Now Subaru won't be OP. His magic and the Skylanders will be different. Subaru's body has all seven of the Witch's powers, but his abilities will differ slightly from the canon.
For example, the shadow tendrils that saved him from falling to the ground are the Unseen Hands but weaker versions of them. As Subaru continues to grow and collect more of the Elemental Sources, his powers will continue to grow.
Unseen Hand/Invisible Providence right now is as strong as it was when Subaru used it on Garfiel, but as he gets stronger, he'll eventually be able to match Betelgeuse's strength with the many Unseen Hands.
Now on to the chapter!
Perilous Pastures...
Beta: Old Man of the Mountain/Darklord331
"So you're telling me that the Skylander is being held hostage here by a couple of Drow? What exactly is Drow?" Subaru asked as they were flying on the ship while keeping an eye out for any of the Drow or the Skylander.
"Drow are evil elves who have turned away from the Light and embraced the Darkness, being evil by choice. However, the Drow retains a love for nature despite their allegiance to Kaos, like all elves. It looks like the Skylander is held near the Drow's main forces, but it's dangerous to drop in like that, so I'm dropping you off at another part of the island. I'll try to scout ahead and see if I can help the Skylander." Kali explained as she landed near the beginning of the pastures before Subaru and Chop Chop got off it.
"That's cool, but how should we contact you while you fly?" Subaru asked as Kali reached into her knapsack and threw two small devices at Subaru, who caught them before Kali explained what they were.
"These are Sky Radios. They can allow communication from different islands in the Skylands as long as their power crystals are still full of power." Kali explained as she revealed the crystal within her radio before giving them a salute.
"As I said, I'll scout ahead and see if I can learn where they're holding the Skylander," Kali said as Subaru waved her off until the ship was out of site.
"Let's get to work," Subaru said as Chop Chop nodded in reply. The two began to venture into the pastures as they took in the view but were surprised by the lack of security.
"It's hard to imagine that there are so few people here on this island. For keeping a prisoner here, you'd think they would have a few more security guards to ensure no one tried approaching them anywhere on the island." Subaru commented as Chop Chop chuckled in reply.
"These Drow are working for Kaos, so it would make sense that there isn't much security here. Kaos isn't an idiot, but he's not the sharpest sword in the world. The Drow comes in various Warrior styles, such as the Drow Spearmen. They specialize in using their spears and are versatile despite having a long weapon." Chop Chop said as Subaru nodded while keeping that information in his mind; they busted a few barrels open to see money appear and enter a small sack that Subaru had on hand.
"Cali told me that this bag would help gather money and relics, but I can't see the end of the pack. It might have a limitless storage capacity.
"If that's the case, it'll be beneficial in the long run as we continue to face the others and locate the other Skylanders." The knight said as Subaru nodded in reply.
"Hey, quick question. Do you think we'll be able to save the others?" Subaru asked as Chop Chop sighed to himself before shaking his head.
"I don't know. What I do know is that we must continue to fight against the Darkness, for if we give into despair, then the Darkness has already won. Why are you asking?" Chop Chop asked as Subaru sighed to himself and replied.
"It's a lot to take in since I'm in another world, and I'm supposed to be this great Portal Master, but I'm just sixteen years old; how am I supposed to save the world?" Subaru asked Chop Chop. He was quiet momentarily until he placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Subaru. It was hard for Master Eon and the other Light Portal Masters as well since they were like you, Subaru. Once, they questioned how they would be able to defeat the Darkness, but all we could do was fight and trust each other. Everyone fears what they can or can't do. We always doubt ourselves, but you have me and, eventually, the other Skylanders. Whenever in doubt, know you can count on us to ask for advice or just a simple chat to relax your mind. Master Eon did the same thing when he was our master. He doubted himself many times while always doing what he could to defend Skylands." Chop Chop said as Subaru was surprised that even Master Eon struggled with his responsibilities and his job as a Portal Master.
"Do you...Do you think I can help Skylands? Do you think I can save everyone?" Subaru asked as Chop Chop was quiet moments before speaking to him.
"You can help Skylands, but saving everyone from the Darkness? I don't know if that's even possible. We age and die as we go through life, but the challenges we face and fear helps us grow into better people to pick ourselves up and get back into the fight. After all, many of us Skylanders have a reason to keep fighting, and I know that eventually, we'll have others to take up the mantle for us when we pass away." Chop Chop said as Subaru was touched by the speech of Chop Chop before the apprentice hugged the knight, which didn't surprise the Undead as he knew that sometimes creatures needed comfort, such as a simple hug to alleviate their fears.
