The sun's rays slowly peeped through the windows and on Kai's face. He felt an extra weight on his chest and looked down to see Skylor still sound asleep, matching the steady rhythm of his breath. He didn't know what to do at the moment. He wanted to stay longer like that but at the same time knew that he should get up. He immediately had his answer when a sharp "Ahem!" reached his ears. He immediately turned to see Nya looking skeptically at him with her arms crossed.

"This isn't what it looks like," Kai whispered.

"Uh-huh," Nya said as she turned around. " If you're done with whatever you're doing, I prepared a short breakfast. We're expected to be back at the barracks by now," She turned on her heal and disappeared into the kitchen.

Kai sighed and gently patted Skylor's head. Skylor stirred at his touch and she opened her eyes to face him. At first she just blinked several times, obviously still dazed and drowsy. Once her vision cleared, she realized how close their faces were and that Kai's face was slowly turning red.

"Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry!" She stammered as she scrambled to get of him, hitting Kai's stomach in the process and falling of the couch with a thud. She then got up and dusted herself off. "l-l…don't know what happened…"

"It's okay," Kai assured her as he got up recovering from an unnecessary blow. "Nothing happened. You just fell asleep."

"Oh. Okay. Sorry."

The young blacksmith then stretched himself. "Well, we better get going. Cole's gonna want that letter."

"Right."

After heading to the kitchen to grab breakfast and earning mixed looks from Zane, Pixal and Nya, everyone went for the barracks. Cole was already there along with other soldiers gearing up, sharpening their swords and discussing amongst themselves.

"I'm headed over to Master Wu's tent," Nya said as she headed off.

"I'll go with you," Skylor told her, but not before secretly handing Kai Ronin's message to the general. It was obvious she wasn't ready for people to find out who she really was in all this mess. Kai understood this and watched her walk away with his sister.

"Shall we?" Zane's voice brought Kai back to reality and they proceeded to Cole's office. Zane took his leave and proceeded to the armory to have his sword and gear checked. That left Kai to enter the room alone where Cole was pacing back and forth with his officers. He was obviously anxious but pacing about calmed his nerves.

"Excuse me, General," Kai interrupted the meeting. "But I think you need to see this." He hands Cole the parchment. Cole took it with a raised brow and skimmed through the contents.

"Where did you get this?" he asked.

"I had a run-in with your 'friend'" Kai replied as recalled his encounter with Ronin. "He couldn't make it, so he said I'll give it to you instead." Cole nodded and proceeded to read the letter aloud.

If this message reaches General Cole, here are my findings within the camp.

Chen has acquired what is called the realm crystal said to travel from one dimension into another. He didn't say where he got it but that he has it and will use the Tornado of Creation to amplify it's power tenfold, crossing infinite dimensions at will. However he is still missing an ingredient: the blood of the creator, which he acquired from Garmadon's son. But after today's turn of events, he's got everything he needs to unleash hell. Better do something about that Cap. I may be a spy on both sides with a bias for the highest bidder, but my gold's useless if there's nothing worth spending on. They're said to perform the ritual when the sun is at it's highest point at the cliffs near the Wailing Alps. Good luck.

P.S. I expect to collect my next payment after and if we survive this.

"He's one heck of a spy, I'll give you that," Kai said to Cole.

"One of the best. But as long as you give him a run for his money, he's willing to do anything."

Kai clasped his hands together. "Alright, what's the plan?"

"We ride for the Wailing Alps."

"General," said one of Cole's commanders. "That's a day's ride."

"Then I suggest you get everything ready," Cole replied. "We leave immediately." He then turned to another subordinate. "Inform Lord Garmadon of this development." The soldier nodded and left. When they were alone Cole turned to face his friend.

"How did you run into Ronin?" He asked, his curiosity not letting the matter slip.

"Well, if you really want to know, I noticed something off, near the boarders, and one thing led to another, I saw him and he gave it to me." Kai fibbed.

"Yeah, right," Cole snorted. "If I know you, which I do, you snuck off and went beyond the protective barrier and somehow followed him. When he detected your presence, you two probably got into some fight, and he broke your nose."

"What?! No! Can't you see my nose is perfectly fine?" Kai said pointing at his nose. "You're impossible. All I can tell you is that I found Chen's camp last night and your Ronin was there apparently."

"Then how did he manage to give you the letter? There's no way he'd give it to you so easily."

"I can't precisely say why," Kai replied. He was trying to keep Skylor's involvement a secret. "All you have to know is that I was able to get it due to certain circumstances, and that there are some things that I can't tell you yet, but I will in time. But as my friend, I ask you to trust me this once." Cole looked at the blacksmith dead in the eye as Kai waited for a response. He wasn't sure if this spiky-haired man was bluffing or telling the truth. But his gut leaned on the latter.

"Alright. I trust you." Then he put his hand on Kai's shoulder. "But if whatever you're hiding is a danger to every one in Jamanakai…"

"I promise it isn't." Kai assured him. "And if it is, you can have my prized sword and hit me with it." Cole smirked and shook his head.

