Hey everyone, happy Friday again. It is time for a new chapter and two soundtracks. One you may be familiar with. Well you may hear some voices because I got it from the show though. Anyway for the soundtracks. The first one is watch?v=3Sbnun3juUs, and when you see the mark,*, enjoy. The second is watch?v=p7MW8FWn_yI and when you see the mark,(), enjoy but stop it after the music ends, it'll be short. So enjoy today's update on Lucas' adventures.

Chapter 25: The Blade Cup

I tossed and turned in my sleep as I couldn't. It's mid-April and I couldn't get over that my home was burnt down by the Hypnobrai. I grew up in that home for ten years and missed it. And the only thing I have left to remember my home was the burnt picture of me and my parents that sits by my bed in a frame. And I'll hate the tribe for doing that. As the weeks went by, the four remaining tribes were released. The Fangprye's. Constrictai. Venomari. And Anacondrai. Where were the ninja stopping them?

"Hey Lucas, wake up." Logan's voice whispered.

I tiredly opened my eyes to find him at my door, but he wasn't there. Where was he? I heard him call me again and I turned my head to the door that lead to the balcony and threw the covers off to walk over to it. As soon as my feet touched the thin layer of snow on the patio, I gave out a small gasp to the chill and was awake. It may be spring, but it still snows on the mountain to have you wear a jacket every day or not; depends on the temperature. I looked down to see Logan, Kat, Tyler, Joseph, Ryan, and Ben at the bottom and still dressed in their pajamas. What were they doing up this late? "What are you guys doing?" I asked them. "It's past your bedtime and curfew."

"We know." agreed Logan. "But we couldn't sleep and all wanted to hear you play your flute. Can you please, Lucas?"

"Yeah can you?" Kat asked.

I looked down at the pleading eyes to think. Since I've been living with Mystake and Logan for five months, I've became a fun brother to the kids. I play games with them. Let them play with Storm and he doesn't care about it. And I even play my flute to them. Sighing, I came to my decision. "Alright I will." I said and walked back inside to my room. I grabbed my grey sweatshirt and threw it on without bothering to zip it up and grabbed my flute. I headed back outside and performed a front flip after I jumped off the balcony and landed near them. "Now promise me that after I play one melody, you'll all head back home for bed." I proposed.

The kids nodded. "We will, Lucas." they said and raised their right hand up as a salute to their promise.

I smiled at them. "Alright then." I said to them and sat on the rock near the cherry blossom tree. I closed my eyes and slowly brought the wooden instrument to my lips while placing my fingers over the right notes and drew a deep breath through my nose and began playing. Soft and gentle music filled the cold air as I was playing my favorite song. In Dreams. The same music my father played to me and my mother when I was young. But now I play it as it's my favorite and brings back memories. The fun times I had with both parents and when I played for Kuzca when we both reached the surface. My father even came over to purchase Traveler's Tea, without seeing me, and Mystake said the same exact thing to him like she said to me. Why does he need it for? I finished playing the melody and looked at the kids. "Alright, it's bedtime all of you." I tell them and I heard the occasional whining from them. "Come on, you all said so."

"But Lucas, wait." Tyler spoke up. "We've been thinking and think you can do it."

I looked at them confused. Do what? "Do what exactly?" I asked them. Kat reached into her robe to pull out a folded sheet of paper and held it out to me. I still looked at them confused and gently took it from her and unfolded it. I looked at it confused as it was a flyer for a talent contest called: The Blade Cup. It showed a gold trophy with a curved silver dagger with reptilian scales on the center. And in a corner it said 'Open Auditions'. And in the bottom it said the contest was in two days. That was Friday. I looked up at them. "What is this?" I asked.

"Every year at Ninjago City, a talent contest is held for people with talent." Logan explained. "And the winner gets this trophy called the Blade Cup. Someone named Clutch Powers found the blade and made it as a trophy for those that win to have until next year. And we think you can do it, Lucas."

So that's the reason why they wanted me to play. To see if I was qualified to win this contest. Little sneaks. But do I really have a chance? "Do you think I have a chance winning?" I asked.

"Yes!" they all shouted while nodding.

