On the ferry, the Ninja and the Elemental Fighters saw the island coming up, "Look at that." Cole said.
"Awesome." Kai added.
"That is an impressive temple." Lydie commented.
Karlof then walked forward, "Let Karlof see!" He said, pushing Kai aside.
"Do you mind?!" Kai questioned before he and Karlof got into ready stances before Misako stepped between them.
"Now, now, save it for the tournament. You all will need your energy to survive." Misako advised as they turned and saw some cultists doing some movements as the boat docked.
"Welcome to Chen's Island." Clouse said as they walked off the ferry. "The Tournament of Elements welcomes its brave fighters." He said before he looked at Misako and Garmadon, but specifically Garmadon. "Master Chen will be pleased you've returned…Sensei Garmadon." He said with a snide look.
"The pleasure is all mine, Clouse." Garmadon said with a look.
"I'm sure it is." Clouse spat as the Ninja noticed the tension between the two while Misako placed a comforting hand on her husband.
"Definitely feeling some tension between you two." Jay commented.
"Yeah, how is it we're on an island I've never seen on any map?" Kai questioned.
"And who is this Master Chen?" Lydie asked as well.
"And care to explain how's the face to Ninjago's most popular noodle house is secretly assembling and underground fighting tournament?" Cole questioned.
"Master Chen used to be a friend." Misako said to them. "Now he's a traitor."
"During the Serpentine Wars, Chen turned against his own kind and sided with the treacherous snakes." Garmadon explained.
"The battle you and Uncle Wu fought together in?" Lloyd asked in surprise. "He was an enemy?" He asked in surprise as they walked up to the gates.
"He used deception to turn the Elemental Masters against each other." Misako said to them. "They barely defeated the Serpentine thanks to him."
"And in a deal for his surrender, Chen was to never leave this island." Garmadon said to them. "Little did we know, he began to build his criminal empire off the profits from Noodle business."
Cole yelled in horror, "I've been eating evil noodles!?" he asked before giving a blissful look, "Delicious evil noodles."
Lydie gave Cole a blank look before she raised her hand and smacked him on the back of his head. "Ninjago to Cole." She said.
"Huh, what's happening, Captain?" Cole asked with a sheepish look as Lydie shook her head.
"He may have divided our ancestors, but he's not gonna divide us." Lloyd said as Lydie nodded.
Kai then turned and saw Skylor walking by. "Uh… Ladies first." He said as he pushed the others aside and allowed Skylor to pass them. "Fire will melt her icy heart. Just wait." He said with a flirting look.
Garmadon sighed while Misako giggled as they stopped in front of the Elemental Masters at the gates. "This is a big island. Zen could be anywhere. Keep an eye out." COle said as the gates opened and they followed Clouse as some Cultists were banging on some drums.
"So this is the house that noodles built." Jay commented as he started marching proudly. "Ha! Always wanted to go to a red carpet event."
"Chen lives like a King." Garmadon said to them. "Here, he's totally self-sufficient. The only way on or off this island is with his permission, which you have to earn."
"Okay, Dad, how did you know so much about this Chen?" Lydie asked in wonder.
"Yeah, you or mom never told us about him." Lloyd said in agreement.
"Because before Chen was my enemy, I was his student." Garmadon answered as he lowered his shoulder part of his robe and showed a purple snake tattoo like the other cultist.
In the temple, the competitors sat in a ring as Lydie turned to Garmadon, "Wait, dad, I thought Grandfather was your sensei?" She said in confusion.
"He was. But when I was you and Lloyd's age, not long after your grandfather passed, I sought…a darker means of guidance. He taught me to win at all costs to matter the price," Garmadon explained, spiteful at himself while looking at his hands before turning to Misako with a warm smile, "It wasn't until your mother entered my heart that I saw the proper path,"
"As you and your brother helped him see the light." Misako said with a warm smile in return.
"Uh, apparently he also never taught you to have a sense of humour." Jay said to Garmadon. "Lighten up, we're in an underground fighting club. This is supposed to be fun." He said to them.
"Jay, not everything is all fun and games. Haven't you wondered how Zane even got on this island?" Lydie questioned with a look. "Because if Chen is a bad guy, Zane must've been kidnapped. What fun is that?"
"Well excuse me for trying to lighten the mood." Jay said in defence before a gong was played as they all sat down and looked at Clouse.
"All rise for Master Chen!" Clouse announced as they looked up and saw a throne coming down as it showed a skinny wrinkled man with a cobra skull on his head with a purple snake wrapped around it.
"Welcome to the Tournament of Elements!" Chen declared with a smile. "Now everyone will all die-" He said as he pressed a button on his throne that shut the doors while the masters gasped. "-rect your attention to me!" He finished as he gave a laugh.
"I forgot to mention he has a penchant for theatrics." Garmadon whispered to them as they sat down.
"I think he's a few noodles short if you ask me." Lydie whispered as Chen walked down from his throne.
"Never before have so many Elemental Fighters been under one roof." Chen said as he walked down and looked at each master. "I see Master of Fire, Earth, Lightning, Shadow, Speed, even two prophesied Yin and Yang Saviors!" He listed out before spotting Garmadon and Misako. "And a former pupil has returned with his love." He said with a smirk as Garmadon and Misako glared at him.
