The Eternal Air Source Battle
Chapter 3
Time Skip: Seven Days after the last chapter.
Subaru was practicing with KnightMare, who helped him better understand the power of the Seven Sins. This was very helpful because Subaru was able to better understand his powers and what they were capable of.
The Sin of Sloth was basically the Invisible Providence, which not only created the shadow hands, which were excellent for close range but Subaru also learned how to shape them into tentacles better or add spikes to the fists and can now use up to five shadows at once.
The Sin of Wrath was Subaru's Full Counter technique. It could counter magical and physical attacks and send them back to the enemy with double the power. It can also enhance his reflexes to avoid attacks if he can see them coming, but attacks from behind have a higher chance of getting the jump on him.
Finally, the Sin of Pride: Indomitable. This is a temporary power-up since it allows Subaru to be invincible for one minute. However, it takes another minute to recharge and drains the user's stamina if used consistently. Hence, Subaru had to be careful with how many times he used it, or else he'd lose stamina a lot faster.
Chop Chop and KnightMare were excellent teachers who helped him better understand the fighting styles of not only the Knight Class but also the Smasher Class. Subaru was definitely surprised to learn about the different battle classes. It was intriguing to learn all of them, which surprised the duo since they thought he'd prefer to go down the Sorcerer Class like the other Portal Masters before him.
However, Subaru then explained that he took Kendo, a form of swordsmanship once, which made Chop Chop better understand how his master was able to become accustomed to the Knight Class quickly.
KnightMare was amazed by her master's swordsmanship skills, so she decided to teach him how to use his magic better and skills from the Smasher Class. The techniques will be good for ending battles quickly if Subaru ever finds himself in a difficult situation.
Subaru was grateful for their help, especially since they had three new members of the Skylanders to join them. KnightMare explained that she actually found three of them in the realm KnightMare was trapped in, which helped them regain some of their power.
The three recruits took an interest in Subaru since they each had their reasons for wanting to join in training with their master.
Hex was one of Chop Chop's companions and was part of the Sorcerer Class. Hence, she was able to help Subaru better understand how to use the powers of Darkness, which was amazing since Subaru learned how to use the Dark Mist technique to vanish and damage his foes along with the Smoke and Shadows, Black Hole, and the Pool of Darkness techniques.
As for the other two, Trap Shadow was a master of the Ninja class and desired to teach Subaru how to not only sneak into the shadows and lay traps to deal with the enemies but also a cloning technique that Subaru loved since it reminded him of a show he watched with ninjas in it, and he was a big fan of the snake villain.
Finally, there was a vampire girl named Roller Brawl, who was very energetic for a vampire until Hex explained that she knew Roller Brawl because the vampire was interested in joining the Skylanders. However, when the Core of Light was destroyed, she was prevented from leaving the Dark Realm.
Subaru was amazed that a vampire like her was amazing in skates and fighting with her claws, which made Roller Brawl ask if he wanted to learn the Brawler Class as well, which he didn't mind since it would help him with Indomitable and Invisible Providence.
But Subaru didn't just spend the next seven days training. Hugo told Subaru that, apparently, the location of the first Elemental Source that they needed to repair the Core of Light, was being protected by a barrier of both wind and lightning. This prevented any form of transportation, such as a hot air balloon or teleportation, from being extremely dangerous for the mission since they would've been destroyed easily.
Flashback.
"Wait, so that barrier protects the Air Elemental Source due to a Skylander using its power? I didn't even think that was possible." Subaru said before Hugo responded.
"Well, you need to understand that the Elemental Sources aren't just magical objects. They're the very pieces that bring Light and harmony to all of Skylands, and should one who serves the Darkness wish to harness even just one of the Elemental Sources. They will defend themselves," Hugo explained as he showed Subaru a book of the Core of Light and the previous Portal Masters of Light.
"Amazing. So were the Portal Masters able to draw energy from the Core of Light too so that they could use all types of magic?" Subaru asked.
"Ah! That's a very good question, and the answer is sometimes, but it depends on the Elemental Sources since they bless the Portal Masters with the magic that they can't use. For example, Master Eon couldn't actually use the Undead or Darkness magic because it clashed with his mastery of Light and the other elements." Hugo explained before Subaru flipped the pages some more until he paused at a picture of Eon and a familiar face.
"Hey, Hugo. Who's that?" Subaru asked as Hugo looked at the photo and gasped before sighing and replying to Subaru.
The man next to Eon looked identical to him in every way, down to the helmet and staff he wielded, before Subaru was answered.
