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

Sailiga told everyone a little about himself on the way back to the Academy. He was apparently an extremely rare creature called a "Questing Beast", which were creatures with an unique mixture of animal traits for each beast. Sailiga also explained that he was a Life elemental, and he knew since he was apparently able to talk to plants and animals. Well, animals that can't talk English obviously. He had been considering becoming a Skylander for some time now, but then he apparently heard about Furori and figured it'd be a good chance to prove his ability. Something seemed slightly off about that, but then Sailiga Manu seemed odd anyway. His looks, his personality, his knowledge, that Irish accent of his, just about everything about him was odd.

Suddenly a call came in. Apparently the lighting dragon Voltair and his fox friend was raiding Scorpius's forces again, by themselves, and this time they weren't pulling any punches. Sun Dragon and co. were to go straight to Scorpius's current fortress and assist him. Sharpfin took them there within a moments notice, and next thing they knew, the fight was on!

Sirin's skills as a fighter were incredible! She was excellent as a swordsman- erm, swords-woman, that is. She could even travel through shadows with her Dark Aura ability. Guess that means she's a Dark elemental? Sailiga was rather playful with the enemy. He kept tauntingly dodging lighting blasts and vine whips like it was a game, and he kept verbally taunting them too, saying that they couldn't catch him. When the fox tried capturing Scorpius with his vines, however, Sailiga stepped in and somehow halted the vines without even touching them. This took everyone by surprise, including the fox. Sailiga then simply asked the vines to kindly "help their mind controlled fox friend by holding him and the lighting dragon in place", then suddenly the tables, or more accurately the vines, turned on Voltair and the fox as the vines pretty much rebelled and tied the two up slightly off the ground. Everyone was impressed, even Scorpius.

Sailiga: Thank you dear vine friends greeko! *giggles* Now Skylanders, what shall we do with them, hm?
Xilas: Wooo! Awesome job new guy! Xilas likes your style!
Scorpius: Where'd you meet this guy?
Bazookanine: We met Sailiga at a graveyard. Don't ask.
Scorpius: No I meant this badger freak. He practically wreaked the whole place here while we were fighting. 😡
Xilas: Whoops😅... I-I'll leave everything to my invisible cat here. Now when do we crash Furori's party?!
Sun Dragon: We have to wait for the signal for that first Xilas. Besides, I believe our current course of action is to find a way to break Furori's mind control on these poor lads. Any ideas?
Xilas: Oh oh, I know! Isn't a conk on the head the cure to mind control every time?
Fin-Point: That's for amnesia, you idiot.😒
Xilas: ...Oh...

No one seemed to come up with anything that could help. Cynder and Camo couldn't think of anything either. After thinking about it some, the Dreadyaught showed up, Joshua coming off. However, his face didn't show that usual douche smile of his. In fact, it seemed quite serious. His tone of voice wasn't very cheerful and playful either.

Joshua: Glad you lot are alright. Phobia just showed and she looks pretty bad. We left her over there to rest.
Sun Dragon: Oh thank goodness for that!
Cynder: Joshua, you seem... different. Is anything wrong?
Fin-Point: Apart from the obvious you mean?
Joshua: *sigh* Something is wrong... Phobia said that Raven was rescuing her, but then Raven was fighting with none other then those two when she last saw her... And Raven hasn't called or anything... And my sixth sense has these terrible "vibes" about what could be happening to her...
Mayflo: Oh no... You don't think she was... *gulp* c-captured, do you?
Mixcoatl: Let's hope no-
Fin-Point: Yeah no she's captured. And we're screwed.
Sun Dragon: Fin-Point!
Fin-Point: What? It's obvious, isn't it? Or all of you just that stupid?
Joshua: *sigh* I hate to say it, but... all the evidence indicates that Raven may, in fact, be in Furori's clutches.
Fin-Point: See? Even the prissy teenager kid knows it.
Bazookanine: Fin-Point that is enough! Listen Force Shield don't think for a second that- Force Shield?

Force- I mean, May was currently hyperventilating into a paper bag, trying to calm down. Does hyperventilating into a paper bag even work? Emolition walked over and wrapped his arms around her, only because he knew it'd calm her down a little. Normally he'd do it out of caring, love, and concern, but as you've probably noticed was a reoccurring trend for Emolition that he was devoid of those feelings.

