I've recently started watching Ninjago, because of childhood nostalgia and all that. Seriously, it was one of my favorite shows when I was little. So guess my surprise when I realize that the show is still going! Frickin fifteen seasons, are you serious?! Well, long story short, I wanted to get a sneak peek at what they were doing with the later seasons, and inevitably stumbled upon the latest season, Crystallized, on the internet. From there, I discovered that people were talking about Pythor coming back, and I remembered liking him as a villain when I was younger, so I was stoked. Then I saw that people were pairing him up with Skales, I thought that was interesting, checked it out, one thing led to another, and here I am. Apparently, I have no self-control. Like, at all. Still, it's gonna be fun writing a story about something from my childhood, instead of me randomly discovering a show and becoming fixated on it for no other reason than I think a ship is cute.
Now that the explanation is out of the way, time for some useful info: I'll be following the story of the show in linear order, and I'm going to be jumping forward a few times. I hope it's not gonna be to confusing. Besides that, I will try to be as faithful to the characters as possible, but as always when it comes to stories such as these, it's best not to think about it too much. All right, that should be everything. Time for the actual story!
"Silence everyone! The General is about to speak!"
The announcement was followed by abrupt silence, as Skales slithered his way up to the icy pedestal, overlooking a big crowd of Hypnobrai. Once he reached the top, he took a moment to look over the crowd, who were eagerly waiting to hear him speak. It had been some time since the tribe had been gathered, with the last time being with the surprising, but fortunate visit of the Fangpyres. Thanks to his past friendship with their General, he had negotiated an alliance, and all there was left to do now was to proclaim their next course of action.
"Ssso…now that we are free from the meddling of the human boy, and with the sssupport of the Fangpyres, and their new vehiclesss, the Serpentine are stronger than ever!" Skales victoriously exclaimed, raising his staff high in the air, so all the other snakes could see it.
The crowd of Hypnobrai in front of him erupted into joyful cheer. While most had been hesitant about the new alliance with the Fangpyres, it seemed that a nice speech was all that they needed to quell their uncertainty. Once the cheering started dying down, Skales took the chance to continue his speech, satisfied with the reaction he had managed to gain.
"Together, we can finally start taking revenge on the surface dwellers, for banishing us below ground, and trapping us in these tombs!"
The cheering returned, though the mentioning of revenge and surface dwellers together, made them practically roar in excitement. Skales could tell that the failed leadership of the Garmadon boy had left a bad taste in his fellow Hypnobrais' mouth and that they were waiting to finally do something more than childish activities. And Skales was more than happy to give it to them. Still…he was somewhat at a loss at what to do next. With the help of the Fangpyres, there was no limit to where they could go. But that just left him with too many choices. Not to speak of the troublesome ninja that had been hounding them ever since they escaped their imprisonment. He had considered it for a bit and concluded that perhaps it was best to leave the decision of what their first target should be, up to the tribe.
He waited once again for the cheering to die down, before continuing.
"Now, there is only one thing left to do, my fellow Hypnobrai: To discusss our first target! I'm willing to take sssuggestions." He explained, before holding out a hand invitingly, waiting for the others to come up with ideas.
The crowd at first reacted with confusion, before whispering between each other, trying to find the best idea. It took a bit of time before anyone spoke up, and to Skales' disappointment, the suggestion was less than idyllic.
"What if we attack the Jamanakai Village!?" One snake enthusiastically asked, with many other snakes nodding in agreement.
"That would be a good idea…if it wasn't because we already did that." Skales explained, trying his best to not sound too discouraging.
"Are there any other, sssuggestions?" He asked with a somewhat hopeful tone. He looked around the crowd, as the Hyponobrai spoke between themselves, the several whispering voices and conversations making it impossible to tell what was being spoken. Still, it didn't take too long before another had an idea, standing at the back of the crowd, holding his hand up while desperately trying to get noticed.
"Uh, yes you, at the back! What do you sssuggest?"
"What if we build a tree fortress!" The snake joyfully said, and to Skales horror, many seemed to agree.
"No you idiot, we already did that! And it was immediately attacked by the ninja, and then destroyed, if you haven't already forgotten!" Skales angrily said, making the sad snake step back, disappearing between the crowd.
"Oh-oh, I know! What if we-"
"Before you continue, is it something we already have tried and then sssubsequently failed?"
