The sun was setting on the Academy. Many cadets at this hour would go to the fields and watch the sunset. Truly beautiful. A sight to see. The Senseis inside the Academy's main building were planning this, that, and the other for the different types of students who occupied the Academy. Senseis Ro-bow and Starcast, along with Legendary Spyro himself, were making a list of cadets who were awaiting their first "mission". They would be given something simple, to prepare them for the more difficult and challenging and real missions they will face much later. A field test, if you will.

The reason Legendary Spyro was here was because he felt that the elusive Sun Dragon should be given a mission.

Master Ro-bow: This Sun Dragon seems to be quite brilliant. He has excelled in any and all history related activities and tests given to him.
Master Starcast: And Astroblast has reported that Sun Dragon is an excellent and resourceful fighter, using his wit and wisdom. He also is fast on his feet, and has reflexes that come quite naturally to him.
Master Ro-bow: And he seems to get along very well with many of the other cadets, a necessity when in a team.
Legendary Spyro: I suggest we give him a mission soon as possible. He seems quite ready and prepared for one.
Master Starcast: But he seems to be a laid-back sort of creature.
Legendary Spyro: Only when he isn't given an important part to play. I've seen how dedicated he can be. The look in his eyes I saw when he was told about the Core of Light and his willingness to come to this Academy to become a Skylander shows it. Give him a mission, and he will complete it.
Master Ro-bow: I say we give this Sun Dragon a mission as Legendary Spyro says. His stats here are remarkable for a freshman.
Master Starcast: Very well. I'll speak to Master King Pen about allowing Sun Dragon to go on a mission, but I feel we must have him tag along with one of our more experienced teams so as to see to it he doesn't slack off.
Legendary Spyro: Very well, Master Starcast. I suggest Mixcoatl's team on their mission tomorrow. It's simple and yet important enough for Sun Dragon to handle.
Master Ro-bow: Tomorrow? So soon? Well, you're a Legendary, I suppose you know what must be done.
Master Starcast: I'll go speak with Master King Pen now.

And with that, Master Starcast left the room. Master Ro-bow put the report he had written up aside to handle another student's stats.

Master Ro-bow: We plan to send a second team along with Mixcoatl's when they find the exact location of their target. I would like your advice on this one student Legendary.
Legendary Spyro: Of course. Who is it?
Master Ro-bow: A young elf girl, "Force Shield" we call her. She has been here almost as long as Sun Dragon has, only behind by a couple of days. She is quite shy, but she is powerful nonetheless. I suggest we allow her to go with Pegaslash's team to go assist Mixcoatl's team.
Legendary Spyro: What is she capable of?
Master Ro-bow: She can launch magic orbs from her hands, use a force field to protect her and others, and then launch those force fields toward her enemies. Her roommate, Alabra, has requested she be on Pegaslash's team with him, since he and Force Shield have already become friends. There is, however, a small problem I feel we must discuss.
Legendary Spyro: Oh? Her shyness?
Master Ro-bow: Not exactly. Her parents have stated that she suffers from PTSD from living in the Cursed Swamp of Bad Decisions, and was there when Dreamcatcher invaded the place with her living nightmares. She hasn't been seen showing signs of a terminal case of PTSD, but that may be due to the Academy being a "comforting" place for her, since there are many Skylanders and cadets around.
Legendary Spyro: I see.... Well, her roommate is going to be with her during tomorrow's mission. She should be alright. Besides, Sun Dragon can always comfort her as well, seeing as how he has been able to befriend practically anyone. I say allow her to go with Pegaslash and his team.
Master Ro-bow: Very well Legendary. You know what's best after all.

Legendary Spyro knew this mission was going to prove Sun Dragon's performance as a Skylander. He just hoped that, judging from the evidence he had been informed of, that Sun Dragon was prepared for trouble should it come knocking on the door. Or knocking down the door.

