Spyro (classic version)

Chapter Thirteen: Shadow Fortress

"What's troubling you, Spyro?" asked Terrador.

"I failed Ignitus when he needed me most," said Spyro sadly, "I wanted to help, but the sight of Cynder so close just...just..."

"Put ice in your veins? made your heart stop? scared the crud out of you?" listed Sparx.

"Yeah, I guess," said Spyro.

"Like I said, Spyro," said Terrador, "You weren't ready to face Cynder, and it is perfectly natural to feel fear. We all do, but only the best among us learn to face and control our fears."

"But how can I face my fear?" asked Spyro.

"That is down to you, it can't be taught," replied Terrador, "But first, we have business to attend to. If you'll make your way to the training room."

Spyro went inside the room with Terrador, ready to learn the powers of Earth.

***

Spyro emerged later knowing many new abilities and an Earth Fury. He was again feeling quite pleased with himself.

"Excellent work, Spyro," said Terrador, "Now, I believe you are ready for Cynder."

"Yes, yes, pat on the back, good show, and all that other rubbish," said Cyril, "But don't you think it's about time we got moving?"

"yes, of course," said Terrador.

"Where do you suppose that Cynder is holding Ignitus in imprisonment, Terrador?" asked Volteer.

"I believe she was holding the final stages of this plan at her main fortress, her home. I am certain that's where Ignitus is," said Terrador.

"Ignitus is the last piece of the puzzle," said Cyril, "Me, Volteer and Ignitus have suspicions she may be using these crystals to open the forbidden portal."

"What's behind it?" asked Spyro.

"Something we all thought was long gone," said Terrador, shaking his head, "He is coming back, isn't he."

"Who?" asked Spyro.

"The dark master," said Terrador, "He has been imprisoned for years, but it seems he's found a way out."

"What I don't understand," said Cyril, "Is how she intends to open the portal an element short. After all, their hasn't been a wind guardian for generations."

"I don't know, but for now, let's focus on getting Ignitus," said Terrador, "Cynder lives in shadow fortress, a desolate castle where hope goes to die. You'll most likely encounter her among the towers. Ignitus will most likely be up there."

"I'll do my best," said Spyro.

"That's all we can ask," said Terrador. After that, he sent Spyro and Sparx on their way to the fortress. It was further than anything they had been to so far, and when they reached it, they did not like what they saw.

The fortress was black and covered with sinister spikes and statues. All around it were shards of blue stone, as well as many watchtowers and base camps in the outskirts. Not only that, but they could see the gigantic form of Cynder flying around the towers.

"This is gonna be fun," said Sparx quietly. Spyro flew down a but before a large perimeter wall, carved into which was a large stone gate.

"There's no flying over that without being seen," said Spyro, "Well have to find another way in."

He looped around the wall, being careful to stay out of sight of the ape guards. Soon, he found another entrance that wasn't too heavily guarded.

There were a few apes standing around, but they were quickly dealt with, and Spyro was in through the grounds.

He noticed a large ape general was walking toward where they were hiding.

"Come on," said Spyro, and Sparx followed. Spyro pounced on the ape and froze him solid, then flew as fast as he could toward the topmost tower.

When they reached the top, it was quiet.

Too quiet

They could see Ignitus, caged like Terrador, with the crystal beneath him draining his powers. He was just managing to stay awake.

"Spyro," said Sparx quietly, "I think this might be a trap..."

"Of course it is," said Spyro.

"And where going to spring it?" said Sparx.

"It's all we can do," replied Spyro.

"Spyro!" called Ignitus, "Destroy the crystal! Now!"

"Come on!" said Spyro. He flew over, but was knocked backwards by a bladed tail.

"If only life was as easy as that, Spyro," sneered Cynder, emerging from the shadows.

"Run, Spyro! Save yourself!" shouted Ignitus.

"Not this time," said Spyro, "This ends now."

"Then by all means, bring it," said Cynder. They stood, facing each other for a second, then both of them charged.

It was chaos. The two dragons snarled, swiped, snapped and tore at each other. Spyro caused an explosion of colour as he used his elemental abilities, many of which seemed ineffective against Cynder. She didn't feel the need to use her powers, and instead took to using her spiked jewellery to attack. It was taking a toll. Soon, Spyro was covered in cuts and bruises.

"You don't stand a chance, little one," said Cynder, "Give up now, and you may live a little longer."

"Only one of us walks away from this," said Spyro. He noticed a chest nearby, with a crystal inside. He dodged a particularly vicious attack from Cynder, and broke the crystal. He immediately healed up.

"Good move," said Cynder, "But good luck trying to find another one."

She advanced on him, and it happened again. Their eyes met, and she changed. She went from confused, to shocked, to scared, her now green eyes widening...

Then, she snapped back and roared, and hit Spyro into the nearby wall.

"Now then," she snarled, "Where was I?"

She flew over to Ignitus and removed the crystal, and then took off into the darkness. Ignitus fell from his cage and got up weakly, and Spyro recovered, and looked hopelessly at where Cynder had vanished.