This was it. All the Dragons had been freed. Every single gem collected and all the Generals defeated, one of which even swapped sides. Now the trio stood on the floating metal platform of Gnorc Gnexus ready to head to the final world and defeat the king of the Gnorcs, Gnasty. 

Using the keystone that Quartz had managed to steal yesterday they opened the giant mechanical Dragon head to reveal the portal that was aptly named after the vile leader himself. Spyro being the first to walk up the metal tongue and enter with Quartz and Marble being close behind. On the other side was a round arena, all plated metal with dull yellow lights lining the edge just enough to see. A single seat protected with an energy barrier stood ahead with no other than Gnasty himself sitting in it. 
	“Spyro.” He said as he stood up. “And your little toys. The three biggest pains in my butt and while i have no clue to why my magic can not trap you, I can still kill you.” Gnasty spoke with a deep but calm voice that seemed to echo around the arena. With a tap of his foot hitting some unseen button two panels opened up on either end of the arena, with one a strange little creature came speeding through with a key. At the other a whole group of tough looking Gnorc Knights strode out. “I bid you good luck in trying to take the key off the fastest creature I know while my personal legion mashes you into paste.”

Gnasty sat down in amusement but it was Spyro that started to laugh first. 
	“Marble, get the key. Quartz with me!” He shouted as they broke off. Marble’s magically enhanced speed causing Gnasty to nearly fall out of his chair in shock while Spyro and Quartz’s combinations of fire and electricity decimated the first wave of the knights before they knew what was even coming. The next wave proving to be at least be more competent as the heavy silver shields proved to block more shots but even so could not stand up to the brute force of Spyro. It was only when they started to bring out forces armed with technology that they proved even the smallest bit of a challenge, the armor now enhanced their strength and the weapons ranged from guns to electrified shields. 
Marble meanwhile had just entered the tunnel the robed creature had sped into it. The far brighter lighting only proving to be disorientating but even so she still saw the telling glint of metal wire, a trap most likely. Her pride in seeing the danger and nimbly hopping over it however was short-lived as doing so did not stop the tunnel from unfolding into a metallic death trap of spikes and saws. It was scary yes but no more so than everything she had done so far to get here, deep down she felt a wave of relief almost in that because she was here with her speed and small frame she could clear this obstacle with far more ease than Spyro could...Spyro! As she was daydreaming both Spyro and Quartz was currently fighting the best the Gnorcs had to offer and so with new-found determination pushed herself that bit faster.

Gnasty could not believe this. The white sheep had turned out to be some kind of mage or mutant that could run at monstrous speeds while his old General Toasty, now named Quartz of all things, had been lying about her power. 
“She must have been lying...how else would she become this strong in a week…” Gnasty muttered to himself as he sat watching Spyro and Quartz tear his elite guard apart. The metal scrap that had been torn up or knocked down from the explosions and gunfire providing an advantage to the pair that only annoyed him. Just as they had cleared yet another group of Gnorcs as well Marble returned with key in mouth, the robed creature proving to be quick enough to outrun the traps but lacked the stamina to keep up with her. 

Gnasty started to panic. He had no idea the sheep could fight let alone use such powerful magic and combined with Spyro’s own Draconic strength made them a force to be reckoned with. He stood up, stepping around the chair quietly before running off down the corridor just as the final wave of knights stepped into the arena. They too was met with a quick end, the gems they left behind proving to waste more time for the trio than anything.
Heading over to the wall below the high but now empty seat Marble used the key to unlock the energy field and causing steps to form too. They were cautious but pursued with haste in case Gnasty had any other traps or tricks ready for them. Behind the plush chair there was a short and worryingly dark corridor but following it they quickly ended up outside. The arena they found was built on an incredibly toxic looking purple lake, a pathway high up from the bubbling liquid was made of various bits of junk all welded together. Here or there along the pathway a tall silo of machinery could be seen sticking out of the toxic lake below for the path to connect to, all very mysterious to what purpose this place has or used to have. 

