Happy new year, everyone! Here's the next chapter of Skylanders!
Episode 21: The Vault of the Arkeyans
-The Core of Light, the Ruined Citadel, Skylands-
After retrieving the Eternal Fire Source and integrating it into the Core of Light, the machine was nearing completion. All that's left is one Eternal Source as Spyro, Cynder, Tyson and Belle stood in front of a cliff as they looked at the darkened red sky.
Tyson: Just one Eternal Source left you guys…
Spyro: Mmm…
Spyro didn't respond as he looked at the dark red sky. His eyes were fixated on it and then they started to glow red.
Cynder: Spyro!
Spyro: This snapped Spyro out of it as he looked at Cynder.
Cynder: Spyro, are you alright? You didn't respond for a while.
Cynder was worried. Same with Tyson and Belle.
Spyro: It's… It's nothing, really.
Cynder didn't believe him and Spyro caved in when he looked at her worried eyes.
Spyro: The Darkness is reaching its full strength. I can even feel it within every pore of my being, just like last time…
Belle: Are you talking about… Dark Spyro?
Tyson and Belle sure haven't forgotten what happened to Spyro as he was caught by a tendril of the Darkness back on Earth.
Tyson: It wouldn't happen if we complete the Core of Light!
Cynder: Tyson is right. Let 's go to Hugo, Spyro.
Spyro smiled at this as he and others went to the bespectacled Mabu.
Standing near the Far-Viewer as Cali, Camo, Whirlwind, Diego and sky were there. Spyro's group joined in as Hugo started talking.
Hugo: There is only one Eternal Source left to find - The Magic Source. But Magic is certainly no exact Science… and from what I can decipher, the Core needs a very special, ancient kind of oil that allows every other Element to receive the Magic. But my book says nothing else about it… I don't know where to look.
This made everyone worried, especially Spyro.
Spyro: Nothing?... Didn't you try the other books?
Whirlwind: We did, Spyro. But we couldn't find any info about the Eternal Magic Source, or if there is something that could lead us there.
Everybody became disappointed and worried that they have no clue where to find the final Source. However, Tyson seemed to be deep in thought.
Tyson: "Something that could lead us"...
Belle: What's wrong, Tyson?
Everyone paid attention to Tyson as he turned to them.
Tyson: It's just, we were able to find the Eternal Sources, as well as the necessary parts, because of everything that we have here that guided us to them.
Everyone looked at Tyson confused.
Sky: What do you mean?
Tyson: We have a magical Telescope. A transport cannon that's been here since the Core was built. Gates and roads that allowed us to go to places directly like the Underworld. I guide literally grew from the ground. And lastly a Train appeared out of nowhere that makes traveling Underground easier.
Everyone recalled how they were able to find the Sources and go to them thanks to all the things Tyson listed.
Tyson: Whoever built the Core made sure to leave anything that would help us rebuild the Core of Light here on this island.
Everyone was speechless at everything that Tyson said.
Cali: Tyson is right.
They now turned to Cali.
Cali: Like he said, anything that could help us rebuild the Core can be found here. And since this is the Magic Source… Has anyone seen something strange so far?
Nobody knew how to respond to that, but Cynder figured what Cali was thinking.
Cynder: I get it. Somewhere on this island could help us find the Eternal Magic Source. It could have even appeared without us knowing.
Camo: Like the Train?
Spyro: Well then, let's split up! Tell the other Skylanders to find anything strange or new on the island!
everybody nodded at him. Is it then that Flynn came, and he scratched his head as he looked confused.
Flynn: Hey you know that weird ancient statue out in the water that we've all been wondering about?... Yah, well… it's moving…
Everyone was silent until they processed what Flynn said.
Everyone: What?!
-Beach, the Ruined Citadel, Skylands-
Flying on Spyro and Cynder, both Tyson and Belle flew to the Beach and over the water, before landing on a little rock that is beside a giant chain attached to the island. And on that little rock stood a strange statue that's 3 to 4 times bigger than them.
Tyson and Belle were more surprised to see the giant chain instead of the statue as they got off the Dragons.
Tyson: That is one big chain!
Spyro: Focus, Tyson. We came to check on the statue.
Cynder: This statue has been here for ages. I recall that they call it… Weapon Master.
But just as the Dragons stepped closer, the statue suddenly moved to their surprise. It unfurled from what appeared to be arms and everyone could see what it truly looked like.
A six-armed robotic stone brown statue. It looked like a combination of ancient armor and robotics as his face looked ancient. His lower body is a pedestal instead of legs.
The statue then spoke in a polite but robotic voice.