Joshua: Oh, I meant to ask, but is that the mystery girl from earlier? And while I'm at it, who's this cute new critter with you hm?
Mixcoatl: That is Sirin, and that is Sailiga. Sirin's the girl, and she's apparently a friend of Eteru's. As for Sailiga, he was a... unexpected surprise.
Joshua: Oh... interesting. I also see you have the elusive lighting dragon and nature fox. Now how to break Furori's control over them?
Camo: That's what we've been trying to figure out Josh.
Xilas: I still say we conk them in their heads.
Scorpius: Of course you do.😒 Any brilliant ideas, douchebag?
Sirin: You can't expect this... simpleton to have any idea how to break Furori's mind control, do you? He's just a human.
Sailiga: Oh I wouldn't say that dear Sirin *gibberish sounding words*! Joshua can be full of surprises!
NiGHTS: *whistles* Impatient Nightmaren over here! Let's leave the twosome here for later and ambush Furori's base!
Emolition: 😑... *sigh*
Scorpius: Hey, what's that kid doing?
Alabra: Emolition?

Emolition walked up to where Voltair and the fox were tied up, then he suddenly grabbed their necks and stared right into their purple ghostly energy emitting eyes with his now greatly widened eyes. The whole area seemed to darken with a gray aura as Emolition started talking, or chanting. Something.

Emolition: Your will has not been broken... just wounded... Take your anger for Furori and break from this prison! Heal your will and break this spell!

Whatever Emolition was doing, it was apparently working! Voltair and the fox looked as if they were struggling, but not against Emolition or the vines that restrained them. Suddenly they screamed and purple energy came out of their mouths. Emolition finally let go of them, as did the vines. The gray aura vanished, and Emolition simply walked away, his face back to its usual emotionless look.

Mayflo: Emolition! Wait!
Scorpius: 😕... Can someone explain what just happened?
Mayflo: I'm so sorry! Emolition is an emotion manipulator. An empath essentially. Emolition!
Joshua: An empath who feels no emotion? My, who does that remind me of hm? (Snaps fingers) Ah, I know! Raven herself is an empath!
Bazookanine: Are they alright? Did it work?
Voltair: *groans* Wha-?... We're free. We're free Terra! Whoo! Terra get up!
Terra: *groans* I can hear you Voltair. My word, we are free! Thank you all for helping us!
Voltair: So sorry for what we did! Furori made us do all that bad stuff!
Xilas: Ah, that's okay! Xilas knows too well how that feels. Furori tried to use me too!
Joshua: My my, the powers of an empath can overcome the powers of a mind controller! But can the mind controller still take over that of an empath? Could Furori control Raven?
Sirin: Alright, can someone please tell me who this Raven empath is?
NiGHTS: (goes over to Sirin and whispers in her ear)
Sirin: ... A DEMON?!
NiGHTS: Only half demon! And she hates that part of her, believe me. She even tries to use it for good deeds sometimes! Though I think she can't really control it too much. Hmm...😞
Sirin: My word, if I understand the complications of a human demon hybrid correctly, that means... And Furori... Oh no. If Furori can control a Worldender like Eteru and a demon like Raven, then we'd be all doomed for sure!
Sailiga: Dear oh dear! Quite the dilemma greeko!
Scorpius: I think that may be our cue to go and take Furori by surprise. He'll probably be too busy trying to break Raven's will, or whatever Furori does to people, to notice our entry into his domain until we reach him and the others. I say we leave for Furori now, or never!
NiGHTS: Finally! Hang on Reala, we're coming for you and everyone!
Xilas: Now the crazy dragon's talking my language! Let's wreck some wolf hide!
Joshua: *chuckles* Then I suppose it's settled. We should make for Furori immediately! I can still sense Raven's presence, and we already know where Furori's base of operations are.
Sailiga: (clapping) Yes yes! Let us go and save our friends *gibberish sounding words* greeko! Onto the bridge! *giggles*

Meanwhile

After what's felt like hours, Raven was finally starting to stir awake. She opened her eyes, and she could immediately tell she was being suspended in the air by the chains wrapped around her wrists and ankles. Evidence, you ask? Well, she could feel the pressure on her wrists and ankles. That, and the fact that the first thing Raven saw when she woke up was Furori practically in her face watching intently.