"That was the Light Eater. He was Master Eon's twin brother who not only had the power to absorb magic from all other magical beings, but he also possessed the power of Darkness and Undead as well as Fire since he could enhance his powers by consuming the magic of others. Master Eon had to defeat his brother by destroying his body and sealing him away in another dimension away from Skylands, resulting in Master Eon being weakened after the battle and filled with regret for being unable to save his brother from being corrupted by Darkness." Hugo explained, shocking Subaru as he then looked at the previous Portal Masters before gasping at another familiar face, or faces in this case.
"M-My parents? They were Portal Masters as well?" Subaru said in shock as Hugo smiled at him before nodding, seeing the picture of Kenichi and Naoko. The two of them seemed to be dressed as Eon and even fought alongside the Skylanders.
"Ah, yes. Your father and mother were the apprentices of Master Eon. They helped protect Skylands from the Arkeyans when they tried to escape their imprisonment by helping the Giants clash with the Iron Fist of Arkus, along with the Battle of Brothers when Master Eon's brother tried to take the power of the Core of Light." Hugo said as Subaru was amazed by the photo before asking him.
"Why didn't they ever tell me about this?"
"Well, they couldn't because your parents didn't know if you had the power of the Portal Masters. When the Battle of the Brothers ended, Naoko learned she was pregnant with you and wished to return to her home so they could live and raise you in a loving and safe home. Master Eon understood their reasons, so he told them that should Skylands need them again, then we would come to them."
"But sadly, that didn't happen since Eon came to me and recruited me to join the battle."
"To be honest, I wasn't sure if you were a descendant of another Portal Master or not until I recalled your mother's eyes and saw that you were their child. That is why I think you'll be able to help us rebuild the Core of Light and save all of Skylands." Hugo said, making Subaru nervous about his heritage before replying.
"That's...a lot of pressure to put on someone."
"Well, you won't be alone. You have the Skylanders, me, Flynn, and Cali. Eon and your parents never fought alone since they knew they wouldn't be able to do it alone. They didn't hesitate to ask for help and let us help them. That's why you don't need to become a Portal Master like your parents but become the Portal Master you wish to become."
Subaru was silent at that since he had always been seen as 'the great son of Kenichi,' and others pressured Subaru to be like his father, resulting in Subaru acting out and losing control of his life and friends. Subaru retreated to the life of a NEET and hid away in Darkness since he didn't want to be given that pressure again to be someone that others wanted him to become, which is why Subaru was shocked to see that his eyes began to water hearing the words that hit his heart and soul.
'That's why you don't need to become a Portal Master like your parents but become the Portal Master you wish to become.'
Subaru clenched his fists before smiling at Hugo. "I'll become someone even greater than Eon and my parents. That's the kind of Portal Master I wish to become."
Hugo smiled. He could tell that Subaru was like Naoko and Kenichi in some ways but different, which he didn't mind.
End Flashback.
"Hey, Subaru!" Roller Brawl said as she skated over to him before Subaru smiled at the vampire and waved at her.
"Hey Roller Brawl. What's going on?" Subaru asked, putting away his sword before Roller Brawl explained to him.
"It's Hugo! He said something was wrong at the Stormy Stronghold! We need to head there now!" Roller Brawl said before picking Subaru up and carrying him over her shoulder, causing Subaru to shield his face with his hands, embarrassed by her actions.
"Is this really necessary?!"
"It's the best way to travel quickly!"
"I feel like a sack of potatoes instead."
"Nah, you're lighter than that, though. You could use some meat on your body."
"You're only saying that because you drank my blood while I slept!"
"I said I was sorry already."
"I couldn't sleep well anymore because I'm afraid you'll try to drink my blood!"
Subaru barked back as Roller Brawl shouted in response while KnightMare decided to intervene.
"Now, now. You two can argue later. Right now, Hugo needs us, so let's put this spat to the side, okay?" KnightMare asked, making her student and RollerBrawl pout before responding.
"Okay. KnightMare."
"Understood, KnightMare Sensei"
Subaru and RollerBrawl said as they headed towards Hugo, who was looking terrified before seeing them both.
"Subaru! Thanks for getting him RollerBrawl. We have bad news!" Hugo said before showing Subaru the Far Viewer, only for the Portal Master to see the barrier's winds weakening and a series of black tornadoes clashing with it.
Debris were flying everywhere, including a pair of Drow that seemed bored because they were carried by the wind for a long time while having a normal chat.
"The barrier is weakening?! And who is responsible for those tornadoes?" Subaru asked, to which Hugo replied solemnly.
