When everyone returned to the castle, the guests had already started to leave. Melantha brought everyone to the balcony just outside of the dance room, where the king was taking refuge, looking out at the land beyond. He turned around and greeted his wife and daughter, than he turned to the others.

"Well, well. So these are the ninja and their comrades... and Raven, it's nice to see you in perfect health," King Arun said.

"It's nice to see you too, Mister Arun," Raven replied.

"You have all helped this kingdom continue to prosper, and I thank you for it. What is your wish, and we shall accommodate it," King Arun asked.

Sensei Wu replied, "Yes, thank you your highness. We wish to know if you have any spare knowledge to enlighten us with about Marcell. She has been pursuing us in an attempt to capture Raven, and we have no idea why."

King Arun thought about this, and he turned to look out the balcony. Then he spoke,

"Marcell is pretty well known for being neutral, but I guess someone must have offered her something pretty extravagant for her to do their bidding."

Then Raven remembered when Marcell had called someone on the phone, and she called them 'Big Boss.'

"Yes, I remember when Marcell first tried to kidnap me. She called someone on a pink cellphone, and called them 'Big Boss'."

Arun pondered this, and then he said, "Yup, Marcell is definitely being paid off. Like an assassin, she takes her work seriously, especially to benefit her kingdom."

Then Dr. Julien asked, "Her 'kingdom'? So Marcell is a queen?"

"Yes," Arun continued, "She is Queen of the Vampire Kingdom. Even though she is actually a princess, she prefers to be called 'Queen' or she'll become very hostile, and you don't want her to become hostile."

Then Malentha said, "Marcell is a master fighter, and skilled in many forms of combat. She is also my colleague from Bellicose's School of Combat Arts. We were the top in our class and the whole school, along with a few others."

Then Cole asked, "Bellicose's School?"

Flare clarified, "Yes, Bellicose's School of Combat Arts for the Evilly Gifted."

"Wait, 'evilly gifted'? Does that mean that-" Kai asked, but was cut off by Melantha,

"Yes I'm evil, or at least I was very evil before marrying Arun."

Melantha shot a glance at Arun, who smiled sweetly at her.

"So... you were evil, and you became good because of Arun?" Jay asked, and Melantha replied,

"That's King Arun to you! And you could say I have become more in control of my evil tendencies, and decided that ruling the world is a waste of my time and there are more important things to me than... ruling the world."

Melantha picked up her hands and gave a sinister look when she said 'ruling the world.' Arun put his hand on Melantha when everyone backed up from her malevolent glance. He looked at Melantha with a raised eyebrow, which made Malentha relax her arms down and look at Arun with puppy-dog eyes in apology as he smiled at her in acceptance.

Then Garmadon asked, "How come it was so easy for you to change?"

Melantha replied, "It wasn't easy at all. All I did was give Arun headaches dealing with my unruly behavior before he married me by trying to rule the world. But, then I saw how much dedication, sincerity, and love Arun had for me even when I was in a dark place, and when he was forced to fight against me. Yet, he always let me go. He gave me chance after chance to change, and to live a better life. Finally, I just took it, and that's when I started to change, and eventually I married Arun."

Melantha looked at Arun sweetly, and he looked back at her with the same expression.

After a moment, Zane asked, "Your story is very fascinating, I would hate to interrupt, but we need to know as much about Marcell as we can..."

"Oh right right," Melantha said, as she continued, "Marcell is the Queen of vampires, and she is very powerful. However, Marcell wasn't always a vampire, and neither was her sister Lucy-"

"She has a sister-" Jay cut in, and was cut off by Melantha,

"LET ME FINISH!"

Jay backed up behind Cole, and said, "I'm s-sorry please c-continue."

