*this chapter takes place in the same day as the last chapter*

As Scorpius gathered his forces, Joshua, Sun Dragon, Bazookanine, and everyone else involved returned to the Academy to report the latest happenings. The Senseis were shocked. Blackout couldn't stopped cursing himself for having not seen this coming. NiGHTS just kept complaining about how she should've went to help Sun Dragon. Everyone was informed of the matter. During a discussion Joshua was having with some of the Skylanders about the situation, Xilas happened to overhear the mentioning of Furori, and he nearly choked on his meal upon hearing the name. He immediately explained that it was Furori that had "beaten him" and even tried to kill him, but of course Xilas escaped before that could happen. Xilas willingly volunteered to help fight Furori, as his way of not only getting back at Furori but as his way of repaying the Skylanders for being so nice to him. So far, a few volunteers have been successfully gathered!

Sun Dragon was, in the meanwhile, trying to think things over. This would be the first time in a long time that him and Scorpius would be on the same side. Should Sun Dragon say something about their past to Scorpius? Sun Dragon found himself walking towards Eteru's room when he heard noises coming from within said room. The door was opened, and when Sun Dragon looked inside, he saw someone rummaging through Eteru's saddlebag. They were obviously female, but Sun Dragon somehow got the feeling this was someone otherworldly. She was plae skinned, whiter then snow, with deep black hair that ended in a violet shade. Some of the hair was braided into a butterfly looking shape. She wore knee high boots, black leggings, and a knee length poncho covering her left side. She soon found out someone had saw her, and instantly roundhouse kicked Sun Dragon. She began running away, carrying Eteru's saddlebag. Sun Dragon quickly gathered himself and gave chase. She had just managed to lose Sun Dragon when she encountered Mixcoatl, Bazookanine, and Fin-Point.

Bazookanine: That's Eteru's saddlebag! What are you doing with that?
Fin-Point: Great. I bet she's one of Furori's goons.
Mixcoatl: Right, let us settle this!
???: Hmph, three against one. Sounds fair.

She immediately started fighting the trio with what could best be described as martial arts moves. She managed to take out Mixcoatl pretty easy considering Mixcoatl was more of a long-range fighter. However, she found some difficulty dealing with Bazookanine, so she pulled out her tonfas(basically bladed numchucks I think) and surprise attacked Bazookanine, knocking him out. She was shocked, however, to find that Fin-Point and her were surprisingly tied. Fin-Point either kept dodging or countering her blows, and she did the same. Their brawl kept up long enough for Bazookanine and Mixcoatl to recover and attempt to attack her. She immediately saw it coming, so she grabbed Fin-Point's tail and swung him at Bazookanine. Mixcoatl tried to coil himself around her, but she somehow managed to grab him and basically used him like a rope to tie Bazookanine and Fin-Point together. As the trio struggled to break their bonds, she managed to rest a little bit. However, she didn't have not a minute's rest before Sun Dragon found her again and gave chase once more. After Bazookanine, Mixcoatl, and Fin-Point managed to get out of their entanglement, they too gave chase. Sun Dragon did not stop the chase until the four of them had the girl cornered at the edge of the island. She pointed her tonfas at them to keep them back.

???: I suggest you stop chasing me if you wish to see your friend Eteru again!
Fin-Point: Knew it, she's one of Furori's goons.😒
???: 😡 I suppose I'll have to teach you all the hard way. Meet me in the Graveyard of the Dead Statutes, and I shall open your eyes to the truth.
Sun Dragon: Graveyard?
Bazookanine: Why do you want Eteru's saddlebag and what in Skylands are you talking about?
???: Eteru is of my concerns just as he is of yours. However, he is at more risk at the hands of Furori then any of your other friends. Remember, Graveyard of the Dead Statues.

The girl suddenly and willingly fell off the edge. Sun Dragon tried to catch her before she could fall, but she was too quick. As she descended, she slashed her tonfas in a X formation, somehow creating a portal which she fell through. The portal immediately vanished after she fell through, and Sun Dragon and the others decided to report what happened.

