RECAP This will only appear during multi-part specials and other important episodes to recap the events of prior happenings. They will be comprised of clips that briefly summarize the story so far.
THE STORY SO FAR
Siblings Leo and Madeline think they’re going to spend an ordinary spring break at their uncle’s place when they find the Trap Masters, who belong to a group of otherworldly heroes known as the Skylanders, hiding away in their uncle’s attic. The two of them quickly become fast friends with the Trap Masters, but their journeys together seemingly come to a close when Leo and Madeline return home for the end of spring break.
Their separation does not last long. Leo and Madeline are soon brought to Skylands alongside their schoolmates Harry and Judy via a ploy by the Skylanders’ archenemy Kaos. There, they learn that Harry and Judy are also portal masters who were responsible for bringing other members of the Skylanders’ ranks back to their home world, Skylands. After capturing Kaos, the Skylanders take the four young portal masters back to the Skylands’ current base of operations, Skylanders Academy, while they try to find a way to bring the kids back to their own home world.
While staying there, the kids awaken the magical power they hold as portal masters to defend themselves from a sudden and unexpected training dummy attack. With the dummies taken care of, the Skylanders have something important to show the kids…
[RECAP OVER]
SKYLANDERS ACADEMY – MAGS’ LABORATORY – DAY
SNAP SHOT
You kids wouldn't happen to know anyone here, would you?
THE KIDS glance further at the screens, and they all gasp! THE CAMERA shifts in this moment, and shows THE SUBJECTS OF THE SCREENS THE REST OF THE EARTH PORTAL MASTERS that KAOS summoned wandering across different parts of Skylands.
LEO
No way! There’s more portal masters besides us?
MADELINE
How did they get here?
JUDY
Do you think there’s even more of them?
HARRY remains silent, instead humming as he narrows his eyes and examines ONE PARTICULAR SCREEN. He raises a brow and gasps as he draws back before elbowing LEO.
LEO
Owch! What was that for?
HARRY
Leo, Leo! Look at this one!
HARRY points to the screen, and THE CAMERA SHIFTS to show that GABE is displayed on it! He’s running across A VILLAGE in a frantic manner, but HARRY and LEO aren’t as concerned about that.
LEO
(amazed)
No way! Gabe’s a portal master, too?
HARRY
Geez, how many people I know are secretly portal masters anyways? (Scoffs)
Sure wish they wouldn’t hide it from me so much…
LEO
I told you, I didn’t mean too!
Meanwhile, JUDY and MADELINE examine one screen in particular, with JUDY looking intently. MADELINE seems confused by this.
MADELINE
Do you know those kids?
JUDY
(drawing back)
I do, actually!
The camera shifts to show the next screen, where IRENE and PHOENIX wander through A CLOUDY AREA. JUDY points towards IRENE.
JUDY, CONT’D
I have most of my classes with that girl, but she’s always super late for them. It’s a miracle she even gets in the classroom half the time.
Intrigued by JUDY AND MADELINE’S CONVERSATION, LEO and HARRY peer over to THE OTHER SCREEN. CAMERA BRIEFLY SHIFTS to the screen for a moment before moving back to THE KIDS as LEO and HARRY turn to each other.
LEO
And isn’t that other kid Phoenix, from our science class?
HARRY
Has to be. I’d recognize that gloomy face anywhere. You’d think he wouldn’t have anything to be sad about, since his family’s super rich…
SNAP SHOT pushes in and slings his TRAPTANIUM CROSSBOW over his shoulder.
SNAP SHOT
So what I’m hearing is, these kids are all friends of yours?
ALL FOUR KIDS turn to ANOTHER SCREEN that displays PHOEBE and LIBBY sitting together and talking.
LEO
I mean, I don’t recognize those two girls.
HARRY
Never seen them in my life.
MADELINE
Me neither.
JUDY
Same here.
SNAP SHOT chuckles and turns back to the kids.
SNAP SHOT
Either way, don’t’cha worry. We’ll have ‘em back home in two shakes of a Smilecat’s tail!
MAGS
Ya sure will! We’ve already told the other ‘landers about the situations, and we’ve got teams preppin’ to fly off at the docks!
SNAP SHOT goes to leave, but the kids immediately follow him.
LEO
Wait, let us go with you!
MADELINE
Yeah! We’ve gotta!
LEO and HARRY turn back to THE SCREENS, and they linger on where GABE still runs around town.
HARRY
(frowning)
Gabe’s probably scared out of his mind right now! We’re his friends, so we’ve gotta be there for him!
LEO
Besides, we wouldn’t really be good friends if we just let someone else save him while we sat at home.
MADELINE raises a brow.
MADELINE
Leo, are you sure you’re feeling alright? Normally you’d never actually ask to do something like this.
LEO scoffs.
LEO
Homework and chores are one thing, but I’m not gonna let one of my friends get hurt, especially after all that weird stuff that just happened today! What I wanna know is why you’re going! Weren’t you freaking out and crying about wanting to go home last night?
MADELINE puffs her cheeks, clearly irate.
MADELINE
I wasn’t freaking out!
MADELINE leans towards JUDY.
MADELINE, CONT’D
Besides, Judy knows this girl, and if she knows her, maybe we’ll be able to talk to her about all this and get her here faster!
JUDY
I mean… I don’t know her super well… We just have some classes together…
SNAP SHOT hisses and clenches his teeth.
SNAP SHOT
I ain’t sure about this. I can’t exactly have you kids getting banged up.
LEO
But we fought those training dummies just fine!
HARRY
For the most part, anyways.
SNAP SHOT
But’cha still got yerselves in a lot of trouble, and there’s a lot worse out there than just some training dummies that went bung. We’ve gotten ourselves in situations even we’ve barely gotten out of by the skin of our scales, and that’s with all our time on the field! You kids’ve barely even started to use your magic.
LEO pushes forward despite SNAP SHOT’S hesitance, earning a BROW RAISE from SNAP SHOT.
LEO
That might be true, but we’ve still gotta be there for Gabe!
HARRY
He’s always been kind of easy to scare, and I’m sure being in a place so far away from home has him going bonkers! If he has us with him, maybe he’ll be less scared?
DROBOT clears his throat, and all eyes turn to him as he gets off the floor.
DROBOT
The portal masters do have a point. I am sure this is an incredulously stressful situation for them all, and having familiar faces by their sides would certainly put their minds at ease.
SNAP SHOT grimaces, humming as he contemplates it. As he does, HARRY shoves his face in SNAP SHOT’S and gives him THE PUPPY-DOG EYES.
HARRY
Please? Pretty please? With lots of lollies on top?
SNAP SHOT whimpers, clearly taken in by HARRY’S pleading. He tries to stay strong for a few minutes, but quickly groans and gives in.
SNAP SHOT
Alright, you can have a go. Just stay outta trouble and don’t go walkabout on us, alright?
LEO and HARRY cheer and high-five each other as they rush out, and SNAP SHOT runs after them.
SNAP SHOT, CONT’D
Hey, wait up!
MADELINE grins and urges JUDY with a silent nudge, and JUDY warily nods a they follow.
SKYLANDERS ACADEMY – COURTYARD – DAY
In the COURTYARD, the SKYLANDERS assembled for the rescue missions crowd together as they prepare to shove off. In particular, FRYNO stomps around in such a fury that FLAMES burst from his body and his footsteps singe the earth. His other teammates—WASH BUCKLER, WILDFIRE, BLAST ZONE, MAGNA CHARGE, ROLLER BRAWL, GILL GRUNT, and TRIGGER HAPPY—watch him with little fear despite the fires.
FRYNO
WHERE ARE THEY? WE’RE SUPPOSED TO LEAVE SOON!
ROLLER BRAWL skates up and scoffs.
ROLLER BRAWL
Chillax, Fryno. I’m sure they’re on their way—
ROLLER BRAWL yelps and jumps away as flames burst from FRYNO’S flapping ears. FRYNO’S flames burn like a five-alarm fire as he grows furious.
FRYNO
LATENESS MAKES ME ANGRY! I CAN’T CHILL OUT!
FRYNO huffs and puffs, but before he can blow the whole place away, a BUNCH OF BUBBLES fly out and pop in his face! The sudden shock quells his flames.
The camera moves to show WASH BUCKLER as he blows SUDS from his gun.
WASH BUCKLER
Ease up there, matey. Can’t have you burning down the whole deck before we even set sail.
FRYNO looks like he’s about ready to erupt, but stops as TRIGGER HAPPY hops into frame and points.
TRIGGER HAPPY
Besides, they’re already here!
GILL GRUNT waves over to SNAP SHOT as he, ENIGMA, and THE KIDS join the group. However, his brow raises when he sees the KIDS with him.
GILL GRUNT
Wait, why are the portal masters coming?
SNAP SHOT winces and looks away.
SNAP SHOT
The kids, er, made some convincing arguments…
LEO
We’re coming here to look for our friend!
MADELINE
And we’re coming to look for some kids from our school, too! They got sent here too, so we’ve gotta help them!
ENIGMA
Speaking of…
ENIGMA gently urges MADELINE and JUDY towards where BLADES and WALLOP stand with the others.
ENIGMA, CONT’D
You two will come with us. Cali is taking us to where your friends are stranded. Flynn was supposed to, but he injured himself trying to rebuild his cursed ship again and…
ENIGMA shakes his head and clicks his tongue disapprovingly. The others wince, knowing exactly what he means.
BUZZ, meanwhile, honks the horn on his own ship and waves.
BUZZ
Come on, Skylanders! Day’s wastin’ away, and we’ve got portal masters to find!
LEO and HARRY grin, and turn to MADELINE and JUDY as they board FLYNN’S SHIP. LEO and HARRY board BUZZ’S SHIP with the rest of their team, and as the ships prepare to leave, LEO and HARRY lean over the deck and wave to MADELINE and JUDY.
HARRY
See you!
LEO
We’ll be back way before you are!
MADELINE
Are you sure about that?
LEO
Totally!
[theme song]
OPEN SKIES – DAY
We cut to BUZZ’S SHIP flying in the skies, slicing through a few clouds as it soars.
BUZZ’S SHIP – DECK – SAME
There, most-everyone idly lays on the SHIP’S DECK, bored out of their minds as they wait to arrive. LEO and HARRY, in particular, flop down as they groan. TRIGGER HAPPY runs around them; he’s giggling and peering off ledges with a GOLDEN SPYGLASS and a PIRATE HAT atop his head, but hardly anyone pays any mind to him.
LEO
Are we there yet?
FRYNO
No.
[beat]
HARRY
Are we there now?
Fryno’s horn glows a bit brighter, and he flicks his ear in annoyance.
FRYNO
(annoyed)
No…
[beat]
LEO
Now?
A <BOILING KETTLE SOUND> sound plays as the camera closes in on FRYNO. He’s clearly getting frustrated!
FRYNO
(forceful)
No!
LEO & HARRY
Now? Now? Now? Are we there now? How about now?
FRYNO grits his teeth as LEO AND HARRY’S WORDS circle around him, represented by VISAGES OF THEIR HEADS circling around him. The <BOILING KETTLE SOUND> rises as FRYNO growls, and finally, he snaps! The visages disappear and the noise reaches its shrillest as FRYNO literally and metaphorically erupts into A FIERY RAGE!
FRYNO
WE’RE NOT THERE YET! HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE TO SAY IT? NOW QUIT ASKING! ASKING THE SAME QUESTION MAKES ME ANGRY, AND SO DOES HAVING TO WAIT!
FRYNO stomps around and catches fire as LEO and HARRY quickly jump away. Before he can set anything on fire, GILL GRUNT shoots FRYNO with WATER, dousing both the flames and his anger.
LEO
Okay, lesson learned—don’t ask Fryno a lot of questions.
HARRY
Agreed.
They wince as they watch the thoroughly-drenched FRYNO, but HARRY breaks away as he watches TRIGGER HAPPY bouncing around the deck.
HARRY
And what do you think you’re doing?
(Raises brow)
For that matter, where’d you get the pirate hat?
TRIGGER HAPPY
Arr, matey! I’m scouting for land!
TRIGGER HAPPY leans over the deck as he peers out his spyglass.
TRIGGER HAPPY, CONT’D
Still nothing, cap’n!
WASH BUCKLER (V.O.)
Speaking of captains…
WASH BUCKLER walks in and yanks HIS HAT off of TRIGGER HAPPY’S HEAD.
WASH BUCKLER, CONT’D
This one’s taking his hat back!