With caution, they followed the creaking pathway along as it twisted and snaked its way from one sticky pillar of technology to another. Nothing but the pale yellow glow of buzzing bulbs to be seen until they finally reached a much bigger platform that seemed to be the entrance to a large factory looking building. The door looked well sealed however and as they approached Gnasty jumped down from above, the giant crackling mace he wielded smashing part of the pathway they had come from away to trap them. 
With a growl he attacked, the great mace rocking the scrap metal platform with every weighty blow but that same weight made him slow. His flailing arms proving to be more of a challenge as they could not get near enough for a solid hit without risking being knocked off. Gnasty did not seem to have any cares as he strode about trying to smash them with not an ounce of grace or plan to be found. It was only his overwhelming brute strength that even kept him alive so far but even that had a limit as in his frustration he brought his great mace down with enough force to make the once creaking platform now teeter as metal supports snapped. A single sneaky shot from Quartz as he stood off balance only seemed to annoy him though and so with some level of thought to the situation charged his way through the sealed door to escape. 
The trio just managed to get into the building as the wobbling platform lost all balance and fell into the toxic muck below.
	“I don’t think this is working.” Spyro sighed as he sat down on the dusty metal with a thud. 
	“Do not be fooled.” Quartz replied sitting down next to him. “Gnasty has stayed in power with shows of force and pretending to know what he is doing, this might be his first fight…”
	“Still strong though, what do you think we should do?” 
	“Use his lack of brains or experience against him right? His armor seems to have been made to make him immune to the electricity that Gnorcs use but even he was surprised when you hit him.” Marble added as a matter of fact. 
Standing up and shaking the dust off him Spyro agreed that strength and fancy armor alone is not going to let him win this fight, they just need to get him in a location that he does not have the advantage over. Speaking of which, as they started to head deeper into the building they could only wonder what this place was. Quartz did not even know so it had to be extremely old or a big secret but she could tell what some technology did at least, the pipes and pumps indeed told a story but one that did not match how the Gnorcs worked. This was not a factory, it was a power station. Using the raw power of magma from the volcano that this apparently used to be but for some reason something went wrong. The purple corrupted lake outside being either an attempt to make something better than magma or...sabotage. As Quartz ran down her list of possibilities she could only be more and more disgusted at the Gnorcs, did they really throw away this much in the pursuit of wealth.

As they were heading deeper into the ruined facility the lights suddenly turned on. The groan and screaming of old machinery long since dead brought back to life causing the very ground to shake. The trio started to make haste lest the entire place fell apart around them but luckily as they rounded the next corner they came across Gnasty clumsily fiddling with some controls in an attempt to use the ruins against them.
Hearing them approach he turned with a wide swing of his mace before jumping down a nearby hole in the floor. Following him down they found themselves in a long twisting hallway where the floor had fallen away into the lava underneath the building. Despite Gnasty’s size he was quick and by the time they had caught sight of him jumping from one rusty ledge to another he had already made it to the other side. 
	“Is he leading us somewhere or just running away?” Spyro spoke up in annoyance as he began to follow. 
	“Either way I am sure he can not survive falling into this stuff anymore than we can.” Quartz replied as she just managed to hop off a metal beam before it snapped and fell into the lava below. 

Landing on the other side and quickly heading through the next doorway they found themselves in a round room with Gnasty waiting. The heavy door slammed shut with a shudder behind them as dust was sent scattered across the room, the hazy lights flicked in effort to keep running while the once sturdy metal that made up the entire room now seemed to creak like any old wood. 
	“I am impressed you know.” Gnasty started to speak as he slung the mace onto his shoulder. “The main Army might be here but I sent nothing but the best to secure the islands, each one of the stupid generals had to defeat a hundred of the finest Gnorcs in combat to even be considered for the position but you lot?” He chuckled. “You defeated them all while traveling across a dozen Islands in a month...maybe i have should have been training sheep instead of savages and mages all this time…” His footsteps heavy as he approached, a dirty grin breaking out. “The offer still stands you know. You could join me, with another crystallization ritual there would be none to stop us! I could offer you everything, your own Island, dozens of sheep or Gnorcs or whatever the hell gets you off at night.”
	“Funny because when I defeat you I can buy my own island anyway and retire with the two greatest girls on this planet but by all means, sit there and try to think of something I could want while we are burying you in this place.” Spyro snapped as he charged forward and under a swing of Gnasty’s great mace, a slash of his tail doing little more than knocking the wind out of the giant Gnorc. Before he could retaliate however Quartz fired a crack shot of lightning into his face while at the same Marble charged into his legs, his metal boots holding no grip on the grimy metal as he skidded straight into a wall. Enraged now he lashed out with blind fury but still his swings was too slow, nothing more than the ungraceful flailing of a giant child in anger. No real training, no experience, the greatest warrior of the Gnorcs proving to be nothing more than a self-proclaimed title that was backed up only with fear. In an act of desperation he overcharged the electric mace and brought it down with as much force as he could in order to shake the building apart. The ground gave away in spots to reveal the molten stone far below but his feeble tactic of using the ruins against them proved foolish as he turned to face Spyro who was grinning and flickering with intense fire. 

