Develon had only realized last night the mistake he had made...

He wasn't supposed to reveal his demon form until later! Grr, idiot!

No matter... no matter... Not like these "Skylanders" as they call themselves could find any true means of beating him. Hopefully this will further implicate how truly powerful he was and will lead them to eventually surrender Skylands to him. That will do nicely.

Develon looked up at the sky. Fluffy cotton candy like clouds, sky blue sky, cute little birdies and other flying critters going about, hot air balloons and ships going around. Skylands was, admittingly, very nice. And normal Bubble Dragon would absolutely love to be here!

But Develon definitely wasn't normal. Born with more demon blood then Bubble Dragon, making him a dragonic demon hybrid rather then a demonic dragon hybrid. And there is a difference between the two you know. He had big wings, very rare for Bubble Dragons, and could blow fire without the aid of some magical power-up like other Bubble Dragons, also very rare. It was because of his demon blood he had those traits where others didn't.

Demon blood has a weird way of choosing the normally recessive genes of a creature. That's way demons are so open to having hybrid children. A sense of uniqueness.

But still, Develon didn't mind Skylands' pretty looks. Heck, he wanted it all for himself for its positive impact! So much diversity, so much to do, so much to control! If he could find something here that had the power to help him conquer the universe, then he'd absolutely LOVE it!

Wow... No wonder people called him demented.

Good thing Skylands was so full of islands! Develon had found this sweet piece of rock uninhabited and claimed it all for himself! No way those "heroes" would find him on this obviously uncharted slab of dirt! And it had a cave system that Develon could chill out in during rain and stuff, which is sweet! Develon would prefer a castle or a mansion, but he knew that wouldn't be for a while yet.

He could relax now though. No way anyone would find him unless they stumbled upon him by accident!

Meanwhile

Scorpius had heard through the grape vine that there was a demon dragon on the loose somewhere in Skylands. How awesome would having the skull of one of those be like!? And judging from the beast's description it was a whale of a dragon!

A massive dragon with large black and purple scales, sharp claws and fangs, gigantic wings, burning red eyes, and a roar that could be heard from miles away? Oh H*ll yes! Killing a beast like that would definitely show the Skylanders just how powerful Scorpius was! I mean, it took out a portion of the Dragon Temple yesterday! Besides, he could use something to show up Rae for making him work with dragons.

Yeah... That witch will pay...

And so what if Scorpius had to lie to Kaos? Sure, they should be looking for Taurus of the Zodiac Warriors, but it's not everyday you get the opportunity to catch a mighty demon dragon! Draining its energy will allow Scorpius more then enough power to take on Malefor... Yeah, the urge was that "bad"...

How fortunate Scorpius grew up with those who knew how to track even the trickiest of dragons, wouldn't you say?

Scorpius: (sniff) ...That direction, 15 miles to the East! I smell a dragon's scales!
Jagged: Hard left captain!

Later

Develon was blowing his own bubbles to pass the time and to relax. But then a shadow flew over. Obviously an intimidation tactic. Develon stopped and looked around.

Nothing yet...

Develon: *sigh* How so cliché. Come on, I'm not scared of you!

Soon a dragon, somewhat larger then Develon, came into view and landed several feet away. He had a serpentine body with winged legs and a scorpion's tail tip. He had scars over his eyes, with one eye clearly blind. The black and yellow dragon smiled maliciously as he spoke out in a confident tone.