Then Melantha continued, "Marcell and her younger sister Lucy went to Bellicose's, and they excelled very far above others, besides myself of course. Anyway, the former vampire king and queen had visited the school and saw potential in both Marcell and Lucy. Since Marcell and Lucy were orphans, the vampire king and queen decided they wanted to adopt them. So, after being adopted, Marcell and Lucy would visit their 'parents' until they were finished with school, and then went to live with them. However, when the girls found out that their adoptive parents were vampires they confronted them. Their parents told them that they truly loved Marcell and Lucy, and that they needed heirs to the vampire throne who they could trust. Marcell and Lucy accepted their places as their adoptive parents' children, and heirs to the vampire throne. Then Marcell and Lucy became vampires and now they are the princesses of the Vampire Kingdom."

As Malentha explained this, Misako snuck away from everyone and went to look for Marcell.

"Wow, Marcell has quite the story," Kai said.

"But that doesn't explain why she is after Raven," Sensei Wu said.

"Oh well excuse me if I wasted my time explaining this to ALL OF YOU!" Melantha yelled out, and Arun took her hand and patted it saying,

"Calm down dear, it's alright, you did what you could."

Then Sensei Wu said, "Um, Pardon me your majesty, I didn't mean to upset you. I am just concerned for Raven's sake."

Melantha relaxed and said, "Yes, I respect your concern for Raven. That's why I think it's best if you go to Aeroplane to be better protected from Marcell, and find out more about who she is working for. I'll send a letter telling them you're coming."

Melantha walked up some stairs that went from the balcony they were on to another balcony above it.

"'Aeroplane?" Cole asked, and Raven elaborated,

"Aeroplane, the floating lands. It's huge and it floats above Mount Soaria. It can't be seen from below though, you would have to fly up through the mystical fog to the Aeroplane Kingdom. Two of Flare and my closest friends live in Aeroplane. They'll be able to help us."

Then Jay said, "Well I guess you two have friends in high places, get it?"

Almost everyone face palmed except Raven, Garmadon, and Dr. Julien who just signed.

"Hey, where's Misako?" Nya asked, as everyone looked around for her.

'I wonder where she could be?' Misako asked herself, as she wandered the halls of the Volcanic Kingdom.

"May I help you Miss?" Misako turned to see a maid standing behind her in an all black uniform, with black hair in a bun.

"Um, yes, I was wondering where Marcell is being kept?" Misako asked.

The maid bowed, and said, "I'll show you. Follow me."

Misako was led through another hall that had a black double door with white trimming on the outside. After entering, Misako and the maid passed by an underground passage that led to an area of prison cells. After passing the prison cells, the maid passed by another door that had two guards in front of it and another double door that was burgundy.

Upon entering, Misako's eyes widened and her mouth dropped open in awe, as she saw the room. It was a large, dark cylinder room with a cylinder-shaped cage in the middle and a moat around it without water. As Misako walked across the stone bridge to the cage, she saw who was alone in the large prison cell. Marcell was strapped down by her legs, arms, waist, and neck. She also had a muzzle on her mouth, and her eyes were closed until she heard footsteps right outside her prison cell.

Marcell opened her eyes to see Misako, and she smiled while saying,

"Ah, look who's here. Misako, one of my friends. How can I aid thee?"

The maid opened the cell door, and Misako entered and stood right in front of Marcell.

"Marcell," She started, "Your boss, the 'Big Boss,' who are they and why do they want Raven?"

Marcell started to laugh, but it was a little muffled from the muzzle, and she said,

"Like I would tell you anything Misako. Even if you are my friend."

Misako looked away to think, and then she said, "Marcell please. I don't want Raven to get hurt, and no one else wants her to be either. Do you even want to help this person? Do you even know what they're going to do with Raven if they get her?"

Marcell looked to the side, deep in thought. Misako signed, and then she said, "Marcell, I don't think you're as bad as you seem, and I don't think your sister Lucy is either."

Marcell looked at Misako intensely when she mentioned Lucy. Misako continued,

"I think you understand how it feels to care about someone and to protect them. Well, that's how we feel about Raven, and I bet you feel the same about your sister."

Marcell continued to be silent. Then Misako said, as she turned around,

"I guess I can't reason with you. I should go."

As Misako started to walk away, Marcell called out,

"Hey Misako."

Misako turned toward Marcell, listening carefully, as Marcell spoke.

