Leo was right. That fateful day at the beginning of spring break was far from the only day he would cross paths with the Trap Masters, the Skylanders, and all their other strange but cool friends. No, it was just the initial discovery, only the beginning! Every day he spent of his spring break, every moment in-between entertaining his kid cousins, enduring the adults’ rambles, and spending a few fun times at the beach, the arcade, the amusement park, or all the other spots that Uncle Peter’s bustling town had to offer…
All of it intertwined with secret trips to Uncle Peter’s attic when nobody looked. He and Madeline would talk with the Trap Masters, and guide them through their little predicament of catching escaped villains. Leo had to admit, he was still wrapping his head around the whole “Skylanders isn’t just a game” thing, but he really enjoyed it! However, just like spring break came to a close, so would Leo’s adventures with the Skylanders. His vacation flew by so fast. That afternoon, he would head home to prepare for when school started again, and that meant saying goodbye to all his new friends.
But, it wasn’t time for that quite yet. Right now, it was the earliest hours of the morning, and nobody was awake but Leo himself, Madeline, and Snap Shot as they talked from the portal. Leo had to admit, this whole thing made Madeline grow on him a bit—just a bit. She was a lot better at keeping this whole thing a secret than he thought he was, and since she was the picture-perfect kid, everyone bought every excuse that came out of her mouth! If an uncle, a cousin, or even Mom happened to spot them, she’s just lie about forgetting something, or needing to get someone something and they’d buy it! She did have some good ideas sometimes too, like when she found Knight Light and Knight Mare so they could deal with some strange gates and stop Luminous and Nightshade. She may not have entirely shaken the “annoying kid sibling” title, but she was very, very, VERY slowly getting there.
“So, you gotta go back to your place today, huh?” Snap Shot asked at last. He leaned against his crossbow, and though he tried to hide it, he seemed just as disappointed as they were.
Leo only shrugged and sighed.
“Yeah,” he admitted, “spring break ends today, and we gotta go back to school tomorrow.”
“You don’t really have to go to school, do you?” Food Fight whimpered from where he stood beside Snap Shot. “I mean, school’s so boring, and—“
Snap Shot shot Food Fight a glare. “Food Fight, I wouldn’t recommend saying that on school grounds.”
“But, they always told me that Earth school’s really boring! Snap Shot, why can’t we bring them here instead?”
“Now, Food Fight” — Snap Shot knelt down to Food Fight’s height — “I know you’re gonna miss them, but Leo and Madeline have some important battles of their own to face. Isn’t that right?”
Snap Shot raised a brow to Leo and Leo winced. He did agree with Food Fight; he’d love to just jump in Skylands and get away from school, homework, chores, and all the other boring things about everyday life in Earth, but Leo knew Snap Shot would be disappointed if he said that. Geez, it was like Snap Shot was Leo’s dad or something!
“Well, you’re right,” Leo said at last. “Can’t get outta school, even though I’d really like to.”
“Besides, it’s not like it’ll be forever!” Madeline added. “We can always come say hi the next time we visit Uncle Peter, or on the next weekend, or those holidays they always close school for, and we always visit a lot during the summer!”
“Yeah, yeah,” Food Fight winced, “but, I don’t know. Fighting Kaos and stopping that Ultimate Weapon without a portal master? That’s way too risky!”
That’s right, the Skylanders had a big battle of their own to face. Kaos took hold of that strange Ultimate Weapon the Doom Raiders made, and it seemed like he planned something really bad with it! Well, that was inevitable regardless of what he planned, considering that Kaos was like, the Skylanders’ version of those super-evil bad guys on TV the heroes always fought, but still…
“Food Fight’s right,” Leo said. “Kaos probably has like, a bunch of evil stuff planned!”
“Are you sure you’re gonna be alright?” Madeline added.
Snap Shot chuckled and turned back to Leo. He smiled super-wide, which might’ve been scary if it was any other Crocagator, but right here, right now, his smile just caused the worries in Leo’s heart to fly off.
“Don’t worry, lil’ mates, she’ll be right. We’ve fought Kaos and his little whackers more times than you could even think of, and we’ve won every time!”
“Snap Shot!” called a gruff voice in the distance—probably Buzz’s by a guess, though it lacked its usually jolly tone.
“And that’s my cue.” Snap Shot swung a Traptanium arrow over his shoulder and flashed a smile back at Leo and Madeline. “You kids keep yourselves right, you hear?”
“We will,” Leo replied, though it was so half-hearted even he was surprised he said it.
Snap Shot walked off, and Leo almost didn’t want to turn off the portal, but it turned off anyways. It left Leo and Madeline in the dark silence of the attic with only the moonlight to illuminate the room. Sure, Snap Shot said all that, but Leo still had a hard time believing it. Something in Leo’s gut told him that something really bad was going to happen, and he didn’t want it to happen to his friends—or maybe he just didn’t want the best spring break of his life to end. Oh, who was he kidding? He was worried! All of Leo’s new friends were going off to fight Kaos and whatever tricks he had, and Leo couldn’t do a thing to help!
“Leo,” Madeline whispered beside him, hands on her knees as she looked away from the full display of Skylanders still on the table, “do you think Snap Shot was telling the truth? Do you think he’ll really be alright?”
Leo frowned and looked away, for he didn’t really wanna make Madeline any more worried than she was. “I, well…” Leo frowned but tried to force a smile. “I’m sure he wouldn’t have said it if he didn’t mean it! I bet he’ll be fine!”
Of course, Madeline knew Leo was lying—he could tell from the look in her eyes—but it seemed like neither of them wanted to argue about it.
“Why don’t we just go back to bed? I’m sure Mom’ll want us to get packing for when we leave first thing.”
Not willing to talk about things any more, LEO and MADELINE get up and leave the attic. The camera, however, lingers on the portal and Skylanders as they clean up and place the cloth back on.
SCHOPPERT HOUSEHOLD – MORNING
It is now the VERY FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL, POST-SPRING BREAK. We get a small montage of LEO and MADELINE waking up and getting ready for school: GETTING DRESSED, BRUSHING TEETH, PACKING THEIR THINGS, ETC… However, they are still worried about the SKYLANDERS, and thus are visibly worried and dour the whole time.
SCHOPPERT HOUSEHOLD – MORNING – KITCHEN
The montage ends, and LEO and MADELINE are at the table, poking away at their breakfast of pancakes with little appetite. THEIR MOTHER, STEPHANIE, notices this as she’s washing the dishes.
STEPHANIE turns around as she washes a plate and raises an eyebrow, a bit confused and bemused alike.
STEPHANIE
Strange, normally those pancakes would be gone in five seconds flat! Something wrong?
MADELINE whimpers, but LEO forces a smile as he turns to his mother.
LEO
It’s, it’s nothing! It’s just…
LEO trails off as he exchanges a worried look with MADELINE. They’re obviously worried about THEIR FRIENDS IN SKYLANDS, but they also obviously can’t break their cover. Besides, what would THEIR MOM understand about this?
STEPHANIE frowns and puts the dish on a drying rack.
STEPHANIE
You kids got the back-to-school blues, don’t you?
MADELINE
(Withdrawn)
Not really…
STEPHANIE walks over and hugs both LEO and MADELINE.
STEPHANIE
Now, I know going back to school after being on vacation is a little nerve-wracking, but you don’t have anything to worry about! As long as you remembered your spring break homework, you should be fine!
LEO and MADELINE smile a bit, knowing that their mother doesn’t quite know what she’s talking about, but is at least trying… Just then, LEO’S eyes go wide.
LEO
(thinking)
Wait, homework?
STEPHANIE raises a brow as she withdraws from the hug.
STEPHANIE
(questioning)
Leo, what’s with that look? You DID remember to do your homework, right?
LEO chuckles, scarfs his pancakes down in a single gulp, and yanks his backpack from the ground as he flees.
LEO
(frantic)
Yeah, totally, Mom! I, uh, I think the bus is here, gotta go!
MADELINE gasps and grabs her backpack as well.
MADELINE
Wait for me, Leo!
Madeline rushes out the door. STEPHANIE only sighs, crosses her arms, and shakes her head as she watches them leave…
SCHOPPERT HOUSEHOLD – MORNING – FRONT YARD
The bus has arrived, and Leo and Madeline prepare to board. MADELINE frowns and glares at LEO.
MADELINE
You forgot to do your homework, didn’t you, Leo?
LEO
(scoffing)
I didn’t forget, I was just waiting for the right opportunity! Besides, how is it your problem if I don’t do my homework, anyways?
The bus door opens, and LEO scoffs as he boards.
LEO
If you ask me, assignments turn out the best when you work on them super-fast anyways!
MADELINE pouts and crosses her arms.
MADELINE
Mom says your report cards say otherwise!
INSIDE THE BUS – MORNING
MADELINE boards the bus. As she looks for a seat, she glances aside and sees JUDY sitting by herself on the bus. She’s surrounded by chattering kids who are all super happy, but JUDY herself is sulking and withdrawn. MADELINE frowns at the sight.
MADELINE
(thinking)
There she is again.
Montage again. Madeline thinks back on various times she’s briefly encountered JUDY at SCHOOL: LUNCH, RECESS, GOING HOME, ETC. In each one, JUDY is VISIBLY UPSET AND WITHDRAWN, and MADELINE looks on at her in worry.
MADELINE (CONT’D)
(still thinking)
Every time I see her, she always looks so sad. Maybe I should talk to her. I’m sure she could use a friend.
MADELINE goes to sit with JUDY, but then, two girls pull her towards another seat.
FRIEND 1
There you are, Maddie!
FRIEND 2
Thought you were gonna sneak away on us, aren’t you?
MADELINE doesn’t say anything, but watches Judy as her friends keep pulling her away.
FRIEND 1
Anyways, what did you do on spring break? I went to this super-cool amusement park with my family, and…
JUDY gets further and further away, and MADELINE just frowns as she takes her seat. Her friends talk on, OBLIVIOUS TO HER UPSET.
INSIDE THE BUS – MORNING – BACK SEATS
A few seats over, LEO is sandwiched between GABE and HARRY, who are talking about spring break. LEO, however, is not paying attention; he’s trying to get his homework done and is visibly stressed trying to make it—sweating buckets, brows tensed and all.
HARRY
Anyways, that’s how my spring break went!
(HARRY turns to LEO:)
How about you, Leo?
LEO is still intensely concentrating on his homework. HARRY notices this, and is a bit confused or concerned as he looks over LEO’S papers… But when he sees what it really is, HARRY just chuckles.
HARRY
Doing your homework at the last minute, classic Leo.
(Raising a brow:)
But I don’t think Napoleon was defeated with roller coasters.
LEO gasps, and frantically erases his answer on a homework sheet as GABE and HARRY laugh.
GABE
Geez, Leo, if you just did your homework on time, you wouldn’t have these problems.
HARRY
(playful)
I mean, you almost didn’t, either!
GABE huffs.
GABE
(defensive)
It wasn’t my fault! My Mom misplaced the homework sheets, and you have no idea how hard it is to ask parents questions when you have four of them!
(Making hand gestures as he speaks:)
My dads just make a ton of dumb jokes, and whenever I ask my moms, they just tell me to ask the other mom until I give up!
LEO and HARRY both laugh, and the scene cuts to the bus driving away as they do.
SANTOS HOUSEHOLD – MORNING – FRONT YARD
The house is lively as ever, so lively that it’s bouncing and stretching on its supports as all sorts of noises and cartoony effects burst from the roof and windows.
SANTOS HOUSEHOLD – MORNING – INSIDE
Inside the SANTOS HOUSEHOLD, it’s just as lively as the outside. LIGAYA, the MATRIARCH OF THE HOUSEHOLD, is chasing KINDERGARTEN-AGED TWINS LUCAS and KIDLAT, who are laughing their heads off as they draw on the walls, smear food everywhere, and generally make menaces of themselves as their mother tries to get them dressed.
DALISAY, the HIGH-SCHOOL AGED ELDER SISTER, is panicking and running around as she gets ready for school, and so is RAFAEL, the FAMILY PATRIARCH, who is trying to get ready for work.
In the center of it all, LIBBY frowns and WATCHES THE CHAOS UNFOLD.
LIGAYA passes by LIBBY, and LIBBY tries to speak up, but LIGAYA ignores her.
LIGAYA
(frantic)
Lucas, put that down and put your shirt on! You’re going to be late for the bus!
KIDLAT
(laughing)
But Lucas is over there!
KIDLAT points to where LUCAS is DRAWING CLOUDS ON THE WALLS. LIGAYA is incensed, STEAM POURING OUT OF HER EARS and all!
LIGAYA
Lucas, I told you not to draw on the walls!
LUCAS only laughs as KIDLAT runs past while making a ton of noise, and LIGAYA’s EYE TWITCHES.
LIBBY frowns as she watches this, but then perks up as DALISAY and RAFAEL pass by.
LIBBY
Hey, Dad, I’m having a friend take me to—
RAFAEL
Not now sweetie, Daddy can’t find his wallet!
LIBBY
(disheartened)
school.
DALISAY pops by and HANDS A WALLET over to RAFAEL.
DALISAY
Here it is, Dad! I think I picked it up instead of my student id!
RAFAEL
(ecstatic)
Dalisay, you’re a livesaver!
DALISAY
Oh, it’s just what I do! It’s why I’m getting honors at my school, after all!
DALISAY looks VERY PROUD, but LIBBY is EXTREMELY ANNOYED.
LIBBY
(thinking)
Oh, here we go again. It’s not like we HAVEN’T heard the story of how she saved some kid from drowning in the pool fifty times now.
DALISAY goes to speak, but the door slams open and in comes MERCHE, the COLLEGE-AGED ELDEST DAUGHTER, holding a PIECE OF PAPER.
MERCHE
Guess who made the president’s list of academic excellence for the fifth semester in a row?
LIBBY sighs and trudges away.
LIBBY
(dejected)
I guess I’ll take that as my answer.
LIBBY scoffs as she closes the door.
SANTOS HOUSEHOLD – MORNING – BACKYARD
LIBBY heads around to the backyard, which has A GIGANTIC HOUSE SHAPED LIKE A CAT’S HEAD in its back. <Distant meowing> comes from it as she approaches.
LIBBY
I’d better feed the cats before I leave. At least they need me.
LIBBY opens the door, and AN ENTIRE CLAN OF CATS comes swarming! They’re all WIDE-EYED AND MEOWING as Libby laughs at them, and she kneels down to pet them as several nuzzle her.
LIBBY
I know, I know, you’re hungry! Just give me a minute.
LIBBY pushes a BUTTON ON THE WALLS, and a RUBE GOLDBERG MACHINE activates in quick sequence to fill the CATS’ MANY BOWLS with FOOD AND WATER. MOST OF THE CATS swarm out, but a few stay to nuzzle LIBBY, who smiles as she picks one up and cuddles it.
LIBBY
(sad)
I swear, you cats pay more attention to me than my own family! Guess you enjoy getting all this love, huh?
THE CATS purr and nuzzle in response, and LIBBY cuddles the cat in her arms once more. Just then, she hears a BUS HONK and gasps.
LIBBY
Oh, my ride’s here!
She lets THE CAT leap out of her arms, and leaves THE CAT HOUSE, making sure to close the door behind her as she does.