WASH BUCKLER scoffs as he brushes TRIGGER HAPPY’S FUR from his hat and puts it back on. BUZZ’S SHIP lowers, and WASH BUCKLER glances over THE OTHER SIDE OF THE DECK.
WASH BUCKLER, CONT’D
Looks like we’re dropping anchor! Get yourselves ready!
THE OTHERS grow alert as they quickly jump to their feet. HARRY and LEO in particular immediately scramble to glance over where WASH BUCKLER is looking. They see A VILLAGE come into view as BUZZ parks the ship, but frown as they hear… <SCREAMING>?
LEO
What’s with all that screaming?
WASH BUCKLER
Not sure, mateys, but what I am sure is that something smells fishy here… And it ain’t me.
THE SHIP’S GANGPLANK docks, and SNAP SHOT runs down.
SNAP SHOT
Come on, mates! We’ve got a portal master to find!
VILLAGE – DAY
THE SKYLANDERS, HARRY, and LEO dismount from BUZZ’S SHIP and arrive in THE VILLAGE. The whole place is a mess! VILLAGERS scream as PLANT/ANIMAL HYBRIDS, or PLANTIMALS, tear the place to pieces, attack the villagers, and otherwise cause a huge mess!
A WATER SPIRIT runs past, screaming as some FUNGEESE honk at it and nip at its heels.
WATER SPIRIT
STOP, STOP! I’M NOT DRINKABLE!
The FUNGEESE honk at the WATER SPIRIT, who wails as they flee. While they run, we see a few more scenes of devastation and destruction CHILI PEPPER BEETLES setting buildings alight as villagers attempt to put them out, CARROT-HARES gnawing on structures like termites, FLYTRAP PIRANHAS leaping from the soil to try and eat up unsuspecting villagers...
The camera moves back to the SKYLANDERS, HARRY, and LEO, who are all wide-eyed and frozen to their spots
SNAP SHOT
Crikey! It’s like someone unleashed a zoo in here!
WASH BUCKLER
You’re telling me, matey. I haven’t seen a place this trashed since that time my old crew drank too much ale!
HARRY and LEO both exchange worried glances. They’re clearly thinking about GABE.
HARRY
And if Gabe’s here…
LEO
He’s definitely in trouble!
LEO runs past SNAP SHOT and fires up A FIREBALL.
LEO, CONT’D
Come on, we’ve gotta find him!
SNAP SHOT
Hold on a second!
SNAP SHOT pulls LEO back and snarls.
SNAP SHOT, CONT’D
Let us handle this, Leo. It’s a jungle out there!
LEO and HARRY draw back, and watch as the SKYLANDERS jump into action.
SNAP SHOT starts us off. He uses HIS ARROWS to nail down some BEETLES, but a particularly large BEET BOAR attacks next! SNAP SHOT is thrown off, but quickly collects himself as he nails the beast with AN ARROW TO THE HEAD. The BEET BOAR yowls as it falls back when A BUNCH OF FLAMING CHAINS tie its legs up tight.
WILDFIRE grins as he holds the collective chains in hand and yanks them, causing the BEET BOAR to fall on its side! It hits the ground with a pained squeal, but falls unconscious. SNAP SHOT grins at WILDFIRE and gives him a thumbs up.
SNAP SHOT
Ace!
SOME FLAMES lick at SNAP SHOT’S back, and he winces. He plunges his arrows into the ground to create A WHIRLPOOL, and funnels the water to douse the flames. GILL GRUNT soon joins him, using his LEVIATHAN to soar over and drench the flames.
GILL GRUNT
We’ll handle the fire-fighting here, Wildfire! You guys just fight with the flames!
WILDFIRE sighs and shakes his head, clearly not amused by GILL GRUNT’S poor attempts at wordplay. He hears growling as a bunch of STRAWBERRY LEOPARDS pounce on him, and bashes them away with HIS SHIELD as a transition.
While WILDFIRE fights, WASH BUCKLER joins TRIGGER HAPPY in shooting away some BANANA-BIRDS! THE BANANA-BIRDS fall to the ground, and a few MANGO MONKEYS pick them up, peel, and eat them. WASH BUCKLER chases them away with a few lashings of HIS TENTACLES and SQUIRTS OF INK.
WASH BUCKLER
Sail away, you scurvy dogs!
WASH BUCKLER chuckles, but from the distance, a <FAMILIAR SHOUT> sounds! He turns around as FRYNO and BLAST ZONE chase away some burning GORILLILIES, and follows the sound into an alleyway.
There, MAGNA CHARGE is cornered by a bunch of MOSSY RATS, and MAGNA CHARGE snarls as he points his gun. Despite this, it’s clear that he has no way of getting out… Unless?
WASH BUCKLER
TAG TEAM!
WASH BUCKLER leaps in and SWAPS with MAGNA CHARGE, becoming MAGNA BUCKLER AND WASH CHARGE! MAGNA BUCKLER grins, and climbs up THE WALL as he nails the MOSS RATS from the angle instead!
THE MOSS RATS reel back, and WASH CHARGE uses his magnetism to toss them off the way! WASH CHARGE grins as he watches them blast off again, <TWINKLING SOUND EFFECT> and all, but quickly dodges as ROLLER BRAWL skates forward and slams a CHERRY CROCODILE into a wall.
Meanwhile, LEO and HARRY are rushing through town, dodging attacks as they look for GABE wherever they can.
LEO & HARRY
GABE? GABE, WHERE ARE YOU? IT’S US!
They duck, dodge, and weave through the animal fight all the meanwhile. As they duck and cover from GILL GRUNT rescuing a few villagers from A BURNING HOUSE, however, they hear voices!
MYSTERIOUS VOICE 1
TATE? TATE?
MYSTERIOUS VOICE 2
TATE, WHERE’D YOU GO?
LEO and HARRY look around for the source of the voices, but while they’re not paying attention, an ELDERLY KOBOLD MAN runs into them! They all crash to the floor with alarmed screams, and the KOBOLD MAN is similarly shocked.
KOBOLD
Oh, my apologies, young ones! I didn’t see you there—
MYSTERIOUS VOICE 2
Mister Hokri! Are you alright?
Everyone turns around as none other than GABE runs into the scene and helps HOKRI up!
HOKRI
(weary)
I’m fine, Gabriel. I just took a little spill…
GABE
Good, I—
GABE stops short as he sees HARRY and LEO, and lets go of HOKRI as he goes to see them.
GABE
Leo, Harry? Is that really you?
HARRY & LEO
GABE!
The three of them quickly pull him in and laugh.
LEO
We’re as real as you are! I hope you’re real, at least?
GABE
(bemused)
Same here.
HARRY
Are you alright? How’d you end up in Skylands, anyways?
GABE
For the most, and, it’s kind of a long story…
HOKRI chuckles, and all eyes turn to him.
HOKRI
My, do you boys know each other?
GABE
(grinning)
They’re my best friends from Earth, the ones I was telling you about! (confused)
I don’t know how they ended up here, though…
LEO and HARRY exchange awkward glances.
LEO
That’s also a long story…
WASH BUCKLER (V.O.)
Well, well! Look who finally jumped on deck!
The camera moves, showing WASH BUCKLER walking in. GABE is ecstatic to see him, and runs right towards him. The two embrace, and WASH BUCKLER gives GABE a PLAYFUL NOOGIE.
WASH BUCKLER
If it isn’t my first mate in the flesh and blood!
GABE
Wash Buckler! What’re you doing here?
WASH BUCKLER
Why, looking for you, of course! Heard rumors on the high tides that some portal masters ended up here, but I never would have guessed you’d be one!
GABE and WASH BUCKLER get their chuckles in, but HOKRI immediately breaks in as he breaths a sigh of relief.
HOKRI
Oh, thank the Ancients the Skylanders are here! We desperately need your help! These strange animals just ran out of the forest, and they’re causing trouble all over town!
WASH BUCKLER looks like he wants to deliver a snarky remark about how he hadn’t possibly noticed that while he glances at the town. However, he stops himself as GABE gasps in shock.
GABE
That’s right, and Tate’s still missing too!
GABE winces and begins biting his nails.
GABE, CONT’D
Where is he? Where is he?
HOKRI
He couldn’t have possibly gone far…
SNAP SHOT (V.O.)
Alright, settle down, mates.
SNAP SHOT walks in with MOST OF THE OTHER SKYLANDERS, and gives HOKRI an official-looking look that seems to ease HOKRI’S worries.
SNAP SHOT, CONT’D
We’re more than happy to help you look for this Tate, but first off, exactly who is he?
GILL GRUNT
Is he your kid, or your grandkid, or—
GABE breaks from WASH BUCKLER as the camera focuses on him.
GABE
None of that! Tate’s a portal master from Earth, just like me!
THE SKYLANDERS, LEO, and HARRY gasp, but before they can ask any questions, ROLLER BRAWL and FRYNO dash straight in.
ROLLER BRAWL
Wait, did you say you were looking for a portal master named Tate?
GABE and HOKRI nod, and FRYNO immediately shoves himself IN THEIR FACES.
FRYNO
Where is he? What happened to him?
FRYNO looks about ready to burst, but the sound of <CRASHING> behind him alerts the heroes to where a couple more PLANTIMALS crash down. Everyone winces.
HOKRI
I’ll explain at my house. I do believe this is no place for idle chatter at the moment.
HOKRI’S HOUSE – LIVING ROOM – DAY
In the LIVING ROOM of HOKRI’S HOUSE, everyone’s gathered around the HEART OF THE AREA while GABE and HOKRI sit in the center. GABE takes a breath as THE CAMERA FOCUSES on him.
GABE
See, it all happened… Yesterday, I guess? It was right after I came home from schools. My dads were getting ready to make dinner, so I was putting my stuff away…
HARRISON-LEWIS HOUSEHOLD – GABE’S BEDROOM – DAY – FLASHBACK
GABE places HIS BACKPACK on HIS BED, and grins as he pulls out a PORTAL from a HIDDEN CHAMBER OF HIS CLOSET. He sets the portal on his bed as it glows, and grins widely.
GABE
I wonder what the Swappers have been up to lately? I’ve been so busy with spring break stuff that we barely had time to talk?
THE PORTAL’S GLOW becomes brighter and more ominous as GABE talks, but he barely notices.
GABE, CONT’D
I bet Fire Kraken’s already blown something up in the new Academy with his fireworks, and Freeze Blade’s run around the whole place like, twenty times! Sure wish I could see it…
(Shakes head)
But, going to Skylands wouldn’t be possible. Besides, it’s probably super dangerous there. I wouldn’t know a thing about what I …
GABE trails off as he glances at the portal, which now has A SMALL RIFT above its surface.
GABE
(worried)
Doing?
The rift grows larger and larger by the second, and GABE’S ROOM rattles as GABE himself yelps and jumps back.
GABE
Stop, stop! Shut down! That’s way too dangerous!
But, the rift doesn’t stop! The rift expands and grows brighter, and GABE crawls into A CORNER OF HIS BEDROOM, wide-eyed and terrified. A FEW STRAY GARBAGE ITEMS fly out of HIS TRASHCAN and into the rift, and GABE yelps as soon enough, he himself is lifted off the ground and sucked in!
GABE, CONT’D
No, wait, put me down! Stop! Stop!
The rift growls as it drags GABE in, and GABE is reduced to just screaming at the top of his lungs as the rift sucks in him…
VILLAGE – DAY – FLASHBACK
GABE wakes up, vision blurry and head throbbing. He groans and holds his head as he hears talking around him, and slowly, his vision clears as he finds himself in... A VILLAGE?
GABE
What is this place?
GABE gets up and warily looks around. He sees THE TRASH scattered around him, and recalls THE RIFT. He gasps, and starts shaking as he falls to his knees again.
GABE
Wait, did that weird portal take me here? Where am I? Am I in Skylands, or somewhere else? No, forget that, how am I going to get home?
GABE's shaking and clearly terrified, and he starts straining as if he's going to cry. In the midst of his panic, however, he brushes against the trash and winces.
GABE
Well, er, I do have to throw this trash away... Can't risk messing up the environment and getting some nature spirit mad or something.
GABE picks up the trash and glances ahead.
GABE, CONT'D
Besides, there's a village ahead. Maybe I can ask around and see if anyone knows where I'm at! If they even speak English, anyways...
GABE warily walks into town and throws away the garbage in a nearby trashcan. He walks around and sees several species—MABU, KANGARATS, FOXES, AND A FEW OTHERS—and narrows his eyes as he gets brief flashbacks to the events of SKYLANDERS SWAP FORCE.
GABE
Wait. Those are definitely mabu, and there's kangarats over there, too! Those foxes look like the ones from Woodburrow, too...