Chen then gestured to the gong. "This symbol before you is for the Anacondrai, fiercest Serpentine tribe to ever roam this land. Their creed: 'Only one can remain.'" He said as the gong was hit again, but then it showed a competitive board with the pictures of the Elemental Masters.
"Good, looks like we're each in our own bracket." Kai said in relief, seeing that their brackets don't have any of them facing each other. "We won't have to face each other for a while."
"Better find Zane before that happens." Lloyd advised.
"Behold a Jade Blade." Chen announced as Clouse held up a Jade Blade. "Here, it represents life. Obtain it, move on. Allow your opponent to take it… Loser." He explained before facing the fighters, "The rules are simple. Every match will be different. No two fights will be the same. Your powers will keep you in the tournament. Use it or lose it!"
Karlof grumbled, "What does Karlof win?" He asked as Chen turned to him.
"Win and stay on the island, win it all and you'll receive fortunes beyond your wildest dreams and…lifetime supply of Master Chen noodles!" Chen declared as he looked at the Ninja, "But no one is here because of noodle, you want the glory of being the greatest fighter in all of Ninjago!" He declared as the fighters all cheered in agreement.
"And, what should happen if they lose?" Misako asked suspiciously.
"Lose? Who here likes to lose?" Chen taunted as the fighters all laughed as he continued. "Now please, enjoy my island. It's a super fun happy palace. Hahaha! Fun time on me!" He announced.
"You'll now each be shown to your rooms." Clouse said as he clapped his hands and a group of kabuki women then walked out in sync as the fighters stood up.
"Ah, just what this place needs. Creepy clowns." Jay said with annoyance.
"Not clowns, Jay. They're Kabuki." Misako corrected with a look.
"They are Chen's servants." Garmadon added as each Kabuki took one Elemental Master.
"Well whatever they are, I don't like them." Cole said as they were dragged off. "So much for staying together."
At the main room, Garmadon and Misako were alone on the ground as they saw the Ninja being taken to their separate rooms. "Always be ready! Never lose focus!" Garmadon called out as Clouse grabbed him and Misako before the latter grabbed him by the wrist.
"Don't." Misako warned in a low tone and cold glare that sent a shiver down Clouse's spine.
"I would heed her, She's a dangerous one." Garmadon advised while giving Clouse a smirk.
Clouse growled at them as he gestured to the stairs. "I trust you can find your rooms." He said as Garmadon and Misako smirked and walked away.
"Uh, what did they say?" Kai asked.
"I don't know. Something about, uh, mucus?" Jay asked as they were taken to their rooms.
"Your Fire suite, Master Kai." One of the Kabuki that was showing Kai the door as they entered and saw a room based on Kai's elemental powers with his symbol around.
"Are you kidding me? Ha!" Kai said with a smile. "Fire!" He sanged as he look around the room before he saw a picture of himself in his second suit. "Whoa! So handsome." He said before he went to the balcony. "I could get used to this." He said as he looked out.
But then next to him was Skylor, who had her hood off, showing her red hair in a ponytail as Kai turned and looked at her full face in bliss while Skylor turned to him. "Ah. Looks like we're neighbors. I'm Kai. Master of Fire." He said as he lit up his hand.
Skylor gave a smirk. "Skylor, Master of… Wouldn't you like to know?" She asked with a smirk as Kai was distracted, he didn't see his hand was still lit.
"Huh?" Kai asked before he started feeling the intense heat. "Ow, ow, ow, ow!" He cried out while Skylor gave a chuckle.
With Jay, he was in his room that is based on his powers. "Every device within your room has been configured to interact with your own electrical signal." The kabuki explained with a bow before she left Jay alone.
Jay then sparked up his hands before a giant flat screen TV appeared as he gasped in awed. "Whoa!" He cheered before he saw a game console as he laughed and grabbed a controller as he lay on his bed and started playing video games.
With Cole, he was in his room, laying on his bed uncomfortably because it was entirely made of stone. "A stone bed? Come on!" HE complained before his head hit the lamp over his head, which revealed a secret compartment as he rushed to it and saw all of his favourite food inside. "Chen's Noodle House? Three Ingredient Sizzling Rice, Snow Pea Cutle Fish, Mu Shu Wu Shu?!" He said in excitement before he grabbed a bowl of noodles and started eating it.
Cole then stopped when he saw his most favourite food. "Cake?!" He then laughed. "Score!" He cheered.
In her own room, Lydie was taking in the Purple and dark theme of the room, with a sunroof that has the sun shining down on her. "Wow. Gotta hand it to Chen, he sure knows how to make yourself at home." Lydie commented before she saw a pair of new Ninja Suit that is a Tournament theme. "Huh, new suits? Heh, he sure thinks ahead."
"Indeed," Lydie turned and saw Misako walking, "I hope you don't mind if I stay with you, dear." Misako said.
"Oh, I don't mind, Mom." Lydie said with a smile. "And let me guess, I take it father is with Lloyd?"
"You could say that." Misako said with a smirk. "But right now, I think he and Clouse are having a talk with one another."
"From how we saw those two, they had history with Chen together." Lydie said with a chuckle as her mother joined in.
