"Skylanders unite!"

Stealth Elf practically threw the empty plates down into the sink, though somehow none broke. She then teleported over, fully alert as to what Eon's strange floating head thing was saying.

"Good luck," I tell the Skylanders, knowing they'll have to go now. I started heading to the door. They all follow. When I try splitting away from the group, however, my tail is grabbed. "Nope!" Spyro shouts. "You're not going anywhere except with those guys! You can take my place while I sleep!"

"Uh, no, that's not how it works," I shake my head. "At least come with us," Stealth Elf compromises. "You don't even have to do anything. Remember what we said the other day? It'll be good for you to see us in action."

"Fine," I sigh. "Let's go." "Good," Stealth Elf smirks, leading the way. Spyro lets go of my tail, also smirking. "I win."

"Remember what happens when you get really, really happy, Spyro?" I discretely threaten. "Uh... no, I'm good," he replies nervously, moving away from me. "I win," I snicker, ignoring the looks of surprised confusion I'm getting from Stealth Elf, Eruptor and Pop Fizz.

When we get to the Academy, I try and discretely leave, but I'm caught by Stealth Elf, who teleports on top of me. "Seriously, do I look like a donkey or something?" I huff. "Well you're as stubborn as a mule," she replies with an amused shrug. I mutter something inappropriate under my breath and buck her off, but she just teleports onto me again.

"Jerk Elf," I snap. "Vexy Moo Moo," she teased. We all stopped and looked at her like she was crazy. "Uh... where did that one come from?" I ask, confused.

But Stealth Elf only snickers and hops off of me, dragging me by the tail towards the door. "Come on, guys; can't keep Master Eon waiting."

So I get made to join them, though thankfully Stealth Elf lets go of my tail. Eon's waiting for the Skylanders, though he's puzzled to see me. "Is something wrong, Vexelle?" He asks. "I didn't ask for you."

"I know," I reply. "But this is what happens when I try and leave." To prove my point, I start walking to the door. Immediately Stealth Elf teleports onto me, then drags me back by my tail. I sigh.

"Uh... okay..." Eon doesn't really seem to know how to respond. "Well I suppose it's a good thing you're here. Sprocket went to fill in for Jet Vac's class, so we don't have a reserve Skylander right at this moment. And I've heard that Spyro was hurt in a battle against the Doomraiders... from what I've been told, I want Spyro to stay back for this mission. I want to make sure he's alright before sending him back into battle. Vexelle, you're capable in a fight; you've proven your worth. Would you mind taking Spyro's place just for this mission alone?"

I notice Spyro is both upset and happy; upset that he misses out on a mission, but happy that I get a chance to go out instead. I also notice Stealth Elf giving me a pointed look and feel her gently tug my tail as a silent 'threat'.

"It seems Stealth Elf won't let me refuse even if I wanted to," I comment. "What exactly is the mission?"

He smiles slightly at my acceptance, but it's quickly replaced with a frown. "A Fire Viper is on the loose. You all need to go stop it."

Jet Vac suddenly hurries in. "Sorry I'm late!" He apologises, catching his breath. "The cadets are rather rowdy today! What's the mission?"

"Take on a Fire Viper," I answer. "Sounds simple enough to me." "Just you wait, baby," Eruptor shakes his head. "They're tougher than they look."

"Are you still calling me that?" I ask, amused. "Better than Stealth Elf's nickname," he shrugs. "True," I agree, still not sure where Stealth Elf's came from. "I don't get her one at all."

Everyone looks over at Stealth Elf, but she just snickers again. "Seriously, what is it?" I ask. My only reply is more laughter. I'm convinced she doesn't have a real reason for it and she just wants to call me something weird.

"Wait, you don't mean that Vexelle is coming with us?" Jet Vac asks, looking at me in surprise. "Looks like I am," I shrug. "Just this once, though."

"No offence, Vexelle, but how do we know you're up to the task?" He asks me. "The real deal is much different than your obstacle course drills and you haven't even studied at the Academy!"

"You speak so highly of the abilities the Academy can offer that you forget that real world experience matters just as much as pre-gained knowledge, maybe even more so," I reply. "I'm not saying that the Academy is pointless, I'm just saying that it's not necessary to study and train here to be able to hold your own in a battle. The Academy can only prepare you for battle."

"Well said, Vexelle," Eon nodded approvingly. "Now all of you get going; we don't know how much damage the Fire Viper could cause if left any longer."

I nod and start heading out, the others following. "Good luck!" Spyro calls to us as we part ways for now. "Kick some butt for me!"

We grab some of those weird vehicle things again since none of the others can fly. Luckily, I manage to convince them to let me fly alone this time. It's a welcome opportunity to stretch my wings for a good long while. I haven't been going at my night flying for a while now, so it'll be good for me to finally get back to it, day or night.

"Is everyone ready?" Jet Vac calls out over the roaring of engines and the whirring of propellor blades. After rounds of confirmation from each of us, we all set off, flying towards the Fire Viper.