GABE blinks, and a wave of realization slowly washes over him.
GABE
Does that mean I'm really in Skylands?
GABE blinks, not entirely convinced of what he's just told himself. He goes up to A FEW VILLAGE PASSERBY, but he's either too nervous to ask them any questions or they completely ignore him. As they do, we hear <VARIOUS WALLA> from THE CROWDS AROUND, and GABE gets more overwhelmed.
STAND OWNER
CHOMPY-POPS! GET YOUR CHOMPY-POPS HERE!
PERSON 1
So, like I was saying...
PERSON 2
Did you see that play last night?
PERSON 3
I hope nobody notices that I threw my tax forms in that tornado we had the other day...
THE CROWD WALLA grows louder and more overwhelming to GABE, who whimpers and clutches HIS EARS as he tries to think. Just then, he sees A HEAD OF HAIR eagerly bobbing away from the crowds, and another voice breaks through.
TATE
So, you're a kobold, huh? I thought kobolds were all supposed to be lizards, or dogs, but you look like those elves I saw in books! Hey, are kobolds from Skylands all like you, or do they look different? Are there lots of kobolds here, or do they all live super far away?
GABE
(thinking)
Wait... Did that kid say something about Skylands?
GABE turns around as the crowds part, and he sees TATE eagerly bouncing around HOKRI, who gives a bemused chuckle. We get a closeup of TATE'S FACE as he talks, and then one of GABE'S as the realization hits.
GABE, CONT'D
Wait a second, do I know that kid?
(shakes head)
Wait, no! Hold on a second!
GABE runs up and pulls TATE back, and TATE yelps. TATE, annoyed, turns to GABE.
TATE
Hey what was that
(surprised)
for?
GABE
Calm down with all your questions! It's rude to bombard a total stranger with a bunch of weird questions the moment you run into them!
HOKRI chuckles, and both GABE and TATE look at his bemused smile.
HOKRI
Ah, it's quite alright. It's not every day that I meet someone from another world, after all!
HOKRI holds out a hand to GABE, who warily shakes back.
HOKRI, CONT'D
I presume you're a friend of young Tate here?
GABE
(thinking)
Wait a second, now I remember where I know that kid from! He's Tate Higgins from the grade below. Didn't he get the science lab shut down for a week because he mixed too many chemical during an experiment to see what they'd do?
GABE grimaces a bit as he recalls THE INCIDENT, perhaps wondering what he's gotten himself into, but reluctantly nods.
GABE
(hesitant)
Well, we go to the same school back home...
HOKRI
Regardless, young Tate told me that he was stranded here, and doesn't have any place to go. I presume the same is true of you as well?
GABE'S face falls as he recalls HIS HOME AND PARENTS, and he quietly, somberly nods. HOKRI lets go of GABE'S hand.
HOKRI, CONT'D
In that case, my house has a few spare bedrooms to offer, and I wouldn't be able to sleep at night if you two younglings ran into trouble because you had nowhere to sleep. Why don't you stay with me until you find a way back home?
GABE seems a bit hesitant, frowning as he turns away from HOKRI.
GABE
(thinking)
I mean, that's true, but I don't wanna cause a bunch of trouble for a total stranger. Besides, what if he's some secret creep or something? What if he's gonna dissect me, or eat me alive, or—
TATE
Sure! Once we get there, can you show me all those old books you were talking about?
HOKRI
Absolutely!
TATE and HOKRI walk off, and GABE winces.
GABE
(thinking)
Well, guess the decision's made.
HOKRI'S HOUSE – NIGHT – FLASHBACK
From here, we get a montage. HOKRI, TATE, and GABE enjoy DINNER together, and HOKRI shows the kids HIS COLLECTION OF ODDITIES. GABE slowly warms up to the old man, and TATE is amazed by everything he sees...
HOKRI'S HOUSE – GUEST BEDROOM – SAME – FLASHBACK
... But soon, it is bedtime. GABE and TATE sit on BEDS IN THE GUEST BEDROOM, but neither of them are quick to sleep. Rather, they're up talking.
TATE
Wait, so you're a portal master, too? I thought I was the only one in the whole world!
GABE shushes TATE, who chuckles.
TATE
(lower)
Sorry.
(whispers)
But you really have a portal and everything?
GABE
(whispering)
Yeah, it's what brought me here, but... How did you get here?
TATE
Same deal. I have this portal from when I found the Skylanders in my backyard three years ago, and when I went to start it up, some rift appeared and pulled me right in.
GABE frowns, and TATE notices this as he raises a brow.
TATE, CONT'D
Something wrong? You're looking kinda funny.
GABE
I'm just thinking... If it happened to the two of us, do you think there's other portal masters out there? Do you think they got pulled here too, and they're stranded like we are?
TATE's eyes twinkle at the prospect.
TATE
I hope so! It'd be cool to meet lots of other portal masters! Do you think they'd be from Earth too, or maybe from some other worlds way, way, away from here?
GABE
I don't know, but I hope they aren't. I'm worried enough about how I'm going to get home right now, but what about taking others home, too?
TATE hums, but then he yawns! GABE yawns as well, and both boys chuckle.
GABE, CONT'D
But anyways, all this talking's made me tired. Goodnight.
TATE snuggles into bed, and grins as he peers back at GABE.
TATE
Goodnight, sleep tight, don't let those chompies bite!
HOKRI'S HOUSE – GUEST BEDROOM – DAY – FLASHBACK
The next morning, GABE wakes up in AN EMPTY ROOM. He lazily yawns and rubs his eyes, still a bit groggy.
GABE
Hey, Tate, get up, it's...
GABE trails off, however, as he looks over and realizes that TATE'S BED is completely empty save for A NOTE!
GABE, CONT'D
Morning?
GABE rushes over and picks up the note. THE CAMERA MOVES to focus on it as GABE skims it over.
TATE (V.O.)
I'm going to look and see if there's any other portal masters around here! I'll be back soon! Tate.
GABE gasps, and quickly clutches the note as he flings THE DOOR open.
GABE
MISTER HOKRI, WE'VE GOT A PROBLEM!
HOKRI'S HOUSE – LIVING ROOM – LATE AFTERNOON
Back to the present day, GABE clears his throat as he finishes.
GABE
After that, Mister Hokri and I went looking around town to find him, but then all those weird animals attacked and we had to hide! If they're running around here and making such a mess, I can't imagine what kind of trouble Tate's getting himself into!
THE SKYLANDERS all exchange worried looks, most of all FRYNO and ROLLER BRAWL.
ROLLER BRAWL
(worried)
Yeah, that sounds like him, alright.
GABE
Do you know him?
ROLLER BRAWL gets up and brushes herself off like she's preparing to leave.
ROLLER BRAWL, CONT’D
Tate's our portal master, and if there's one thing we know about him, he's got a nose for trouble.
FRYNO
That kid's way too curious for his own good! I've always told him that he's gonna get himself seriously hurt looking for trouble like he does, but he never listens! It makes me wanna blow up!
FRYNO starts crackling to prove his point, but ONE GLARE and a raise of THE WATER CANNON from GILL GRUNT, and FRYNO quickly calms himself.
FRYNO
But, I won't, because I am working on my anger issues. Seeing a psych about it and everything.
HOKRI sighs and gets up.
HOKRI
We've spent the entire morning and afternoon looking for young Tate, but he's nowhere to be found! I can't help but fear for his safety, given the circumstances...
HOKRI moves to FRYNO and ROLLER BRAWL.
HOKRI, CONT'D
You seem to know him well, so, can you think of anywhere the boy may have gone?
ROLLER BRAWL and FRYNO both glance at each other and hum.
ROLLER BRAWL
Does this town have any particular weird or strange places? Like, creepy forests, or old houses, or famous urban legends?
FRYNO
That kind of stuff is like treasure to a thief to him.
HOKRI hums and rubs his chin.
HOKRI
I do believe there's a forest at the edge of town known for being a magical gathering place. All sorts of curiosities and oddities lurk around it. In fact, I was enthralling the young ones with stories about it last night...
ROLLER BRAWL
Yeah, that sounds like the kind of place he'd go to.
SNAP SHOT goes for THE DOOR.
SNAP SHOT
And that's where we'll look! Come on, mates!
EVERYONE but HOKRI and GABE leaves. As they move, WASH BUCKLER glances back at GABE.
WASH BUCKLER
You coming, matey?
GABE looks hesitant and he glances away, clearly scared and not wanting to go. WASH BUCKLER exchanges an understanding nod with BLAST ZONE and MAGNA CHARGE, and they draw back.
WASH BUCKLER, CONT'D
Actually, we're gonna stick with Gabe for a bit, savvy? Kid's gonna need someone to stick with him in case someone to stick by him in case one of those monsters comes back up!
SNAP SHOT
Alright then. You three keep Gabe safe, and we'll go look for our missing portal master.
GABE just frowns as he watches SNAP SHOT close the door behind him.
MAGIC FOREST – ENTRANCE - DAY
The heroes all gather at THE FOREST'S ENTRANCE, and they all wince as they prepare to enter. FRYNO and ROLLER BRAWL push forward first, and exchange worried glances as they lead the charge.
FRYNO, concerned
That kid better not have gotten himself into trouble...
ROLLER BRAWL
It's Tate, so he probably already has. I just hope he's fine.
They send their worried glances towards the dark paths of the forest ahead as they walk...
MAGIC FOREST – ??? - SAME
We cut to A PEACEFUL FOREST SCENE where a couple of HUMMINGBEES feed on SOME FLOWERS' NECTAR. In the blurry distance, a CHILDLIKE FIGURE bends down to watch.
CHILDLIKE FIGURE
Wow, those hummingbirds look just like bees!
(shakes head)
No, maybe they're bees that look like hummingbirds?
A few <MUSIC BARS> come from the side, and THE CHILD runs over to where TRUMPET FLOWERS play music.
CHILDLIKE FIGURE, CONT'D
And those flowers are just like trumpets! I bet if you plucked 'em, you could play them like the real thing too!
THE CHILDLIKE FIGURE laughs and twirls around as they drink in the WONDERS OF THE FOREST. They giggle as they fall onto THE SOFT GRASS, and it's revealed that it's actually TATE! He laughs and grins as he looks up at the sunlight that dapples through the trees.
TATE
Skylands is so cool! I could stay here for the rest of my life!
TATE giggles, but just then, stops as a <BRANCH CRACKS>! A <LOW GROWLING> comes from the distance as A SHADOW crawls along the ground. Tate, ever oblivious to trouble, just turns around and grins up at THE SHADOW'S OFFSCREEN OWNER.
TATE, obliviously cheerful
Who are you?
MAGIC FOREST – FOREST PATHWAY – CONTINUOUS
THE SKYLANDERS, HARRY, and LEO make their way through THE FOREST, but they’re on edge as everything is quite eerie. All eyes are peeled and weapons are raised as they look around.
ALL
Tate! Tate! Where are you?
Their calling continues as they trek further and further into the forest. As they move, THE CAMERA ZOOMS in to focus on LEO and HARRY, and zeroes in on their voices in particular.
LEO & HARRY
Tate, over here! Come out wherever you are! Olly olly oxen free!
LEO and HARRY pause to catch their breaths for a moment, but quickly jolt as they spy EYES watching them in the leaves. The eyes quickly disappear and they breathe sighs of relief, but they jolt yet again as the <LEAVES RUSTLE>. The two tremble as they spy what appears to be SOMETHING RUNNING IN THE DARKNESS.
LEO
What, what do you think that is?
HARRY
I, I don’t know…
LEO
Why are you so scared, anyways? I thought you wanted to do this stuff!
HARRY
Hey, I wanted to do the fun stuff like riding dragons and practicing magic, not exploring spooky forests! This kinda place is where you soul get sucked out of your nose by evil ghosts, or where a monster eats you alive, or—
LEO & HARRY yelp as a <BRANCH CRACKS> and AN EERIE SHADOW flickers in and out. They both turn away and wince, with HARRY screwing his eyes shut as he tries to hide how terrified he is.
HARRY
Just seeing things, just seeing things, it’s just my imagination…
An <EXPLOSION> and a <SCREAM> sound off, and HARRY screams as he clings to GILL GRUNT.
GILL GRUNT
Calm down, Harry, it’s just Fryno!
GILL GRUNT pries HARRY off of him, and HARRY glances ahead with a sigh.
HARRY
Phew, just Fryno being Fryno.
FRYNO ignores them and stomps around as FLAMES light around him.