With Lloyd, he put on his new golden Ninja Suit with a smile. "Yeah, this is sweet." He chuckled before noticing the photo of the Ninja behind him, looking at Zane specifically, "Don't worry, we're gonna find you pal," Lloyd promised with a smile until he saw his father being shoved in by Clouse.
"Well, after the your wife's convincing argument, you two will be allowed to stay in your children's rooms." Clouse said with a distasteful look.
"Thank you. We'll make sure to stand guard." Garmadon said with his arms crossed. "We wouldn't want anything happening to them. I know how you like to use dark magic." He said with a glare.
"Now, why would I want to cheat the Ninja?" Clouse questioned before he shut the door on Garmadon.
"Uh, dad, what is it between you and Clouse?" Lloyd asked in confusion.
"More than I can possibly explain son." Garmadon said before the alarm went off.
"Fellow fighters, hidden around my island are enough Jade Blades for every participant except for one!" Chen spoke up through the speaker while Garmadon and Lloyd were surprised by this.
With Lydie and Misako, they looked surprised by this and turned to each other. "The odd one who returns to the Palace Arena empty-handed loses!" Chen added.
In Jay's room, he was relaxing in a hottub
when Chen spoke. "The tournament begins…" He started just as a bearded man with a staff came in. "Now!"
Jay was surprised before he saw the man. "Now?!" He asked in shock as the man gave a yell.
"This room could use a breath of fresh air." THe man said with a challenge look. "Lightning, meet Nature!" He declared as he shot some vines from his staff at Thunder, who quickly got out of his hot tub and grabbed a towel while avoiding the plants before he tripped and then fired lightning at the Master of Nature, who was knocked to the floor before he saw the Jade Blade on Jay's light.
The man smirked while Jay noticed it as well as he gasped before the Master of Nature created a vine wall to block Jay.
"May the best fighter win." Chen finished as he gave his signature laugh as Garmadon and Lloyd came out to the halls.
With Skylor and Kai, the two looked up and saw a Jade Blade on the roof. "Is that-?" Skylor started.
"A Jade Blade?" Kai finished.
Lydie and Misako exited their room next as the two then saw a Jade Blade on a statue. "Hey!" Lydie called as she rushed up to the blade, but then Kai tripped her as she turned to him, "What the-Kai?!" She said in shock as Kai smirked before purple ripples surrounded him and he changed into a girl with purple hair and clothing.
"Not quite, dark girl," The Purple girl taunted.
"What the?" Lydie asked before she got up and tried to grab her, but the girl moved away. "What are you? A master of Illusion?"
"Close. Name's Chamille, the master of form." Chamille said with a smirk. "I can take the form of anyone I want." She said as she shifted into Lydie with a smirk.
"Okay, one, that's an impressive power." Lydie admitted. "But two, no one steals my look." She said as she then kicked Chamille down while on the other end, Lloyd was fighting his own fighter who disappeared into smoke and punched him in the head.
With Skylor and Kai, they are still looking at the Jade Blade before looking at each other. "That one is mine." Skylor said as she jumped at Kai and pushed him down as she started climbing to the roof.
"Hey!" Kai called as he jumped next to Skylor and the two started wrestling.
"Stop!" Skylor called.
"You stop!" Kai countered before Skylor slipped and started to fall before Kai grabbed her leg.
"Help me!" Skylor pleaded before Kai gave in and tossed Skylor up, high enough to the roof as she grabbed the Jade Blade. "Sorry, hot tamale." She said with a smirk as Kai realised his mistake.
"What does Karlof," Karlof grumbled as he looked around for a blade while Kai noticed him as he gave a smirk.
With Cole, he exited his room as he noticed Lloyd and Lydie fighting for their blades as he clutched his stomach. "I can't fight on a full stomach." He said as he then looked down and saw another Jade Blade on a plant pot. "Alright!" He said with relief as he walked down to the blade.
Turner saw Cole walking to his blade and smirked before pushing his opponent off and speeding past him and grab the blade before Cole did. "Too slow, rocky boy!" He teased.
"Hey!" Cole called with a look.
With Jay, he was still fighting the Master of Nature as he was pinned down while the bearded man held the Jade Blade with a yell. Jay chuckled before he turned to his game controller and pressed a button, which played a show of Fritz Donnagan.
"Fear? Fear isn't a word where I come from!" Fritz Donnagan quipped as the Master of Nature watched the episode, which gave Jay the time to get up.
"Ooh, Fritz Donnagan." The man said, not seeing Jay removing his towel and twirl it around before he whipped the Master of Nature butt as he gave a yell and tossed the Blade up as Jay caught it.
"Hahaha!" I love my room!" Jay cheered while he's still naked.
With Lloyd and Lydie, they are still fighting the fighters as they knocked them back and rush to the blades. On the lower floor, Clouse saw this as he then focus his magic as a purple aura appeared. "Seekore…" He said as he carpet's dragon pattern came to life and wrapped around the Garma-Twins' legs.
"Hey!" Lydie called, trying to free her leg as the fighters moved in.
Garmadon saw this as he rushed up to Clouse and tackled him down as the Garma-Twins' legs were free as they knocked their fighters down as they turned to their father. "Hurry, children! You must not lose!" Garmadon called as he kept Clouse down.