The snake looked up at Skales for a moment, before looking down on the ground in shame.
"That'sss what I thought," Skales muttered to himself, before looking back on the crowd, his enthusiasm now having been quickly used up. Before speaking, he let out a tired sigh and dragged a hand over his face, making no attempt to hide his discontent.
"Isss there anyone with an idea we haven't already tried!" Skales exclaimed with a bit of desperation, as he was starting to realize that being the general of the tribe wasn't as great as he had thought it was. But he had fought for the right and won, so it was his responsibility nonetheless.
Before any of the other serpents had the time to make any more suggestions, they were abruptly interrupted by the screaming of someone approaching the crowd. They all looked behind them, watching the figure coming closer.
"Someone's coming! Someone's coming!" The Hypnobrai yelled, making a direct beeline towards Skales, who immediately recognized them as one of the scouts sent to keep an eye on the entrance.
"Who'sss coming?" Skales quickly asked, already considering the different possibilities.
Could it be the ninja? No, they couldn't possibly be stupid enough to directly attack our headquarters. Perhaps the boy? No, he would be a fool to return here. Maybe it's one of the other Serpentine tribes? The boy already released the Fangpyres, so maybe he's already opened the other tombs.
"I…I don't know, but they're gonna be here soon!"
With that unhelpful answer, Skales' speculations were left unsatisfied, and he knew that the only thing left to do was face their visitor, or visitors, head-on.
"Warriorsss…to me!" Skales yelled, as he made his way down the pedestal, and through the crowd who opened up to let him pass. A few Serpentine quickly gathered their weapons and followed behind their leader, while the rest hanged back, curiously waiting to see what would unfold. As Skales got closer, he could hear the faintest sound of a voice calling out. He was relieved to know that he wasn't dealing with an outright invasion. Still, it only made him more interested in who would dare to approach their ancient tomb. Luckily, he would soon find his answer.
As he made his way to the entrance, the voice started to become clearer, but he still couldn't make out the words. It was only after having continued on for a bit, that he suddenly stopped, surprising the snakes behind him. He then lifted an arm up, signaling them to be quiet. A thick layer of quietness filled the icy cavern, as both Skales and the other Serpentine listened intensely on, trying to decipher the visitor's words. It took a moment, but soon enough the voice that echoed from the passage to the surface became understandable.
"Ooh, Slithraa! Slithraa where are you?" The peculiar voice continued asking, the voice only becoming louder, as the owner descended down.
While Skales tried his best to prepare, he couldn't help but be distracted by the fact that the voice seemed familiar somehow. Neither did the calling for Slithraa help with his focus. But he wouldn't have to wait long before getting his answers, as the voice came closer and closer.
"Slithraa? Slithraa, I didn't climb a mountain for you to hide away from me! At least do the courtesy of facing me! A little welcome wouldn't hurt either."
Then, the person finally descended from the passage, making Skales, and the rest of the Hypnobrai look on with both awe and uneasiness. The purple Serpentine, belonging to the Anacondrai Tribe, seemed to revel in the reaction his arrival caused. He took a moment to slither closer to the others, making sure that they could all see him. It was only then he seemed to acknowledge Skales' existence, spreading his arms out as a greeting.
"Oh Slithraa old chum, there you are! You wouldn't believe how long it took me to-"
The snake suddenly paused, seemingly having realized something. Probably the fact that he wasn't talking to Slithraa. Slowly, his demeanor shifted from one of calm, collectedness, to one of curiosity and excitement. The transition was about as subtle as a child trying to lie.
"Well now. You aren't Slithraa, are you?" He asked with a slow, coy tone, now completely focused on the snake in front of him, and him alone.
Skales, who was less than thrilled with being mistaken as his old leader, couldn't help but scoff at the Anacondrai's question.
"No. I'm not." He answered in a cold, harsh tone, hoping to make it clear that he wasn't one to be disrespected. But the visitor seemed to deliberately ignore Skales annoyance, instead choosing to move closer, while eyeing him up and down. It took Skales a second, but he finally reacted and went into a defensive pose, with the warriors behind him following suit. Still, it didn't seem to faze the Anacondrai.
"My my…if this isn't a pleasant surprise!" He excitedly continued, with all of his apparent fellowship with the former Hypnobrai General conveniently vanishing. When he got too close for Skales' comfort, he raised his staff at the visitor, who tensed up and let out a quiet shriek.
