"What's the point of being deliciously evil if you can't enjoy it?" Independent/Selective multimuse of the Skylanders Series! Please read Rules, Muses and Verses Pages for more information.
I honestly think I've lost all will and motivation to write.
It's not anybody's fault, truly- I've been known to be completely forgetful on threads; to get caught up into new hyperfixations, but when that doesn't happen and others of my friends are, I sometimes really just... feel left behind.
From the bottom of my gut, I've always felt that everyone else has better writing potential than I've ever had. Better story ideas, better characters on both good and evil sides, better plot directions; or, in a sense, that I sometimes feel like I'm being downplayed because of it.
Like "Oh no, it's X Villain, what cryptic nonsense are they doing now that just serves to mildly inconvenience me. 🙄"
Or "Oh no, it's Y Villain... anyway here's my villain that makes them look like Sister Teresa in comparison."
Again- not targeted at anyone- these've just been thoughts that I've been having for... well, for years at this point.
I used to love writing, love making stories that others talk about so readily. But... I just don't love it like I used to anymore. I want to keep doing it, believe me!! But... I dunno.
Maybe some time away will help me get my head on straight. I hope y'all have a good day otherwise.
"Oh, and I suppose you would know all about greedy desires, won't you, "Genie?" Let me guess; one too many masters in your line of work wish for anything but your freedom?"
She just had to stall Ninjini just a touch longer so that her minions and the rest of the Doom Raiders can load up the ingredients for her grand wedding cake on their get-away vehicle; and since this provided an excellent distraction from the real plot back in the Outlands, every second gained there was a second closer to Skylands' sheer and total defeat.
"Let's see how you deal with these! Guardians, Protect your Golden Queen!"
From the air itself spawned a few four-winged golden turrets, in similar shape to the Queen's staff. Each of them started to glow at their cores, before firing golden lasers towards Ninjini!
If she were not in the heat of battle right now she certainly would have retorted with snark to the Golden Queen's response. It was hardly about that considering she was already free. More so the fact that it seemed like these villains just couldn't grasp the idea that perhaps if they didn't do anything terrible in the first place, people like her wouldn't stand up and knock them back into place.
Many of the scarabs had to been dealt with by now as she slowed down her pace. Ninjini had expected the other to start getting closer for an attack but instead still choose to keep her distance with these turrets. She did her best to dodge and weave as they fired about but ultimately the fire and attacking from all sides was being too much. Once she was close enough, she slipped herself beneath a pile of rocks by mistifying herself. If only to give her a moment to breathe and figure out her next move.
Once the golden smoke cleared, the Queen scanned the area, unaware that Ninjini had escaped under rock cover. It seemed to her that she drove off that Skylander.
"That's it, Skylander! Go ahead and hide with your tail between your legs, like the cur that you are! Go on and whimper to your Portal Masters- not even they can help you now!
Skylands shall fall, and I shall be its ever-Radiant Queen!"
With a smarmy laugh, the Golden Queen called off the lasers, before heading towards the escape vehicle; an aircraft with all of her ill-gotten goods in a sack like Santa's sleigh. If she hurried, Ninjini could still catch up...
A new Muse is coming soon~! I won't tell many more details, but I will give Icon Credit right now;
If not from Official Sources, any and all art used for this new Skylanders muse will have been made by ToxicSoul77 on her works from Twitter and Bluesky!
"Ugh... all you Skylanders are alike. Fight first, ask questions never. Admittedly, if we had minions on our side that're as half as persistent, we would've won by now!"
Alas, the Queen had to move on the Defensive. With a slam of her golden scepter down, out came a torrent of Golden Scarabs, swarming the giant Genie with their cacophonic buzzing and voracious appetite.
"These should keep you busy for a while, Sky-blunderer!"
"Perhaps that is due to the fact that you all make your undesired intentions very clear and it usually doesn't involve good things for everyone." Ninjini huffed in response. "If you didn't do anything bad, I wouldn't have to be using these swords right now. What's so difficult to understand about that?"
She's more or less just venting a little. The genie elf highly doubts she'll take any of her words to heart. The only thing that seems to be on her mind is gold. To be fair it is very pretty but to the extent that she wants it? Yeah, not going to happen.