I thought it over and smiled at them. "Alright I'll do it." I said and slipped the paper into the pockets of my sweatshirt. "As long you head back now." The kids nodded and headed back to their homes while Logan walked back into the shop. I looked at my flute and thought about what I agreed to. Do I really have a chance on winning or placing? I may be good with my flute, but I'm going against other competitors who practice every day. I do too, but this came so late to tell me. If they told me earlier, I would be prepared. But it doesn't matter now as I'll do it for them. I brought myself back and headed back to my room.

…

Two days have passed and I was prepared. The kids and I took Storm to reach Ninjago City so I could enter the contest. I was in backstage while my supporters were in the auditorium. I looked around to see the other performers as I sat on a chair. I saw group singers. Solos. Duets. A couple of jugglers. Some human beat box by mimicking noises from his hands and mouth. Other people with instruments; must be a band. I felt a knot form in my stomach because for once in my life I was nervous. I never have been like this before in my life.

Turning away from the performers, I heard a familiar shouting and turned to blink in surprise as I saw the ninja. What were they doing here? I saw that they weren't dressed in their suits but in matching pin-striped vest and dress shirts of their color with flat-top hats. Obviously they have no talent, but still why are they here? I watched them huddle around and heard the earth ninja complaining about the show. "What!?" I heard someone shout and turned my head. I saw a man with salt and pepper hair with a mustache in a brown tuxedo with a cane walk up to the ninja.

"Dad." The earth ninja turned around, surprised. That man must be his father then. "I…"

"You…You were going to steal it?" The black ninja's father interrupted. Steal what?

Sighing, the earth ninja walked up to him. "Dad, I didn't mean for you to hear that." He sighed quietly. "But…but I'm glad you did. There's something I've been wanting to tell you." He stood in front of his father. "All these years, I haven't been training as a singer or dancer. I found something I've been good really at." His father looked away for moment and then back to his son. "Dad," He spun into his Spinjitzu to be in suit. His gi was different than when we first met. On his shoulders was silver rugged shoulder armor to protect the joints and a silver three-pronged piece on his forehead and leather armor over his chest as a vest. My father must've given them new suits. "I'm a ninja." His father gasped. "And if the truth is," he continued to a case to pull out his golden scythe. "If we don't steal that Fang Blade-I mean-Blade Cup, there's other people that will." and sheathed the scythe in the holster on his back. "Bad people. The Serpentine. And we need to save the world. I know how ridiculous this sounds, but I'm proud of who I am. And I want you to be proud of me too."

Okay I'm confused. Fang Blade? Saving the world? What's going on here? I looked at the earth ninja's father as he looked mad at him. He stepped back. "I can't be proud of any son who thinks stealing is right." he said coldly. "And I'm not gonna wait around to watch you make a mockery of our family legacy."

"Dad, I…" the black ninja spoke up, but was ignored. I watched the others walk up to him and couldn't believe what I witnessed. I may have not known what lead to this, but I actually felt sorry for him. His father just left with a sour tone just because he was a ninja. If it was my father, he'd be proud. Sighing, I turned away to see for people exiting a dressing room and noticed it was the Serpentine. They could fool other people but the ninja and I could see through the disguise. But what are they doing here as well? I was still confused on what was happening. The ninja, Fang Blade, and the Serpentine. What was going on?

I watched the fire ninja walk up to the curtain and peered through. I walked up to it too and peered through to gulp. It was a full house. I shook my head clear and looked at the judges and saw another Serpentine as one. He was purple with a long thick neck with a gemstone on his head and chest with pink eyes. I think I know which one this was. An Anacondrai I think. Other people were fooled, but I can see through that beard. "Hey look, it's the bucko that punched Cole." the lightning ninja's voice exclaimed. I turned away to see the ninja eyeing me with the blue ninja crossing his arms. "Well I think you owe him an apology."

I rolled my eyes at them. "I don't want to deal with you four right now." I said to them. "I just witnessed what your friend faced and I feel sorry for him." I walked up to them. "I have no idea what's going on here or why the Serpentine are here, but I hope you do everything you can to stop them. Listen… Cole, I'm sorry for what you did to make your dad so mad. Even though it's not my business, I'm sorry. But not for the punch though. You deserved it still."

Cole gave me a small warming smile. "It's alright kid." he sighed. "Thank you… eh?"

