Time for Offense

What remained of the Manwearesmalls homes was in more of a ruin they were once before. Attacks within hours of each other had all but desecrated everything was on the outside. The Moles still had the mines within and everything they crafted and built over the many years, but it was clear now that staying in the place that had been their home for generations was no longer safe.

After the recent battle reunited most of Adir's family the humans and the two Dragons along with Sparx went into the mines following the two leaders of the Moles. There was much they had to discuss and very little time.

The Multiple attacks had, and the endangering of his people had made Mole-Yair rethink of what they must do. Already he had followed Sid's advice in standing up for themselves. The Advice was sound, and they proved to be somewhat formidable when their hearts were filled with courage in those moments. Drawing it out from those that had come to their rescue on multiple occasions.

Time and again the Moles have been victims and slaves in both their own land and across it. They would have remained slaves or even worse dead from where they dwelled if it wasn't for Spyro, Adir and their friends and family who all came in their time of most need.

It was clear now they had to make a very hard decision. The Biggest decision that Mole-Yair would have to make in his life.

After what Cyril had explained to the elder Mole of what has been transpiring across the lands and with the forces of the Ape King on the warpath bent on conquering their mortal enemies and either enslaving or slaughtering the other races the Mole was at a complete loss. He knew what he had to do but he couldn't tell his people that the volcanic land of Munitions Forge can no longer be where they can stay not after they were attacked by the Apes numerous times and captured by the fowl Skavengers that took many of them at their weakest moment.

"I do understand your predicament, Ol Chap." Cyril sympathized as he laid next to a wall in a grand chamber within the mines where the Moles were tending to some of their wounded with, Sid and Jim helping bring more that were in medical need and, Tracy helped tend to those whose injuries were in need of special care.

Spyro along with, Adir and the others were sitting down with Mole-Yair and Exhumor on a table with the Purple Dragon sitting next to Adir with Spark perched on his head.

"You must understand the Apes are far too vast and our own forces still remained scattered and in hiding. We cannot remain to protect you all as there many other populated regions that are in as much need as you are. Your best and dare I say only course of option is to leave as soon as you can." The Ice Guardian explain snorting a soft chill from his nostrils as the humidity in the mines warmed him up more than he liked.

Mole-Yair looked down sadly and gazed at the dozens of his fellow Moles across the chamber that were laying on blankets in rows with some Moles that were uninjured doing their best to accommodate and assist their fellows. Some Moles with more serious injuries and their cries and screams of pain pounded into his ears. His People were known to take pride in their work and laugh and sing as they go about it. Now it has been replaced with mournful cries and sharp screams of pain. This was truly the darkest time his people have ever faced, and it shamed him to know that as the leader of his people he was responsible for all of this even if he wasn't as capable as the rest of them.

"I understand your words have truth to you, Noble Cyril. But where can I and my kin go? This has been my peoples home for many generations! To leave it all behind and if those apes return they will again take over this place and with all the materials left here they will once again have what they would need to forge countless weaponry and armor for their terrible army." Mole-Yair explained feeling a cold fear in his heart again. His people were important to him but knowing that their home could be turned into a Fortress bent on creating weaponry and other tools meant to slaughter innocent creatures like before.

"That is a good point." Adir agreed fiddling his fingers as he sat on his chair twiddling his fingers in thought. He looked at Cyril and the others to his right while Spyro and Sparx pondered over what Mole-Yair had said.

Cyril nodded. "That is a terrible fact that may take hold. We must think of a solution to his dire predicament."

Molly put a hand over her head at a loss. Already so much has happened since they had left the temple. From the Dark Forest to the Skavenger Arena ship and now in Munitions Forge reuniting with a now empowered Uncle Jim and her mother who still were doing what they could to help the injured it seemed no matter the victory they were always a step backwards.

It seems the odds were continuing to stack against all of them. The Journey they started had grown far more complicated than they could ever anticipated. What could they do as good people around them were becoming targets and suffering before them. Even with their help that prevented the absolute worst it barely seemed as if they did anything.

Rai who sat up with his feet upon the table laid back with his arms around his head he closed his eyes. He went deep into thought. He was a good tinkerer at times, but could that do in this desperate hour? Putting his hands over his ears as silence was needed if he was going to think of something. The Sharp cries and calling out for assistance was echoing across the chamber as the wounded continued to build up. The others on the table were about to stand up when Rai heard a tiny blast that came from within the mines.