???: Well well well, YOU'RE the demon dragon causing havoc around here? YOU!? You're... certainly smaller then I imagined.
Develon: So what!? Demons come in many sizes and shapes! Trust me, I've met a few.
???: Wait... You don't hide the fact that you're a demon?
Develon: Why should I? It's SSSOOOO good to be a demon! So much power. So much dominance! My kinda life really😈. I'm Develon, the future ruler of the universe! You?
???: (chuckles) Such big dreams for a dragon. I'm Scorpius, future ruler of Dragon's Peak and soon-to-be killer of Malefor the Undead King.
Develon: Oh? You plan to rule this place too? Then how about an alliance? You're clearly not with those "Sky-losers", and neither am I. I take over this place, and I'll allow you to any and all islands here you want, plus help you take out this Malefor character. He sounds like he could try to take me out and off the throne if I left him be. What do you say?
Scorpius: Hmmm... Well, under specific circumstances I might've said yes... But, you know, it's against my lifestyle to work with other dragons sssoooo... Don't count on it.
Develon: Oh? "Against your lifestyle"? How's that?
Scorpius: I live with trolls who hunt dangerous dragons for a living. I just think it'd be weird to work with a dragon after killing as many as I have. You understand, right?
Develon: Oooo... A cannibal dragon? Not surprised my dad was the same way. Welp, I don't like working with others either. I prefer to have everything to myself don't you know?
Scorpius: Then why did you ask!?
Develon: Mm, why not? Gotta know the enemy to beat 'em at their own game. Besides, you have something about you that... I don't know... Strikes a familiar cord to me...
Scorpius: Hmph. Famous last words demon! Anything else before I strip you of your wings!?
Develon: Oh... You were here to capture me? Really?
Scorpius: Why not!? I've seen for myself what a demon's power could do! I drain your energy and I can have more then enough power to take out Ramses AND Malefor like that! (Snaps fingers) That ought to show Raven not to make me seem like the kind of guy to defy the traditions of my tribe!
Develon: WHAT!? Ah heck no Scorpy! I'M GOING TO TAKE THAT SORCERESS RAVEN DOWN! You'll have to forget that plan Scar Eyes! Raven's mine!
Scorpius: But your power will be mine! How could YOU possibly beat Raven without your power!?
Develon: Oh you won't take me out that easily! Na uh, not going to happen! I'll prove it, here and now!
Scorpius: Mmm... I never fought a demon dragon before... this will be very entertaining indeed.😈
Develon: Oh it will... I'll enjoy your pleads for mercy. Now fight me like a dragon!
Scorpius: I'll fight better... like a hunter. (Growls)

And so, the fight between dragons began!

Develon started with a few fireballs, but they were nothing to Scorpius. He simply put up his wing and shielded himself from the blast. Scorpius returned fire- quite literally- with his black flames, which surprised Develon and made him run. Scorpius followed up with some of his steel spikes to try and hit Develon, but he ran to the sky before the spikes could hit him. The scorpion tailed dragon ran after him and took to the sky himself, turning this into a all out sky war.

Fireballs and flames and a few bubbles soared across the sky as Develon and Scorpius seeked to take the other out! Develon may have been faster due to his small size, but Scorpius had experience chasing down dragons until they were out and down for the count. Develon had fighting experience, sure, but Scorpius could tell that Develon never actually killes before.

That's something Scorpius could more then happily do...

And not even Develon could out-fly Scorpius forever. He began slowing down and running out of breath. Scorpius was able to catch up and strike Develon with his tail, launching Develon straight to the ground! Scorpius flew down so he could watch Develon be the one to plead for mercy as he was paralyzed, helpless and at the will of Scorpius...

Scorpius: (chuckles) So, how do you feel? Scared? Hopeless? Unable to move? Good.😈
Develon: *groans* W-what is this!?
Scorpius: Oh, just a special fear toxin I have in my tail. Nothing too major. Yeah, you're going to be like this for a while. Long enough for me to take you back to my lair and drain your energy. With you, screw Kaos and screw the Zodiac. Screw the Dark Dragonslayer even! Your power is enough for me!
Develon: *groans*
Scorpius: Tell me, how does it feel to be used? It's been years since I was someone's plaything. Show me fear, oh mighty fearsome Develon!
Develon: ... (chuckles quietly)... (chuckles loudly)
Scorpius: ???... What's so funny? Wait... H-how are you laughing right now? M-my toxin is absolute!
Develon: (Cackles maniacally) Oh... I thought you knew. Demons are immune to toxins like yours!