Joshua: My my, what an unexpected occurrence! What do you suppose she meant be this "graveyard of dead statues" hm?
Mixcoatl: She must've meant the Rorkan Graveyard. It's sometimes referred to as the Graveyard of the Dead Statues.
Bazookanine: Rorkan? They went extinct in one day right? Why would she wish to go there?
Sun Dragon: Not many people go there Bazookanine. Where else to have a private conversation?
Fin-Point: You're not seriously thinking about going there, are you? She's probably one of Furori's goons for crying out loud. It's a trap I tell you!
Joshua: Hm, quite the problem this is huh? (Snaps fingers) I know! I'll ask Raven if she's seen anyone like the girl you saw over at Furori's base!
Emolition: I'd ask if we would be bothering her part of the mission, but that requires a sense of concern and worry, and those are nothing to me...

Joshua rolled his eyes at Emolition's comment, then dialed a number on his flip phone. Camo, being the fanboy he was, tried to see the number, but Joshua covered it from him. The phone rang a moment, and...

Raven: Joshua, I know that's you! I'm a little busy at the moment!
Joshua: Oh, I do hope we're not disturbing your work Raven.
Raven: Yeah, I bet you do😒. I'm in the middle of unhooking this d**m trap. God, why'd there have to be so many wires in this- (zapping noise) Ow! F**k!
Joshua: (Giggles) Certainly sounds like you've got your hands full Raven. You're all wrapped up in those wires, aren't you?
Raven: ...
Joshua: Aren't you?
Raven: ....No...😞
Joshua: Don't make me taze you again when I next see you Rae.
Raven: Feel like telling me why you called Josh? I ain't got all day to work here.
Joshua: Oh alright Raven. See, Sun Dragon and co. just had a run in with a mystery girl. Black and violet hair, white skin, poncho, tonfas, red mascara. Sound like anyone working with Furori Raven?
Raven: Let me think... No! No one around here looks like that Joshua, and believe me I've checked this place thoroughly top to bottom! Turns out I was right; this is some kind of floating artificial interconnected island. The preexisting islands around the place are all souped up with attack mounts and traps. *mumbling* Come on, you stupid- (zapping noise) Gah! F**k, again! Gah. Right, hope you're ready to get fixed puppy, cause you've done made me screw loose! (Crashing noises)
Joshua: (turns phone off) Well, Raven's obviously busy with things. She says there's no one like the girl you saw at Furori's base. Looks like it should be at least that much safer to go find her.
Sun Dragon: Let the three of us go Joshua. Mixcoatl knows this graveyard, Bazookanine knows about Eteru's saddlebag, Fin-Point managed to be matched in combat with this girl, and I have a good memory of her looks.
Joshua: Who said I'd wouldn't let you go hm? Take Sharpfin's ship, it's faster. Other then that, have fun!😊
Fin-Point: I'm only going with ya'll to figure out what's going on between that girl and Eteru, so no one dare try to "friend zone" me on the way there, whatever that's supposed to mean😒.

Meanwhile

Raven: (panting) Hey Joshua, I'm- Joshua?.... D**n it!

After Raven pretty much demolished the trap she was working on, she hung there calming down as the wires from the panel were still tangled around her. Better then those chains, I guess. She managed to undo the wires and promptly fell to the cold floor. Raven's only been here for about 2 hours, and she's already disabled many of the worse traps. Not bad really. Either that or Furori put his focus more on "recruiting" then actually holding down the fort. She's seen it before. Guy thinks he's so powerful or his fortress is undetectable or impenetrable that he completely forgets to update his security.

Men. 😒

Raven suddenly felt her sixth sense go into overdrive. Being a powerful and magical empath, she could sense the emotions and feelings of others. Their joy, their hope... their pain. Furori has been torturing his "guests" from almost since they woke up so as to see if they were good soldiers for his cause and to force them to work for him, and Raven could tell that, at the moment, it was Reala and Phobia's turn. Raven knew that since Reala already served Wiseman that he would stand his ground, but for Phobia... Raven hoped she was strong.