Weapon Master: Greetings, Skylanders. You have awakened us from our 10,000 year old slumber… We are what is left of an ancient civilization. The Arkeyan Weapon Masters.
Spyro and Cynder were surprised to meet another Arkeyan, besides Chop-Chop and Drill Sergeant, who didn't know much about the Arkeyans despite being created by them.
Cynder: So you were an actual Arkeyan, all this time, and we never knew…
Spyro: I've heard that the Weapon Master's role is to preserve the relics and secrets of the Arkeyans.
Weapon Master: Yes. We understood the connection between Magic and Technology. We are the keepers of many secrets. We have waited for one to come, to pass our secrets to. That which you pursue is near.
The Purple Dragon perked when he heard that and approached the statue.
Spyro: You're talking about the ancient oil that can connect the elements to Magic?
Weapon Master: Yes. It is in one of our Ancient Vaults that are in another Dimension, and can only be entered by walking this magical chain that connects to them.
He gestured to the giant chain that's beside them.
Weapon Master: Are you prepared to cross the Great Chain of Time?
Hearing that, Spyro turned to Cynder.
Spyro: Cynder, go tell Hugo and the others. Tyson, Belle and I will move on ahead.
Cynder nodded as she flew back to the Ruined Citadel.
Spyro: Tyson, Belle, hop on.
Tyson nodded as he climbed on Spyro's back followed by Belle.
Belle: Are you sure you can carry both of us?
Spyro: Don't worry. Thanks to Cali's training I'm back in top shape!
He then turned back to the Weapon Master.
Spyro: We're ready to go.
Weapon Master: Good. New discoveries await you.
With that, Spyro flew and landed on the Great Chain and then immediately started running. Tyson held on while Belle was holding him on his back. Suddenly, the sky around them vanished and they were surrounded by pulsing white energy streams. Spyro started to glide and before they knew it, they reached a blue portal that the chain connected and they flew into in a white flash.
-Skeleton Gate, Quicksilver Vault, Skylands-
The 2 kids and Purple Dragon exited the portal, and they were awed at what they saw.
The sky was clear of the Darkness that blotted the light. It's filled with a brilliant blue background with a large full white Moon. Underneath them is a blue-white ocean. Spyro landed in a stony stronghold that's floating above this ethereal realm, and that's also connected to the Giant Chain.
Tyson and Belle hopped off as they looked at the new world.
Tyson: This place is amazing.
Belle: Yeah…
Suddenly, a pedestal nearby activated and a hologram of the Weapon Master appeared.
Weapon Master: The Eternal Source of Magic was the original source of all creations. But as we uncovered its secrets, its power could not be contained. You must prove your worth if you are to be trusted with the energy that flows through all things Magic: the Quicksilver.
The Weapon Master's hologram vanished and Spyro turned to Tyson and Belle.
Spyro: Alright, guys. Let 's do this.
Tyson and Belle nodded, brought out their Portal Medallion's and called out to their allies.
Tyson: Come! Double Trouble! Zook!
Belle: Warnado!
Appearing from 2 portals were Double Trouble, Zook, and Warnado. Double Trouble looked at the ancient Vault with interest before looking down at the blue-white ocean.
Double Trouble: So this is where the Quicksilver originates from. As was told; it's an entire ocean of it.
Tyson and Belle looked at Double Trouble.
Tyson: This entire ocean is made of Quicksilver?!
Double Trouble: Yes. The Arkeyans processed it into its purest form.
Spyro: And that is the Quicksilver that we need. Let's go, guys!
But just as he said it, 2 Arkeyan Blasters rose from the floor and started firing at Spyro.
Spyro: Whoa!
The Purple Dragon flew up to evade the shots, but now they were firing at the others.
Double Trouble: Stand back!
Double Trouble fired an Eldritch Beam at one of the blasters and destroyed it. He was nearly hit by the blast of the remaining Arkeyan Blaster, until Spyro swooped down and fired an exploding Fireblast, destroying it.
Spyro landed back to the others as they looked at the remains of the blasters.
Belle: Looks like the defenses of this place are still working.
Spyro: Yeah. And there will be more Arkeyan Defenses up ahead so we better keep our guards up.
Warnado: Oh boy… (Sighs).
The Magical Turtle out an exasperated sigh.
With that the Skylanders began traversing the Arkeyan Vault. The place was lit by blue torches on the wall and in some places there are rocks with blue-white veins. They then saw multiple blue lights up ahead.
Tyson: What are those lights up ahead?
Double Trouble: They look like…
Everybody stopped when they got close enough to see.
Double Trouble: Gnashers…
The Ganshers look exactly like the Flame Imps, only their color is different as it's blue-green.
