A.N: Ok, now, the Lloyd and Zoe relationship. I will have little moments between them and small adorable conversations, but nothing more. But, I need to have a backstory for why Cole and Zoe were separated. That will be revealed this chapter. Please note that Zoe is not a ninja, she is a minor character that I will have appear maybe once or twice per chapter. Now that I've made that clear, thanks for the reviews! Let's get this show on the road, shall we? CHAPTER 9!

Sensei Wu's POV:

The past few days have been looking up for us. The power came back on and we are sailing above once again. There haven't been a lot of serpentine attacks, and Zoe has been getting along with everyone on the ship. My nephew is still sick though, but he seems to be in better spirits whenever Zoe is around. It was nice to see Lloyd playing with someone his own age.

Everyone was gathered at the table for breakfast, and thankfully it was Zane's turn. Lloyd and Zoe were goofing around with their food and cracking each other up and Jay was trying to beat his record for most pancakes eaten in 1 minute. He is up to 3, and it is rather humorous to watch.

The one thing that was on my mind was what my nephew said to Zoe. He said that we think that he can't fight, and that we think he would screw up everything. What troubled me the most was that he thought he would mess up too, he didn't have the confidence. Maybe it's time we changed that.

After breakfast Lloyd and Zoe went to play on the main deck. Cole cleared his throat. "Is it me, or do you guys feel like we shouldn't have spied on Lloyd and my sister?" "Yeah, but in a way what he said about how we treat him is right. But, he's a tough kid. Just in a small package" said Kai. My brother nodded. "He's right. I never expected my son to be capable of the feats he had performed in the past few days. He just is low on confidence, which is never a good thing, or so I have been told." "I agree. He can do way more then he gives himself credit for. The kid's too modest" added Jay. "So, what do we do?" inquired Cole. "Here's a thought: Teach the kid something!" exclaimed Kai. "The first thing we learned was hand to hand combat. Can't hurt to try." "Very well. Let's see what he's doing with Zoe" I instructed.

Lloyd's POV:

I was playing tag with Zoe on the main deck when the others came outside. Ignoring this, I kept on running as fast as my legs could carry me from Zoe, but she was REALLY fast! "Wait, Lloyd, we wanna talk to you! Time out! Time out!" called Jay. I looped around Zoe and stopped in front of Jay. "Yeah?" "Jay! I was so close to getting him!" "No you weren't!" I countered. "Yeah. Right."

"We were thinking we could teach you some hand to hand combat. Wanna try?" asked Kai. I was shocked by this. They want to train me? Why now? I looked at Uncle and Dad, and they smiled at me. The one thing that came to mind was: "DO I EVER!" They all smiled. "Well, follow me kiddo" ordered Cole.

We all went to the center of the deck. "Alright, let's see how much you already know. Come at me." I hesitated. "It's alright, I won't be mad" Cole reassured. I charged at him and kicked near his kneecap, and Cole dodged. When he turned out of the way, I swiftly followed and punched him in the funny bone, and he winced and stepped back. Recovering quickly, he moved in for a punch, but I blocked it and kicked him square in the hip. Clearly, he was surprised by this, and I punched him in the chest and he was knocked on his back.

I look of shock was registered on his face, and he muttered: "Subdued by a 9 year old." "Hey! I'm 11!" I shouted. I helped him up. "How did you know all that already?" questioned Cole. I rolled my eyes. "I see you guys train, and I guess you could say I picked up a thing or two." "Well, nice job kiddo, I'm impressed." I smiled up at him. I had a good feeling today was going to be fun.

Pythor's POV:

Finally my army had the scroll of frost. Those petty little ninja didn't suspect a thing! Only 4 more to go. In order for my army to go unnoticed, we had to remain stealthy. That could be a small problem, considering how idiotic they may be.

"My lord, the army isss getting ressstlessss. They wish to know when they will be taking the next scroll, the scroll of earth." Skales looked slightly bored, and I personally do not blame him. The army, while dependable, can give you a splitting headache if spent with them for too long.

"Yes Skales, tell them we will set out tomorrow evening. I need a day off and take a break from their little antics." "Well understood my lord, I will tell the others." Skales then bowed respectively and left. I retreated to my quarters.

I sat in a small chair and studied the scroll. It looked worn out and frail, and the paper looked like it would rip easily if I was not careful. On the scroll was a design that looked like snow swirling in the wind, and a large symbol, on that I have seen on the white ninja's gi, that looked like a creature of some sort.

As I was trying to comprehend this, the temperature in my room dropped at least 10 degrees, and I saw a figure in the corner. It looked see through, but was pure, pure silver. Its eyes were as black as obsidian, with silvery white hair. "My master wishes for me to deliver a message." I got a chill. Its voice sounded demonic and hoarse. "A-a-nd the message is?" I shakily questioned. Truthfully I was scared out of my wits. "The great Venom shall awaken at a certain time, on the winter solstice. That is when he wants to begin his master plan, when the timing is right and when darkness comes earlier." Instantly I was confused. "Wait just a minute. I will awaken him when I want him to! And this is MY master plan! I shall rule, not him! He will merely be helping me! I am the true ruler!" "You my dear are merely the help. You will rule by Venom's side, not the other way around." "And what makes you think I will just willingly accept this?!" This was an outrage! "Just do as you are told, and you may get out of this alive. May I ask, how many scrolls do you even have?" I gulped. Something told me that this thing would not be happy if he found out that I only have one. "That is what I thought. A joke is what you are. If you want to change that, perhaps move at a faster pace, hm? The solstice is next week, 7 days from now. Do not fail us Pythor. We have a kingdom to rule. And so little time to do it. One last thing though. You are aware that you need a sacrifice, right?" "Yes. I am aware. Not a problem." This I was certain about. I had a plan to obtain the boy. That WILL work. "Good. Perhaps you are not as hopeless as I originally thought. You have one week. Do not fail." "Wait! Who are YOU?" This puzzled me. "Just call me, Xander." And with that, he vanished out of sight.

Warmth returned to my room. A week…let's hope that tomorrow evening would be successful. Venom will return, that I vowed to myself.

Zoe's POV:

I watched my brother train Lloyd while the others were doing, well, whatever ninjas and old guys do at 4:00 in the afternoon. Lloyd was getting good, which was awesome. And, Lloyd was really funny and sweet. I enjoyed being with him.

Cole said they should call it a night. He left with that, and Lloyd walked over to me smiling. "Nice job twinkle toes" I joked. He smiled that adorable smile of his. "Thanks." The two of us enjoyed the silence as we looked at the sunset overhead. I felt like I could trust him enough to tell him my secret. "He Lloyd, can you keep a secret?" He nodded. "Well, when me and Cole were little, our parents took us to the amusement park. It was really fun, and the park was planning to set off fireworks, but they caught on fire. I was separated from them, and when I couldn't find them, I just went home. But a truant officer found me walking down the street all by myself. I tried to tell him that I did have parents, but he wouldn't believe me. I was taken to a foster home. I tried to leave to get back to them, but I couldn't. I haven't seen my parents since."

Lloyd looked at me. "I'm so sorry. At least you and Cole have each other now." I smiled. "Yeah. Thanks for listening. It's nice to get that off my chest." And I meant it. We spent the rest of the night in silence, looking at the stars.

A.N: Alrighty, the image of shadows' name was revealed! Venom! Dun dun dun…and so was another mysterious character going by the name of Xander. You'll see more of him. ;) Did you like Pythor and Xander's conversation, along with the rest of it? Tell me your thoughts! Thanks! Review, and have a nice day and or night!