Chapter 36: Electric Training
The last orc fell to the ground, covered in slashes and blood. As it fell, a furious Cynder stalked past, scowling in rage. She had been called back to deal with the undead army, which delayed her plans elsewhere. What was more, one of the Guardians had escaped before she could execute them. Her army had failed her, and now she was filled with a blistering rage.
"Mistress," said the fortress commissioner.
"Don't even speak," hissed Cynder, making the ape cower. "You have failed with the simple task of guard duty. You will pay dearly for this!"
"This was something we'd never encountered before!" the ape pleaded.
"A dragon?" said Cynder. "You've been fighting them for over a decade, and this was. I'll have you know, he is no more than seventeen years old."
"This was no ordinary dragon," the ape replied. "He also had help. An imp wearing a piece of the Fused Shadows as a helmet and some humans in white armor and weapons of unknown origin."
"At this age, he is no more than a normal dragon," she stated. "Allow him to continue learning and he will overthrow all of us! That doesn't include the fact that he has the Blade of Evil's Bane in his possession!"
"How will he keep learning?" the ape asked. "Elemental dragons are all but extinct!"
"Why do you think he is rescuing the Guardians, you pathetic primate!" Cynder shouted. "Let's hope Eon doesn't catch wind of his existence!" The ape fell to his knees.
"Send what remains of your forces to Tall Plains and boost their security," Cynder stated. "After that, you will return to Shadow Fortress to attend to some... business."
"Yes, my lady," said the ape. He walked away, fear for his life in his heart. Cynder walked back to the frozen beach. Her emotions and thoughts wondering to the Hero. By reports, the purple dragon's physique did peak her interest. She had to know who Hylia's reincarnation was and he was her only lead.
"You think you stand a chance, Hero?" she mumbled to herself. "Bring it!"
She took flight, back toward her fortress of darkness.
"Yes, yes, Volteer," Ignitus stated over Volteer's jabbering. "It's great to see you, my old friend, but you're getting off track again. Please, describe to us what Cynder was doing."
"Yes, of course, I do apologize, Ignitus," Volteer replied. "Well, while I was incarcerated in that forsaken desert of ice, I hypothesized that Cynder was using me and some sort of natural power source for one of her many schemes. She left with a kind of luminescent gewel that I believe somehow energized."
"She used you to power the crystal?" Ignitus asked. Volteer nodded.
"Alright, next time just say that," Ignitus stated.
"Pardon my vocabulary, Ignitus, you know it's difficult for me," Volteer stated.
"That's not important right now," Ignitus stated. "What is important is locating the other Guardians and finding out what Hylia's reincarnation is up to."
"Why did you call Cynder 'Hylia's reincarnation'?" Volteer asked.
"Spyro told me," the fire guardian replied. "He believes that she is under one of the Dark Master's dark spells. You can ask him how he knows if you like."
"She did mention Tall Plains and Munitions Forge a substantial amount while I was there," Volteer stated.
"Good, that's a start," Ignitus stated. "I will inform Spyro and his friends as soon as I can. If you feel up to it, could you give him a lesson in electricity?"
"Yes, of course," Volteer stated. Ignitus left the room and went outside, where Link was talking with the dragonets of destiny.
Flame, Glory, Tsunami, Clay, Sunny, Luna, and Starflight sat around Link. The dragonets were annoyed that Link left them behind at the Dragon Temple. He explained that they weren't ready for combat in the cold. The white armored humans were divided into small squads for some training against some ape dummies.
"At least we have more defences against the enemy forces now," Flame stated. "The clones Link found in the tundra will be very useful for that."
"Spyro," Ignitus stated. Link looked around, saw Ignitus, and walked up to him.
"Have you found anything?" Link asked.
"We think so," Ignitus replied. "We believe we've found the locations of the remaining Guardians, and Volteer is willing to give you more training."
"That is surely good news," Link stated.
"Of course, you won't have such a detailed lesson this time, as we are against the clock," Ignitus answered. "But you should learn enough."
Link nodded. "I would agree," Link replied. "I'm getting the hang of most things anyhow. The only thing I still don't understand is Fury power. I've tried, but I can't figure out how to use it."