They noticed the Skylanders and immediately went to attack them.
Zook: Stand back!
Zook fired a Mortar Attack. The attack landed and the Gnashers scattered… and then a Cactus rose where the Mortar landed.
Tyson: A Cactus?
Zook: What? I'm a plant, remember?
The rest of the Gnashers then came next and Warnado stepped in.
Warnado: Round we go!
Warnado started spinning around and then launched what appeared to be mini-Warnado Shells at the Gnashers, followed by a Spin Attack and the Gnashers were sent running.
Belle came to Warnado in awe.
Belle: You guys have grown a lot stronger thanks to Calliope restoring your powers.
Double Trouble: Yes. We are getting very close at coming back at full power.
Spyro: Let's keep moving guys.
With that the Skylanders moved forward again… and then they were stopped by a locked cage door. Spyro's head dropped at this.
Spyro: Great…
Suddenly, the hologram of the Weapon Master appeared again on a nearby pedestal.
Weapon Master: You need to find the key to open the first gate.
Belle: Key? Well, where is it?
The Weapon Master pointed to an entrance that's blocked by a wall of stones.
BOOM!
The wall exploded and coming out of the smoke was Zook and his smoking Bazooka, followed by the other Skylanders.
Zook: Okay! So the key is somewhere around here?
Warnado: Um… Who are those guys?
There were two Robots wearing red armor over their upper torso, shoulders, and face, and they wore red gauntlets and boots while their limbs were bony and white. In their hands are staff clubs.
Spyro immediately recognized them.
Spyro: I've read about them. They're Arkeyan Defenders.
The Arkeyans began charging straight at them, but Zook used his "new" Old Growth Bazooka, which is an old and bigger Bamboo, and fired two Hardwood Shells at them. They exploded and covered their line of sight.
Zook: That takes care of them!
Then the Arkeyans charged out of the smoke without any scratch, to Zook's bafflement.
Zook: What?
Everyone dodged the swing of their clubs as Zook blocked one of them with his Bazooka.
Why Didn't they blow up?!
It is then everyone noticed the energy field surrounding them.
Belle: They're protected by an energy barrier?!
Spyro fired three Flame Balls at it but the barrier held. It then went on the attack. That's when Spyro noticed the barrier vanishing. He flew up to dodge and when he looked back, its barrier was back on.
Spyro: Guys! The barrier vanishes when they attack!
Zook looked behind the Arkeyan and saw Warnado nodding at him. Zook understood and stepped back. The Arkeyan Defender raised its club staff and that's when the barrier vanished, which Warnado took this chance as he performed a Low Friction Shell attack, moving so fast that he knocked the Arkeyan away before it could bring its weapon down. Zook then fired his Old Growth Bazooka behind the downed Arkeyan destroyed it.
Spyro was still up in the air and fired an Exploding Fireblast at the other Arkeyan Defender. The shield held on, but when the flames dissipated, it noticed that it was surrounded by 3 Exploding Doubles, which are much larger now, all powered by Double Trouble's Eldritch Beam. The Arkeyan Defender swung its club at one of them… and they all exploded, sending a helmet flying in the air.
All the Skylanders regrouped and took a breather.
Zook: Is that all of them?
As he said that, 4 Arkeyan Blasters rose from the floor and aimed at them.
Warnado: You had to say it…
Spyro immediately fired his flames at them.
After a few fiery explosions, Tyson arrived in front of a small pedestal and found the key and grabbed it.
Tyson: Got it!
The Skylanders immediately went back and put the key on the lock and turned it, unlocking the caged door. Tyson then recalled something.
Tyson: Wait… Didn't the Weapon Master say that this is the First Gate?
Spyro remembered and understood what it meant.
Spyro: Seems we have another gate to open.
The Skylanders approached a second gate. But then, something nearby stood up and sprouted arms. Tyson and Belle immediately recognized it.
Belle: An Arkeyan Ultron!
Zook: I'll take care of it!
Zook fired his Old Growth Bazooka again at the hulking Arkeyan and the shell exploded. When the smoke cleared, the Arkeyan Ultron stepped forward, without a scratch and surrounded by another energy barrier.
Zook: OH COME ON! NOT AGAIN!
Tyson: The ones from the Mines didn't have barriers.
Spyro: These Ultrons are still in perfect condition.
The Arkeyan Ultron then lifted its arms and fired guided bombs skywards. The Arkeyan then locked on everyone and the bombs started to fall straight at them.
Spyro: Scatter!