Raven couldn't take it anymore. She had to do something. She already took care of most of the traps anyway. Raven moved through the shadows and headed toward where Furori kept his "trainees" in that web of chains. See, Furori built his base like a bunch of artificial floating islands that were connected by metal bridges. The center island had a large castle like building on it; that's where Furori and his top soldiers stayed. Everyone else stayed in a separate, small building. Or in the case of Furori's captives they remained in the web until Furori broke them. Raven hid in a high spot above where Dreamcatcher, Obleak, and Eteru were in this web. It wasn't long before Furori's soldiers dragged Reala and Phobia back into the area. Reala was injured but very much alive, but Phobia was at the edge of consciousness. Furori himself walked in, with his pure white fur and red markings. His half purple half black outfit with that dying dragon creature sewed in the back. One of his eyes was teal and cyan, while the other was literally a swirling vortex. As Furori commanded his chains to hang Reala and Phobia up again like the rest of them, Reala could not stop protesting.

Reala: Wait until Master Wiseman finds out what you've done to me, then we'll see who'll have the last laugh!
Furori: Hm-hmm. Dream on, Nightmaren. You're too good for me to lose.
Reala: (scoff) Really? You failed to capture NiGHTS, your original target. Like you can find me more desirable then him.
Furori: Ah but Reala, you are more desirable as it turns out! You can summon a black fire ipfrom your hands, something I've never heard your brother being capable of. Plus you have remarkably been able to pull on my chains, no matter how tight they get. It's an achievement for a creature your size really. You should be proud! (Chuckles)
Reala: Mind at least explaining what you plan to use me for? In case I despise it almost as much as I'm beginning to despise you.
Furori: (Cackles maniacally) Oh Reala. You're going to be a fun one to break! Quite simply, I want you to adapt my cause as your own is all. What's so wrong about that, hm?
Eteru: How about the fact you've tortured people to force them to believe your cause!? You don't force people to fight battles they don't wish to fight!
Reala: Besides, I already have a master. And I imagine all these creatures have "friends" and "family" that all are going to track you down and take you on.
Eteru: Then we'll see who's got an army then!
Furori: 😐.... (Cackles maniacally).... Oh, Reala... You poor, poor, unloved child... (low chuckles) You know, you can tell what people are like just by the things they say, if you know what to listen for. And Reala.... I can tell that no one loves you. You hate to say it, but deep down you know it's true. This Wiseman created you, yet he treats you no better then how I treat my herd. And your brother, well, after as many times as you've tried capturing him, tortured him, even attempted to kill him... I doubt he cares for you one bit. (Low chuckle) *whispers* Think about that, hm?
Reala: 😠 You son of a-
Furori: Voltair, take this oriental. He's next for inspection.

The chains suddenly let go of Eteru, but before Eteru could attempt escape Voltair gave him a quick jolt of electricity. Eteru was physically stunned as Voltair dragged him to another area, Furori following behind. Raven waited until everything was quiet again before headed down to Reala's level.

Raven: Hey Reala, remember me?
Reala: You?! Wasn't one time humiliating me enough?!
Dreamcatcher: (mumbling)
Raven: Keep it down you two. Furori could hear us. Listen, I plan to stick around for a bit longer, but perhaps one of you could go and get back to the Academy. You could lead the others through the traps and around here while I continue sabotaging the place, Any-
Reala: Take Phobia Raven. She took a beating for me, but she can't take much more. I can take on more, and they haven't touched Dreamcatcher yet.
Raven: Wow, you suddenly sound like you actually care for someone other then Wiseman. Did Furori actually break you or what?
Reala: Just get Phobia out of here Raven. Furori could be back anytime soon.

Raven decided to go ahead and break Phobia's binds. Raven's magic was more then powerful enough to break them. Phobia was hurting and then some, but she could try and make a break for it. Raven told Phobia where the transport ships were kept and that she should use one to get out and find the Academy. Raven assured Reala and Dreamcatcher she'd be back. She helped Phobia to the area where the ships were kept. So far so good...

Suddenly Voltair and the fox from before appeared behind Raven and Phobia and attempted to attack. Raven blocked it with her magic to keep them from hurting her or Phobia.

Raven: Phobia, it's just down the hall and a right turn before you reach the ships. Go!
Phobia: *groan* A-are you crazy? I-
Raven: GO!