FRYNO
(growling)
Ugh, I hate wandering around like this! Tate’s probably in trouble, I have no idea where he is, and all these things running around and looking at me aren’t making things any better!
ROLLER BRAWL
Fryno, calm down!
SNAP SHOT
Spitting the dummy isn’t going to make things any easier, mate. Just listen to Roller Brawl and—
FRYNO completely ignores them and summons his ANGRY BIKE!
FRYNO
(distant)
I’m going on ahead!
He leaps on and burns rubber (literally and metaphorically) as he zooms further into the forest. The others only cough as they’re left in THE SMOKE AND FLAMES. GILL GRUNT and SNAP SHOT quickly douse the flames as FRYNO disappears.
SNAP SHOT
Fryno, stop! You’re gonna burn down the whole outback at this rate!
However, FRYNO doesn’t listen. He disappears into the distance…
And a <ROAR> sounds! The forest shakes as Fryno speeds back on-screen not five seconds later, screaming at the top of his lungs the whole time!
SNAP SHOT
(baffled)
Fryno? What’s going on?
FRYNO screams and speeds back, and another <ROAR> sounds as the camera pans behind him to show a gigantic TREE BEAR chasing him!
FRYNO
YOU KNOW WHAT ELSE I HATE? TAILGATERS!
FRYNO skids across, AKIRA BIKE SLIDE-STYLE, and snarls as he leaps off the bike.
FRYNO, CONT’D
GET OFF MY TAIL!
FRYNO goes to punch—but THE TREE BEAR promptly slams him into the ground. He grunts in pain, and as the dust clears, we see him FLAT LIKE A PANCAKE on the ground. ROLLER BRAWL winces as she pulls him from the ground and SHAKES HIM BACK TO 3D.
The others, meanwhile, all throw up their arms as THE TREE BEAR turns its snarl on them.
GILL GRUNT
Now, now, let's not get too hasty here, Mister Bear...
SNAP SHOT
Our teammate may be a loudmouth, but we don't want any trouble, honest!
THE TREE BEAR snarls even louder, and SNAP SHOT immediately grabs HIS CROSSBOW... Just to be safe.
HARRY
Hey, uh, what are you supposed to do when a bear gangs up on you again?
LEO
Aren't you supposed to make a lot of noise and make yourself look really big?
TRIGGER HAPPY
Ooh, I know how to do that!
TRIGGER HAPPY leaps on HARRY'S shoulder and growls, with HARRY and LEO hesitantly following. They try to stay strong, but THE TREE BEAR just <ROARS> in their faces, blowing them to the ground.
LEO
Yeah, that's not gonna work!
THE TREE BEAR roars as it lunges for HARRY and LEO, but SNAP SHOT immediately flies in front of them.
SNAP SHOT
Paws off, mate!
SNAP SHOT shoots off a few TRAPTANIUM ARROWS and knocks THE TREE BEAR onto its back. It growls as it flails in a failed attempt to launch itself back onto its paws, and the others go to lunge. Just then, ROOTS sprout from the ground and tangle around THE TREE BEAR'S PAWS! They all back away, shocked by the sudden movement, as the roots pull THE TREE BEAR back onto its feet!
THE TREE BEAR roars once more, and it snaps its jaws as it chases after HARRY and LEO! The two scream as they run away, but THE TREE BEAR tails them. It snaps at THEIR COATTAILS, and the two scream as they run even faster.
HARRY turns around and begins casting out HIS HANDS.
HARRY
Come on! Blow it up! Cook it! Do something!
LEO sputters as he shoots out FIREBALLS, all of which burst into embers as they hit THE TREE BEAR’S HIDE with little effect. THE TREE BEAR snaps at them, and HARRY screams as he yanks LEO away.
LEO
(turning to HARRY)
Thanks for that...
As LEO turns to meet HARRY, he realizes that HARRY is holding him tight! LEO suddenly gets flustered, TOMATO-RED FACE AND EVERYTHING! STEAM pours from his ears as he blushes even more, and HIS EMBERS completely peter out!
HARRY
Leo, you alright? You look like you're burning up! Did you make one too many fireballs or something?
This momentary distraction stops them in their tracks—and gives THE TREE BEAR the perfect opportunity to pounce! LEO & HARRY scream as THE TREE BEAR goes to attack...
ROLLER BRAWL
Rolling in!
... But ROLLER BRAWL runs in and pulls HARRY & LEO to safety! THE TREE BEAR only hits solid ground, and it huffs as ROLLER BRAWL places HARRY and LEO down. ROLLER BRAWL snarls back at THE TREE BEAR as she unsheathes CLAWS from HER GAUNTLET.
ROLLER BRAWL, CONT'D
You kids stay here and watch how the pros do it!
ROLLER BRAWL zips forward, moving so fast that she's little more than A BLUR TO THE NAKED EYE. She slashes at THE ROOTS as THE TREE BEAR yanks itself this way and that. The sudden movements and twisting make THE TREE BEAR incredibly dizzy, and it tips over!
THE TREE BEAR hits its head on A PARTICULARLY LARGE ROCK as it falls, and is knocked out cold. With it unconscious, ROLLER BRAWL zips forward and stands confidently.
ROLLER BRAWL
That's how you roll to victory.
THE OTHERS all crowd around the unconscious TREE BEAR, and SNAP SHOT examines it for a moment.
SNAP SHOT
Look like it's out cold. Close one.
Everyone else shoots glares at FRYNO, and FRYNO scowls.
FRYNO
Hey, don't look at me like that! It's not my fault that a bear stood right in the middle of the road! How was I supposed to see that thing coming?
Everyone glares at FRYNO, clearly not amused by his lack of driving safety... And that includes THE TREE BEAR! It lazily wakes up and growls at FRYNNO, startling everyone! They all point THEIR WEAPONS at it while it growls.
TRIGGER HAPPY flicks his ear as the growling continues, and turns to FRYNO.
TRIGGER HAPPY
The bear says you're an idiot who doesn't know how to drive.
FLAMES pour out of FRYNO'S EARS.
FRYNO
What?
(storms up to THE TREE BEAR)
I'll have you know that—
Everyone else drops THEIR WEAPONS as they turn to TRIGGER HAPPY.
WILDFIRE
Wait a second, you can talk to that beast?
TRIGGER HAPPY
I can talk to all sorts of animals! Dragonbunnies, eggbugs, bears, lions, hippos...
GILL GRUNT
I never knew you could talk to animals!
TRIGGER HAPPY
There's a lot of things you don't know about me!
TRIGGER HAPPY hops over to THE TREE BEAR, and the two growl back and forth at each other for a few moments. The others just watch with bewildered expressions, for they cannot understand anything about what's going on here.
Eventually, THE TREE BEAR gets up, and everyone reaches for weaponry... But it only snorts and flicks its ear as it walks away. TRIGGER HAPPY waves goodbye to it
TRIGGER HAPPY
Bye-bye!
As THE TREE BEAR leaves, TRIGGER HAPPY turns to the others.
TRIGGER HAPPY, CONT'D
So, the bear said it was working with this weird guy deeper in the forest. Apparently, they were tearing up the whole place looking for something, but the bear thinks this is more trouble than it's worth and went home. Also, he like long walks in the jungle and moonlit nights foraging.
SNAP SHOT
Wait, someone's looking for something?
TRIGGER HAPPY
Yeah, but he couldn't remember what. Something about a master of something?
THE OTHERS share UNEASY GLANCES, knowing there's a good chance they already know what that master is—a portal master!
SNAP SHOT
They're probably looking for a portal master, that's what! I'll bet my last buck that they're probably the one behind the attacks in town too.
GILL GRUNT
And if they're looking for a portal master...
The others wince, and rush deeper into the forest. They realize now that TATE'S in way more danger than they anticipated!
MAGICAL FOREST — FOREST PASSAGE — DAY
THE SKYLANDERS, HARRY & LEO pant as they run through the forest, eyes still peeled for TATE. However, they're much more quiet, not saying a word as they run. Can't draw attention to themselves when there's others looking for him, after all.
As they run, LEO sniffs the air and winces.
LEO
Is it just me, or do you all smell smoke, too?
THE OTHERS sniff the air and chime in agreement. SMOKE wafts in from THE PASSAGEWAYS AHEAD, and with such a ferocity that they're all coughing and hacking.
WILDFIRE
(wincing)
I have a bad feeling about this. After all, where there's smoke...
They all shield their senses as they follow the smoke into a FLAMING FOREST PASSAGEWAY!
WILDFIRE, CONT'D
There's fire!
GILL GRUNT and SNAP SHOT are hosing things down wherever they can. As they do, SNAP SHOT shoots FRYNO a glare.
SNAP SHOT
What did I say about your little fit?
FRYNO shakes a fist a Snap Shot.
FRYNO
Hey, it wasn't me this time!
SNAP SHOT
I find it hard to believe when you were blazing a trail all across the forest just minutes earlier!
FRYNO
But I never even drove down this way! I've never seen these plants in my life! Not that I can remember when everything here looks the same!
SNAP SHOT uses A WHIRLPOOL to drench some burning trees and continues snarling at FRYNO.
SNAP SHOT
Not exactly helping your case, mate!
FRYNO grits his teeth and shoves his face into SNAP SHOT'S, but WILDFIRE quickly pushes them apart.
WILDFIRE
Fryno's right, it wasn't him! Look over there!
Everyone looks to where WILDFIRE points, and THE CAMERA PANS to show A BUNCH OF FLOWERS THAT RESEMBLE FIRECRACKERS! The flowers bloom and fly off. As they do, they explode and sets PARTS OF THE FOREST alight!
GILL GRUNT quickly hoses down the newborn flames and winces.
GILL GRUNT
Firecracker flowers? What are those doing here?
SNAP SHOT uses his whirlpools to drench even more burning blossoms and snarls.
SNAP SHOT
Beats me! I can't imagine what a plant like that is doing in a place as flammable as this...
A MYSTERIOUS VOICE chuckles behind him.
MYSTERIOUS VOICE
You're quite right! Firecracker flowers such as these are largely native to the Heart of the Burning Sea, an area much more accommodating of their explosive nature.
SNAP SHOT
Yeah, that sounds about right.
There's a [beat], and SNAP SHOT whips his head around.
SNAP SHOT, CONT'D
Wait, who said that?
MYSTERIOUS VOICE
(cackling)
I did!
The forest rumbles, and A MYSTERIOUS FIGURE drops in, setting off more of the firecracker flowers! GILL GRUNT and SNAP SHOT frantically hose them down, creating STEAM that serves as the perfect curtain for the figure. They continue cackling as the steam clears, and it unveils A HORRIFICALLY MUTATED MONSTER!
THE OTHERS reel in disgust, HARRY and LEO most of all.
LEO
What is that thing?
HARRY
It looks like my worst nightmares all had a baby!
THE MONSTER cackles, unaffected by HARRY and LEO's insults.
MONSTER
Such childish sentiment. You may not recognize it, but I, Doctor Darwin, have modified my body to be of near-peak performance! All I need to complete my ensemble is the power of a portal master...
DOCTOR DARWIN grins as THE CAMERA MOVES to focus on HARRY and LEO.
DOCTOR DARWIN, CONT'D
And wouldn't you know it, two have fallen right into my lap!
DOCTOR DARWIN zips forward, rushing straight for HARRY and LEO—but SNAP SHOT and GILL GRUNT snarl as they intercept the blow! They blow DOCTOR DARWIN back, but he's hardly shaken as he skids backwards.
SNAP SHOT
You'll only get Leo over my dead body!
GILL GRUNT snarls and cocks his harpoon gun.
GILL GRUNT
And I'll be a dead fish before you'll have Harry!
DOCTOR DARWIN only hums, stroking HIS MULTIPLE CHINS in a pondering manner.
DOCTOR DARWIN
(smirking)
I suppose I can do that.
DOCTOR DARWIN whistles, and the ground rumbles! THE EARTH splits open as a bunch of PLANTIMALS crawl out, and they all growl and snarl as their army forms around DOCTOR DARWIN.
DOCTOR DARWIN
Go, my Plantimals! Bring me the portal masters!
THE PLANTIMALS roar out in affirmation, and the battle begins! LEO and HARRY rush to safety, but THE SKYLANDERS immediately rush into action!
GILL GRUNT starts first by hosing down a swarm of FIRE FLOWER BEETLES. Beside him, TRIGGER HAPPY shoots them off with HIS COINS. Unable to withstand he onslaught, THE BEETLES' ranks fall like flies.
GILL GRUNT
Hook, line, and sinker!
TRIGGER HAPPY
Pow pow, p-p-p-pow!
