"Aaaaaah!" Zane cried as he was sent tumbling into a vortex. "Pixal! Get us out of here!"

"I'm trying! Nothing's working!" replied Pixal.

"Hold on!" replied Zane as he curled into a ball, hoping that the dreaded trip would be over soon. How'd they even get into this mess? Zane was just helping out in the tea farm when a vortex appeared out of nowhere and pulled him in. Zane heard his friends cry out his name in horror as he was sucked into the unknown. After what seemed like only five minutes, he landed on what seemed to be solid ground. When he came to, Zane started to dust himself. However, something felt off. When Zane looked at his hands, they were no longer titanium, but… flesh! He let out a scream.

"What's happened to me?" he thought. Then he remembered Pixal. "Pixal? Pixal! Where are you?" Zane looked around him. He noticed that all the sensors, as well as Pixal were no longer in his "monitor." All he could see was the thick trees and foliage that surrounded the area.

"Zane?" a little voice called out.

"Pixal? Is that you?" Zane asked.

"Yes. Where are you? I can't see anything in this tall grassland." Grassland? Zane wondered what Pixal meant when they were clearly in a forest.

"Keep talking. I'll find you." Zane instructed.

"I think I found you." replied Pixal. "Look down."

Zane obliged. Sure enough, there was Pixal right below him. He knelt down and held out his hand, and Pixal cautiously jumped on.

"What's happened to me Zane?" asked Pixal. Her metal hair had been turned to silvery locks tied into a messy pony tail. Her robot chasis had been replaced with smooth fair skin and her purple robe had become a purple dress that hugged her frame well. Little wings also sprouted from her back.

"I don't know. You look like a little butterfly." Replied Zane.

"Nothing's computing, Zane. I cannot scan anything for some reason." Pixal continued.

Zane stood up. "Where do you think we are? Could this be one of the sixteen realms?"

"I don't think so." replied Pixal. "If that were true, we shouldn't look any different. This did not happen when we arrived at Cloud Kingdom."

"Perhaps we better get to higher ground to know our whereabouts." He set Pixal on his shoulder and tried to summon his elemental dragon. He waited, but nothing happened. "Why isn't it working?" He tried to blast ice from his palms. Nothing. "What's going on? My powers aren't working."

Pixal thought for a moment. "It appears that by coming to this realm, you are cut off from your connection with the Green Ninja as well as your powers."

"That makes sense." said Zane. "However, I wonder if my Spinjitzu still works." Zane set Pixal on a branch and readies himself. But when he spins, he immediately got dizzy and fell on his back.

"Zane! Are you alright?"

"I'm fine. Why didn't my Spinjitzu work?"

"By my observations, anything tangible or concrete that does not belong here cannot be done in this realm. However, anything intangible and abstract, such as knowledge and memories are retained."

"So that means, it's like I am back to when Sensei Wu first found me."

"I'm sorry Zane."

"No. It's alright. We will find a way to get back to Ninjago. No matter how long it takes. Pixal, can you use your wings to fly?" Pixal tries to flap her wings, but ends up falling on Zane's hands.

"I believe I need more practice before I can fly at such altitudes." Zane puts Pixal back on his shoulder. "It's alright. We'll just try walking out of the forest." Then choosing a certain path based on the sun's position, Zane starts walking, while singing, "99,999 bottles of tea on the wall, 99,999 bottles of tea..."

By the time Pixal and Zane reach the edge of the forest, Zane actually finished the song.

"I didn't realize how lonely it was to sing that song by yourself."

"Did you want me to sing with you?" asked Pixal.

"No. I didn't mean it like that. I guess I just miss my friends."

"We will find a way to return to Ninjago, Zane."

"I know we will." They both look up. The sun was setting. "We better find shelter. Fast."

"Look! Over there!" Pixal pointed into the distance. There was a village not far from the forest. "Maybe we can get some food and lodging there."

"You're getting hungry?" asked Zane in disbelief.

"Since I'm no longer a droid, I noticed that my stomach is beginning to ache. Isn't yours?"

Zane clutched his own stomach which gave a large rumble in response. "Yes."

As Zane approached town, the clouds started to dull. Suddenly, heavy rain began to pour down on them. Zane rushed into town but no door was open to them. Then they noticed a shop manned by a young woman who was trying to close the shop with tarps to protect it from the water.

"Perhaps we can get help from there." Zane rushed to the shop and helped the girl set the tarps in place.

"Let me help you."

"Thanks. These things get stuck every once in a while." replied the girl. She was wearing a hood to keep herself dry.

When they were done, the woman removed her hood. Zane looked at her and was almost thrown off balance.

"Nya?"

"Uhm how do you know my name?"

"Nothing. Nothing." Replies Zane. "You just reminded me of someone I know who has the same name."

"Must be some uncanny resemblance we share."

"You done in there, Nya? I need some help with the furnace." A third voice called out.