SANTOS HOUSEHOLD – MORNING – FRONT YARD
Libby runs back out to the front yard, where a BUS DOOR opens and PHOEBE steps out.
LIBBY
Bibi!
LIBBY flings herself in PHOEBE’S arms, and PHOEBE laughs as she receives LIBBY’S hug.
PHOEBE
There you are, Libby! Right on time!
ETINI’S BUS – MORNING
PHOEBE and LIBBY laugh as they BOARD THE BUS and TAKE THEIR SEATS.
LIBBY
You know, you’re pretty lucky that your grandma drives the bus! You can get nice, quiet bus rides whenever you want! You don’t have to deal with bullies, or loud kids, or people throwing food anywhere…
PHOEBE
Not always. I had to beg Grandma to let just the two of us go!
PHOEBE and LIBBY glance back at the driver, who is PHOEBE’S GRANDMOTHER ETINI. ETINI chuckles as the doors close.
ETINI
Now, Phoebe, you know I’m always happy to take you and your little friend on a ride!
(raises a brow as she glances at LIBBY:)
But before we start the nice, quiet bus ride, you did let your parents know you were leaving, right?
LIBBY
(awkwardly)
Yeah, they’re fine with it!
LIBBY seems a bit dejected, but PHOEBE SQUEEZES HER HAND and the two smile. ETINI chuckles as she watches them, and STARTS UP THE BUS.
ETINI
Now, all passengers, please move to your seats and remain seated for the duration of the bus ride.
LIBBY and PHOEBE move to the back, which ETINI notices.
ETINI
You know, you two don’t have to sit all the way back there! There’s plenty of room in the front!
PHOEBE
That’s fine, Grandma!
PHOEBE and LIBBY sit down, and LIBBY giggles as she digs through HER BACKPACK.
LIBBY
So, you know those two weird crystals we found on our way home from school the other day? It took me a little wild, and a lot of smashing, but…
LIBBY yanks two things out of her backpack—a pair of TRAPS ON STRINGS, or TRAP NECKLACES! One is an AIR TOUCAN/BREEZY BIRD TRAP, and the other is a TECH HELMET/MAKER’S MANA TRAP.
LIBBY
Now we have matching necklaces!
PHOEBE gasps in awe, and smiles as she taps the MAKER’S MANA NECKLACE. It sparkles and glows a bit, and LIBBY giggles as she places it on PHOEBE.
LIBBY
I know you said you weren’t much of a jewelry girl, but I think this really matches your complexion! Plus, now everyone will know we’re an item when they see us! Took me a while to make em, too—seems like the only things that can chip ‘em are each other, so I think they might be diamonds or something. I had to bang their tips against each other like I was some statue-maker or something just to get a good hole in them, and…
PHOEBE chuckles, and LIBBY trails off with a frown.
LIBBY
You, you do like it, do you?
PHOEBE takes the BREEZY BIRD NECKLACE from LIBBY, places it on her neck, and gently kisses LIBBY ON THE CHEEK.
PHOEBE
Of course I do!
LIBBY stands starstruck for a moment, but chuckles as she gives PHOEBE a KISS BACK. The two nuzzle each other as the bus leaves, transitioning into our next scene change.
IRENE AND PHOENIX’S NEIGHBORHOOD – MORNING
IRENE is HUFFING AND PUFFING as she runs down the street, and PHOENIX runs behind her, SIMILARLY EXHAUSTED.
PHOENIX
You know, we wouldn’t have to worry about being late like this if you’d just take the bus!
IRENE looks visibly uncomfortable for a moment, holding her head and slowing down for a bit.
IRENE
I, I…
However, she quickly shakes it off as she skips ahead.
IRENE
Well, if I took the bus, I wouldn’t get this great view of the neighborhood!
IRENE points around to VARIOUS SIGHTS as she walks and talks: a neighbor’s BLOOMING FLOWER GARDEN, a BUTTERFLY FLYING ABOUT, the SUNLIGHT STRIKING A HOUSE just right and MAKING IT SPARKLE.
IRENE
Looks at those flowers, and that super-pretty butterfly, and the way that house sparkles! I’d miss all of that if I just let the bus drive me off!
IRENE hums a bit as she skips ahead. PHOENIX just chuckles, his face warming just a bit as he watches her.
IRENE
You know what I say! You gotta live life to the fullest, ‘cause you never know when life’s gonna end!
IRENE twirls around and glances at PHOENIX.
IRENE
You know, you don’t need to walk with me if you’re THAT worried about being late. You could always have your butler take you in that fancy limo or something!
PHOENIX’S face warms up, and he shakes his head.
PHOENIX
(flustered)
But, somebody needs to walk with you! It’s really dangerous to walk so far by yourself! What if you passed out or something, or some guy tried to kidnap you! You need someone to look our for you!
IRENE giggles and hugs PHOENIX, who gasps! He looks incredibly flustered, as if he’s near-ready to erupt: EYES SPINNING, FACE HEATING UP, all the works.
IRENE
I knew it! You really do care about me, don’t you, Phoenix?
IRENE nuzzles him, and he can only sputter.
IRENE
You really are a good friend.
PHOENIX breaks from his trance, and smiles as he and Irene break from the hug. IRENE skips ahead as he watches her.
We switch to PHOENIX-O-VISION. She’s rambling something about not being late, but he barely hears her as he sees a SUPER SHOUJO-STYLE VIEW of her: SPARKLES, ROSES, the whole works. However, this vision of her fades to normal as she falters and pants.
IRENE
I, I…
PHOENIX
Just got exhausted, right?
IRENE nods, and PHOENIX sits by her as she rests.
IRENE
(exhausted and upset)
Yeah, I, I, I felt so good this morning, so I really thought I’d make it to a mile this time. You should probably go ahead and look for the bus stop. Don’t want you to be late and all.
PHOENIX just heaves IRENE on his back, and smiles as he walks off.
PHOENIX
Just let me carry you from here.
IRENE is a bit surprised, but smiles as she clings to PHOENIX and buries her head in his shoulder.
PHOENIX runs past with IRENE on his back, transitioning to the next scene.
HIGGINS HOUSEHOLD – MORNING – FRONT YARD
TATE is examining a PATCH OF DANDELIONS in the yard. TATE smiles, and lays his SCHOOL SUPPLIES to his side as he PLAYS WITH THE DANDELIONS. SOMEONE comes out on the steps, but TATE barely notices.
TATE
Y’know, why do we always have these flowers growing in our yard? I’ve never see you plant them.
A chuckle comes from THE FIGURE, who sits down with TATE and reveals herself to be TATE’S MOTHER, MARLENE. MARLENE glances over at THE DANDELIONS with TATE.
MARLENE
They’re weeds, Tate. They’ll grow wherever they want.
TATE still keeps his eyes on THE DANDELIONS. He plucks one, and SPINS IT AROUND as ITS SEEDS fly off.
TATE
Yeah, but why do they do that? Why are they always growing everywhere? What makes them look like this after they’re those puffy things?
MARLENE
(amused)
That’s what school’s for, Tate.
TATE only pouts, annoyed by his mother’s response.
TATE
(annoyed)
But school never answers all my questions! Every time I ask, the teachers complain that I ask too many questions and I take up too much of the lesson time! Why’s it all about learning if they don’t even answer a single question?
MARLENE takes TATE’S BACKPACK from the ground and slips it BACK ON HIS BACK as he pouts.
MARLENE
Still, you do need to go to school. Who knows, maybe they might teach you all about those dandelions today!
This seems to encourage TATE, who smiles and jumps up. He drops his DANDELION as THE BUS pulls up, and skips away as MARLENE watches him. She sighs, shakes her head, and rests it on her hand as TATE’S FATHER, DONOVAN, exits THE HOUSE.
MARLENE
(worn)
I just don’t know what to do with that child, Don. He’s just so curious…
DONOVAN only smiles as TATE boards THE BUS.
DONOVAN
It’s nothing to worry about, Marley! All the brightest minds of our time started out the same way he did, and they revolutionized our world! I’m sure our boy’s going to do the same someday, just you watch.
DONOVAN and MARLENE both smile as THE BUS takes TATE away.
SKY HIGH K-8 – MORNING – PARKING LOT
THE BUSES come and UNLOAD THEIR PASSENGERS. KIDS OF ALL SHAPES AND SIZES depart from THE BUSES. They’re chattering among themselves, checking the backpacks, dreading school…
LEO
(narrating)
And that was the day our spring break vacation ended, but little did we know that our adventures were far from over!
As LEO narrates, we PAN OVER to FOCUS SHOTS of EACH OF THE MAIN KIDS getting ready to enter the school building amid the other crowds. There’s a SMALL FLASH SOUND EFFECT with each one to emphasize their importance.
LEO (CONT’D)
In fact, that day, our journey together was just beginning…
THE ULTIMATE WEAPON - ??? - KAOS’S CHAMBER
Back in SKYLANDS, the SKYLANDERS are all stationed at THE ULTIMATE WEAPON as they fight off KAOS.
KAOS has amassed the power of TRAPTANIUM, and is wiping the floor with the SKYLANDERS. KAOS cackles as he blows a couple of the SKYLANDERS aside, and towers over as he UNVEILS HIS WINGS. The camera PANS OUT, showing that he has transformed into ULTRA TRAPTANIUM KAOS.
KAOS
Now do you FOOLISH SKYLOSERS think you can beat me?
SNAP SHOT grimaces, clutching HIS TRAPTANIUM CROSSBOW. He glances to where FOOD FIGHT and SPYRO are still standing, but steels himself as he raises HIS CROSSBOW.
SNAP SHOT
Food Fight, Spyro, keep going! We can’t let him—
Too late. KAOS zaps FOOD FIGHT and SPYRO, knocking them out of commission.
KAOS
(giddy with pride)
Wow, you’re even more foolish than I thought you foolish fools were!
KAOS charges up ANOTHER ATTACK.
KAOS (CONT’D)
NOW, PREPARE TO MEET YOUR ULTIMATE—
GILL GRUNT
TIDAL WAVE!
KAOS sputters as a MASSIVE LEVIATHAN MADE OF WATER crashes into him, knocking him to the floor as his attack peters out.
Beside him, GILL GRUNT is panting heavily, and has a serious look as he tries to hold HIS HARPOON CANNON up. However, he’s trembling the whole time, and is clearly exhausted. GILL GRUNT tries to fire, but A BLAST FROM KAOS knocks him back! He grunts as he falls to the floor, exhausted.
KAOS
Pah, a little water isn’t going to stop me now! Now that I have the power of Traptanium, I’m invincible!
KAOS floats back up, and effortlessly dodges a couple of TRAPTANIUM ARROWS that SNAP SHOT shoots. He quirks a brow as he looks at SNAP SHOT. SNAP SHOT, in turn, glares at him and shudders.
SNAP SHOT
Keep fighting, mates! Everyone held the line to get us here, and all Skylands is counting on us to—
SNAP SHOT cries out as KAOS blasts him, knocking him back into the floor. HIS CROSSBOW spins out of his grip, but he’s too pained to even notice. He just groans, and tries to FORCE HIS HEAD UP as he glares at KAOS.
KAOS, for his part, just laughs in the SKYLANDERS’ faces as the camera PANS OVER to show all of them beaten on the floor.
KAOS
I knew it! You Skylosers are even more incompetent than a bunch of mindless greebles when you don’t have your foolish poster-posters to guide you! You’re completely and utterly doomed!
The SKYLANDERS grunt as they try to force themselves up and retort, but KAOS zaps them!
KAOS (CONT’D)
SILENCE! I DIDN’T SAY YOU COULD GET UP!
They scream out as they collapse, and KAOS goes back to cackling and goading.
KAOS (CONT’D)
(ecstatic)
This is everything I could’ve dream of! I have you Skyflounderers completely and utterly helpless, unable to do a thing about my unimaginably awesome powers!
KAOS hums, looking contemplative as he floats above the still-weakened SKYLANDERS.
KAOS (CONT’D)
Now, what to do with you? I COULD just subject you to your ultimate doom right here and now…
A THIN SMIRK plays along KAOS’S lips as he floats in place.
KAOS (CONT’D)
But, I have something even more delicious!
KAOS turns around, gazing at the OPEN, SWIRLING VORTEX OF A SKY.
KAOS (CONT’D)
With the power of Traptanium, I can see everything—and that includes those awful portal-posters that constantly crop up from their stupid mudball to foil my plans!
KAOS lifts his hands, and they CHARGE WITH MAGIC that soon flares around HIS ENTIRE BODY.
KAOS (CONT’D)
So I’ll just bring them here, and trap them with my AWESOME TRAPTANIUM powers! Then, I’ll force them to watch as I subject you and all your stupid little friends to your ULTIMATE DOOM!
KAOS cackles as the SKYLANDERS all gasp.
KAOS (CONT’D)
It’ll be glorious! Those portal-posters will be totally helpless as I wipe everyone they care about off the face of Skylands, just like how I was when they ruined my schemes like the ruiners they are! And then, I’ll keep them as trophies for the rest of their miserable little lives!
SPYRO and SNAP SHOT both GASP AND JUMP TO THEIR FEET.
SPYRO
No way, Kaos!
SNAP SHOT snarls, BARING ALL HIS TEETH as he glares.
SNAP SHOT
We won’t let you!
KAOS scoffs. He ZAPS THEM BACK DOWN with a SNAP OF HIS FINGERS, and turns around as THE MAGIC flares around him some more.
KAOS
Just watch me, FOOLS!
KAOS thrusts out his hands as MAGIC AND POWER charge around him, making him SHINE BRIGHT LIKE A STAR
The magic funnels out of his body, and forms into A BUNCH OF RIFTS that swirl around the sky as they show VISAGES of VARIOUS PORTAL MASTERS FROM EARTH.
THE RIFTS crop up around the SKYLANDERS as they gasp, eyeing THE RIFTS as they give us BRIEF GLIMPSES of the MAIN TEN PORTAL MASTERS…
However, SNAP SHOT is most shocked by THE RIFT IN THE CENTER, which shows LEO and MADELINE walking out of school! SNAP SHOT gasps and scrambles forward as he reaches for the rift.
SNAP SHOT
LEO, MADELINE!
SNAP SHOT gasps as he falls back, and KAOS chuckles as he raises a brow. KAOS takes a glance at THE CENTER RIFT as his grin grows wider.
KAOS
Huh, you seem especially worried about those little portal-posters, don’t you? I bet you care about them a whole lot, don’t you?
SNAP SHOT says nothing. He’s wide-eyed and winces as he tries to stand his ground, but KAOS soon zaps him and he collapses. With SNAP SHOT out of commission, KAOS laughs and turns to THE CENTER RIFT.
KAOS
In that case, how about I claim them for my portal-poster collection first?
SNAP SHOT gasps, and sucks in air as he tries to fight the lingering pains. He claws along the ground, trying his hardest to reach KAOS as he snarls.
SNAP SHOT
(enraged yet pained)
Don’t… You… Dare… Touch…
SNAP SHOT screams as KAOS zaps him once more, and THE GLOW lingers as it turns into A MAGICAL PRISON! He struggles to get out as he bites and claws, but he gets zapped and collapses.
FOOD FIGHT
Snap Shot!