The next day

Sun Dragon ran across the campus gleefully. His first mission! He wouldn't want to be late for such an important event! He was told by Master Ro-bow to go to the docking area to meet the team he was going with, and of course be debriefed as to what the mission is. He could hardly wait!

He soon reached the docks, and was surprised to see SpringCarrier there. Usually he was in Dr.Krankcase's lab helping him. Maybe he's going on the mission too?

Sun Dragon: Spring! What're you doing here? Is Dr.Krankcase waiting for a delivery of some sort?
SpringCarrier: Morning Sun Dragon. No, I am going a mission with my team members today. I'm currently awaiting for them to arrive. You?
Sun Dragon: What a coincidence! I'm going on a mission today too! My first actually! Hey, maybe I'll be going with you!
SpringCarrier: Congratulations for your first mission, Sun Dragon! Yes, perhaps we will go on the same mission. Oh, here comes Mixcoatl now.
Sun Dragon: Mixcoatl?

Sun Dragon turned to see a purple feathered serpent coming toward them. It was a purple magenta pinkish... it was all sorts of magical colors! It had large wings with different shades of colors. It was carrying an array of different colored potions on a strap it had across its chest. Its eyes were yellow brown color with pure red pupils, and it wore what looked like a silver poncho under its strap of potions.

Mixcoatl: Morning SpringCarrier, I see you've been informed. And you must be Sun Dragon. Master Ro-bow has informed me of you coming with us today.
Sun Dragon: Yes Mixcoatl, I'm Sun Dragon. It'll be my first mission. It'll be a pleasure working with you and your team.
Mixcoatl: Good to hear Sun Dragon. We're missing only one more member, so hopefully we won't have to wait long. I'll go ahead and tell you now, I may come off as a all-work-and-no-play kind of fellow but I'm really a thrill seeker of sorts. Just ask my friends and family, they'll tell you all about it.
Sun Dragon: Alright then! Perhaps we can hang out later then, hm? I have many friends who would like to meet you!
Mixcoatl: I would like that very much Sun Dragon. Thank you.

After a few minutes of waiting, the last member of Mixcoatl's team showed up. Turned out to be Daphne!

Sun Dragon: Daphne!? You're coming too?
Daphne: Sun! So you're the new guy tagging with us? Cool!
Mixcoatl: I see you two have already met.
Sun Dragon: Her, Cosmic, and Monitar are all friends of mine.
Daphne: Especially Cosmic. If you know what I mean.(giggle)
Sun Dragon: Oh hush Daphne. That's not the case at all!
Mixcoatl: Don't worry about it Sun. She does this all the time.
Master Starcast: Everyone. Now that all of you are here, I will debrief you of the mission. Remember that you all have the choice not to take it if you feel you can not handle it or have another reason to. We'll understand.

Mixcoatl, SpringCarrier, Daphne, and Sun Dragon gathered around Master Starcast as he explained the mission.

Mission: A group of archeologists have reported discovering the location of the Stone Monkey from the Rampant Ruins that went missing after the Evilized Glumshanks rammed into it, knocking it off the island never seen or heard from since until now. Investigate the area where the Stone Monkey is reported to be to see if it is in fact there. If the Stone Monkey is located, send a signal and a second team will be sent to assist.
Location: Tropical Terrace
Jobs: Mixcoatl- Magic is needed to reactivate the Stone Monkey/ leader of team. Daphne- knowledge of traveling through jungle. SpringCarrier- knowledge of the Stone Monkeys and how they operate. Sun Dragon- historical guide and experienced traveler/ first mission experience.
The second team will be given their respective jobs when the signal is sent.

Master Starcast: You will taken to the Tropical Terrace via Flynn's Dreadyaught. I know, I know, Flynn isn't the best pilot in Skylands, but he did volunteer to fly you there and back. Him and Jet-vac will await for your signal from above. Any questions or concerns?
SpringCarrier: What if we don't find this Stone Monkey, Master Starcast?
Master Starcast: Then you will send a different signal that will tell Flynn and Jet-vac to come pick you up and bring you back here. Any more questions or concerns?
Daphne: How long are we going to be there?
Master Starcast: If you don't find the Stone Monkey by sunset, then you will send your signal for Flynn and Jet-vac to pick you up. Until then, you are to search the jungle from the moment you're dropped off there. Anything else?