Furori: Aw, at last our very important person has awoken! I do hope you are comfortable Raven. I've been hearing some nasty rumors that our chains have been leaving terrible burns on people and that they are very uncomfortable to even be around.
Raven: F**k you, liver breath. Seriously, when was the last time you had a mint?
Furori: (Laughs loudly) My you are hilarious Raven! You're going to be fun to have around!
Raven: Can you please move away? Cause if you're going to laugh please don't do it in my face. No really, I'm gaging from your breath over here. *cough* See? That was a real cough to prove my point.
Furori: (chuckles) Boy, I heard you were excellent in the ways of satire and sarcastic speech, but this is too much.
Raven: You think I'm so funny now, I guess you don't want to hear me when I'm really mad. Especially, at you.😡
Reala: Keep going Raven, that'll really tell him.😒
Raven: Shut up Reala, I'm apparently "on a roll" over here. (!)
Furori: (Laughs loudly) My, this is too much! I'll enjoy having you as my second-in-command Raven when I break you.😈
Raven: And I'll enjoy not getting arrested for animal cruelty when I beat your a** for all you've done.
Eteru: 😕 I think that was unnecessarily harsh Rae.
Dreamcatcher: (mumbling)
Reala: This is Furori. Whatever he gets and hurts, he deserves.
Furori: My, I've got quite the conversation going here don't I? I might as well explain to you all that I am pain resistant, so nothing can really hurt me. As for you Raven, you don't seem to quite comprehend the situation you're in. Chained, soon to be tortured, and you can't really even do anything but attempt to talk your way out of it. I even have your Soul-self chained and restricted, unable to save you from the danger you're in. It's been struggling oh so much, screeching in distress, wanting oh so desperately to save you.😈
Reala: Speaking of which Raven, can you please tell that thing to shut up? There are people who are trying to sleep and I'm sure Master Wiseman could use the extra help.
Raven: Boi, nobody gives a heck about your master wisecracker, okay? Seriously, you need to shut up.
Reala: 😲 How dare you insult the one who will soon take over all of Nightopia!
Raven: Guess what? Nobody cares!
Furori: 😐 I'm am honestly confused about whether or not I should be laughing at the way you are fighting amongst yourselfs or if I should be in total disbelief at how you, Raven, do not seem to get that you are in the worst possible situation I can personally imagine you being in. Then again, that'll only make things more interesting when I train you to adapt my cause and work to achieve our goals.
Raven: Which is... what? To rule Skylands? To rule the galaxy? The whole universe? Heard it, stopped it, been there, done that😒. Now helping Waluigi finally getting into whatever Smash Bros. is, now that's something.
Furori: (Cackles maniacally) Wow, you do not stop, do you? It's really quite simple and very understandable. I want to wipe the whole Worldender population out of existence!😊
Eteru: 😨*gulp* The whole... population? Of W-worldenders?
Reala: ....The h*ll is a Worldender?
Dreamcatcher: (mumbling)
Raven: And what's your beef with them? Must have been something pretty messed up if you want to knock them all out.
Furori: Actually, you're not far off. Let's just say that you, of all people, would understand. You see, the Worldenders are, in a nutshell, celestial dragons who go around keeping everything in balance by destroying all that is corrupt in their eyes. Sounds good, doesn't it? (Chuckles) Well, not exactly. They destroy the corruption by destroying the world or worlds that are corrupted.

Raven began eyeing Furori's outfit. One half was a purple magenta color, and the other half black with rips in it. Raven had been wondering about the rips. Now there seems to be an answer that she was starting to piece together.