"What is your purpossse here! Uhh…"
Skales threatening demeanor instantly vanished, as he realized that he still didn't know who he was even talking to. Though he swore that he seemed familiar somehow. Sensing his uncertainty, the visitor sprang at the opportunity to introduce himself. And hopefully, also make Skales lower his staff.
"Oh, do excuse my poor manners. *Ahem* My name's Pythor P. Chumsworth, at your service." He then politely bowed, before looking back at Skales with a questioning look.
"And…you are?"
"...Skales." The Hypnobrai General responded though he felt that his name sounded inadequate for some reason.
"Well that's…certainly much easier to remember," Pythor commented, before letting out a friendly chuckle. But guessing by the intense stares and the deafening silence, it did little to ease the tension. Instead, he decided that it would be best to try a more direct approach.
"Now, Skales, I have a little, proposition you could call it. And I would much rather prefer if I could tell you the details…alone."
Skales didn't need to be a genius to figure out that it was less of a preference and more of a condition. He considered the possibility of just throwing the Anacondrai General out of his cave, but for some reason, he couldn't explain, he felt that he at least needed to hear him out. As Pythor patiently waited for an answer, Skales looked behind him at his fellow Hypnobrai, as he pondered if it was worth the risk of being alone with the Anacondrai. After a few seconds, he let out a dissatisfied sigh and looked back at Pythor who raised an eyebrow at him, still waiting for his answer.
"Ugh…fine. But it better be important!"
"Oh, trust me my dear Skales…it will be," Pythor responded, looking on with a gleeful grin as Skales signaled his tribe to back away, before leading the two of them through the cave. Skales got his fair share of looks from the other Hypnobrai, but he was content with the fact that they weren't openly questioning him. Yet, at least. But the way Pythor had shown up without the rest of his tribe, made Skales think that there was something more than boldness involved. He couldn't help but be intrigued at what the Anacodnroi was going to offer him.
They continued through the caves until they reached a secluded section, with a hole in the wall big enough to be considered a room. Immediately after stopping, Pythor started circling around Skales, looking him up and down with a predatory look in his eyes.
Skales took it as Pythor measuring him up, and in some form of either defiance or pride, he straightened his back, puffed up his chest, and held his head high. Though it did little to get a reaction out of Pythor, who continued observing Skales at his own pace.
"I must say, you are certainly something." He said to himself, finally breaking the silence. But it still left Skales confused on what it was Pythor was trying to accomplish. His confusion wasn't helped when instead of talking about his supposed offer, Pythor started small talking.
"It isn't often you hear of a new Serpentine General. The last time I checked, It was still Slithraa who was in charge around here. Do tell me, did he perish in some unfortunate accident, or is he still scurrying about somewhere?"
"He's ssstill here, sssomewhere. And before you ask, yesss, I earned this staff in the Slither Pit, fair and sssquare."
"Of course, of course! I wouldn't dare to question your capabilities if that is what you're insinuating." Pythor answered back, with Skale shaving a hard time figuring out whether he was being sincere or not.
"And may I add, that I am happy about the change in management. Slithraa was, well…past his prime, one could say. The Serpentine is in dire need of…stronger leadership. And I think you could help me with that."
"...I'm not sssure that I follow," Skales questioned. If he wasn't interested before, he certainly was now.
"Oh, you're right, I've forgotten to fill you in."
Pythor then slithered up in front of Skales, making a dramatic pause before continuing.
"I'm planning a little…gathering for all the Serpentine tribes."
It was a short sentence, but only because Pythor knew he didn't need to say more to surprise the Hypnobrai General.
"Gathering the tribesss? Aren't the rest ssstill trapped in their tombsss?"
"Not anymore! I've already managed to free the Constrictai and the Venomari, thanks to the help of a certain, acquaintance of ours."
It took a moment for Skales to figure out who he was referring to.
"The Garmadon boy? You two freed the rest of the tribesss?" He asked, with a certain hint of disdain.
"Oh heavens no!" Pythor quickly exclaimed, with the same hint of disdain. "I stole the map leading to the tombs from that little brat as soon as I could and left him. He could be sitting in a ditch for all I care, and he's certainly no longer of any importance to us now." He explained, remembering fondly the boy's face when he betrayed him. What he wouldn't do to relive that moment again.
"But what is important is the fact that I have managed to convince the tribes to gather at a location, for…further discussion."
