Here's a brief Q and A for this chapter.
Tma. Delaney: As you can see with this chapter, this isn't the end. Not yet.
Finally, Disclaimer: This is a non-profit fan-based story. Spyro The Dragon was created by Insomniac Games, and is owned by Microsoft, Activision, and Toys For Bob. Please support the official releases.
Chapter 25: Winter Tundra's journey begins. The final stretch
The Quartet was currently running through the passage that they knew Elora would've taken to get to the Winter Tundra. The Third world in Avalar. And once there, they were going to look for Elora there, and see if their portal was working again, so that they can send them home. Which was a good thing if they were able to get there again.
Not to say that they didn't enjoy their time in Avalar. As they did, and they did look forward to exploring more of Avalar once they come back on their off days of training, or adventuring together, after they beat Ripto. It's just that they know that their friends, and family could know that they're gone by now. And are definitely looking for them throughout all of the Dragon Worlds. Which would be futile to find them there considering their current location, and where in the world they are. (Even though they would be sure that the Magic Crafters could find a way to get to Avalar, once they're able to know where they are, and once they're aware that they're not in the Dragon Worlds.)
Which was why they knew that they have to go back there, sometime soon, if so they can show the dragons that they're all okay. And that they were just in another world that they didn't mean to enter. They just got intercepted along the way to Dragon Shores and was plunged into Avalar's realms.
But they didn't mind the reason why they are here, at this point. Since they have met some new friends, (And an annoying gem grubbing adversary that lingered around like a horrible scent.) and was in a new journey that they were wanting to be in, at least to scratch their itch of adventure. And now they were satisfied with what they got now.
And now they needed to get back to their Worlds. And learning of the portal in Winter Tundra, and knowing that Elora was headed there with their other companions in the Cheetas, and the Professor, they were now on their way there.
Speaking of Elora though, when they were thinking about her as a comrade, and what they been through together. But they were also thinking about her, and how abnormal she was.
Especially considering the fact that she has a Dragonfly of her own that she bonded with. Which as they mentioned, only dragons can bond with. They also knew that she was quite a strong Faun considering her hoof power that was able to defeat the Gear Grinders, whom were strong, and large looking creatures, and the Earth Shapers, which were large rock golems. And even Gulp was staggered by Elora's kicks as she and Spyro attacked, and wailed on him when he ate Cynder. Which showed that she was probably the strongest Faun of Avalar, and Fracture Hills. The latter of which, they also remembered that she mentioned her adoption by the Fauns and the Satyrs of Fracture Hills, after being found by them as a baby in a basket, putting her origins, and her birth into question.
And not only that, but they remembered their fight with Gulp, where they barely noticed that the hoof marks that she left on Gulp, happened to be unusually shaped, as they had what looked like claws at the end of the hooves, which looked like a creature's print than a Faun's.
Not to mention the fact that though Spyro was preoccupied with trying to clobber Gulp, he did notice that Elora's eyes were different when she was angry enough. As they had a darker sclera, around her red eye colors that burned with a rage that could be as mighty as the strongest of dragon fire. While her own teeth was also quite sharp looking as a creature's as well. Which was something that Spyro only noticed when he reflected on his beatdown on Gulp alongside Elora, prior to him puking out Cynder, and Zoe.
And that is not to mention the fact that she loves both Spyro and Cynder despite them being dragons while she's a Faun.
All of which started to reinforce the belief that Elora is indeed no ordinary Faun. Instead, she could be dragon born, or part dragon. Which would explain why she is abnormal as a Faun of Avalar. Not to say that they find her weird for that since they did grow to love her as a companion. As well as more than that in Spyro and Cynder's case.
Now they were trying to get to her, and to the Winter Tundra, if so that they can get their little quest in Avalar over with. The sooner they do so, the sooner they can meet their friends, and family again, after all.
So they continued onwards through the passage that they know leads to the Winter Tundra, when they came up to a door. Which they opened up to see what was beyond it.
Which was when they got past it to the other side, where they looked on in amazement at what they saw.
"So this is the Winter Tundra?" They said in unison, as they looked at the world that they entered.
Which looked like they were on a huge mountain that held a castle on it, complete with walls that surrounded the courtyard that led to the castle. Which looked like ceramic brick walls. And they also saw that despite the snow that was all over the landscape, (Hence the name Winter Tundra.) they saw that there was still green grass that was all over the area. As well as some smaller mountains that also had caves inside them like one to the right of the area that the path led to. And not only that, but they also noticed that there was a portal that was there as well. While they noticed to their left, that there was stairs of land that led downwards to a cave that was to the left, and under the path that they were on. All of which, looked like it was on a snowy mountain, that also looked like a huge volcano. Considering that they felt a bit of heat from deeper within the Tundra.
Then they noticed that Elora was there too, pacing around with a look of dismay on her face, which turned into the look of surprise, then joy at seeing the Quartet. "Guys?! Oh, its you!" She then said, spreading her arms outwards in a hugging gesture.
Which both Spyro and Cynder accepted, as they ran to her before hugging her back, while Ember and Flame looked on in delight at seeing her again.
"I'm glad to see you guys again." Elora said as she hugged the dragons.
"So are we." Cynder said, with Spyro in agreement as they hugged her back. Which lasted for minutes until they were done with the hugs. "How are you doing by the way? And how's your friends?" She then asked.
"We're doing fine, thanks." She responded. "And so is Hunter and his Uncle. Along with his mothers. And the Professor is alright too." Elora said before becoming somber. "But Avalar's troubles isn't over yet."
"What do you mean?" Spyro asked.
"Ripto is what I mean. He's still alive. And he locked us out of the castle of Winter Tundra." Elora said in response.
Which had all four of the dragons feeling dismay at what they heard. They thought that Ripto was finished when he fell with his large throne out of the Overlook. So to hear that he was still alive and well, had them feeling quite annoyed to hear that. And yet at the same time, they felt that they gained an opportunity to put him in his place, and take him down for good, if to show him how tough they are. (Though they wondered how he was able to survive falling out of the overlook under the Autumn Plains' manor.)
"Well, that's not good news for you guys." Spyro said.