"Only one Skylander I know can create tornadoes like that, and his name is Warnado. If his tornadoes are corrupted, then it appears that Warnado is now part of the Darkness, which means we need to move out as soon as possible to help the other Air Skylanders and claim the Eternal Air Source before the Darkness gets to it," Hugo said before Subaru nodded in agreement with him.
"Very well, but one problem. How do we get past the tornadoes without getting sucked in them?" Subaru asked until Flynn came in with his signature smile.
"Well, that's why you have the best pilot in all of Skylands—me," Flynn said with a smile before Subaru looked at the Skylanders.
"Okay, then. The ship is ready, and it's time we give the Darkness a few reasons not to underestimate us. I can't do this alone, and I have very little experience in fighting, so will you help me?" Subaru asked the Skylanders, causing them to nod in response. KnightMare then kneeled for Subaru to climb on her back.
"Let's get going, my master. Plus, it'll be good for you to see what's happening on my back so I can protect you." KnightMare said, causing Subaru to thank her before the group headed to the ship as Flynn readied the new propeller on his ship.
"Alright then, everyone. All aboard and next stop, the Stormy Stronghold!" Flynn said as Subaru and the group climbed on. Flynn then started up the engine, causing many of them to be shocked as the force behind the new propellor almost blew Subaru overboard until RollerBrawl caught him and pulled him back onboard.
"What would you do without me?"
"I could say the same to you, bloodsucker," Subaru said. RollerBrawl and Subaru engaged in their argument again, and KnightMare and Hex were amused by this.
"Aw. I think we're seeing the beginning of a very nice relationship, wouldn't you say Hex?"
"Indeed, KnightMare Sensei. It reminds me of when Spyro and Cinder teased each other like this before they got together," Hex said, Chop Chop laughing at the memory of the two dragons being embarrassed when others told them to make out already.
"Ah, young love. I know what that feeling is like. Takes me back when I was a wild stallion." Flynn said with a fond smile while KnightMare was coughing while laughing to hide her comment. Hex and Chop Chop, on the other hand, were just amused as they laughed aloud, with Flynn ignoring them.
Pandora was smiling at the view as she saw Subaru and his team heading to the Eternal Air Source.
"Excellent. Just as I foresaw." Pandora said before switching views to Dark Warnado and Spyro trying to destroy the barrier.
"Dark Warnado! Dark Spyro! The Portal Master is coming. Prepare for Operation: Vacuum." Pandora said as she saw her Skylanders agree with her before looking at the pieces in a chessboard.
"The way to win chess is to think ahead of your opponents and predict their next move. I knew that even with Warnado and Spyro under my control, they wouldn't be able to enter the barrier truly. The Eternal Air Source is being protected by the remaining three Air Skylanders, which will be troublesome." Pandora said as she looked at the book she laid aside before smiling at the images.
"The Alicorn, Whirlwind. The Giant of the Air Element, Wasp. And finally, the Demigod of the Air Element, Lightning Rod. The giant was taken care of thanks to the battle of the Arkeyans and the Iron Fist of Arkus. That pathetic little bird Sonic Boom is dead thanks to my little dragon, which only leaves the two frustrating ones remaining." Pandora said as she looked at the feather of the bird Skylander that she killed when trying to locate the Elemental Eternal Sources.
"And since a new Portal Master has arrived, they'll listen to whatever that cowardly mole Hugo says and go locate the Eternal Air Source, which means they'll do all the sweaty labor for me. Once they get the Eternal Air Source, we can take it from them," Pandora said, smiling as she then made the white king fall on the board.
Pandora then saw a familiar ship appear near the Stormy Stronghold.
"Oh! Looks like they finally arrived. Good." Pandora said as she was ready to see what this new Portal Master was capable of when in battle.
With Subaru and Co.
At last, they arrived at the Stormy Stronghold. It was a shaky ride because of the strong winds, but when they managed to reach their destination, Subaru was shocked by how much was left of it.
In the middle of what was once a fortress was a huge twister, with the debris of the Fortress flying around it.
"Wowsers!... Now THAT'S A TWISTER! And it's ripping the castle to pieces! It's almost as impressive as me! Almost." Flynn said as he landed the ship a safe distance away from the twister. Subaru boarded off immediately.
"How did this happen?" Subaru asked before Flynn replied.
"It looks like the little Drow-dudes found the Eternal Air whatsamadingus and are now trying to harness its power.
"Okay, thanks for that, but how exactly are we going to get the Air Source without being blown away?"
Flynn then pointed something up ahead.