Ninjini glares in return before extending out both arms and swirling herself around at great speeds both to attack the scarabs and keep them at bay.
"Oh, and I suppose you would know all about greedy desires, won't you, "Genie?" Let me guess; one too many masters in your line of work wish for anything but your freedom?"
She just had to stall Ninjini just a touch longer so that her minions and the rest of the Doom Raiders can load up the ingredients for her grand wedding cake on their get-away vehicle; and since this provided an excellent distraction from the real plot back in the Outlands, every second gained there was a second closer to Skylands' sheer and total defeat.
"Let's see how you deal with these! Guardians, Protect your Golden Queen!"
From the air itself spawned a few four-winged golden turrets, in similar shape to the Queen's staff. Each of them started to glow at their cores, before firing golden lasers towards Ninjini!
"Oh, it's that genie elf that made such a fuss last time."
The Queen knew to stay her guard. A Skylander, retired or not, was a dangerous enemy, and especially a Giant of her stature.
"I haven't a quarrel with you, Skylander- not yet, anyways; I'm just here to pick up a few things."
A "few" things, happened to be tons of flour, eggs, milk, and other ingredients... from the most lavish places in all of Skylands- nothing less for the Golden Queen; and if some of the Mabu villagers were to turn over their gold and valuables in the process, she wasn't going to turn that down.
"Consider it that I'm going on a... nuptial shopping spree~! I still need to find the perfect venue, and the absolute most perfect Dress- The ceremony's soon, after all, taking place right after we take over Skylands!"
Arms were quick to fold over her chest and give the Golden Queen a look. One that told her she didn't buy any of what was being said. Pick up a few things? Yeah, probably items needed for some grand scheme in conquest or destruction.
Naturally she didn't have to wait long till the full answer was given. "Of course." Ninjini could only shake her head quietly in disapproval. And here she had once thought dealing with the Arkeyans would have been all she had to deal with. How foolish she was with that thinking.
"Well then. With such a goal in mind then I suggest you draw whatever weapon you wish to use." Twin blades form within her hands. "As I will not be allowing you to go beyond the island we both stand upon." The offer of potential surrender crosses her mind to suggest but the genie elf feels it will fall completely on deaf ears. Much like when it came to dealing with Lord Kaos.
"Ugh... all you Skylanders are alike. Fight first, ask questions never. Admittedly, if we had minions on our side that're as half as persistent, we would've won by now!"
Alas, the Queen had to move on the Defensive. With a slam of her golden scepter down, out came a torrent of Golden Scarabs, swarming the giant Genie with their cacophonic buzzing and voracious appetite.
"These should keep you busy for a while, Sky-blunderer!"
"An arrival such as yours is never good news." Her stance is firm as she observes cautiously. Hands are ready and eager to deploy her twin swords, but she will wait for when the other strikes first.
"Out with it then or should we just skip to the part where we do battle? I certainly wouldn't mind the latter."
"Oh, it's that genie elf that made such a fuss last time."
The Queen knew to stay her guard. A Skylander, retired or not, was a dangerous enemy, and especially a Giant of her stature.
"I haven't a quarrel with you, Skylander- not yet, anyways; I'm just here to pick up a few things."
A "few" things, happened to be tons of flour, eggs, milk, and other ingredients... from the most lavish places in all of Skylands- nothing less for the Golden Queen; and if some of the Mabu villagers were to turn over their gold and valuables in the process, she wasn't going to turn that down.
"Consider it that I'm going on a... nuptial shopping spree~! I still need to find the perfect venue, and the absolute most perfect Dress- The ceremony's soon, after all, taking place right after we take over Skylands!"
There was no use in struggling. She could kick and scream, beat at his armor as much as she could... with what little she had left, it wouldn't accomplish much of anything, anyways. Therefore, she was helpless, as she was taken directly to another room- one that she hadn't scouted so far.
And it sent shivers down her spine.
It was a chamber full of Traptanium, each labeled and tempered by a specific type; Fire, Water, Earth, Air... all of the known elements in Skylands was there. A Life Trap was front and center of all of these elemental traps, just waiting to keep Stealth Elf as prisoner.