"And it gets worse. He also stole a Power Crystal that we gained, and we were about to use it on the Super Portal to give it a boost in power, so that we would be able to send you guys to Dragon Shores from here."
"Power Crystal? You have a Power Crystal? And it was supposed to help send us back?" Flame asked.
Elora nodded. "Sure, we have collected a bunch of Orbs throughout our journey through Avalar. In fact, the Orbs in the Realms of Winter Tundra could be our final set to recollect for Avalar. But we need to take back the Power Crystal from him, if so that we can ensure that you guys can still return to Dragon Shores, just in case the Orbs aren't enough to do so, even with them all gathered again." She spoke.
"But why would he take that Crystal from you guys?" Ember asked.
"I have a strong hunch of what he plans to do with it. So we must ensure that he won't put it to good use against Avalar. Or we might be doomed." Elora said nervously.
The dragons started to quickly know what she means by her hunch. And they were admittedly feeling a tad bit of dread at the fact that Ripto might have another scepter to put to use against them. After all, he was no threat against them due to having his scepter getting eaten by Gulp shortly after they got to Avalar. Sure, he had his minions with him, but they were the main danger to deal with before him. And now that they were vanquished, Ripto was the only one left, and they were certainly going to beat him without trouble. But now that he might have his new scepter, their journey was not going to get easier from there.
The question is though, was how hard it'll get, from here on out, once they fight him.
"How did he grab that Crystal though?" Spyro asked.
"It's… because of him gaining some bombs." Elora said. Before explaining what Ripto said to them, when he got the Crystal from the arch, shortly after they were getting the Portal ready.
At remembering who the 'Certain Greedy Bear' was, each dragon was feeling more disappointed in what he has done. As if they didn't like Moneybags enough at that point.
She then started explaining to the dragons of what happened after he got the Crystal, where Hunter tried to get it back, showing that for once, he was getting brave and selfless, only for that to go awry.
Which surprised the dragons at what they just heard. Apparently, Ripto was pretty strong himself according to what they just learned about.
"Which is why I'm so happy to see you guys here. We must now put a stop to him. Or at this rate, he'll have his scepter ready. And all of us will be in danger. I'm so sorry that I'm asking this, right when we thought that this journey was going to end at Gulp's demise, and I know that you're dying to come back home, but will you please help us again?" Elora said pleadingly.
"No problem. We'll help you." Ember said with no hesitation. With the other dragons in agreement.
Which had Elora gratefully smiling at them. Happy that they're still going to save Avalar, regardless of them probably wanting to return to their Home Worlds at this point of the journey. Which had her happy that she met them as she hugged each dragon respectively, beginning with Spyro, and ending with Ember.
As were they, particularly Spyro and Cynder as they were on their way to the walls of the Tundra, when Hunter III ended up appearing, who was thrilled to see the dragons.
"Ah, dear dragons! You've all made it! I'm glad to see that your trip here wasn't perilous." Hunter III said.
"Well, nothing stopped us or delayed our trip here. It was mostly uneventful." Cynder said. "How's your nephew by the way? We heard about what happened to him."
"He's fine. He has suffered some bruises, but he's still able to walk among other things he can still do, without trouble." Hunter III said in relief. "Nevertheless, Ripto won't get away with this. Especially with you four now here. And with us by your side." He said, referring to himself and Elora. While fuming at what Ripto has done to his nephew.
"Don't forget me!" Zoe interjected, coming to them. While wearing another golden dress, only this one was a bit skimpier, as it was sleeveless, less royal looking, and had a leaf-like skirt pattern that ended a few inches below her thigh, modestly covering her thighs. And she wore red shoes.
"Woah! Hey Zoe!" Spyro said, briefly forgetting the fact that Cynder saved Zoe from Gulp. Which is why she's here and well. "How are you doing?"
"I'm doing fine." Zoe said, smiling at them. "I'm still a tad shaken from the fact that I got eaten by Gulp, but at least I was saved, thanks to you, Cynder. Thank you so much by the way." She said with joy.
"No problem." Cynder said. Feeling that Zoe is quite a lucky fairy to have Cynder getting eaten too, in order to free her from Gulp's stomach. "What brings you here?"
"Why, I'm here to reward you, along with your friends, for saving me from Gulp." Zoe said, smiling.
"A reward to me? And my friends?" She asked.
Zoe nodded with a smile. "Indeed. It's basically a short-range teleportation. Where I can teleport you folks around in the Realms of Avalar with my magic, which is something that my fellow fairies can do for you guys. Which could be a useful magic spell if you run into trouble." She explained smiling. "Which is nice, because I'm sure that at this rate, Ripto and his forces could be going all out at this point. So, your upcoming journeys through the Winter Tundra Realms could get dangerous from here on out."
What Zoe said, pleasantly surprised the dragons. After all, they were mighty, and both Spyro and Cynder felt that despite the danger of the spell they read about back in the Autumn Plains' castle, they would be a mighty fearsome force when they use it in their fight with Ripto, but they never really thought about teleportation, or how they would use it if they gained the ability, let alone had it casted on them by a friendly fairy. So, to hear that they were going to be teleported throughout their journey through the Winter Tundra's realms by Zoe, as their reward, had them feeling keen on receiving their reward from her. It certainly had Cynder feeling glad that she rescued Zoe from Gulp at this point.
"Thank you, Zoe! I'm sure we're gonna be putting that teleportation ability to great use throughout this stretch. I wonder what fun we could have with it." Spyro said with excitement.
Zoe smiled. "Probably much fun, I can tell you that. Especially with the ambushing that you folks could do with that." She said, imagining the ambushes that her power could set up for the Four Dragons to take advantage of. "Ready?"
The dragons nodded, causing her to wave her wand around a bit, before zapping all of the Four Dragons with it.
"There. Our magic has your auras scanned. Now whenever I zap you folks again, my magic can teleport you folks to where I last zapped you, sort of like a checkpoint. Just imagine the words, 'Snap' along with the visual picture of the places where I zapped you, and then my magic will teleport you to the last couple places in these realms." She explained with a grin. "Also, It's about time that I come too. Just to pay my debt to that Ripto." Zoe then said. Deciding to join them as well.
"Really? You're going to join us too?" Elora asked, surprised.