In a grand plume of flame the vapid king of the brutal Gnorcs was sent screaming down to the hellfire below. The three heroes of the Dragon Islands stood almost in shock as they expected something more, a trick, a reveal to some illusion but nothing came. Gnasty in the end was truly not the strongest, smartest or wisest after all.

Carefully heading back through the ruins and thanks to the gliding of Spyro they managed to get back to the arena where a small Gnorc was waiting for them. Clad in simple cloth it stood to stare at them from a moment from across the arena before placing something down on the ground and running off into the maintenance tunnels it came from. Curious the trio decided the stairs to see what it had left behind.
“A keystone?” Spyro asked picking up the enchanted stone.
“A very fancy one. Do you think this was Gnasty’s personal key?” Quartz replied back.
“There was an extra dragon head thing in the Gnexus remember?” Marble chimed in.
 True enough as soon as they used the return portal back to the Gnexus there was one final metal dragon head to open and inside they found a portal interestingly named, “Gnasty’s Loot.” 

On the other side was a huge metal building that was almost castle like it design sitting on a sunny and surprisingly clean island. The courtyard where they had entered had treasure filled chests all over and four crystal dragons laid out in a row like trophies. When freed they explained they were the rest of the volunteer party that Lateef had led and that each one of them was not happy at how they had been misled by him. 
Some farewells and thanks later and the trio decided to explore further. This huge location proving to be Gnasty’s personal vacation home filled as well with piles of treasures, artwork, music and more from his conquests. All of which Spyro was determined to take with him for one reason or another. Finally, after one last long look around the polished halls and shiny rooms they headed to the last vault, the great treasure room of the Gnorc king where the remaining bits of the Dragon treasure was stored but even so the sheer amount of gems amazed them. 

Spyro was nothing short of ecstatic over it all as he strode over to of the pile of gems. His amused laughter quickly spreading to Marble and Quartz too as the end of the journey dawns of them.
	“Well, I was doubting how big of a home we could get but this sure changes things a bit.” Spyro stated as he leaned back on the piles of treasure.
	“What do you mean?” Quartz asked. “I thought we have tons of gems by now.”
	“We do but almost all of that has to be returned when we get back to the Artisans, this pile however is all ours. Every single one.” He explained while throwing a handful of blue gems into the air. She understood his happiness now as there must have been thousands of gems here, more than an entire realm would have stored. She stepped up the gem pile to sit by him, the hard stones not the most comfy but her plush wool helped to cushion herself but for the first time in this adventure she did not know what to do next. Marble however did as she climbed up the stack to them. 
	“And we both are really grateful for choosing us.” She said smoothly. A hinting nod and playful eyes informing Quartz much before she took her muzzle down to lick Spyro across his scales. With an agreeing hand petting her head she continued her work as Quartz caught on to the game and joined in. The first taste of softer flesh now growing was caught and slipped into the Marble’s maw as Quartz worked herself lower. Small licks, gentle.

Spyro leaned back trying not to get too full of himself but as he looked down to the mountain of wealth and two beautiful girls currently licking every inch of his erection he could not help but grin content. His right hand stayed to still rub Marble’s head affectionately but his left was feeling more adventurous as it ran down Quartz’s back to give her a taste of something else. There was no longer any time constraints and he was feeling particularly lazy to day as he slowly dragged his fingers gently over her velvety sex, his mind full of possibilities. There was so many places they could go, so much they could do and Quartz had not yet seen even half of the Dragon islands...not even half of the best sunsets where they could make love for hours. He sighed. Before then, they still had to return all the gems and get in contact with the Architects in order to build their own home.
	“Change of plan girls.” Spyro said as he pulled Marble off him. “We got one more stop before we can relax so let's get this finished the right way OK?” His question strained a bit by how hard he was but since they were lying on a bed of rock hard gemstones they both did agree that a softer place would be more appropriate to celebrate in. 

With the last of the treasures packed up they headed back to the Gnexus. The keystones broken and the platform made to sink, just in case any use it for their own gain, they then boarded the balloon to take them back to the Artisans. It was a nice break, a small respite even where they could relax on the bobbing winds before the next rush came. Spyro leaned on the side of the basket to watch the waves go by, the sun was still quite high and the water as lovely as ever but he could not help but feel a bit sad that the adventure was ending. Looking over to his two girls relaxing in the back however did fill him with some confidence. 