They continue firing, but jump back as FRYNO charges through and commits acts of VEHICULAR PLANTIMAL SLAUGHTER. He flattens a bunch of PLANTIMALS as he roars, but just then, a large LEEK LION leaps in his path! FRYNO yowls as he squeezes the breaks, skidding to a stop.
FRYNO
Hey, watch where you're going! Are you asking to get run over?
FRYNO and the LEEK LION have a stare down. The two snarl and shove their faces in each other. In that moment, FRYNO grunts and falls down as ROLLER BRAWL leaps off of his head.
ROLLER BRAWL
Thanks for the lift, Fryno!
ROLLER BRAWL's ROLLER BLADES rev like engines, and she drop-kicks the LEEK LION right between the eyes! It roars as it stumbles backwards, but Roller Brawl elegantly lands on the ground.
The LEEK LION, meanwhile, stumbles backwards and slams into a CHILI PEPPER TOAD right as it sets off a four-alarm fire! THE LEEK LION is set alight, and it wails as it flees!
ROLLER BRAWL
Looks like you crashed and burned!
FRYNO
(irritated)
Hey, that's my line!
ROLLER BRAWL and FRYNO look like they're going to bicker about stolen catchphrases, but a crash stops them!
The camera moves to where SNAP SHOT and WILDFIRE tackle into the CHILI PEPPER TOAD, knocking it into some trees. It falls on its belly as SNAP SHOT loads HIS CROSSBOW, and SNAP SHOT fires—but the CHILI PEPPER TOAD shoots out ITS TONGUE and yanks ONE ARROW right out of the skies! The CHILI PEPPER TOAD bashes the arrow against the others, shattering them.
The CHILI PEPPER TOAD croaks as it flips itself back onto its feet, and a bunch of CHILI PEPPER PLANTS grow around it! The peppers lash out at SNAP SHOT and WILDFIRE like swords, and the two slash and shield-bash them away! WILDFIRE blows them up with HIS FIRE CHAINS, finally knocking the CHILI PEPPER TOAD back.
A <LOW CHUCKLE> comes from the area as SMOKE AND FIRE cover the area where the CHILI PEPPER TOAD once sat, and DOCTOR DARWIN leaps from the flames! He lunges for WILDFIRE, but WILDFIRE quickly bashes him away with his shield.
WILDFIRE
Sounds like you're asking for a burning, aren't you?
WILDFIRE scowls and goes to move, but SOMETHING pulls him back! He gasps, and looks down to find SKELETAL VINES WRAPPED AROUND HIS FEET. SNAP SHOT is similarly wrapped tight, as he quickly realizes.
DOCTOR DARWIN chuckles as the skeletal plants continue tangling up WILDFIRE and SNAP SHOT. His face shifts the more they move, taking on a plant- and skeleton-based appearance.
DOCTOR DARWIN
Your ceaseless protesting will do nothing to stop my evolution! I have forces all across this island! If I can't catch your portal masters, I'll simply catch the ones that landed here!
WILDFIRE
Like we'd let you do that!
WILDFIRE breaks free of the skeletal plants, and he shield bashes DOCTOR DARWIN—but he easily tosses the blow off! SNAP SHOT breaks free and lunges as well.
SNAP SHOT
I don't care what kind of freak of nature you are! You're not laying a finger on those kids!
DOCTOR DARWIN shoots PLANTS from one of HIS PLANT LIMBS and slashes SNAP SHOT! BLOOD leaks from his wounded shoulder as he stumbles back, but SNAP SHOT and WILDFIRE continue to trade evenly-matched blows with DOCTOR DARWIN.
As they brawl, we cut to A PAN SHOT of the SKYLANDERS fighting the PLANTIMALS in evenly-matched brawls.
THE CAMERA SHIFTS to where HARRY and LEO hide in the bushes with worried looks on their faces.
HARRY
Look at that! Those plant-animal-whatever he calls 'ems are super tough! The Skylanders are barely hanging on!
Harry whimpers as he looks at LEO.
HARRY, CONT'D
And you heard that weird monster guy! He's got those things all over the island! If we don't find Tate and stop this guy soon, we're all gonna be toast!
LEO winces, clearly uncertain about what to do. Neither of their powers are strong enough to go on their own, and the SKYLANDERS are clearly tied up.
A swarm of PLANTIMALS flies by, and HARRY and LEO both scream as they scramble back. As they do, however, they brush up against SOME FLOWERS THAT RESEMBLE SPEAKERS…
And <A VOICE> echoes loud a clear! The voice is so loud that it rings throughout the island, and EVERYONE breaks from their fights.
LEO
Wait, what was that?
<GROWLING> sounds first, and soon, <A CHILD'S LAUGHTER> joins in!
CHILD
Man, all this stuff in Skylands is super cool! We don't have plants like this back on Earth!
LEO and HARRY both freeze.
LEO
Wait, plants on Earth?
HARRY
That's gotta be Tate!
LEO and HARRY gasp, but DOCTOR DARWIN chuckles.
DOCTOR DARWIN
Well, well, it seems one of my Plantimals secured my perfect specimen for me!
DOCTOR DARWIN snaps his fingers, and THE PLANTLIFE suddenly flattens! THE SPEAKER PLANTS leap up and entangle HARRY and LEO, who cry out in shock as they're bound tight.
DOCTOR DARWIN teleports behind them, and grins as he yanks them from the ground.
DOCTOR DARWIN
Of course, it wouldn't hurt to have some extra test subjects~
LEO and HARRY both snarl, and begin swinging and kicking at DOCTOR DARWIN to little effect.
LEO
Let us go!
HARRY
Yeah, we're not gonna be your freaky test subjects!
The SKYLANDERS gasp, and SNAP SHOT & GILL GRUNT immediately break from the fight to chase DOCTOR DARWIN.
SNAP SHOT
LEO!
GILL GRUNT
HARRY!
DOCTOR DARWIN teleports away! He coats the forest in A THICK COAT OF SMOKE, leaving everyone coughing and hacking. As it thins, A BUNCH OF EYES pop up in the fog while <GROWLING> sounds. A BREEZE clears away the smoke, and it reveals that ANOTHER ARMY OF PLANTIMALS now stands where DOCTOR DARWIN once did!
THE SKYLANDERS gasp as they go to fight, but GILL GRUNT immediately flies off.
GILL GRUNT
You keep those beasts occupied! I'm gonna find Leo and Harry!
THE SKYLANDERS wince as they watch GILL GRUNT disappear into the skies.
HOKRI'S HOUSE — KITCHEN — AFTERNOON
Back at HOKRI'S HOUSE, it's lunchtime! HOKRI sets THE TABLE and smiles as he nods towards GABE and the SWAPPERS.
HOKRI
Lunch is served! I apologize that I don't have anything fancier to offer such grand heroes of Skylands...
WASH BUCKLER grins as he plucks HIS LUNCH from the table with ONE OF HIS TENTACLE LEGS.
WASH BUCKLER
Don't worry about it, matey. Anything beats pirate food!
WASH BUCKLER takes a bite, and BLAST ZONE enjoys some as well. However, MAGNA CHARGE and GABE are idle.
HOKRI frowns, clearly noticing their lack of appetite.
HOKRI
Is something wrong with the lunch?
MAGNA CHARGE shakes his head.
MAGNA CHARGE
Negative. As a robot, I have no need to feast on living cuisine, for I simply produce my own food.
HOKRI
Oh, how efficient!
GABE whimpers as he pokes at HIS LUNCH.
HOKRI
Gabriel?
GABE
Sorry, Mister Hokri. I just can’t really bring myself to eat right now.
HOKRI frowns further, and takes a seat next to GABE.
HOKRI
Now, Gabriel, I know you're worried about Tate, but worrying on an empty stomach is going to make you feel much worse. You should at least try and take a bite.
GABE still isn't convinced. He just frowns and glances at THE FOOD ON HIS PLATE.
HOKRI
I'm sure the Skylanders will find Tate and save him—
GABE
IT'S NOT JUST THAT!
Gabe pounds HIS FISTS against the table, but gasps as EVERYONE jolts a bit from his sudden reaction. GABE whimpers and hangs his head.
GABE
I should’ve realized that Tate was gonna run off like this! I was the one talking to him last night, and I made him think about all this, and I didn't even think a thing about it! It's all my fault that he ran off!
GABE crumples onto the table, shuddering with guilt.
GABE, CONT'D
Now, everyone else is out there looking for him, but I'm so scared that I'm just hiding here!
GABE sniffles as he shudders still, and HOKRI silently comforts him.
WASH BUCKLER frowns as he shares a glance with BLAST ZONE and MAGNA CHARGE, and he takes a seat beside Gabe.
WASH BUCKLER
You're pretty worried about this, aren't you?
GABE perks up and glances at WASH BUCKLER, before reluctantly nodding.
GABE
I wanna go find him and help everyone since it's my fault, but I just can't even move! Every time I even think about fighting those weird monsters or going somewhere strange, my stomach ties up in knots! I hate it!
GABE sniffles and wipes his tears away.
GABE
…I wish I was like you guys. You can just run into anything and you won't be afraid at all!
WASH BUCKLER chuckles.
WASH BUCKLER
(kindly)
That ain't always the case, matey. There were plenty of times where I was so scared that I might've inked myself, or when I couldn't bring myself to do anything, or just give up.
GABE raises a brow and frowns, not entirely buying this.
GABE
Really?
WASH BUCKLER
It's the truth!
We close in on WASH BUCKLER as he reflects on HIS PAST: fighting other pirate crews, battling off ambushes, and otherwise fighting or being on-edge.
WASH BUCKLER, CONT'D
When I convinced my crew to turn away from pillaging and plundering, there were a lotta crews who thought we were a disgrace! They thought we were goin' soft and turnin' away from our roots, and all of 'em tried to make an example of us. I'd spend days always on the lookout, never knowing when I'd run into some scallywags lookin' to take my head on a platter.
We now see WASH BUCKLER curled up in a dark room, frowning in a contemplative manner.
WASH BUCKLER, CONT'D
All those times, I'd wonder, "Why am I still doing this? It'd be easier to just go back to pirating instead of dealing with all this trouble..."
WASH BUCKLER shook his head, and we return to THE PRESENT as he glances back at GABE.
WASH BUCKLER, CONT'D
But, I knew in my heart I couldn't do it. I had to fight the good fight, even if it was scarier than Davy Jones' locker.
BLAST ZONE and MAGNA CHARGE nod as they join in.
BLAST ZONE
You know, having to down a bunch of bombs to keep those trolls from blowing beings to bits wasn't exactly a cakewalk, either! I thought I was gonna be the one who gonna blow up, and not just from the explosives!
MAGNA CHARGE
And when I sought the truth of what happened to my kind, I faced many perils myself. It may have seemed more logical to just abandon them after all they treated me, but I knew that I could not turn my back on finding them, or the truth.
BLAST ZONE
And that's not even touching on all the things we did as Skylanders! Fighting Fire Vipers, stopping wannabe criminal masterminds...
(grins, turns to Wash Buckler)
Hey, remember that time when some giant gobble pod almost ate you alive?
WASH BUCKLER
(playful)
Don’t remind me! That thing still haunts my nightmares!
They both turn to GABE, who frowns still.
GABE
But, if you were so scared, how did you still do all those things?
WASH BUCKLER
Easy, matey.
WASH BUCKLER lays a hand on GABE'S SHOULDER.
WASH BUCKLER, CONT'D
We knew we had to do the right thing, so we pushed past our fear and fought!
MAGNA CHARGE
Indeed. Courage is defined not as action without fear, but in spite of it. Though we may have felt incredible amounts of fear, we still fought past it.
BLAST ZONE
Yeah, and that makes a hero way more than just running in, guns blazing!
(nudges GABE)
But I'm sure you already know about that, don't you?
GABE hums, and thinks back to when he found the SWAP FORCE and his PORTAL abandoned in AN OLD, ABANDONED FOREST.
GABE
(thinking)
That's right. I was scared out of my mind when I went to find them, but if I just gave up, the Swap Force would still be stuck on Earth! Even if I didn't know them, I still knew I needed to help them.
GABE thinks further, recalling how he arrived in Skylands and met Tate...
TATE
(flashback)
Hey, that old man said there was a super-magical place in the heart of the forest, right? I bet that if there's any portal masters here, they'd go there!
GABE'S eyes shoot wide open, and he leaps from the table.
GABE
I know where Tate is! He's in the heart of the forest!
GABE runs to the door.
GABE, CONT'D
He said he was going to go there, so we've gotta tell the others!