"That takes a lot of time and skill to master, Spyro," Ignitus stated. "You remind me of an old friend of mine. Now, go along, we don't have much time."
"Let's hope you don't turn out too much like him," Ignitus mumbled to himself.
"I doubt you have to worry about that," Sparx stated. "My brother does his best to uphold the legacy the Hero of Time left him. You can't comprehend how many people depend on him."
"The poor lad," Ignitus replied, a tear streaking down his cheek.
Link went back inside and found Volteer, who was waiting, somewhat impatiently, for him. He seemed energised and alert constantly. Link assumed it must be the electricity in him.
"Come along, young dragon," Volteer stated. "Welcome to Electric Training."
Link thought about correcting him about him actually being an alicorn. He opened the door on the right of the room, which lead to another training area. This one was also outside, and was decorated with tall metal towers and a rounded fighting ring in the center.
"The bread and butter of any electric warrior that desires to be victorious is that electricity can be carried, which gives us nearly unlimited range," Volteer stated. "Now you seem to have unlocked your electric powers already, so give me a demonstration."
He waved a claw at one of the poles. Link blasted a bolt at it, and it rebounded and connected all the other pylons in an electrical web.
"There you are," Volteer stated. "You can use metal to your advantage, and carry your power to further ranges."
Link turned as more ape dummies began to run at him.
"You can use electricity to stun approaching opponents," Volteer instructed. "Use the information that you've acquired to stop this wave of attackers."
Link noticed that they were wearing metal armor. He angled himself, and shot another bolt at them. It linked them all together and they froze, paralized, and Link knocked the leader into the rest, sending them flying.
"Remarkable work," Volteer stated. "You've grasped the concept well."
"Thanks," Link replied.
"While it can be useful in melee combat, electricity is best used for shielding and defensive mechanisms in dire scenarios," Volteer stated.
More dummies approached him, and Link was caught off guard.
"What do I do?" Link asked.
"A dragon master can control their element through more than their breath, Spyro," Volteer replied. "Just concentrate.
Link tried to conjure more lightning without breathing like he did when he destroyed the tower back at the tundra, but is proved very difficult. When the dummies came close, he curled in a ball and tried again and a field of electric sparks conjured itself around him, creating an impenetrable bubble which sent more electric bolts flying off of it.
"Truly excellent," said Volteer. "Ignitus was right, you're a fast learner."
Link smiled. The door opened and Ignitus emerged.
"I can confirm that one of the Guardians is located at Tall Plains," he told them. "Time is of the essence here, how far along are you."
"All the basics covered," Volteer confirmed. "The intricate complexities we can cover at another time. Use your powers wisely, Spyro."
They went back to the round room. The dragonets were waiting there.
"If we're going by the guess that Cynder is keeping the Guardians out of their element, it will be Cyril who is being kept there," Ignitus stated. "Tall Plains is built on a site of strong earthen power. In fact, the only other place which has more is a world far away from here, named after the element. I doubt Cynder is keeping Terrador there."
"A plausible and logical observation, Ignitus," Volteer commented.
"Where is it?" Link asked.
"It's located on top of a range of mesas," Ignitus stated. "It is sometimes named the Cloud Kingdom due to its altitude. I will warn you, Tall Plains is the home of a tribe of people known as the Atlawa. These people are easily offended, and will not be too happy Cynder has desecrated and taken over their homeland. Watch your step."
"I will," Link stated. He turned to the dragonets. "Who is coming with me?"
Glory stepped forward. "I can say for the others that we are all coming with you, Spyro," she stated.
"Take care, young dragons," Ignitus stated. "And if you encounter Cynder, come back. You're not ready to face her yet."
Link and the dragonets walked into the courtyard and took flight, in the direction Ignitus pointed them in.
"They'll be fine, Ignitus," said Volteer. "Don't worry."
"It's not them I'm worried about," Ignitus replied. "There's another child out there, and I fear for them."
"You think there is still hope of bringing them back?" Volteer asked.
"There is always hope," Ignitus answered. "We must trust now in Link and his friends."