Here's a brief Q&A for this chapter.
D.J. Scales: Going back to Avalar, and going to Shady Oasis for starters.
Finally, Disclaimer: This is a non-profit fan based story. Spyro The Dragon was created by Insomniac Games, and is owned by Activision, and Toys For Bob. Please support the official releases.
Meanwhile… back in Avalar
It was quite a tall ladder that they had to climb, as they were climbing up to follow both Hunter III, and Elora up the ladder to the Manor. Keeping Elora's advice of climbing in mind, they were able to keep going upwards through the ladder together.
Even if they did have some nervousness about falling, especially in Flame's case, as he had to resist looking down the ladder to see the bottom of the courtyard that they were climbing up from, while noticing a fuming Moneybags down there too. Which had the Quartet trying not to laugh too hard at his failure in trying to get them to pay him in Gems to learn how to climb. Especially since they could be letting go by accident when they laugh too hard.
So they kept on going, making sure not to drop into the courtyard, while both Spyro, and Cynder was following behind Elora. Which, gave both of them some looks at her hind again, only from below, much to their embarrassment, as they kept their eyes averted since it'd probably be rude of them to look up her leaf dress. They did get some accidental peeks though, that they hoped that Elora didn't notice. Even though they remembered seeing her hind before, and twice at that, back in Summer Forest.
Elora guessed that they would do that though, as she climbed up ahead alongside Hunter III. And she still felt flattered about their peeking, even if she knows that they were accidental. But she didn't mind those peeking eyes if it was Spyro and Cynder's.
The former of whom, felt that since he casted the dark spell of acid, which his gothic girlfriend can also cast back in Back in Breeze Harbor, had him feeling that he could have a future in casting spells alongside Cynder. While he also felt that his status as a purple dragon could be a reason why he was able to cast spells. Even though there could be another obvious reason why he can cast some spells with her too. Which if it is the reason, then maybe it'd narrow down what kind of dragon, one of his parents could be.
Either way, he was feeling excited about fighting like a wizard dragon, later on in the journey through Avalar, and casting some other dark spells alongside Cynder too.
Sure he said to Hunter IV back in Ocean Speedway, that he was too cool for magical spells, and he felt that he didn't need them, but after seeing some of the dark spells that Cynder casted on some of the Land Blubbers, as well as the Ice Wizards, and after he casted his own acid spell, he started to change his mind a bit, and began to enjoy seeing them in action when Cynder casts them.
And now, after casting the acid spell in Breeze Harbor, so can he, along with the other spells that Cynder could also cast, alongside Ember. (Though the latter preferred to cast the spells, that mainly effects the mind, as well as uses the light element, like the other Dream Weavers. Not that she's unable to cast the other spells that the Magic Crafters can.)
And he was feeling excited about what other spells that he could cast alongside his girlfriend.
Nevertheless, they were all focusing on making sure not to fall down, as they climbed on the ladder that put them on a walk way to another ladder to climb, then they all climbed onto the other ladder that lead them to a doorway to the interior of the Manor.
Where right off the bat, they saw another portal in the room that they were climbing into, which lead to Scorch.
"Okay guys, you might wanna brace yourselves for this one world. Because… well, let's just say that this Realm is called Scorch for a reason." Elora said, bracing herself for her own journey through Scorch.
"Oh geez. Does it have lava inside?! I hope we don't fall in and melt." Spyro said, cringing at the thought of falling in the lava, with his friends. For a pretty good aforementioned reason. As well as having heard about the bad experience that Flame, and Ember had with the lava back in Skelos Badlands.
"No! No! It's not because of the lava! It's cause it's a desert." Elora then said, calming them down.
The Quartet sighed in relief at what she said. As they ended up knowing why it's called Scorch, which had them trying not to laugh at the Pun name of how hot the desert of the aforementioned Realm was. They also didn't really mind that they were gonna go through the desert, since they've been through the other deserts back in the Peace Keeper's World, and the Realms inside.
"There are some ooze pits around the castle, and the Plaza though, so we must make sure to keep away from them too if we don't want to melt." Elora then said, remembering her knowledge of Scorch.
The Quartet was relieved that she told them, just in case they were too late to see the ooze that they were familiar with, considering the ooze pits in the Beast Makers, that they thankfully, didn't fall inside of. But the last part had them startled at the fact that the ooze that they were hoping to not fall in, could melt them like the acid spells that Cynder would use against her opponents. As well as Spyro.
So they made sure to tread lightly should they get to the castle of Scorch. "We'll keep that in mind Elora." Spyro said.
Which had her smiling at them in relief. She didn't want to lose Avalar's saviors after all.
Especially if Ripto was going to win this upcoming fight against them, and take Avalar from her people.
But she felt confident that they could survive to make it to him, as they got in the portal to Scorch.
Before they got to Scorch, there was a pair of what looked like little kids that was sneaking around as they entered the castle of Scorch. The pair being a boy and a girl. With the girl looking human, with blonde hair in pigtails that reached to her hips, bright sun kissed skin, and having blue colored eyes, while she wore what looked like a white short sleeved shirt, that was under an orange sundress. Along with a pair of brown boot-like shoes.
While the boy was also blonde, with blue eye colors, with a shirt that was also under orange suspender overalls, a pair of shoes, and he happened to have a propeller beanie on his head, that was umbrella in design while having a pair of colors it had like both white and orange.
They both ended up continuing to sneak around like special agents. (Which they were.) Hiding behind metallic vases, trying to get to their objective inside the castle, when the boy ended up seeing something that caught his attention as he snuck to another vase.
A red lollipop, on a string. That was in the middle of the center of the Arabic gazebo.
The girl then noticed that the boy was now headed towards it, intending to grab it. Much to her horror.
"Handel, stop! No! Don't!"
*Chomp*
It was too late however, as the boy, known as Handel, ended up chomping onto the lollipop, causing the castle's guards to end up cornering the boy, while the girl was forced to escape by herself, leaving the boy agent hanging onto the lollipop by his teeth, seemingly not noticing his danger, while the guards were smiling, and trying not to laugh at the scene. While some of the other guards ended up chasing after the girl.
Whom, was now outside the castle as she was running through the desert, trying not to get caught herself as she too got chased, until she then noticed some figures running past her, before clobbering the guards, before she then noticed two more figures that was supporting them with some archery cover.
Both figures, being Hunter III, and Elora, whom were shooting the guards together. And the latter of whom, she recognized.
Once the guards were dealt with, the pair, along with the Quartet was now talking with the girl once she caught her breath.
"Thank you Ewora. I owe you one." The girl said, giving Elora a bow. All while also showing that she has a sort of speech impediment. Not that it was unusual for the dragons due to her young looks.
"It is no problem Greta. It seems we were just in time before it could get worse for you." Elora said, also relieved. Before introducing the Quartet, and Hunter III, to the girl, known as Greta.
"Well hewo Spywo, Fwame, Cynder, Ember, and Hunter, it's so nice to meet you all." She said, smiling at them. "It's a gweat thing you're all here, my bwother Handel and I was sent here to bwow up this castle. But Handel got caught by those evil soldiers that guarded the castle, and I'm now stuck here, and I must wescue him to compwete our mission." She responded.