The Skylanders quickly split up right when the missiles landed on the spot where they stood. The explosion sent Tyson flying as he fell on the floor. Tyson pushed his arms on the floor to get up and looked at the Arkeyan Ultron, who reactivated its barrier. Seeing that made Tyson realize something as he quickly got up and went to the spot Spyro was taking cover on one of the walls, same with the others.
Tyson: Guys! Its barrier goes down when it attacks, then it takes a few seconds to bring it back up!
Belle: If that's the case then we have to make it fire again!
Warnado: Leave that to me! I'm the fastest!
Warnado quickly came out of his hiding spot and revealed himself to the Arkeyan Ultron.
Warnado: Hey! Tin can! I bet you can't hit me!
The Arkeyan Ultron began firing seeking bombs at Warnado, who started spinning around and zip away at fast speed, dodging all of the bombs. At that moment, its barrier turned off.
Spyro: Now!
Spyro fired his Exploding Fireblast, Zook his Hardwood Shell, and Double Trouble's Extended Eldritch Beam. They all hit the Arkeyan and sent it falling down on its back.
Everyone got closer and were able to make sure that it's not getting up anytime soon.
Tyson: Alright, the Arkeyan is defeated. Now…
They all looked at the locked gate, it is then that the hologram of the Weapon Master appeared again.
Weapon Master: The key for this gate is through the teleporter.
A teleporter panel suddenly appeared near the pedestal. The Skylanders looked at it before looking at each other.
Spyro: We'll have to do this anyway…
Without arguing, all the Skylanders agreed as they, along with Tyson and Belle, stepped one by one on the teleporter and vanished in a flash of bolt.
-Main Gate, Quicksilver Vault, Skylands-
The kids and the Skylanders appeared on a large floating platform, which are connected by more giant chains together.
Tyson: Okay, where…
Belle: Look out!
Belle pushed Tyson out of the way before a purple blast hit him. Belle was on top of Tyson which made him flustered when he became aware.
Belle: Where did that come from?
Floating in front of them is a purple Spell Punk. It wears purple robes with yellow stars on its hat and a single blue star on its robe.
Spyro: A Magic Spell Punk.
Floating above the Spell Punk is a reanimated purple sphere that shoots the purple blast, and it was about fire more.
Zook: Not so fast!
Zook brought large Palm Cactus' off the floor that blocked the purple blasts. Warnado then came out spinning around. The Magic Spell Spunk tried to blast, but Warnado zig-zagged and avoided them, before tackling the Spell Punk and sending him flying in the air. This made the purple sphere vanish as well.
Belle stood back up and pulled Tyson back on his feet as well.
Belle: That was surprising.
Spyro: No matter how many surprises are up ahead, we have to get that key.
The kids and the Skylanders slid one by one on a giant key to the next platform… where two Arkeyan Defenders stood.
Zook: Great! More Arkeyans with shields!
Tyson: Look! There's the key!
Standing on a pedestal behind the Arkeyans was the key they were looking for… and then Warnado appeared behind them.
Warnado: Guys, you may wanna step back.
Everyone did as they moved aside as the Arkeyan Defenders turned to Warnado.
Warnado: Up and up!
The Turtle spin around and unleashed a gigantic Cyclone, blowing the Arkeyans off their feet as well from the platform.
Spyro: Good job, Warnado! Now let's grab that key!
Tyson took the key in his hands. He then noticed a warp panel up ahead.
Tyson: That must be our way out.
All the Skylanders stepped in, and they were teleported… to a platform filled with Gnashers, Arkeyan Ultrons and Spell Punks.
Zook: Oh this is great!
All the enemies attacked with the Gnashers jumping first.
-Skeleton Gate, Quicksilver Vault, Skylands-
A moment later, everyone teleported back to where the gate was… looking a little singed. The Weapon Master hologram appeared again to address them.
Weapon Master: You have the key. Open the gate and you may proceed.
Tyson: This better works…
Tyson inserted the key and opened up the gate. On the other side they saw what looked like a large foundry, connected to a giant chain to the gate. The Weapon Master's hologram appeared again.
Weapon Master: We Arkeyans once ruled all of Skylands. We guarded the Eternal Source of Magic to prevent future generations from discovering our secrets. Beyond this gate is what remains of our defenses.
In the middle of the foundry is a floating blue-white beaker with silver runes on it, which holds the Quicksilver.
Weapon Master: The Quicksilver Vault lies ahead. It will only open when the three energy beams are aligned with the three seals.
Surrounding the foundry were 3 platforms, and they could see the familiar light of energy beams on them.
Spyro: Alright you guys, let's split up and go to each platform.
The Skylanders nodded and Tyson and Belle hopped on Spyro's back and the Purple Dragon took off, followed by the others who slid down on the chain.