KAOS
Oh, don’t worry! You’ll join him soon enough!
KAOS zaps FOOD FIGHT, SPYRO, and THE OTHER REMAINING SKYLANDERS, trapping them in MAGICAL PRISONS. They similarly struggle to break free, but are zapped until they can barely stand.
KAOS (CONT’D)
Now, with that taken care of…
KAOS turns back to THE RIFTS, which shudder as he FILLS THEM WITH MAGIC. They begin swirling, throbbing, and expanding, growing larger and brighter the more power they amass.
The SKYLANDERS can only watch in horror as THE RIFTS glow. The camera PANS OVER to their HORRIFIED LOOKS before switching back to KAOS as THE RIFTS grow their strongest.
KAOS (CONT’D)
NOW, BRING ME THE PORTAL-POSTERS, FOR I—
Just as KAOS prepares to CAST HIS SPELL, FIRE lashes at him, knocking him out of his senses! KAOS sputters as he collapses to the floor, embers crackling at his robes.
In KAOS’S moment of distraction, THE CAGES surrounding the SKYLANDERS vanish! They collapse to the ground, pained and shocked, but SNAP SHOT looks aside and his face lights up!
SNAP SHOT
Wildfire!
The camera PANS BACK to THE BATTLEFIELD’S ENTRANCE, where WILDFIRE comes in with a bunch of THE OTHER SKYLANDERS at his back! They all POSE IN AN EXTREMELY HEROIC MANNER as the light shines from them.
WILDFIRE, however, quickly breaks to help SNAP SHOT up.
WILDFIRE
I’m not too late for the party, am I?
SNAP SHOT chuckles, but grunts a little, still clearly pained.
SNAP SHOT
Right on time, mate.
KAOS hacks as he stands up. He snarls as he floats back up, hands glowing.
KAOS
What, you think a little fire is going to catch me off-guard? Guess what, SKYLOSERS! I can play with fire, too!
KAOS sends a bunch of MAGICAL FIRE out, but WILDFIRE rolls into action as he shields the blow with his TRAPTANIUM SHIELD.
As WILDFIRE shoulders the blow, WHIRLWIND flies around and begins dispelling HEALING RAINBOWS, healing the other SKYLANDERS of their injuries. They slowly get up and grin, and in the midst of it all, SPYRO yanks SNAP SHOT’S TRAPTANIUM CROSSBOW from the ground and tosses it to SNAP SHOT.
SPYRO
Snap Shot, go long!
SNAP SHOT snatches THE CROSSBOW from the air with eyes fixed on KAOS, and TURNS ITS ARROW on his throat.
SNAP SHOT
Skylanders, time to bring order to Kaos!
The SKYLANDERS all cheer, and immediately JUMP TO THEIR FEET as they storm KAOS, who scowls and begins lobbing MAGIC BLASTS at them.
KAOS
(angry)
Order? The only order here is mine! I order you to stop resisting and fall to your ultimate doom already!
KAOS cries out as FLAMES AND TOMATOES hit him, and he turns around to see FOOD FIGHT and SPYRO shooting him. He scowls, and prepares A GIGANTIC BLAST OF MAGIC.
KAOS
YOU FOOLISH FOOLS! YOU’L PAY FOR HITTING MY GLORIOUS EVIL HEAD!
KAOS THROWS THE BLAST, but TREE REX slides in and PUNCHES IT TO BITS! KAOS’S mouth gapes open, but soon he screams as A BUNCH OF POTION BOTTLES knock him back.
THE CAMERA SWAPS to show POP FIZZ in his BEAST MODE, and he’s all eager as he lobs POTIONS by the dozens at KAOS.
POP FIZZ
(ecstatic)
Jet-Vac! Jet-Vac! SHOOT!
JET-VAC soars in, propelled by HIS VACUUM PACK.
JET-VAC
Much obliged, old chum!
JET-VAC fires up his VACUUM GUN and sics it on KAOS.
JET-VAC (CONT’D)
Time for a good old AIR STRIKE!
JET-VAC shoots SOLID AIR BLASTS that knock KAOS right down to the floor.
As KAOS hits the ground, FRYNO and ROLLER BRAWL zip in and crash into him, sending KAOS flying once more.
ROLLER BRAWL leaps from the ground and high-fives WASH BUCKLER, who sticks to the TRAPTANIUM walls with HIS SUCKERS.
ROLLER BRAWL
Swapping you in!
WASH BUCKLER
You bet we are!
WASH BUCKLER grins and glances at BLAST ZONE, who HOVERS BESIDE HIM. The two LEAP IN TANDEM and SLAM INTO EACH OTHER as they SWAP BOTTOM HAVENS, becoming WASH ZONE and BLAST BUCKLER.
BLAST BUCKLER coats KAOS in ink, and WASH ZONE sets him alight with BUBBLES AND FIRE alike!
KAOS screams as THE FIRE burns bright, and the SKYLANDERS all TURN THEIR WEAPONS on KAOS… Just in case.
The FLAMES extinguish, and KAOS groans as he falls unconscious. Nobody moves a muscle at first, but WILDFIRE finally steps out and gives him A GOOD SHIELD-BASH! KAOS yelps, but otherwise falls back asleep.
WILDFIRE turns to the others.
WILDFIR
He’s out cold, everyone! Snap Shot, get him ready!
SNAP SHOT nods as he and WILDFIRE go to take care of KAOS. The camera FOCUSES ON THEM as a BRIGHT LIGHT glows atop their heads.
Camera then pans to FOOD FIGHT, who has a worried expression and a bright light on his face.
FOOD FIGHT
(concerned)
Snap Shot, Wildfire, are you sure Kaos is really down and out?
SNAP SHOT pauses and takes a glance at KAOS.
SNAP SHOT
(a bit worried)
He’s out like a light to me!
FOOD FIGHT
But if he’s unconscious, what’s causing THAT?
A <shriek of energy> sounds as THE LIGHT grows brighter, and everyone looks up fearfully.
The camera then SWAPS TO THE RIFTS, which GLOW LIKE SUPERNOVAS as they throb and shriek, with the SKYLANDERS all watching in utter horror as THE RIFTS swirl their fastest…
SKY HIGH K-8 – LATE AFTERNOON – PARKING LOT
School has just gotten out, with THE KIDS departing in swarms as they head for THE BUSES. Amid the swarms, however, HARRY and LEO walk and talk together, with HARRY’S eyes firm on the GRADED HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS in his hands.
LEO sighs as he walks.
LEO
(frustrated)
Can you believe it, Harry? A D-! I deserve more than that! My brain about leaked out of my ears trying to get those papers done before we got to school!
HARRY sighs, and rolls his eyes slightly.
HARRY
(bemused)
That’s what you get for doing your homework right before you got to school.
HARRY sighs as well as he examines THE PAPERS IN HIS HANDS, with the camera closing in to show the Cs and Ds on them, as well as the MANY DOODLES OF DRAGONS, UNICORNS, AND OTHER FANTASY CREATURES on the paper.
HARRY (CONT’D)
What I don’t get is why the teachers docked points for doodling on the paper!
LEO looks over at THE PAPER and scoffs.
LEO
You’re telling me! The stuff you drew is like, ten times better than the stuff in their stuffy brains! If anything, they should give you extra points for making the homework actually look nice!
LEO chuckles and raises a brow as he taps a DRAWING OF A DRAGON on the PAPER.
LEO (CONT’D)
Why are you always drawing all that fantasy stuff, though?
HARRY chuckles himself as he CLUTCHES HIS PAPERS TIGHT, and his eyes sparkle.
HARRY
(wistful)
I just think it’s cool, you know? After all, imagine if all this stuff existed in the real world! We could fly to school on a dragon’s back instead of taking the bus, or we could, I don’t know, go to the game story and play games with fairies and elves!
HARRY pauses for a moment, looking contemplative.
HARRY (CONT’D)
Actually, I’m pretty sure that’s probably not a good idea.
HARRY smiles again.
HARRY (CONT’D)
But still, it would be super cool! Not to mention, it’d be way better than just getting up, going to school, and going to bed just to do it all again.
HARRY begins rambling about ALL THE COOL THINGS THAT LIVING IN A FANTASY WORLD would entail. The whole time, LEO just chuckles and looks bemused as he thinks back to HIS MEMORIES OF SKYLANDS.
LEO
(thinking)
It’s kinda weird, hearing someone else act like this is all just a fairy tale when I know it’s real…
LEO shakes his head.
LEO (CONT’D)
(thinking)
It’s not like I can tell him, though. He wouldn’t know anything about Skylands!
GABE rushes past HARRY and LEO as he waves.
GABE
I’ll see you guys tomorrow, alright?
HARRY and LEO both wave back.
HARRY & LEO
Alright!
GABE passes them by, but HARRY and LEO linger around SCHOOL GROUNDS to talk a little more.
HARRY
So, like I was saying, I bet if we lived in a world like that, we wouldn’t have to study all this boring stuff like math and grammar! We’d probably study, like, I don’t know, casting spells and taming monsters and stuff! It would be so cool, and…
HARRY trails off, and LEO STARTS BLUSHING as he watches HARRY talk. LEO CLUTCHES HIS STOMACH a little and frowns.
LEO
(thinking)
Geez, why am I so warm all of a sudden?
LEO’S stomach gurgles and he winces as he clutches it tighter.
LEO (CONT’D)
My stomach’s feeling funny, too…
LEO looks to where HARRY continues rambling, completely oblivious to LEO’S LOVESICKNESS. LEO looks even more nervous.
LEO (CONT’D)
Why does this always happen when I’m around Harry? I mean, he’s just one of my friends, right? Sure, he’s funny, and a good artist, and really smart, and nice too, but so are my other friends! Why does he make me feel like this and not them?
LEO whimpers as HIS STOMACH acts up, and HARRY raises a brow.
HARRY
(concerned)
Leo, are you okay?
LEO
(alert)
Yeah, I, I’m totally fine!
LEO SNAPS BACK INTO REALITY, and sputters out something as he dodges HARRY’S gaze. He glances aside, and sees MADELINE running off before running after her.
LEO
Hey, Madeline, you’re going to the wrong bus!
Camera switches to MADELINE, who ignores LEO as she shifts through the CROWDS OF KIDS. She focuses solely on JUDY, who is SET APART FROM THE CROWDS in the camera’s focus as it moves to view things from MADELINE’S view. MADELINE hesitates for a moment, but finally, she GULPS DOWN HER FEAR and works up the courage to tap JUDY on the shoulder.
JUDY, suddenly alert, turns around to see MADELINE as the camera FOCUSES ON THE BOTH OF THEM.
JUDY
(surprised)
Who are you?
MADELINE
(nervous)
Oh, I, I’m Madeline! I’ve seen you in school a couple times, and, well…
JUDY looks VISIBLY NERVOUS as MADELINE talks to her, and the CONVERSATION QUICKLY DIES. MORE KIDS pass around them, and they just awkwardly glance around.
JUDY starts to break off for THE BUS.
JUDY
(nervous)
If you’re not gonna say anything, I need to go. I think my bus is leaving.
JUDY leaves, and MADELINE watches her with worry. MADELINE frowns, and her head starts spinning as JUDY disappeared.
MADELINE
(worried thinking)
Oh no, I really did it! I just wanted to say hello, but I probably embarrassed her really badly, and now she probably feels even worse, and it's all because of me! Maybe if I just—
A BRIGHT FLASH shines across the room, and MADELINE yelps as she SHIELDS HER EYES. THE LIGHT grows brighter for a bit before settling, and a <swirling, sucking sound> like that of a vortex firing on all cylinders plays!
KID
Hey, what's that thing in the sky?
MADELINE opens her eyes, and gasps as she finds A GIGANTIC RIFT IN THE SKY! The rift begins sucking up EVERYTHING IT CAN, from dirt and grass to fencing and giant trees! ALL THE KIDS scream as they try to run back to the school.
KID 2
RUN!
KID 3
It's the end of the world! My Mom talked about this on the news!
KID 4
Hey, if the world's ending, does this mean we don't have to go to school tomorrow?
KID 5
Just run, you idiot!
TEACHER
Children, get inside the building, quickly!
All these <voices and generic shouts> sound around MADELINE as she watches the rift with wide, fearful eyes!
In front of her, A BUS DRIVER leaps out of AN EMPTY BUS as THE RIFT grabs it from the ground, and screams as he runs past MADELINE. THE BUS DRIVER, however, stops and shakes MADELINE.
BUS DRIVER
What are you doing? You need to get back to safety!, quickly! That thing could eat an entire building, to say nothing of what it could do to a child like you—
MADELINE, however, catches A COUPLE OF KIDS getting pulled in from the distance! THE KIDS are pulled down or cling to what they can. MADELINE breaks out of his grip and RUNS THROUGH THE CROWDS.
MADELINE
(shouting and scared)
LEO! LEO!
THE BUS DRIVER'S MOUTH gapes open as MADELINE gets away. He grapples for her, but she runs too far into THE CROWDS before he can. A TEACHER runs past him and grabs THE BUS DRIVER.
TEACHER
Sir, you need to get inside this instant!
MADELINE runs through THE CROWDS. HER HEART AUDIBLY POUNDS as she tries to sift her way through THE STAMPEDING KIDS.
MADELINE
LEO, LEO! LEO, WHERE ARE YOU?
Across from her, LEO and HARRY stand and watch THE RIFT, completely dumbstruck. Just then, HARRY'S PAPERS shudder and they fly out of his hands, sucked in by THE RIFT.
HARRY
(shocked)
My drawings!
HARRY leaps for HIS DRAWINGS on instinct, and THE RIFT begins sucking him up as well!
LEO gasps and grabs onto HARRY'S leg as HARRY screams. We get a shot from LEO'S POV as he struggles to pull HARRY down to the ground, but THE RIFT is so powerful that LEO can barely keep hold!
LEO
Harry, hang on!
HARRY
(scared)
I, I can't! It's too strong! I can't move!
LEO grits his teeth and grunts as he tries to pull HARRY.
LEO
(scared)
Just, just hold on! I'll get you down!
While they're trying desperately to escape THE RIFT'S clutches, we cut back to MADELINE as she frantically weaves and dodges through CROWDS OF SCREAMING KIDS. Just as a few kids part, she spies LEO trying to rescue HARRY and gasps!
MADELINE
LEO!
MADELINE runs for LEO, but just then, someone <screams>!
JUDY
(terrified shouting)
HELP, SOMEONE! PLEASE! IT'S GOT ME!
MADELINE turns around, and gasps as THE RIFT sucks up JUDY in its winds! MADELINE freezes in her tracks, but quickly runs for JUDY.
MADELINE
(scared)
Hold on!
MADELINE grabs JUDY'S HANDS and tries to pull her down.
We get a BRIEF PAN SHOT of MADELINE and LEO struggling to pull HARRY and JUDY back to the ground. However, THE RIFT is far stronger. They struggle and dig their heels in, but ultimately, the rift wins out!
Slowly, LEO and MADELINE lift off their feet. They scream as their grips on HARRY and JUDY release, and ALL FOUR KIDS scream as they struggle to get back on the ground!
Down on the ground, a couple of the kids in the crowds stop as they catch LEO, MADELINE, HARRY, and JUDY getting sucked in.
KID
Hey, those kids are flying off!