"Thanks, dad!" Lloyd called as he and Lydie knocked the fighters back and they grabbed their blades as they rushed off.
On the ground level, Cole was pinned down by two fighters before he knocked them back as he walked up to the Blade. "It's mine!" He cheered before he groaned and clutched his stomach. "Stomach cramp." He said as Paleman turned invisible and rushed at Cole as he picked up the blade.
"Hey! Stop! Stupid blade!" Cole called before he was punched to the face as Paleman rushed off. Cole then punched the pillar, which caused the dust to come off and landed on Paleman, revealing his invisible figure as Cole laughed and did Spinjtizu. "NINJA, GO!" He called as he knocked Paleman down and caught the Blade.
But then he covered his mouth, feeling queasy, "Okay, that was too fast," Cole said before a fighter with a turban walked on the ceiling and grabbed the blade from his hand, "Hey! That was mine!" He shouted before noticing another blade across from him. "Yes!" He cheered as he picked it up.
"Two Jade Blades remaining." Clouse said as he placed the blades the competitors brought in on the statue just before Cole came in.
"Wait! I got one!" Cole called as he ran into the room.
"Cole, you made it!" Lydie cheered as the Black Ninja saw one member of their team was missing.
"Where's Kai?" Cole asked as Clouse took his Jade Blade.
"Only one Jade Blade remaining." Chen said after Clouse put Cole's Jade Blade in place.
On the court yard, the last remaining Jade Blade was on the floor between Karlof and Kai glared at each other as Karlof armoured up while Kai readied his fire. "Get on with it!" Chen yelled from the speaker.
Kai and Karlof then started fighting and beating each other up as the Jade Blade was tossed into the air while the two kept wrestling each other.
Back inside, everyone were waiting anxiously as they heard footsteps through the doorway as they saw Karlof coming in with the blade. "Hahaha! Karlof wins!" He cheered as Chen and the Masters laughed and cheered while the Ninja gave grim expressions.
But then Karlof's glove fell off with the jade blade, much to his surprise. "What?" He asked.
"Ha! Looks like you got a screw loose." Kai said with a smirk as he held up a screw driver and picked up the blade as he went up to the statue and placed it in place as everyone cheered for Kai as he turned to Skylor, who gave him a smile and nod as he smiled in return.
"We have a loser!" Chen declared, pointing to Karlof as he reattached his glove.
"That's not fair. He cheated!" Karlof complained.
"I did what I had to do." Kai said in defence.
"That is not how you win." Garmadon said with a disappointed look.
"Fine, I lose," Karlof conceded. "Karlof never wanted to be on stinking island."
"Oh, I'm sorry to hear you did not enjoy your stay." Chen said as he sat on his throne. "I guess this works out for the best. This is goodbye!" He then pressed a button as Karlof fell down a trapped door as he screamed while the Masters looked alarmed. "As you can see, lose and you are out. Break any rule, you are out." He said to them as one of his cultists took out Karlof's picture and crushed it.
"Never bite the hand that feeds you Master Chen's delicious noodles!" Chen announced with a smile. "Now rest up. Tomorrow the tournament will recommence!" He announce as the cultist bang on the gong and they all walked out.
As they were all leaving, Skylor quickly tapped on Lydie's back as a purple aura flowed over her arm.
A bit later, the Ninja are then gathered on a table enjoying some dinner. "Hah, at least the chow's good." Cole said with a smile.
"How can you think about eating after what we just saw?" Lydie questioned.
"Yeah! It's killing me!" Jay said dramatically. "What's under the trap door? What happens when you lose?!"
"Don't think about it, you two." Misako said to him.
"It's all we could think about, mom!" Lydie pointed out.
"We moved on! I feel guilt! These are not good feelings!" Jay exclaimed.
"You think you two feel bad? Imagine how I feel." Kai said, feeling guilty for what happened to Karlof. "Our mission is simple. Tonight we find Zane and get off this crazy island!"
"And just how are we supposed to do that?" Cole questioned. "You heard Chen, break a rule and we're out. He's not gonna let us roam around."
"Then it's a good thing we're Ninja." Kai said with a smirk. "Meet me in my room at midnight." He said as Paleman came in.
"Mind if I join you?" Paleman asked.
Jay opened his mouth to say something, but Lydie sensed it and stomped hard on his foot making Jay squeak in pain, "Actually Paleman, we need some help sneaking around the island, and your pretty good at that, right?" She asked with a smile while Jay was frantically gesturing for her to get off his foot.
"Mmm, well, it might go against the rules with Chen." Paleman said while rubbing his chin. "But, what he doesn't know won't hurt me. But the question is, why exactly?"
"We're looking for a friend," Lydie explained to him. "We came here because we have word that our friend is somewhere on the island. And we might need some help to find out where he is."
"Well, if your friend is in trouble, I can help the best I can. But even being invisible can be a bit difficult without making a sound." Paleman said. "I'll search some areas and get back to you."
"Thanks." Lydie said with a smile as Paleman nodded and walked off with his lunch tray as Lydie got off of Jay's foot as he howled in pain and rubbed his feet.
"Ow! I think you broke it!" Jay exclaimed in pain, "You guys are a bunch of foot stomping maniacs!"
"You had that coming for trying to say something harsh to someone." Lydie said while crossing her arms.
