Spyro panics again, but quickly attempts to hide it. "Hehe, yeah, I got into this huge fight with a dragon called Malefor and... yeah... this happened..." "Seriously? Malefor? Must've been tough, especially with your dragon kind," I nod. I can tell he's lying, though. How stupid does he think I am? And you don't get an incredibly powerful dark aura through Malefor's battles, you get killed. End of story.

"What's all this talk of Malefo-... Vexelle?"

I look up to see Master Eon coming out from the secret room behind his double bookcase door. He hurries over and grabs me in a painful and supremely awkward hug. "Oh, thank goodness you're back! We need you now more than ever!"

"Ngh... I hope you don't need me alive, then..." I grunt, struggling to escape. "Because I won't be for long at this rate!"

"Hey! Hands off!" I hear Night's voice yell. He flies over and tackles Eon, effectively freeing me from his grasp. The Skylanders immediately leap in to attack, so I quickly emit a light blue shockwave. Everyone relaxes.

"Everyone relax, he's with me!" I announce, pulling Night off of Eon. "Everyone, meet Nightwing. "Night, you know Spyro and Stealth Elf. This is Pop Fizz, Eruptor, Jet Vac and my boss, Master Eon."

"Oh! I'm so, so sorry!" Night apologises quickly, helping Eon up. "I just saw you grab Vex and-!"

"Oh, it's quite alright," Eon luckily assured Night. "It's good to know someone was watching out for her." Night sighed in relief.

"So... how did you guys meet?" Jet Vac asks us, trying to ease the tension in the room. I explain all that happened at the Aurascale Citadel over the last month, though I do skip over a few parts. They don't need to know about all the Cleo business and stuff like that.

"... so now we're mates," I smile slightly, nuzzling Night. He nuzzles me back, aura changing to a light pink. Such an adorable lovesick puppy.

"Wow! Congrats, guys!"

"That's amazing!"

"You two make a great couple!"

"I want a mate! I'd name him Jeffery!"

"Simmer down, Pop."

"No, continue. I'm intrigued."

I chuckle at them all. Man, it's good to be back. "Uh, Vex? In case you don't like to do it around others, just letting you know that you're glowing," Night whispers to me. It's true - I'm glowing bright yellow. "Oh, thanks, sorry," I reply, quickly masking my aura out of embarrassment.

"Don't be sorry, it's fine," Night assures. "I love knowing you're so happy you can't contain it. Besides, yellow's a beautiful colour on you." He licks my cheek. I smile. "Aw, Thanks, Night." I lick his cheek back.

Reactions range from 'aw' to 'get a room'.

I roll my eyes. "Would you rather we made you fall in love with each other?" I threaten. They all back off, making Night laugh. "I see you've got them on a tight leash."

"Yup, lovely pets," I snicker. "Are you done?" Eruptor deadpans. "Just about," I smile with mock innocence.

"Vexelle, I know you've only just returned, but will you be able to take up training the cadets and Skylanders soon?" Eon asks. "Another threat has been released and we could use your help more than ever."

"I'm happy to get straight back to it," I assure with a smile. Got to admit, I've missed all my work. I actually enjoy training others up. "So fill me in; what's the threat?"

They all explain about a guy called Strykore - Kaos' father and Eon's brother... man, must be awkward - and how he's going to destroy the Core of Light. "I see... to do that he'd need something pretty strong, as well as a way to reach the core. I know some people who might be able to work out Strykore's plans. I'll speak with them soon. For now, though, I believe it's time for training?"

~•~

"Looking good, Stealth Elf! Eruptor, lift up your legs! Pop Fizz, focus! Pick up the pace, Jet Vac!"

Everyone listens and improves accordingly, making it through the obstacle course in their new personal best times. Night, Spyro and I watch as they all return, puffing a little.

"Doing great, guys," I smile encouragingly. "Keep up the good work and Strykore won't know what hit him. I want you to run one more time, then we'll call it a day. Got it?"

"Hey Vex, mind if I give it a shot?" Night asks me. "Go right ahead," I smile. "Show these guys what you can do. Everyone line up. Stop whining, Pop, it's just one last go. Ready... go!"

As everyone begins, Spyro - he's on recovery from his battle with Malefor, so he has an excuse that he's happy to flaunt - approaches me. "So... Vexelle... those people you said might be able to work out Strykore's plans? Who exactly are they?"

"Adrian, Freya and the rest of the group," I shrug. "Freya's well-read and Adrian's a top-tier fighter. Together we should all be able to work out what Strykore's got up his sleeves. Why?"

"Uuuuh... I was just... curious because I... wanted to know if I could help out? Hehe?"

"Oh, sure thing," I smile, pretending I fell for his stupid lie. Seriously, does anyone actually fall for it? "You can come along tomorrow, if you'd like. Since you're on recovery this might be a good way for you to still help out."

"Sure, sounds.. sounds great," he agrees unenthusiastically. "Great, we could use the help," I smile 'naively'. "For now, go rest up, it's getting late. I'll grab you tomorrow and we can head out."

~•~

"Master Eon? May I speak with you for a minute?"

"Of course, Vexelle. What seems to be the trouble?" Eon asks, welcoming me in. I sit down on the sofa opposite him, sighing. "One second, I just need to make sure..."

I emit an aura wave, but encounter no auras or blockades I should be wary of. Only a few straggling cadets outside.

"It's about Spyro. I'm afraid he's been touched by darkness. From what you've told me and from the intensity of the magic, I think Strykore stole his light."

Eon is shocked and scared by this. "Spyro? Working for Strykore?! Oh, no... no, it... it simply cannot be!"

"There's still good in him," I assure. "The Spyro you know is still in there. Which means Strykore is controlling him. We just need to free him from Strykore's control and he'll be back to his old self."

"I'll start searching for answers right away," Eon promises. "Just don't tell him about this," I warn. "I'm going to play double agent, see what I can learn about Strykore's plan. Spyro's coming with me tomorrow to work out the plans to defeat Strykore, I'm planning to drop by now to fill my friends in on my plan so Spyro hears about a fake attack on Strykore. This'll keep him away from the Academy while you guys work on a way to free him from Strykore's control."

Eon nods. "A good plan. Just be careful, Vexelle. If you aren't, we could lose you to the darkness as well. You're much too valuable an asset to lose, especially to Strykore."

"I know. That's why I'd like Nightwing to stay here and help you guys out, if that's alright with you. If I turn evil, he's the only one resistant to my manipulations. Make sure I'm locked away with him guarding me. He's the best chance I'd have of not hurting anyone."

Eon sighs at this, but nods again. "I understand. Nightwing can stay, I trust your judgement. I just can't believe that Spyro..."

"Just keep treating him the same, act natural. We'll free him soon," I promise, then emit a shockwave. Within seconds, I've disappeared into a portal.