A TEACHER stops and gasps before turning to the crowds.
TEACHER
Somebody, do something! That thing has some of the students!
TEACHER 2
They're trying to call 911, but everyone’s service is jammed! Nothing's getting through!
THE RIFT flashes and grows more powerful, and THE TEACHERS look up in horror as LEO, MADELINE, HARRY, and JUDY'S screams grow louder!
The camera focuses on them once more. One by one, they're sucked into the rift!
THE FOUR'S SCREAMS ring through as they fly through THE RIFT, all while they scream. All around them are warped visions of SKYLANDS and the ULTIMATE WEAPON, but it soon grows blurry as THE KIDS lose consciousness.
FADE TO BLACK.
THE ULTIMATE WEAPON - ??? - KAOS’S CHAMBER
We start with A BLACK SCREEN and a <vague, warped shout> from SNAP SHOT, but soon, we hear LEO groan and open his VERY BLEARY EYES to find SNAP SHOT holding him and shaking him awake.
SNAP SHOT
(terrified)
LEO, LEO! LEO, PLEASE, please, get up already! C'mon mate, please...
LEO
(groggy)
Snap... Shot?
LEO blinks, and his vision clears to show SNAP SHOT holding him! SNAP SHOT gasps, and hugs LEO close.
SNAP SHOT
(relieved)
Thank goodness, you're alive!
LEO blinks, and worms his way out of SNAP SHOT'S hug. He looks around, disoriented, to find several of THE OTHER SKYLANDERS whispering and glancing at him with wide eyes. He looks aside at THE WRECKAGE, blinking for a bit as he frowns in confusion, and then turns back to SNAP SHOT.
SNAP SHOT (CONT’D)
Leo, are you alright? You're not hurt or anything, right, mate?
LEO blinks a bit more and narrows his eyes.
LEO
Snap Shot? Is, is that really you?
SNAP SHOT nods urgently.
SNAP SHOT
In the scales and blood.
LEO frowns contemplatively. He grabs SNAP SHOT's HAND and feels it for a bit, but frowns further as he releases.
LEO
Wait, if you're here, and I'm seeing you...
LEO gasps and jolts back.
LEO (CONT’D)
(shouting)
Does that mean I'm in Skylands?
LEO frantically whips his head back and forth.
LEO (CONT’D)
How? What happened? How’d I get here?
SNAP SHOT comes forward and GOES TO EXPLAIN, but stops himself as <a small groan> stirs. He and LEO both look aside, and the camera moves to show THEIR OBJECT OF FOCUS: MADELINE!
MADELINE sits up and rubs her eyes as she stirs. She's sitting on top of an unconscious KAOS, but she hasn't realized it yet.
MADELINE
(groggy)
Ugh, what happened? My head hurts really badly, and, I...
MADELINE looks down, and suddenly jolts up with a scream, completely alert.
MADELINE (CONT’D)
KAOS?
MADELINE screams again, and flings herself in SNAP SHOT'S ARMS as she whimpers; SNAP SHOT quickly accepts her embrace and hugs her, turning her away from KAOS.
SNAP SHOT
It's alright, Maddie.
SNAP SHOT snarls as he shoots KAOS a glare.
SNAP SHOT (CONT’D)
He ain't gonna hurt you. I won't let him.
LEO winces as he glances at KAOS. He seems a bit worried, as if he DOESN'T ENTIRELY BELIEVE SNAP SHOT, and he doesn't take his eyes off of KAOS.
SNAP SHOT (CONT’D)
More importantly, are you two alright? You took a pretty nasty fall there!
LEO looks down at himself and scratches his head, KAOS briefly forgotten in his mind.
LEO
(wary)
Yeah, I guess. A little sore, but I don't think I broke anything...
MADELINE whimpers and nods. SNAP SHOT sighs with relief as he brings LEO into the hug.
SNAP SHOT
Good. I wouldn't be able to bear it if you two got hurt by that little whacker.
LEO and MADELINE smile as SNAP SHOT hugs them, both briefly relieved. They break away from THE HUG, and SNAP SHOT gets stern.
SNAP SHOT (CONT’D)
(serious)
I'm sure you're probably wondering what you're doing here, right?
SNAP SHOT snarls as they both warily nod, and his gaze turns to KAOS.
SNAP SHOT (CONT’D)
It was all Baldy here's fault. He was gonna try and use this Ultimate Weapon's powers to snatch you up from your home and trap you in Skylands forever!
MADELINE frowns and steps forward, examining KAOS.
MADELINE
(nervous)
But, he's not moving, so you stopping him, right?
SNAP SHOT
We stopped him, alright, but not the rifts. He got those blokes all souped up before we had the chance to stop it, and he still managed to drag you here!
LEO and MADELINE exchange WORRIED GLANCES, clearly recalling THE RIFT that appeared at their school. SNAP SHOT, sensing their worry, places hands on their shoulders.
SNAP SHOT (CONT’D)
(comforting)
Don't worry, we'll find a way to get you back home, I promise.
LEO and MADELINE don't seem entirely reassured, however. They're still deep in thought as we see BRIEF FLASHBACKS of them getting sucked in, with the shots lingering on HARRY and JUDY getting caught in the rifts!
LEO and MADELINE both gasp as they push past SNAP SHOT.
LEO
HARRY! Where is he?
SNAP SHOT turns around, baffled. LEO and MADELINE ignore SNAP SHOT, and the camera zips to various parts of the ULTIMATE WEAPON in rapid time.
They see KAOS again briefly, and move to VARIOUS SCENES of the SKYLANDERS moving around and talking. Just then, SOMETHING TOUCHES THEM, breaking them out of focus! LEO and MADELINE jolt, but calm down as they see that it's just SNAP SHOT.
SNAP SHOT
Crimey, kids! Calm down for a minute! Who's Harry?
LEO
He's my friend from school, and he got sucked in the rift, too!
MADELINE
Yeah, and so did this other girl from our school!
MADELINE turns around.
MADELINE (CONT’D)
(extremely worried)
But, where'd they go?
LEO and MADELINE grows tense and worried as they look around the ULTIMATE WEAPON, and SNAP SHOT joins them. Just then, they perk up as they hear FOOD FIGHT sobbing!
FOOD FIGHT
(sobbing with relief)
Thanks the Ancients, I, I was so worried! You were all knocked out and dead-looking, and I really, really thought you hit your head super badly and died, or that rift sucked up all your life, or, or it got some weird evil thingy to possess you, or, or...
JUDY
(exasperated)
Food Fight, it's alright! I'm fine, just, please get off of me!
LEO, MADELINE, and SNAP SHOT look to the side, and THE CAMERA MOVES as we see JUDY, at last!
She's awake and standing, seemingly unharmed. A GROSSLY-SOBBING FOOD FIGHT hugs her tight. She just warily tries to pry him off of her.
SPYRO <VOICE>
Wait a second!
SPYRO flies over, and helps a woozy HARRY off the ground. The two glance at each other, and both gasp.
SPYRO (CONT’D)
Harry, it really is you!
SPYRO chuckles and ruffles HARRY'S hair.
SPYRO (CONT’D)
(happy)
It's been so long that I barely recognize you! Geez, how could one kid change so much in three years?
HARRY
(excited)
Wait, Spyro? You're here? Like, really, really here?
HARRY looks around in STARRY-EYED WONDER, paying no mind to the BROKEN SURROUNDINGS of the ULTIMATE WEAPON.
HARRY (CONT’D)
(awestruck)
That must mean I'm in Skylands! It's really real! Now I can learn how to ride a dragon, and study magic, and see all those cool places you talked about! Oh, I bet the other Skylanders are with you, too, right? I've gotta see them now that I'm here! I bet they're gonna be so shocked—
LEO & MADELINE
(shocked)
Wait a minute!
The camera PANS BACK to where LEO and MADELINE stare WITH WIDE-EYED EXPRESSIONS, and then back to JUDY prying off FOOD FIGHT and SPYRO and HARRY standing together. This CONTINUES for a few more seconds as THE KIDS' EXPRESSIONS gradually become more shocked.
ALL FOUR KIDS
YOU KNOW THE SKYLANDERS TOO?
HARRY points to LEO.
HARRY
You first, Leo! How long have you been hiding this from me?
LEO and MADELINE nervously look at each other, but then sigh.
LEO
(narrating)
See, it happened over spring break.
As they speak, we see FLASHBACKS to when LEO and MADELINE found the TRAP MASTERS.
LEO (CONT’D)
Madeline and I found the Trap Masters in our uncle's basement when we were visiting him for a family reunion. We've been hanging out since then...
THE FLASHBACKS ENDS, and LEO scratches the back of his head as MADELINE looks nervous.
LEO
(sheepish)
But I didn't think we'd actually get pulled into a portal and end up here! Sorry, I would've told you, but I was sure you didn't know anything about Skylands...
LEO raises a brow.
LEO (CONT’D)
(curious)
Speaking of, how on Earth do you know about the Skylanders?
HARRY chuckles as he and SPYRO glance at each other, and they both turn back to LEO.
SPYRO
Guess you'd better tell them the story, Harry!
HARRY
(chuckling)
Alright, alright! See, it happened three years ago...
HARRY’S NEIGHBORHOOD – LATE AFTERNOON – FLASHBACK
A NINE-YEAR OLD HARRY is walking home from school we he sees a bunch of SHOOTING STARS cross the sky. He FOLLOWS THEIR PATH, and finds the CORE SKYLANDERS from SKYLANDERS SPYRO'S ADVENTURE and A PORTAL in A CRATER ON THE SIDE OF THE SIDEWALK.
HARRY
(narrating)
I was walking home from school one day when I saw all these shooting stars flying across the sky! They looked like they were coming in super-close, too, so I followed them to where they landed and found the Skylanders!
YOUNG HARRY gasps, and grins as he picks them up.
YOUNG HARRY
Cool, new toys!
LEE HOUSEHOLD - HARRY’S BEDROOM – LATE AFTERNOON – FLASHBACK
HARRY takes the SKYLANDERS to HIS BEDROOM and places SPYRO back on THE PORTAL, starting it. His eyes flash in A RAINBOW OF COLORS as he activates THE PORTAL, which shows him visions of SKYLANDS. Just then, a PROJECTION flashes from THE PORTAL and HARRY sees SPYRO, who is equally-shocked to see him!
HARRY
(narrating)
At first, I thought they were just cool toys, but I realized it was so much more!
THE ULTIMATE WEAPON - ??? - KAOS’S CHAMBER – PRESENT DAY
HARRY grins widely.
HARRY
(amazed)
Ever since then, I've always dreamed of coming to Skylands, and now it's really happening!
SPYRO and HARRY grin as they clutch each other's HANDS AND PAWS, both equally starry-eyed, but a hum from JUDY turns their attention back to her.
JUDY
(contemplative)
Something like that actually happened to me around that time, too!
JUDY’S APARTMENT – LIVING ROOM – LATE AFTERNOON – FLASHBACK
AN EIGHT-YEAR-OLD JUDY is in HER APARTMENT, desperately trying to drown out her parents' arguing. She leaves the house when her various methods—turning up the TV, muffling her ears with pillows, and hiding in different rooms—don't actually work.
JUDY’S APARTMENT COMPLEX – PARKING LOT – LATE AFTERNOON – FLASHBACK
As YOUNG JUDY walking outside, she sees A BUNCH OF SHOOTING STARS cross the sky and is amazed as they reflect in her eyes.
JUDY
(narrating)
I went outside because... I, just needed some fresh air, and I saw a bunch of shooting stars fly across the sky!
NATIONAL PARK – LATE AFTERNOON – FLASHBACK
YOUNG JUDY runs across THE SIDEWALK as she CHASES THE STARS, and they land with a <rousing quake> in THE PARK. JUDY is scared at first, but warily creeps into THE PARK and finds their LANDING SPOT. There, she discovers the CORE SKYLANDERS from SKYLANDERS TRAP TEAM and A PORTAL.
JUDY (CONT’D)
(narrating)
They crash-landed in the town park, and when I checked out where they landed, I found the Skylanders!
JUDY’S APARTMENT COMPLEX – PARKING LOT – LATE AFTERNOON – FLASHBACK
YOUNG JUDY precariously carries the SKYLANDERS AND PORTAL in her arms as she returns to HER APARTMENT.
JUDY’S APARTMENT – JUDY’S BEDROOM – LATE AFTERNOON – FLASHBACK
YOUUNG JUDY sends THE SKYLANDERS back to SKYLANDS similar to how HARRY did. Much like HARRY, she's faced with VISIONS OF SKYLANDS as THE PORTAL ACTIVATES, and she's met with FOOD FIGHT for the first time! He turns around and waves to her as the flashback ends.
THE ULTIMATE WEAPON - ??? - KAOS’S CHAMBER – PRESENT DAY
In the present day, FOOD FIGHT smiles up at a sheepish JUDY, who is still shocked as she looks around THE ULTIMATE WEAPON.
JUDY
(wary)
I've talked to him and the other Skylanders all this time, but I never would have thought I'd end up in Skylands for real!
FOOD FIGHT wipes his tears and chuckles.
FOOD FIGHT
(chipper)
Hey, but now that you're here, I can show you all around the places! Skylanders Academy has so many cool places, like the game room, and the astronomy lab, and—
JUDY breaks away to look at MADELINE, who gulps and looks a bit nervous. MADELINE blushes as JUDY gets in her face.
JUDY
(contemplative)
You, you were going to ask me something before we got sent here, right?
MADELINE nods.
JUDY (CONT’D)
Were you going to ask me if I was a portal master, too?
MADELINE shakes her head.
MADELINE
I didn't even know! Really, I had no idea that there were any other portal masters on Earth besides me and Leo!
HARRY chuckles and scratches his head.
HARRY
Same here! I never would have guessed Leo would be a portal master, of all people...
LEO
(irritated)
Hey, what's that supposed to mean?
HARRY chuckles, and LEO'S face TURNS RED as HARRY gets in it.
HARRY
Well, for one, heroes from Earth usually aren't as bright-red as Eruptor.
LEO awkwardly chuckles as he looks away, and JUDY hums behind them as the camera MOVES TO FOCUS ON HER.
JUDY
Still, I would have never guessed there'd be other portal masters on Earth. I guess it makes sense, though. Somebody would have had to find the other Skylanders...
A rumble sounds, and A SHADOW casts over JUDY as she thinks! She looks up, and gasps as GARBAGE FROM THE ULTIMATE WEAPON comes falling down for her!
FOOD FIGHT
JUDY, LOOK OUT!
FOOD FIGHT pushes JUDY out of the way before she can get smashed to pulp, but the ULTIMATE WEAPON continues to crumble around them. The camera PANS AROUND as the KIDS and SKYLANDERS dodge the wreckage, incredibly alarmed.
SNAP SHOT
(urgent)
Now's no time for getting caught up! This place is gonna fall to pieces, and unless we wanna be scrap, we need to get out!
SPYRO
(urgent)
Snap Shot's right! Everyone, head for the exit!
SPYRO flies underneath HARRY, dropping a startled HARRY onto HIS BACK. SPYRO turns to HARRY with a grins as HARRY shouts in alarm.
SPYRO (CONT’D)
(playful)
Harry, you always said you wanted to ride on a dragon, right? Now's your chance, so hang on tight!