"Thank you, Chop Chop. I'm glad to have you as a friend." Subaru said as Chop Choo nodded in reply.
"The honor is mine, Subaru Natsuki." Chop Chop said as they approached a gate where a couple of Drow were playing cards while a few others stood guard at the entrance.
"Hey, did you hear we'll have another Skylander partner on the team soon?" One of the Drow said as the other next to it nodded in reply.
"Heck yeah! With the first Dark Skylander on our team, we'll be able to gather more and more! I hear we'll soon have the whole Water team with us. After Kaos finishes having the Water Skylanders converted to the Darkness, taking the Eternal Water Source will be a breeze." The second Drow said as the first one nodded in reply. They laughed at taking the elemental sources quickly until their radios were given a message.
{Be wary of a flying ship around the pastures. We have some of the Resistance people here to save the Skylander. Keep an eye out for any other Resistance members and bring them in.} The radio said as one of the Drow nodded in reply as he answered the call.
"We read you loud and clear, boss." One of the Drow playing cards said as he returned to the game before slamming the hand on the table. "Hah! Full house! Cough it up."
"Dammit!"
"Oh, come on."
The Drow at the table shouted in annoyance as they gave away their money to the winner while Subaru and Chop Chop watched this from afar.
"So they do have a Dark Skylander. That means it's time to pick up the pace." Subaru said as he cracked his knuckles while letting the two shadow tendrils from before appear from his back while Chop readied himself.
"Agreed. Let's go save the others." The knight said as he charged at the Drow, who were caught off guard by the surprise attack the three Drow that was playing cards vanished by the sword strikes and ended up giving Chop Chop power until a few of the other Drow got whipped by Subaru's shadow tendrils before using his punches and kicks to get the spear away from them.
Chop Chop used his sword to finish them off before Subaru found the key and opened the gate. However, before they went, Subaru looked at one of the leftover radios and cleared his throat before speaking into the radio.
"This is Drow One, we haven't seen any Resistance members, but we saw a Skylander approaching us. We were able to subdue them, so we wish for permission to bring the prisoner to the camp." Subaru said in a deep voice as he waited for a response until a message was sent.
{Very well. Bring the prisoner, and good job, Drow One. You might be the one who gets that promotion.} The speaker said before the message ended as Chop Chop saw Subaru pick up some rope and tie him up while carrying the sword and shield.
"Sorry, Chop Chop," Subaru said as he put on a similar uniform that fit comfortably until he and his master headed towards the base camp, which was filled with about thirty Drow. This worried Subaru since they were walking into the hornet's nest, but thankfully, Chop Chop assured him that he could deal with them.
The other Drow congratulated and slapped Subaru's back as they cheered for him, capturing a Resistance member and a Skylander.
Subaru approached the head of the base before Subaru saw that the boss was a dark dragon of sorts which was incredible to the boy until he stopped a few feet away from Subaru before clearing his throat.
"Excuse me, sir, but I've brought you the Skylander," Subaru said as the Dragon turned around to reveal his crimson-red eyes and smirk. Chop Chop backed up in fear as he looked at the Dragon he called his friend.
"Spyro? Is that you?" Chop Chop asked in shock before the Dragon chuckled in reply.
"Oh yes. What do you think, Chop Chop? I have a new style and tricks to bring the Darkness to Skylands." Spyro said as he chuckled before Chop Chop asked him again.
"But why, my friend? You were the first Skylander that fought alongside Master Eon. He gave you a home and helped you become a great dragon. Are you telling me that the past doesn't matter anymore?" Chop Chop asked as Spyro chuckled in reply.
"Oh, please. Eon made me a goody two shoes and limited my power, but now I have even more power than I ever dreamed of, thanks to the Darkness." Spyro said before looking back at Chop Chop. "You should join me and the others to become stronger, like back at the Academy. What do you say, Chop Chop?"
"Join the Darkness? Never! I vowed to Eon that I would protect the Light from the Darkness. Tell me. What kind of mind control has it put you through?"
"No mind control. This is my own free will." Spyro said as Chop Chop glared at the Dragon he once called friend before turning away from him. Chop Chop wanted to attack him before he asked.
"Then tell me, where's the Skylanders you captured?"
"Hm? Oh, we have two Skylanders that we captured but haven't been able to summon them since only a Portal Master can do that, so if you are free, then that must mean Eon chose another Portal Master to save Skylands." Spyro said mockingly before looking around and asking his old friend.
"So where is he?"