"Just finishing up Kai." Nya responded as she tied down the last tarp. "Thank you for your help, Sir…"

"Just Zane's fine. And this is Pixal." Zane gestured to the fairy on his shoulder. Pixal waved at Nya and Nya eyes grow wide as discs.

"Wow! You have a pixie with you? How'd you manage to tame one?" Nya looked at Pixal intently and began firing Zane with questions.

"Where did you get her? What kind of magic does she do? Where can I get my own pixie like that?"

"Whoa calm down Nya. I myself do not yet know of her capabilities."

"Sorry. I'm just very interested in magical creatures is all. I'm training to become a mage so I can enter Master Wu's academy for wizards and mages."

"Master Wu?"

"Yes. He's the Grand Master of all things magical. Some say he's a wizard that's lived for thousands of years. But that's highly unlikely since his brother is the governor of this town."

"His brother Garmadon?"

"Yup. He's a really good governor. Takes care of everyone around here."

"And his son?"

"Who? Lloyd? Well, he's Lloyd. He's supposed to be the next governor after Lord Garmadon, but he likes to spend his time on adventures. He's currently training to be knight."

"I see."

"Nya! Where are you? I've been asking for you five minutes ago! Good thing I was able to put out the furnace by myself. " The owner of the voice finally came out of the back room. "Who's this?"

"Oh. This is Zane. He just helped me put down the tarps before the shop got wet."

Zane bowed in front of Kai. "I hope I am not disturbing anything. I was just looking for a place to rest for the night."

"Relax will you?" replied Kai. "It's not like you'll get in trouble for helping out. I'm Kai. I run this place." Kai extended his hand and Zane shook it.

"You run this place?" Nya asked as she put her hands on her hips.

"Well yeah." Kai countered "I'm the one making the weapons around here, which, may I remind you, are sold to pay for your tuition in magic school?"

"Yeah, but I'm the one who helps the customer get what he wants, as well as get this shop organized and clean."

As Zane watches the two siblings argue, Pixal whispers to him, "Not much seems to have changed."

"Yes. Different realm, same people."

After the heated argument dies down, Kai turns to Zane again. "So, you were looking for a place to stay, huh? You can stay with us if you want. It's not much but it's better than nothing."

"I appreciate your offer Kai."

"Alright. Now that introductions are done, let's head to the kitchen. Dinner's almost ready." Nya called to them.

The next morning, Zane helped around the shop, whilst learning everything he could about the realm he was in from Nya.

"The father of Lord Garmadon and Master Wu started this town, and when he passed, he left it in the charge of Lord Garmadon. Master Wu decided to start a school in training wizards and mages, since he's been studying the use of magic in battle ever since he was young. Lord Garmadon on the other hand also started to train knights under his disposal. Jamanakai village has grown so big and prosperous he decided to add up security. Knights patrol the boarders every day and they often get their weapons from us."

"Speaking of which," Kai added, as he puts a long piece of metal on an anvil and starts hammering it. "I have to get this heavy scythe done in an hour. I got a letter that General Cole was coming to pick this up himself today."

"General Cole?" asked Zane.

"Yeah," added Nya. He's known for his brute strength and tactical skills. He keeps Jamanakai safe from outside invaders. He's also the one training Lloyd to become a knight right now."

"Really? Do you know anyone by the name of Jay?"

"Jay the nobleman?" asked Nya.

"Yeah. We know him. Practically the whole village knows that loudmouth," added Kai.

"What does he do?" Zane continued.

"Well, he basically tries to invent things." Nya answered. "His father runs a mining industry and we buy our metals from them. He thinks of ways on how to make cooler and more efficient weapons and artillery. More often than not, though, they end up failures. But since his family's rich, he keeps on trying. It's a wonder they haven't gone bankrupt yet with all the tries he's done."

"He doesn't ask you to make his inventions?"

"Oh no. That only happens if it's the traditional kind of weapons." Kai said. "But if it requires tinkering, that's beyond me. Besides, I can't stand his prattling." Kai continued to hammer the scythe until it was ready for cooling. Once it was cooled, he then polished it and put it in its case. Zane and Pixal watched with wonder.

"Maybe if he hadn't become a ninja, he would have been such a successful blacksmith," thought Zane.

After Kai finishes the scythe, he wipes the sweat of his brow. "Phew. All done. And customer's not even here yet."

Nya comes out of the kitchen and hands Kai and Zane a drink. "Not bad. It's the best one I've seen you do Kai."

"Really? Then maybe I should keep it for display." Kai boasted.

"If you do that, General Cole will hand you your tail, if you had one," Nya countered.

While the three were laughing at this, the noise of thundering hoof steps invaded their ears. Zane looks around and spots two horsemen coming their way. The bigger one was riding in a jet black horse and was clad in full armor from head to foot. His companion was a lean youth with light blonde hair aboard a dun horse. They stopped right outside of the blacksmith's shop.

Kai stepped out of the shop to meet the two horsemen. "Good afternoon, General."