"So, what? You're just going to kill me? Or keep me in that Trap until I starve? You'll never get the location of the Core of Light from me- I told you before, I don't know where that is!"
"Hiss and spit all you wish, Skylander... but know that I will not kill you, nor make you suffer. No, no... I have much greater plans in store for you."
Vathek would unceremoniously press Elf against the Traptanium, and the elf would be forced inside the crystal prison. As much as she tried with her weakened state, she couldn't escape... only the Trap Masters with their weapons made from Traptanium, could accomplish such a feat.
She watched helplessly as Vathek went over to a Troll and simply nodded. The Troll, almost too eager to please, hurriedly rushed over to a control panel and pressed button upon button, pulled a lever several times, and flipped a switch. A large laser soon descended from the ceiling, aimed right for her. Eyes darted to the casing right behind it; a small sample of Petrified Darkness, hooked right into the machine.
An Evilizer... just like what Kaos used to make his forces stronger.
"You are much more worth keeping alive, Skylander. Not only are you the perfect bargaining chip for Eon to trade for the Core's location... but, until then, you shall prove an effective soldier..."
"I'll NEVER join you! You hear me!? Never!" She continued to pound at the Traptanium, as worthless as it may seem. Vitriol boiled in her blood, as desperation kept her rebellious... for what little time she had left."
"And again, I emphasize... As if you had a choice. Fate is a fickle, cruel thing, Stealth Elf. Such is Fate that brought you here, Such is fate that brings you under my grasp.
Commence the operation... and spare no Petrified Darkness from the sample. I want her completely under my whim... NOW."
The beam of dark light would fire straight towards the Life Traptanium, refracting and reflecting around and into the Elf! As the beams struck her body, she screamed and wretched, fists continuing to beat against the Traptanium Prison, her body burning and sparking, as if rejecting the Darkness being pumped relentlessly into her system.
All of a sudden, the screaming stopped, just as the laser had expended the last of its energy. Vathek gave a low hum- that was... shorter, than anticipated... but it did give some ideas for him to browse upon. For now, he'd look over to the Traptanium, obscured now that it had turned completely black from the Evilization Process. He'd take his sword and give a powerful blow to the prism, shattering it into pieces and causing his prisoner to fall to the ground in a shattered heap.
"Get up, Skylander. You embarrass yourself."
As Stealth Elf rose up to meet Vathek's gaze once more, he paused. The intensity of the air was growing.
"...who are you?"
"...I am Stealth Elf."
"And who do you serve?"
The light would turn to show that Stealth Elf was not herself. Pale gray skin, like the Dark Drow. Sparks of Dark Magic course around the Elf, but she paid little mind to them now. She seemed more violent, more cold and calulating.
Oh no no no no no... she was directly face-to-face with him now. Panic surged through her body, freezing up every muscle. Eyes darted around the room, searching for any way out, any way to escape...
But there was none. He had her dead to rights.
"I was wondering when that old fool Eon would show his hand... but I did not expect him to not only send just one Skylander... and one so small..."
He kept his approach, penning her into the small balcony that she had found herself trapped in.
"Isn't it... beautiful? A true, beautiful, beating Heart of Pure Darkness. Anything bathed in its eternal darkness shall, too, embrace the Shadow which I have harbored within my own heart. For years, alchemists and Dark Portal Masters alike have attempted this feat.
Only I, Vathek the Undying, have managed to achieve this. Such raw power and potential, all in the palm of my hand. This should more than suffice to destroy your precious Core of Light, and bathe Skylands in eternal Night... now, it's only a matter of where.
And you, small elf, will tell me. Where is the Core of Light!?"
"...even if I knew," she began, slowly shifting into a defensive stance, "...Why should I tell you if you're planning on destroying it and Skylands along with it!? Skylands needs the Core of Light, and by extension, you do too!"
Vathek remained still, looking straight towards the Elf without much worry.
"The Core of Light is merely a tool, a weapon, to banish the Darkness, nothing less. Not to mention, it had been destroyed before, twice over, by someone far weaker than I am... that whelp, Kaos. If you could not stop him from destroying the Core twice over, what hopes do you and your kin have of stopping me?"