"What just exploded?" Rai asked with everyone else standing up quickly only for a mole to come up to Mole-Yair and whispered in his ear.

"Don't worry, my friend. My People are currently blasting new tunnels with all that explosives the apes left behind. Certainly, has assisted us in clearing away. But I had to tell them to cease that production. Seems my order fell on a deaf ear." Sighed Mole-Yair his whiskers twitching as a leaders work is never done. If it wasn't his peoples care that needed him it was those that insisted to keep digging with use of the munitions that were left behind the Apes were driven out the first time.

"Hey! That's it!" Rai beamed snapping his fingers. Everyone turned his way.

"What is?" Exhumor asked unsure why the youngest human suddenly got so excited.

"Your afraid to leave everything just for the apes to take. Am I right?" Rai pointed out grasping his hands as this idea of his was brilliant and he could hope the others would agree.

"Yes." Mole-Yair answered scratching his head with the others looking just as confused.

"Tell us, young one. What have you concocted?" Cyril asked intrigued as a mind of youngest child sometimes had a solution it was best to hear him out.

"Well…I am not sure if its possible but if they are using dynamite left from the Apes when they first were here then maybe instead of using it to dig more tunnels they use it all to seal up the entrances or better yet blow up some paths to let lava flow through out and make this place completely inhospitable." Rai explained looking at everyone with hope.

"Boy, looks like Rai there has gone to the clouds. Maybe the ash in here is getting to his brain." Sparx scoffed mockingly but Spyro flung the Dragonfly off his head.

"Quiet Sparx! I think Rai maybe on to something." Spyro said walking up to the boy. "You think that could work?"

Rai nodded. "Yes…well depending on how much dynamite is left and where they place them and await ignition." He looked at Mole-Yair and Exhumor who were worried by that idea. "How much do you have at your disposal?"

"Let's see…if I remember correctly after we took inventory when the apes were gone I believe we have hundreds of crates maybe even more than that." Stated Exhumor but still looked rather sad looking at his brother.

Both of them looked at the other and Exhumor nodded at him. Reluctantly after a painstaking moment Mole-Yair nodded back before looking at Rai.

"I don't like having to hear that. Destroying our home is the most horrid atrocity our people could do to ourselves. But I realize that if he don't leave and by leaving our home intact then others will suffer the same as we have. I cannot allow that." Mole-Yair proclaimed sadly. This was a terrible day in their history, and he was going to be remembered for it but that didn't matter. His people mattered more to him than the place they dwelled for generations.

Rai felt the same sadness touch his heart. He knew what it was like to lose a home. The Day when he and the rest of the family were taken by Apes and spent a year as a slave in the Fortress of Cynder's he longed to be back where he had come from. He missed being around his own people. Being the son of a veteran soldier, they moved around a lot, but he was used to it, and he came to enjoy seeing new places, meeting new people and learning more about what his father's life was all about.

Now like with the rest of the family having all been stolen from their own way of life and living and made to live among this realm he keeps trying to adapt to it. Already after the year as a slave he has gained something far more than he could have possibly imagined along with most of his family. From their losses they have come to gain something more. That gave him an encouraging thought. The Moles may leave behind a lot, but they still had each other just like he still had a family.

"I do understand, Mole-Yair. I know in a way how you feel. But if you stick by your people home is where the heart is and that is with your people." Rai assured and Adir and Spyro smiled at Rai. He was the youngest among them, but he had a bit of wisdom in him.

"That's my brother!" Adir grinned walking up to Rai's side and patted him on the shoulder.

Cyril laughed. "Quite charming to discover how one so young can speak with the wisdom of an Elder's tongue." He rose and stretched for a moment. "Now I believe we have solved one part of this serious problem but now we must turn our attention towards the Skavengers."

The Ice Guardian turned his attention to Tracy who just prepared a splint for a mole whose leg was severely cut by a sword from an attacking ape.

"Tracy I know your busy tending to those poor fellows but come here we must discuss what we discovered when we traveled to the other side of the island." He called over to the middle-aged woman.