While Flame suddenly got pensive, at what he heard about her name, and the name of her brother. After all, he was reminded of a pair of kids with similar sounding names from a book, that went to a house of cookies and candy, only to run from it when the witch tried to eat them. And the names that he heard from the girl named Greta sounded vaguely familiar to him, but he just can't place his talon on it.
But it wasn't important enough to think about, or lose sleep over it, as he, along with the rest of the Quartet, Elora, and Hunter III nodded, accepting lending their hands to Greta. "We'll help you out Greta, how can we get in though?" Spyro asked.
"Why it's simple, just pwess the button that is near one of the fwagpoles, to waise the fwag up, and that'll open the door for you." Greta said. "And if all of you can open the doors that bwock the way, Hendel and I can compwete our secwet mission."
"Not to sound nosey, but who sent you both here to this place?" Elora asked before they could continue onwards through the realm.
After a moment of pensive thought, Greta ended up giving her the answer. "I suppose that it won't hurt to tell you, as you pwomise not to tell evewyone else in Avalar. You see, we were sent here by the Hippos of Shady Oasis, to bwow this castle up."
"They sent you both here!? For what reason? Wait! Are they at war as well?!" Elora asked surprised.
Greta nodded. "Some of the evil soldiers in that castle, are working for the evil wizard, named Wipto, and they intend to fight the hippos too. I even heard that they sent some thieves to steal the hippo's bewwies. So they sent us here to fight them." She responded.
Elora was surprised and shocked at the news. "But those hippos need those berries! It's their most important food to eat! Regardless of what happens when they eat one. Count us in to be your helping hand." Elora then said determined, with the dragons, and Hunter III in agreement.
Which had her smiling at them for their help. "Thank you all. Now our mission is sure to become a success! Oh, and don't wowwy, I can take care of myself." Greta then said, joining the group for now, as they were ready to storm the castle with her. Where they immediately fought against another soldier that tried to charge them, only to get zapped by both Spyro, and Cynder's magic, being a shrink spell that shrunk him down till he was as large as a rat. Which Spyro proceeded to stomp on, crushing him flat, before he turned into a spirit particle.
Such a sight, did unnerve Greta. In fact, she did feel a little intimidated of Spyro, and Cynder, but she wasn't fearful of them since they were friendly. And she was relieved that they were allies of her, and not her enemies, otherwise she would've ran fast, for the hills.
"Woah. Wemind me to never mess with you dwagons." Greta said, slightly cringing at the sight of the shrunken soldier getting crushed. But since it was a bad soldier that worked for Ripto, he deserved it.
"We'll keep that in mind." Spyro said, calming her down. Before they then continued to the button that they pressed to raise the Flag, thus opening the door for each other.
Now they were going to the gate while fighting against the other enemies that loitered the land of the level. Whether they were the blunderbuss musket toting enemies, the guards, or even the two legged camels. The latter of which, bit at the dragons.
And they succeeded on Flame's tail, as he yelped in pain before clobbering the camels with his tail, and his horns alongside a vengeful Ember. "Why is it often me of all dragons?" He thought annoyed.
Once they got to the next section of the level, they ended up noticing some stairs. Which led up to where there was a bunch of coconut trees, that seems to have monkeys hanging from them. And under them, was a sorry sight.
Hunter IV, a.k.a Gunther, was basically laying on the sand near some coconuts, while looking like he took some to his head if his bumps weren't any indication. And he had a barrel laying beside him.
Such a sight, had the Quartet almost feeling bad for him, while both Elora, and Hunter III felt bad for him themselves. "Poor Hunter." Elora said.
The Quartet couldn't argue with that, even though they felt that he deserved it for trying to one up them in his rivalry, and bribe them with Orbs. But in their opinion, he was more tolerable, since he didn't try to swindle them of their Gems. And at least he was more likeable at least compared to Moneybags' upper class personality.
Hunter IV ended up rising upwards while nursing his head bumps. "Oww. This should be easy they say. The monkeys are docile they said." Hunter IV said annoyed.
Elora ended up coming up to him, while flanked by the other dragons, being Spyro, and Cynder, and Hunter III, while Ember, and Flame followed Greta to the other towers that held the flags, feeling that Spyro, Cynder, and Elora can take care of it themselves. "Are you okay Hunter?" She asked concerned.
Hunter IV ended up noticing her as he got back up. "Hello Elora. How's your journey with your dragon friends, and my Uncle?" He asked sarcastically.
"Why it's going good. Thank you for asking." Elora said, also annoyed. But she still got concerned. "But what about you? Are you okay? What're you doing?"
Hunter III meanwhile, continued to look somber as he looked at his feet on the sand.
Hunter IV felt that he can take care of the problem at hand, but he feels that he should tell her, and the dragons the info. "These monkeys have escaped from the Avalar zoo. I'm trying to catch them, but they keep on throwing those coconuts at me, and it hurts!" He said, gesturing to the coconuts on the sand, while explaining the bumps on his head.
Elora was startled at the bumps on his head, while Spyro, and Cynder were trying not to laugh hard at the sight, and roll on the sand. While Hunter III again, looked down at the sand. "I'm sorry, Nephew." He thought.
Hunter IV suddenly noticed that there was a dragonfly that was next to her. "Who's that? And why is it around you?" Hunter IV asked.
"It's a he. And his name is Sternenlicht. Or Stern for short. And he's my dragonfly that I bonded with. Its a long story." Elora said.
"Wait. Didn't I read from the books last time, that only dragons can bond with dragonflies?" Hunter IV asked.
"Apparently, she's an exception to that rule. And in case you're wondering why, we don't know either." Cynder said, as Elora was thinking about Hunter's situation. And how much she wants to help him.
As much as Elora felt that it served Hunter right for trying to win his rivalry with the Quartet, bribe them of the Orbs that they need, and try to take Ripto down by himself, (Which would be suicide while Gulp is still kicking.) she didn't want to leave him to his troubles. "I'm probably going to regret asking this. But… can we help?"
Hunter IV felt surprised at the question asked, as well as Spyro, and Cynder. "You?! And them?! Help me? Even though I-"
"I'm aware, Hunter!" Elora interrupted. "But I'm not heartless enough to leave you to your job that you're probably having a lot of trouble with. Even if I'm going to be annoyed that I did this if you'll rub it in our faces, or if you're not gonna want our help. But still, I can't leave you like this." Elora said, still viewing him as her friend, regardless.
"Well… thank you." He responded, still viewing her as his friend, regardless of her 'closeness' to the dragons. "I appreciate it."
"No problem. But I think you owe us something if we do." Elora said, expecting his gratitude for the dragons.
"W-way ahead of you. I was going to hand you guys an Orb, but one of the monkeys stole it from me. And I'm trying to catch them all to get the monkey that's holding it." Hunter said, referring to the monkeys. Even though he felt reluctant to give them another Orb since he was more determined to defeat them, to fight, and try to beat Ripto himself, he felt that he had no choice at this point.
He needs their help here. And he can't do this on his own. No matter how hard he was attempting this. "If you can help me get all of those monkeys into the barrel, I'll hand you the Orb, no hesitation."