"I'd rather die than give myself to the Darkness. You've shamed your father, Spyro." Chop Chop said as Spyro glared at Chop Chop before chuckling at him while walking towards a lever.
"Then why don't we see how strong you are, my friend," Spyro said as he pulled a lever and dropped a few Drow Soldiers into the pit as they argued with Spyro for dropping them in.
"Sorry! Still getting used to these switches!" Spyro called out as he fiddled with the lever, accidentally dropping a few more Drow until Chop Chop was sent into the pit with Subaru as well, who accidentally lost his mask, shocking the Drow and Spyro before he shouted to the ones in the hole.
"Drow Soldiers! Kill them!" Spyro shouted as Subaru and Chop Chop readied themselves as they were surrounded by twenty Drow soldiers before both Subaru and Chop Chop nodded to each other.
"Let's go!" Subaru said as he brandished the spear and twirled it a bit before using it as an amateur and throwing it at two of the Drow, who was skewered by it before they became experienced.
"Oh shit." Subaru freaked out as he was okay with the Chompies, but the Drow died with the tip of the spear being covered in blood which worried Subaru a bit until Chop Chop blocked a few of the spears and sliced off the ends of them before killing them.
"Subaru! Look out!" Chop Chop shouted as he threw his shield at the Drow that tried to take out Subaru before being hit on the head with the shield.
"Ow! What was that for?" The Drow asked before getting punched by a Shadow Punch, which made the Drow scream in pain as he exploded into experience until Subaru looked at some of the approaching Drow.
Subaru pulled out the spear he had earlier from the wall as he began to get concerned about killing these people until he recalled something that sounded like a memory.
"In war, there are many things you cannot be prepared for, such as the possibility of losing many soldiers in the battle and having to tell their loved ones that they're dead. It's not easy taking a life, but when in a battle, you mustn't hesitate; otherwise, you'll be killed, and many will mourn for you. So tell me, Subaru Natsuki, will you fight to protect? Or will you run and cower?." A green-haired woman in a military uniform said as the wind blew, making her look like a warrior Goddess descending from Heaven to strike down the enemy.
"Valkyrie," Subaru muttered as he saw a weapon appear in his hand. A bright purple light flashed within his left hand as he saw a strange shape appear in his hands.
"You may not know how to use a sword as well as Julius or Reinhardt, but this is a perfect weapon for you, my pupil." A familiar voice said as Subaru saw the Light die down to reveal that the weapon in his hands was a whip of sorts in the form of a blade—a chain sword if you will, as Subaru felt a familiar feeling to the weapon.
"I...I know this weapon. Somehow." Subaru said to himself before using it to strike some of the Drow, which made the boy smile as he began to use the chain sword and disarmed the Drow before taking them out, which impressed Chop Chop even though it seemed that Subaru was a beginner with the unique weapon.
Chop Chop continued to take down the last of his foes before feeling all of the power accumulated within him until he burst with energy that sharpened his sword and gave his shield a few more spikes.
"Time to finish this." Chop Chop said as he launched himself at the remaining Drow while Subaru dealt with his problems.
Subaru fought like a dancer, using the chain sword to disarm the enemy before using the chain part to wrap around his enemies and throw them at the others. The chain sword was also good for grabbing a spear from the enemy and using the spear to take out a few others and some Chompies falling into the pit.
On the other hand, Chop Chop fought as a warrior as he used his sword and shield to defend and attack his foes by cutting them down with his power and skills with the weapons. The blade cut down the Drow while the shield knocked aside a few others before it knocked it out.
Spyro watched them both and grunted in annoyance before speaking to his other minions.
"Get the ship ready. We're flying out of here as soon as possible." Spyro said as the few remaining Drow saluted and carried out his orders until he saw Subaru and Chop Chop emerge from the pit alive. They both looked at Spyro.
"Looks like it's just the three of us, Spyro. Hand over the Skylanders and join us. Together we can save the others and stop Kaos and the Darkness!" Chop Chop pleaded as he didn't want to harm his friend until Spyro grunted in reply.
"Sorry, but I serve a new master now, and his name is Darkness," Spyro said as he fired a purple fireball at Chop, who blocked it with his shield until Subaru wrapped his chain sword around Spyro's left front leg before pulling the Dragon towards the Portal Master.
Spyro was about to fire another fireball at them both until he was met with an invisible force that punched the air out of his lungs. Spyro rolled on the ground as he tried to catch his breath until Subaru was on him using the swords chain function to whip Spyro so he could prevent the Dragon from shooting any more fireballs. At the same time, Chop Chop struggled with the idea of harming his friend until Subaru snapped him out of it.
