A cleverly disguised alarm sounded in the distance. A sudden thunderclap signaled that something was definitely wrong.

It was Spyro's third morning in the resistance base. Hunter was off on an undercover scouting mission, Bianca, Agent 9, Sheila, and the Professor had been planning every possible situation involving Spyro, and he, Sparx, and Cynder had been training with various inhabitants of the various worlds.

"The key to balance

Is to keep your mind open

It is that simple" said a firefly from Spooky Swamp.

Spyro concentrated intensely. "I think I feel it. It's kind of calmness, an inner peace."

"I feel it too!" said Cynder. "I feel so calm, like the world is okay right now."

"That is how you are

Supposed to feel in a state

Of complete balance."

"Thanks," said Cynder. "Love the haiku too."

Bianca walked in to the training room and addressed Spyro. "How's the training going?"

"Pretty good. I've gotten a lot stronger already."

"That's great. As long as…" She was interrupted by the thunder. "Oh no, this isn't good…We're not ready yet. No, no ,no…"

"What's going on?" Cynder asked. "Is something happening?"

"Yes. An army is coming. Quick, get to the safe room. This could be bad."

On top of the castle, a disguised lookout saw a few Rhynoc soldiers come up to the front of the lake and place a figure on the bank. They appeared to tie something to him, then the entire force of about 50 Rhynocs went back through the portal they came from.

"It's Hunter! They left Hunter out there!" The lookout ran down towards the training room. He got there just in time to tell Bianca.

"The Rhynocs came, left Hunter out on the bank, and left…pant…I don't know…pant…what they did to him…Some guys are going out to get him."

"How could this happen…I'm the leader! It's my responsibility to make sure these things don't happen."

Spyro tried to comfort her. "Don't worry, we don't know what happened yet. Let's go see him."

In the main hall, Bentley and Agent 9 carried Hunter in. He was badly bruised, and was barely conscious. He managed to sputter, "Spyro...they know you're here, they know everything. There's a rat within these walls, Spyro. Be careful."

"Hunter, stop talking. You need to rest. You're gonna be okay."

"Wait Spyro. Go into my room and open the chest. The item in there is a rage amulet. When you need it, it'll make you stronger." With those words, Hunter lost consciousness.