Raven: ...And they destroyed your world, I presume?
Furori: ...Try a whole galaxy, Raven.
Reala: Ouch. Actually that could explain that huge Visitor die-off we had some time ago...
Dreamcatcher: (finally manages to remove gag) Is that all you think about is whether or not your "master" gets his Ideyas? Boy, no wonder NiGHTS left you weirdos lmao.
Eteru: ...I know the Worldenders' wrath Furori.
Raven: Eteru don't-
Eteru: I've seen a Worldender with my own eyes Furori... I've seen what they can do...
Furori: You... you have? Truly?... Then you can understand why I plan to gather a well-equipped, well-trained army to fight these beasts where they lay and wipe them out, no matter the cost.
Eteru: But does that "cost" mean you'll kidnap, torture, and enslave your own "soldiers" to fight an enemy that is as powerful as you say? Besides, you yourself stated that the Worldenders destroy what they think is corrupted. Why, do you think, they destroyed your entire galaxy?
Furori: How am I supposed to know that? All I can think of is that they apparently think that partnering with the Darkness is considered corrupt, but that really can't be the reason.
Raven: Now it all makes sense. It's the old "bad guy does crazy stuff because he wants revenge on someone when it turns out that someone did what they did to save lives" or something like that. Real classic. Fortunately, I know the solution.
Furori: Oh really Raven? And what might that be?
Raven: First, I ask you this: Earlier you said that I'd understand what you've been doing, but you haven't explained why. Do tell?
Furori: What? You haven't gotten it? You don't remember who else has had their homeworld and their family and all they know destroyed by an interplanetary all powerful being that destroys whole worlds for a living? (Low chuckle) Let me then put it this way Raven: You're far from home, aren't you? And I don't mean that tower you and your friends live in.
Eteru: 😦... *mumbling* Azeroth...
Furori: And now, we understand each other perfectly, don't we Raven dear~?😈

Furori got close to Raven and started dragging the tips of his claws down her cheek. Raven suddenly spit in Furori's purple eye in retaliation, causing him to stagger back and clench his wounded eye. He wiped the saliva off with his sleeve and turned to Raven again, growling at her behavior.

Raven: So sorry, but I'm not into perverted werewolves like you. Find someone your own darkness to appreciate.
Reala: Now that's telling him Raven!
Furori: (growls) You are going to be an interesting one to break Raven. You haven't even tried to struggle from your chains. Even Reala struggled when he woke up here, and yet you haven't even considered the deed, have you? Fortunately, I know the perfect thing to start with. (Snaps fingers)

Suddenly a surge of electricity went through Eteru, Dreamcatcher, and Reala's chains, shocking them with immense pain. Reala looked like he was able to take it, but Raven knew that was just an act to hide his soft side. She yelled at Furori to stop, to allow her to make a deal with him. He immediately gained interest in this. No one's ever actually tried to make a deal with him before. He actually wasn't sure if that was a sign of Raven wanting to surrender herself to him or an act of defiance. He wanted to know what this deal would be, so he stopped the electricity and allowed Raven to speak.

Furori: What deal do you have for me Raven?
Raven: You're clearly interested in me and my "potential" as one of your own Furori. I've seen your soldiers and this base of yours. You have no demons here, do you?
Furori: Other then you, no.
Raven: And you know what the potential of having a demon in your ranks could do, right?
Eteru: *groans* Raven... don't...
Furori: Hmm... It would be extremely beneficial for me. The Worldenders I encountered all seemed to be of the Angelic side, so a demon's energy would wound them greatly! Though I've heard you're demon half is somewhat of a loose cannon, I could teach you to control it. I hold no disrespect for your demon half Raven. After all, we're all animals inside, but it takes will to not release it. I'd like to see how powerful your will to keep your demon half inside is.😈 Go on.
Raven: Well... I can let you see my other half, if you want it so.
Eteru: Raven!
Dreamcatcher: Are you crazy?!
Reala: She must be, if she's willing to basically kill us like this.
Furori: Silence! But there's a catch? To you letting me bring your other half out, Raven.
Raven: I'll only tell you how to release it against my will... if you let everyone you haven't converted to your side go, and that includes Eteru, Dreamcatcher, and Reala.
Furori: Of course it does.
Eteru: Raven! Please! Don't!
Furori: ...A demon would be beneficial, but why get ride of other potentially beneficial soldiers just for a demonic hybrid?
Raven: There are other reasons Furori. Eteru and Dreamcatcher both go to the Skylanders Academy. If you keep them here any longer, the Skylanders are going to find you and stop you from ever achieving your desired goals. Reala's Master Wiseman? I may have not seen him myself, but NiGHTS her- or itself rather, I guess, has told me that Wiseman not only the creator of Nightmares, but a GOD of Nightmares! You don't let Reala go back to the Dream Realm, you're going to have some death inducing nightmares of your own on your door! Prevent the misery that'll all cause by letting them go and keeping me.
Furori: Hmm... Those are actually very good points. But why should you care for them Raven? I imagine you've only known Eteru for a few days now. I've heard how Dreamcatcher has treated you terribly. And Reala is the enemy of your friend. Why sacrifice yourself for them?
Raven: ....Eteru, for as short of time as I've known him, has already proven himself a valuable friend to me. I can't sit by and watch him get hurt...
Eteru: ...😢
Raven: ...Dreamcatcher may have been insufferable, but... She is like my student. It's my responsibility to make sure she stays out of trouble and out of harm's way...
Dreamcatcher: 😦...Raven...
Raven: ...And Reala? He may be on the wrong side, but he isn't just the enemy of my friend... He's NiGHTS's only brother, and he deserves a second chance, no matter how bad he gets...
Reala: 😐... Why?...
Raven: Let everyone go, and I'll tell you how to release my demon half against my will and without requiring demon energy. Otherwise, you might as well kill me Furori, cause you ain't getting no pieces of me any time soon. That is, if you're interested in me that way.
Furori: ...My my Raven... *sniff* I'm touched. No, really, I'm touched by your devotion to your friends here! *sniff* ... However, business before pleasure, as they say... *sniff* Actually, perhaps we should call this business and pleasure for the both of us. No strings attached, and no tricks up my sleeves! (Snaps fingers)

