Skylands Legends

14.1 Mabulon

It had been a sleepless flight for Spyro. Everytime he had closed his eyes, he would see Smash Hit's frightened face moments before he had abandoned him to the beast. His cries for help echoed in his head.

He found it best not to sleep. That way he could stop reliving his worst moment. It was also why he agreed to go to Mabulon with Jet Vac. Not only did he need something to distract him, but he knew that he had to do something to make up for what he did back there. Especially before he returned home. He knew he wouldn't be able to meet his wife's eyes until he had.

He had no idea how Mabulon would help their situation, but he had to start somewhere. Following Jet Vac seemed as good a place as any.

They had sailed all through the night. Jet Vac had stayed at the helm and handled everything, even talks with Mabulon's Cloud Patrol as they neared the capital. He kept them at a quick pace, fast enough that not even an hour after sunrise, they were approaching the city.

Much like the realm of Mabulon, its capital was an oasis of green. Great oaks and pines decorated the streets of the massive city, often standing just as tall as the surrounding white-bricked buildings. These buildings were frequently roofed with various greenery, giving the city an overall forest feel. At the center of the great island was the palace of Mabulon. It stood tall above the other buildings, a mountain among many hills. Great redwood trees surrounded its grounds, stretching upwards as if trying to reach the top of the palace spires, but still coming short. Various canals and waterways ran along the city streets with ornate bridges stretching across them. Mabu, foxes, elves, and various other beings milled about the streets already, eager to get their day started.

The Sky Lady came upon the outer energy field and joined the dozens of other ships circling around, waiting for permission to pass through to the city. It was about an hour later before flight control radioed into Jet Vac and gave them the go ahead to enter at the western gate. In that time, they had only managed to fly around about an eighth of the gigantic island.

They slowed down near the western gate. It was a small island with two large towers connected by a short bridge. A large metal anchor was dug into the back of the island with a long metal chain stretching back towards the city, holding it in place. Members of the Mabu Defense Force stood guard along the towers, checking incoming ships for contraband before allowing them through the energy field.

The energy fields had been created as a way to zap the energy out of oncoming ships as a sort of island defense. They also dispersed shock lances and plasma canons, making an effective defense against invaders. Their one flaw was that they didn't keep out natural flyers. Meaning that if Spyro chose to fly into Mabulon, he could. Granted, the MDF would immediately hunt him down, but he could get through.

Most major cities had energy fields surrounding them to regulate those who enter. They were especially important for cities like Mabulon, which didn't reside on a continental island, like most of the Empire of Ice did. They often resorted to physical barriers and walls instead. But the city of Mabulon had expanded to the edge of its monstrous island, meaning the only way there was through the sky. Hence the heavily regulated miles of air space surrounding it.

After a quick inspection from some mabu soldiers, they were deemed safe to enter. The energy field was dissipated between the two towers, allowing the Sky Lady to pass.

They soared down towards the western dock where they were pointed towards the visiting expo. The gangway was lowered and the ship was anchored to the island. The four Skylanders then set off through the city.

Jet Vac hadn't been too happy about the delay to enter the city and insisted they rush. Spyro had been fine with this plan, but Pop Fizz complained about it. Apparently he wanted to sightsee more than anything. Stealth Elf convinced him they would see plenty on their way before Jet Vac could get too angry.