WASH BUCKLER grabs GABE'S hand.
WASH BUCKLER
Hold on, matey! It'll take us a while to find wherever the others went, and we don't have that kinda time! If we're gonna find this Tate kid, we'll have to look for him ourselves.
MAGNA CHARGE and BLAST ZONE nod in agreement, and GABE looks nervous. He gulps for a moment, but then he thinks.
GABE
(whispering)
Courage is about being brave even when you're scared, right?
GABE steels himself, and looks intense as he nods.
GABE
(speaking)
Alright, we'll go look for Tate ourselves!
Everyone grins, seeing how GABE'S finally found his courage. HOKRI grabs A CLOTH and wraps up GABE'S LUNCH before passing it on.
HOKRI
Here you go, Gabriel. Can't save your friends on an empty stomach.
GABE
Thank you, Mister Hokri.
GABE and HOKRI smile at each other, but GABE yelps as WASH BUCKLER plops HIS HAT on GABE’S HEAD.
WASH BUCKLER
Lead the way, cap'n!
GABE adjusts the hat and grins back at WASH BUCKLER.
GABE
Aye-aye, matey!
MAGICAL FOREST — BACK PASSAGEWAY — AFTERNOON
GABE, WASH BUCKLER, BLAST ZONE, and MAGNA CHARGE all make their way through A SPECIFIC PATHWAY. It's pretty dark, and MAGNA CHARGE has to shine A LIGHT just to see. There's <LOTS OF CREEPY NOISES> everywhere.
GABE is visibly nervous—SHAKING AND ALL. He seems like maybe he's going to run away, but he clutches WASH BUCKLER'S HAT and steadies himself.
GABE
(trembling)
Mister Hokri said this has a shortcut to the heart of the forest... But where?
BLAST ZONE
My guess is as good as yours.
WASH BUCKLER
Aye. Can't see a thing in all this darkness.
MAGNA CHARGE says nothing, but startles as bushes begin <RUSTLING>. THE FOREST shakes as the rustling grows louder and the sounds of <ANIMAL NOISES> grow loudest.
MAGNA CHARGE
Something is approaching!
The forest <RUMBLES LIKE AN EARTHQUAKE>, and A BUNCH OF FOREST ANIMALS squeal as they stampede out of the forest! GABE yelps as BLAST ZONE sweeps him out of their path.
GABE
What's with all these animals? Why are they running?
<A ROAR> sounds, and WASH BUCKLER grimaces as he draws HIS GUN AND CUTLASS.
WASH BUCKLER
I'd wager that thing's a pretty good reason!
The bushes shudder as <ROARING> sounds, and a gigantic FURRED CHOMPY bursts from leaves! It growls so loud that it shakes the leaves off the nearby trees, and the SWAPPERS wince.
BLAST ZONE
I've never seen a chompy that big!
MAGNA CHARGE
Or one so furry!
THE CHOMPY finishes yowling, and licks ITS LIPS as it lunges for the SWAPPERS! They dodge, and BLAST ZONE drops GABE off in THE BUSHES.
BLAST ZONE
Stay safe, alright? We'll take care of this overgrown weed!
GABE hastily nods as BLAST ZONE zips back out. BLAST ZONE shares a nod with WASH BUCKLER, and WASH BUCKLER leaps up first.
WASH BUCKLER
Let's see how well you can chomp things when you're inked up!
WASH BUCKLER shoots out A BUNCH OF INK, obscuring THE CHOMPY'S VISION. THE CHOMPY wails, stumbling back as WASH BUCKLER nails it with BUBBLES next, and WASH BUCKLER falls down directly above BLAST ZONE.
WASH BUCKLER & BLAST ZONE
SWAP TIME!
THE TWO crash into each other and SWAP, forming BLAST BUCKLER and WASH ZONE. WASH ZONE immediately zips off as he shoots THE CHOMPY, while BLAST BUCKLER firmly stays on the ground as he lobs BOMBS at it. THE CHOMPY wails as it tries to regain its footing amid the onslaught.
MAGNA CHARGE zips around the forest as THE OTHERS fight, and uses HIS MAGNETISM to attract a variety of small objects: ROCKS, LARGE SEEDS, ETC.
MAGNA CHARGE
As I normally say, attract to attack!
MAGNA CHARGE zips backwards, flinging THE OBJECTS HE ATTRACTED at THE CHOMPY in the process. THE CHOMPY wails as it gets pelted, and the battle rages on.
GABE watches from the safety of the bushes, and grins.
GABE
Wow! I've seen the Swappers fight before, but seeing them up-close is way different!
THE CHOMPY falls down, and WASH ZONE quickly zips for MAGNA CHARGE. The two swap, now forming MAGNA ZONE and WASH CHARGE!
WASH CHARGE
Alright, time we make this chompy walk the plank!
MAGNA ZONE & BLAST BUCKLER
Right!
They all go to fire, but just before they can, THE CHOMPY leaps back on its feet and roars! It goes to bite them, and GABE gasps.
GABE
(terrified)
Guys!
GABE reaches for THE SWAPPERS as THE CHOMPY lunges—but suddenly, A LARGE SEGMENT OF THE EARTH leaps up and stabs THE CHOMPY through the mouth! THE CHOMPY lays stuck, and the SWAPPERS quickly recover as they attack as one!
THEIR COLLECTIVE ATTACK hits THE CHOMPY, and it stumbles backwards as it collapses. THE EARTH folds back in on itself, and THE SWAPPERS swap back to normal.
BLAST ZONE
Hey, what do you think happened back there?
MAGNA CHARGE
My databases hold no answers. None of us have power over the Earth Element...
WASH BUCKLER shrugs it off.
WASH BUCKLER
Eh, you know what they say—don't complain about sardines on a poor fishing day.
WASH BUCKLER waves to GABE as GABE leaves the bushes. GABE warily leaves, and frowns as he looks down at himself. A FAINT BRONZE GLOW emits from HIS HANDS, but it disappears as quickly as it comes.
GABE
(whispering)
Just what was that feeling?
WASH BUCKLER
You alright? Didn't get too much of a startle from that, did you?
GABE shakes his head and peers up at WASH BUCKLER.
GABE
I'm fine. It didn't even notice I was there.
GABE turns back to the path ahead.
GABE, CONT’D
Anyways, I think from here, we need to…
A <SQUIRREL’S CHATTERING> sounds in the distance, and EVERYONE turns back to see a SKY-SQUIRREL, a squirrel with wings, clutching GABE’S PACKED LUNCH! It twitches as it glances at the heroes, takes the lunch, and scrambles!
GABE
Hey, that’s my lunch!
The SKY-SQUIRREL chitters and flies off! THE OTHERS gasp as it watch it leave, but scramble after it.
WASH BUCKLER
After that squirrel!
GABE yelps as THE SWAPPERS leave him in the dust, and frantically runs off after them. They all stumble into THE DARK PATHS as they chase the SKY-SQUIRREL—but it’s tough!
THE SKY-SQUIRREL chitters in an almost mocking manner as it effortlessly glides through SMALL GAPS IN THE TREE BRANCHES. THE CAMERA MOVES BEHIND, and shows THE SWAPPERS & GABE frantically trying to dodge the branches and weave through the forest.
BLAST ZONE zips forward, getting hot on THE SKY-SQUIRREL’S tail, and reaches out for it.
BLAST ZONE
I've got it! I've got it!
However, he's so focused that he doesn't notice where he's going and slams right into a tree! He shudders in a cartoony manner, and HIS JET LEGS set the tree on fire! THE FLAMES leap from tree to tree, and BLAST ZONE winces as he falls down.
WASH BUCKLER
You've got what, a forest fire? Watch where you're flaming things!
WASH BUCKLER frantically flips in, and fires off GIGANTIC BUBBLES that pop and extinguish the flames with their water! As he's frantically scrambling about, he doesn't notice A PARTICULARLY LARGE ROCK in his way and trips! WASH BUCKLER falls flat on his face with a grunt, and grunts again as MAGNA CHARGE rolls right over him with a frantic speed!
MAGNA CHARGE
Allow me to attract this pest!
MAGNA CHARGE uses HIS MAGNETISM to try and pull down THE LUNCH as he tails THE SKY-SQUIRREL, and THE OTHERS follow suit. But, A BUNCH OF OTHER OBJECTS begin flying towards him instead! MAGNA CHARGE winces, and shakes them off by tossing them backwards.
THE TRASH flies straight towards GABE, WASH BUCKLER, & BLAST ZONE instead!
GABE
INCOMING!
They all duck and dodge, and WASH BUCKLER scowls as he storms up to MAGNA CHARGE.
WASH BUCKLER
What are you trying to do, knock all our lights out? Watch where you're throwing those things!
MAGNA CHARGE shakes some more garbage as the two dodge, and it pelts an unsuspecting BLAST ZONE right in the face! WASH BUCKLER's jaw drops from the sheer audacity.
WASH BUCKLER
Didn't you hear what I just said?
MAGNA CHARGE
Cannot speak at the moment! My focus is on finding that sky-squirrel!
WASH BUCKLER and MAGNA CHARGE both dodge VARIOUS PARTS OF THE FOREST as WASH BUCKLER snarls at MAGNA CHARGE.
WASH BUCKLER
Well, you should focus on not knocking us all out while you're at it! You're practically throwing the entire forest at us!
MAGNA CHARGE
I am not! I am merely using the highest possible magnetism possible to retrieve the stolen lunch, and I cannot help that other objects are—
A <MIGHTY ROAR> sounds, shaking WASH BUCKLER & MAGNA CHARGE in their spots! GABE & BLAST ZONE are similarly shaken up to the front, and THE SKY-SQUIRREL drops out of the branches!
GABE
(sputtering)
There it is!
GABE points to where his thankfully-intact lunch sits on the ground, but THE SKY-SQUIRREL chatters as it snatches the lunch up and runs.
GABE
Aww... I was gonna eat that later...
While GABE mourns his lost lunch, the <ROAR> sounds again, shaking the area! As it fades out <LAUGHTER> joins it.
???
Wow, this is just like bungee jumping! I can feel all the blood rushing to my head!
GABE gasps.
GABE
Wait, that's Tate's voice!
WASH BUCKLER runs forward and points his cutlass towards THE OPEN ENTRANCE before him.
WASH BUCKLER
Into that cave, mateys!
EVERYONE quickly rushes into the dark entrance...
MAGICAL FOREST – FOREST HEART – SAME
GABE and the SWAPPERS rush inside THE HEART OF THE FOREST, but stop short and gasp! There before them is a GIGANTIC, MUTANT GOBBLE POD, and TATE is dangling precariously within the grips of ONE OF ITS TENDRILS!
TATE laughs, not realizing the danger he's in. He pops an eye open, and grins as he waves down at GABE.
TATE
Hey Gabe! You're never gonna believe what I found here! This plant's some kind of amusement ride or something! I found it, and then it picked me up and—
The GOBBLE POD roars as it flings TATE into the air.
TATE, CONT’D
WHOA!
The GOBBLE POD yanks ITS JAWS wide open as TATE goes plummeting down for it—it's gonna eat him! MAGNA CHARGE quickly zips up as HIS ARM CANNON charges.
MAGNA CHARGE
He is not on the menu!
MAGNA CHARGE zaps the GOBBLE POD with such force that the GOBBLE POD wails and yanks its jaws shut.
TATE instead bounces off the GOBBLE POD, and rolls on THE FOREST FLOOR, right up to GABE & the SWAPPERS. He pops up and grins up at GABE, but GABE frowns as he helps TATE up.
GABE
Tate, why did you run off like that? You had Mister Hokri and I worried sick! Not to mention, that thing could've eaten you if we didn't show up!
TATE blinks, seemingly letting the words sink in... But quickly grins.
TATE
Oh, but get this! I saw these flowers that look like trumpets and make music, and these hummingbirds that look like bees, and a whole bunch of really pretty plants! This forest is amazing!
(shrugs)
Still didn't find any other portal masters though.
THE GOBBLE POD growls as it lashes out, shooting for the SWAPPERS, GABE, & TATE with its tendrils. Everyone screams and scrambles. The lashings continue, and the others struggle to dodge.
BLAST ZONE
Forget that! Right now, we've got a bigger problem—burning this weed to a crisp!
WASH BUCKLER tries to dodge, but gets so caught-up that he ends up getting tangled in his own tentacles. He groans as MAGNA CHARGE dashes over and untangles.
WASH BUCKLER
Not that it's gonna be easy! This thing's more stubborn than a loan shark!