"Chop, Chop! He isn't your friend! Not anymore." Subaru shouted as he continued to fight. "This Spyro is nothing more than a copycat to the real Spyro, so if you want to save your friend, help me take down this faker, and let's go save the others!"
Subaru's words shocked the undead knight, and he felt honored by the new Portal Masters's words until he charged into battle. He played the defense card when Spyro got lucky with a fireball. Subaru was the offense in keeping Spyro back but prevented the Dragon from flying.
Spyro was annoyed by this tag team and tried to separate them, but despite the two only knowing each other for a day at best, they could watch each other's back so well.
Similar to how Spyro and his old master fought together back when he was part of the Light.
Spyro was too caught up in the past that he didn't notice Chop Chop slicing the Dragon and sending him into the wall before the Dragon slowly got up and glared at the two of them.
"You may have beaten me this time, but you'll never stop the Darkness," Spyro said as the three of them looked to see Cali firing cannons at the Drow airship until Spyro smirked at the two distracted fools as he head-butted them both aside as he ran to gain some distance before flying into the air.
"You're a good kid, but trust me when I say this is only the beginning. You impressed me, kid, so take the two Skylanders we had. I know you could take me down if you wanted to, but let's save the fun for a later date." Spyro said to Subaru as he then looked at Chop Chop before giving his old friend a salute of respect before flying into the Drow Airship.
The duo watched as the Drow Airship retreated from the pastures before they heard Cali speak to them.
{Hey guys. I saw what happened and was impressed with the light show and Subaru's skills with the weapon. I never thought you could take them down so easily but don't get cocky, guys. As that guy said, it's only the beginning.} Cali said as she flew to them and parked her airship before pulling out two crystals.
"According to the message I was able to hear after hacking into their transmissions, I learned that the blue one is a Water Skylander, but as for the second one, I don't know which one it is," Cali said as she looked at the second crystal that gave off an aura that showed it was unawakened after being dormant for so long.
Subaru looked at the two and nodded as he couldn't hear the voices of these two but could see that the Darkness corrupted them. "The good news is that we saved two Skylanders and know their next target. Which means we can't waste time. We must find the Eternal Water Source before Kaos and his forces do." Subaru said before Chop Chop stopped him.
"No. The Eternal Water Source was hidden within the ocean, meaning it could be anywhere. Still, the answer lies with the Gillmen, who have protected the Elemental Water Source for many decades. It's best to locate the first one before trying to locate the Elemental Water Source." Chop Chop said as Cali nodded in reply.
"Agreed. We should get back to base and discuss what our next move is. You could use more training to get a better hand in using that sword you have and some magic training." Cali said as she patted Subaru's shoulders and nodded.
"I understand your desire to save Skylands, but we must prepare before charging in. Only a fool does that. We'll save the Skylanders and get the Eternal Water Source when we know its location, but now is the time to rest and train."
Subaru nodded in reply to the adventurer until he walked onto the airship and looked at the crystals as he pondered about the Skylanders that the Drow said were captured.
"How many of them does he have? How can we save them?" Subaru asked himself as he heard Chop Chop walk beside him and pat the boy's head.
"Like I said before. I'm here to talk to when you need someone to chat with." The Undead said as Subaru smiled at the offer and laughed a bit at himself before taking the offer and pulling out his chain sword.
"Shall we get started, Sensei?" Subaru asked as Chop Chop smirked in reply and nodded as he began to spar with Subaru, helping his master take his mind off the situation and what they'll be doing next.
Sometimes a distraction is all one needs to relax from the stress of reality.
The Outlands...
"Are you telling me you could not recover the last two Skylanders to complete two of my collection?! What is wrong with you, Spyro? I thought you were a dragon, for Skylands sake." Kaos rambled on as Spyro looked at the cloaked figure before the person nodded his way and floated towards Kaos.
"And furthermore-Huh?" Kaos asked as he was knocked out with a sleeping spell. The figure floated Kaos out of the room and locked the doors before speaking to Spyro.
"So you were unable to capture two frozen Skylanders? What was the issue? Some Resistance members?" The figure asked as Spyro gave his report on how Chop Chop and Subaru infiltrated their base and took down many of the Drow until he was beaten by the two of them.
"In the end, I had to make a choice and decided to get away from them before I was defeated." Spyro finished as the figure pondered what to do next before the Dragon used small fireballs to take out the cameras in the room before speaking to the constitution.