"...You were right earlier... I am only one Skylander." She steeled her nerves, breathing steadying. "But that just means there are more in the waiting. If I fall here, then the rest of them will follow, and all of your plans will be destroyed." As she spoke, she reached towards her satchel slowly.
"...and I don't plan on falling here today."
Stealth Elf moved to grab the talisman, pulling it out to at least summon a way back home-!
Only for a large, Dark Traptanium sword to bring itself slashing down upon the trinket, causing it to harmlessly clatter to the floor.
"Pitiful Skylander... as if you had a choice in the matter."
What ensued would be a long, savage battle. The mighty swings of the Dark Portal Master's Greatsword and his Magic, and Stealth Elf's speed, acrobatics, and twin-knives. Sparks fly from their weapons clashing, and neither of them seemed to get hit; it was a stalemate as much as one could see.
"Impressive, Skylander- you have combat prowess in droves, leagues beyond from what I can assume Eon could ever teach. Your Senseis have clearly trained you well..."
However, the Dark Portal Master had the clear advantage... and a clear shot. His arm raised, and a great ball of Dark magic formed in the palm of his hand.
"But I have more power than ALL of you Skylanders! I -will- get revenge!"
The flash of Dark Energy was devastating- blasting back Elf and making her drop her weapons.
Everything was hurting... she could barely move without sheer pain. Black static coursed all around her body, and with each movement came a course of pain, which she winced at. She however was doing her best to crawl towards the dropped talisman, to invoke its power... to get Ninjini to whisk her back home...
But this did not happen.
Instead, the large, armored hand of The Undying clasped around Stealth Elf's body, holding her up to his face.
"There, there... the pain will soon end... Once you accept the Darkness into your heart."
"Is there anything I can do? Anything at all?" {Ninjini to Master Eon!}
"Well... I don't suppose you'd join back up with us and the Skylanders, do you? We do need all of the help and expertise we can get."
He was a bit serious with that; sure, he understood completely that Ninjini was a retired Skylander, but... the villains were growing only bolder with each attempt on the Skylands, and they need all the help they can get... but he also felt that 'just helping around' wasn't Ninjini's only goal.
"Ninjini, I realize I sent Stealth Elf on a harrowing, dangerous quest... I'm worried about her too, believe me, but... you and I both know she is completely capable. We both must remain in spirit that she will prevail in Vathek's Castle in the Badlands..."
Today was the day of the Infiltration. Her mission was simple- get in, get information, and get out. All of the weeks of training, all of the effort, blood, sweat, and tears to get to this very moment. She moved to clutch at her satchel, at the talisman that Ninjini had given her, breathing one last sigh before shrouding up.
She'll come back soon, Ninjini... she promised.
She'd use her athletics to scale up the outer walls of the Lord Vathek's domain, slipping inside without a sound. She'd sneak around the rafters and supports, over from gargoyle to gargoyle, following the lesser minions who were carrying the ores hurriedly. Just what were they up to? She'd continue her investigation onwards... seeing faces that she did not want to see.
"...did I hear you right, Queenie? You're actually interested in him?"
"What's not to be interested in!?"
It was the two Evil Queens- Kaossandra, of the time of the Swap Force, and the Golden Queen of the time of the Trap Team. And they were... gossiping? About crushes?
"He's tall, dark and brooding, covered head to toe in gold~! Not to mention Powerful! What kind of evil woman would I be to not be interested in Vathek?"
"Oh, gross..." she thought to herself. Not only was Golden Queen willing to mingle, but it was VATHEK who she was interested in!? Did she not know that Vathek was already undead?!
"Well, I think it's great that you're trying to court with him~! Honestly, I wish Kaos had half as much foresight and initiative as he does- he would've taken over the Skylands by now.
Speaking of... Minions! What's the status of His Grand Design?"
Wait... Grand Design?
"Ma'am, yes ma'am! The Trolls and Greebles have been bringing in all of the Petrified Darkness and Traptanium in droves! They're being brought into the central spire as we speak."
"How close until the weapon is ready? And do the Skylanders know about it?"
"It should be within the viewing range of a month's time, your graces. As for the Skylanders, we haven't had any sign of intrusion or even curious glance at our work."