Everyone was now clear to what the mission was: find the Stone Monkey. They boarded the Dreadyaught and set off for the Tropical Terrace.

When they arrived, Jet-vac gave Mixcoatl the signal flares. One to signal finding the Stone Monkey and one for returning home. They then started their mission. SpringCarrier explained what happened back at Rampant Ruins to Sun Dragon involving the Stone Monkey and how it went missing, while Daphne made sure they didn't go around in circles. After some time had passed, they had planned to rest when they spotted some trolls passing by. They hid in the foliage and observed as the trolls came and went pass them.

Daphne: Now I know that no trolls live around here.
SpringCarrier: Judging from their outfits and weapons, they appear to be the Anti-claw tribe of trolls.
Mixcoatl: Anti-claw?
Sun Dragon: Dragon hunting trolls Mixcoatl.
Daphne:(gulp) Dragon hunters?
SpringCarrier: No fear required Daphne. They only hunt dragons out of necessity, and can tell the difference between a true dragon and a creature in dragon form.
Sun Dragon: They have crossed paths with us oriental dragons however. If they spot me then they'll be sure to attack. What could they be here for? They certainly don't live here, and I'm sure no dragons live here.
Mixcoatl: It might be in our best interest to see where their base of operations are here, in case we need to report this to Jet-vac.
SpringCarrier: I agree. It is probable that they may stand in our way of searching for the Stone Monkey of the Rampant Ruins.

The team then followed the trolls recently weared down path from behind the trees and bush, only to be in awe as to what they found.

The Anti-claw troll tribe had set up a large camp in the middle of the jungle, but that wasn't the shocking part. It was that their camp was right in front of the Stone Monkey! It seemed they were removing the overgrown plants from the stone giant and cleaning it up. Sun Dragon then noticed that there was more then the trolls to worry about. Something that made his frills stand on end.

Sun Dragon: Mixcoatl, I suggest you fire your signal flare for assistance now. Look on that platform there.
Mixcoatl:...Wait...a...a dragon!? What's a dragon doing uncaged or chained or anything in the middle of a dragon hunting tribe of trolls?
Sun Dragon: Go and fire the signal Mixcoatl. Better go a little ways from here before firing so they won't detect our presence.

Mixcoatl did as told and flew a distance away before firing his signal. Unfortunately, it was in vain. The dragon that was watching over the trolls, a mostly black and yellow dragon with carmel wings, noticed a small light flash at the edge of his amber eyes. He eyed it going into the sky before fading out. He then spotted the shadow of a ship through the clouds fly off. He immediately took caution into consideration from here on out.

His body was serpentine in nature. He had a scorpion like tail and his wings were actually attached to his legs, similar to a wyvern, that lifted his body from the ground. He uncrossed his arms and motioned for a troll to approach his platform.

???: Come here Jagged. I must speak with you.
Jagged: What is it you wish to speak of, my leader?
???: I assume we've made progress? Will it take much longer to clear the foliage?
Jagged: It shouldn't take much longer to clear the plants.
???: I ask because I believe to have seen a flare being fired some distance away from here just moments ago. Along with a ship leaving here.
Jagged: Shall I alert the other trolls?
???: Don't alert them. Just inform them to prepare their weapons in case we have unwanted "competition". Act as if nothing is wrong, for I sense we are being watched. Be wary of the darkness in those trees. Oh, and I believe...*sniff*...that a dragon is amongst those trees.
Jagged: A dragon!? Here? You don't think those Skylanders are on to us sir?
???: I don't believe so, but even if it is them, I suspect they would be here for the Stone Monkey like us. We just happen to be here first before them. Go, and inform your brethren Jagged. Remember, to act as if nothing is wrong.
Jagged: Yes my leader. At once!