As reluctant as Cynder, and Spyro, could be to lend a helping paw, they didn't want to disappoint Elora for bailing out on her helping hand request to Hunter IV. And they were certain that Hunter III would've disapproved of their lack of respect, and sympathy towards his nephew. So they agreed. Especially since they reminded themselves that at least it isn't Moneybags that they were helping out.
"Thank you guys. Just hit the trees at the base to shake them up. That should make the monkeys drop into my barrel." Hunter IV said. "And make sure to do that before I take another one to the dome."
Both of the dragons, were tempted to mess up on purpose to see that sight. But they obeyed that order as they made sure to follow Hunter IV to the tree that he was headed towards that had a monkey on it.
Whom, tried to pelt them with coconuts. Luckily for Hunter IV, it attempted to lob them at the dragons, Elora, and Hunter III. Much to their chagrin. Thankfully, all of the coconuts missed, or was dodged, before Spyro got his revenge, by hitting the tree, causing the monkey's grip on the tree to slip, and have it fall downwards into Hunter's barrel with a yell. Much to his joy as he continued to the next monkey, whom also tried to hit the dragons, Faun, and Cheetahs with its coconuts.
But not only did it miss, but its coconuts were shot out of the sky by either Hunter III's or Elora's arrows. Even though the latter missed some of the coconuts, Hunter III was proud that Elora was getting good at her archery when she hit some of them. Something that had him praising his Nephew, for his teaching of Archery to Elora.
But that doesn't excuse his rivalry, and lack of his support for the four dragons, and Elora, as they save Avalar from Ripto. Something that he hopes, is going to stop soon, before he tells him the truth.
All while the dragons had a feeling that they were getting some cold glares from someone. Whom seemed to be close by. But the knew that they were around some allies that would protect them, (They were sure that even Hunter IV could be among them, regardless of their rivalry. If mainly to show them that he plans to beat them first.) so they didn't worry about it.
Although little did they know, it was someone that they felt that in hindsight, they could've expected when they learn who it was, as they continued to charge the trees to knock the monkeys off the trees, and into Hunter's barrel.
Other than the coconuts, it wasn't a hard challenge for them, as they were able to help Hunter with the monkeys, until they got the last one.
And it was the one with the Orb that they all needed, that they were able to get back from the Monkey.
"Okay. Now to get these monkeys back to the Zoo. Then… well… I'll meet you guys later." Hunter IV said.
"You don't wanna join us?" Elora asked concerned.
"Not really. After all, could they still be willing to take me into their group after what I've done for them?" Hunter IV asked.
Which was a question that Elora couldn't answer, considering Spyro, and Cynder's recent history with Hunter throughout their journey through Avalar, what with Spyro's speedway race, Hunter using two of them for his own purpose for the Orbs like back in Aquaria Towers, and even his refusal to join them. (Not that they asked him to join, but they were sure that he'd refuse to join them later on in their journey through Avalar as their rivalry continues.)
"I know they will if you bury the hatchet with them. Will you do that when we meet again once you're done with the monkeys?" Elora asked.
"I'll think about it." Was Hunter's only answer after some hesitation, when he ran off with the barrel of monkeys to where he knew the zoo was. Although the dragons were strangely curious about how much of an ally he could be, if he ends his rivalry, they were glad to have gotten the Orb that they got from the monkeys, before they all reunite with the rest of the Quartet.
Both dragons were looking on in awe at what they saw.
Greta was kicking butt, starting with drop-kicking the largest of the group of soldiers, sending him falling into the ooze pit, before taking his sword, and using its flat side to clobber the second sword guard and knocking him out. And she was taking care of herself quite well, as she took out the guards using one of their swords.
What lead to this moment, was when Greta was leading the two dragons through the Realm while helping them open the doors. While also assisting them against the lone guards, the blunderbuss toting riflemen, and the other camels.
The camels ended up being clobbered by Flame before they could take another bite of his tail, out of revenge for what one of them did.
They were then about to sneak their way to the gate that they just opened up, that lead to the plaza via a hanging wooden bridge, when they got ambushed, and surrounded by the swordsmen that jumped out from up above them all.
"You are under arrest, by the orders of our master, Ripto." One of the Guards said.
Even though Flame, and Ember was ready to strike at them with either their Dragon Kata, or their Fury attacks, Greta assured them that they don't need to fight them too, she can take them on.
Which is what she was doing now. And she was doing a good job at taking them out herself. Despite one of them also being taken out by Ember, but he was running away like a coward, trying to save himself, when he ran into the two dragons.
Once the guards were all taken down, the plaza was now open for them to enter. "Come on! Handel is this way!" Greta said, running through the doorway to the plaza.
The dragons weren't far behind as they followed, both of them feeling impressed with Greta's skill in fighting as they all followed along with appraising smiles on their faces.
Which was where they fought some more guards that was in the plaza too, with the dragons beating them with their Dragon Kata, while Ember also casted some Illusion spells that had the guards attacking open air, thinking that it was herself, Flame, or Greta, much to their amusement, before clobbering them too.
"Wow. You're a Magic casting dwagon too?! That's amazing!" Greta said in appraisal to Ember.
Whom was giggling in response. "Why thank you Greta." She said.
"No Pwoblem. Say, did you know that the Autumn Pwains Manor has a Wibwary inside?" Greta asked.
Ember shook her head, alongside Flame. "Not until you told us. We might've briefly explored that place, but not fully to where we entered it." Ember responded. "We're probably going to do that later though. Why?"
"I weckon, that there could be some spell books in there, that could teach ya some new spells that you might wike to cast. I might even wecommend that you, and Cynder, and Spywo, should wead those once you come awound to it." Greta said.
The thought of those new spell books that they could read, was an interesting thought that had her feeling like she should do such a thing. After all, who knows what kind of spells that they could find in there, that they could learn, and have fun with, while using them to their advantage.
So she nodded. "We'll check it out once we're done here, and once we're on our way to Shady Oasis."
Greta was smiling at that, while Flame was indifferent. Not that he didn't wish that he could cast magic too. He just feels that he has no Magic Crafter, or Dream Weaver blood in his veins that could give him the power to do such. Not that it bothers him, since he feels that the team has enough spellcasters already. (Especially, since Spyro was also able to cast magic spells as well.)
But for now, their job was to save Handel, who was in the Plaza, as Greta mentioned as they were now fighting up to the Gazebo, where she was sure that he's where he was.
They took down more of the guards as they got up the stairs, where they ended up seeing Handel himself…
while he was surrounded by unconscious guards. Like he was able to take them out as he was sucking on the lollipop that he got out of the string.
"Hello sis! What's up?" He asked.
As happy as Greta was to see that he was alright, she had some words to say. "Handel! I thought I told you, no distwactions! No falling for any of the foe's Twaps! And yet, wook what happened! And over a Wowwipop of all things?!" Greta proclaimed out of exasperation.
"Hey, if it makes you feel any better, it's a strawberry flavored candy. And the bombs are still in good condition." He said defensively, pulling out the black Spherical bombs. Much to the dragon's exasperation at the first part, having been explained how Handel got taken prisoner.
"I don't care what fwavor it is! You, me, and the Agency are having a sewious talk after this is over." She said crossing her arms. "But thank goodness the bombs are intact." She then said, praising him for keeping the bombs from blowing up too soon.