"Well now—looky there: some bridge. 'Course, right now, it's just a big bunch of giant swirling chunky things stuck in the vortex of a killer tornado. But hey! All you have to do is figure out how to rebuild it. CAKE!"
The Skylanders looked deadpanned at Flynn until KnightMare took the lead.
"Fortunately, Hugo told me there is a way to stop that twister so we can get the Eternal Air Source. Come on!" KnightMare shouted as the Skylanders, along with Tyson and Belle, followed her, while Flynn stayed as he put
The Skylanders and Subaru were now walking on a piece of the Fortress that hadn't been blown away, all the while making sure they didn't get blown away.
"So how are we going to stop the tornado, much less repair the bridge?!" Subaru shouted due to the incredibly loud and heavy winds, but luckily, KnightMare heard him and replied.
"With this!" KnightMare said, pointing towards an item ahead. It was a polyn with a crescent figure that seemed to be holding some electric energy orb.
"According to Hugo, these Lightning Polyns will negate the magic of the Eternal Air Source once we activate four of them!" KnightMare said as she and Chop Chop pushed the Lightning Pylon. It started to spin, sinking on the floor while releasing a string of electricity straight inside the tornado. The electric orb shattered, and the wind's strength started to lower a little, while at the same time, a few pieces of the Fortress got reassembled.
Subaru and the Skylanders were amazed at this, and Subaru got their attention back on track.
"Alright, one down, three more to go! KnightMare and I will take the front. Hex in the middle to cover our backs. RollerBrawl and Chop Chop, you both cover our rear!" Subaru called out as the wind was still strong.
The Skylanders nodded as they continued ahead and lowered the second Lightning Pylon. More of the shattered Fortress was reassembled, and a few towers were put back together.
"Alright! Let's keep going!" Subaru shouted before Hex called out to her team.
"We got company!" Hex said that a group of Drow Spearman and a Drow Witch had jumped onto the scene and pointed their spears at them.
"I don't think so!" Drow Witch said before smiling at them. "Now that we know how to stop the tornado, we'll take the Eternal Air Source with us."
"Unfortunately for you Skylanders, you have to leave!" Warnado called out as he approached the team, making Subaru's eyes widen at the turtle before pulling out his sword.
"Sorry, but the Eternal Air Source doesn't belong to Kaos or the Darkness. How about you leave us, and we won't kick your asses to next week?" Subaru said as Chop Chop readied himself along with KnightMare and Hex while RollerBrawl just cracked her knuckles.
The two sides were still as Warnado growled at them, along with the Drow, getting ready for a fight.
Subaru clenched his sword's sheath, as did Chop Chop. KnightMare readied to strike the enemies with her Lance. Hex readied her magic to support her friends, while RollerBrawl readied herself to kill the Drow.
The teams then charged at each other as Subaru and Chop Chop sliced Warnado's shell, causing him to hiss at the two of them before trying to slice Subaru with his claws.
Hex fired a round of skulls at the two Drow Spearmen with RollerBrawl behind them. The skulls hit the spearmen, and RollerBrawl used her claws to slice through them, turning them into balls of Light that entered their bodies. The Drow Witch threw her disks at them, causing RollerBrawl to deflect them before she took out the Drow Witch.
Warnado tried to hit Subaru with his tornadoes, but the Invisible Providence flipped the turtle on its shell, causing Warnado to try to right himself up until Chop Chop kicked him off the area, making him fall.
Until he came back up with a tornado underneath him.
"Until next time, but know that we will claim the Eternal Air Source!" Warnado said as he left the group before they got back to work, hoping to get to the Eternal Air Source before Warnado.
Meanwhile, Flynn was eating an Enchilada while lying on a wall when he saw that more of the buildings were being pieced back together, meaning that the Skylanders had found another Lightning Pylon. Flynn noticed this before going back to enjoying his Enchilada.
"I'm sure they're fine."
Back with the Skylanders, a Drow Goliath was hit by RollerBrawl and Hex's spells and immediately fell defeated.
KnightMare yelled as she spun around her Lance and slicked up a few Drow.
Chop Chop and Subaru were dealing with the Chompies that were with them before the Portal Master watched this at how easily they overpowered the Drow.
"Is it just me, or are you guys getting stronger the closer we get to the Fortress? Or is this getting easier?" Subaru asked before Chop Chop replied to him.
"A bit of both, but if we had an Air Skylander on the team, then you'd see how powerful they really are when enhanced by the Elemental Source."