FOOD FIGHT leads JUDY away as they pass by SPYRO and HARRY, who watch them as their faces fall.
FOOD FIGHT
Follow me if you don't wanna become pulp!
THE OTHERS all hurry out of the crumbling ULTIMATE WEAPON, but SNAP SHOT, LEO, and MADELINE linger on the unconscious KAOS. The camera MOVES to focus first on them, and next on KAOS'S body.
SNAP SHOT
(serious)
Before I leave, there's one more thing I need to take care of.
SNAP SHOT's HAND dives into HIS SASH, and he pulls out a TRAP IN KAOS'S IMAGE. He then hands the KAOS TRAP to LEO and MADELINE.
SNAP SHOT (CONT’D)
Care to do the honors?
LEO and MADELINE are a bit stunned, but quickly nod as they snatch the KAOS TRAP from SNAP SHOT'S hands. They rush over to KAOS, and position the KAOS TRAP over HIS BACK as they clutch it together.
LEO
Enjoy Cloudcracker, Kaos!
MADELINE
Your reign of terror ends now!
The two plunge the KAOS TRAP into KAOS'S BACK, and the KAOS TRAP glows! It shimmers with AN OMINOUS LIGHT that envelops KAOS, and HIS FORM soon absorbs into the KAOS TRAP before it harmlessly plunks on the ground. ITS LIGHT FADES, and LEO snatches up the KAOS TRAP before stashing it in his pocket.
The camera pans over to SNAP SHOT, who is already making his way to THE EXIT.
SNAP SHOT
Follow me, kids! We don't have any time to waste!
LEO and MADELINE follow after SNAP SHOT.
THE ULTIMATE WEAPON - ??? - HALLWAYS
LEO, MADELINE, and SNAP SHOT catch up with THE REST OF THE SKYLANDERS as they flee THE ULTIMATE WEAPON. The halls <crumble and break> around them. THE CORE SKYLANDERS dodge or destroy THE WRECKAGE as they reunite with the rest of their teammates, who are making their way through the wreckage themselves.
STEALTH ELF leaps forward and immediately goes to address SPYRO.
STEALTH ELF
(urgent)
What's going on here? One moment we were wiping the floor with Kaos's minions, and the next we know, the entire place is falling to pieces! Did you get Kaos, and—
STEALTH ELF stops short as she LOOKS UP and sees HARRY ON SPYRO'S BACK. She blinks, confused.
STEALTH ELF (CONT’D)
(baffled)
Wait... Are my eyes seeing things? Is that HARRY?
STEALTH ELF looks to see JUDY, LEO, and MADELINE among the crowd.
STEALTH ELF (CONT’D)
(still baffled)
For that matter, who are those other kids? Last I checked, they weren't part of our team!
The ceiling rumbles, and everyone gasps as more wreckage comes flying in! SNAP SHOT destroys THE WRECKAGE with his TRAPTANIUM ARROWS, and rushes past.
SNAP SHOT
We'll explain later! Where's Buzz's ship?
STEALTH ELF runs after SNAP SHOT as the crowds merge into one.
STEALTH ELF
I'm pretty sure he parked in the back!
STEALTH ELF moves for the HALLWAY WINDOWS, and winces as she finds NOTHING BUT CHURNING SKIES.
STEALTH ELF (CONT’D)
At least, I think he did!
ANOTHER SHADOW casts over, and STEALTH ELF yelps! She backflips out of the way as PARTS OF THE CEILING crumble and collapse, and THE GROUP splinters before coalescing. Just then, the lights start flickering!
STEALTH ELF (CONT’D)
(grimacing)
Don't tell me that knocked out the lights, too!
THE LIGHTS immediately shut out, leaving everyone in the dark! ONLY THEIR EYES are visible as everyone glares at STEALTH ELF.
SPYRO
(deadpan)
You had to say it, didn't you?
STEALTH ELF scoffs and turns around as HER EYES GLOW A LITTLE BRIGHTER.
STEALTH ELF
Just follow me. Luckily, my master taught me how to see in the dark during my training, so this is nothing.
FRYNO'S HORN illuminates as he growls.
FRYNO
Easy for you to say! None of us can see a thing here!
To prove FRYNO'S point, the camera PANS OVER to where we see THE EYES OF VARIOUS SKYLANDERS going wide or shutting in pain as they shuffle around.
SKYLANDER 1
(angry)
OWCH! THAT'S MY FOOT!
SKYLANDER 2
(worried)
Sorry! Sorry!
SKYLANDER 3
Move it! The whole place is gonna take us down with it if we keep lingering around like this!
SKYLANDER 4
I'm trying!
The crowd devolves into <shouting and pained & frustrated noises>.
The camera MOVES to focus on where MADELINE rests in SNAP SHOT'S ARMS. She whimpers as she cuddles closer into his grip, and her eyes struggle to make sense of the world around.
FRYNO
Seriously, can't someone fire up a light or something?
TREE REX
Hold on, I'll try to get something going...
MADELINE
(worried)
If only we had a light... If it wasn't so dark, we could get out of here faster!
As MADELINE thinks, a BUNCH OF TORCHES ON THE WALL suddenly burst into A RAINBOW OF COLOR! They illuminate THE ROOM around, and everyone gazes in wonder.
FRYNO
FINALLY!
FRYNO grins and looks up at TREE REX.
FRYNO (CONT’D)
Thanks for actually having some common sense, big guy!
TREE REX raises a brow at THE TORCHES.
TREE REX
(curious)
Strange, that wasn't me!
THE OTHERS raise a brow as they look to WHIRLWIND and SPYRO, who only shake their heads.
SPYRO
Wasn't us!
WHIRLWIND
I know rainbows are my thing, but it wasn't me this time!
ROLLER BRAWL skates up and frowns.
ROLLER BRAWL
Just who was it then?
THE ULTIMATE WEAPON rumbles, and EVEN MORE CLUTTER comes raining down, smashing through A SEGMENT OF THE FLOOR behind them! Everyone yelps, and they get back to running.
TREE REX
We'll figure that out when we're out of this place! RUN!
WASH BUCKLER
Couldn't have said it better myself, matey!
They begin running, and LEO leaps out as he tries to make his way out. He passes right by SNAP SHOT, who gasps and gets concerned as he tries to follow.
SNAP SHOT
(worried)
Leo, slow down! You don't know what's up there!
LEO doesn't hear SNAP SHOT, nor does he pay any sort of attention as he runs... But just then, THE GROUND SHAKES, forcing him to his knees! A LARGE SHADOW eclipses him, and he looks up and screams as A BUNCH OF RUBBLE crashes down for him!
CAMERA MOVES to a closeup of SNAP SHOT and MADELINE'S horrified faces.
SNAP SHOT & MADELINE
LEO!
Leo screams further as he SHIELDS HIMSELF WITH HIS ARMS, but suddenly, THE RUBBLE BURSTS INTO FLAMES and burns away! It falls down around LEO as a PILE OF ASHES, and LEO gasps as he looks around, still far too scared and stunned to move... Until he hears sneezing, and turns back to see HARRY sneezing up a storm on SPYRO'S back.
SPYRO
(annoyed)
Geez, Harry!
HARRY sneezes again and begins wheezing.
HARRY
(stuffy)
Can't help it, Spyro! All these ashes and dusts are messing with me... Ugh... Where's my inhaler?
HARRY pats down HIS POCKETS for HIS INHALER and TAKES A QUICK PUFF, but as he does, THE ASHES glow purple and fly away into a hole! HARRY blinks, and then narrows his eyes as he stashes away HIS INHALER.
HARRY (CONT’D)
Wait, weren't those ashes there a second ago?
They move on, and HARRY clings to SPYRO as they keep flying. They move further, but then, they spy a bunch of KAOS'S MINIONS chattering as they themselves rush to flee the ULTIMATE WEAPON!
DEJA VU
(alarmed)
We've got company!
JUDY gasps and hides behind DEJA VU, dragging FOOD FIGHT with her. She starts shaking, and whimpers as she clings to DEJA VU while DEJA VU readies her weapons.
JUDY
(thinking)
If we fight these guys, the whole place is gonna crumble! Please don't let them see us...
Just as JUDY thinks this, the whole team is cloaked in shadows! KAOS'S MINIONS pass by without ever noticing them, and JUDY pokes her head back up as the invisibility fades and breaths a sigh of relief.
JUDY (CONT’D)
(thinking)
That was close.
DEJA VU blinks as she looks down at herself.
DEJA VU
(baffled)
Did that just happen? How did I turn invisible?
THE ULTIMATE WEAPON shudders once more, and we get a montage of THE HEROES tearing and running through the place.
THE ULTIMATE WEAPON - ??? - ENTRANCE
THE HEROES finally arrive back at THE ULTIMATE WEAPON’S entrance. They stumble out and watch as THE ULTIMATE WEAPON slowly crumbles to bits, and then look around THE SHAKING PLATFORM... But there's no sign of BUZZ!
SPYRO flies up to SNAP SHOT and winces.
SPYRO
Where's Buzz?
SNAP SHOT
(irritated)
That's what I'd like to know! Of all the times for that drongo to bail on us...
Just then, THE PLATFORM CRUMBLES UNDERFOOT!
Everyone looks down and screams as they go plummeting. THE KIDS cling to their SKYLANDERS, and SPYRO yanks his head around.
SPYRO
(serious)
Whirlwind, quick! Get some clouds going—
WHIRLWIND tries, but HER HORN FRIZZES, knocking her into GILL GRUNT! The lightning sparks off near SPYRO, and he winces as he shields himself and HARRY from it.
WHIRLWIND
(angry)
I CAN'T! I'M FALLING SO HARD THAT I CAN'T THINK ABOUT ANYTHING!
WHIRLWIND tries to get HER HORN to work a few more times to no avail.
WHIRLWIND (CONT’D)
(furious)
WORK, YOU STUPID THING!
FOOD FIGHT
(panicking)
I don't think that's gonna matter! The sky's coming in fast!
They all scream as they go plummeting... But just then, a <car horn> sounds! A SHIP FLIES IN, catching all the SKYLANDERS and KIDS on its dock! Everyone faceplants on it, and groans as they pull themselves up.
A gruff chuckle sounds, and everyone turns around to see THE PILOT is none other than BUZZ!
BUZZ
(cheerful)
BOOMSTICKS! Talk about making an entrance!
SNAP SHOT, however, is not amused. He SNAPS HIS JAWS at Buzz, who leans back in his seat.
SNAP SHOT
(angry)
MAKE AN ENTRANCE? THAT'S WHY YOU BAILED ON US? YOU COULD'VE GOTTEN THE KIDS KILLED, YOU BRONGO!
BUZZ
(irate)
Alright, alright! Don't get your scales in a twist—
BUZZ'S eye goes wide.
BUZZ (CONT’D)
(shocked)
Kids? What kids?
BUZZ winces, but then he spies MADELINE quivering in SNAP SHOT'S ARMS, and spies LEO, HARRY, and JUDY among THE CROWDS. He narrows his eye.
BUZZ (CONT’D)
(concerned)
Wait, those kids! Where did they come from?
SNAP SHOT lowers his temper as MADELINE starts to cry from fear, and he gently cuddles her.
SNAP SHOT
(reassuring)
Hey, it's okay, Maddie. You're gonna be safe, I promise. Buzz may be a whacker, but he's not gonna hurt you.
BUZZ looks as if he's going to take offense to SNAP SHOT'S statement, but stops himself as SNAP SHOT moves to the other side of the decks.
SNAP SHOT (CONT’D)
(stern)
I'll explain later. For now, just take us back to the Academy.
BUZZ
Alright then. Next destination: Skylanders Academy!
BUZZ flies off as SNAP SHOT places MADELINE next to LEO, and she begins crying into LEO’S SHIRT. LEO looks visibly uncomfortable, but doesn't stop her. Instead, he watches as SPYRO and FOOD FIGHT guide HARRY and JUDY to their own spots on the decks. Just as THE KIDS get situated, they hear a <massive explosion> and ALL FOUR KIDS jolt up!
KIDS
(scared)
WHAT WAS THAT?
They look behind them as A BRIGHT LIGHT FLASHES, as they watch stunned—WIDE EYES, GAPING MOUTHS, AND ALL—as THE ULTIMATE WEAPON crumbles before them. THE ULTIMATE WEAPONS shimmers as it breaths its last, and then... Silence.
The whole ship is quiet as it sinks in that KAOS is defeated.
LEO breaks free of MADELINE, and digs through HIS POCKET as he pulls out the KAOS TRAP. He frowns, and turns it around in its hand. The light briefly shimmers across its onyx surface, but disappears as quickly as it came.
SNAP SHOT
(musing)
And just like that, Kaos is done for.
SNAP SHOT places a hand on LEO'S shoulder. LEO jolts, but relaxes when he turns around and finds that it's only SNAP SHOT.
LEO
(gasping)
Oh, Snap Shot, it, it's just you.
SNAP SHOT
(gentle)
Sure is, mate. Think you could hand Baldy there over to me?
LEO nods his head just a little, and hands off the KAOS TRAP to SNAP SHOT, who stuffs it in HIS SASH. LEO frowns a little, but SNAP SHOT just ruffles his hair.
SNAP SHOT (CONT’D)
Don't worry a hair on your head, alright? We'll take care of everything from here.
LEO just nods as SNAP SHOT leaves to discuss things with the other SKYLANDERS, but LEO doesn't seem reassured. He still frowns as he sits down next to MADELINE, who whimpers. They both look over to where HARRY and JUDY awkwardly curl into themselves as they sit on deck.
MADELINE
Leo, what are we gonna do?
LEO frowns, biting his lip as he looks somewhat worried.
LEO
(dour)
I don't know, Madeline.
LEO looks up, and the camera PANS to where the LAST REMAINS of THE ULTIMATE WEAPON crumble into the depths, never to be seen again.
LEO (CONT’D)
I don't know.
SKYLANDERS ACADEMY – EVENING - COURTYARD
BUZZ’S SHIP pulls into the docks. There’s a WHOLE BUNCH OF OTHERS running around the ACADEMY, and they’re all in a bit of a panic as <noise bubbles and chatter spreads>.
THE HEROES all hazily stumble out of BUZZ’S SHIP, and are immediately accosted by FLYNN, CALI, HUGO, and MAGS. THE FOUR OF THEM run up to THE HEROES so fast that they’re A BLUR TO THE NAKED EYES, and they’re all abuzz with questions.
FLYNN clears his throat.
FLYNN
So, how’d it go handling Baldy? Were you able to handle him alright without my awesome piloting skills to help you out?
HUGO pushes past FLYNN.
HUGO
(worried)
Forget that! Master Eon said there was this huge disturbance right as you were fighting, and—
CALI butts in next, eyes sparkling.
CALI
(excited)
So, was it really as dangerous as they said?
MAGS pops in next, completely invading CALI’S personal space—not that MAGS notices.
MAGS
Hey, and didja snag any tech while you were there? I’ll bet’cha that if I could reverse-engineer somethin’ from that, we’d be more set that a boghog stuck in a bog, and—
SNAP SHOT throws up his arms.