Tracy heard him patting the injured mole comfortably on the head as he smiled up at her thankful for the treatment he was given. The Humans and the dragons were going far above what anyone would have expected them to do. Truly they were of good nature and they all would have been lost without them.

Quickly she came over with Sid and Jim following as they carried the last of the injured in. Tracy already had tended the worst among them, and the others were not as severely hurt. The Moles that were uninjured took over Tracy's and the others place seeing to the needs of the injured while Tracy along with her brother and nephew came near the table.

"You wanted me, Cyril?" She asked taking a seat at the table dipping her hands in a bowl of water washing them off as much blood was upon them from all the injured she cared for. It was a rather gruesome sight for the others. Even Sparx cringed seeing the tiny droplets of blood leave Tracy's hands. He had to give it to her she knew how to remain calm and help even if they were screaming in pain and the wounds were severe.

"Yes. We have heard from what Spyro had to say about their encounter with the Skavengers." Cyril debated.

After wiping her hands clean Tracy nodded. "Yes, and I cannot believe I allowed you all to go!" seethed Tracy at her three children and Sid as well. "How could it have gone anymore wrong than it did! By God I don't know what I was thinking!" She groaned so angry with herself more than she was with them. A Simple quest to find a tree. That's all it was. And they encountered so much within that journey that it made her heart ache.

When they all came into the mines and talked about the events that had unfolded in their search for the tree that turned out to be Monster named Arborick. Before that encounter they had a run in with the Skavengers that pursued them at every turn until the battle with Arborick resulted in its defeat and their own capture when Sid was held hostage.

Their Time as gladiatorial fighters in the arena on the Flagship of the Skavengers had continued to make Tracy's mind race with frustration. Her Children went through a great deal, and she wasn't there to help, and she allowed them all to leave.

Once they had talked about how they escaped due to the surprise attack of the Apes and, Spyro and Adir's fight against the Captain of the Skavengers it was all that Tracy could stand and hardly be able to fall on her knee's in great shock over the revelation.

"Mom there was no possibly way for you to know that all was going to happen." Adir tried to assure but his mother was having none of that.

"That does not matter at all! I allowed you all to go! How could I have been so stupid? To think you faced all of that by yourself! Your all I have left! And I sent you to your deaths." Tracy shuddered as tears were starting to come to her eyes. She had managed to hold it in for awhile but now her emotions were becoming to strong for her to let them remain buried.

Adir came out to her putting a hand on her arm. "Mom we're okay. You didn't do anything wrong. I didn't really know what were exactly looking for out there. None of us could have anticipated this. Could you have?"

Tracy sniffed wiping a tear from her eye looking at her second child full of relief. He has come so far in such a short time along with, Molly and Rai. Her Daughter the oldest among them had a great future before her until it was stolen away. Rai her youngest was a slave right next to her for an entire year. No one not even someone of his age should have been through it and, Adir the son who she saw once get beaten down severely and thrown off a cliff. By a miracle he survived and had become a warrior in the little time he had. His life saved by strangers who have become almost like family to them, and they were not even human.

"It doesn't matter Adir. Your still my son and your sister and younger brother. You are all I have left. To lose any of you will be the end of me and I already had to have the pain seeing it nearly happen." Tracy sighed taking a seat on one of the chairs pulled out for her by Jim.

"Losing your father took its toll and now I have to worry entirely about you and everything around us now? I never could have imagined our lives would become like this." She groaned rubbing her face and Adir could only give his mother an understanding sad look. A Part of him agreed with her. If they could have once had the choice of going through what they have so long ago indefinitely they would not have accepted at the time. But Fate and a Prophecy had brought them into this realm by means of atrocity that has changed them all forever. They had to do what they could now as it was the only way any of them were going to survive the Darkness that was starting to lay claim upon the realm.

Cyril sympathized with Tracy along with the rest. In the short time he got to know the woman whom he has become to bond with especially over the fact that she had gained the element of Ice she has a strong and noble heart. She cares deeply for her family wanting nothing more than their safety and a life beyond. Like any parent with the best intentions in mind she wants nothing more than her children to live a happy life. It was painstaking to see her have to bear a heavy burden with knowing her children were in great danger along with the rest of her family.