"Good- keep it that way." The Golden Queen interjected, polishing her golden nails. "The less the Skylanders know, the better off we'll be. Thank goodness that little whelp Kaos is still in Cloudcracker Prison right now, or else we'd have HIM to worry about getting in our way."
"Ugh, tell me about it. You're free to go about as you were, little Troll. As for you, Queenie...
Let's talk Bouquets and Banquets for your eventual marriage, shall we~?"
Elf mentally gagged at the thought of those two evildoers getting married, before returning to think for her mission.
The Central Spire, eh? That wasn't too far away from here. She'd continue to sneak along her way over towards the Central Spire, up to a decent vantage point- a balcony overhead.
"...Oh... my... Skylands..!!"
What she was seeing was absolutely shocking... and disastrous.
Trolls of all kinds were also refining Traptanium Ore with forges and machinery, using it and other metals to create weapons for war; tanks, ballistae, explosives, each of them getting loaded with small loads of Petrified Darkness, though those were nothing compared to
what was in the center of the room.
Tons of Ore of Petrified Darkness, being poured into what seemed to be a large vat. Magic of the Darkest Kind coming from an entire coven of Dark Spell Punks seemed to keep the amalgamate of Dark Crystal together, almost looking like a beating heart... Dark Traptanium-glass Shielding was brought up around it, to keep it safe and stable, no doubt reinforced with metals and other magics prevent it from being destroyed, or going hyper-critical.
This was more than Bad; This could mean the end of Skylands as they knew it. There was enough Petrified Darkness and Dark Traptanium here to fuel an army ten times the size of anything that Kaos ever managed to scrape together!!
Trying her best not to panic, she tried to make her way out of the room, but turning around showed her the one face she dared not wished to see...
The Elf listened to what her former master had began to tell her. It was good to hear that Ninjini was also confident in her abilities, though her story... it didn't seem like she'd tell more than that, but she definitely sounded like she was hurting.
She was a bit hopeful that at least the bottle would sate her, but, again, she was right- it was awkward to hold on her back and far too conspicuous; everyone who was anyone knew it was the genie's bottle. However, upon being given the talisman in exchange, she gave a light smile. Putting that talisman in her satchel, she moved to give Ninjini a reassuring hug.
"Don't worry, Ninjini... I'll be super careful. After this mission, we should definitely get to hang out more! I wanna hear about all your travels as soon as I get back."
The small hug caught her off guard, but the genie elf quickly accepted it. Hands and arms were careful in their approach to return it as she brought the skylander close. The giant let the hug linger just for a bit before letting go.
"I know you will. I just...want to give you something that I didn't have in my time of need." Ninjini smiles as she rests herself. She feels better knowing that if things do go south, Stealth Elf has the means to get herself out of it. She didn't have that all those centuries ago and the genie had paid the ultimate price for it.
"We most certainly have too. Perhaps we can pick a day when both of our schedules are clear? Oh! Maybe we can get pizza together. It'll be my treat." Oh yes, she's excited now. There's nothing better after a successful mission than celebrating with your allies.
Green ears perk at the Genie requesting some private conversation. Feeling a bit of a pang of regret in her heart for her words, and a bit of concern, she nodded.
"Uhh... sure. Sensei, if you don't mind-?"
"Not at all, Elf. Do what you both think needs to be done."
Once the Ninja Sensei left them to their devices, Stealth Elf paused, holding onto her arms in a pseudo self-hug.
"...Ninjini, I think I know what you're about to say, and... I know that you care about me- that you might think that this whole mission is dangerous, but... I think I feel ready for it. Even if it's Kaossandra and the Golden Queen funneling these stones... and, even if Vathek is the most powerful Dark Portal Master we've ever faced... we've beaten them before! And we can do it again! Besides- I'm not going to actively look for a fight- I just need to get in, and get out before anyone sees. My motto isn't "Silent but Deadly" for nothing."
Her ear twitched, as if getting an idea. She walked over to the nearby shelf, taking a familiar-looking bottle from it, presenting it to the Genie.
"...would it help you if I brought your Genie Bottle with me? That way you're one lamp-rub away from me, and we can take any of the forces they have by surprise!"