Jagged left to inform the other members of his tribe of the possible threat. The dragon lifted his arm and gently dragged his claw over a large scar that covered his blind right eye.

???:...(low growl) If a dragon is here...then I'll see to it personally that they don't leave here alive...nothing will change my destiny and the fate of all other dragons... (low chuckle)...not here...not now...

Unaware of their discovered presence, Sun Dragon and the team began to plan. How to pass a large number of trolls, reactivate the Stone Monkey, and leave? All without being detected, for the most part. They argued rather or not to wait for the second team to arrive, but there's no telling how long that would take, nor how much longer it was until the trolls were finished clearing the foliage around the Stone Monkey. Daphne volunteered to sneak past them to check their progress. She burrowed through the ground pass the trolls to avoid attention, and it was working.

Until she ran into a pole that was holding up a tent. She was forced to come back up above the ground where, unfortunately, some trolls had noticed the shaking. Though the trolls were equipped with spears, Daphne made them see stars. Unfortunately, that alerted the rest of the trolls, and the rest of Daphne's team. The team fought the trolls like a well-oiled tank. It didn't take long for most of the trolls to be defeated, but that's when the dragon from earlier cane down and took a fighting stance.

???: I'll admit you Skylander lot deserve your reputation, but you do know that the trolls have a "finders keepers" policy right?
Mixcoatl: Do you realize that this Anti-claw tribe hunt and kill dragons for a living?
???: What other reason would I have for having an alliance with them? It will be with their help that I, Scorpius, will become the next king of Dragon's Peak! Just leave the oriental dragon here and I promise I won't crush any of you beneath my feet.
Mixcoatl: I'd rather die then leave him!
SpringCarrier: Besides, it would be theoretically impossible for a dragon your size to "crush" any of us, for you are around the same size as all of us.
Scorpius:😠 Shut up! As for you coatl, that is rather big talk for you. An entertaining thought for an Undead like myself, but my fight is with the dragons, not you. Slither aside serpent!
Sun Dragon: Please Mixcoatl listen to reason! Your magic is needed to reactivate the Stone Monkey, and it's me he wants anyway. Let me fight him, at least until help arrives. Trust me, I'll be alright.

SpringCarrier: He is correct Mixcoatl. We'll be more likely to succeed if you come with me to the Stone Monkey of Rampant Ruins now!
Daphne: I'll stay with you Sun! I'm sure that nutcase will want a piece of me too! Go on Mixcoatl!
Scorpius: Yessss, listen to them coatl. I don't care about that monkey anyway. Any day I get to kill some dragons makes my day! Run while you can, serpent! (Cackles maniacally)

As much as he didn't want to leave two of his members to fight this tyrant, Mixcoatl knew the others were right. Besides, when the Stone Monkey was activated they would be more then capable of getting rid of the trolls and this dragon. He wished Sun Dragon and Daphne luck then him and SpringCarrier left for the Stone Guardian.

Sun Dragon: Are you sure about this Daphne? This is more between him and-
Daphne: I don't care! Someone's gotta make sure you get home in one piece! Besides, I'm a dragon too. He won't mind.
Scorpius: Brave choice, nymph! At least you're not Undead dragons. I hate Undead dragons more then all other dragons in existence!
Daphne: Wait. Didn't you just say that you're a-
Scorpius: Now bare witness to the power you've chose to be subjected to!!!

Scorpius suddenly slammed his hands to the ground and a wave of silver spikes emerged heading toward Sun Dragon and Daphne. Sun Dragon's fast reflexes and Daphne's burrowing ability allowed both of them to evade the attack. Sun Dragon immediately shot two Sunblasts towards Scorpius, but Scorpius spewed jet black fire from his mouth, canceling Sun Dragon's attack!

Scorpius: Pathetic.
Trolls: Show 'em boss! Kill him! Scorpius for the win! Scorpius for king!