"Of course. It's the least I can do to give my thanks to the Four Dragons, and you for saving me." Zoe said, which let them know the reason why she is joining.
At this point, they accepted without hesitation. Feeling that they need all the help they can get. "Well thanks. Welcome to the team." Spyro said, accepting Zoe's help.
After some thanking, she was soon joining them on their upcoming journey through Winter Tundra, as they were now turning towards where they were about to go, being the Winter Tundra's courtyard, where a door was closed and blocked by a large rock. Much to Elora's dismay.
And near it was a certain bear that the group were not thrilled to see again, to say the least.
"Well dear dragons, it comes down to-"
"OH NO YOU F%*KING DON'T YOU FFFFFffffffff…" Ember began loudly, before stopping herself at the next word before she said it, and only blew out her breath like a balloon leaking out its air, as the same could be said for Ember's rage and tension, before she could go into another profanity laden rant. Which had the dragons, Elora, and Hunter III calming down too when they expected her to go on another tangent. While Zoe was shocked at the curse word that Ember dropped, currently not knowing of her profanity back in Autumn Plains. (Having currently been Ripto and Gulp's prisoner after all.)
Something she was embarrassed to have done, as she took some calming breaths to calm herself down. Before she soon glared at him.
"Look here, Moneybags. We know your game now. You swindled us of our Gems back in Autumn Plains, when you could've let us pass free of charge, and when you could've told us that our Guidebook can open up those portals that were closed. Plus, we don't approve of your extra charge that you've given us, for avoiding you a couple times back in Summer Forest, and its Realms, after what was just mentioned. Which begs the question. Whose side are you on?"
"Well… certainly not on R-Ripto's side, I can a-assure you." Moneybags said, remembering her rant back in Autumn Plains.
"But you're certainly not on ours as well." Ember spoke. Knowing that if he was, he wouldn't charge them for their Gems in just about anything like Bridges, Elevators, etc. to begin with. "So why the fudge are you here, and wanting us to pay?" She said, using an alternative to the curse word.
"W-Why so teach you all a new move that can break this rock, of course." Moneybags said.
"And let me guess. You want us to pay for it." Ember said, simmering at him. "If so, then let me ask you this. Are you truly not on his side? If so, then why aren't you siding with us? But then I think I know the answer. You're only concerned about yourself, and your own wealth, while others are trying to help each other out, and make the world a better place, starting with us beating Ripto. You simply want to help us if it'll benefit you in terms of money. So, if you're not going to be helping us, and only be a hindrance, then I have a simple solution for that." She said, walking closer to him, while Moneybags backed away nervously, as the Quartet and their companions were curious to hear the solution.
"Either tell us how we can get that rock to move, or get destroyed, free of charge, or we destroy you first, then that rock." She then said. "And trust me, I don't think you want me to do that, especially if what I have said back in Autumn Plains, is going to come true."
"Oh dear." Moneybags said in fear. Not wanting to suffer that punishment that he's overheard back in Autumn Plains, prior to their fight against Gulp. "Okay. I'll lower the charge to at least fifty Gems, instead of a thousand, if it'll be cheap enough. I can't s-simply be left with nothing."
"Hold on. What did you just say?" Spyro asked. "You said that the original charge was one thousand Gems?"
"U-Uh. Yeah." Moneybags said.
At that comparison, Ember was even more furious while the other dragons, Hunter III, Zoe, and even Elora was exasperated. After hearing the original price for the way to destroy the rock, they were not happy about the price that Moneybags has given them. And not only that, but it boggled their mind at how Moneybags has gotten his butt kicked by Ripto a few times, having heard from Elora that he was launched out of Summer Forest's castle, while he also got kicked out of Winter Tundra's castle also according to Elora. (None of them knew of Moneybags falling off of Autumn Plains' Manor, since they weren't there at the time.) And yet he wasn't dropping the prices downwards, just to get back at him. But Ember was making sure not to clobber Moneybags and punish him that way. As the price drop was now down to a much more reasonable price.
They still have to pay him, which still ticks them off, but fifty Gems was a much more tolerable bargain compared to over a hundred Gems that they gave him in the past. And the one thousand for the move.
"And what were you going to teach them?" Elora asked Moneybags.
Which had him cringing, knowing that if he tries to keep his mouth shut about what they can do, until they pay him, they could beat him. Especially Elora and Ember. "E-Eh… why the b-bash move of course." He spoke. "You s-see, the bash move can break rocks. S-So if-"
"Bash move?" Elora asked, getting Moneybags to nod. Which had her smiling. "Well, save your breath. For they know already." She spoke.
And as if to prove her point, Spyro was soon jumping, then after a frontflip, and as he put his Earth element into his horns, he headbashed the rock, shattering it into pieces, and opening up the large door. Giving them an entrance to the courtyard of Winter Tundra. Much to their delight.
And Moneybags' dismay when he saw that, while seeing Spyro smirking as well, alongside the other dragons. "Sorry buddy, but better luck next time." He said, as he was walking into the courtyard with the rest of the group behind him.
While Ember was also smiling, but was also giving Moneybags a gesture of 'I got my eyes on you.' showing him that she's not forgetting what he's done. And that next time he tries to swindle them, he is going to get what's his.
Then she briefly stopped to speak. "Oh, and I do expect those Gems of ours to be back to our pockets, when we're done with Ripto. Otherwise, you are going to be sorry. Toodle-loo." Ember said, before entering the courtyard. Leaving a dismayed, and scared Moneybags near the door.
Their tour through Winter Tundra, especially for the Gems, wasn't long. As Winter Tundra, compared to Autumn Plains, and Summer Forest, wasn't a large Homeworld, in terms of the size of the areas that they are able to walk on. As well as the stray Orbs to find here.
One of which, was a slightly complicated way of getting it. Where they had to find the entrance to the cave that the Orb was in, (Somehow not getting pushed down to the floor level of the cave where the next Speedway portal is by the current.) as when they found it in the cave where the next Speedway portal is, they tried to jump to it, but for two reasons, it was difficult, since it was out of their reach of their normal jumping and glide, no matter how high they jumped. And the second reason was due to the current pushing them back down the mini waterfall.