"You did? What about your own tribe?"
"Oh, they're gone. We were stuck in a tomb in the desert, and then came the starvation and 'Only one can remain!' et cetera et cetara, you can guess the rest." He calmly explained, with about as much apathy as someone talking about food being dropped on the ground, to Skales' concern.
"Mildly speaking, they're no longer in the picture. But you are."
Pyhtor then started moving closer to Skales, who didn't know if he should be worried.
"And what do you need me for?" Skales asked, trying his best to not back away as the Anacondroi approached him.
"Well, from what I heard from the boy, you and the Fangpyres have become quite the pals. So all I need you to do, Skales, is speak to the Fangpyres for me, and convince them to meet at our gathering spot."
Pythor was standing right in front of Skales, when he suddenly placed his hands on the Hypnobrai's shoulders and looked him directly in the eyes with a soft look, making a shiver crawl down Skales' back.
"Think you can do that for me?" Pythor asked with an innocent tone, though it was clear he was expecting to hear a yes. And that was what Skales was planning to say. He didn't know why, but there was something charismatic about Pythor that enthralled him. Just by looking at him, he could sense that the snake in front of him was planning something. Something big. And he wanted to be a part of it.
"Yes…" Skales muttered, with a little bit of hesitation, if only to just keep his pride.
"Splendid!" Pyhtor excitingly exclaimed, before letting go of Skales' shoulders. "Then tell them and your own tribe to meet me in the underground of Ninjago City. Trust me, it won't be hard to find." He then turned around and started slithering out of the room, leaving a befuddled Skales behind.
"Hey! You can at least tell me what thisss is all about!" He yelled at Pythor, in some vain attempt to try and understand what he had gotten himself, and his tribe, involved in. But to his surprise, Pythor did stop in his tracks and seemed to ponder something. After a few seconds, he then turned around with a smug look on his face.
"Well, I was planning on keeping it a surprise…buuuut…I can make an exception. Just for you." He answered, with an almost endearing tone. He then started moving closer, looking around cautiously, as if afraid that someone was listening to them. The curious Skales moved closer too, wondering what could possibly be worth dealing with the constant bickering between the different tribes. He would get his answer soon enough, as Pythor bent his head down to Skales' ear, and whispered;
"I'm going to unite the tribes-"
"WHAT?!" Skales shouted, barely giving Pythor the chance to finish his sentence.
"Be quiet!" Pythor commanded, the words seething out of his mouth, as he tried his best to keep his voice down.
"It was hard enough convincing the other Generals to gather, without mentioning uniting the tribes. If it got out to the rest of the rabble, then it wouldn't just be difficult, but nigh impossible! So do me the favor and keep your mouth in check."
Skales nodded reluctantly, not taking it kindly to Pythor giving him orders, but he had to admit that the snake did have a point.
"Good." The Anacondrai muttered, taking another look around to make sure that no one was nearby. When he was sure that no one had heard them, he wiped a bit of sweat off his brow, and let out a relieved sigh.
"Well, I got to get going. I have a meeting to set up. And don't worry, you're gonna learn more of my plans once we meet again."
Once again he started moving away, leaving an embarrassed Skales behind.
"Oh, and don't worry, I remember the way out." He quickly mentioned, while giving Skales a quick glance while leaving. But just before he left, he stopped all of a sudden, to Skales' surprise. The same hesitation that Pythor showed before was back, and it seemed stronger than before. Skales couldn't help but think that it seemed out of character for someone who represented themselves as confident as Pythor did. But he decided to stay anyway, waiting to see if Pythor was going to say anything. Then, the hesitation disappeared and Pythor looked back with a gentle, but unsure look on his face.
"And, also…*Ahem*...I can't wait to see you again, Skales." He said, in a surprisingly sincere tone, which left Skales with no idea of how he should respond. Luckily for him, he didn't need to, as Pythor slithered away, leaving Skales alone.
He stood for a few moments wondering what that was all about. He also wondered what exactly he had gotten himself into. But he would be lying if he said that he had something better to do. And besides that…he wouldn't mind meeting Pyhtor again.
"Well…thisss is certainly gonna be interesting."
Yeah, I know it's stupid, but I just wanted to write something nice and easy. Besides, there was a severe lack of stories about those two, so I wanted to chime in. Hope you actually did enjoy it and have a good day.