"Nah. Keep your sword. I've got my scythe. Besides, your face is too ugly, I don't need to add a scar to it."

"Hey!"


Meanwhile, Zane was sharpening his sword on the grindstone. Pixal was sitting on his shoulder.

"Are you alright, Pixal?" Zane asked her.

"Hm?"

"Are you alright? You seem uneasy."

"I'm fine," the pixie replied.

"You've been tapping your foot for several minutes now."

Pixal looked down and noticed her left foot was indeed tapping at a quick pace. "I'm sorry," she said as she stopped.

"Is something the matter? Please tell me." Zane replied.

Pixal paused before letting out a sigh. "I want to be of assistance to you. I haven't been very useful to you since we've gotten here."

"Don't say that," Zane told her as he stopped working on the grindstone and held out his hand. Pixal jumped on and Zane brought her to face him. "You are always helping me Pixal. You being here reminds me of home and how adamant it is that we return. You comfort me when I am in despair and when I have no one to talk to. Kai and Nya are here, but we both know it is not the same."

"But I want to do more," Pixal told him. "I want to help you in battle, and I know I can."

"Pixal, we've been over this," Zane's voice became more stern. "I won't put you in harm's way. I-I… I can't bear to lose you." Pixal shook her head and fluttered towards Zane. She then laid her hands on his forehead and leaned her own forehead against him.

"You know I would go anywhere with you, Zane, even until death." She then floated down and landed on the flat part of Zane's blade. "But I don't want you to die either." She knelt down and placed her palms on the blade. "So allow me this act of assistance." She began chanting under her breathe and the sword began to glow a silvery light, which just vanished seconds after like nothing happened.

"What did you do?" Zane asked as he examined his sword, swinging it back and forth to see if there were any changes.

"I upgraded your sword's durability and sharpness," replied Pixel. "It can cut through stone and metal with ease. It will no longer dull, nor will it be shattered by any other blade."

"But Pixal, how?" the former nindroid asked in wonder.

"Do you remember that day I went to the library?"

"I remember."

"I actually did find some useful information about my powers. It appears I am a combat pixie and I have the power to create, upgrade or modify any weapon I choose."

"That is extraordinary."

"I can also create explosions, and heighten mine or another's reflexes to repel attacks. But, I can't do the advanced spells yet, because I lack practice. Materialization and modification are all I can do for now."

"What you did is already more that enough," Zane told her as he proceeded out of the grinding area. As he stared at his new weapon, a thought dawned upon him. "Do you think, you could do this to the other weapons here?" Pixal's eyes widened and her face smiled from ear to ear as she nodded. She and Zane then went to look for Kai and Cole to have their weapons modified as well.


Lloyd was still in the infirmary, resting from his wound. The lad was awake now, and he was a little impatient to get back on the battlefield. He was also getting bored. He looked around and saw that no one was looking. He started swirling his hand around. A ball of energy began to form above his hand and he started tossing it up and down, as if it were some ball.

"Impressive." Said a smooth but deep voice. Lloyd jolted, almost dropping his energy ball, which would have caused a small explosion. He sat up and saw his father standing at the foot of his for looking right at him.

"Oh, it's just you, Father," Lloyd said as he motioned his power to disappear from his hand as his father sat beside him.

"I never thought you would have the gift of magic. Then again, you are also your uncle's nephew." Lloyd chuckled at this.

"Why didn't you tell me you had this ability, Son? We could have sent you to Wu for further training."

"That's exactly why I didn't tell you, Father," Lloyd replied. "I'm happy with my training under Cole. I don't want to stay in a mansion learning scrolls all day. I want adventure! I want to see the world! Besides, I think I can learn this power on my own. I blasted Chen with it after all."

"And got stabbed afterwards."

"A tactical mistake I won't do again. But, come on, Father. I love being a knight. I don't think I have to be a mage too."

"What about your responsibility as the next governor?" There was a short silence between them.

"I honestly don't know, Father. It sounds too big for me. I don't think I'm ready for that yet."

Garmadon sighed. "I understand your heart's desire, Son. But remember, you have a responsibility here. You're training under General Cole because I wanted you to see what's going on at our boarders, at the same time how to defend yourself. When the time comes, the village will be under your rule, and even General Cole will submit to you. You must be ready to take over when I no longer can. Do you understand?"

Lloyd nodded. Garmadon ruffled his son's golden hair. "That's my boy." His son just rolled his eyes in amusement. The elder man then stood up and put his hands behind his back.

"Well, I take my leave then. Good night, Son."

"Dad, wait!" Lloyd called to him. He barely calls his father "Dad" but whenever he does, it was always coupled with a request or something only the two of them should know.

Garmadon turned around to face Lloyd again. "What is it, Lloyd?"

"What happened between you and Chen? I just knew you were his student, but I never knew the real reason you left him." Garmadon looked at his son's eyes for a moment before speaking.