The rider of the black horse dismounts his steed and removed his helmet. He then brushed his disheveled ebony hair which almost covered his bushy eyebrows. "I told you Kai, you don't have to call me that. It makes me feel old."

"I know." Kai said. "And that's precisely why I do it."

Cole gave a small groan and composed himself. "Is my scythe ready?"

"Yeah, just give me a moment to fetch it." Kai replied as he heads back indoors to fetch Cole's new weapon.

Cole's companion then dismounts his steed. "Why would you want a scythe, Cole? Aren't you better off with a sword?"

"I wanted to try something different," Cole replied. "Besides, scythes pack a mean swing in the battle field. It'll be like my signature weapon."

"Whatever you say," the boy replies. "But when am I going to get my signature weapon?"

"Patience, Lloyd. When you're ready, we'll know what kind of you weapon you'll use, and when you'll use it."

Nya then comes out of the shop bringing refreshments. "Hey Cole. Hey Lloyd. Cold drinks?"

Both take it from Nya, thanking her. "How's magic training coming Nya?" asked Lloyd.

"It's coming along okay. Maybe I'll be able to pass the entrance test tomorrow with my new spells."

Not long after, Kai exited the shop holding the scythe. "Here you go." He handed it to Cole, who began to test it by swinging it around and getting the feel of it.

"Not bad Kai. You've become quite the master. Here's the rest of the payment." Cole then gave Kai a sack filled with gold coins. "Thanks Cole. Anytime. And Lloyd. When it's your turn to get a weapon, feel free to drop by."

"Sure. That would depend on Cole, however." Lloyd said.

"Lloyd, why don't you ride ahead on the southern boarder? That's where our next patrol is," instructed Cole.

"Sure thing" replied Lloyd as he rode away.

"Hey Kai. I need to talk to you," said Cole as he pulled Kai aside.

"Sure, what is it?"

"I don't normally tell this to others, but I think a war is coming."

"A war? With who?"

"The Serpentine tribes."

"Those cult tribes that worship snakes? Why would they want to wage war against the land?"

"I think it's not the land, but Jamanakai village in particular. Word has it that Chen the warlord has sided with the Serpentine tribes. They say he wants to conquer Jamanakai just to get back at Lord Garmadon."

"Why? What's Garmadon done to him?"

"I hear they had a history."

"Where'd you get this information? And why are you telling me this?"

"I'm the general here. I have eyes and ears everywhere. And because you're my friend Kai. I want to make sure you and your family is safe when this war does go down. And… I have a proposition."

"Which is?"

"Join my army. Or at least join its reserves. If ever war does break out, I know you'll be there fighting with me. You're a great swordsman. Even though you're a blacksmith, the fire of a warrior burns bright inside you. We could use a man like you in the field."

Kai smiled at this. "Thanks for the offer Cole, but I can't. I promised my father I'd look after the shop and Nya. Besides, why would I go to war if my services are better needed here? Not saying that I'm a coward—which I'm not—but if I don't forge weapons for the army, who will?"

Cole gave a sigh. "Ok. If that's your decision, I respect that." He then mounts his horse and puts on his helmet. As Cole prepares to ride away, he looks back at Kai, who was walking towards his shop. "If you ever change your mind, you'll know where to find me," Cole called out before he disappeared out of sight.

Kai entered the shop's back door, where Zane and Nya were waiting for him.

"What was that all about? "Asked Nya. "It looked like you and Cole were talking about something pretty deep."

"It was nothing."

"Kai. I know when something's bothering you. What's wrong? You can tell me."

"I'll go into my room so not to disturb you two," Zane said.

"No, you can stay Zane," replied Kai. He then sat across Nya and Zane.

"Cole just asked me to join his army."

"Really?" asked a surprised Nya. "Why?"
"He said that a war might be coming. Word has it that the Serpentine tribes have allied themselves with warlord Chen and they're coming to invade Jamanakai."

"What did you tell him?"

"I told him that I wouldn't join his ranks. I have to take care of you, and our shop. Besides, all their weapons come from us. We need to be in business when this war happens."

"But my entrance test is tomorrow!" said Nya. "How can I help you when I am busy with magic school?"

Kai thought for a minute. Then he looked to Zane. "Zane, I know we just met you and this might be too big to ask of you, but, will you help us. If this war does happen, will you help us keep this shop running?"

"Yes, of course I will."

"Thank you so much Zane. We owe you one." Nya said.

That night, Zane couldn't sleep. He was thinking how long he was stuck in that realm and how he was ever going to get back. Perhaps he could visit Master Wu. If he is as powerful as they say he is, maybe he can help them get home. But what of the potential war with the Serpentine and Chen? Shouldn't he stay until that war was over before solving his own problems? He already promised to help out in the shop, he can't turn back now. He turns over to see Pixal already sleeping in a small basket with a cloth as its cushion, courtesy of Nya. He made up his mind. He was going to help them. A ninja would never abandon those in need. After making his peace with the matter, he drifted off to sleep.