"That makes sense. Let's get that last tower down!" Subaru called out, with RollerBrawl ahead of the group as she lowered the last Lightning Pylon with a mighty push.
"Way ahead of you, Subaru!" RollerBrawl called out as the tornado completely disappeared. The remaining pieces of the Fortress went back together, and the Stormy Stronghold was completely restored. The team could see something glowing on the top of the Fortress up ahead.
"There's the Eternal Air Source! Let's go!" Subaru shouted as the team crossed the restored bridge and Fortress, only to find an obstacle in the way.
"Windbag Djinnis!" Hex shouted as she summoned her Skeleton Wall, protecting the team as Subaru saw the obstacles in their way.
Up ahead were two cloud-like blue monsters wrapped in a tornado. Their angry eyes glared at the Skylanders.
The two then discharged large bolts of lightning at them. Hex grunted as she managed to hold the electrical attacks with her wall but was being pushed back and drained.
"Of course, they would be powered up since they are both connected to the Air Element! Do you have any bright ideas?" Hex asked as Subaru tried to use his Invisible Providence, but he couldn't reach them, and his air bullets could not do them any harm.
"Someone. Do something!" Hex shouted as the wall began to break, causing the Djinns to focus their attacks, causing Hex to yell in pain as the lightning began to reach her.
"What's wrong, Hex? Not strong to take on our forces?" Warnado asked as he laughed at the group before firing more tornadoes, which were enhanced as well, thanks to the Eternal Air Source.
Chop Chop used his shield to try and push back the attacks, but the powered-up Djinns and Warnado blasted him back, which forced Knightmare to protect them. At the same time, RollerBrawl and Subaru picked them up before Subaru saw the Djinns and the former Skylander laugh at them until a loud voice echoed through the sky.
"FEAR HEAVENS WRATH!"
Lightning rained from the sky, and the Djinns screamed in pain as they were vaporized out of existence. Warnado yelled as the lightning coursed through his veins until the storm ended. Warnado collapsed on the ground in pain before Subaru whistled at the storm.
"Damn. That was loud."
"That's Lightning Rod for you. Never underestimate a Demigod." An Alicorn was being said as they flew down and appeared before the group, causing Subaru to be amazed at her beauty.
"No way. An actual Alicorn?"
"Technically, I'm a unicorn and dragon hybrid, but I've never been called an Alicorn until now. Is that a type of my species? Oh, by the way, my name is Whirlwind." Whirlwind said as she showed her wings, causing Subaru to bow before Alicorn before replying to her.
"Well, an Alicorn is a hybrid of an Earth pony, a Pegasus, and a unicorn with incredible powers and magic. But that's amazing! Part dragon and unicorn? You're basically one of the coolest Skylanders I've seen so far," Subaru said, causing Whirlwind to blush as she loved the attention.
"I know. I know. I'm awesome."
"Ahem!" RollerBrawl said before speaking to the Alicorn. "You can ask Whirlwind for her autograph later, but right now, we need to heal Hex and Chop Chop before getting the Eternal Air Source."
"Right! Lightning Rod sent me to help while he deals with Dark Spyro."
"Wait! Dark Spyro is here too?" Subaru asked, shocked that the dragon was back before Whirlwind nodded in response.
"Yep, and we need to deal with him as soon as we can. Lightning Rod is keeping him busy, but we don't know how long it will take." Whirlwind said as she fired rainbows at both drained Skylanders, healing them and regaining their strength.
"Thank you, Whirlwind. I'm glad to see you well, but where is Sonic Boom?" Chop Chop asked as Whirlwind looked away and clenched her left claw before growling.
"She's...gone. She gave her life to get us out of there when the Darkness was chasing us down." Whirlwind said as she looked away from her group. "Let's get going. Now!" Whirlwind said as Subaru and the team nodded before following her into the stronghold.
With that, the Skylanders began to ascend the Fortress, which moved up in a spiral.
"Be careful. I've heard that there's some form of trap around here, so watch your step!"
"Wait, you don't know?"
"There are so many traps here it's hard to keep track of them." Whirlwind said as Subaru rolled his eyes at this before they continued ascending the Fortress until Hex's ears twitched as she heard something and turned her head around.
"Uh, Guys. We have company," Hex said as the team turned around and saw two Goliath Drows coming towards them.
"Oh, perfect…" Chop Chop said, readying to fight again.
"Just let them come!" Whirlwind said with her horn powering up.
The Skylanders got ready for another fight as the Goliath Drows stepped towards them. However, the tile floor they were standing on sank, and a grinding mechanism sound was heard.