The Same could be said about Dragons knowing their young will have to grow and face heavy trials. In these horrid years the Dragons had trained countless numbers of their young to go to war and only to watch so many young dragons fall victim to the insanity that were the Apes commanded over by their King and the Dark Master. A Cursed time for all of them to live in. But if there was going to be a future for all of them then they will have to continue to take arms against their foes and protect those they have.

Adir hugged his mother and she hugged him back feeling overwhelmed with guilt and regret. Why did this have to be? First she lost her husband to the war on terror now their part of a different war in another realm that could be the end of them all. If she could simply say it then she would deny her children and everyone else from going ahead to partake in the fight against the darkness but with everything that has happened along with anticipation of the coming Eternal Night it would matter if they were out on the front line or safe inside a hidden sanctuary. And the one place they thought that was safe grounds was utterly decimated. No where was safe and if they didn't take a stand right now then they would all perish that much faster.

"From now on we stick together." Tracy vowed slowly letting go of her son keeping her hands on his shoulders. Adir didn't know if that would be possible with everything that was happening but for now he was glad to have both his mother and uncle by his side. He nodded in agreement, and it made her smile only slightly.

Cyril walked over leaning his head down next to Tracy's. "I don't mean to interrupt you, dear Lady but we have important matters to discuss concerning the Pirate cretins your family and friends have encountered."

Tracy let go of her son and adjusted herself. "Right. Tell me again about them."

Spyro walked up to the woman and sat down. "They flew on ships. Sailing them through the skies above the sea. Their symbol is a black flag with a white silhouette of their canine heads." The Purple Dragon explained.

"They were canines. Dogs the lot of them! Normally I love dogs but these ones I shed no tear for each one I put in the ground!" Sid grumbled tapping his axe against the ground near the table recalling his humiliation having been caught after being struck by the Tree Monster Arborick. It felt so good to finally take up arms against them after they through him and his family in multiple arena battles and then pitted them up against Cynder herself. If there was one good thing that came out from all of that he had gained the Earth Element that gave the edge they needed throughout the battles came after.

Molly sat back down on the chair on the table nodding. "They were beasts! Forcing us to fight in that accursed arena. Just to amuse themselves and make bets. They valued the barbarism!"

"Not to mention imprisoning Mole-Yair and many of his people. We got them all out, but I cannot say for sure they were the only prisoners and that was only on the ship we were on. Whose to say there could be more prisoners with them if any of that fleet survived the attacking Apes." Rai explained shuddering at the thought. If there were more prisoners somewhere else then their fates would certainly been sealed and the fact they could not save them made his heart sink.

"Who did you say commanded them?" Jim asked taking his glasses off and quickly cleaned them before putting them back on.

"It was the biggest among them all. A Giant of Canine he was certainly the muscle but lacked much of a brain. He had two Parrots acting as the mind. He was called Skabb, and the Parrots names were Scratch and Sniff. Spyro, Sparx and I confronted him in his cabin when he sought a map that could lead us to the location where the Chronicler lies." Adir explained still frustrated over the fact that they not only failed to stop him, but they took the only thing that could lead them to the one who has been guiding them since the beginning.

"And you didn't finish him off?" Jim scoffed irritably.

"Skabb and those parrots were crafty." Spyro muttered aside. "We underestimated him. Those Parrots acted as not only his mind, but they acted as his eyes. And he had many weapons installed on himself if he wasn't already carrying them."

"Yes. Like how he launched his hooked hand and snagged my weapon and pulled it right out from me. During the fight they grabbed the map and took off jumping out the cabin window and onto a small raft and quickly left." Adir said tightening his fists before reaching into one of his pockets pulling out the tiny gold coin and the compass he took from the Captains Quarters.

"A Compass and a coin?" His Uncle pointed at the two items Adir pulled out setting them on the table.

"Yes. That quarters had piles of gold and treasures. It was quite…amazing to see so much of it in one place. I admit I was a bit mesmerized, but Sparx snapped I and Spyro out of it." He confessed which made the Dragonfly give a proud smile.

"Yeah. I just had to remind them of what was important." Snickered Sparx making a proud face but most of them paid him no mind.

"I picked up the compass at the Table and Spyro and I looked at the map. Only in the quick glimpse of it did we see a place on the White Isle. The very domain that the Chronicler had said to seek him out." Adir continued to explain.