"How am I supposed to know if we can trust him?!" Jay said in defence. "See what this island is doing to me?! It's corrupting me! It has to stop!"
"Jay, we've only been here for one day." Lydie said with a brow.
"Yeah, stop being dramatic buddy." Cole said as Jay groaned in defeat.
"I'll see you guys, tonight." Jay said to them.
At night, Lloyd and Lydie got ready, "Almost midnight," Lydie noted as she turned to Lloyd, "You ready?" She asked.
"Yeah, you coming?" Lloyd asked Garmadon.
"No, if you are to find Zane you must leave a smaller footprint," Garmadon said as he gestured to Misako, "Misako and I will wait for you two return."
"Okay, we'll see you guys after the search." Lydie said to them.
Misako smiled at them, "Just go, and be careful."
Garmadon walked over with a serious look, "And be wary, Chen will surely have many treacherous traps and perils all over this island." He warned.
"We will. See you soon dad." Lloyd promised before they jumped out of the window.
Garmadon then looked down in confliction and Misako looked at him in concern, "There's something wrong, what aren't you telling me?" Misako asked, holding Garmadon's hand and smiling softly.
"We're on my former sensei's island and we're playing his games, take your pick." Garmadon said to her with a frown. "I don't like being in this place, and neither should the others. Or even you." He said while looking at Misako.
"There's more to it than that," Misako said, leaning close to Garmadon, "You're my husband, I know you. What's wrong?" She asked.
Garmadon gave a sigh. "Even when the devourer has bitten me since I was a kid, Chen is one of the mistakes I've made on ever being trained by him for his help. And he manipulated me into doing, something truly treacherous," Garmadon said in regret.
"I'm listening. I promise whatever you say, I love you," Misako said, holding his chin.
Garmadon then sighed as he turned to her. "Do you remember the letter I gave you long ago?" He asked.
Misako gave a smile. "Of course. The letter you took from someone else." She said, which surprised Garmadon.
"Wait, how did you…" Garmadon tried to say.
"Honey, I know your handwriting." Misako said with a smile. "I can tell when you took someone else's letter before marking your name on it just to make it seem like you wrote it."
"But, if you knew, why didn't you-" Garmadon tried to ask.
"Because even in something you did proves how much you love me." Misako said with a smile. "And you have been through so much after the Devourer bit you as a boy, I didn't want you to feel any more pain. It's the reason why I fell in love with you. Regardless if it was someone else's letter. And after having Lloyd and Lydie I will never regret giving you my heart."
Garmadon looked at his wife in surprised as he placed a hand on Misako's cheek. "You truly are my greatest treasure, Misako."
"And you are the greatest master, Garmadon." Misako said with a warm smile as the two then leaned in as they shared a warm kiss with each other. They broke away with a light smack as Misako frowned a bit, "But please tell me, who was the real owner of that letter?" She asked
Garmadon looked down in shame, " It was…"
In Kai's room, he was wearing the same suit as Lloyd in his colorst4 as he gave a chuckle before looking at the clock and saw it was midnight as he rushed out to the balcony and saw some guards before he saw Lloyd, Lydie and Cole, Cole wearing a similar suit like the others, jumping down as they rushed into the room while Jay was on the top balcony.
Then Kai saw Skylor coming out as he saw Jay jumping down before he pushed him over as Jay gave a yell, which got Skylor's attention. "What was that you said?" She asked Kai.
"Uh, I said… w-w-what a beautiful night." Kai lied with a sheepish smile while Skylor looked at him in confusion as Kai gave a sheepish chuckle before he quickly looked down to see Jay hanging by the edge.
"Aw, come on." Jay whispered as he held on tight.
"So what do you think happened to Karlof?" Skylor asked, sounding concerned.
"I feel horrible, if I had known…" Kai said, still feeling ashamed.
Skylor gave a sigh. "You did what you had to do to stay in the tournament." She said to him. "I'm sorry if I was cold to you earlier."
"Psst." Jay whispered to Kai while still holding on.
"Maybe it's good to have friends here." Skylor continued.
"Kai!" Jay whispered with a lok.
"Jay, would you stop making noise?" Kai whispered while giving Jay a look.
"You had asked about my power." Skylor said with a smile.
"Uh, yeah, oh, it's so cold out. Uhh." Kai said while rubbing his shoulders and walked to his room. "Better call it a night. Heheh." He said as he closed his screen door.
"Oh, okay." Skylor said with a brow. "Sorry to have bothered-"
"Oh, okay. Good night." Kai said after poking his head through the door before heading back to his room as Skylor sighed and walked back to her room. Kai came out once she was gone as he helped Jay up.
"You just had to leave me hanging, huh, Romeo?" Jay questioned while giving Kai a look. In Kai's room, the others are sitting around as Cole is eating something. "Whoa-ho-ho-ho. Nice digs." He commented.
"I know." Cole said with a frown. "His room is so much nicer than mine." He said before looking at the bowl. "Chocolate covered shell peas. I love these!" He cheered as he ate some chocolate and laughed as he hopped to Kai's bed and laid on it as he sighed. "Oh, and look how soft your pillows are. Man, mine are made of rock! What a crock."
"Now, where's Paleman?" Lydie asked, looking around.