Phobia hesitated at first, but then she told herself that Raven could take care of herself and hopped off towards the ships. Raven continued to block Voltair and the fox's attacks until they suddenly stopped. When they did, Furori himself turned the corner calmly and stood between his fighters.

Furori: (clapping) It is a great honor to have someone as distinguished as you, Miss Raven. Truly, you are brilliant indeed. I can see why many people like you.
Raven: Save the act for when you're begging for forgiveness wolf man! You atta be mad at me for releasing one of your captives.
Furori: I will admit, it is a shame to lose someone like Phobia, but then, what better to replace her then a very capable, very intelligent, and very charming demon sorceress? (Cackles)
Raven: Only one problem with that plan fur face: you have to catch me first!
Furori: (chuckles) You can't escape me Raven. I cull the herd, it's what I do. And you're a lost sheep waiting to see your shepherd. Voltair, Terra, capture her!
Raven: 😡 Oh of course the fox's name had to be "Terra"!

An epic fight soon began between Voltair, Terra, and Raven. Raven managed to dodge and block the attacks as the fight moved throughout the whole floating fortress. She seriously didn't want to hurt these two, she could sense deep down in them they desperately wanted to stop. The fight continued for lord knows how long by the time it reached the area where Furori's new captives were held. Dreamcatcher, Eteru, and everyone else in there cheered her on. Reala just watched and studied the battle carefully. He didn't want to get his hopes up on Raven winning this fight. Reala's seen what Furori's done to everyone he had already turned to his side. Furori walked in the area and watched the battle from the side. Voltair and Terra only got worse, and Raven had to summon her raven Soul-self to fight back.

Perfect.

Furori: My my, this is a little unfair I think. Two powerful black birds against simple creatures. I know! Let's make this even shall we? Oh Obleak! (Snaps fingers)

Furori allowed his chains to let go of Obleak. However, Obleak couldn't care less about Raven. He had finally found an outlet for his rage: Furori. Obleak quickly gathered himself and flew straight for Furori. However, without even turning his head, Furori pulled out his chemo-gun and shot a round right into Obleak's shoulder. Obleak fell to the ground and skittied against the floor until he stopped right at Furori's feet. Obleak was suddenly paralyzed and couldn't move as Furori took hold of Obleak's neck and looked dead into Obleak's eyes. Furori's swirling purple eye glowed brighter as Obleak's eyes widened. His ghostly white eyes suddenly turned into a purple ghostly energy emitted aura.

Furori: Good bird, good bird. Now, defend Voltair and Terra, and make the Raven fight NEVERMORE!

Furori threw Obleak towards the fight and Obleak headed right for Raven's Soul-self. He then released a massive heatwave onto the energy construct, stunning it and hurting Raven. Furori grinned as he sent one of his chains to wrap itself around the Soul-self's neck, then more chains to constrict the bird more. Furori then sent an electric charge through the chains, violently shocking Raven's Soul-self as it screeched loudly in pain. Raven was stunned by the pain, and before she realized it Terra wrapped his vines around her legs and arms. Before Raven even had a chance to struggle, Voltair shocked Raven with a lightning bolt. The strain was too much for Raven to withstand, and after Voltair stopped shocking her... she fell to the ground unconscious. Defeated, as her Soul-self still fought against the chains above her.

Furori: (low chuckle) You're... mine... (Cackles maniacally) Well done Obleak, you'll make a fine soldier. Maybe even a general with enough training! Now, Terra and Voltair, I believe Scorpius is still at that outpost of Kaos's if you're up for a second chance at capturing the Wyrmillion. Go.

Terra and Voltair nodded then ran to another area. Furori summoned his chains to grab Raven's arms and legs and hang her up like the rest of them.

He could tell that this one would be interesting to break indeed...

Meanwhile

The Graveyard of dead statues. Great. The whole place seemed dreary. It was broad daylight and the whole place looked surrounded by shadowy trees and fog. At least it was regular fog and not red fog. The place was relatively large since there were so many Rorkan statues. Sun Dragon, Mixcoatl, Bazookanine, and Fin-Point walked through the graveyard until, at the center of the land, they saw the girl sitting next to a dragon statue with a strange black crystal. The girl saw them coming, but she remained calm.