Jim shook his head disappointingly. "It did not occur to you to grab something more important than a couple of trinkets in the middle of a fight?!"

Adir looked down shamefully. "I messed up, alright! I was stupid not to pick up the map."

"Your damn right! This is war boy! Intel is always the key to every battle ahead! Anything that can give us valuable information is always a priority and you choose a trinket and a tool that can only be of true use with a map in hand!" Jim scalded but Tracy stood in front of him her eyes glaring at him.

"Hey! He made a mistake but what matters is that they are all still alive and we still have a chance to make it right! Don't forget Jim that we are still just as fortunate ourselves to still be alive and we gained great power through our struggles." Tracy retorted but her brother still stood firmly. Much like his time in the military new recruits always were screwing around or messing up someway that would cause a platoon a great deal of trouble or were not thinking clearly of what's important for the future.

Jim was still upset but he remained silent with Tracy turning her back on him. He brother was always a difficult one. She loved him dearly but at times he was impossible.

Adir had to agree with his Uncle. He should have grabbed the map. They wouldn't be stuck like this if only he just did something that should have been obvious. But then he recalled what his mother had said.

"What do you mean we still have a chance to make it right, Mom?" Adir asked curiously.

"I mean Cyril and I discovered something when we flew to the other side of Munitions Forge. We fought against the Apes there driving what was left of them to come back to this side but just off the coast in the north we saw something." Tracy answered taking a seat on one of the chairs.

Cyril cleared his throat. "Yes. There were wooded platforms built over the water. More than eight ships of various sizes were docking all around it. Most of them were heavily damaged. Quite surprising some even still floating. I noticed one flying a Flag across its mass that bears the very symbol you lot spoke about."

This caught everyone's attention all looking at Cyril in great surprise. "That must be the Skavengers!" Rai exclaimed in relief as after listening to his Uncles scolding of his big brother. He didn't blame Adir in all truths if there were piles of gold around anyone would be quite shocked to see so much and get picky hands. No ill deed as that gold was possibly stolen by the Pirates all the same.

"You said they were docking on some kind of platforms just off the coast?" Sid inquired.

Cyril nodded in confirmation. "A Peculiar sight indeed. Not entirely sure why they would dock in such an area?"

"It must be what I would call a staging ground. An Area designated where their forces are gathering to repair and tend to their wounded and if they are allowed to remain they will start up their pirating raids again." Jim explained still rather upset with Adir for allowing a key resource to slip through his fingers all due to the fact he decided to pick up things of personal value.

"If they are all still badly damaged it may take them some time to repair. It all must be what's left of their fleet when the apes attacked. They came in heavy with intent on killing us all and the Skavengers stood in their way. Thankfully that very chaos is what allowed us to get away." Molly said coming to her brothers side giving him a smile. They all heard what Jim had said but she held Adir no malice. There was no time to be at the throat of someone who she loves so much. We all make mistakes. But now as his mother had pointed out they can correct it.

Jim went over to the table leaning against it. "Then we better strike while they are in the middle of repair and get that map. If this Chronicler has the answer to our dilemma then we better get on it."

Sid nodded in agreement standing beside his father. He didn't appreciate the scolding of his cousin as Adir along with, Spyro led them all well throughout the ordeals. He wouldn't say anything otherwise. His Father wasn't there with him. Who was he to lecture his cousin for a simple mistake and with all the chaos around them surely none of them would have been thinking clearly.

"I have to agree. Not only do we have to get that map but if there are any prisoners left with them then we should help." Sid added picking up his axe putting it over his shoulder showing it was ready to leave for the fight that was ahead.

"Not to mention if the Pirates regain their strength no doubt our friends here will be in grave danger again. If they are attacked in the middle of leaving they will be helpless." Molly pointed out gesturing to Mole-Yair and Exhumor.

The Two brothers nodded. "Yes. We will go about the plan in sealing up what soon be our former home. Leave it in wastes that it will take months perhaps years of digging and with the lava flows any materials would not be salvageable." Mole-Yair affirmed though his whiskers twitched sadly. The once beloved home of his people will soon be lost forever.