I gave them a small smile. "Lucas." I finished for him. "My name is Lucas."

"Kai." the fire ninja introduced himself.

"Jay." the lightning ninja added.

"Zane." the ice ninja said. "And good luck for your talent in the show." I nodded them a thank you and wished them luck as well and went back to my chair to wait.

…

Time has passed as I waited for my turn. I watched from the side as all performers performed on their turn. I was told that I was after the Tremble Makers, which were the Serpentine band and my god they were horrible. I agreed with the crowd as they wanted to make me rip my ears off so I don't have to listen to it anymore. When they finally finished, thank God, the two judges held up a six card while the purple snake was cheering for the band and held up a ten card. He growled at them with a hiss and they quickly flipped the cards nines. Twenty-eight. These snakes really want this so called Fang Blade. After the occasional booing, the snakes left the stage, followed by the announcer.

"Up next, we have a contestant from all the way from Jamanakai Village." he announced into the microphone. "Put your hands together for Lucas Loa." Yes Loa instead of Wu. Keeping my identity a secret still. Why Loa though? Because it was my mother's maiden name. Stella Loa. After hearing the up-roaring applause, I got over the knot in my stomach and stepped out onto the stage.

I shielded my eyes to the bright intensity of the lights shined onto me. I felt the heat burning on me from the overuse of the lights. In the center was a metal chair for me to sit on and I took it. The crowd was silent. I looked around the crowd and spotted my supporters in the front row. A wave of relief washed over me and I pulled out my flute. Before I began playing, I gazed around the room and spotted the Hypnobrai and Anacondrai and smirked. I know their weakness. My flute may not be like the Sacred Flutes in the legends, but I can play it still. "I shall perform two melodies." I announced. "Both you may have never heard of." I looked at the ninja with a wink and placed my fingers on the right notes, drew in a deep breath, and began playing as I exhaled.

The sound of high-pitched notes filled the air followed by soothing music. I was playing the Sacred Flute; the Serpentines weakness. I peeked an eye to see the snakes covering their ears, while trying to not scream to expose themselves to the world. They were in pain. I finished the melody and looked at the purple snake heavily breathing as it was over. "Now for my second melody." I announced and found the right notes and closed my eyes to begin playing.

*The sweet melody music filled the air as I played calmly without missing a note. There's a reason why it's the only one I play as it brings memories back. Ones that I enjoyed with my family. I peeked an eye to my supporters and saw them smiling to the music. I kept playing with my eyes closed as I knew the music by heart. It doesn't even require any music sheets. It doesn't even have any. My father once told me that the music came from my grandfather and has been passed down to me. The music fuses into your soul to know the melody by heart. That's why I love this music. It makes me happy and calm.

After I finished the last note, I opened my eyes and placed my flute down onto my lap. Soon after, the crowd cheered and applauded for my performance. I looked down at the judges to see my score. Ten-ten-three. Twenty-three. The purple Anacondrai grimaced at me as I glared at him and bowed and left. Second so far. Wow. Most scores I seen were at twenty or below. Probably because the Anacondrai always lowers the scores to have his band win. Why are they together though? I thought that they were in war with each other. I broke myself from my rant and saw the ninja walk up to me. Probably for the Serpentine music. "Where did you learn to how to play that?" Jay asked. Yep. I was right.

I pretended to look confused at them. "Play which one?" I asked.

"The Serpentine music." Kai exclaimed. "Pythor stole the last Sacred Flute from us and we lost their weakness. But you still managed to play without one. How?"

Pythor? That must be the Anacondrai's name. I know that I shouldn't expose myself as a ninja or son of Wu or even socialize with them as we're enemies in the future. But my father once told me this saying when I used to train under him. The best way to defeat your enemy is to become its friend. I never understood it at first, but I think I see it now. I looked at them to reply. "Someone taught me it a long time ago." I replied. "I don't remember who he was, but he taught it to me."

The ninja looked at each other and then me to shrug their shoulders. "Well it's a good thing because it seemed to weaken the others." said Cole. "Thanks."

I nodded and walked back to my seat from before and placed my flute in my sweatshirt. I heard the ninja being called up and watched them huddle around in nervousness. They suddenly spun into their Spinjitzu tornadoes and left the stage. "Hey flute player, turn around!" a thick voice demanded. I turned around to gasp to see Logan and the others in a headlock with a hand over their mouths. "Your biggest fansss were about to sssee you, but Pythor sssent uss to pick a bone with you about that flute."