THE GOBBLE POD roars, but its shouts stop short as a <CACKLE> breaks the air! Everyone freezes, not recognizing the voice it belongs to. While they watch, A SPARKLE OF LIGHT emits from the GOBBLE POD'S HEAD, and in pops DOCTOR DARWIN with HARRY and LEO still in his clutches!
EVERYONE gasps, but it's GABE and TATE who jump first.
GABE
HARRY! LEO!
TATE
Those kids from my school!
DOCTOR DARWIN raises a brow, and teasingly shakes HARRY and LEO.
DOCTOR DARWIN
Ah, I see you portal masters are all acquainted! That makes things much easier for me. Now, with four portal masters to siphon power from, I will become the ULTIMATE LIFEFORM!
DOCTOR DARWIN grins as he goes to lunge for GABE and TATE—but just then, A HARPOON shoots through the air! It slashes THE PLANTS BINDING HARRY & LEO, and knocks DOCTOR DARWIN straight off the GOBBLE POD!
GILL GRUNT
You should've feared the fish!
HARRY looks up and grins.
HARRY
GILL GRUNT!
Sure enough, GILL GRUNT hovers above the area, propelled by HIS JETPACK. He slowly descends as he aims for DOCTOR DARWIN, but right before he can shoot, DOCTOR DARWIN jumps up!
DOCTOR DARWIN
You insolent mackerel!
DOCTOR DARWIN'S PLANT BODY takes over THE REST OF HIS BODY as he thrusts out HIS MANY HANDS. With a snarl, he shoots out PLANTS and wraps GILL GRUNT up tight! HIS HARPOON CANNON falls to the ground, and GILL GRUNT screams as DOCTOR DARWIN swings him this way and that!
THE SWAPPERS snarl and rush in to provide backup, but the GOBBLE POD immediately lashes for them! They're forced to dodge and jump as they avoid becoming the GOBBLE POD's next snack.
Meanwhile, GILL GRUNT grunts as he gets flung this way and that.
GILL GRUNT
(between hits)
Guys! I could! Definitely! Use some! Help here!
WASH BUCKLER glances over, but A TENDRIL shoots right for him. He jumps back and goes to slashing to them, but they quickly regrow and multiply.
WASH BUCKLER
Sorry, matey! We've kind of got our hands full here!
BLAST ZONE
No kidding! I've heard of growing like weeds, but this is—
BLAST ZONE yelps as ONE TENDRIL wraps right around him! THE GOBBLE POD licks its lips as it yanks him straight for ITS MOUTH—but THE TENDRIL crumbles to ash in moments from BLAST ZONE'S HEAT!
The GOBBLE POD stares dumbfounded, and DOCTOR DARWIN snarls as he watches it.
DOCTOR DARWIN
You blundering imbecile! What did you think grabbing a being made of fire would do?
DOCTOR DARWIN yells and curses out THE GOBBLE POD as it whimpers. In their moment of distraction, GABE & TATE rush to HARRY & LEO's sides and help them up.
GABE
You guys alright?
LEO
Forget about us! The Skylanders need our help!
HARRY
And now we have a chance! That creepy guy's so busy yelling at his plants that he isn't paying attention! We just need to get Gill free, and we'll be right!
GABE glances at DOCTOR DARWIN and frowns.
GABE
Yeah, but how are we supposed to do that? It's not like we've got fancy powers or anything—
HARRY
But you do!
GABE & TATE both glance at a grinning HARRY.
HARRY, CONT'D
When Leo and I came to Skylands, we got super-cool elemental powers, so I bet you did, too!
LEO
Yeah, what Harry said! So, all you've gotta do is focus on what you want to happen, and—
TATE
Wait, like doing magic?
LEO raises a brow.
LEO
Yeah?
TATE chuckles, and grins as he turns to DOCTOR DARWIN. A SOFT GREEN GLOW emits from him.
TATE
I already know how to do that! Just watch me!
TATE shoots out HIS HANDS, and THEIR LIGHT snakes across the area before seeping into THE VINES DOCTOR DARWIN BOUND GILL GRUNT WITH! The vines untangle, and GILL GRUNT quickly jumps up.
DOCTOR DARWIN'S jaw drops.
DOCTOR DARWIN
What? How could my plants fail me?
GILL GRUNT
Seems like they were a little underwatered to me!
(turns to THE GOBBLE POD)
Speaking of...
GILL GRUNT jiggles HIS JETPACK, and he flies up as ITS WATER warbles. Slowly, it morphs into A GIGANTIC LEVIATHAN, and he leaps across its top as he drives it straight for THE GOBBLE POD'S OPEN MOUTH!
GILL GRUNT
Tide's coming in!
GILL GRUNT leaps off of THE LEVIATHAN as it plunges into THE GOBBLE POD'S MOUTH, filling it with water! THE GOBBLE POD blows up like a balloon from all the liquid, and wails as it explodes with a pop!
The GOBBLE POD’S remains cascade down as GILL GRUNT floats down, and THE OTHERS immediately run to greet him.
WASH BUCKLER
Nice save there, Gilly boy!
GILL GRUNT
Don't call me that.
TATE
Woah, you blew that thing up like it was a gigantic balloon! How did you do that? Is that special magic water in your jetpack? Let me see!
GABE pulls TATE back before he can pry open GILL GRUNT'S JETPACK, but just then, something <POUNDS> the ground.
DOCTOR DARWIN
Curse you! Blast you! I was this close to having those portal masters in my reach!
DOCTOR DARWIN keeps pounding, and THE GOBBLE POD’S REMAINS shudder as they seep back into the ground.
DOCTOR DARWIN, CONT’D
You can't stop me! I won't let you! I've come all this way to make myself the ultimate lifeform, and I refuse to stop here!
The ground shudders, and A WHOLE JUNGLE OF GOBBLE PODS leap out! They choke out THE SKYLANDERS & KIDS as they lash out with THEIR VINES. THE SKYLANDERS & KIDS frantically dodge and fight. DOCTOR DARWIN'S laughter echoes as they struggle.
While THE SKYLANDERS cry out and dodge, THE KIDS get sandwiched together as SOME GOBBLE PODS close in on them! A <POP> sounds, and THE KIDS turn around and scream as DOCTOR DARWIN teleports behind them!
DOCTOR DARWIN
And while those meddling Skylanders are distracted, I will take my prize!
DOCTOR DARWIN lunges, but GABE quickly throws himself in front of the others.
GABE
LEAVE US ALONE!
A BRONZE GLOW shimmers around GABE once more, and A GIGANTIC ROCK SHIELD sprouts between THE KIDS and DOCTOR DARWIN! DOCTOR DARWIN hits his head on it with a <THUNK>, and GABE gasps.
GABE
Did... I do that?
LEO
Rock powers, I'm impressed.
HARRY
That was amazing, Gabe!
Just then, THE ROCK SHIELD crumbles as DOCTOR DARWIN smashes a hole through it!
DOCTOR DARWIN
Not amazing enough, I fear!
DOCTOR DARWIN snarls, but LEO quickly cooks up SOME FIREBALLS and shoots him! DOCTOR DARWIN stumbles back, and LEO turns to the others.
LEO
Quick! Hit him with all you've got!
HARRY winces, but TATE giggles as he steps up to the plate.
TATE
Sure thing!
(TURNS TO GOBBLE PODS)
I know just what to hit him with!
TATE snaps HIS FINGERS, and THE GOBBLE PODS surrounding them suddenly freeze.
TATE, CONT’D
Mouthy plant thingies! Give this creepy doctor a taste of his own medicine!
THE GOBBLE PODS giggle in tandem as they move for DOCTOR DARWIN! They lash for him and try to bite him, and DOCTOR DARWIN yelps as he tries to shake them off.
DOCTOR DARWIN
Stop, stop that! Cease this foolish behavior at once! I am your maker, listen to me!
TATE giggles and cheers as THE GOBBLE PODS fight.
TATE
Ooh, ooh! That looks like fun! I wanna join in too!
TATE leaps in, but in that moment, his focus breaks and THE GOBBLE PODS break from his control! One grabs him and tries to eat him as he laughs, but GABE yanks him out before he can get swallowed!
LEO winces as he pelts DOCTOR DARWIN with FIREBALLS before he can fight back.
Beside him, HARRY winces as he glances down at HIS HANDS. A PURPLE FLARE begins to emerge, and he grins.
HARRY
Alright, now we're talking! Just give me, like, i don't know, a knife or something!
HARRY thinks extremely hard, but all that thinking manages is A BURST OF MAGIC! The light flashes in DOCTOR DARWIN'S face, and he yelps as it briefly burns his eyes!
HARRY
Oh come on! A spear? A boomerang? A club?
All those accomplish is MORE FLASHES OF LIGHT. DOCTOR DARWIN grows visibly irritated as they continue to flash.
HARRY
COME ON, JUST GIVE ME SOMETHING HERE!
ONE LAST, BRIGHT FLASH knocks DOCTOR DARWIN off his feet, and he scowls.
DOCTOR DARWIN
That is it! I am through playing petty games with such insolent children!
DOCTOR DARWIN'S ARMS plunge into a few of THE NEARBY GOBBLE PODS, and they yelp and squeal as they slowly shrivel up! THEIR ENERGY seeps into DOCTOR DARWIN'S ARMS, and his reach spreads across the field as HIS PLANT SIDE takes over.
DOCTOR DARWIN
I'LL SHOW YOU WHY I AM THE GREATEST OF ALL LIFEFORMS!
The green, glowing energy DOCTOR DARWIN seeps wraps around him, and he slowly twists and morphs until he turns into A GIGANTIC PLANT MONSTER! He cackles at the top of his lungs. Around him, A GREEN GLOW comes over THE FOREST as it slowly withers and wilts!
TATE
No way! He's stealing all the life from the plants!
TATE scowls as he runs over and begins pounding his fists against DOCTOR DARWIN'S base.
TATE, CONT’D
Stop it! Stop it! You're gonna hurt the forest!
LEO joins in as he hits THE BASE with FIREBALLS, but they don't even leave a mark! A HARPOON swirls in beside him, and LEO turns back to find GILL GRUNT and the SWAPPERS lobbing their own attacks to similar lack of effect.
WASH BUCKLER
Talk about rough tides! We're gonna need a whopper of a blow if we're gonna cut him down!
GILL GRUNT
But what? A combo attack?
GABE hums, and as he does, he briefly flashes back to something. GABE sees himself at A CAMPSITE with HIS PARENTS. There, his father JAMAR and step-mother CHINASA are building A LARGE BONFIRE. GABE watches with his mother LADONNA and step-father MPHATSO.
JAMAR
Oh, this is gonna keep us nice and toasty tonight!
CHINASA
Be careful with all that kindling! Get that fire too big, and it'll burn down the whole forest!
JAMAR
Oh, you know I wouldn't do that!
(looks up)
Hey honey, do we have the s'mores ready?
MPHASTO
Sure do, teddy bear!
THE FLASHBACK quickly ends, and GABE frowns.
GABE
Wait, that's it! I know how to stop him!
Everyone turns to GABE, but GABE only has eyes for TATE.
GABE
Tate, you can control plants, right? Can you make a bunch of sticks?
TATE holds out HIS HANDS, and A GLOW forms over HIS PALMS as A BUNDLE OF STICKS manifests within his hands.
TATE
Sure can!
GABE
Great! You make as many sticks as you can, and the rest of us will go get all the firewood we can find! We're gonna burn this guy down!
BLAST ZONE
Sounds good to me!
The KIDS quickly departs back into THE FOREST to find more firewood as TATE makes BUNDLES UPON BUNDLES OF STICKS.
MAGICAL FOREST – FOREST PASSAGES – CONTINUOUS
HARRY, LEO, & GABE bounce around the forest as they collect AS MANY STICKS AS THEY CAN, and then dump them in A PILE. TATE runs in next, and dumps a whole load of kindling into the pile!
GABE
Yeah, I'd say we've got plenty of firewood!
(looks around)
Now, we just need somewhere we can start the fire without burning down the whole forest.
LEO
I'll go scout things out!
LEO runs off and loos around. while LEO is looking around, he bumps into someone! LEO yelps as he goes to collect HIS STICKS, but THE BEING catches him.
SNAP SHOT (V.O.)
Leo, you're alright!
LEO looks up and grins. There before him is SNAP SHOT and THE REST OF THE SKYLANDERS, and they're all relieved to see him! Well, except for FRYNO, who is just angry as usual.
The others run in, and TATE grins.