So, they chose a different way, where they were on the castle steps when they looked to the left, and noticed a little opening on the other side of the wall that led to their east, (If they faced the castle that is) Which had a waterfall pouring into it, before gliding there, and jumping into it, where they landed into the water that had a cave inside it. Which they proceeded to swim through.
It wasn't a long swim through it (Much to their relief, since if it was the opposite then they could be pushing their breathhold to their limits. If they didn't breath underwater that is.) before they got to the cave mouth with the Orb on it. Making it the last Orb to grab in the Home World before they enter the Realms to grab the rest.
Now they were at the large door leading to the arena that Ripto should be inside. Where Elora was in awe.
"No way! I can't believe it." She said, as she saw the door open.
"What?" Spyro asked in confusion along with the other three.
"The power of the Orbs has unlocked this door." She said, surprised that after the wait, they were able to open the door to the arena where Ripto could currently be.
"The Orbs opened that door?! How many did it need?" Cynder asked.
"Forty." Elora said. Before smiling. "Which means, that now that we have more than enough of the Orbs, Ripto's demise is only moments away! Right?! Right?!" She asked in excitement. "Well anyway, Ripto is just through there. Which means that if we're inclined, we can challenge him now. And so soon after you guys just arrived." She said the last part in amazement.
That was what the Four Dragons enjoyed hearing, as they were grinning. Feeling that soon, Ripto was going down. Avalar will be saved. And they get to finally go home.
"Well, what are we waiting for? Shall we go in?" Spyro asked his friends.
They were keen, but Elora was saying otherwise. "I think we should go to the Realms in this World first." Elora said.
Much to their surprise. "Elora-"
"It's not that I don't want to fight Ripto." She defensively said. "It's more that we have some work to do before we face him and defeat him." She spoke. Knowing that none of them saved the Realms of Winter Tundra.
"So what you're saying, is that we should save those Realms first before we go after Ripto?" Cynder asked.
Elora nodded. "Sure, if we take him down now, then the troubles could be much more bearable, once they learn about his defeat, meaning that his followers would lose heart, and be easier to beat. But that could risk them taking over the Realms. And making our fight against Ripto more difficult by assisting him, using our resources against us. So I think it might be a good idea to help the natives of those Realms first, before we take him down." She spoke.
That was a pretty good point, they all feel. If they went after Ripto before they save the other Realms, they could be fighting a hard battle, due to what Elora said. So, if that can happen, then they must do that first, if they will be able to defeat him easier.
"Fair point, Elora." Flame said, with the rest in agreement.
"Good. Now, thankfully we have only four Realms, and a Speedway left. So it shouldn't take long for us to save those worlds, then we face Ripto." Elora said delighted.
That was good news to hear for the dragons, as they were deciding on whether they should stay together for the last worlds, or if they should split into duos again, while Hunter III, Zoe, and Elora follows each of them through the Realms. And hopefully, so should Hunter IV once he's recovered enough.
They decided on both the former and latter. With them going to Mystic Marsh first, then they go to Cloud Temples, then they could split into duos again should the first two Realms be easier than expected. So, the whole group were now choosing Mystic Marsh.
Before they got to Mystic Marsh, it was peaceful at first glance.
The natives known as the Water Wizards, were meditating as they floated near their calm fellow animals known as Snail-Elephants, (Basically a cross between Snails and elephants) who were calmly in their shells, letting their trunks hang out as they calmly snoozed away near a large magical fountain, that sprayed out its water into the lower section of it, that is filled with water.
So far, a peaceful atmosphere.
Until now. When the fountain suddenly turned off. Which ended up startling the Water Wizards when they saw that the water no longer sprayed out of the top of it.
And then they got terrified when the Snail-Elephants suddenly got awoken and angry as they got out of their shells, showing their massive frames to the wizards as they were soon running amok. Causing the wizards to end up floating away like they were running, trying not to get crushed by the rampaging Snail-Elephants.
Fortunately for them, the Water Wizards ended up seeing some figures passing by them, before they saw that the elephants were being clobbered by them.
The figures being the dragons, as they each punched the Snail-Elephants before they suddenly slammed a flail of Earth onto them. Vanquishing them. Much to the Water Wizards' relief.
"Whew. Thank you all. We give you our gratitude for the save." One of the wizards that led them said, as they bowed to the dragons.
"No problem Hydrar." Elora said, coming to him. "It's a good thing that we came here. Those Snail-Elephants were bad news."
"Ah, Elora! How wonderful to see you. I heard that you were journeying together with those dragons, and a Cheetah warrior to defeat that dastardly warlock." The Water Wizard known as Hydrar said. Referring to Ripto.
"You heard right." She spoke. While Zoe and Hunter III was also relieved to see that the Water Wizards weren't harmed. "But what's going on here? The Snail-Elephants are usually docile creatures." She spoke in concern.
"Well, things just aren't the same, since our magic fountain suddenly shut off. Now these creatures are going to be running rampant throughout the Marshes, causing chaos wherever they go, until we turn it back on." Hydrar explained to them. "It sure would help if you folks can find out what dark force is behind this disaster."
Elora was immediately understanding. "As you wish. We'll help find whatever caused the fountain to shut off. And hopefully Ripto isn't the reason behind this if it'll cause a disaster to his benefit." She said, expecting that Ripto played a part in it, considering how cunning he can be even without his scepter. How else was he able to influence a war between the Land Blubbers and the Breeze Builders if that isn't the case? Plus, how else did he put the thieves from Scorch up to stealing the Hippos berries from Shady Oasis?
"And count on us to help." The Four Brave Dragons said to Hydrar in unison. Much to his delight.
"You've chosen well, Elora. My fellow wizards are already grateful to have you for our leader. Say, speaking of wizards, you should go to Cloud Temples and meet our other brothers, once your job is done here." He spoke.
"Way ahead of you." Spyro said. With them beginning their journey through the Mystic Marsh.
Which was fraught with creatures that were currently rampaging, like the aforementioned Snail-Elephants that the dragons quickly knew was going to be a dangerous creature if they weren't careful. There were also some armored animals that are like Armadillo-Snails crossed with Rhinos. Yet is smaller than the Snail-Elephants. But no less dangerous due to their armor that blocked their fire, but not their ice, or lightning breaths, and their nose horns of the Rhinos.