Handel felt a bit ashamed that he was being told off by his sister. Whom, happened to be quite competent as an agent, despite her speech impediment, and being two and 1 1/2 minutes younger than himself. She couldn't even pronounce High security clearance properly, while he can, and yet she happens to be good enough to apply for the job. "I'm sorry sis. I shouldn't have fell for this trap."
Greta was relieved that he was okay nonetheless, as she hugged him tightly again. "Thank goodness you're alwight at weast! I thought they were going to cut your head off." She said. Then she remembered the other dragons. "This is my stupid bwother by the way. (Hey!) Handel." She said, before introducing Ember, and Flame to him.
"Hello. Thank you for escorting my ugly sis to this place by the way. (Hey!)" He said, still loving Greta, regardless of his annoyance.
"No problem. We had to help someone like her, in order to get your butt out of the fire." Flame said.
"Hey, you know me. I might be not as good as you, but I'm not incompetent." Handel said, gesturing to the unconscious guards. Though both dragons kinda doubted that. "But enough talk. We need to deploy these bombs before more of them shows up."
"Indeed. Come on! We've got an evil castle to bwow up!" Greta said, carrying the bombs into the castle that was to the west of the gazebo, with the dragons behind them.
Meanwhile…
Spyro and his friends were chasing after a creature on a flying carpet as he tried to throw bombs at them. But he was failing as Spyro and his friends kept on dodging the bombs that he threw out.
What led to this moment, was where after the literal monkey business that they helped Hunter with, Spyro and Cynder noticed a bad looking guy on top of one of the flagpoles. Whom, was basically praising the glory of Ripto's empire in the making. Which provoked him into getting shot down by Elora's and Hunter's arrows.
Where he then ended up challenging the dragons, Faun, and Cheetah, to a chasing game, where they have to chase him to the plaza's gazebo, to force him to give up his flags to give to Handel and Greta. Which, is supposed to be proof of their mission's success to the Hippos, when they return to Shady Oasis, according to Greta.
So, they chased him to the Gazebo, having done that two times already, beginning with the third flag that was raised, to open the bridge for Flame, Ember, and Greta to take.
It wasn't getting easy, as Bombo, the flagkeeper on the carpet, was throwing his bomb spells at them, trying to hit them with the bombs. But they were able to avoid all of the bombs when they were able to sense the pattern that would be beneficial to use to dodge the spells, and keep up the chase against Bombo, until they get to the gazebo, forcing him to give up the flags to them, to give to Handel ,and Greta.
Which, Cynder looked forward to casting on the flagkeeper, once they were done with this little side quest.
It wasn't long, when they were now at the gazebo. Where the flagkeeper was growling in frustration at his loss, before giving back the third, and last flag to the group. "You might've won, colored beasts! But Ripto shall kill you all, for his new Empire in the making! I swear it!" The gatekeeper said as he flew out of Scorch on his carpet.
Or at least he tried to, when he got zapped out of the sky by both Cynder and Spyro, and was now a chicken. Which the dragons proceeded to breathe their fire on, feeling that the flagkeeper deserved this fate, considering his loyalty to Ripto.
Now they were looking for Flame, and Ember, wondering where they could be.
"COME ON! COME ON! COME ON! WET'S GO!" Greta's voice said, bringing the attention of them as they turned to the entrance to the castle.
Where the saw Greta, as she was followed by Handel, Flame, and Ember, all of whom were hurrying out of the entrance as fast as possible, all while using their kicks, flips, and rolls in their arsenal to counter the riptocs that rushed their escape route, before doing a dive of safety, as they got outside, right as the halls that they just exited, was suddenly filled with explosions. Startling the rest of the group outside.
Soon the gang was reunited, as they were in the safety of the plaza. Before the Twins agents ended up high fiving each other. "Mission Accompwished!" Greta said.
All while both Spyro and Cynder was having a hard time connecting the Twins to the explosions that took place in the nearby castle, feeling that they are one of the quirks of Avalar that neither of them decided to question. While Flame, and Ember on the other hand, was still relieved that they were able to avoid getting caught in the explosions, yet was still in awe of the capabilities of the Twins.
Which had them both agreeing on one thing. They ain't gonna be messing with both Handel, and Greta, anytime soon.
A feeling, that was echoed by Elora, and Hunter III, with both of them feeling glad that the Twins were their friends.
Greta then noticed that the rest of the Quartet was there. "Oh hey again Spywo, and Cynder. This is Handel. We were able to rescue him, and now we can compwete the west of our mission." Greta said.
"Rest of your mission? For what?" Spyro asked.
"To cowwect the fwags fwom this pwace, to pwove to the Hippos that our mission was successful." Greta said.
"Which is an operation that I'm in charge of, once the bombs have gone off." Handel said, gesturing to the explosions.
"Flags? You mean these?" Cynder asked, showing the Twins the flags that they got from the Flagkeeper, much to their shock.
"Wow! You've got them all!? Our mission's fully accompwished now! All of you would make gweat secwet agents! Even you Ewora!" Greta said excitedly.
As was Handel. Who was pleasantly surprised that they saved him the trouble. "Great job Agent Spyro, Agent Cynder! How can we repay you both for your efforts? I got it, how about this Orb? I found this in the sand, on the way here." He said, handing them the Orb.
Much to the group's excitement at that, as they got the Orb.
"Also, I wearned that you all were wooking for Tawismons, yes?" Greta asked, taking Scorch's talisman out of her pocket, showing that it was a Golden Scarab with a pair of dark blue gems for eyes. "You all can take this one, Handel and I stole it fwom the soldiers while they weren't wooking." Greta said, smiling at them.
All while the group was extra happy that they got not only another Orb, but the Talisman too.
"Great! Now it is off to Shady Oasis for us!" Elora said joyfully.
Only for a bunch of guards to suddenly appear out of nowhere. "Actually, it's off to the torture chambers for all of you." One of them said as all of the drew their swords towards them.
All of them were startled, but they were all quick to ready themselves for combat, as they stared down the guards too. The guards seemed to have numbers on their side, but none of the group was bothered about that as they were ready to fight back against the guards, consequences be damned.
Even though the dragons were ready to use their fury attacks to take down the group of riptoc soldiers, and guards that was covering them.
Only for the Twins to raise up their palms, in a 'let us handle this.' gesture, as they stood forward toward the guards and the sword riptocs. Then they stood defiantly against them.
They then looked at each other. "Weady Hadel?" Greta asked.
"As I'll ever be." He responded, before they ended up holding hands.
They then took a long breath, as the leading sword riptoc stepped closer to them, still obeying the demand from Ripto, to bring both the Twins on a silver platter to him, along with the leader, and the dragons that they all noticed, was there too.
The leading one had his sword pointed at them, making sure that they won't move a muscle without meeting his blade, but they stood their ground. Which had the leader nervously wondering what they are thinking about.
Suddenly, the dragons, Faun, and Cheetah was feeling a buildup in magical power, and it was coming from the Twins that was being threatened by the riptoc's scimitar sword.