SNAP SHOT
(disoriented)
Everyone, calm down! We’ll answers all yer burnin’ questions in a minute, but right now—
LEO
(straining)
Hey, what’s going on here?
MAGS stops short as THE KIDS shuffle their way out THE CROWDS. She slowly blinks as THE FOUR ALLIES AND KIDS meet eyes, and THE ALLIES grow wide-eyed and jaw-dropped.
HUGO
(volume raising as he speaks)
Wait, are those… THE EARTH PORTAL MASTERS?
They all gasp, and THE ALLIES’ focus turns to THE KIDS as THE KIDS get swarmed.
HUGO (CONT’D)
By the Ancients, is it really you? I mean, you certainly look like how the Skylanders described the Earth portal masters, but I’ve never seen you up-close, so—
FLYNN pushes in next.
FLYNN
Oh yeah, the portal master kids! The Skylanders told us all about you, you know!
FLYNN grins and winks, SPARKLE SOUND EFFECT and all.
FLYNN (CONT’D)
(confident)
Of course, I’m sure they’ve told you all about me, too. After all, it’s hard to keep quiet about the best pilot in all Skylands and all his boomtastic tales of adventure!
FLYNN chuckles.
FLYNN (CONT’D)
But, enough about me. How did—
CALI
Calm down a moment, Flynn! How do we know these are the new portal masters, anyways? We’ve never even seen them! Where did they even come from, anyways?
MAGS pulls out A DEVICE WITH SPARKING PRONGS ON ITS TOP. A <lightning sound effect> shrieks as MAGS holds THE DEVICE up in an ominous way.
MAGS
(eager)
Welp, there’s only one way to find out! This magical detectinator of mine should recognize the exact kind’a magic these kiddos got!
MAGS begins approaching THE KIDS, who gulp in horror.
MAGS (CONT’D)
Now, just hold still…
SNAP SHOT shoves himself in front of THE KIDS and pushes MAGS back.
SNAP SHOT
(irate)
We’re not performing any experiments! Put that thing away before it blows us all up, and let me explain!
The chatter grows louder instead, with THE ALLIES AND A FEW OTHERS crowding around… However, just before they can really get close, a <booming sound> resonates.
???
(serious & booming)
QUIET, EVERYONE!
EVERYONE HUSHES THEMSELVES as A BLUE GLOW comes from behind. They all part as the camera MOVES towards the SOURCE OF THE GLOW: MASTER EON, who forms from A SWIRL OF MAGIC as he manifests in the ACADEMY’S COURTYARD! He forms in a SHOWER OF SPARKLES, and everyone bows or steadies themself as MASTER EON walks through.
SNAP SHOT immediately runs up to MASTER EON.
SNAP SHOT
Master Eon! What are you doing here?
MASTER EON clears his throat.
MASTER EON
(serious)
While we awaited your return from the Ultimate Weapon, I felt a great magical disturbance at the Citadel. Hugo and I arrived here immediately to see if it had anything to do with your mission, or possibly retrieve you if things went sour…
Behind SNAP SHOT, LEO and HARRY share a glance.
HARRY
(awestruck whispering)
Wait a second, isn’t Master Eon that super-powerful portal master that used to protect Skylands?
LEO
(whispering)
I think so. Snap Shot mentioned him a couple times.
MADELINE butts in.
MADELINE
Yeah, he is! Remember, Snap Shot was telling us all about how he was this super-cool guy and saved Skylands a bunch?
LEO snarls and shoos MADELINE away.
LEO
(harsh whispering)
This isn’t your conversation, Madeline!
JUDY pops in next and hums.
JUDY
Food Fight and Deja Vu said the same thing. They said he had all these magical powers, and fought some of Skylands’ worst villains, and assembled just about all the Skylanders…
HARRY has stars in his eyes—literally—as he hears this.
HARRY
(excited whispering)
And now we’re meeting him! I bet he knows all sorts of cool magical things, like some super-duper powerful spells, or where to find super-rare magical treasures and creatures, or—
A BLUE LIGHT CASTS OVER THE KIDS, stopping their conversation. They look up and gasp in awe as MASTER EON chuckles above them.
MASTER EON
(kind)
It seems as though I have found the cause, however.
SNAP SHOT draws in next, and hangs his head in shame.
SNAP SHOT
(ashamed)
I’m afraid you’re right, Master Eon. Kaos tried to use the power of the Ultimate Weapon to trap them here, but even though we stopped him, we were too late to stop the rifts. The kids are stuck here now, and it’s all…
MASTER EON simply lays a hand on SNAP SHOT’S shoulder.
MASTER EON
What’s done is done, Snap Shot. Blaming yourself or anyone besides Kaos isn’t going to fix the problems that face us now. All we can do is move forward.
MASTER EON raises a brow.
MASTER EON (CONT’D)
(concerned)
You did say you were able to stop Kaos, correct?
SNAP SHOT nods, and fishes the KAOS TRAP out of his sash.
SNAP SHOT
Got the little bald menace locked up tight in this here trap.
MASTER EON
(relieved)
Thank goodness.
MASTER EON claims the KAOS TRAP from SNAP SHOT, and though he smiles at first, he frowns as he examines HIS REFLECTION IN ITS CRYSTAL.
MASTER EON (CONT’D)
(disappointed)
I’d hope it wouldn’t have to come to this, Kaos, but you’ve left us with no other options.
MASTER EON stows away the KAOS TRAP in A MAGICAL SATCHEL, and ties it to HIS GHOSTLY FORM. How does it stay on him despite him being a ghost? Who knows.
MASTER EON (CONT’D)
(serious)
We will deliver Kaos to the Villain Vault shortly.
MASTER EON turns around, and the camera MOVES WITH HIM until it focuses on THE KIDS once more.
MASTER EON (CONT’D)
For now, however, I would like to speak to the young portal masters, if that is alright.
THE OTHERS nod and part ways until only THE KIDS are left in the crowd. They’re all a bit nervous, sweating and anxiously messing with their hands.
HARRY
(whispering)
Wait, he wants to see us? What do you think he’s gonna say? I bet it’ll be about magic, or visiting Skylands, or…
LEO steps forward first, causing HARRY to go quiet in the process, and opens his mouth as if to speak. However, a chuckle comes from MASTER EON, and LEO shuts his mouth.
MASTER EON
You need not introduce yourselves. I have heard quite a lot about you four from the Skylanders…
The camera PANS OVER EACH OF THE KIDS as MASTER EON says their names.
MASTER EON (CONT’D)
Leonard and Madeline Schoppert, Harold Lee, and Judith Khoury.
The camera MOVES BACK TO MASTER EON as he kneels to their height and shakes LEO’S hand.
MASTER EON (CONT’D)
(kindly)
It is quite an honor to meet the four of you at last, after hearing so many tales of how you’ve helped my Skylanders protect this world in my steed.
MASTER EON frowns a bit as he lowers his head.
MASTER EON (CONT’D)
(somber)
I’d hoped it would be under better circumstances, however.
LEO just warily nods as he steps back—and HARRY IMMEDIATELY JUMPS IN, nearly bowling LEO over.
HARRY
(excited)
You’re Master Eon, right? You know so much about Skylands, so like, will I get to study magic here? Or talk to fairies, and dragons, and visit all those cool places Spyro, and Stealth Elf, and Trigger Happy and everyone else told me about? I already got to fly on Spyro’s back, but can I learn how to ride a dragon for real? I know fairies give the Skylanders magic powers with gold, but do they take Earth money too? I wanna get some cool upgrades, and—
MADELINE and JUDY wince and try to look away, clearly second-hand embarrassed by how unrepentant HARRY is. LEO, meanwhile, tries to pull HARRY away.
LEO
(embarrassed)
Harry, calm down! You’re asking way too many questions!
HARRY doesn’t even notice. He just continues rambling on. MASTER EON laughs once more, causing everyone to go quiet.
MASTER EON
I’m sure there are many things waiting in store for you here, but before we can do anything, we need to figure out a way to send you to your homeworld.
HARRY
(disappointed)
Aww…
MASTER EON
Fret not, Harold. I’m sure all of those things will come in due time.
MASTER EON stands up.
MASTER EON (CONT’D)
Until we can find a way to take you home, however, we will need to find living arrangements for you here. Thankfully, that is already taken care of. The Academy has plenty of spare dorms, and I’m sure the faculty won’t mind sparing a room or two after all you’ve done for Skylands.
BUZZ nods affirmatively as the camera BRIEFLY MOVES TO HIM, and the same is true of THE OTHER ALLIES.
MASTER EON smiles, and glances back towards HUGO.
MASTER EON (CONT’D)
Hugo, would you please show our young portal masters here to their rooms?
HUGO frantically stumbles out of THE CROWDS.
HUGO
(nervous)
Y-yes, of course, Master Eon! Come along, I’ll—
HUGO trips on HIS OWN TWO FEET and falls flat on his face. HIS GLASSES FLY OFF, and THE KIDS all laugh as he sits up and frantically paws for HIS GLASSES.
CALI walks in and places HUGO’S GLASSES back on HIS FACE before helping him up. HUGO scoffs as THE KIDS keep giggling, but cleans himself off and turns around.
HUGO (CONT’D)
Anyways, as I was saying, just follow me. Your dorms rooms are right down this way.
THE KIDS follow HUGO and MASTER EON towards SKYLANDERS ACADEMY’S inner works.
FADE TO BLACK.
SKYLANDERS ACADEMY – LEO’S DORM – EVENING
Though it’s pretty bare-bones, LEO makes himself comfortable in his new dorm nonetheless.
LEO
(thinking)
Y’know, this place sure is cozy! If it had just a few more action figures and comic books, it’d probably be just like my bedroom back home.
A <knock> sounds at the door, and THE CAMERA MOVES in time with LEO sitting up to look at it.
SNAP SHOT
(muffled)
Is it alright if I come in?
LEO
Sure, door’s unlocked!
THE DOOR OPENS, and SNAP SHOT chuckles as he takes a seat on LEO’S BED.
SNAP SHOT (CONT’D)
(happy)
Good to see you’re settling in right, Leo.
LEO
(happy)
What can I say? It’s really nice here! If my school was like this place, I’d probably want to go to school way more!
SNAP SHOT and LEO share a laugh, but SNAP SHOT looks a bit more nervous as he quiets himself.
SNAP SHOT
(concerned)
Are you sure you’re alright though, Leo? I know this all must be terrifying for you and Maddie…
LEO locks up for a moment, but forces a smile.
LEO
(nervous)
I, I mean, yeah, sure, I guess I’m a little nervous… But, not that nervous! I mean, come on, I’ve been helping you and the Skylanders all this time! What’s so different about doing it right here instead of in my uncle’s basement? I…
Camera turns to SNAP SHOT as LEO KEEPS ON RAMBLING, and it’s clear that SNAP SHOT sees right through LEO’S attempts to act tough. He just places a reassuring hand on LEO’S shoulder.
SNAP SHOT
(gentle)
It’s alright, kiddo. I know things are really scary and confusing right now, but we’ll figure it all out.
SNAP SHOT ruffles LEO’S hair as LEO laughs.
SNAP SHOT
No worries, alright?
LEO nods, but just then, they both hear a <crash and scream> from nearby! SNAP SHOT and LEO both gasp and glance at each other.
LEO & SNAP SHOT
That sounded like Madeline!
The two rush out the door.
SKYLANDERS ACADEMY – MADELINE’S DORM – EVENING
THE WHOLE PLACE IS A MESS! There’s dents in the walls, the furniture is damaged and overturned, and in the center of it all, WILDFIRE and MADELINE stand. More aptly, WILDFIRE is wide-eyed as he wields his TRAPTANIUM SHIELD like a cudgel, and MADELINE is curled up and shaking on HER BED.
CAMERA CHANGES to SNAP SHOT and LEO standing wide-eyed in the doorway, and WILDFIRE looking sheepish and awkward in SHORT, RAPID SUCCESSION.
WILDFIRE
(sheepish)
Er… There was a spider…
SNAP SHOT snarls and pinches his brows as he storms forward.
SNAP SHOT
(irritated)
Wildfire, you’ve caught some of Skylands’ worst dirtbags, but can’t get ride of a teensy little spider without screwing up the entire room?
SNAP SHOT shakes his head disapprovingly, and WILDFIRE shies back as well. SNAP SHOT ignores him, instead turning to where MADELINE quivers and whimpers. SNAP SHOT goes to her and lightens up a bit as he hugs her close.
SNAP SHOT (CONT’D)
(gentle)
Hey, don’t worry, Maddie. We’ll get the place fixed up pronto, and I’ll find one of the other empty dorms for you—
MADELINE sobs as she leaps out of SNAP SHOT’S ARMS, and runs STRAIGHT FOR LEO INSTEAD! She sobs as she hugs LEO tight, and LEO yelps.
LEO
(angry)
Madeline, geez! Don’t jump on me like that—
MADELINE just sobs her eyes out as she hugs LEO.
MADELINE
(sobbing)
I wanna go home! I, I miss Mom, and my bed, and my house, and my friends, and, and…
MADELINE keeps crying as EVERYONE SOFTENS, and LEO himself calms down a little as he warily pats her head.
LEO
(nervous)
Hey, hey, it’s okay, Maddie. I know everything’s weird right now, but Snap Shot and everyone else will get us home, right?
SNAP SHOT
(wary)
Yeah, it’s just like Leo said. We’ll get you back home before tomorrow even ends, I reckon!
WILDFIRE
Master Eon’s figuring something out as we speak! I bet you’ll be home in the blink of an eye!
No use. MADELINE’S still crying, and everyone winces.
LEO
And hey, even if we’re stuck here for a while, I bet there’s a ton of fun stuff we can do while we’re here! Y’know, Skylands has unicorns, and you really like unicorns! Maybe we can go to like, a unicorn petting zoo or something?
MADELINE still sobs.
MADELINE
I don’t wanna go there! I wanna go home!
LEO grits his teeth and sighs.
LEO (CONT’D)
Hey, Maddie, since your room’s busted, why don’t you sleep with me tonight?
MADELINE whimpers, but finally, quietly, nods.
So, LEO just escorts himself and MADELINE out of the room.
SKYLANDERS ACADEMY – LEO’S DORM – EVENING
LEO and MADELINE sit on LEO’S BED together. MADELINE is still crying, and LEO gives her a stern look.
LEO
(stern)
Geez, Madeline! I know we’re in a new place and all, but you can’t freak out like that over every little thing! We’ve already got a ton of stuff to worry about, and we can’t worry about you freaking out and crying over…
LEO shuts up, however, as MADELINE curls into a ball and sobs into her legs.
MADELINE
(sobbing)
I, I, *hic* I can’t help it! We’re stuck here, and super far away from home, and we might never get to go back! I won’t ever get to see Mom, or Uncle Peter, or all my friends from school again, and, and, we almost got killed when we ended up here, and, and I got Judy trapped her too, and all of you, and…
MADELINE keeps HICCUPING AND SOBBING, and LEO shuts up. He realizes quickly that scolding MADELINE isn’t going to get them anywhere, but what’ll get her to calm down? He thinks for a moment, and then, HIS EYES GO WIDE as he has a moment of realization.
LEO
(gentle)
Hey, I know what’ll cure those homesickness blues! Do you remember that story Mom used to tell us before bed when we were little?