"The cameras are out, my master. You can reveal yourself now." Spyro said as the figure nodded in thanks to the Dragon before pulling off the hood to reveal long platinum silver hair as well as a warm smile that was anything but warm with pale skin that made her look like she was molded in Darkness until the eyes opened to reveal that one was blue. In contrast, the other stare was blank and empty as the eye was dark purple with a strange symbol.
"Thank you, Spyro. I'm glad you still trust me even though we are not contracted." The woman said as Spyro chuckled in reply.
"Oh, please. You told me that the two were too strong for me and that I had to escape, and you were right. Chop Chop may have regained some of his power but only about twenty percent. The kid, however, has more power than I thought. When I looked into his soul, I saw so much untapped potential within his body. It looked like he had only unlocked his power just now and has no idea how much he has." Spyro said as he shivered from recalling the massive amount of power within Subaru until a chuckle interrupted him as he saw his master laughing at the comment before explaining herself.
"I know this Subaru Natsuki. You could say we have some history with each other, and even though I don't have my immortality and other powers anymore because of those two, that doesn't mean in defenseless." The woman said as she clenched her right hand and smiled at herself until she looked at Spyro and explained their next course of action.
"We already have three of the four Water Skylanders we need to locate the Eternal Water Source, so we should prepare for the pirates to hold up their end of the bargain." The woman said as she stood up from her seat and walked out of the room with Spyro behind her as he questioned her about another matter.
"And what about Kaos? Won't he try to attack us knowing we're only using him?"
"Oh, please. Kaos thinks he is so powerful, but it's only because of that mark on his forehead does he have so much magic. Tell me have you located Eon's Helmet yet?" The woman asked as Spyro bowed his head and nodded before producing the helmet from a portal which made the woman smile a real one before placing it on her head which fit her small head perfectly until the helmet changed to a dark black with purple on it as she smiled at it.
"Not bad. Just my color. As for the Skylanders, we must inform me of their progress as we walk." The woman said as Spyro pulled out a list and began.
"We don't have any other Magic Skylanders, unfortunately, but we do have three of the Water Skylanders. Wham Shell, Gill Grunt, and Zap are slowly giving into the Darkness and will soon be ready to aid us in battle."
"And the others?"
"We only have Dino Rang and Prism Break but Terrafin and Bash are still missing. However, we do have Ghost Roaster from the Undead. Hex and Cynder are still somewhere in the Underworld, thanks to that ghost saving them before we could get to them.
"I see. Any progress on locating them?"
"No. The Eternal Undead Source seems to keep them from being located by magic."
"What about the other Skylanders?"
"We have Eruptor and Flameslinger, but Sunburn and Ignitor are still missing. Sunburn possibly returned to his homeland while Ignitor keeps a low profile to hide from us."
"And the Tech Skylanders?"
"Boomer and Drill Sergeant, along with Drobot, are the only ones we have so far. Trigger Happy has always been a Wild Card and hard to locate."
"I see. What about the Air and Life Skylanders?"
"Warnado and Sonic Boom are still resisting the Darkness. Lightning Rod and Whirlwind are still missing, but we should be able to locate them once we have the Eternal Air Source. As for the Life Skylanders, we have Camo, Stump Smash, and Zook. They've given into the Darkness after we dwindled their resolve thanks to Dark Fire." Spyro chuckled as he blew a small stream of fire until the woman rolled her eye at the joke before she made it to the room where the Skylanders they've captured.
Many struggles as the Darkness tries to corrupt them, but their resolve to the Light protects them while the woman smiles at herself.
'Soon Subaru Natsuki. Soon I'll be back and show you how we can rule this land together. I may not be a witch anymore, but thanks to this helmet, I can take over this fortress and make it even better than that brat. I vow by my name, Pandora: The former Witch of Vainglory.' Pandora said as her helmet glowed with power. The Skylanders screamed in more pain as they tried to resist the Darkness while Pandora laughed sadistically as she would enjoy having her army.
Scene.
Now as stated in the previous chapter, Subaru has the seven powers of the Witches but their powers will be somewhat different since this Subaru now has the potential to use magic without Satella messin' with his soul and gate while also being able to use the Archbishop abilities better to defined himself and fight with his comrades, rather than be a mere support pillar for the camp and always relying on a weak spirit.
Let me know in the comments who you think will be the two new Skylanders to join the team. Some of the small Skylanders Giants will be in this story, but not the Giants, for they will come in much later after Spyro's Adventure.
I will see you all next time in the next update, so please leave a comment, follow, and favorite to help me continue this story. Ta-Ta!