And the striped lemur-Spider Monkeys. Which, hang by their tails, and would throw fruit and nuts towards them, kind of like the monkeys back in Scorch. But much more annoying since they throw more fruit and nuts, each of which hurts, as they threw three. And they hang in high trees, which made them hard to reach.
Or to be precise, barely hard enough to reach, if they were to jump before breathing fire on them. But they were easily the most annoying part of Mystic Marsh.
And there were a few of them they fought in the trees but they took care of them, though they each had blue dragonflies due to the monkeys. But at least they got them. While Elora shot them with her arrows out of revenge.
And looking in the water, they saw what looked like platypuses underwater. Which they ended up diving into, expecting them to be among the creatures that would be rampaging, despite how cute and innocent looking they could be. Sure enough, they bloated into spiked platypuses that they kept their distance from, feeling that touching them would hurt. Before taking them down once they deflated back to normalcy.
And they kept on defeating those creatures to power up the power-up gate. Which if Elora remembers correctly, is another spring gate that launches them upwards. Something that on reflection, was a while since they last used one in Colossus, and Breeze Harbor. (Especially on remembering the Trolley and the gears. Which continues to get under Spyro and Cynder's skin in remembering.) So, it seems that this is the last time this power-up is gonna be used.
So, they kept on going through the Mystic Marsh, avoiding the Snail-Elephant charges as they fought them, before defeating them with their elemental breaths. Along with the Snail-Armadillo Rhinos that tried to charge against them with their nose horns.
And though they succeeded in hurting the Quartet, they were healed by the butterflies that came from the Frogs.
As they went through the Marsh, they looked around and saw the tall tree huts that loitered the Mystic Marsh, some of which, looked like bronze plated huts. And not only that, but they also saw some other huts that were in the higher sections of the Marsh, on the rock hills that were nearby. Showing the village of the Water Wizards that looked like a primitive village of fantasy.
Basically, like the Beast Makers, except more pleasant looking on the eyes, and brighter looking.
They were soon in one of the huts that happened to be a hollowed-out tree hut with a whirlwind inside that the group took, which took them to a higher section of that hut, where they were looking around, when they spotted another open hut behind it.
Out of curiosity, the Quartet, Elora and Hunter III dropped down, with Zoe flying after them, where they were now seeing that the Professor was there in the hut. While seeing that he had the Jaguaress and Lioness near him, which they all recognized as Hunter's mothers, Cleo and Bella.
"Cleo! Bella!" Hunter III called out to them as the group got closer to them. "I see that the Professor is here. Nice to see that you've both protected him well."
"Thank you. Hunter III." Cleo said as Bella was nodding, looking stoic towards Hunter III. Yet respectful, nonetheless.
"What are you doing here though, Professor?" Elora asked.
"Oh, I'm here to do some research on some of the Mystic Marsh, trying to learn more about its history." The Professor said. "Unfortunately, it got a little bit complicated."
At that, the Quartet noticed something about him, being that he was lacking something that he usually had, whenever they meet him. "Hey, Professor. Where's your pencil?" Spyro asked.
At that, The Professor got dismayed. "I'm afraid I don't know. I just lost it. And I'm just perfectly useless without my trusty pencil." He spoke.
Elora was dismayed at that. Sure, they have bigger fish to fry, with that fountain of Mystic Marsh in need of turning back on. But she rarely sees the Professor without his pencil in his hand. And she knows how fond he is of writing his scientific research on his clipboard. So, to see him without it is a bit disheartening. As Elora hopes to find a Pencil in another Realm.
"Well, sorry about that." Ember said, sympathizing with him. "Is there something we can do to help, like probably craft a new one? Or find your old one?"
"Well, I wish you the best of luck with the latter." The Professor said politely. "And there could be others in the more technologically advanced Realms that could make one. But I do have this egg." He then said, showing the group the egg. "Perhaps you could trade it for my pencil?"
"Trade?" Spyro asked. "How can we do that? It's just an egg."
"Not just an egg." Elora said, as Flame picked it up for safekeeping. "It's a special one that the birds of Mystic Marsh lays. And if one loses it, then whoever finds it and returns it to the bird, can get a gift. Which can also be traded around for another gift." She then explained.
"So, we trade this egg for something else? Then trade that to gain another item?" Flame asked, holding the egg.
"Of course." Elora answered with a smile. "I've done this before while my sisters and I were younger. When we visited this Realm on Field Trips." She explained.
That was interesting to hear for the Quartet, as well as for Hunter III, Zoe, Cleo, and Bella. The latter two, who were now joining them on their journey through the Mystic Marsh, if to assist them in beating Ripto out of vengeance for their son's injuries as they were now on the move again.
"We'll be back with a pencil for you, Professor." Flame said as he followed along while holding the egg. Much to the Professor's delight.
Once they got enough of the rampaging creatures dealt with, the group were now in the higher sections of the Mystic Marsh after using the spring. Where they were now seeing that in the upper section, it was reasonably peaceful.
Considering that the only enemies that they were seeing were the aforementioned Lemur-Spider Monkeys, with no Snail-Elephants, or Snail-Rhinos on the upper section. Making it safer than the lower one. For the most part.
They also saw that there was a purple oozy liquid that was around the lands of Mystic Marsh. Which Elora warned, was ooze, not water. Which meant that though they can swim, they can't swim in the ooze since they'll just sink. Which was why she warned the group against jumping into the ooze.
A warning, they obeyed.
But they were on guard as the group were jogging around, or in Zoe's case, flying around as they were looking around for foes, while Elora was also looking around for any Water Wizards that need saving in the upper section as they were walking around for minutes.
Only to end up seeing one that was asleep. Much to her amusement.
"Is that Snoozle?" She asked Zoe.
Which had her looking too, before she was feeling both amused, and exasperated. "Yep. That could be him." She spoke, amused and deadpan.
The group were also seeing him. Which had the Quartet confused, while Hunter III on the other hand, was also seeing him, and looked unamused.
"Who's Snoozle?" Spyro asked, confused.