A quiet thank you is given towards Boom Bloom before it is just the two of them. Admittedly, she's not sure where to start but she doesn't have to wait long for Stealth Elf to bring everything up herself. "Any mission has the potential to become dangerous."
She's back down on the floor now, tail coiling around itself, as the genie elf figures out how she wants to word this. "I know you can achieve this, Stealth Elf. If anyone can do it alone, it is you. But...I very much had the same mindset myself when I was younger. I was so confident in myself that I...ignored blatant warning signs. I ignored what could have been an easy solution to my issue and instead it turned me into..." Hands gestured to herself. "...What I am today. Others would not have been so lucky." She won't go until the full story. Not today. Stealth Elf doesn't need any more stress than she's already experiencing with this potential mission.
Careful hands accept the bottle, once her eternal prison and now almost something akin to a home for her. It was rather ironic, wasn't it? "That's very close to what I was going to suggest actually. However, my bottle would bring too much attention. You need something smaller so you won't be weighed down or spotted, my friend." A snap of her fingers occurs, and a talisman is forged before having it float over to Stealth Elf.
"If you find yourself in trouble, do not feel ashamed to use it and summon me. I would rather your mission fail and you be able to come home than..." Ninjini trailed off. So much could potentially go wrong with all of this. At least having the talisman would give her a bit of peace of mind over the whole ordeal. "...Okay?"
The Elf listened to what her former master had began to tell her. It was good to hear that Ninjini was also confident in her abilities, though her story... it didn't seem like she'd tell more than that, but she definitely sounded like she was hurting.
She was a bit hopeful that at least the bottle would sate her, but, again, she was right- it was awkward to hold on her back and far too conspicuous; everyone who was anyone knew it was the genie's bottle. However, upon being given the talisman in exchange, she gave a light smile. Putting that talisman in her satchel, she moved to give Ninjini a reassuring hug.
"Don't worry, Ninjini... I'll be super careful. After this mission, we should definitely get to hang out more! I wanna hear about all your travels as soon as I get back."
"I realize this mission will be dangerous, but worry not, Ninjini. I have full faith in Stealth Elf, as you no doubt surely do. She has incredible skill as a Ninja, especially because of her training. Unfortunately, this is going to be a solo-op; Not many others have her share in stealth and combative training, and not to mention that I myself would still be busy teaching any and all needing Ninja Skylanders, so I am unavailable."
"And, uhhh... not to be mean, but... I hope you're not gonna suggest you come with me..."
At what she just said, her ears droop a bit as her hands jut out, embarrassed.
"N-Not that I don't want you to come!! You'd be GREAT on the mission but, it needs to be stealthy, and you're really kinda... big. I just don't want you to be captured, is all!!"
Well, she wasn't wrong. Ninjini'd stick out like a sore thumb due to her Giant status...
It just didn't sit right with her. Especially because of what she's been through before. Going alone....it had cost her everything. Her clan, her family, her...husband and children. She didn't want something like that to happen to anyone and certainly not to Stealth Elf. She didn't deserve a situation like that befalling onto her. A heavy sigh parted from her lips as she backed off, all be it mostly because she found herself lost in her own thoughts.
Stealth Elf's voice eventually pulled her out as she turned her attention to smaller elf. Big.... Pupil-less eyes stare down at her large hands as a frown began to form. "Yes, I'm far too big now." All that magic had made her like this. The genie goes silent once more as she considers what to do. If she should do anything at all. She's seen firsthand how capable Stealth Elf is....but so was herself when she was younger....and look at how that all turned out for her. Her decision has been made.
"Stealth Elf. May I speak with you? Privately? It will not be long, I assure you."
Green ears perk at the Genie requesting some private conversation. Feeling a bit of a pang of regret in her heart for her words, and a bit of concern, she nodded.
"Uhh... sure. Sensei, if you don't mind-?"
"Not at all, Elf. Do what you both think needs to be done."
Once the Ninja Sensei left them to their devices, Stealth Elf paused, holding onto her arms in a pseudo self-hug.