Scorpius continued to use his black flame breath and spike waves, usually targeting Sun Dragon. Daphne tried to sneak behind Scorpius, but that resulted in Daphne being struck by his tail, leaving a scratch down her side. Though it wasn't a deep wound, it was enough to make it bleed slightly. Daphne suddenly started shaking uncontrollably and found herself on the ground practically paralyzed with what fekt like fear and shock. She couldn't explain it, and she couldn't move. Sun Dragon saw this and tried to reach her, but Scorpius jumped on him and grabbed Sun Dragon's throat with his hand. Despite being only slightly larger then Sun Dragon and Daphne, Scorpius was easily able to lift Sun Dragon off the ground by his neck.

Scorpius: I wouldn't worry too much about her. She only received a slight dose of my fear toxin. Besides, you're the one whose life is in danger. I will admit, you're quite powerful and witty. It's almost... strangely familiar to me...
Sun Dragon:(chuckle)
Scorpius: What's so funny? You're fixing to die you know.
Sun Dragon: I appreciate the compliment, but buttering up to your enemies wouldn't make their attacks any gentler pal!
Scorpius: What?

Without warning Sun Dragon immediately shot a Sunblast orb at Scorpius's face, releasing him. He went to Daphne to make sure she was alright. Though she was able to stand up, she was still too shaky to fight. Scorpius laughed at the both of them for such a "futile attempt to cheat death" as he called it. He was fixing to blast them with his black flame when something came out of nowhere and slashed across Scorpius's side, sending him into his troll army. Sun Dragon turned to see that the second team had arrived!

Sun Dragon recognized the one that just attacked Scorpius was Pegaslash. Most of the others though were new. Two were floating magicians, one with disembodied hands and feet and the other was more humanoid looking (Sun Dragon later found out that one was a elf). Another cadet looked like what Earth calls a mime, while yet another looked like a black ghost with a pumpkin for a head. Yet another cadet ran into view, and it- Wait, was that Fin-Point?!

Fin-Point: Me and Pegaslash have the dragon and trolls! Shadow Heart, Wizbiz, assist Mixcoatl and Spring with the Stone Guardian! Alabra, Shield, check on the other members of Mixcoatl's team!
Wizbiz: Roger will-co Fin!
Shadow Heart: Ready and willing!
Alabra: You got it Fin! Come on Shield!

Pegaslash and Fin-Point immediately tackled the onslaught of trolls, Shadow Heart and Wizbiz practically disappeared, and Alabra had "Shield" by her wrist dashing toward Sun Dragon and Daphne. A few maces and spears flew across the clearing as Fin-Point and Pegaslash fought effortlessly against the Anti-claws.

Alabra: *panting* You two... alright?
Sun Dragon: I am. Daphne?
Daphne: I'm... getting better... Still... s-shaky though.
Sun Dragon: Thank you indefinitely for arriving when you did... Alabra, was it?
Alabra: Yeah, and this is my-

Sun Dragon suddenly flinched when he sensed something heading towards them, only to see that Shield(the mime) had manifested a force field to protect them from the debris. Alabra flinched too, but only after the first object hit Shield's... shield. It wasn't too long before the great Stone Monkey rose above the trees and roared for the first time in ages.

Scorpius: Blast! Jagged, everyone, run to the ships, now! Retreat before they can unleash the monkey on us!
Jagged: Everyone, fall back now!
Scorpius: Mark my words oriental, this wouldn't be the last time you'll hear from me! Go on, mark them!

Scorpius then ran on his hands to get a running start for his flight into the sky while the trolls disappeared through into the trees. Shield finally put down her, well, shield, but immediately after doing so she started falling over. Alabra was able to catch her before she hit the ground, semi carrying her.

Sun Dragon: My word, is she okay?!
Alabra: She's fine. She just used a little more energy then she's used to using at one time. This is her first time out in the field. Don't worry, I got her.
Sun Dragon: If you say so. How are you Daphne?
Daphne: Good as I'll ever be! Shame that "Scorpius" freak got away.
Fin-Point: I swear, it's like you're everywhere I look.