"Very well. Chen was my teacher. Before he was a warlord, he was a soldier. He was a good fighter and an ally of my father, your grandfather. I looked up to him, almost worshipping his might. I asked him to train me, which he accepted. As years went by, he also took under his wing students who were gifted with magic, like Clouse. While I practiced with a sword outside his house, the mages were indoors. I didn't see what they were doing until curiosity got the better of me. I went and took a peek. And there I saw. Dark Magic. The one thing forbidden to practice in this realm. I couldn't continue to be under a man who would disobey the law. So I ran off, returning to my father and reporting the news. My father was angry and sent soldiers to capture him and his men. But when we reached his mansion, he was long gone, along with everyone else. He was outside of Jamanakai's boarders and we could no longer lay a finger on him. But what we didn't anticipate was that he would build his forces and conquer lands. When I heard news about it, I had our boarders patrolled by soldiers everyday. Which is why you're always out there riding with the General."

"What was so bad about the dark magic that you were afraid of it?"

"I wasn't afraid of the dark magic, but the aftermath that would follow if it were allowed to run rampant. Imagine your uncle's school turning into the cult of the dark arts."

"But Uncle Wu would never do that!"

"I know he wouldn't. He is too strong to submit to the dark side. Now, get some rest. You're wounds are still healing, so you'll be staying here until further notice."

"Wait, what? Where are you going?"

"To stop Chen and the others. Where we're going is a long way from here and you are in no condition to travel. You'll be staying here with your mother."

Lloyd groaned. "Fine."


The Wailing Alps contained the highest mountains in all the land and going to its highest peak was dead man's errand. The gusts of wind were powerful to blow even the strongest climbers clean off the mountain. Since Jamanakai was already part of the same mountain range as the Alps, it was too dangerous for everyone to trek on the its mountainous terrain. Lord Garmadon instructed everyone to ride along the foot of the range instead. Everyone was relieved, since it was a huge plain and it made riding more convenient.

The sun set as the cavalry reached the base of the Wailing Alps. The group spotted a large number of horses scattered nearby. As they looked toward the cliffs, spots of light were flickering in multiple locations.

"They're already at the cliffs," Cole said. " But they can't start their ritual unless the sun is high up. We'll set up camp here. We'll climb by daybreak."

Everyone did as they were asked. Some set up their tents while others started a bonfires to keep warm. Wu sat with his students while Garmadon sat with Cole and his soldiers. Kai, Nya, and Zane sat in a different circle.

"Mind if I join you?"

Everyone looked up to see Jay holding a canteen. Nya pointed to Kai's side, who was sitting across her. Jay simply nodded and sat beside Kai.

"Want some?" Jay handed them his canteen.

"We're fine, thanks," Nya curtly replied. Kai sighed and gratefully took Jay's canteen, since he had emptied his an hour ago. And because Jay's canteen was fairly bigger than theirs.

"Thanks, Jay," Kai told him as he handed back the container to Jay, who handed it to Zane. After Zane drank from it, he carefully tilted it until a droplet fell on it's cap.

"Hey, hey! What are you doing?" Jay asked as he felt Kai's hand on his shoulder, who motioned him to just watch. Jay saw Zane hand the cap to a small pixie that landed on his knee. The pixie then drank from the cap.

"Well, well. Never expected to see one of those in my lifetime." Jay remarked. When Pixal finished she flew in front of Jay's peripheral and curtsied.

"Thank you for your kindness."

"Hehe, don't mention it," Jay replied. "Who knew I'd be talking to a shimmery, silver fairy."

"Pixie," Zane corrected.

"If you'd like, I could upgrade your weapons' durability." Jay's eyes lit up.

"You can do that?" Pixal nodded as she asked Jay to show him his gear. Jay stood up and left the group to go to his tent, followed by Zane and Pixal, leaving the two siblings behind. When the distance was adequate, Kai spoke up.

"Why are you still so harsh towards Jay?" He asked his sister. " He's obviously trying to rebuild his friendship with you. Why won't you let him?

"Oh don't start," Nya hissed "I can never forgive him for what he did."

"Nya. It's been years since he burned that book. I'm sure he's sorry about it. You're the one who's still stuck in the past." The young mage didn't say anything and hugged her knees. Seeing that his sister was too hardheaded to say anything else, Kai stood up and put his hand on her shoulder. "Just remember, if you focus on what you've left behind, you might never see what lies ahead. Good night."

"Hey, since when were you so cryptic?" Nya answered in disbelief as she watched her brother leave. Her brother simply shrugged and entered their tent. Left to herself, Nya looked up to the night sky, the stars shining in their brilliance.

'Maybe I was too hard on him, huh, Mom?' The girl thought to herself. 'Wait, not really. He had his fair share of insulting me and humiliating me whenever we cross paths. So we're even.' She stood up and dusted herself before entering the tent. 'Maybe I'll give it a few more days. See if his apology is genuine. Then time will tell.' She dropped the matter and thought no more of it.

A girl's stubborn when she wants to be.