MADELINE sniffles, but WITHDRAWS FROM HER BALL OF SORROW and wipes her tears. She looks at LEO with her RED, PUFFY EYES, but seems like she’s calming down a little.
MADELINE
The one about the princess and the thief?
LEO
(eager)
Yeah, that one! How did it go again?
LEO raises a brow, prompting MADELINE to continue.
MADELINE sniffles as she wipes her nose. She hesitates for a moment, but finally sniffs and starts to clear up.
MADELINE
(shaky)
Once, once upon a time…
LEO
(narrator-like)
There was a beautiful princess who lived in a magical kingdom, in a world far, far away from our own.
MADELINE smiles for the first time that night as she draws closer to LEO, who NARRATES WITH GRANDEUR. However, the dialogue slowly fades out as the screen FADES TO BLACK.
SKYLANDERS ACADEMY – HARRY’S DORM – EVENING
Though HARRY’S DORM is just as ordinary as the others, HARRY bounces around eagerly and starry-eyed.
HARRY leaps on THE BED and begins bouncing on it.
HARRY
(amazed)
Wow, this bed’s extra springy!
HARRY zips off from THE BED with one last bounce, and SPINS AROUND A CHAIR.
HARRY (CONT’D)
And this chair’s super spinny!
HARRY then turns to THE WALLS and gasps in awe.
HARRY (CONT’D)
And these walls are extra, uh, uh…
HARRY hesitates for a moment, but it does little to break his stride as he grins.
HARRY (CONT’D)
Wall-y!
HARRY turns behind him and faces a bemused SPYRO, who flies in place behind him.
HARRY (CONT’D)
Hey, Spyro! What are these walls made of, anyways? I bet they’re made of like, some special enchanted stuff that looks like wood, but it’s actually a super-special putty! No, maybe they’re made of wood from a special enchanted tree that makes them super-strong! Actually, no, the wood’s probably just for looks! It’s really made of special cyclops stone or something!
SPYRO chuckles and flies up beside HARRY.
SPYRO
(bemused)
Actually, it’s just made of ordinary oak wood.
HARRY
(disappointed)
Aww… So much for magic stuff.
HARRY frowns for a bit, but perks up as he glances at Spyro.
HARRY (CONT’D)
(hopeful)
I’ll still get to learn magic and stuff while I’m here though, right?
SPYRO PLACES A PAW on HARRY’S shoulder, and SPYRO’S expression turns a bit more serious.
SPYRO
Don’t get all your hopes up just yet, Harry. We’re getting you back to Earth as soon as we can, so you’re probably not gonna get to study magic anytime soon.
HARRY just sighs and looks disheartened, but then, STEALTH ELF pops into the room in a PUFF OF GREEN SMOKE! The sound alerts SPYRO and HARRY, who both glance at STEALTH ELF while she emerges.
STEALTH ELF
(stern)
Don’t make promises you can’t keep, Spyro. What Kaos did back there wasn’t like anything he’s ever done before, and since we can’t use the portals to send them back, we have no idea how we’re going to get them back! For all we know, it could be weeks, months, even years before they can go back home!
SPYRO grits his teeth as he flies up to STEALTH ELF, brows knitted.
SPYRO
(hissing)
Now’s not the time for brutal honesty, Stealth! You’re gonna make Harry—
HARRY pushes past SPYRO, who sputters as the eager-eyed HARRY faces STEALTH ELF.
HARRY
(excited)
Wait, I’m gonna in Skylands for a super-long time? Does that mean I can see all those places you told me about, like that Stormy Stronghold, and those Chocolate Seas, and the Treetop Terrace, and—
STEALTH ELF pushes HARRY away.
STEALTH ELF
(deadpan)
First of all, personal space. Second of all, don’t get ahead of yourself, Harry. Skylands is a dangerous place if you’re unprepared, and while we have all our skills and powers to protect us, you don’t.
HARRY makes PUPPY-DOG EYES.
HARRY
(pleading)
But, you can take me, right? Please, please, please?
STEALTH ELF crosses her arms. She’s not falling for it.
STEALTH ELF
Not likely. We’ll be busy protecting Skylands, and we won’t have the time to babysit you constantly. You’ll probably have to stay at the Academy most of the time.
HARRY groans, and sits down on his bed as he pouts and crosses his arms.
HARRY
(annoyed)
It’s not fair! I finally get to come here, and all I can do is stay in my room all day? I wanna go explore Skylands like you all get to do, too!
STEALTH ELF
Well, unless you have some magic powers or a powerful weapon up your sleeve, you’re basically a sitting duck. We can’t risk you getting seriously hurt or killed before we can get you home.
STEALTH ELF moves for THE DOOR, and with a nod as urging, SPYRO comes with her.
STEALTH ELF (CONT’D)
Anyways, try to get some sleep tonight.
SPYRO
(cheerful)
We’ll see you in the morning!
HARRY nods as the two of them leave, but he looks more contemplative than anything.
HARRY
Magic powers, huh?
SKYLANDERS ACADEMY – DORMITORY HALLWAYS – EVENING
STEALTH ELF and SPYRO watch HARRY as they slowly close THE DOOR, and then glance at each other in concern.
SPYRO
(whispering)
So, what do you think those weird surges of magic back then were? Do you think that was them?
Both SPYRO and STEALTH ELF glance back at THE DOOR and frown.
STEALTH ELF
I’m not sure, but…
SKYLANDERS ACADEMY – JUDY’S DORM – EVENING
JUDY is curled up in a ball and shaking as she sits on HER BED, so shaken and terrified by all that’s occurred that she can’t even cry. FOOD FIGHT sits on her bed with her.
FOOD FIGHT
(wary)
You gonna be alright, Judy? I know all this was really scary, but, it’s gonna be okay.
JUDY sniffles, unable to even bring herself to look at FOOD FIGHT. FOOD FIGHT frowns.
???
Food Fight’s right, you know.
Suddenly, there’s A GLOW AND A POP! JUDY practically jumps out of her skin, and FOOD FIGHT leaps off the bed…
But, they both settle down when it turns out that it’s just DEJA VU. THE CAMERA MOVES to focus on DEJA VU as she walks closer.
DEJA VU
I’m sure you’re worried right now, Judy, but we’ll do anything we can to get you back home. I promise.
Still no response from JUDY, who can’t bring herself to say anything. DEJA VU and FOOD FIGHT both go to sigh, but quickly collect themselves when they notice how on-edge JUDY is.
DEJA VU (CONT’D)
Do you need us to get you anything while we’re here?
JUDY still doesn’t say anything, but then, HER STOMACH GROWLS! DEJA VU and FOOD FIGHT both laugh as JUDY sheepishly sighs.
JUDY
(meek)
I… Guess I am a little hungry…
FOOD FIGHT
(perky)
Anything you want in particular? Zucchini, tomatoes…
JUDY shrugs, still despondent.
JUDY
Not sure. I don’t think I can eat right now. All I can think about is how much I wanna go home...
Upon hearing this, DEJA VU and FOOD FIGHT grin at each other and turn to JUDY.
FOOD FIGHT
Don’t worry about the menu! We know just what to make!
FOOD FIGHT leaps on DEJA VU’S shoulder, and DEJA VU swings HER HOURGLASS. A GLOW envelopes the two as they start to FADE OUT OF EXISTENCE.
DEJA VU
We’ll be back in a few seconds!
The two fade out as JUDY watches, but POP back into existence moments later. They grin widely as they present JUDY with a steaming hot plate of KOUSA BI LABAN!
DEJA VU & FOOD FIGHT
TA-DAH!
They all sit down on JUDY’S bed and SHARE THE PLATE, but JUDY can only gasp.
DEJA VU
This is the food you said your parents always made for you, right?
FOOD FIGHT
Well, we figured if you missed home, what better way to feel at home than with some home-cooked meals! I’m pretty sure we followed the recipe right from what you told us.
DEJA VU
But, what better way to find out than actually digging in?
JUDY warily nods, and they all dig in. DEJA VU and FOOD FIGHT start first, and JUDY slowly joins in as they ENJOY THE DISH. As they eat, JUDY sees A MEMORY of HERSELF and HER PARENTS eating KOUSA BI LABAN together in a happy family dinner, laughing and everything.
The memory fades, and JUDY sniffles. She stops eating, and finally breaks down and sobs! She hangs her head as she cries.
DEJA VU understandingly puts THE PLATE away, and SHE HUGS JUDY.
DEJA VU
(gentle)
There, there…
FOOD FIGHT
(gentle)
Just let it all out…
FADE TO BLACK.
SKYLANDERS ACADEMY - NIGHT/MORNING
We then cut to the NEXT MORNING, as shown by a view of SKYLANDERS ACADEMY at night. The MOON turns out for the SUN, and a COCKATRICE on a distant island crows to signal the dawn’s breaking.
Just then, a BUG flies by!
The COCKATRICE turns the BUG to stone, and as it collapses on the ground, the COCKATRICE idly pecks it before glancing down at the STONE BUG in confusion, unaware as to why it is not edible.
SKYLANDERS ACADEMY – DORMITORY HALLWAYS - MORNING
LEO, MADELINE, HARRY, and JUDY have all woken up and moved out, and the FOUR OF THEM walk down the HALLS together.
LEO
(hesitant)
So, I guess it really wasn’t all just a dream, huh?
MADELINE and JUDY hesitantly both. Both are still on-edge and not quite ready to talk, but beside them, HARRY has THE BIGGEST SMILE on his face.
HARRY
(excited)
You bet it wasn’t!
HARRY runs out, spins around, and makes all sorts of wild gestures and movements.
HARRY (CONT’D)
Now that we’re finally here, there’s so much I’ve gotta do! I’m gonna check out the Academy, and go travel to a bunch of places, and—
HARRY snaps out of his spiel in a moment as they all move past.
HARRY (CONT’D)
(frantic)
Wait, and there’s something else, too! Something super-duper important that we’ve all gotta do!
JUDY raises a brow as they all run after HARRY.
JUDY
(suspicious)
Like getting home?
HARRY shakes his head.
HARRY
No, not that!
MADELINE
(confused)
What’s more important than getting back home?
HARRY
We’ve gotta—OOF!
THE KIDS do not pay attention to where or how fast they’re going, and end up running straight into HUGO! They all scream as they collapse in one big heap, dust clouds and symbols and all. Their eyes turn to spirals as they all groan and get up.
JUDY gasps as she spies HUGO planted on the floor, and frantically helps him up.
JUDY
(frantic)
I’m sorry, I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to run into you, please don’t be mad—
HUGO brushes himself off as he fixes his glasses.
HUGO
(apologetic)
It’s quite alright, I should’ve watched where I was going.
HUGO beams as he looks over the kids.
HUGO (CONT’D)
Did you sleep alright? I’m sure it must be a bit strange to be so far from home right now.
MADELINE and LEO awkwardly shrug, and JUDY looks away awkwardly. They all kind of mumble out in agreement. HARRY, however, is wide-eyed and enthusiastic.
HARRY
(excited)
I almost didn't! I was so excited that I could barely sleep! I'm in Skylands now, and I can finally hang out with you all for real, and there's so much I wanna see and do!
HUGO chuckles at HARRY'S rambles, a bit bemused by such childish enthusiasm.
HUGO
Well, it's good to see you're settling in, at least. The Skylanders were quite concerned with how you'd fare staying here and all.
Faces falter a bit as the kids think of their sudden trip, and HUGO senses this.
HUGO (CONT’D)
(reassuring)
But I promise, we're all working as hard as we can to make sure you get home as soon as possible.
HUGO perks up as he speaks, and dives into HIS LAPEL.
HUGO (CONT’D)
Oh, right! In the meanwhile, I have something for you!
KIDS
A gift?
Hugo pulls out SOME FOLDED CLOTHES and distributes them to the kids in quick order.
HUGO
I imagine you surely need a change of clothes, and these outfits are perfect for traversing Skylands! They're immune to water, fire, electricity, most forms of curses and forbidden magic... Just about any ail of Skylands you think, really. Also, they keep themselves clean using a magic cleaning spell, so they don’t need to be washed!
THE KIDS gasp in awe as they hold THEIR NEW OUTFITS in hand.
HUGO
Why don't you try them out?
THE KIDS zip away, and pop out in THEIR NEW OUTFITS. Each one gets A CLOSE-UP SHOT of them in their new attire, fancy background and all, before it cuts to them all looking over their new threads in awe.
JUDY looks up with a grin.
JUDY
Thanks a lot! These are nice!
HUGO
(happy)
Oh, think nothing of it! It's the least we can do after all you've done to help the Skylanders.
HUGO perks up once more.
HUGO (CONT’D)
Oh, and speaking of them, the Skylanders are discussing some things with Master Eon right now, so they'll meet you later. You're free to explore the Academy for now, but be careful, don't touch anything without asking any of us first, and also, there's a few areas that are off-limits...
HARRY
Okay! Come on, everyone, we've got some exploring to do!
THE KIDS runs off, once again leaving HUGO in the dust as he spins around and sputters.
SKYLANDERS ACADEMY – COURTYARD – MORNING
THE COURTYARD is bustling with life as another school day begins. THE KIDS all stumble out and gasp in awe. PAN-SHOT of the COURTYARD as they gasp.
CAMERA then cuts back to the kids as they watch before HARRY drags LEO off to the TRAINING AREA.
HARRY
Alright, sight-seeing's over!
LEO
(sputtering)
Wait, what are you doing?
HARRY points to a collection of training dummies in PERSEPHONE'S CORNER.
HARRY
We've got a date with those dummies!
MADELINE and JUDY warily follow as HARRY drags LEO off.
SKYLANDERS ACADEMY – PERSEPHONE’S CORNER – MORNING
THE KIDS all approach PERSEPHONE. She's delighted to see them!
PERSEPHONE
Hello, happy heroes from another school of dance! Have you perhaps come to receive some magical upgrades?
HARRY shakes his head.
HARRY
Not today, I'm afraid. Are those training dummies over there alright to train with?
PERSEPHONE
Of course! Anyone in the Academy is free to hone their happy skills with my training dummies.
HARRY
Great!
PERSEPHONE flits off.
PERSEPHONE
If you do not require further instruction for me, I will be in my happy abode, enjoying some happier tea! Do call for me if you need anything!
PERSEPHONE flies inside HER HOUSE and SHUTS THE DOOR. With her gone, HARRY grins as he turns to the others.
HARRY
I know what you're thinking—we don't have any special powers to train with, right? All we've done is open portals, probably!
LEO, MADELINE, and JUDY all glance around and mumble in agreement.
HARRY (CONT’D)
However, that's where you're all wrong!
HARRY'S eyes glisten.
HARRY (CONT’D)
I was thinking about something last night. You know how, when we were escaping that giant weapon, all those weird magic things happened? Like when those lights turned on out of nowhere, or when that rubble burned up and flew off, or when we all turned invisible?
JUDY
What are you saying?
HARRY
I think those are our powers! Spyro said that portal masters have the power to control all of Skylands' elements, and those look like elemental powers, but the Skylanders were saying that none of them did it, so it had to be us! Maybe some, like, I don't know, weird magic power activated when we got sent here, or that rift gave us special powers or something!
HARRY turns back to the dummies and crosses his arms.