"You are correct. If the Skavengers do amass their strength they will come for us as we leave. The Apes will return that is to be sure but with their losses it won't be for some time. But the Skavengers the bulk of their forces that takes to man those ships certainly will be more than enough to raid upon us if they are allowed to repair and recuperate." Exhumor shuddered shacking he shovel he used for a walking stick as well as a weapon at times.

"Then its settled. We attack them." Spyro affirmed and the rest of the humans and the Ice Guardian agreed nodding their heads.

"First we need to plan this attack. We need to know what we are dealing with. I can already guess they have efficient numbers." Jim declared.

"Yes Uncle. Even if they lost much of their fleet in their battle against the Apes there has to be least dozens of them per ship. How many ships did you see at that staging ground?" He asked looking at Cyril.

"By my count considering the distance I kept to not be spotted I would say eight in total. But each ship was different in size. Some were landing in the water while others stayed in the air." The Ice Guardian explained feeling his scales starting to pringle from the humidity of the caves within the mines.

Spyro nodded in confirmation. "Then must be very cautious. They will defend themselves desperately."

"And what weapons do they have?" Jim asked next. "We have to do what ordinance they carry or anything that can be of true danger to any of us."

"They have guns, Pop. From Cannons to pistols. So, staying in cover is a must anytime we see one carrying a firearm or manning a cannon on the deck of any of those ships." Sid cautioned as his fingers twitched for the upcoming fight. It was time for them to go on a true offense for a change. They most have done defense by now staying together and only fighting against their attackers all over. Now they would return the favor by mounting an actual attack this time.

Jim nodded in confirmation. "Alright finally we have to think of how are we going to attack. Our intelligence is limited as it is and with their weapons and numbers we have to think of our attack. How are we going to go about it?"

"A most curious question indeed." Cyril concurred. "Our ability's will certainly provide an advantage, but that advantage will sure dissipate after our attack proceeds. Once they regroup we will lose that edge."

"If they have multiple ships then we cannot just attack one. If they surround us we will be done for. My Suggestion is that we each take a ship. A Small group of ourselves dropped upon a ship and we deal with its crew. Once finished each group moves to the next one. We amass chaos in their ranks and don't allow them to mount a heavy defense." Jim suggested as everyone looked at each other concerningly.

He saw the unease in their eyes. "Look I know this is a great risk. If I had soldiers instead of my family right now I would strategize with them. I don't want any of us to be point in danger but as far as I can tell we are the only ones who can do this.?" Stated Jim. He had fear in his heart for his own son and that of the rest of his family but this was serious. They needed to take action together. Their combined strength and power could give them the edge in the oncoming raid. It was their best and only option.

Tracy sighed sadly as once again her children and family were going to be put in great danger again. There was no way she was going to talk any of them out of it. "Your certain this will work?" She asked her brother.

"Id be lying if I said it will. But we have no other choice. I am asking a lot and I truly wish I didn't have to. But this is the only way. What say you all?" Jim addressed his family and the dragons.

"I'd say your whack job with a few screws loose in that head of yours." The Dragonfly griped folding his arms. He hated the constant danger they were always finding themselves in. Now Jim was asking them to actively seek it out.

Jim scoffed at the dragonfly. No surprise from him. "I am in for the plan, Uncle. Far as I can tell it's the best one we have." Adir confirmed finally earning a smile from him.

"I'm with you, Pop. Through and through." Sid smiled standing tall while holding his battle axe high.

"Let's go make these pirates walk their own plank!" Rai beat his chest enthusiastically.

"Guess we are all in." Molly smiled and nodded earning the same from Spyro, Cyril and a rather reluctant Tracy.

"So, who's with who in the attack?" Sid asked. "If we are in teams then I suggest we split ourselves into teams of two."

"Good thinking, Sid. You will be with Rai." Jim pointed to the youngest of them all.

"Sounds good to me." Rai grinned earning the same from Sid.

"Molly you will be with your Mother." Jim gestured to Tracy who nodded.

"It will be good to see how your Ice powers show, Mom." Molly snickered but Tracy only kept a blank look. To see her children in a battle that could go anyway was going to be difficult to take in, but this was going to happen, and she had to accept it.

"Adir you will be with Spyro. You've been a good team so far might as well keep it that way." Jim said.

Spyro smiled at that. "I wouldn't have it any other way." He gave Adir a smile as Adir came up to him putting an arm over the dragon and rubbed his purple scales.