"That sleeping Water Wizard, is known as Snoozle. He is sometimes in charge of the fountain, to ensure that it doesn't shut off and cause chaos in the Mystic Marsh." Elora explained. "But let's just say, he's called Snoozle among the Water Wizards, for a good reason."
"He sleeps often?" Spyro asked, guessing why.
She nodded. Which had the Quartet amused. Before Elora marched up to Snoozle. "Hey! Snoozle!" She called to him.
Which had him flinching awake. "WHA?! Oh, um, I must've dozed off there." Snoozle said. "H-Hi Elora. Why are you here?"
"We were here to do something about the fountain, that happens to be off." She spoke. "Know what is wrong with it?"
Snoozle ended up looking at the fountain next, before gasping. "Golly, looks like I left the fountain switch off." He spoke.
Which left Elora feeling disappointed, while Zoe was exasperated alongside Cleo, Bella, and Hunter III. The latter feeling annoyed that all this has happened in Mystic Marsh, all because he slept, and left the switch to the fountain off. While the Quartet was finding humor in the whole thing. Being that the situation in Mystic Marsh happened because of him sleeping, causing the fountain to turn off. Sure it was annoying considering the hazards that they fought against and got hurt by, particularly the Lemur-Spider Monkeys. But this was just too funny not to grin towards, at the least.
Snoozle soon had the switch flipped up, and soon, it was turning back on. Causing the creatures to start to behave, and re-tame themselves. Much to the other Water Wizards' relief.
"There. Hopefully this fixes things." Snoozle said. Before showing Elora the Orb. "Here, take this. And um… please don't mention my little nap to Hydrar, okay?" He said, not wanting to get in trouble for what happened with the fountain in the Mystic Marsh, considering Hydrar's strictness.
"Oh we won't." Spyro said, amused as he got the Orb. While Elora was feeling some relief that Ripto seems to not be responsible (For once) for what happened here. Now it saved them the trouble of one Realm being saved.
For now though, she looked around, as she then saw the tree. "Look, Flame! That's the nest of the bird of Mystic Marsh!" She called to him. While directing him to the tree that was in front of them on the path.
Flame looked on in interest. "So I just put the egg in the nest? And I get something?"
Elora nodded. Causing Flame to take her word for it, and gently toss the egg to the nest, hoping not to miss and cause it to shatter on the floor, causing their trading side quest to come to a screeching halt.
And unfortunate enough, he missed, and the egg ended up falling into the floor, shattering into pieces, and yolk, much to the group's horror, as well as Ember's livid chagrin at seeing the bird egg break…
…which is what would've happened, if he did miss.
Which, fortunately for the group, he didn't. And the egg was in the nest, safe and sound. Much to Flame's relief.
"Whew. Close one." He said, noting how high the nest in the tree was. Which wasn't too tall for them, but was high enough for the egg to shatter if it missed the nest.
And soon, the bird of the Mystic Marsh was happy, as it was soon flying to the tree, then back to Flame with something in its talons.
Which was a seed, which he put in his hands.
"Is this a seed?" Flame asked.
"Indeed. Now we need to find a Flowerpot to put it into." Elora said. "Once you find it, you can toss it in."
"And could that flower probably give us a pencil?" Flame asked.
"I'm afraid not." Elora answered, still smiling. "Our little trade quest is just starting. So let's find that pot to put that seed in." She spoke.
Flame obeyed as they were all continuing to explore the upper section of Mystic Marsh for the Gems, now that the matter with the fountain is over. While they also explored to look for the remaining Orbs.
As they did, the group was suddenly seeing an explorer. Who looked pretty human, as he had a hard hat, a blue short sleeved shirt, shorts, brown socks, and shoes as he was near a jeep. And he looked dismayed.
Which had Elora coming closer. Which the humanoid explorer noticed. "Ah, hello there. I heard about you. A Faun from Fracture Hills?" He asked, in a British accent.
"Indeed. My name is Elora." She spoke, before introducing her fellowship next. Beginning with the Dragon Quartet.
"How nice to meet you all." He spoke. "My name is Basil. I'm an explorer who recently came to this place." He introduced himself. "And I'm afraid I'm in a bit of a pickle."
"What happened?" Elora asked. Being sure to brace herself for the news.
"A bunch of rotten thieves stole my spark plugs to this vehicle. And now I'm stuck here in Mystic Marsh, as I need them to ensure my Jeep will be operational. So I can continue exploring." He spoke.
"Oh, that's not cool." Flame said with the dragons in agreement. They just met this guy, and already they were wanting to help him. While bracing themselves for what they believe is coming next.
"I know. But if you can chase them down, and defeat those thieves to get those plugs back, I would be very thankful." Basil said.
The Quartet ended up feeling some dismay at mention of the thieves to defeat. Having chased a bunch of thieves around in the past, most recently back in Shady Oasis, so they were bracing themselves for the annoyance of chasing a thief around again. They just hoped that something could be different to add some variety to the chase, and maybe make it fun.
"How many Spark Plugs?" Elora asked.
"Four." Basil said, holding up his fingers. Which made it relieving to know that they had only four to chase around.
"Consider it done." Elora quickly said. Not wanting to see Basil stranded in the Mystic Marsh, especially if they didn't turn off the fountain, leaving the creatures of the Mystic Marsh still going berserk. SO off they went.
With all of the group soon roaming around after splitting into teams to find the thieves, with Elora, Spyro and Cynder in one. Hunter III, Bella and Ember in two, and Cleo, Zoe and Flame in three, with the latter going to join in, on chasing the fourth thief once he gets done with the trade quest. When they reunite to get the fourth one.
It didn't take long to find those thieves, where they saw that the thieves were much different from what they expected. Instead of some turban wearing ones that they chased, these thieves were different in that they're like Kangaroos, with a kangaroo-like body and a fox-like head, black eye masks, while having flying flaps that are brown in color. Like Flying squirrels. Making them a mix between kangaroos, lions, considering their tails with a tuft of hair at the ends, and flying squirrels.
And they were as fast, and acrobatic as the previous thieves, which made it just as annoying to catch them as it was to catch the thieves in the past. And their arm flaps that they had, wasn't for show. As they were using them to glide whenever they see a gap in front of them, like when they chase one of them into the cave, or when another one of them gets chased into the tall hut paths that connect to each other.