Before Scorpius could react, Develon blew a huge bubble, filled with Scorpius' own toxin, right at Scorpius! Before Scorpius could think, Develon charged up a ball of all too familiar red energy and launched it right at Scorpius, blasting him to the ground! Before long and before he could get up, Scorpius felt it... his paralysis setting in.

He felt it set in. The shaking, the tension, the... the fear...

What was happening!? Is this what they felt? Is this that fear?!

Develon: Hahahaha!!! How pathetic! You fell into my trap and I wasn't even planning it!
Scorpius: *gasping*
Develon: Aww, what's wrong? Feeling alittle inadequate? So was that ice dragon I fought a few days ago. He was sssooo screwed ever since he challenged me.
Scorpius: *gasping* Y-you...
Develon: What was that guy's name even? R-ru-rudy? No, that's not- Rhudan! That was it!
Scorpius: *gasping*😲 W-what!?

Rhudan!? An ice dragon named Rhudan!?

There was only one like that... But he died a long time ago...

Or did he...? No... No that's not possible!

Gah! What was this feeling!? Develon's demon energy must be doing something to Scorpius. It felt like something inside was... wanting to get out!

Develon: Oh Rudy was screwed. I had him on his knees, pleading, begging for life! Trying to hold on!

No...

Develon: But hey, blood was already spilled... Why cry over spilled milk? Especially if it was already spoiled😈.

NO!

Before Develon knew it, there was a blast of energy right in his face, sending him back! It took only seconds for the dust to clear, but when it did and Develon looked up... he couldn't believe it.

Scorpius practically crackled with energy.

His whole aura changed.

His teeth had become massive viper fangs. His scales pure red with white, almost bone like patterns across his body. His horns jet black. His wings blus and green, along with his tail tip and the ridges along his back. His eyes weren't yellow anymore, but now they were a neon green.

Scorpius looked more then ready to kill someone. Anything.

Develon couldn't believe it.

No wonder Scorpius had something familiar about him.

What... luck.

Scorpius(?): *panting* ...
Develon: Oooohhhh... I can't believe this...
Scorpius(?): RRRAAAAWWWRRRR!!!
Develon: I knew it! I felt it from the start! Is this your first time!? It has to be... you would've said something before. Woah! Missed! Missed again! Haha! What a perfect opportunity! COME ON! Let's see who's better? A dragonic demon hybrid, or a demonic dragon hybrid!

Develon powered himself up as he prepared to strike back with his malicious grin.

He was about to wrangle up a demon viper!

Or at least that was the original idea. Nearly blowing up the whole ilsand they were fighting on was more of a... unpredictable side effect? Just where did Scorpius suddenly get this much power!?

Develon was even forced to take on his full demon form once more, but that ended badly too. Scorpius unexpectedly coughed up a whole mouthful of acid all upmon Develon's face. And it hurt. Badly.

Develon(full demon): AAAHHH!! IT BURNS! AAAHHH! You know what forget this! Aahhh! I'll beat you to a pulp for this Scar Eyes! Count on it!

Develon flew off, admittingly giving up his island to Scorpius. God, he hated to lose!

Scorpius felt his head hurt so much. He couldn't control himself at all! What was this!?

Scorpius(?): Aahhh! *panting* ...HEEEELLLPPPP!!! Please!!! Somebody!!!

Don't you know anything boy? I AM helping you...

Just let me take care of EVERYTHING...

Scorpius remembered hearing that voice in his head...

He remembered falling toward the ground...

He barely remembered hearing the sound of the Anti-claw ship engine coming close...

He almost didn't feel anything when he saw Jagged in his face, probably asking if he was alright. He didn't know actually how to answer that.

He only had one response to anything as he grabbed Jagged by his armor.

Scorpius: R-rhudan... H-he's... ALIVE!

And then everything went black...

---

Holy macaroni things are getting extreme! Then again these are demons we're dealing with here. Who would've thought Scorpius was one! Wait, Raven did say she felt something off about Scorpius some chapters back before she left...

I'll put up a pic of Scorpius' "Demon Viper" form soon in my artbook, so look out for that! Cheers!🐉