"What's that sound?" Subaru asked, as he had played lots of games to know that a sinking tile always meant bad news.
Everyone soon started to hear something coming from the way they were coming. The 2 Goliath Drows turned around and saw multiple spears rising from the ground and coming towards them!
"AAAAAAAHH!"
"Everyone run!"
After that, everyone started to run for their lives from the multiple spears rising from the ground. Whirlwind grabbed Subaru, and KnightMare grabbed Chop Chop and put him on her back. Hex was "running" as fast as she could while RollerBrawl was skating around, and she let gravity carry her.
The 2 Goliath Drow's following not far behind with scared faces.
They all managed to reach the top, and they all took a breather now that they were out of danger. Before the Skylanders noticed the 2 Goliath Drow, they did the same.
"Uh, sorry about this," Subaru said, confusion appearing on the Drow's faces as they weren't sure what he meant.
A few seconds later, the two Goliath Drows were thrown off the Fortress. They started rolling down the spiral path as the Skylanders watched them go. They then went back to what they were doing, as they were close to their objective and were now running towards it.
The Eternal Air Source, a magical transparent oval sphere with a small tornado swirling inside, floated in the middle.
"There it is! The Eternal Air Source!" Whirlwind said before noticing that someone was missing. "Wait a minute. W-Where's Lightning Rod?"
"Oh, you mean Thunder Head?" Dark Spyro asked as he flew above them with a sinister smile. He held Lightning Rod in his claws before dropping him to the ground as he approached the Eternal Air Source.
"Such a beautiful element that my master will enjoy having for their plan."
"How did you defeat Lightning Rod?" Whirlwind asked as she growled at the traitor before Spyro scoffed at her.
"Oh, please. After his little light show to save the Portal Master, he drained himself of what energy he had left, leaving himself wide open for me." Dark Spyro said as he snapped his fingers as an Air Spell Punk got his hands on it.
The Skylanders immediately stopped in shock, and Dark Spyro smiled at them before telling the Spell Punk its orders.
"Get rid of them," Dark Spyro said as the Spell Punk chanted and aimed the Eternal Air Source at them. The next thing they knew, it released a huge tornado straight at them!
"Bye-bye!" Dark Spyro said as the tornado continued to expand. The winds even caught up to Flynn, who was resting in his folding chair, sending him and the chair flying.
"Wowzers!"
Flynn held onto the ledge of the wall so he wouldn't be blown away.
Back with the Skylanders, Subaru, and RollerBrawl were hugging each other with their eyes closed, waiting for the end, but then they opened their eyes and noticed that they weren't being blown away.
"Huh? How did we?" Subaru asked before seeing that it was none other than a wounded Lightning Rod as he was holding back the powerful winds with the magic of his lightning.
"Lightning Rod!" Whirlwind shouted as he shouted at his comrades.
"We can't hold on forever! Subaru Natsuki! I need your magic quickly!" Lightning Rod shouted, and Subaru nodded as he and Whirlwind came to the Demigods' aid.
They placed a claw and hand on Lightning Rod's back, and they then began to transfer their magic to Lightning Ros. His hands glowed brighter, and he pushed the wind back.
"They're pushing it back!" RollerBrawl shouted, and Dark Spyro growled at them before charging up his horns.
"Then how about some Dark Lightning to go with it?" Dark Spyro asked as he sent his power into the tornado, causing the trio to be pushed back as the tornado started to overpower them.
"IT'S NOT WORKING!" Chop Chop shouted, barely holding on with his sword and Hex in his arms.
"WE NEED MORE MAGIC!" KnightMare shouted as she held on to RollerBrawl and used her Lance to pin them in place.
Subaru then recalled that the Elemental Sources could bless the Skylanders and Portal Masters if they resonated with that element.
Subaru then closed his eyes as he spoke to the Eternal Air Source.
'Eternal Air Source, we need your help. Dark Spyro and his master wish to use your power to bring Darkness and chaos to the Skylands! We are overwhelmed by them and can't face them alone. Please, bless me with the power to save them! Save my friends! To save Skylands!'
Subaru shouted in his mind, hoping that his words and heart reached the Eternal Air Source before a whisper spoke to him.
"I have seen your heart, Subaru Natsuki. You are a soul that has endured so much and has gained so little in return. You have earned my blessing to use the Air element, but you must train to use it well and wisely. Air is meant for freedom, but freedom can easily be taken away if misused or mistreated. Air surrounds us constantly. It clings to our lungs when we breathe. It is with us all the time, and yet we can neither see it nor feel it. Unless, of course, it wants us to. The skies above, around, and often below, Skylands are infinite, meaning the Air holds a limitless number of secrets that weren't yet aware of."