"Over here." Paleman's voice spoke up as Jay flinched and he appeared behind him. "Sorry. I have a habit of sneaking up on people."
"Wow. You're good." Jay commented.
"Okay, now can we focus on the mission?" Lloyd asked.
"Yeah. It was almost impossible to get here." Jay said to them. "This place is swarming with guards. Any ideas on how we search the island?"
"We travel by shadow." Kai said to them. "Cover every square inch of this place until we find him." He said as Cole tripped on something that caused the bed to spin.
"I only searched so much, and I couldn't even get a clue where your friend is." Paleman said.
"Then we'll split up." Jay said.
"No, that's just playing into Chen's hands." Lydie said to them.
"She's right. We stick together." Lloyd said as Cole went back up with a surprised look.
"Uh, guys… this bed is, uh…" Cole tried to say.
"Cole, I get it! You like my bed." Kai said in annoyance. "Would you stop playing around?"
"I think I know how we can search the island." Cole said with a smirk.
A bit later, they are all laying on the bed. "Okay, I feel ridiculous," Lydie said to them while looking at the ceiling.
Jay then sighs. "You're right. The pillows are soft." He said.
"Is this your idea of a joke?" Lloyd asked with a look.
"Because if it is, I'm not laughing," Paleman said. "You can't tell, but I have a weird face here."
"I must've done something to trigger it," Cole said as he retraced his steps. "I was laying here, then I stretched…" He pulled a switch on a pillow as they spun around before they held onto the sheets into a dark tunnel as they gasped in shock.
"Whoa! Secret passageway! Cool!" Jay exclaimed in excitement as they jumped down and Kai and Lloyd lit their hands for light.
"Nice work, Cole. Maybe Zane's not on the island but in it." Kai said.
"Travel in shadows boys," Lydie said as they walked down the passage before they heard grunting sounds.
"Quiet. Do you hear that?" Lloyd asked as they turned to the source and saw two holes on top.
"Ooh, secret peepholes! Super cool!" Jay cheered as she climbed up the hole. "Sounds like someone's fighting on the other side of this wall."
"Jay!" Lydie called with a look.
"What do you see? Who's fighting?" Cole asked.
"Actually it's not a fight, it's Skylor's room and it looks like she's training," Jay explained which got Kai's attention as he put out his hand.
"Let me see. Let me see!" Kai said as he climbed up next to Jay while pushing to see one of the holes.
"What's up with him?" Paleman asked.
"Ho, looks like Kai has the hots for her," Cole teased.
Kai looked down with a frown, "No! She's competition. I just want to know what powers we're up against," He lied as he pushed Jay.
"Oh, wait your turn!" Jay complained.
"We can at least share," Kai said as Skylor was doing some push-ups with one arm.
"Guys haven't you heard of respect for privacy?" Lydie said to them with a look.
"Her room doesn't reveal anything about her power." Kai said before Skylor stood on her feet and lit her hand with flames, causing Jay and Kai to gasp in shock.
"What? What did you see?" Cole asked.
"She's…fire," Kai said in concern.
"Wait, if we're all descendants of elemental masters…" Lloyd started before Cole laughed.
"Kai's heart is on fire! Kai's heart is on fire! Kai's heart is on fire!" Cole teased while hopping on his legs.
"Wait, hold on! Dad told me there's only one master per element. She can't be fire," Lydie said as she jumped up, "Let me see," She said before pushing Jay aside.
"Hey!" Jay called when he landed on Cole.
As Lydie looked through the eye hole she saw Skylor's hands were indeed on fire as she practiced some moves, "Hmm, well it does look like fire but it doesn't feel like-" Lydie stopped herself when the flames on Skylor's fist turned from red to purple as she and Kai gasped in total shock.
"What is it now?" Paleman asked.
"S-She's using my element: Darkness," Lydie asked in shock.
"What?! Two different elements?" Cole asked in shock. "That's impossible!"
"But if, she can use both mine and Lydie's elements does that mean we're…" Kai trailed off as Lydie came to the different conclusion.
"No, I don't we're related, I think what we saw has something to do with her element," Lydie theorized.
"Wow. So a Master of Copy." Paleman spoke up with a chuckle. "I know I'm new to this group, but can we keep moving? This place gives me the willies."
"Agreed." Kai said as Cole picked up the chocolate peas and started eating them as they walked down the tunnel. "It's like a maze down here. Good thing you're leaving a trail back to my room." He said to Cole.
"I'm what?" Cole asked in surprise.
"Ahem, behind you," Lydie said with a grin and pointed behind him as Cole turned and saw the trail of peas behind them.
"Oh, yeah. I meant to do that." Cole said with a chuckle as they climbed down and into a cave tunnel.
"Everyone stop!" Lydie called as they stopped and looked down at the floor and saw a wire. "Booby traps."
Jay gave a laugh. "Booby traps! Even cooler! Haha!" He cheered before Lydie gave him a look. "Or, I mean, kinda look. I mea, they're totally not cool, you know, 'cause they're dangerous." He quickly said.
"From here on out, we have to watch our step," Lloyd said to them.
"More than that we need to blend in," Lydie said before they heard footsteps and chanting, "Hide!" She hissed as the ninja hid behind some rocks while Paleman turned invisible.