Arriving once more at the Artisans they were greeted by dozens of Dragons from all the different Realms as well as a big colorful festival that was very Beast Makers in design.
	“Ah my lad there you are!” Shouted Delbin from across the way as he came running to greet the heroes. “Fine work with that brute of a Gnorc! You go celebrate and all that while we sort the busy work.” He spoke warmly while taking the now heavy chest off Spyro. 
The festival was not fully underway but no doubt would be going for several days yet. Even now the air was abuzz with exotic smells and an intoxicating atmosphere for anyone walking the pathways. Interestingly as well off to the side by the pond was several Dragons fiddling with all sorts of scavenged Gnorc technology. 
	“Ay you there, the dark woolly lass.” A purple Dragon called to Quartz. “Come here for a moment, I heard you are a right tinker with the green skin’s machines and I would right love if you could explain somethings.”
	“I am sure she can help but what you are lot up to?” Spyro answered while nodding to Quartz.
	“Name’s Sadiki. Current leader of a little project.” The purple Dragon spoke, his words thick with the Beast Makers slurs. “Ever seen you beat up that right clanging Metalhead i have been looking over its workings, then others from other Realms came to me with different machines and you know what I decided? Clean magic powered machines that can do things magic alone can not is real handy.” He spoke at length till he ran out of air. “You should see Andor on the other end of the tents, ever since we got that noisy ice box working he has been making more iced cream stuff or other frozen foods than I know what to do with! Anyway, me along with some others are thinking of making our own machine focused realm and want to invite your Quartz to be our leader.” His words drawled out at speed to the point that the invitation was almost lost to them, almost. Quartz turned to face him in thought but happily shook her head.
	“I am not an engineer, i just know some basics so I could only really help you to get started…”
	“Ay it's alright woolly lass when we get set up come visit us some time, you are always welcome. Same with you Spyro and ehm, Marble.” 

After some advice on what does what with the machines, as well what not to touch, they headed back out. Marble leading the group this time as she excitedly headed off in the direction Andor was set up, the promise of more ice cream being too tempting for her to pass up. Spyro however stayed some distance back to take in more of what was set up for later and found that even now several tents had small machines here or there. Little things that simply made the work easier.

Several frozen treats later and once Quartz had been taught what brain freeze was they decided to find a nice private spot to relax for a while but unfortunately the tents stretched from one end of the grassy fields to another. Finally, they decided to head into one of the nearby portals to find some peace but as they were heading to one such that was in the middle of the celebrations they once again got stopped.
	“Spyro yes? My name is Zikomo, will you follow me for a moment?” The pale blue Dragon asked. Old and tall with a cold gaze telling them he was of the Dream Weavers so they hoped he had not come looking for a fight. Reluctantly Spyro nodded and followed him along only to be led to a new portal. Made of freshly polished marble, engraved with royal purple signets and finished with dusty quartz gems. The comparison was not lost on the trio either.
	“Raise your hand to activate it, your companions may do so as well.” Zikomo stated as he waved a hand for them to do so. Spyro was the first to try it, walking forward and raising a hand to the portal it indeed came to life with a bright flash. Curious they stepped through to find a small floating island, protected by the same bubble magic as the Dream Weavers but just as lush as the Artisans. A small collection of trees made up the entrance while a river cut through the middle, on the left was a round stone platform that had their enchanted chest sitting on it while to the right was a cave of some sort. 
	“This is our gift to you, everything the Realms have to offer and some basics to get started in your home. For free of course. If you wish to return to the party then know it is going to continue for three days yet so enjoy and relax.” He spoke coldly but with an odd friendly smile. “Oh and know that Lateef will soon be demoted from leader. I...we all have been making the mistake of thinking ourselves the better because of our knowledge. A dangerous habit. Feel free to visit the Dream Weavers any time you like, our doors and most ancient of secrets are open to you.” With that he took a dignified bow and exited back through the portal which quickly flicked to a close.

The cave in the back was not actually a cave they found but a rustic living space. A central huge bed stood in the very middle of the room under a grand stone gazebo while all around was a sea of gems. Every single one they have been left to keep, thousands. A bridge of pillows left here and there in order to help the sheep navigate. On the edge of the rocky room was two different water pools, one for drinking and the other for bathing most likely, as well as a simple kitchen. The entire area lit up with glowing crystals that seemed to shine with the same sunlight as outside. Spyro could not believe that they would do all this for free but as he plopped himself down on the plush silk bed he was glad they did. 
	“Three days the party is lasting. How about we spend today here?” He excitedly called over to Marble and Quartz having a look around the room. A pair of grins letting him know the answer instantly. 

 

 
 
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