Suddenly the chains that held everyone except Raven and her Soul-self released their hold on their hostages. Before anyone could realize what was going on, the chains made a barrier around the area, keeping anyone from getting to Furori or Raven. Eteru tried to squeeze through the gapes between the chains, but they were too small even for him to pass. Furori send a charge of electricity through the chains like an electric fence to give those like Eteru the idea that they should not attempt to go through. Reala was still confused; he verbally insulated Raven the last time they met, and Furori was true about Reala technically being Raven's enemy due to her friendship with NiGHTS. Why would she do this for him, or Dreamcatcher based off Furori's reasons for Raven to not save her for that matter? Why?

Furori: You all are free to go! The ships any of you have is in the hanger. Tianhe-2 will show you. If any of you wish to fly away from here, that's fine too. H*ll, I don't care if any of you actually wish to remain here. Just leave us and be on with your life.
Eteru: Raven...
Dreamcatcher: You can't be, like, serious about this... are you?
Raven: ... You guys should go. I doubt you want to see this. The others are probably getting worried about all of you.
Eteru: Raven...
Raven: ...Don't worry, I know what I'm doing. I've been through worse, you know? (Chuckles) I can take some more, and they haven't touched my Soul-self yet.
Reala: 😦... Raven...
Raven: Please, don't make this harder then it is. Just make sure the others don't interfere, ok?... I can take it, just go.😏
Furori: Tick tock tick tock, don't make me take you all again! Now go!

Naturally most everyone left after, or even before that, but Dreamcatcher and Eteru didn't want to leave Raven's side. Reala was still in disbelief about Raven's sacrificing herself despite the reasons she had not to, but he knew Raven was right; Eteru and Dreamcatcher were makeing this harder then it was. He, gently mind you, grabbed Eteru and Dreamcatcher from behind and took them away from there. Maybe they could reach the others before it was too late.

Raven and Furori were alone now, aside from Raven's Soul-self. Furori saw that everyone was gone, so he commanded his chains to disperse and wait for any further instructions.

Furori: (low chuckles) Well Raven? I've done what you wanted. So now tell me: how does one break your demon half out of that human prison?
Raven: ...*sigh*... Torture me and my Soul-self with all you got Furori. I won't try to struggle. No escaping, no calling for help, no healing. Just give me all the pain you can muster Furori. If and when my demon half comes out, you may try to tame it. And if you tame it... I will be at your mercy, yours to command... no complaints, and no rebellion... That's all you really have to do. Wait for me to turn. Then the hard part will be to control my demon half... That's all...
Furori: ... (Maniacally laughs and Cackles)... Well then... Shall we get started?...

---

Yo guys... THIS BOOK JUST HIT 1K READS!!! My first book to hit 1K reads!!!

*inevitable cheering*

Thank you all for getting me this far! This is quite an achievement for the profile I got to say! Just... wow! Oh God, I think I'll cry...😢

Thank you all truly! Specifically these special few:
SpyroAndToothless
Hans4475
Foximator
Anyone else who follows me on Wattpad

Thank you all! Have a blessed day and may your Wattpad profiles prosper too! 🐉