Hey everybody, here's the next chapter where we get an idea of what Zuko's plan is this time. I know it's kind of obvious for what it is, but the chapters that happen after this one might come as a surprise ;) Btw, since I can't respond by Pming the guest reviewers, I'll just answer their reviews after the authors notes in the beginning of the chapters :)

Jade: Well, your close about what Zuko's gonna do to Kai, but not quite ;) And as for the song you mentioned, I actually have heard of that song, it is pretty creepy O_O But it does suit Zuko rather well.

Lyra200: I know cliffhangers can be frustrating, but that's why us authors like writing them. It just leaves the readers wanting more.

Disclaimer: I don't own Ninjago because, well you know why ;)

Chapter 1

The offer

(Kai's pov)

It was just another ordinary day. I was outside on the deck training with Lloyd, Jay and Cole were playing video games, Zane was spending time with his father, and Sensei was meditating or something. It's been months since we've last seen Zuko.

I hope that guy never shows his face around here again, because if he does I'll make him pay for hurting my family! I was so mad that I saw Zuko's face instead of a punching bag for a second, I wanted nothing more than to smash that jerks face in! I was so blinded with rage that I started clobbering the punching bag.

I must have been hitting it pretty hard, because the next thing I knew the punching bag was flying off it's chain. I just stood there, rage filling my mind, luckily I was able to snap out of it after the punching bag hit Lloyd and knocked him to the ground.

I immediately ran over to him to see if he was okay. "Lloyd, are you okay!?"

"I-I'm okay, I just didn't see it coming was all.", Lloyd said, trying to look as if it didn't hurt.

I sighed in relief and helped him up. "Sorry about that kiddo, I just don't know what came over me."

"It's okay, I can handle anything!", he said, bursting with confidence.

I teasingly smirked and said, "We'll just have to see."

After I said that, Lloyd quickly barrel rolled under me and tried to kick me in the back. But I was able to counter the move by performing spinjitzu. This caused Lloyd to fall a few feet away, I quickly ran over to him before he could get up. I quickly grabbed Lloyd, put him in a headlock, and started giving him a noogie.

"Ow, ow, ow! Okay, okay, you win!", Lloyd shouted in defeat.

I was laughing with victory as I finally let Lloyd go.

"Maybe you'll get me next time shorty."

We were both having a good time, but that's when Nya walked in.

"Hey guys.", Nya said.

"Hey sis, what's going on?", I asked.

"Sensei told me to give you this, apparently it's important.", She told me while handing me a slip of paper.

I took the paper and looked at what it was. It turned out to be some kind of weird looking herb called angel fire, which can only be found in the forest. The herb looked like a plant with big pure white leaves, but they also had a tint of red to them. What would sensei want with this weird looking plant? Maybe it's something he uses for his tea? Well, whatever it is I still have to go get it, maybe I'll be able to find out what it's used for.

"I've got it covered Nya, I should be back in a few hours.", I told her.

"Be careful out there, the woods can be dangerous.", Nya warned me.

"Nya you don't have to worry, I'll be fine. Besides I'm the one who's supposed to worry about you.", I joked.

Nya grinned a bit and said, "Alright, just be back before dark."

"I will.", I assured her. "And maybe when I get back I can show short stuff here a thing or two.", I said while turning towards Lloyd.

"You were just lucky that time, I'll beat you next time.", Lloyd said with determination.

I ruffled Lloyd hair a bit and said, "We'll see kid, but right now I have an important mission to do."

I walked to the edge of the bounty, which was on the ground right now, and jumped off. I quickly started running toward the forest. Little did I know was that something was already there, waiting for me.

It's been over an hour, I haven't found anything that looks even close to an angelfire herb. I think maybe sensei just decided to send me out on a wild goose chase to get me out of his hair. I was starting to think about just giving up and heading back to the bounty when I saw something out of the corner of my eye. I turned and saw a plant with white leaves that had a tint of red, this was it, the plant I've been looking for this whole time! I couldn't believe it, the herb actually exists!

I quickly rushed over to the plant and bent over to grab it, but then I heard a familiar voice behind me.

"Hello Kai."

I quickly stood up in surprise.

I quickly drew out my flame sword and said, "Who's there!?"

"Why Kai, I think you should know, considering we have seen each other before."

Wait a minute, I'd recognize that voice anywhere.

I swerved around to face my enemy and shouted, "Zuko!"

Zuko just smirked and said, "Yes Kai, it's me, I'm surprised you didn't notice sooner."

"You should know better than to show your face around here again, what do you want!?", I asked, my voice full of pure hatred.

"Why Kai, can't a poor soul simply visit one of his old friends?", he asked me.

I couldn't help but smirk. Friends? Yeah right. He kidnapped and tortured Jay, killed Cole's mom, and even tried to kill all of us. I would never want to have anything to do with something like him, no wonder Cole hates this guy.

"And I have a proposition for you Kai. I think-"

I quickly cut Zuko off by lunging at him with my sword, but he quickly jumped out of the way. I looked around, but I couldn't see him anywhere. Where did Zuko go now? I quickly found out when I felt something jump on me from behind and pin me down on my stomach.

"Now, are you going to try that again? Or do I have to restrain you Kai?", Zuko asked in that sly tone of voice.

As much as I wanted to kill Zuko right now, I knew I couldn't try to fight him. If I tried attacking him he would just dodge my attacks and pin me down. I decided to just hear him out and see what happens next.

"No, I'll cooperate.", I said, sounding a little cross.

"Good.", he said, satisfied.

After he got off me I slowly got up on my feet.

"Now, as I was saying, I think this could help benefit the both of us.", Zuko started explaining.

"There's nothing you have that I want Zuko!", I protested.

"Really Kai? What about your friends?", he asked me.

"What about them?"

"Don't you want them to respect you? After all, it was Lloyd who was chosen to be the green ninja, not you.", Zuko informed me.

"They do respect me, and I don't care if it turned out that Lloyd was the green ninja instead of me.", I retorted.

"Come now Kai, haven't you ever noticed what they say about you when your back is turned? They never loved you, your friends are only nice to you because they pity you. They think your nothing but a waste of space.", Zuko argued.

I was about to make another hasty retort, when I suddenly stopped and thought for a second. Now that I think about it, my friends always have been a bit more rough with me than anyone else. Whenever I trained with Cole he would always leave me with some bruises. When I tried to talk with Zane, he would always look at me in a weird way. Almost as if he knew whatever I said was the wrong thing. When I tried to help Jay he would always tell me I'm doing something wrong.

Do they really hate me? I do want them all to think I'm useful, but working with Zuko? It's just unthinkable! I can't work with him, all he'll do is kill even more people. But I don't want my friends to think I'm worthless, what should I do?

Zuko must have noticed the thoughtful expression on my face, because he said, "I'll give you some time to think it over. You can meet me back here tomorrow to tell me your decision."

After that, he left. I don't know what I'm supposed to do now, I don't want to betray my friends, but are they even my friends? Urgh! I just don't know! I was so frustrated that I punched one of the trees, I just stood there leaning against the tree with tears streaming down my face. I'm not worthless, I'm not! I kept telling myself that, but nothing helped.

After what felt like a long time, I finally decided to stop feeling sorry for myself and just go home. I grabbed the angelfire herb and started walking in the direction of the bounty. What am I supposed to do? I can't join Zuko, but I don't even know if I'm wanted back at home. I guess I'll just have to see for myself what they all think of me.

Poor Kai :( I know the wording in this chapter wasn't as good as it usually is, but hopefully it's fine :/ What do you guys think Kai's decision will be? Will he choose his friends or Zuko? The answer will be revealed in time my friends ;)