And one of them is a great swimmer, as Spyro and Cynder swam in the underwater cave after him, seeing him swim well, probably due to his flying flaps being used as fins to cut through water.
And that, was what made them, pretty hard to catch. Yet in the Quartet's opinion, this made the challenge of the chase, pretty fun. Especially when they do get close to the kangaroo thieves. Showing them that they aren't impossible to catch.
"Come and get me if ya can!" One of them would say in a Boston accent.
A challenge they accepted, as the group continued the chase, putting their experience to chasing thieves to use.
Though it took minutes, the thieves were beaten by the group, particularly the one that was chased by Cleo. Who once again, proves why she's known as the huntress, when she quickly pounced on one of them back in the cave, due to her speed. While the Quartet also proved how speedy they were, even while they were now bipedal. So, they still got it, in terms of chasing thieves around.
And now they were caught, and beaten for the Spark Plugs, as the group came back to Basil. Who was overjoyed.
"WAHOO! I'm back in business!" Basil said, jumping for joy, before taking back the spark plugs, which he quickly put into his jeep's engines, starting it back up again. Much to his delight.
"Is that all you need?" Elora asked.
"Yes, dear friends. That is all. Now I should be off soon, but first, I must reward you all." He spoke, smiling under his moustache. Before he got into his jeep's backseat, before pulling out an Orb, much to Elora's pleasant surprise. "Here you go, Elora is it? It's museum quality, and I gained this from one of the locals, who mentioned this being given to him by a winged lady. But you all deserve it more than me." He spoke, giving it to them.
"Thank you, Basil." Elora said, relieved that he was giving it to them outright, instead of taking it and putting it into a museum. "You have no idea how important this is to us."
"Really?" He asked. "Is this some sort of magic artifact that shouldn't be taken from this Realm, nor Avalar?" Upon seeing Elora nodding. He shrugged. "Ah, well thank you for the warning. I know better than to take it from someone, or from somewhere if it'd lead to me getting cursed. A friend of mine learned that the hard way after all. It's a long story." He said, getting in his jeep, ready to leave.
As were the group, once they reunite with Flame, and get the pencil for the Professor.
So, they were finding Flame, which didn't take long as they were now able to find him near the river in the lower section of Mystic Marsh, now with a ducky in hand.
"Have you found the flowerpot already?" Elora asked.
He nodded. "And then it grew into some sort of flesh-eating plant, that spat out this ducky." He said, weirded out at the fact that a plant just grew up to full size, only to give him the ducky that he was finding someone to trade it to. As well as baffled. But he supposes it's just part of the magical mysteries of Avalar. "I'm now trying to find a duck to trade this with."
Which had Elora smiling, seeing that Flame is starting to catch on with the trading quest of Mystic Marsh as they were now following him to the ducks in the river's end, with Elora leading Flame on.
Where they were now seeing a sad mother duck and a single duckling swimming around in the river. The former of whom, was quacking sadly, like she misses one of her ducklings.
That sight did leave the group feeling bad for her. Especially Ember, and Flame. Both of whom were fond of ducks, which was why Flame was gently handing down the little ducky into the river. "Here. Does this help, Ms. Duck?"
The mother duck brightened up upon seeing the little duck that Flame put into the water near them. Looking happy, she soon ended up floating near the shore, where she was soon spitting out a radish out of her beak. Which had the Quartet confused.
"A radish?" Flame asked. "I guess that duck swallowed one whole." He then said, feeling that this could be a justification for why the duck spat out a radish into his possession.
Either way, they had the third item to trade. As Elora remembered that there was a Cauldron in the cave that they chased one of the Kangaroo thieves through. "Come on Flame. I think I know where that goes." She spoke.
The group followed along with her, seeing that she knows what they could use the radish on.
After some jumping and gliding, the group was now back in the cave, where Flame tossed the radish into the cauldron after seeing it on the other side of the little pool of water in the cave. Where it landed with a splash inside the cauldron.
Soon, the cauldron was shaking, before something got launched out of the cauldron. Which they were able to see after they backed away from the cauldron, just in case it explodes. Which it didn't.
Instead, it launched out a coin. A golden coin that reflected the sunlight.
And that coin just baffled the Quartet. They traded a radish into the cauldron's soup, and they got a coin in return. How the coin ended up in the cauldron in the first place, they didn't know.
Maybe the radish was an ingredient in some alchemist's cauldron, to create a golden coin? Either way, they were confused but wasn't curious at this point. Again, it's just Avalar's mysteries.
Elora on the other hand, was delighted. "Yes! We're nearly done now. All we need to do is throw this coin into the fountain." She said, picking up the coin.
"Why?" Flame asked curiously. "Could that fountain grant any wishes?"
She nodded. "Indeed. However, it's… complicated." She spoke with an awkward smile. "Sorry to say this, but this fountain isn't strong enough to grant wishes that involve world traveling, so I'm afraid you can't come to Dragon Shores through there."
That had them dismayed, but they weren't complaining. After all, the wish granting fountain sounded too good to be true, at least where transporting them back to their homes is concerned. So they weren't too disappointed as they obediently followed Elora to the fountain.
Where Hydrar was at. "Congratulations, Elora. You have saved the Mystic Marsh from a bad fate of the rampaging animals, by getting the fountain turned back on." He spoke with a smile. "And I see that you have a coin."
"Indeed. And I'm gonna put it to use on that fountain. Let's just say a friend of mine is missing a pencil." Elora said.
"A pencil you say? And that's what you plan on wishing for?" He asked. "Well, I suppose there are much worse wishes to use. So go ahead and toss it in if you- wha? Hey!"
He was going to say, when he, and the group saw a pair of figures in the fountain.
And they were Water Workers, foes that the dragons haven't seen in a little while since their time in Sunny Beach, and Aquaria Towers. And they were up to no good as usual as they were trying to plug up the fountain.
"Come on! Come on! This fountain must get blocked if we are to keep this Realm unstable." One of the Water Workers said, trying to clog up the fountain with his buddy, using the leaves to do so.
Not an easy task since it was on again. And since they were trying to be sneaky in getting the fountain clogged.
