Spyro (classic version)

Chapter Nine: Rescue at Tall Plains

Spyro exited the training room, feeling very pleased with himself. He had been able to summon an electric fury, which greatly impressed Volteer.

"Absolutely astonishing, simply excellent, you remind me of me when I was young," said Volteer.

"Thank you!" said Spyro.

"Yes, well done, Spyro," said Ignitus, "I think it might be time to put your new powers to good use. I have found the guardian of ice, Cyril. He is being kept at Tall Plains, a tribal ground at the top of a mountain, home to the ancient civilisation known as the Atlawa. From what I can tell, they're not too happy about Cynder taking their homeland."

"The enemy of my enemy is my friend," said Spyro.

"Precisely," said Ignitus, "You might be able to ally the Atlawa and get them to assist you.

I will warn you, Spyro, the Atlawa can be touchy. They are strong worshippers of the gods of the Earth element, and if they feel anything you do is against their belief, they may turn on you."

"I'll keep that in mind..." said Spyro. Ignitus informed Spyro and Sparx that Tall Plains was located on a mountain range several miles east of the temple. They eventually found it, and flew to the top, which was at first hidden above the clouds. When they reached the peak, they found themselves in a mighty kingdom under a clear blue sky. The clouds below gave the impression that the whole civilisation was floating. 

Spyro landed in front of what seemed to be a gigantic stone temple, that led into the heart of the tribal village. Spyro could already see more apes patrolling beyond.

"Be careful," said Spyro, "After Volteer's escape, Cynder will have placed even more security around here."

"Oh, goodie!" said Sparx sarcastically. They advanced forward. Luckily, the passages were narrower than they were at the Tundra, which meant that hoards of apes would be easier to handle. And, as an added bonus, there weren't thousand year old soldiers frozen in the walls this time.

A few apes caught sight of him, and ran to attack. Spyro stopped them with a bolt of lightning from his mouth, which stunned them in place.

"Let's go before they start moving again," said Spyro.

"What're you worried about, can't you just blow them up?" asked Sparx.

"If I don't have to, it's just cruel," said Spyro.

"Yeah, but think about who they are," replied Sparx. Spyro ignored him, and kept moving.

"He should be here..." said Spyro, "But I can't see a fortress anywhere!"

It was then he noticed something happening on top of a smaller mountain nearby. The apes, riding on more of the large bat creatures, were hoisting large cages, trapped in which were a group of strange, fuzzy creatures wearing tribal outfits.

"Hurry it up!" shouted an ape, who seemed to be in charge, "Cynder wants them removed today! Get more dreadwings on it, I want it finished by dusk!"

The dreadwings were screeching as they flew to and from the mountain top.

"They mist be the Atlawa," said Spyro, "We have to save them!"

Spyro hurried forwards, and before any apes realised he was there, he landed in the middle of them and summoned a fury attack, which blasted them all of the side. He then proceeded to unlock the cage of a particularly old and grumpy looking Atlawa, who looked to be the chief.

"Hey!" stormed the chief, "You almost scorched my face off!"

"Oh, yeah, saving your life was no trouble at all, your welcome," said Spyro. The chief glared at him.

"Chief Kane doesn't need saving, especially from another dragon," stormed the chief.

"Another one?" said Spyro.

"Yes," said Kane, "You're the third one to come here. First it was that huge black one, who brought all these things here to destroy everything. Then she brought a blue one here and shackled him to the shrine, which has greatly angered the shrine god!"

"That blue one, Cyril" said Spyro, "He was taken prisoner, we're here to save him."

"You mean you're here to take him away?" asked Kane.

"Yes, and hopefully we can drive the black one, Cynder, out as well," said Spyro.

"Well, in that case," said Kane, "We may want your help after all."

"Good," said Spyro, "If we can get your warriors out, we can drive the apes away, which will help us to rescue Cyril. If Cynder comes, attack her as much as you can!"

"Of course," said Kane, with a vengeful look in his eye, "I'll rally the tribe. But I warn you, the shrine god is angry. When you reach this Cyril, he will attempt an attack on you."

"Oh, that sounds fun!" said Sparx. Kane narrowed his eyes at him.

"Right," said Spyro, "Let's get going!"

Kane ran down one way to find the other Atlawa tribe members, and Spyro went the other way in search of the Atlawa shrine.

"It should be on a smaller mountain peak near the main part of the village," said Spyro.

They searched for a long time, occasionally coming across more Atlawa, who they released from their cages. After they were freed, they gave Spyro helpful advice and directions.

Soon, they came to the edge of a gigantic wooden rope bridge. Just beyond, they could see a huge stone structure.

From the heart of the structure flew a giant, black and sinister shape, who screeched as it flew. Spyro watched Cynder fly away, carrying a strange glowing blue object.

"That must be the shrine," said Spyro, "And that looks like one of those things Volteer was talking about."

They crossed the bridge, and saw the shrine. It was a round pit, on one end of which was a huge stone wall with many carvings and symbols on it. At the base of the wall was a blue dragon, who looked like he was covered with shards of ice.

"There he is!" said Spyro. He and Sparx began to move forward, but before they could get close to Cyril, the ground shook, and from the ground rose a stone giant, who seemed to be made of pieces of the shrine tied together with vines.

"Looks like we've found the shrine god!" said Spyro. The giant roared.