Then the riptoc got nervous as he stared down a pair of piercing red eyes staring at him, and the rest of the riptocs, and guards, as they were nervously backing away when they saw the pair's eyes, and bloodthirsty smiles as well, as they both unlinked their arms, before showing the dark bolts of magic energies in their hands, all while making their scary glares that got the guards feeling scared while the Quartet, Elora, and Hunter III looked on in surprise at what was happening.
The guards, tried to run away, but they were too late, as the Twins casted a shattering blast of darkness, that ended up hitting all of the guards with their shockwave that sent them all flying over the walls of the plaza, before falling right into the ooze pit that was in the moat, near the plaza, where they would drown, and melt into goo inside, all while all of them were paralyzed with fear, that was created from the sight of those piercing red eyes.
The Quartet, Elora, and Hunter III was also feeling a little intimidated by the sight of them kicking butt against them with their powers. Which had them feeling thankful that neither of them were on Ripto's side. Not to say that they cannot win against them, but they all believed, that it'd be one heck of a nightmare to fight them together like that.
And they could've felt bad for the guards that was currently melting inside the moat, but they were bad guys, so they all deserved that fate for working for Ripto.
Once the guards were finished, the Twins were now powering down as they were now back to normal. Before they turned to the group with smiles on their faces, like they were saying, 'did you see what we did?" to the group.
"That was awesome!" Spyro said with the his friends in agreement. They all thought that it was cool regardless of how scary it was, and how horrifying it would be to fight them like that too.
"T-thank you both, for taking them out. Thank goodness you're on our side." Elora said, holstering her bow, alongside Hunter III, since they were now safe.
Greta giggled for a second at the praise. "No pwobwem Ewora." Greta said, continuing to smile at them.
With their foes gone, and with the Orbs, and Talisman in the Guidebook, the group collected the remaining Gems, before exiting Scorch.
Some of the group was in the middle of the tour of the library, before their trip to Shady Oasis.
The reason being, was that Ember asked Elora about the library, remembering her conversation with Greta. Which, had Elora remembering the Library that the Manor had, which caused them to go to it, before they go on their way to Shady Oasis.
"So, why are we in this library?" Cynder asked feeling a bit bored.
Which was echoed by Spyro. After all, library's were boring for them, since they mainly consisted of shelves of boring books, and novels. Which is something that bored them both since they were dragons of action. More so for Spyro, while Cynder did appreciate a good read, only if they were spell books that she could learn from. (Like the book of dark spells that she learned back in the Magic Crafters.)
All while Elora was curious as to why Ember decided to choose to go to the Library while they were on their way to Shady Oasis, not that she was complaining since she did enjoy a good book from the Library on her off days. Same could be said for Hunter III, who also does like a good book back in the village. And same could be said for Handel and Greta. Especially for the former, since he also uses them to teach Greta how to read properly. (How she was a great Agent herself, for a little girl, not even he knows.)
"I heard that there was spell books in this Library of the Manor from Greta. I'm sure we'll be learning some new spells in here before we go to Shady Oasis." Ember responded with a smile, feeling excited to learn some new spells herself, alongside Spyro, and Cynder.
Both dragons ended up changing their moods at what she said, when they heard that she was looking for a spell book that they could learn some more spells from. Something that had the both intrigued enough to see what they could learn together. While Elora, and Hunter III was also intrigued herself at what she could see them cast what they learn from those books as well.
After some looking around, Ember ended up finding a pair of books that was to her liking as she ended up taking them from the shelf, before giving the other book to Cynder, while she read her own book on spells that involve the mind.
While Cynder took the spell book that was for the multiple spells that she could read about, that the Magic Crafters could cast. Which also included a few pages on Dark Magic that she could also cast alongside Spyro if they were so inclined.
Which, they were, and it was towards Ripto and his forces for trying to kill them. And they believed that he was going to try to take over the Dragon Worlds again, should he take Avalar, and should he actually kill the Four Dragons.
And that ain't happening while they kick.
Cynder, and Spyro ended up looking in the book, finding a couple spells that both of them felt, was an interesting sort of spells that they would like to learn to cast, like the dark wall to protect them, as well as the one that had both of them feeling a shiver up their spines, being the shatter spell.
Then there was one pair of spells, that caught their eyes, as well as Elora's, when they saw it. And it had them feeling quite intrigued to cast it when they fight Ripto, among the other foes, even though it came with a warning that if only the first spell was casted, it would be dangerous to everyone involved. And the pair of dragons was not willing to disobey that warning as they imagined the consequences that could come from it.
Sure they were fond of taking risks, especially once the risk works, and benefits them, but this time, they were taking that warning seriously, and making sure that the other spell that it's paired with, will be casted too.
Even Elora, Handel, Greta, and Hunter III was cringing at the imagination, as they hoped that they won't get in the way when they cast the spell as a last resort.
Meanwhile, one of the Quartet was walking through the halls inside the Manor, being Flame, who was on his way to Shady Oasis, trying to find the portal to that Realm, before waiting near it for the rest of the dragons to find him, once they reunite to take on Shady Oasis, before tackling Fracture Hills, and Magma Cone, as the last levels of Autumn Plains. (Not counting the second Speedway Portal, that they read on the guidebook, on their way to the Manor.)
After going through the halls, seeing more of it after having opened a wooden gate door with the help of both the Professor, and at least eight Orbs that the dragons had in their inventory, he was now headed to where he knew Shady Oasis's portal should be, when he saw a tiny Castle in the distance behind the large open doorway, with a closed door on it.
And Moneybags, happened to be beside the doorway that happened to lead outside to the castle in the distance.
"Beautiful isn't it? That tiny castle over there happens to have a Portal inside that leads to Shady Oasis, as you might know, or not." Moneybags said, still playing his affable salesman act.
"Shady Oasis? Like from the Guidebook that Elora gave to my girlfriend? And from what Greta told us about?" Flame asked.
"Quite right little dragon. And in that place, there lives the folk of Hippos, a lovely sort of folk along with those warriors and genies, and there's their… admittedly bizarre food that they eat. Trust me when I say this, you, and your dragon friends, are going to be surprised at what effect that those Berries have on those little Hippos, once you enter that Realm." He said, feeling a shiver up his spine.
"Is there a way to visit that place, if we can?" Flame asked.
"Why yes. There is indeed a way to visit that lovely place. Unfortunately, as you can all see, the door is shut, and the bridge that connects this Manor to that tiny Castle over there, is out. Thankfully, I am able to extend and reconnect this bridge to that Castle, and have the door open, but… I'm afraid that a fee must be paid in order to enter that place. What do you say?" Moneybags said, trying not to let his excitement out.
Flame looked out at the tiny Castle, seeing that it was too far for him to glide to at his current level. And even if he were to somehow get on the roof of the Manor, (Which he already did with his three friends before their journey through the first four Realms of Autumn Plains.) the closed door would make it impossible to enter it, and lead to their suicidal fall into the ground below.
Which, at this point, it seemed to be impossible for Flame to find a way to skip paying Moneybags, and go to the Shady Oasis Realm. Which is much to his chagrin.
"Okay Moneybags. How much?" Flame asked annoyed.
"Four Hundred Gems. Now don't worry, I heard that there are plenty of Gems over there to make up for the loss… really." He then said, trying not to grin at how his luck is finally turning out like back near Zephyr. Even though he didn't have good luck with his shop in Skelos Badlands. But hey, he has better luck in the future at this point.