Subaru's eyes opened as he felt something warm in his heart. He saw Dark Spyro firing a fireball at the trio, causing them to break apart. Subaru flew over the railing with Lightning Rod and was hit in the heart by the attack.
"Ahhhh!"
"Portal Master!" Lightning Rod shouted as he held onto Subaru as they fell.
"No!" RollerBrawl shouted as Dark Spyro laughed at the death of Subaru Natsuki and Lightning Rod.
"And sadly, no more Portal Master or Demigod." Dark Spyro said as the Skylanders, fueled by anger, attacked Dark Spyro and the Air Spell Punk.
"L-Lightning Rod! We're going to crash!" Subaru shouted as they landed hard on a floating island. Subaru saw the stronghold a couple of miles away before looking at Lightning Rod in shock. The Demigod coughed up some blue blood and barely breathed due to the massive burn mark on his heart.
"No!" Subaru said, hoping that his new blessing could save Lightning Rod. Subaru's new magic didn't do anything, and he tried again and again to heal the Demigod until Lightning Rod stopped him with a hand on his own.
"It's..too late for me, Subaru Natsuki."
"I-I never told you my name. How did you-"
"The Air Elemental Source. It told me what I needed to know, and your blessing is actually the power to fly, but it comes from me." Lightning Rod said as he looked into Subaru's eyes before Subaru realized what he was saying.
"N-No! I'm not going to kill you! I can help you! All we have to do is get the Eternal Air Source and add it to the Core of Light, and you'll be okay! You are not going to die! I can't kill an innocent person who did nothing!" Subaru shouted as he cried tears, which made the Demigod smile at the boy before wiping his tears and chuckling at him.
"You know. You remind me of your mother. She said the very same thing to me when I told her we had to end an innocent child's life whom the Darkness corrupted, and no healing could save her body or mind. The only thing we could give her was peace." Lightning Rod said as he sat up and looked at Subaru's shocked eyes before continuing.
"I have been around since before even Eon became Portal Master of the Skylanders, and I've seen life, death, sickness, pain, and suffering from many people who were hurt by the cruel reality of this world. That is why the Portal Masters must embody the powers of both good and evil. The Portal Masters are not perfect, and neither are we, but we strive to grow as individuals and societies. The Skylanders are a family, and we all knew that one day we would die, so I am happy to die and protect Skylanders knowing another Portal Master is here to take the lead role as the leader of the Skylanders."
"B-But what if I mess up? I'm not a leader! I'm just a shut-in NEET who was too scared to be such a disappointment that I became a recluse and pushed almost everyone away because I thought I failed them!" Subaru shouted before a simple question shocked him.
"And what is wrong with failing?" Lightning Rod asked as he continued. "Young birds learn how to fly when they reach age, and sometimes they fail, but they continue to try and fly until they're able to soar into the skies. The Air Skylanders love the joy of flight and the feel of the Air, but we also have a responsibility to learn to control our powers. I've failed myself, which is why failure isn't something to be afraid of but a weapon you use to better yourself."
Lightning Rod then took Subaru's sword and placed the blade at his heart.
"Do not be afraid of failure because if you truly have given up, then continue to push yourself forward and face the challenges head-on." Lightning Rod said as he stabbed himself in the heart, shocking Subaru. The Demigod became pure lightning and entered Subaru's sword and body before Subaru saw the Demigod's memories and power. The Demigod laughed and cried as he showed his human side and acted more like a human than a God.
At the end of the memories, the Demigod turned to Subaru and shouted.
{SCREAM SUBARU! SHOUT WITH ALL OF THE STRENGTH OF YOUR SOUL! LET THUNDER CARRY YOUR VOICE AS YOU SOAR INTO THE SKY!}
Subaru shouted as lightning appeared around Subaru as if it was responding to his war cry. His sword cracked with power, and then it pointed to the sky.
"FLASH SAGITTARIUS!"
Subaru's body was enveloped by magic as Lightning Rod appeared behind him and became armor for Subaru. He was outfitted with golden bracelets, lightning marks on his cheeks, and blue mixed with his tracksuit as it became armor. Lastly, a powerful bow appeared, as wind and lightning were within the strings before he pulled the string back as his sword floated and became a powerful arrow.
Subaru's eyes opened as he looked at his target and let it loose.
"It's not too late for you to join me. You would be an excellent replacement for that loser turtle Warnado." Dark Spyro said as KnightMare and Chop Chop glared at their former comrade with burns on their body.