HARRY (CONT’D)
Of course, that's only a guess right now. I want to know for sure if that's really ours, so if we can activate them again, we can prove we're just as powerful as the Skylanders!
LEO chuckles and raises a brow.
LEO
Something tells me you've got another reason for this, too~
HARRY chuckles and scratches his head.
HARRY
(bashful)
Well, that, and, Stealth Elf and Spyro told me that I can't really travel Skylands with them unless I can protect myself, and I figured, hey, if I have magic, they can't say no because I can use my special powers, and then they could finally take me across Skylands.
LEO
Knew it~
In the background, JUDY rolls her eyes and MADELINE looks a bit concerned.
LEO smiles and pats HARRY on the shoulder as he moves towards the dummies.
LEO
You know what? I think it would be pretty cool if we had special magic powers, so I'm in!
LEO turns to MADELINE and JUDY and waves them over.
LEO (CONT’D)
Come on! These dummies are getting pretty lonely!
MADELINE
Don't get yourself hurt, Leo!
JUDY warily comes along, clearly outnumbered and peer-pressured. Each kid squares off with a training dummy, as shown by a four-section screen.
KIDS
Three, two, one...
THE KIDS all attack the TRAINING DUMMIES in different ways, but all they achieve is hurting themselves. They all yelp and back off.
JUDY
(snarky)
Well, that didn't do anything.
HARRY
Maybe we just need to try something different. Maybe something like... This!
HARRY flings out his hands as if casting a spell.
HARRY (CONT’D)
Abra-cadabra!
LEO and MADELINE both mimic him.
LEO
Alakazam!
MADELINE
Open sesame!
Still nothing. THE THREE OF THEM sigh, and JUDY just shakes her head.
JUDY
(tired)
Something tells me this is gonna take a while...
CUE MONTAGE. The kids all try different methods of activating their magic—ATTACKING, SPELLCASTING, THE WORKS. Nothing works, and the most they achieve is a few bruises. At the end, they all plop down in the TRAINING AREA and pant.
HARRY
(exasperated)
Alright... Take five...
They all groan and slunk down, backs planted to the earth. THE DUMMIES OMINOUSLY GLOW, but THE KIDS hardly notice this.
HARRY (CONT’D)
Just what are we doing wrong? How did we even do it back at that place?
JUDY
Are you sure it was us though? Maybe it was just something weird that happened with that place.
MADELINE
I don't know. I did feel kind of funny when those lights went on...
LEO
And the same thing happened to me when those rocks almost fell on me! Maybe that was just my life flashing before my eyes, though...
THE KIDS all sigh, defeated. While they silently contemplate, however, THE DUMMIES suddenly start <rustling>! THE KIDS all gasp and jump up.
JUDY
Wait, what was that?
HARRY points to the dummies as the camera cuts to the. The TRAINING DUMMIES begin furiously shaking in place.
HARRY
It's the dummies!
THE DUMMIES quit shaking, and one by one, they POP OUT OF THE GROUND! MALICIOUS FACES form on their heads, and THE DUMMIES all cackle as they hop around THE KIDS!
THE KIDS scramble backwards, and they all scream as the dummies enclose them!
FADE TO BLACK.
Continuing off from the last scene, THE KIDS watch in horror as THE DUMMIES gang up on them. THE KIDS cling to each other! THE DUMMIES raise their arms and prepare to strike, but LEO quickly scrambles out from underneath their posts.
LEO
THIS WAY!
HARRY, MADELINE, and JUDY follow suit as they scramble out and run after LEO. THE TRAINING DUMMIES gasp, but quickly hop after the KIDS, who look back and scream before running off.
THE KIDS run up to PERSEPHONE'S DOOR and begin pounding on it as hard as they can.
KIDS
PERSEPHONE! HELP! OPEN UP!
However, PERSEPHONE doesn't answer! THE DUMMIES quickly catch up with THE KIDS, and they gasp as they pound faster.
KIDS (CONT’D)
PERSEPHONE! THE DUMMIES, THEY'RE—
A DUMMY unsheathes a SHARP WOODEN KNIFE from its arm, and swipes for THE KIDS! They yelp and duck down just in time, and THE KNIFE skewers a hole in PERSEPHONE'S DOOR instead.
THE KIDS dive through the DUMMIES' posts once more, and they all rush off.
JUDY
We've gotta find the Skylanders! They'll know how to stop these things!
LEO
Where are they, though?
JUDY
Didn't Hugo say they were talking about something with Master Eon?
LEO
Yeah, but where? I didn't hear him before we ran off!
JUDY
(irate)
We would've, if SOMEBODY didn't drag us out to get killed by wooden dummies!
JUDY shoots a glare at HARRY, who just sheepishly chuckles.
MADELINE gasps and points ahead.
MADELINE
It's too late, the dummies are here!
THE DUMMIES all cackle as they hop right in front of THE STAIRWAY out of PERSEPHONE'S CORNER, forming a wall that blocks off the kids, and quickly unsheathe their own knives. The KIDS skid to a stop before they get shanked.
As the kids turn around, the other DUMMIES pop out of the earth and encircle them as well! Once again, THE KIDS are cornered, and they scramble together as THE DUMMIES all point their knives in the KIDS' faces. THE KIDS are wide-eyed, sweating bullets, and clearly panicked.
One DUMMY swipes for LEO, and he cries out and ducks. THE DUMMY only manages to cut off a BIT OF HAIR, and LEO winces as THE STRANDS float down in a pile before him.
LEO
(scared)
You know, if we really do have special magic powers, now would be a great time for them to show up! Just saying!
HARRY thrusts his hands out, and bites his lip and he keeps pushing.
HARRY
Do something! Cast some spell already! Blow these things up, turn them into mice, just DO SOMETHING!
MADELINE and JUDY both cling to each other and tremble as ONE DUMMY looms over them! MADELINE and JUDY jump apart as THE DUMMY swings its KNIFE at them, and JUDY makes a mad dash out—but a DUMMY nearly slashes her!
MADELINE
JUDY!
JUDY screams as THE KNIFE comes in close, but MADELINE rushes forward and TACKLES THE DUMMY! It flies backwards, slamming into ITS FELLOW DUMMIES and knocking them down like bowling pins.
The noise catches the attention of HUGO, who stumbles out of A NEARBY BUILDING as THE CAMERA MOVES to focus on him. He's wide-eyed and shocked as he watches the dummy attack.
HUGO
(screaming)
What's going on here? What did you do to those dummies? They're not supposed to—
MADELINE screams and runs away as A COUPLE DUMMIES try to slice her, and HUGO similarly screams as he runs off.
HUGO (CONT’D)
Actually, nevermind! I'll go get the Skylanders, so just stay put!
HUGO runs off, and THE CAMERA MOVES to where the other kids are trapped inside PERSEPHONE'S CORNER by the dummies. LEO winces.
LEO
Not like we have a choice!
The DUMMIES whir like motors, and they all spin around like tops!
THE DUMMIES charge for THE KIDS, who all scream as they break off in four different directions and try to find a hiding place. THE DUMMIES bump into each other and bounce like pinballs, making this hard as the KIDS dodge their attacks and finally dive into their safe havens.
MADELINE tries to run, but she trips over her own two feet and yelps! The DUMMIES close in on her, and MADELINE screams!
This catches LEO'S attention as he stumbles out of his own hiding place!
LEO
MADELINE!
LEO runs out to get MADELINE, but THE DUMMIES immediately close him in! THE DUMMIES corner HARRY and JUDY in quick succession as well, and THE THREE OF THEM watch in horror as the DUMMIES charge for MADELINE.
MADELINE watches in horror as THE DUMMIES grow closer, and a SOFT GLOW envelops her. She SCREAMS, and all of a sudden, A BRIGHT GLOW shines from her and blows THE DUMMIES back! They all fall on their backs as the light fades.
LEO, HARRY, and JUDY quickly realize their opportunity, and make their escape as they REGROUP WITH MADELINE.
The light fades around MADELINE, and she looks up, shaken and terrified.
HARRY
That was awesome! You blew those dummies away like they were nothing!
JUDY
How did you do that?
MADELINE whimpers as LEO helps her up.
MADELINE
I'm not sure. When those dummies came after me, I got super scared, and I wished I had something to stop them, and, I got this really strange and tingly feeling, and I guess that happened?
MADELINE frowns and rubs her chin.
MADELINE (CONT’D)
Now that I think about it, that same thing happened when we were escaping! I really wanted us to have some light, and I felt super tingly and powerful, and then all those lights showed up!
As the others hear MADELINE say this, it finally clicks. HARRY gets eager-eyed as he turns to the others.
HARRY
That's it! All our powers showed up when we wanted something, so we just need to think of what we want super-hard!
LEO smirks.
LEO
And I know just what I want to do right now—take these dummies to the woodshed!
THE DUMMIES get back up, and they all TURN THEIR BLADES on THE KIDS once more. However, THE KIDS stand up confidently. Now that they know how to channel their powers, they're not scared anymore!
LEO rushes out first, and a WARM RED GLOW surrounds him.
LEO (CONT’D)
You know what I wish would happen right now? I wish you guys would just burn up already!
The RED GLOW coalesces in LEO'S HANDS, and out from them leap a ton of FIREBALLS! The FIREBALLS burn as they slam into THE DUMMIES, setting them alight! LEO's eyes sparkle as he watches THE DUMMIES frantically try to stop, drop, and roll, and he leaps into the air.
LEO
Boo-yah!
HARRY cracks his knuckles as he watches THE DUMMIES panic.
HARRY
And I know just what to do! I could soak them with a water bucket!
HARRY snaps his fingers, but quickly shakes his head.
HARRY (CONT’D)
No, I could wrap them all up with magical smoke, or blow them away with a giant gust, or have a giant bird sit on them!
HARRY keeps snapping his fingers and changing his mind, but nothing works! He winces as he keeps idly snapping.
HARRY (CONT’D)
Come on! Still nothing?
A bunch of DUMMIES cackle as they hop for HARRY with BLADES SHARPENED, and he yelps—but JUDY jumps right in!
JUDY
Leave us alone!
A MASSIVE PLUME OF SMOKE blankets HARRY and JUDY, and when it disappears, THEY'RE COMPLETELY INVISIBLE! The DUMMIES look around in confusion, but THE CAMERA CHANGES to show that HARRY and JUDY still in their regular spots (with convenient outlines to show the viewer that they're invisible).
HARRY
Gigantic light shower? Huge planet bombs? I don't know, those really loud fireworks the neighbors are always setting off? Those are super loud and freak me out a lot, so I bet they'd make good weapons...
As HARRY thinks, he SNAPS HIS FINGERS and a bunch of MAGICAL FIREWORKS blow up the DUMMIES! The noise is so sudden that HARRY and JUDY take cover, and the invisibility spell lets up!
HARRY and JUDY open their eyes to see THE DUMMIES half-beaten and idle, and HARRY blinks.
HARRY
Did I do that?
HARRY frowns, but ultimately shrugs it off.
HARRY (CONT’D)
Well, whatever works...
The DUMMIES shoot up with a <springing noise>, and though beaten, they're not down yet! They groan as they charge for HARRY and JUDY...
But suddenly, a THICK, SPARKLY MIST floods the area! THE KIDS gasp as they disappear from the naked eye.
THE DUMMIES groan and whip their heads around, confused by the sudden change of scenery.
???
Get out of our sight!
Someone thwacks THE DUMMIES, knocking them back on the ground... But before they fall, a bunch of TRAPTANIUM ARROWS fly in and pierce through THE DUMMIES' HEARTS! THE DUMMIES groan as they fall inactive on the floor.
THE MIST LIFTS, and with it, it reveals the mystery attacker—ENIGMA! He stand and looks over the kids, before he offers a hand to HARRY and JUDY.
ENIGMA
We came as soon as Hugo told us. Are you alright?
LEO & MADELINE
Enigma!
They run up, but before they get there, SNAP SHOT and NINJINI rush up as well. SNAP SHOT runs in first, and he immediately tends to LEO and MADELINE.
SNAP SHOT,
You're not hurt, are you?
LEO
(shrugging & grinning)
Just a couple scrapes and bruises. Nothing worse than recess.
MADELINE
I don't think recess is as bad as that, though...
LEO
But get this, Snap Shot! I've got magic fire powers! When those dummies attacked, I shot off a bunch of super-big fireballs and burned them to a crisp!
MADELINE
And I sent out this super-bright light!
HARRY and JUDY run up as well.
HARRY
And I made these super-bright fireworks!
JUDY
I turned us invisible!
SNAP SHOT and ENIGMA look down, and smile towards each other in a bemused manner.
SNAP SHOT
It's only natural. As portal masters, you can control Skylands’ elements however ya like. That probably explains everything that happened back at the Ultimate Weapon too, now that I think about it.
They all glance at THE DUMMIES, and LEO scoffs.
LEO
Good timing, too! Those dummies probably would've made us into chopped liver if we hadn't gotten those powers!
MADELINE
Are the dummies supposed to be that strong?
SNAP SHOT blinks, shocked.
SNAP SHOT
Wait, strong? But, those dummies aren't supposed to fight back!
KIDS
They aren't?
NINJINI swoops in, and levitates the dummies from the ground with magic.
NINJINI
Indeed, they aren't. I'll go ask Persephone about this, and see if we can't find the cause.
NINJINI flies off with the dummies, and they all watch for a moment before turning back to SNAP SHOT and ENIGMA.
LEO
So, what were you doing, anyways?
SNAP SHOT sighs.
SNAP SHOT
We were lockin' up Kaos in the Vault and seeing if we couldn't get him to spill about what else he did, but for all his rants about Skylands' ultimate doom, he's not much of a talker.
ENIGMA pushes through next.
ENIGMA
As we were trying to interrogate Kaos, we got an alarm for suspicious magical readings.
SNAP SHOT'S eyes go wide.
SNAP SHOT
Oh, that's right! We were just checking those out when Hugo got us.
SNAP SHOT leaves, but not before beckoning for the kids.
SNAP SHOT (CONT’D)
You kids should come with me. I get the feeling you'll wanna see this.
SKYLANDERS ACADEMY – MAGS’ LABORATORY – MORNING
The kids, ENIGMA, and SNAP SHOT are now in MAGS' LABORATORY. There, MAGS and DROBOT are examining a machine.
SNAP SHOT
So, how're things looking?
DROBOT turns around first and ADJUSTS SOME DIALS ON HIS SUIT.
DROBOT
The readings seem to have stabilized since you have left. However, the magic signatures are still incredibly strong, and we have successfully transferred their coordinates to our mapping systems. There does not seem to have been any abnormalities beyond the ones we initially detected...
MAGS swings in next with A WIDE GRIN, and knocks DROBOT out of his chair. DROBOT falls to the floor with a <thud>, sits up, and GLARES AT MAGS.
MAGS
They're definitely tied to what happened back there, though! Same thing went off like a cockatrice callin' for morning breakfast when you all arrived here!
SNAP SHOT
Speaking of...
SNAP SHOT nods, and brings THE KIDS to the machine. THE CAMERA CUTS to show their faces as they watch the screens.
SNAP SHOT (CONT’D)
You kids wouldn't happen to know anyone here, would you?
THE KIDS glance further at the screens, and they all GASP!
TO BE CONTINUED...