As annoyed as Flame was at the fee he had to pay, it seemed that there was nothing he could do. They're visiting Shady Oasis now, and there should be nothing to stop them from doing so, now that they're going to that place once Spyro, Cynder, and Elora is back. So with an annoyed glare, he proceeded to do, what he hoped the dragons would do when they met. He gave him their Gems, that he proceeded to put in his sack of money.
"Nobody's been in that Portal in months. I thought I'd never find a suc- ehrm, I mean, you're a shrewd customer little dragon! Now, as promised…" He then said, before extending the bridge, and opening the Castle's door. "Do have fun over there, and do say hi to Ripto if you see him. And of course, tell him that I said, 'KISS MY… well, you know what.' Ta-ta for now." Was what he last said, before walking off into the Castle's deeper halls with a grin on his face, leaving the annoyed dragon to his own devices.
Flame felt, that his friends are going to kill him if they were to learn about this. "If I'm to meet that guy again, it'd be too soon." Flame said.
"Tough break, eh buddy?" Spyro's voice said, as he rounded the corner with Cynder by his side.
"How long were you there?" Flame asked in surprise.
"Long enough to see this. And you know what, I hope if we meet him again, we'd have Elora's permission to scorch his ass into next Tuesday for what he's had us doing." Spyro said with Cynder in agreement.
Flame thought the same thing himself, feeling that he has a bone to pick with Moneybags at the next time we meet. "Where is the rest of the guys?" He asked.
"Elora, and Hunter III, are reloading their quivers, and Ember is making sure to learn her spells, and making sure she has them down pat. Which is what we could be doing ourselves." Spyro said, with Cynder showing Flame that the book with the dark spells is in her saddle bag. "Elora is letting us have this book by the way. We'll return it after a while. Probably after we take down Ripto."
Flame was a little surprised that Spyro was getting a spell book alongside Cynder. Especially after hearing about his spellcasting, before their climb up to the Manor.
After that, and after a bit of waiting, the group was now fully reunited, as they forgave Flame for the Gem loss after some conversations, before they were now going to Shady Oasis.
Before the group got there, one of the Hippo's of Shady Oasis was searching the trees, wondering where the berries of the tree was, until he heard some laughter. After some looking around, he ended up seeing a thief running by, with a pile of berries in his hands, much to his chagrin as the Hippo gave chase.
Suddenly, a berry dropped out of the pile in the thief's hands, as the Hippo noticed, grabbed the berry, and ate the berry, before something unexpected happened.
The Hippo suddenly grew in size, like a balloon, before giving chase to the now terrified thief as he ran fast.
Fortunately for the thief, and unfortunately for the Hippo, a small door was dead ahead, which the thief took and passed through safely. But the Hippo was too big for the doorway, and got stuck there trying to continue the chase, as the thief ran off, laughing all the way. Leaving the Hippo to stew in his own anger.
The group arrived, where they quickly saw one of the hippos near one of the trees, who wore a purple stripped shirt, trying to knock down a berry from it. Before he then noticed them there.
"Oh, hey there. I'm Shorty by the way. And I hear that you are the dragons that should be here to save our berries from those thieves?" Shorty the Hippo asked the Quartet.
"That's us indeed. And I'm sure you know Elora. And do you know these guys?" Spyro said, showing the Twins.
"Oh, its you guys. Was the mission successful?" Shorty asked.
The Twins saluted the Hippo. "Other than some compwications, thanks to my bwother, it was a gweat success. We even took their tawisman too. The dwagons have it now." Greta responded, presenting the Hippo with the flags from Scorch as proof.
"Ah, great! Thank goodness the Agency wasn't lying about your skills then." Shorty said, smiling at them in praise. "Unfortunately, we've gotten robbed too. The thieves from Scorch has locked me and the other Hippos away from the great berry bush, while stealing some of our berries in reach, and none of us can reach these darn high hanging bushes for the berries to eat." Shorty said annoyed. "If you can help me grab the berry from this bush, I can help us get out of this room through there." He then said, pointing at the gate.
Which the group noticed, and had them realizing that they were trapped inside the room that they were currently inside of. So they felt that giving the berry to the Hippo could be a good idea at this point.
Even though some of the group that isn't Elora, Hunter III, Flame, and the Twins was wondering why they need to give the Hippo the berry. "What could happen if we do?" Spyro asked.
"Trust me Spyro. It's going to help us out quite well if we help him get that berry." Elora said assuredly, having seen what happened before.
Spyro decided to take her word for it, as he charged the bush to shake it, and have a berry fall down to the feet of Shorty's as he picked it up. "Might wanna stand back a bit." Shorty said, before gulping down the berry after a bite.
Then he expanded in size, much to the dragon's shock, (Though Flame started to expect something to happen, remembering what Moneybags said.) before the now big Hippo was now running to the gate, as fast as a track running dragon, for a large fat Hippo that is.
"Twende Kiboko!" Shorty called out in a battle cry as he smashed through the gate. Before pulverizing a genie enemy that failed to stop him from continuing.
Only to end up burping loudly, causing him to shrink. "S'cuse me!" He called.
At least it wasn't in their direction. (Ember, and Greta, still kept their noses plugged nonetheless, still feeling grossed out by the belch.)
Nevertheless, they found their way forward as they were following Shorty through Shady Oasis, defending him from the other thieves that tried to assault the Hippo, with Ember using her Mirage spell on them, having them think that they were closer to the Hippo to swing at him, when all they swung at, was the open air, leaving them open for their Dragon Kata to clobber them.
While the genies were shot down by Elora, and Hunter III's arrows, before they can try to cast a spell of their own.
While the other thieves were clobbered by both Handel's, and Greta's martial arts.
There was also some spells that was casted at the thieves that Cynder, and Spyro, casted out. Like the shadow spell that Spyro, and Cynder, casted at the purple robe wearing thieves, where their spells ended up attacking their shadows, causing harm to them, and killing them into spirit particles even while they had their shields raised up, which would've protected them from their fire since the shields were made of metal. (It would've been a different story if they breathed the other elements at them though, like the earth element that would've sent him flying due to the shockwaves.)
It wasn't a long run up the stairs, until they came across another berry bush that was in a higher place. "Oh great. It's even more higher, and impossible for me to reach." Shorty said annoyed. Then he remembered that the dragons had wings. "Hey, can any of you guys fly, or glide to that bush, and knock down another berry?" Shorty asked.
"No problem." Spyro said, feeling that knocking down another berry shouldn't be any problem as he did such a thing, gliding to the bush and being able to reach the high place where the bush is, before hitting it with his horns.
Another berry fell down, before getting eaten by Shorty, who grew up again. "Twende Kiboko!" He said again as he charged at another gate, and broke it. While another genie enemy also got clobbered by Shorty before he burped again to shrink down to normal size.
The group was given a way through as they ran alongside Shorty, as they continued onwards, taking out the sword thieves, the purple sword and shield thieves, and the genies.
Even though the Quartet also got hurt by the enemies, mainly the genies, causing their dragonflies to change colors. But the butterflies from the peacocks that loitered Shady Oasis helped them out. (Although Elora felt bad for the peacocks since they were pretty animals.)