"I'd rather die than serve the darkness."
"As would I so tell your master to shove it!"
Dark Spyro sighed as he then readied his Fire again. "If that's what you both want."
Dark Spyro was just about to release one final massive fireball before an arrow flew out of the Air and stabbed the Spell Punk, causing it to scream in pain; the Skylanders looked back in shock as the sword left the Spell Punk's body as Subaru then flew towards them with wings on his back which shocked the Skylanders before Subaru ran towards Spyro and punched him so hard int he face that the dragon was sent through the wall before Subaru aimed another arrow at the dragon and glared down at him.
"Surrender or die. Your choice." Subaru said as Dark Spyro looked at the massive towering figure that was the same boy he thought he killed before Spyro gulped audibly as he shakily handed the Eternal Air Source and left the stronghold with Warnado, who appeared just shocked to see his partner leave him behind.
The winds subsided, and Flynn fell face down on the floor. The group fell to the ground and took a breather now that the spell had stopped.
Subaru then let his armor fall as Whirlwind rushed towards him and caught him before looking at the object Lighting Rod sacrificed his Godhood for.
The Eternal Air Source.
Whirlwind stood up as she walked towards their first Eternal Source.
"The Eternal Air Source is now ours," Whirlwind said as Flynn began to fly towards them. Dark Warnado surrendered and let himself be captured.
It was both a victory and a loss since they lost a wonderful friend but gained the Eternal Air Source.
"So you mean to tell me that you just couldn't help yourself and tried to kill them? What happened to smash and grab? Did you not understand!?" Pandora yelled as he threw magic at Dark Spyro, sending him to a wall before the dragon coughed a bit before begging for mercy.
"I-I know I failed, but we killed the Demigod and-"
"You think I care about a Demigod being killed?! The Eternal Air Source is what we needed to begin building the Core of Darkness, and now, thanks to your pride, we can't start to build it!"
"A-Actually, that isn't all true," Spyro said as he took out a jar filled with wind, shocking Pandora as she saw the elemental magic within it.
"I-It's some of the Eternal Air Sources power," Pandora said before looking at Dark Spyro. "How?"
"I was able to absorb a quarter of the Eternal Air Source's power, so while it's not all of the Elemental Source, it should be enough, right?" Dark Spyro asked before Pandora smiled at him.
"You may not have disappointed me after all," Pandora said as she headed to the base of the Core of Darkness, placed it in, and saw it begin to form.
It sank into the base and summoned a small but gentle tornado that picked the sand off the ground, revealing a platform in the center. Then, two small floating islands descended to the floor on each side. Standing on them were egg-shaped Rock Golems with only an open mouth and stubby legs. Once they were close to the ground, they walked off the small island and stood on each side of a dug circle filled with rocks.
"Excellent. The first step is complete. Now we need the others." Pandora said before looking at Dark Spyro. "Now leave and rest up. You've earned it."
Dark Spyro thanked her as he left, and Pandora saw the Core of Light being formed as well, purifying Warnado.
"Hm. It's such a shame I lost Warnado, but it doesn't matter. One small loss and the Core is forming? This is better than I imagined, and once we have the Water Element, we can begin increasing the Darkness's power," Pandora said as she giggled a bit before laughing, echoing into the walls and Fortress.
"We stand here in the name of a hero who proved himself again and again that he was the embodiment of what the Skylanders were meant to be for Skylands," Subaru said as Skylanders cried at the loss of their comrade while Whirlwind and Warnado cried heavily as the loss of their friend weighed heavily on their backs.
Subaru looked at them with a stern look as he spoke his own words: "We will not let his sacrifice be in vain! We must continue to repair the Core of Light! I feel his heart and power resonating with the Eternal Air Source, which is why I believe that Lightning Rod can be saved if we restore the Core of Light!"
The Skylanders were amazed by his words before Subaru continued.
"We'll stop Kaos and make Dark Spyro pay for Lightning Rod and any of the other Skylanders who fell in protecting the Eternal Elemental Sources. Now is the time to heal and mourn, but then, it's back to the battle." Subaru said before summoning his lightning armor. As he summoned his bow and fired an arrow into the sky, causing the thunder to roar, Subaru saw them all cheer to avenge their comrade and restore the Core of Light.
Even though the Demigod fell, his words and power will continue to uplift his comrades in their hour of need.
Subaru would be ready to rise to the occasion and become the Portal Master not only for Skylands and the Skylanders but also to prove Lightning Rod was right to entrust his power to the Portal Master.
Scene!
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