Too bad that they got caught as Elora had a rope arrow ready. Before she, and Hunter III used them to yank the Water Workers off the fountain's higher section.
"WAHHH!" They each yelled as they were yanked off the fountain, and onto the ground.
Now they were being faced down by the group, as they were angrily staring down the Water Workers.
"It's over. Your plans for this fountain has gone awry, before you could even try to break it." Zoe said.
"And now you shall tell us. Why are you trying to clog up that fountain?" Elora asked seriously, drawing her arrow alongside Cleo and Hunter III, while the dragons had their nostrils smoking, ready to breath their elemental breaths on them.
Despite their odds of winning being borderline nothing, the Water Workers were defiant. "You can't make us talk, just because there's only two of us."
"But they have strong weapons, plus you know that those Four Dragons are the same ones that defeated Gulp!" The other said, pointing out that it's the Quartet.
"That's right, we beat him alright." Spyro said smugly to the first one.
Which had Hydrar pleased to know the news. "So, unless you wanna end up like this Gulp creature, you better tell them. Or we will punish you for what you plan to do with our fountain." Hydrar said, ready to kill the Workers for what they tried to do.
Seeing that the Dragons were the same ones that killed Gulp, the Water Workers were soon caving. "Okay! We tried to clog up the fountain!"
"And why is that?" Elora asked, glaring at them.
"He hired us to distract you so that his conquest will be unimpeded! And he knew that the chaos of the Mystic Marsh animals from the fountain turning off would be enough to assist him in doing so!" The other water worker said. "J-Just let us go. We told you all enough."
That had the group feeling pensive for a moment. Wondering if there could be any harm in letting them go. Especially considering if they could be up to something later on, or if they could change their ways.
They doubt that the latter is gonna happen though.
It was a minute, until they soon decided, with Elora whispering in Hydrar's ear. That they would let the Water Workers live. "Okay. You want our mercy, then go ahead and take it."
That relieved the water workers. "Oh, thank you all. We'll never forget this. Really." The first one said, as they were planning on going to the spring powerup.
Or that was their plan, when they saw that their path was blocked by the locals, being the Water Wizards, and the other creatures that were now tame, like the Snail-Elephants. And that had the Workers feeling intimidated.
"Uh, Ms. Faun? W-Will you let them know that you pardoned us?" The Worker asked.
Elora merely smirked. "Oh, I did say that if you wanted 'our' mercy, then you'd get it. However, it is 'their' mercy that you're gonna have to earn." Elora said.
At knowing who their mercy is, the Workers were suddenly terrified when they saw that Hydrar, and the Water Wizards, along with the local creatures were bearing down on them. And they weren't going to be so merciful as they were now chasing after the Workers, ready to put their wrath upon them.
All while the Quartet watched, feeling amused that the Workers were being given their karma for working for Ripto. While also feeling relieved that they weren't Elora's enemy, in this case at least.
And now they were chasing after them, before they were now proceeding to put the coin in the fountain, that was still running.
And after some wishing, a pencil popped out of the fountain, which then got grabbed by the group, and after some jogging, they got to the hut where the Professor is, to give him the new pencil.
"My new pencil!" He said after being given the pencil by Flame. "Thank you all. Now I can try to calculate the Universe again." He said, smiling.
"You're welcome, Professor. Is that all you need?" Elora asked.
"Oh yes, certainly." He spoke, before giving them the Orb. "Here, do take it just to ensure that we won't lose it. And, good luck in beating that dastardly Ripto." He then said.
Which had Elora smiling as they took back the Orb. "Thank you Professor. Now, let's leave this Realm once we get the Gems." He said, before looking at Cleo and Bella. "I'm guessing you want to join us."
They both nodded, determined. "Indeed we shall." Cleo said.
"Ripto is gonna pay for hurting our son." Bella said, showing them the reason why they both are joining in.
Which Elora was delighted to know that they were coming along, and wasn't keeping their teamwork at Mystic Marsh. "Welcome to the team." She spoke.
Soon, after the Gems were collected, they were finally leaving Mystic Marsh.
Where after they left, things returned to normal, as Snoozle was near the fountain, meditating near it, as he was trying to stay awake to ensure the fountain won't turn off. But he was soon dozing off, to take a nap.
*BROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG*
"YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUGH!" Snoozle screamed out due to a gong that was nearby being hit by a cushioned stick.
Which was rang by Hydrar. Who sternly looked at him with a look of seriousness.
"No nappy time, Snoozle." He said, hitting him on the head with the stick a few times. "Your shift of looking over the fountain hasn't ended yet. Now do be sure to keep it on this time. We won't have another animal crisis in this Marsh. Understand?"
Snoozle nervously nodded as Hydrar levitated away. While Snoozle was continuing to meditate and look over the fountain. All while the Water Workers that were now working for the Wizards as their servants, were also there to keep watch, just to ensure the fountain won't be turned off due to Snoozle dozing off.
All while the latter was thinking that it was going to be a long night.
And done.
Here's the chapter to start off the new year. Even though I'm in Feb. But better late than never I suppose.
Either way, I hope you enjoy this chapter. And for those that are waiting for Sly Cooper's update, don't worry, it's coming soon.
As for a little trivia about Mystic Marsh, if you look closely at the coin in the original PS1 version, you may notice a face on it. Which in case you guys don't know, is the face of the late Dan Johnson, (May he rest in peace.) an employee of Insomniac Games. Who did some face cameos in the games made by Insomniac, which started with Ripto's Rage/Gateway to Glimmer. And would continue on through, with Year of the Dragon, then the Ratchet and Clank games. While in the Reignited Trilogy, the visual of the coin would be remade to show the moon logo of Insomniac Games from 2001 to 2016. Showing a nod to the fact that Insomniac Games was the guys that made Spyro.
It is also the only level to have three power-up gates. While a few has two, and while the rest has only one.
Finally, one more thing.
I hope that you enjoyed the chapter,
please give constructive criticism,
do not forget to read and review,
and once again, I do not own Spyro the Dragon. Spyro the dragon is created by Insomniac Games, and is currently owned by Microsoft, Activision, and Toys for Bob. Please support the official releases.
Theodore The Poet signing off.