Your friends. Your companions, to save any of you from any dangers that the Gnorcs would become. Especially back in Twilight Harbor, when we were told that you four were hurt. In pain. Wounded and bleeding, all because of those Gunners." Volteer said.
"That's cause we didn't know we'd be facing those Gnorc gunner-" Spyro tried to say.
"This is where you quiet down! Your teachers are speaking!" Ignitus interrupted, making the Quartet jump at that.
"What if either one of you died in Twilight Harbor? What if Gnasty succeeded in turning any of you into statues, and one of you remained frozen? Different story right? Well that's your fault." Terrador said.
"And if all of you died, or was frozen by his hands… then I feel, it's more our fault. We don't want that on our conscience, especially if it means we have to explain it to your parents." Ignitus said trying not to shed a tear.
The last part alarmed the Quartet, as at the time, they didn't think about how their family would feel if none of them were able to break out of the Crystal prisons that they were zapped into. Especially how Nestor, Delbin, Cosmos, Lume, and Lateef would feel. And that had them feeling a bit ashamed of what they've done. Even though they took down the Gnorc, they knew that they should've thought more about the dangers of their journey to defeat the villain.
And they should've thought more, about how the villain could beat them.
Sure they knew that there was a chance that they'd die in Gnasty's world, but they were confident that they'd survive the journey, albeit with scratches. But their trip through Twilight Harbor showed them that their risk was real. And they could've died for their mistake.
"We understand Ignitus. We're sorry that we did this alone and without any help. It's what I do, and we just wanted to be heroes." Spyro said.
"Well, you succeeded." Ignitus said smiling at them. "For Gnasty is no more."
"And his Gnorcs have failed in their uprising. Now our realms are safe from their control. Especially mine." Terrador then said.
"And you saved our leaders of the Peace Keepers, Magic Crafters, and the Dream Weavers, before Gnasty could use his cunning to manipulate an eventual counterattack that would've been horrible! Frightening! Catastrophic to even think about!" Volteer then said.
"And we all give you our thanks for saving the realms from that Gnorc's wrath. We're in your debts." Ignitus said as he, Volteer, and Terrador gave polite bows to the Quartet.
Causing them to smile with joy and happiness at the dragon Guardians for their thanks as they gave each other comforting wings. "Thank you guys. And we promise, we won't charge into battle unless we have your permissions." Flame said.
"And we'll make sure that we have help from our friends, when we find any danger that we cannot beat." Ember said.
"We'll especially call you guys when we need your help and wisdom from any of you." Cynder said.
"And I'll try not to charge into any battles if it's gonna end badly for me." Spyro then said.
That had the Guardians smiling back at the dragon Quartet. "That's why we're thankful that all of you are the chosen ones. Our future is bright with you four in it." Ignitus said. "But for now, let us go home. Your parents would be worried sick if we're slow to return."
The Quartet and the Guardians agreed with Ignitus on that, as they all walked, then flew with the Quartet after some spellcasting, before they all left the fortress that Gnasty used to rule.
"We're sorry that we took so long! We almost forgot about you guys!" Spyro said, now back in Stone hill along with his three friends, now healed from their wounds in Twilight Harbor as they wore some bandages on their wounds. And they all had their dragonflies, their family and the Guardians nearby as Spyro and his friends were re-interviewed by the dragon news guys. With Spyro and Cynder very close to each other, with Ember and Flame in the same way in a romantic sense. Which their family noticed, yet they approved of them being together as they are, since they chose to be a pairing.
"What about G-nasty G-norc?" The interviewer asked.
"Gnasty Gnorc?! Is toast!" Spyro said with his traditional grin.
"And it's all thanks to us altogether." Cynder said grinning with Spyro. Before giving him a peck on the cheek. Making him blush a little.
"So now there's order again in the Dragon home worlds?" He asked.
"Well kinda!" Flame said.
"We later heard that there's still some treasure to pick up! So we have some clean up to do." Ember then said, planning to go to the last world being Gnasty's treasure horde.
"Last question: What will you all do next?" He said, as a sheep popped out of nowhere close to the camera lens, much to the Quartet's annoyance. Before they then blew fire at the sheep's tail, causing it to fly upwards.
"We'd say, the sky's the limit!" The dragons all said as the sheep fell back down making a smoke trail.
And done.
This is it guys! The final chapter at least in the Gnasty Gnorc Arc has been released this month. And I hope that it's worth the wait.
Edit: As for the nail guns that the Gnorcs used in this story, I thought that the guns used in the original game shot out nails due to the shape of their bullets in Twilight harbor. So I thought that I'd have the Gnorcs use the nail guns like the protagonist of quake 1 does. Which has me wondering why Toys for Bob didn't use nails and rivet guns for the Gnorcs, instead of the slime guns, like from Splatoon in The reignited trilogy.
Even though there are answers as to why according to their Q and A, but rivets and nails can do as much damage, and is also a fridge brilliant way to arm the gnorcs with the weapons that look like they hurt to get shot by.
But I digress.
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,
hope you all had a good valentines day,
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.