They saw a group of cultists coming by before they saw another group and quickly grabbed them as punches could be heard.
Later, the Ninja were disguised as Cultists while Paleman is still invisible. Cole started licking some chocolate on his face they put on as tattoos. "Stop licking your tattoos," Kai muttered to Cole.
"It's chocolate. I can't resist." Cole said in defense before Lydie shushed them.
"Just try and fit in," Lydie said as they all tried to follow the chanting the other cultists were doing before Chen and Clouse stepped out with Chen holding a snake staff as he slammed on the ground as the cultists then bowed, with the ninja following as they bowed as well.
"Bring out the loser!" Chen announced as Karlof was then dragged by two cultists while in his metal form.
"Get hands off Karlof!" Karlof demanded. "Karlof wish he never sign up for this!" He yelled before he was placed in front of Chen with the Ninja and Paleman watching. "What is chanting for?" He asked in confusion.
"They're saying, 'Only one can remain'," Chen said with a sneaky smirk as Karlof, Paleman and the Ninja grew nervous, "Like I said, use it or lose it!" He said as the two cultists held Karlof down.
Chen then aim his staff at Karlof, which shot an ice beam at him as Karlof screamed in agony while Chen kept his smirk as Karlof's armor coated faded as a grey energy came out of him and into the staff as Karlof fell to his knees and onto the floor.
"He stole Karlof's power of Metal!" Kai asked in shock, feeling even more guilt since he put Karlof in it.
"And did you catch what he did, he sprayed out snow from the staff," Cole noted in surprise.
"That was definitely the power of Ice," Lydie said with a glare, "And there's only one way he could've gotten it,"
"Zane!" They all said, realizing that Chen had already stolen Zane's power of Ice.
"What happened to Karlof's metal?" Karlof asked as he couldn't feel his power or go into his metal form.
"Karlof's metal?" Chen asked with a smirk as he held the staff. "Oh, it's Master Chen's Metal now." He said with chuckles. "But now I will let you go."
"Really?" Karlof asked hopefully.
"To the factory!" Chen finished as the cultists grabbed Karlof and drag him away.
"No, no! Let Karlof go! No! No!" Karlof screamed as he was dragged away.
Lloyd then turned to Jay and noticed his face. "Jay, your face…" He said as Jay then gasped when he felt the chocolate on his face melting.
"My face? All of our faces! The chocolate's melting!" Jay whispered as they all felt their chocolate tattoos melting.
The cultists then noticed this as they stood up and turn to the Ninja. "Who are they?" One of them asked before Chen spotted them.
"Intruders!" Chen yelled as the Ninja ran down the tunnel with Paleman following. "Stop them! They must not escape!"
The cultists ran after them as they ran past the tied-up cultists as the Ninja and Paleman ran as fast as they could, but Cole tripped on the wire and fell as Lydie turned and saw the end of the tunnel closing, stopping the cultists from chasing them.
"Yes!" Lydie cheered before some giant axes then started coming down the halls one by one. "Oh come on!"
"I hate this place!" Paleman exclaimed.
"Run!" Lloyd cried as they all ran back into the tunnel they came in as they narrowly avoided the axes.
"That was close," Cole said in relief.
Then they heard a hissing and rattling sound, "What's that sound?" Jay asked nervously before they looked down and saw a large purple rattlesnake.
"That has got to be the second-biggest snake I have ever seen!" Kai screamed, since the snake is second only to the Great Devourer.
"Is that, an Anacondrai?!" Lydie asked in shock.
"Nevermind that! Run!" Cole called as they all started climbing up the shaft as they crawled to a small cave as they backed against the wall while the snake started snapping at them, tearing a piece of Jay's pants. But then Paleman pressed on a button that dropped them back to Trail's room while they heard the snake howling before the hatch closed up.
"Are we…?" Kai asked as he got up.
"Yeah. Barely." Lloyd said to him.
"Did we just-? Ow!" Cole groaned.
"That was crazy." Palman muttered.
"That is way closer than the other times." Lydie groaned.
"No more sneaking around." Jay groaned as he stood up. "From now on, let's just follow the rules.
They all stood up as Lydie crossed her arms, "We may not have found Zane but we at least have proof he's here and we found something just as important," She said, "This whole Tournment isn't about glory or honor, it's a setup for Chen to steal every Master's Elemental Power," She stated with a glare.
"This isn't what I signed up for." Paleman muttered.
"But why? What is he planning?" Lloyd asked.
"I don't know, but if we're gonna find out, find Zane, and get out of here, we gotta play by his rules. Agreed?" Lydie asked them.
"Agreed." The boys answered with a nod.
"I'd rather keep my powers," Paleman said to them. "So, I'll help the best I can."
"Thanks, Paleman," Lydie said with a nod.
"Good thing we weren't spotted. That was close." Cole said.
"Yeah, too close," Jay said while turning to show his pants had a hole in it after nearly getting bitten by the giant snake.
"We should probably get some rest, we can't let anyone find out what we're doing here." Lloyd suggested as they all nodded and rushed to the window to return to their rooms.
Kai then sighed at tonight's revelations before remembering, "Oh right, I should probably go and apologize to Skylor for earlier." He said as walked out of his room and next door where he knew Skylor was staying.