My blood began to boil. "Let them go." I demanded. "They don't deserve this. We can settle nice and easy." The snakes glared and hissed at me and tossed them aside and walked towards me. Not so nice and easy this became now. I glared at each and every one of them as I was surrounded. They must've really hated my music to be like this.

()I heard music beginning to play and it sounded catchy to fend off these slithering people. Time for some action with music. One Constrictai hissed at me and threw a punch at me while I blocked it and sent a kick to the Fangprye behind me. Two Venomari lunged themselves towards me and I jumped for them to collide into each other. Right at the perfect moment, I spun into my Spinjitzu as the lyrics sang and rendered a couple snakes unconscious as they surrounded by the kids. I stopped spinning and sent a stream of liquid at the same Constrictai from before and grabbed a Hypnobrai's arm and threw him over my shoulders and out the exit door. I continued to defend myself while to the beat and rendered the rest unconscious. Then the music stopped instantly. That was it? Not much of a fight. But at least the kids were safe.

Oh man the kids! I quickly walked up to them as they were huddled in a group. I gave them each a checkup and sighed in relief. Not a starch or bite mark on them. Good. "You guys alright?" I asked them to be sure.

"Yeah we are, Lucas." Logan answered. He then gave me a weird look. "Uh…Lucas, you might want to change before the ninja see you."

I looked at him confused and down to see I was dressed in my gi and mask. I quickly spun to change back to my jeans and tee shirt. "Thanks." I said.

"We have a winner!" the announcer boomed. "Spin Harmony!"

I looked through the curtain to see the ninja posing for a picture as the Blade Cup was in their hands. Third place for me. I didn't care though as the Serpentine lost and couldn't get this Fang Blade. I pulled away to the sound of a cane tapping on the floor and saw Cole's father walking up to the ninja. I didn't bother listening as his father sounded proud of him. Then suddenly Pythor slithered up and spoke to them. I heard chains rattle looked up to see -what appeared to be a cart- slide across the catwalks and into speakers and lights and fell down. I looked where they were about to crash and gasped as it was heading for Cole's father as he tripped. "Dad!" Cole bellowed and dove to his father to shield him from the debris. The kids and I coughed to the settling dust and saw that they were both gone under the wreckage.

"Oh my god." I gasped in a whisper. I just witnessed a murder and watched the Anacondrai general escape with the trophy. I looked at the debris as the ninja called for their friend. No one could ever survive that. Suddenly the case of the golden weapons began to glow and I looked at the debris as it glowed with swirling aura around it. "What the?" I gasped as something moved and I heard a grunt and saw Cole lifting the debris up and tossed it aside like it was nothing. I saw his father emerge and gasped to his son. Cole's body was glowing in a translucent glow while his amber were blue with the same aura swirling around his body. I heard Zane mention something of it being his True Potential. So this was what it was like. Cole stopped glowing and nearly collapsed as I figured it draws energy from you.

"Wow." I gasped. I looked at the kids to see that they were amazed too and looked up at me. Almost like they were saying 'Has that happen to you yet?'. I looked at them still and sighed. "Come on guys," I said. "It's time to go home."

"What about the trophy?" Kat asked. "Aren't you going after that snake to give it back to them?"

I knelt next to them and sighed a little. "That general wanted something more from that trophy and it'll be risky if I went after him." I retorted. "That's why I leave my identity a secret and left the ninja to handle this. But for now, he's gone and I can't go after him. Let's head back home now." The kids looked at me and nodded and followed to the exit after I threw my sweatshirt on and grabbed my flute. The cool air felt chilly to my face. We walked down the bright light streets as a group so I wouldn't lose them as we were leaving the city to reach Storm outside. But on my mind, I kept thinking on what I saw recently. One of these days, I too will unlock my True Potential.

When and how?

Well how did you enjoy it? I apologize if you heard some things that came from the episode, but I couldn't find anything that was like from the show so I had to do use the one from the show to have Lucas fight like the others did in the episode. Anyway, I hoped you enjoyed it and see you next weekend. :)