Fin-Point had only just now noticed that Sun Dragon was there the whole time. After a brief "meeting" with Sun Dragon him and Pegaslash made sure everyone in both teams was alright. After everything was straightened out, Pegaslash fired the signal flare for  Flynn and Jet-vac to pick them up. Jet-vac explained that the Superchargers, Swap-Force, Trap Team, and the Giants were all going transfer the Stone Monkey back to the Rampant Ruins where it belonged, as well as seeing to it that research would be done on these Anti-claw trolls and any reference to Scorpius that could be found.

On the way back to the Academy, Sun Dragon stayed above deck, mostly to make sure Shield was alright. She still hadn't woke up from using her energy. Alabra was on the other side of the deck, sitting down with Shield's upper body laying in his lap. Alabra was hoping that the sun would stir Shield awake. Sun Dragon was on the other side, secretly watching for Shield to wake up. Sun Dragon noticed that Shield started stirring and moving, but before he could check on her Fin-Point stopped him.

And he didn't look too happy. At all.

Fin-Point: Listen Stalker, and listen good. Can you please for the love of God stop following me everywhere?! It's annoying, it's creepy, it's not hilarious at all, and all-and-all you're getting on my f**king nerves! Just stop it already will you?!😠
Sun Dragon: 😕
Fin-Point: *panting*... And yes, I just cursed. That's how annoying you are to me. You get it?...
Sun Dragon: But I'm not stalking you at all Fin. Today was my first mission, and I had no clue you were on this "second team", ok? Any other day I was around it was a coincidence. Or I'm just trying to make friends with you. Please, forgive me if I have bothered you.
Fin-Point: "Make friends"? With me? Listen, I don't need some freak like you holding me back. Quite frankly the only reason why Bike-Trike and I "hang-out" is because we're roommates and often share the same class. Look, I have my values. So you can keep yours, alright?

And with that, Fin-Point finally let Sun Dragon be and walked off to another part of the Dreadyaught. When Sun Dragon looked he saw Alabra taking Shield, now awake, below deck. Sun Dragon decided to leave them alone for now. Shield probably still needed to rest somemore. Besides, Sun Dragon had other things on his mind.

Sun Dragon: Scorpius.... What did he do to you....?

---

And thus completes another chapter! Phew!

Shadow Heart, like Daphne, was created by Porceleon on Devaintart.

Wizbiz, Alabra, Force Shield, and Pegaslash were created by Joltiklover on Devaintart.

Scorpius was made by Hans4475 for this fan-fic specifically. If you're interested in Sonic the hedgehog or whatever else he's interested in, check his profile out. I drew a picture of Scorpius in my Fiction and Fantasy book if you wish to see it. Second or third to last chapter as of today(10-10-18).

And I want to thank everyone who has read and supported this book of mine. This is the first of my books to be added to a Reading List, let alone three or four of them. *sniff* Thank you all 😢. And it's only just started. I think the only reason this book has been more popular then my other books is because I actually didn't plan too much ahead for this book. That kinda sounds weird but hear me out. Most, if not all, of my other books are based off what I've already been imagining for lord knows how long, while this one I only had a basic idea and a few characters figured out.

Sorry if it took too long. I was taking a break, then I was just lazy, and slow, then I had to help my Robotics Team for some competition(and no I'm not officially in Robotics all right. My intervention block teacher was helping them with advertising or whatever and when she asked her class if they'd like to help I volunteered ok?), then I was at my grandparents' house for the first part of vacation, now I'm back home. I might end up getting Thursday(10-12-18) off due to this hurricane going around but nothing absolute yet.
Phew. Anyway, I've got the next few chapters figured out so hopefully I'll get those published ASAP. See ya!🐉

P.S I'm holding off revealing the answer to my last trivial question since it'll probably take a game nerd to figure out. Look into Kingdom Hearts some and pay attention to Fin-Point's personality and hope you can figure it out. Comment your answer and we'll see if it's right. K?