Kai then started knocking on the door. "Hey, Skylor? Can I talk to you?" He said behind the door.
"Sure. Just come in, the door's open." Skylor called out from her room.
Kai then walked into the room just in time to see Skylor flipping her shirt up and off her and her pants off. "Whoa! Skylor! Should've warned me that you were changing!" He said as he covered his eyes.
Skylor glanced at him and just shrugged as she unhooked her bra, "Don't worry, I'm the kind of girl who's not ashamed when people get a look at me." She told him.
"Wait, you're not?" Kai asked in surprise as a slight blush formed on his face.
"Nope, to me being naked with someone else in the room isn't so bad." Skylor said as she took off her underwear and stood there naked and smiled at him, "And relax, this isn't gonna end like that if that's what you're worried about.' She assured him.
"So… It's okay if I…?" Kai tried to ask but was feeling embarrassed at seeing Skylor naked.
"Yeah, you can uncover your eyes. Like I said, I'm not that kind of girl." Skylor reminded.
Kai slowly lowered his hands from his face as he saw the bare Skylor in front of him as Skylor smiled casualty at him with her hands on her hips. "Whoa." He said in breath and a reddish blush as his suit.
"Like what ya see?" She said, giving an attractive pose.
"Uh, well, I, wu, I mean, uh…" Kai stammered as he tried to find the right words.
Skylor gave a chuckle. "Yes, I do have that effect on people." She said before walking up to him as Kai kept his eyes on her bare body as she picked up her yellow sleepwear. "Anyway, is there something you wanted to tell me?" She asked him as she began to put on her shirt.
"W-Well, I-I j-just wanted t-to tell you that, I-I'm sorry for how I walked out on you s-since you were gonna t-tell me about your p-powers." Kai stammered.
"It's alright, if you had something more important than me I can understand why you needed to leave." Skylor assured as she walked over to her bed as she turned her head and gave a small smirk. "Liked the view?" She asked teasingly.
Kai blinked before he shook his head. "Uh, s-sorry. It's just, well, you're actually p-pretty cool." He said in defense.
"Actually, before coming here I used to do modeling, just posing for the camera and making sure they got a good look at me." Skylor explained as she sat down and frowned a bit, "It was nice for a while, but it gets tough when you've got a line of guys only interested in the girl's body and not the girl herself." She said in slight sadness.
Kai felt sympathy for her as he walked up a bit. "What happened when that came?" He asked.
"Some creeps got a little too attracted for their own good, and ganged up on me but I used my powers before they got a single look." Skylor answered before she gestured to the suite, "I came here to try and get away from it all, and hopefully find a boy who just wanted me for me." She said as she looked down. "And when Karlof wanted my cloak, I thought it might happen again until you came in and helped, thanks for that by the way." She said with a small smile.
Kai smiled proudly, "Eh I try. And hey don't worry too much, I'm sure you'll find your guy, maybe here or out there." He said, giving a flirty look.
Skylor chuckled at him before asking her own question, "So Kai, what were your reasons for coming here?" She asked.
Kai was surprised by the question, but knowing that if Skylor could tell him her secret, it was fair he told her his. "Well, I came here looking for a friend. Some time ago, he risked his life to save us all and then we found out he's somewhere on this island."
Skylor was surprised by Kai's reason. "Wait, so you're not here for the prize and glory? You're here looking for a friend?" She asked.
Kai looked at her seriously, "Yeah. He was like a brother to me. Nothing is more important to us than that." He told her, "To us, this isn't about fame or glory, it's about family."
Skylor looked at Kai in surprise as she didn't realize how honest and loyal he was. She then smiled and nodded before she stood up and walked over to Kai, placing a hand on his shoulder, "Well, if he really means that much to you, I'll do what I can to help you find him." She told him.
Kai smiled gratefully, "Thank you, Sklyor, that means more to me than you realize." He said, giving her a hug which she returned.
As they did, however, Kai didn't see the guilty look on Skylor's face like she was hiding something from him, "Kai?" She started.
Kai pulled away and looked at her, "Yeah?" He asked.
Skylor opened her mouth to speak but quickly closed it as she closed her eyes and smiled, "Nothing, I just hope you find what you're looking for here." She said.
Kai nodded, "Yeah, same to you." He said before yawning and turning to leave, "Well, better get some rest for the first matches, tomorrow, hope you have a good night." He said before turning to Skylor with one last smile. "And don't worry, I'll keep your secret, Ninja's honor." He promised.
"Thanks, Kai." Skylor said with a small smile as Kai shot her a wink and finger guns and she giggled.
Once he was out the door however, her smile turned into a frown, "I'm sorry, Kai. But I don't think you will find your friend anytime soon." She said in guilt as she sat on her bed, as a purple ripple went over her skin and revealed a purple tattoo on her arm. "Heh, the one guy who doesn't just want my body is gonna hate me after all this is done." She said in guilt as her new friend might not forgive her once he finds out the tournament's true nature and her real connection as well.
In the hidden underground chamber, Clouse was with the serpent while having a piece of the fabric it snatched from Jay as he inspected it and rubbed the snake. "Good work, my pet. Yes, yes, we do know who the imposters are, don't we?" He said as the snake nuzzled him. "Don't worry. They will pay for their actions." He assured while the serpent's tail rattled.