-The Foundry of Earth, Quicksilver Vault, Skylands-
The Skylanders arrived at the Foundry and looked around.
Zook: Um… how are we supposed to align the energy beams if they're up there and we're down here…
Warnado: Perhaps they're over there, pass the Arkeyan Ultron, Defender, and a few Gnashers.
Zook: Huh?
Up ahead were enemies that Warnado saw.
Zook: Oh great! There's more of them!
Double Trouble: Don't be down, my friend! We're ready for them!
Double Trouble summoned 3 Exploding Doubles at once and they quickly launched themselves at the enemy, exploding and sending the Gnashers flying.
The Arkeyan Ultron fired missiles in the air, but Spyro was ready for it as he fired an Exploding Fireblast and destroyed them.
With the Ultron's shield down, Zook and Double Trouble fired a Hardwood Shell and Eldritch Beam, taking it down.
Warnado then attacked the Arkeyan Defender by using his Low Friction Shell and spun around it. The Defender tried to hit him but failed. Its shield went down and Warnado quickly took it down by slamming on it.
Warnado stopped and looked around, and saw another giant chain connected to another platform.
Warnado: Hey! There's another chain up ahead!
Spyro flew over it and he and the kids saw a warp panel on it.
Spyro: There's a warp panel here! I've also checked and the other platforms have one each as well!
Double Trouble: Okay, let's go.
The three Skylanders crossed the chain and jumped into the warp panel and teleported.
-The Ethereal Anvils, Quicksilver Vault, Skylands-
A while later, the Skylanders were on each platform. Double Trouble and Warnado were pushing a few crystals so they could redirect the light beam, same with Spyro and Zook on another platform. Tyson and Belle were doing the same thing on the third platform. Fortunately, the crystals weren't very heavy, but it requires both of them to move the crystals.
Spyro: Alright, and we're done!
Zook pushed that crystal that redirected the beam, which hit the crystals and made them go past a few blocks and then it hit the bird statue holding a crystal, which directed the beam to one of the three crystal seals.
Belle and Warnado did the same and the light beams hit their seals. This made the structure that's holding the Quicksilver to separate. The Weapon Master's Hologram appeared again.
Weapon Master: The vault has been opened. You may at last retrieve what you seek.
Tyson: Um… those guys aren't going to make that easy for us!
On the foundry, more Gnashers, Arkeyan Ultrons and Defenders, as well as Spell Punks, suddenly filled the place.
Double Trouble: They've come for the Quicksilver!
Spyro: Not on our watch!
Spyro flew from above and fired a Triple Flameball attack, hitting a few Gnashers and Spell Punks.
Zook: Time for da BOOM!
Zook fired his Mortar from the platform and hit a few of the enemies, Cactus growing where the shells exploded.
Double Trouble and Warnado teleported back on the Foundry. The Tiki Man summoned an Exploding Double and then fired his Eldritch Beam at it.
Double Trouble: Ooga booga booga!
The double grew big and launched itself at the Arkeyans. The explosion was so big and strong that it knocked the Arkeyans off their feet and disabled their barriers.
Warnado: Have a spin!
Warnado launched a Cyclone that engulfed and picked the Arkeyans. He then guided the Cyclone to the other enemies. The Cyclone dissipated and all the enemies that caught on it fell and became defeated.
Tyson and Belle saw all this from above.
Tyson: Oh yeah! They beat all of them!
Belle: Now let's get the Quicksilver!
-The Foundry of Earth, Quicksilver Vault, Skylands-
Regrouping with the Skylanders, everyone stood in front of the floating beaker as the Weapon Master's hologram appeared.
Weapon Master: We pass unto you the very essence of all Magical being… the Quicksilver.
The beaker floated down from its place and landed in the hands of Belle, who turned to the Skylanders with a smile. They have obtained the Quicksilver.
Spyro: Guys, let's go home.
-The Core of Light, the Ruined Citadel, Skylands-
Master Eon: Quicksilver! To bind the Magic within the Core of Light!
Hex opened up the beaker and used her Magic to bring out a bit of the metallic-silver substance. It floated over towards the Core of Light and fused with the runes on the machine. The became covered in the Quicksilver as silver light shone from the runes.
Tyson, Belle, Spyro, and Cynder, which this in silence, before Spyro spoke.
Spyro: This is it. All that's left now is the Eternal Magic Source.
Cynder: And then the Core of Light will be restored.
Belle: Yeah. And once that happens, our medallions will be fixed, and we can finally go home.
Tyson: Home…
Tyson spoke in a whisper as he looked down at his broken medallion in silence.