Fin-Point: Right, we're here. Now start talking.
Bazookanine: How do you know Eteru, and why here of all places?
Mixcoatl: Most importantly... who are you?
???: ...Forgive me. I had no choice but to sneak into your domain. I felt the answer to saving Eteru was within the books he showed me. I realize you think me the enemy, and perhaps in your land's terms, I am. My name is Sirin, and I only wish to help Eteru and Phobia.
Sun Dragon: Oh? Well, why didn't you say so before miss Sirin?
Sirin: Like I said, in your home terms I could be considered the enemy. You amongst the group believed me to be working with Furori. I... I am the incarnation of darkness in my world, and it wasn't really even my choice...
Mixcoatl: I know what's that's like Sirin. I'm the only Magic elemental of my people, and many of them thought I was a bad omen for them.
Sirin: ...Were you taken from your original home before becoming a "bad omen"?
Mixcoatl: 😕...I...
Sirin: I didn't think so. Listen, I'd love to explain myself further, but it is Eteru's power and past that need explaining. Pay attention now...

Using her Dark Aura, Sirin showed them how her and Eteru first met. He had been taken to her world and defeated the incarnation of life. Sirin had taken Eteru prisoner, but then she was possessed by the Darkness itself. Her and Eteru had an epic battle, but then the aura faded. Sirin explained it was because she was knocked unconscious. She didn't know how, but Eteru had removed the Darkness from her body and took her to his world, Skylands. She explained his powers and what she was told Eteru had been through before meeting her. She also explained what he was: a Worldender. That's why Furori was kidnapping people left and right, so he could raise an army and take revenge on the Worldenders for destroying his home galaxy. Though the idea and reason was sound, it was how he was going about reaching such a goal that had corrupted him. If Furori found out that Eteru was a Worldender... God only knows what could happen.

Sirin: Please, you must allow me to help Eteru! He saved my life once... now I must repay him by doing the same.
Fin-Point: Sooo... You plan to go risk your life for the handsome and charming knight in shining armor who risked his life for your sorry hide? Girl, you are in love with a dragon and you don't mind that you're not one yourself?
Sirin: I'M WHAT?!😖
Bazookanine: Oh snap! Fin-Point!
Fin-Point: What? You can spot that from a mile away. Not that I care, just saying.
Sirin: I am not in "love" with Eteru! He risked his life to save me from my dying world even after I treated him like scum, and know he is in greater danger then anyone else that Furori has captured. I need to do what I can to save Eteru from the fate my homeworld met, and that, Fin-Point, is the line between being a lover and a friend.
Bazookanine: ... (Clears throat) Well, what are we waiting for?! Little brother needs saving and I ain't sitting around any longer!
???: Yes, let us make haste, for we must be by Eteru's side tenfold now! *giggles*

Everyone looked around for the source of the voice. Someone whistled, then everyone looked up into a nearby tree to see... what was probably the strangest creature any of them had seen. The head of a dragon, or was it a croc? The frill of a cobra, the front legs and hands of a bird of prey, the back legs of a horse, the body of a leopard, and the tail of a chameleon. The creature gleefully jumped down and explained himself.

???: Sorry, how immature of me! Name's Sailiga Manu, and I know how to help! Lovely to see and meet you all, especially you Sunny boy! You and Scorpius work things out yet hm?
Sun Dragon: What? How-
Sailiga: Now that we've been properly introduced, let us find our way to the Academy and formulate a plan was breaking, entering, and rescuing! *gibberish sounding words* Haha!
Bazookanine: You know this guy?
Sirin: Does it look like it?😒

---

Finally, it be finished! Sorry I took longer then I wanted with this one gang.

Anyway, Sirin is an OC of SpyroAndToothless. She's featured in his story about Eteru, and he drew a picture of Sirin in his new artbook.

Oh, and the fox Terra was made by Grezledragon on Devaintart.

Sailiga Manu is an OC of mine. You kind find a picture and some info on him in my artbook.

Oh hey, speaking of which, I totally forgot to mention before, but remember a few chapters back there was this scene where Sun Dragon was in the library and a strange creature knocked a book over his head?

Yeah, that was totally Sailiga.😆

Anyway, see ya'll around! Cheers!🐉