"...Ninjini, I think I know what you're about to say, and... I know that you care about me- that you might think that this whole mission is dangerous, but... I think I feel ready for it. Even if it's Kaossandra and the Golden Queen funneling these stones... and, even if Vathek is the most powerful Dark Portal Master we've ever faced... we've beaten them before! And we can do it again! Besides- I'm not going to actively look for a fight- I just need to get in, and get out before anyone sees. My motto isn't "Silent but Deadly" for nothing."
Her ear twitched, as if getting an idea. She walked over to the nearby shelf, taking a familiar-looking bottle from it, presenting it to the Genie.
"...would it help you if I brought your Genie Bottle with me? That way you're one lamp-rub away from me, and we can take any of the forces they have by surprise!"
With a puff of her trademark green smoke she disappeared for a few minutes, only to reappear over by the doorway and tucked her hands behind her back.
"Ninjini, I'd like for you to meet my current Sensei- Boom Bloom!"
With near-silent footfalls, in came the Sensei; a mutated plant, with two large bulbs coming from her head like pigtails. Glowing yellow eyes looked towards Ninjini, as the plant moved to take a bow towards the Giant.
"Greetings, Ninjini; Stealth Elf has told me much about your and her training. I am very pleased about Stealth Elf's progress thus far. In truth- I am almost ready to allow her to travel to the Obsidian Alcazar for the reconnaissance mission that Master Eon had requested."
"The Obsidian Alcazar is way out in the Badlands, and is the lair of Vathek the Undying. Master Eon has been monitoring the place for weeks, waiting for Vathek to make a move, but he's been quiet. Even worse, is that we've found out that Kaossandra and the Doom Raiders are funneling Petrified Darkness and Traptanium there... but we don't know why. That's why he needs the recon. Eon requested me personally- I'm the smallest and stealthiest of the other Ninja in the Academy- I should be able to slip in and out unnoticed.
I'd only be gone a couple of days from tomorrow. Until then, I've been refining my stealth and composure with Sensei Boom Bloom."
The giant resumed her quiet stance while her smaller partner vanished to retrieve their sensei. Oh, she couldn't wait to meet them. Ninjini didn't have to wait long either as Stealth Elf's voice would bring her out from her state. She would turn herself carefully before seeing...a plant being? How curious. The genie elf would return the bow with one of her own.
"It is a pleasure, Boom Bloom." A small smile does adorn itself across her pink lips as the other remarks on Stealth Elf's progress. She truly did show great potential as a skylander! Though the more she listened to this potential mission, the more concern she felt. She tried to hide it but well...her following actions said everything.
"Surely, you don't mean by yourself?!" She's up now, full height and looking down at the both of them, nearly hitting her head against the roof in the process. Large hands nearly stretching out towards Stealth Elf, as if to pull her away from the other. "I..." Ninjini paused before attempting to compose herself better. Hands falling behind her back as she distances herself. "Heading into the Badlands is one thing but Petrified Darkness and Traptanium dealings alongside that? That is incredibly risky no matter anyone's skill. The threat level is already very high without those factors in play..."
She had heard of both and their power through the tales of those that had witnessed them in action. Petrified Darkness...that could truly be dangerous in the wrong hands. And they wouldn't hesitate to use it upon a Skylander...
"I know....you're capable, Stealth Elf. Very much so. I do not doubt that for a second. But...it would be unwise to go alone." Her gaze shifts to Boom Bloom. "At the very least, have backup ready in case....anything happens. I speak from personal experience regarding that."
"I realize this mission will be dangerous, but worry not, Ninjini. I have full faith in Stealth Elf, as you no doubt surely do. She has incredible skill as a Ninja, especially because of her training. Unfortunately, this is going to be a solo-op; Not many others have her share in stealth and combative training, and not to mention that I myself would still be busy teaching any and all needing Ninja Skylanders, so I am unavailable."
"And, uhhh... not to be mean, but... I hope you're not gonna suggest you come with me..."
At what she just said, her ears droop a bit as her hands jut out, embarrassed.
"N-Not that I don't want you to come!! You'd be GREAT on the mission but, it needs to be stealthy, and you're really kinda... big. I just don't want you to be captured, is all!!"
Well, she wasn't wrong. Ninjini'd stick out like a sore thumb due to her Giant status...
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