They ran, and protected Shorty, until they got to the next room that was past the ooze pit, where they ended up near another bush, and another gate. Except the berry bush was on the higher section of the room, and to get to it, the dragons would have to run to the way they came, and run through the path in the upper section of the room until they get to the bush.
Or, they could do the same trick that they did back in Glimmer, and back in Summer Forest to get to Aquaria Towers. Where they ended up jumping upwards while charging, before pumping their wings downwards to stir enough wind below them to give them extra height, before gliding to the upper section that was in their reach if they did the trick. Now they were on it without using the path at the beginning, and ended up charging the berry bush to drop another one by Shorty's feet.
Shorty, Elora, the Twin agents, and Hunter III, was impressed that the dragons were able to do that, despite how high the upper section of the room was, before he ate the berry.
"Twende Kiboko!" Shorty said in another battle cry as he charged through another gate, before jumping over another ooze pit and clobbering a thief, before belching and shrinking again. Now the group was defending him from more of the enemies, as they moved forwards through Shady Oasis.
They got past another room that was a hall that made a slight left bend, and had two architectures that was in the rooms that the hallway was in between, and another room that was filled with ooze, when they ended up coming across another berry bush that was up high, only with no way to get up there, normally at least.
Which was much to Shorty's annoyance. "Well, dang. What are we going to do now?" He asked when he suddenly noticed that there was a rock that popped out of the ooze. "Hey, maybe you can use that rock back there to spit it at the-"
He was interrupted when he saw the dragons using some Icicle darts to hit the pot of the bush, causing it to shake and suddenly cause a berry to end up falling down to his feet. Much to his surprise since he didn't expect them to shoot out some projectiles at the bush. "Or, that works too." He said, happy nonetheless.
Then he ate the berry, and got big again for what he hopes, is the last time. "One more time, Twende Kiboko!" He yelled out, running to the gate to shatter it, while also clobbering the pair of thieves that patrolled the gate, and couldn't get out of the way in time by the time they noticed a charging Hippo bearing down on them, and the gate. The only thing they could do at that point, was to merely scream like little girls before they got crushed.
The group admits, the sight of that happening was hilarious, as some of them laughed at the sight before continuing onwards.
Where they were now on the walk way that lead to the center, and at the center, was what they all considered, was the biggest of the berry bushes that they have ever seen. All while a happy Shorty was walking near it, recognizing what it was.
"This is it! The great berry bush! Thank you all for escorting me to that bush. Now we can eat berries all the time." Shorty said. Then he ended up pulling out what looked like a golden Lamp from his shirt pocket. "Here, take this Talisman. It's a gift from all of us Hippos." He said, handing them the Talisman that they put into their guidebook.
Just as the group thanked Shorty for the Talisman, another Hippo suddenly appeared on the walk way, who wore an orange striped shirt. "Shorty! We've got a bit of a problem."
"Oh, hi Bruno. What's the Kerbubble?" He asked.
"Three thieves came, and took three of our brass lamps from our treasury. We need to get them back before they're able to steal them from Shady Oasis!" Bruno said, feeling a bit distressed. (And, whom happens to have the same name as the Chief of the Beast Makers. At least in the Quartet's eyes.)
"Our lamps?! Oh no! Say, before you guys leave, can you guys help us get our lamps back? I hope you don't mind." Shorty said, hopeful that they still have time to help.
Even though they feel that they have the Talisman, and can leave if they need to, they group didn't want to leave the hippos hanging, with Elora, Ember, Greta, Flame, and Hunter III determined to stay to help them, so they decided to help. "No problem, we'll get those lamps back for you guys." Spyro said, much to the Hippo's joy.
The group was split into teams as they all separated throughout Shady Oasis to find, and chase the thieves. With Elora, Spyro, Cynder, and Greta to the main area under the walk way to the great berry bush, that they were directed to by Bruno. While Flame, Ember, Hunter III, and Handel was in the hall with the architectures before the room filled with ooze.
While for the third thief, they would reunite to chase him. Which they heard, was in the area filled with the same ooze, near the main area that they can go to after decending the stairs near the second berry bush that they gave Shorty, and consisted of an ascending path that led to the upper section of the area near the main one.
Now though, they were chasing the thieves, with Spyro, Cynder, Elora, and Greta running fast, jumping over the ooze, and making sure to not lose track of the thief that they were chasing. They were also trying to lure the thief into their trap where they would trap it between themselves, and ambush it in a pincer tactic, with Greta, and Elora being the ones to ambush the thief while Cynder, and Spyro continue the chase.
It took some trickery, but it eventually worked, as they were able to use their pincer maneuver to clobber the thief, and take back the lamp from him.
As they were ready to get to the third thief to chase it if the others weren't, they ended up noticing another Hippo wearing a red stripped shirt, near the ooze pool, and a pair of spires that showed the power-up that they recognized was the invincibility power-up. (Which Skelos Badlands had, according to Flame, and Ember.)
And he was flagging them down. "I hope you guys have the time, cause I need your help!" He said.
"Hello Grundy. What's wrong?" Elora asked, bending to him.
"Eight of my brothers are trapped in stone, and they're about to get thrown into ooze to where they're going to sink. I need your help to free them, or they're gonna drown, and melt inside." Grundy said. "If any of you can use the bash move, I'm sure that my brothers will be freed."
The dragons were confused at what the Hippo said. While Elora, and Greta was feeling bad for the Hippo that was about to see his brothers in the ooze. "Bash? There's a move that involves us bashing?" Spyro asked.
"Yes, there is." Elora said, knowing what it is. "Here's how it goes. First, you jump upwards, then you do a front-flip that should be executed, before landing back on the ground. And there are types of bash moves that we can do. The Elbowbash, the Shoulderbash, the Hoofbash, the Bellybash, the Buttbash, or even the Headbash." Elora responded, before doing the Hoofbash move herself on a nearby steel chest. Which was uniquely shaped to where it had a target on the top of it, that looked to be the weak part of the chest, because it shattered when she did the move.
That move felt like it was a risky move to do if they do the latter move, if they had weak necks, or weak craniums. Not to mention the fact that it looked like it could hurt to do the latter if Elora's rubbing her Hoofs to nurse the pain, was any indication. Which had even Greta, and Grundy, cringing at the sight. But it also looked awesome to pull off. "So what you're saying, is that we can pull it off ourselves?" Cynder asked.
Elora nodded. "Sure your fireballs could do the job as well, but the Headbash looks less likely to blow up the Hippos too." She then said.
"Fair point." Spyro said after some thinking. "We'll help out. How long is that Power-up going to last though?" He asked.
"About a full minute. Which should be enough time for you both to free my brothers from the stone blocks that they're trapped inside." Grundy said. "Follow my lead. And quickly." He then said, before leading the dragons to the power-up gate that they then walked through.
Where on the other end of the spires, they felt power going through their bodies when the spires zapped them. Where they felt their scales getting hot. Not only that, but their scales also happened to look like they had lava for their scales. Like they became lava dragons that can walk on lava, or in this case, the green ooze.
