It was early the next morning that Spyro and Stealth Elf were called back to the Academy. They were unfortunately unable to stay long. Spyro and I had some breakfast - fish, of course - while Stealth Elf got in some early training. Eon's floating head had appeared, startling but also intriguing the Aura Dragons nearby. Guess the whole 'freaking out about suddenly appearing aura' thing is a species thing.

After roasting a fish for Stealth Elf, the pair flew off, Stealth Elf riding on Spyro's back. I swear, that duo is iconic.

"What was that?!" Nightwing asks, coming over to me. He's been showing us around still. "Oh, that's how Master Eon summons the Skylanders," I explain. "It's interesting, isn't it? I'm still tempted to try and manipulate it."

Nightwing snickers at this. "That'd be awesome, wouldn't it?" "Yup," I agree with a smile. "His reaction would be priceless."

"I'm sure," he nods. "But it's time for your first trial to begin. Are you ready?"

"As I'll ever be," I smile. I can't wait to do this! I hope I don't make a fool of myself in front of all these other Aura Dragons, though. That'd be embarrassing.

I follow Nightwing to a large cavern, the entrance sealed with a door of gold. I can sense the powerful, almost suffocating auras inside. "I assume that's it," I comment. "It is," he nods. "The magic in there will prevent you from using your powers to destroy your surroundings. It'll also change the landscape, like a simulation. Your trials will commence in here."

I nod, hanging onto his every word. "I see... and will the Elder be present for the trials, or does it not work like that?"

"He and I will remain out here," Nightwing explains. "He'll have to make sure you can pass as safely as possible. I'm just another set of eyes."

I nod, then see the Elder approaching. Nightwing and I bow. "Elder," Nightwing greets. "Nightwing," the Elder replies, then turns to me. "Are you ready, young one?" He asks. I nod. "I am, Elder."

Seeming pleased, he taps the golden doorway with his tail, causing it to open. "Go inside. Your trial will soon begin."

"Good luck, Vexelle," Nightwing smiles to me. "Thanks," I smile back, heading inside.

The door seals behind me, for a minute encasing me in darkness. I use my aura sight to inspect the place. Nothing more than boulders and magic. No hidden tricks. I wait patiently, keeping my senses sharp.

Something flies at me, silently sweeping through the darkness. Without my aura sight I'd never notice it. I quickly duck and roll out of the way, though another incoming approaches, followed by several more.

I keep dodging and diving, avoiding the unseen obstacles as best I can. I attempt to see what they are, but they simply materialise out of nowhere without any distinguishing characteristics. Guess this is part of the 'simulation'.

I keep going until it lets up. Well that was quick. The light returns and the door is opened. The Elder is keeping that same mask over his aura, but I can feel Nightwing's shock and awe as he gapes at me.

"Did I... do something wrong?" I ask, confused by Nightwing's reaction. Did I mess it up?

"Young one... how long do you think you've been in here for?" the Elder asks me tentatively. I think for a moment. Was I taking too long to realise something? Was there something else I was supposed to do while I dodged and they just got so fed up of waiting they gave up on me? Probably.

"I... I don't know," I reply. "It only felt like a few minutes..."

The Elder and Nightwing exchanged a glance. Nightwing was even more shocked. "Did I do something wrong?" I ask, unable to help myself any longer.

"Not at all?" The Elder shakes his head. "Young one, I know from experience that time seems different in here, but you were in here quite a while. I've never seen a dragon your age last so long without a single hit. Very few have ever achieved this before. You outlasted the two hours the trial can take."

I blink, surprised as well now. I actually beat magic? And almost all the other Aura Dragons that have ever taken the trials?!

"Vexelle, that was... wow..." Nightwing comments. I can't help but chuckle a bit. "Thanks..." I didn't really know what else to say, still in shock over this. "What other trials are there, then?"

"None for today," the Elder shakes his head. "Never more than one at a time, the magic here is too powerful. The moment you step out your fatigue will get to you, you will need rest. Especially since you lasted the whole two hours."

"Oh, I see," I nod. While I would've liked to keep it up, I understand that this isn't the best way to do things. Besides, I'm not about to argue with the Elder over something so petty.

He nods in approval. "Nightwing, please escort her back to make sure she returns safely." "Of course, Elder," Nightwing nods, then leads me out.

The Elder was right; the moment I step out from the cavern, I feel a wave of fatigue rip through me and stumble. "You okay?" Nightshade asks, using his tail to steady me. "Y-Yeah," I nod. "Think I just... need a minute..."

He leans me against the cavern wall, where I let my head clear. After a few minutes, the world stops shaking and I can feel my legs again. "Okay, think I'm good now. Thank you."

"No problem. Come on, let's get you back," Nightwing replies, wrapping a wing around me to help me stay up. I lean against his side, grateful for the help.

He takes me back and lays me in the nest I've been using. "There you go. Do you need anything else?" He asks me. "No, thanks again for the help," I reply. "No problem," he smiles. "Have a nice rest, Vexelle. You'll have another trial tomorrow, if you're feeling up to it. You'll need your strength.

I nod, then I'm out like a light.