TATE
Fryno, Roller Brawl! You're not gonna believe this! I ended up in Skylands, and I saw all this stuff, and—
FRYNO charges forth, and snarls as he shoves HIS FACE into an oblivious TATE'S.
FRYNO
What I don't believe is why you'd run off like that! You had us—
LEO
(running off)
Now's not the time! Look, that creepy doctor guy's back and he's stealing all the forest's life force or something, and we need to stop him!
FRYNO And how are you gonna do that?
LEO
I, well…
(turns to Gabe)
Actually, what were you gonna do, Gabe?
GABE
It's simple, really. He's a big plant monster right now, so we're gonna build a huge bonfire and trick him into walking into it! It'll burn him to a crisp!
FRYNO pauses, but quickly nods.
FRYNO
Well, I do like burning things.
TRIGGER HAPPY rifles through his back and grins as he pulls out A BUNCH OF GOLDEN STONES.
TRIGGER HAPPY
These extra-special hearthstones keep any fire nice, tight, and bright!
SNAP SHOT
Alright, mates! Let's get this fire burning!
EVERYONE immediately jumps to work as they take THE KINDLING and arrange it until it forms A TALL TOWER. Once it's finished, FRYNO, WILDFIRE, & LEO all use their firepower to set the tower alight! There's A MASSIVE FLASH and a <FWOOM> as the tower turns to A MASSIVE, BRIGHTLY-BURNING CAMPFIRE!
WILDFIRE
Yeah, that's a good fire if I've seen one!
HARRY
Alright, we've got a good controlled burn going…
(glances to the forest)
So now, all we've gotta do is bring it to its target.
THE KIDS frown as they look at each other.
LEO
The only thing that weird guy wants is us, so maybe we can—
GABE furiously shakes his head.
GABE
No way! There's no way we can outrun that guy! What if he catches us?
LEO
But what else are we gonna do?
FRYNO chuckles, and summons ANGRY BIKE as THE KIDS ponder. He revs the engine a bit and grins as THE CAMERA FOCUSES on him.
FRYNO
If speed's what you need, just leave it to me! Now hop on!
THE KIDS grin, and they all jump on the back of ANGRY BIKE. FRYNO revs the engine, and they're off like a rocket! The KIDS scream, lips flapping in the breeze from how fast they're going as FRYNO charges back into THE HEART OF THE FOREST.
MAGICAL FOREST – FOREST HEART – SAME
In the FOREST HEART, GILL GRUNT & THE SWAPPERS shout out as they fight doctor DARWIN, who takes all their blows in stride! He attacks them with HIS PLANTS, but quickly stops as FRYNO'S engine revs.
FRYNO
Hey, big, green, and ugly!
DOCTOR DARWIN turns away from where he's pummeling WASH CHARGE and turns around. THE CAMERA MOVES with him, and we see FRYNO grinning as he turns ANGRY BIKE to show THE KIDS waving at him.
LEO
Bet'cha can't catch us!
LEO blows a raspberry at DOCTOR DARWIN, and that gets him going! He roars as he chases after them, but FRYNO burns rubber. THE FOREST shudders as DOCTOR DARWIN smashes through, and we see a TUG OF WILLS as DOCTOR DARWIN snaps at FRYNO'S TAIL!
The KIDS scream, and TATE frantically pushes from the back.
TATE
FRYNO, GO FASTER!
FRYNO
I'M GOING AS FAST AS I CAN!
FDOCTOR DARWIN snaps at them, nearly grabbing TATE in the process, and THE KIDS scream as they jump back.
GABE
THAT GUY'S GAINING ON US!
FRYNO
(flaming)
I KNOW! JUST LET ME DRIVE!
ROLLER BRAWL (V.O.)
Sounds like someone could use some backup!
DOCTOR DARWIN ROARS, but just then, there's a <SLASH> and he reels back! ROLLER BRAWL leaps down and chuckles as she examines her handiwork—A GASH ON DOCTOR DARWIN'S FACE.
THE SWAPPERS burst in next, and they grin as they train THEIR ATTACKS on his injury.
BLAST ZONE
FIRE IN THE HOLE!
THE SWAPPERS all fire, and it gets DOCTOR DARWIN even angrier! He knocks them back and goes back to chasing FRYNO, but FRYNO’S gained a ton of headway!
FRYNO grins and looks back at DOCTOR DARWIN, before fixing his eyes on the objective: THE BONFIRE.
FRYNO
Changing lanes now!
FRYNO revs his engine, and swerves out of the way just as he comes inches within the bonfire!
DOCTOR DARWIN screams and scrambles back, but he's going so fast that it's too late—the momentum carries him straight into the fire! He wails, and HIS WARPED, INJURED FACE forms in the flames as he cries out.
DOCTOR DARWIN
(warped)
No! How can this be? I'm supposed to be unstoppable!
SNAP SHOT & GILL GRUNT both use their powers to hose down the bonfire, and it unveils that ALL THE PLANTS have burned to ashes! All that remains is the original DOCTOR DARWIN.
TRIGGER HAPPY lobs A GIGANTIC GOLD SAFE directly at him, and DOCTOR DARWIN shouts out as the force knocks him directly into THE BURNED REMAINS OF THE TOWER! ASHES fly everywhere as he crashes down, and when the dust clears, his battered and bruised form lays weak in the pit's remains.
DOCTOR DARWIN
I'm, I'm... The, ultimate, lifeform...
DOCTOR DARWIN groans, and falls unconscious. THE OTHERS surround him, and all share a grin. Finally, this mess is done with!
VILLAGE – TOWN SQUARE – SAME
THE SKYLANDERS & KIDS all arrive back to town as one big group. SNAP SHOT drags the unconscious DOCTOR DARWIN in arm; DOCTOR DARWIN’S locked up in TRAPTANIUM CHAINS to keep him from trying any funny business.
A VILLAGER runs straight up to them, and he has the most relieved look on his face.
VILLAGER
Oh thank the Ancients, you're back! I'm not sure what happened, but all of a sudden, all those strange animals turned around and disappeared back into the earth!
SNAP SHOT
Oh, we know what happened, alright!
(pushes DOCTOR DARWIN to front)
This ratbag here was causing a ruckus trying to get a hand on our portal masters.
FRYNO
But we burned his plans to a crisp! He shouldn't be bugging you anytime soon.
THE VILLAGER breathes a sigh of relief, and THE OTHER VILLAGERS grin.
VILLAGER
Three cheers for the Skylanders!
OTHER VILLAGERS
HIP HIP—
WASH BUCKLER parts from the SKYLANDERS' group and grins.
WASH BUCKLER
Now hold on there, mateys!
WASH BUCKLER grins towards GABE and gently pushes him forward.
WASH BUCKLER, CONT'D
If anyone here deserve your cheers, it's Gabe here! He was the bravest one outta all of us. After all, he was brave enough to cook up a plan and stop this scurvy dog!
GABE sputters and turns to Wash Buckler.
GABE
Wait, Wash Buckler, I—
VILLAGER
In that case…
(raising voice)
Three cheers for Gabe!
VILLAGERS
HIP HIP HOORAY!
Gabe chuckles and scratches his neck as THE VILLAGERS cheer him on.
GABE
Ah, it was nothing! I just did what I had to do.
Wash Buckler grins, but someone pushes through THE CROWDS OF VILLAGERS!
HOKRI
Excuse me, pardon me!
HOKRI pushes through, and he gasps as he stumbles over to GABE & TATE.
HOKRI
Gabriel, Tate! Thank goodness!
(falls to knees)
Are you alright?
GABE
We're fine, Mister Hokri.
TATE
I'm more than fine! I'm awesome! That forest had so many cool things in it!
HOKRI
Well, if you wanted to see it, you should have waited for me first. You could have gotten seriously hurt!
FRYNO
Yeah, Tate! Listen to your elders next time!
TATE does not seem to pay any mind.
TATE
So get this! Deep in that forest, there was this huge, huge plant with a giant mouth and all these weird tentacles, and it took me bungee jumping, well, it wasn't really bungee jumping, but I bounced around a lot and it was so cool, and...
HARRY & LEO both sigh as they watch TATE ramble.
LEO
Geez, just what kinda weirdo is this kid? We practically died and he's acting like he went on vacation!
HARRY
Guess I should expect that from the kid who got the science lab locked off for a week.
FRYNO groans and buries his head in his hands, but ROLLER BRAWL chuckles as she skates up.
ROLLER BRAWL
Ah, don't mind him, Fryno. Tate's always been like this and you know it.
ROLLER BRAWL skates up to TATE and chuckles as she kneels to his height.
ROLLER BRAWL, CONT'D
That being said... Tate, promise us you'll be a bit more careful next time?
TATE
I promise! I'm gonna go check out the rest of the town now, okay?
TATE chuckles as he wanders off to look at some flowers on the side of the road. ROLLER BRAWL stands up and watches him as she shakes her head, bemused.
ROLLER BRAWL
He didn't listen to a word I said.
ROLLER BRAWL skates off to watch TATE.
LEO & HARRY turn to GABE.
LEO
Oh yeah, and all that villain stuff reminded me! We've gotta bring you back to the Academy?
GABE
Wait, the Academy? Like, Skylanders Academy?
HARRY
Yeah! See, Kaos tried to pull us all to Skylands, and that's why that rift appeared and took you! The Skylanders are gonna try and get us back home, so we're staying at the Academy with them!
LEO
Heck, that's why we came here in the first place!
GABE frowns as he turns to HOKRI, but HOKRI smiles back at him.
HOKRI
I know what you're thinking, but don't worry about old Hokri here. I've gotten by on my own for this long, and I'm sure I'll manage even longer. Besides, you'd be much safer with the Skylanders than me.
GABE frowns, but nods understandingly and shakes HOKRI'S hand.
GABE
Thanks for everything, Mister Hokri!
HOKRI
And thank you for teaching me about all the wonderful things on Earth! Now, make sure young Tate knows you're leaving.
GABE walks up to TATE and taps him on the back.
GABE
Hey, Tate! It's time to go! We're heading back to the Academy with the others!
TATE
Okay!
TATE turns around, but before he leaves, he shoves SOMETHING IN GABE'S HAND! Gabe yelps, but as he unfurls it, he finds A SHINY, SPARKLY STONE! Gabe gasps as he marvels in its beauty.
TATE, CONT'D
This is for you!
(shyly)
For... Being my friend!
GABE blinks for a moment, unsure what to think, but finally smiles as he stuffs it in his pocket.
GABE I'll take good care of it. I promise.
GABE and TATE both chuckle at each other, and A LIGHT BLUSH forms in TATE'S cheeks as GABE draws him back to THE OTHERS.
OPEN SKIES – BUZZ'S SHIP – DAY
It's later in the day, and everyone is making their way back to SKYLANDERS ACADEMY on BUZZ'S SHIP... Or at least, they would be. But, they're caught in...
BUZZ
Ugh, flight traffic!
THE CAMERA ZOOMS OUT, and we see BUZZ'S SHIP caught in TRAFFIC amid many other vehicles of flight: SHIPS, HOT AIR BALLOONS, EVEN FLYING ANIMALS LIKE DRAGONS. <SHOUTS, HONKS, AND CAR WRECKAGE NOISES> all sound in the distance.
THE CAMERA zooms back onto the deck, where FRYNO storms around in a rage as flames burst from him.
FRYNO
GRR, I HATE TRAFFIC! MOVE ALREADY!
FRYNO stomps and shouts as flames burst from his ears and nose! Just as FRYNO throws his tantrum, however, TATE laughs and jumps onto FRYNO'S back, quelling the fires.
TATE
Hey, Fryno, why do you always shoot fire like that when you're angry, huh? Is that just a thing all rhinos do in Skylands? Or do you have like, super-special fire rhino powers? Did you eat a magic chili pepper and that why you're like that? Where does angry bike come from, anyways? Do you keep it in a special pocket dimension or something?
FRYNO grits his teeth as TATE'S QUESTIONS continues, and once again, he explodes!
FRYNO
STOP ASKING QUESTIONS! I HATE BEING ASKED A BUNCH OF QUESTIONS!
TATE loses his hold and falls off as FRYNO rages. Despite this, he still laughs—as does everyone—while they watch FRYNO rage.
As the laughter dies, HARRY and LEO turn to GABE.
LEO
You know, Gabe, you were really cool back there!
HARRY
Yeah! If you didn't think up that plan, we'd be toast!
LEO
Looks like you're finally brave enough, huh?
LEO playfully elbows GABE. GABE chuckles, and stares back at WASH BUCKLER, who exchanges a similarly content grin with him.
GABE
Yeah, I guess I am.
TO BE CONTINUED…