They didn't have time to admire how they look, as they saw one of the hippos in the stone starting to sink down into the ooze, causing him to rush to it, before jumping up, flipping forward, before then diving headfirst into the rock to do the Headbash move. Which was able to shatter the rock, and free the Hippo encased in it.
Another rock quickly got launched out of the hole in the wall, and into the ooze, causing Cynder to rush to that one, before doing the same thing that Spyro did, pain in her cranium be damned, causing the Hippo in that one to be freed too, right as another rock came out of the hole and into the ooze, causing it to sink. And it could've been sinking all the way if Spyro wasn't there to break it himself.
Elora, and Greta cheered for the dragons as they continued to Headbash the stones that the Hippos were trapped inside, while Grundy was feeling himself getting more relieved that his brothers will be safe once they were all out of the stone.
Despite some close calls, especially near the end with the last stone, the Hippos were all saved, much to their excitement as they celebrated, all while showing that they can fly themselves, having wings like a dragon, that they just noticed on them. Which was surprising, but again, the dragons were just taking that as one of Avalar's quirks that didn't need to be asked about.
Grundy ended up smiling at the group in happiness at what they have done. "I have a large family, but you managed to save us all! Thank you for saving them." Grundy said in happiness, glad to see them safe and sound. "Here, take this thing, Elora. I'm too tired to carry this thing now. But at least it ain't a stone." He said, handing Elora the Orb as Spyro, and Cynder got out of the ooze.
Now with smiles on their faces, they were on their way to get to the third thief if the other half of the group didn't get their own thief already. Only for them to end up seeing, that they got their thief, and was in the middle of chasing the other one. Except there was something they saw that had them surprised. (And in Elora's case, pleasantly surprised.)
Hunter IV, A.K.A. Gunther, was there with them. And he was assisting in chasing the thief around himself alongside Flame, and Handel, while Hunter III was aiming for the thief, until they were able to hit the thief, and have it turn into a spirit particle, to retake the brass lamp. Much to their joy as they were now on their way back to Bruno when they met back up with Elora's team.
Where Elora was hugging Hunter IV, expecting him to have joined their group, and swallowed his rivalry with the dragons. "Have you actually came around to joining us against Ripto?" Elora asked.
"Why… yeah. I acknowledge… that I was a bit of a jerk that tried to beat the dragons, and didn't support them in their fight against Ripto. And… I'm sorry." Hunter IV said somberly, feeling that indeed, he was regretful of his antics, and what he's done with the dragons. "I realize that I must atone. And I have hopes… that I'm able to do such, by helping you guys. I'm just hopeful that the dragons won't mind if I join." He then said hesitantly.
As was Spyro, and Cynder, who also hesitated. On one hand, he could be joining, simply for his golden opportunity to try to win against them for once, and maybe, just maybe, it could end up killing them once it happens, while he ends up fighting and dying to Ripto afterwards. (And that is if Elora and the rest of the group doesn't kill him first.)
On the other hand though, he could be legit trying to make up for last time they interacted, which usually involved him bribing them for the Orbs that he had in his possession. And that would be an improvement in their eyes if he was intending to do such a thing for them. Not only that, but Elora might not like that if they continued to reject him for their recent history with him.
"It's okay bro. He truly means to join us for a good reason this time. He helped us with catching the second thief for the lamp, after all." Flame said, looking like he trusts him, alongside Ember for once.
Which, did help take part in Spyro, and Cynder's eventual decision. "Very well. Welcome to the team Hunter." Spyro said with Cynder in agreement.
Which was much to Gunther's relief as he was smiling at them in gratitude. And soon, they were on their way back to Bruno. Where the presented him with the Lamps, much to his relief. "Thank you all for taking back the lamps. I appreciate it. Here, take this Orb. I got this from a Fairy, but it won't hold a proper shine." He then said, giving the group, the last Orb of Shady Oasis.
Which meant that the Gems was the only thing for the dragons to collect, then they're on their way to Fracture Hills, and Magma Cone next.
Before they could do such though, they were seeing off the Twin Agents, who decided to go their separate ways with them.
"Are you guys gonna come back?" Elora asked.
"Why of course Ewora, we just need to weport back to the Agency, and tell them that we are successful in stopping Wipto fwom taking Scorch. We'll be back sometime once the Agency give us fwee time." Greta responded.
"And we'll be sure to help you guys once we're back. Catch you later guys. Especially you, Spyro." Handel said, waving goodbye for now to the group.
All of whom waved back to them as they jumped into the return Portal back to Autumn Plains. Leaving the whole group to their own devices as they started to collect what is left of the Gems in Shady Oasis, before leaving the Realm for Fracture Hills with their newest member.
They just hoped that the new member isn't going to make them regret recruiting him, later on.
Hours after they got the Gems, and after leaving, the Hippos were looking at the shockingly empty great berry bush as they wondered where the berries were.
"Where'd they go?" Bruno asked, wondering where they lost the berries.
Shorty merely shrugged in response.
Bruno ended up thinking for a bit after the response, before he got an idea. "The perpetrator couldn't have gotten far. Maybe we'll catch him not too far from this bush." He quietly said, sneaking to his end of the berry bush while Shorty snuck to the other end, looking around the corner to see who the Hippo was that took all of the berries from the bush.
Where they ended up seeing the perpetrator himself, being Grundy, who was not too far from the bush himself, as he was still in the big form as he was going to eat one of the berries.
*Ahem*
He ended up noticing that he was found by both Hippos as they were glaring at him for his act. Only for him to try to hide it behind his back, and to gently kick one of the other berries to one of his brothers, nonverbally saying that he did that.
His big form, the berry that they saw him hide behind his back, and the other berries that he gently kicked away from him, begged to differ though, as both Hippos face palmed at the sight in front of them.
At least the berries can grow back, and at least they were no longer locked away from the bush. So they weren't too angry.
And done.
Here's another chapter of the Four Brave Dragons done now, as they have only the next two worlds left in Autumn Plains, not counting the Speedway that they're also going to take on. I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter.
Also, Hunter IV is with the group indeed, but he still has only one shot against them in Magma Cone's challenge, could this be the turning point in his friendship with the dragons? And what 'truth' could his uncle want to tell him? Find out in the next chapter.
Also, yes, even though both Handel and Greta isn't with the group for now, they can still rejoin them later on in the story. I'm leaning towards having them rejoin them, post-Gulp's battle though.
And speaking of Handel and Greta, what Flame was thinking about, back when he first met Greta in Scorch, when it came to the similar names, is the story 'Hansel and Gretel.' Which is the book that might've inspired the similar names for the Twins. Shout-out to CalvinFujii for the idea of having Flame attempting to think of the story characters back in Scorch.
Also, for those that know what Twende Kiboko means, and for those that know who else says the phrase, good on you. (Here's a hint. That character's also a hippo. And he's voiced by Dusan Brown.) shout out to CalvinFujii again, for that idea.
And, sorry about the fact that Moneybags is taking more Gems. I'm just building it up to a punchline down the road. I think that it's a funny punchline, and I hope that you guys may find it funny too.
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 once again, I do not own Spyro the Dragon. Spyro the dragon is created by Insomniac Games, and is currently owned by Activision, and Toys for Bob. Please support the official releases.
Theodore The Poet signing off.