"The same can be said for me and Sparx will stick with us." Adir said.

"Yeah. I feel so much safer with you guys." The Dragonfly mumbled.

"Always the whiner." Adir chuckled only getting a glare from Sparx.

"I have my reasons!" The Dragonfly retorted.

"Far too many I would say." Spyro chuckled earning one from the others present making the Dragonfly even more unhappy.

"Great! Now I'm the butt the joke!" moaned Sparx.

Jim then looked at the two mole brothers. "While we attack I strong suggest you and your people make your way out of here. Rig this place to blow and flood and as soon as your out and set it off as your evacuation of the mines is finished. Don't wait on us."

"But where are we going to go?" Exhumor asked concerningly.

"Yes. We cannot just wander." Mole-Yair added on.

Now Jim was stuck for an answer. But Cyril lowered his head down again. "Move southward till you reach the sea. Once we finish with the Skavengers I will personally assist in evacuating your people to safer grounds. I swear upon the Ancestors." Cyril said.

Mole-Yair and Exhumor nodded. "But though I am not implicating anything, but should you not return?"

Cyril knew that question was coming. He was very confident in the plan but there had to be an alternative.

"If I should not then craft rafts and sail to the southern isles. Right now, the swamplands are in not under any siege. You will find sanctuary there and my fellow Guardians will find you and tell them Cyril guided you. They will assist you. You have my word." Cyril assured.

"Very well then. Then we best get underway with our plans." Mole-Yair stated standing up and adjusted himself planting his walking stick on the ground.

"Yes." Exhumor agreed turning his gaze towards the humans and Purple Dragon. "Be safe my friends. I hope your battle results in victory and may we meet again." The Group nodded and smiled back at him before Exhumor along with his brother all went to the wounded Moles and those watching over them to begin the preparations for evacuating the wounded and the rest of their people and to prepare for the destruction of the mines.

"Cyril?" Jim tapped on the dragons frontal leg.

"Yes?" The Ice Guardian answered.

"Can you act as a transport for the rest of us? Spyro and Adir will be on their own, but can you drop the teams we made off one at a time upon each ship we come across until its only you and I?" He asked.

"Certainly! I could carry ten of you and not feel the weight." Cyril grinned.

"Very good. Now do we all understand the plan?" Jim asked the others. "Any questions or concerns?"

"Well, there are plenty of concerns to go around but hey that's just me!" Sparx scoffed but Jim paid him no mind.

"I do want to say is that our main focus should be finding Skabb and those parrots that are with him. He's the Captain and the fact that he may have the map on him he should be our main point of interest." Adir suggested.

"Then that's what he shall be then. Destroying the ships and the crews is one of our objectives. But the Captain will be the priority target. We take out command and control and the rest should fall like dominoes. Are we all in agreement?" Jim asked and everyone nodded.

"Good. Let's get to work then. Everyone fall out!" Jim stated like an officer in command. Everyone gathered their weapons with Adir getting the gold coin and compass from the table setting them back in his pockets and they all said their last good byes to Mole-Yair and the others. This was going to be a tough fight. Their confidence was high, but it was best to not leave the mines without having any last words to say to the moles that were more than thankful for everything they all had done for them.

One by one they exited the mines meeting outside where the dark clouds of ash formed from the now calmed volcano of Boyzitbig.

"No time like the present. Climb on, my fellow friends in arms." Cyril leaned down and one by one the humans mounted on him. Jim was the first to climb on along with Tracy and Molly and lastly, Rai and Sid. Adir mounted on Spyro, and they all prepped themselves for the takeoff.

Cyril looked at the ones sitting upon his back grasping his spines and, Spyro with Adir holding onto his neck. "I want you all to know that it is my supreme honor to fight along side each of you. All of you have exceeded everything we ever thought of you. You all have shown great courage and commitment. Let us all go to battle with our wits about us and May the Ancestors look after us. May they look after us all."

Everyone heard Cyril's honorable words. He was truly committed to this as well as they all have.

"Be careful everyone." Tracy called out. "Let's get this done." With that Cyril spread his wings and took off into the sky along with Spyro with Adir upon him and Sparx following close by.

"Here we go again." Sparx sighed as this never seemed to end.