"In my left pocket, front, is my cell phone. You can borrow it for now. The Big Boss' number is on speed dial and is labeled 'Big Boss'."

Misako smiled as she walked up to Marcell, and took the pink cell phone out of her pocket.

"Thank you Marcell," Misako said, and Marcell replied,

"Yeah, yeah, just don't say I gave it to you alright?"

Marcell turned her face with her eyes closed like 'hmph,' as Misako nodded, and left the prison cell to catch up with the others.

After Misako and the maid left from the underground prison, Marcell waited until the coast was clear. She smiled darkly, and said in a whisper,

"Thank you Misako, for your wonderful donation."

Marcell turned over her left hand to reveal a lock of Misako's hair.

"Now to bust out of this place and retrieve my phone, but of course, I can't leave without making a better impression..."

Misako was able to change into her old clothes, and then she headed back to the Bounty, since the maid told her that everyone went there. As Misako walked on the Bounty's deck, she was greeted by her family and friends, who also changed back into their old clothes.

"Misako, there you are." -Garmadon

"Where have you been?" -Nya

"Mom you're alright." -Lloyd

"What you've been up to?" -Cole

Misako smiled and said, "I'm perfectly fine. I just had a discussion with Marcell and she gave me this."

Misako pulled out the pink cell phone, and Raven gasped and said,

"That's it! That's the pink cell phone!"

Then Kai asked, "How did you get it?"

"Yeah, Misako?" Flare asked.

Flare followed everyone to the Bounty, but her parents stood at the castle.

"Marcell wouldn't just give up her phone so easily," Flare said.

Then Misako replied, "Oh, I have my ways of persuasion."

Then Garmadon said, "Yes you do, that's why I couldn't help but agree to marry you."

Misako lightly glared at Garmadon and said, "As I recall, you were the one who asked me to marry you." Garmadon chuckled as they smiled at each other.

"Eh hem," Jay coughed and caught everyone's attention, as he added, "Sorry to interrupt, but, the cellphone."

"Oh right," Misako said, as she brought out the phone into the light of a random hanging lamp.

Then, the cell phone rang, which surprised everyone. Misako looked at the phone through a little screen on it and it read, 'Big Boss'. Misako gasped and said,

"It's the Big Boss. Marcell's client!"

Everyone froze, and then Flare took the phone and said, "I got this, I'm good at impersonations, especially voices. I'll put it on speaker so everyone shush up and listen carefully."

Flare flipped the phone open and pressed the speaker button. No one moved, as they listened carefully.

"What's up?" Flare said, and she sounded just like Marcell.

"Marcell, how nice to speak to you again." The voice on the line sounded like a woman with a dark, kind of deep, and cunning voice.

"What's going on Big Boss?" Flare asked.

The woman replied, "I was wondering if you finally caught Raven. You know we need to capture her."

Then Flare said, "Hey, hey Big Boss, I know you need Raven, it's just been pretty... difficult you know, with all those petty ninja."

Flare winked at the others, and they were relieved from some of the tension they felt.

"Well, well, I see," the woman continued, "Well, it must surely be difficult to catch her huh? I'm gonna have to call reinforcements soon."

"Come on Big Boss, you doubt my power, my greatness?" Flare asked, and the woman replied,

"Oh no, I don't doubt Marcell. I just doubt that you are the real Marcell!"

Everyone froze.

'We've been caught, but how?' Flare thought.

The woman on the phone continued, "You think I don't know that you're not Marcell? Even though your impersonation was pretty good. The fact of the matter is... I can see you."

The ninja turned around and started combing the area, as well as everyone on deck in a bit of a panic. Then Flare said in her normal voice,

"What do you want Big Boss? And where are you? Why do you hide?"

Big Boss replied, "Patience my friends. Besides, I don't want you to interfere with my plans."

"What are your plans?" Kai said to the pink phone.

"Hahahaha, you'll find out, but for now, I bide you adieu-" The woman was cut off by Raven,

"What do you want with me? What have I done to you? I don't even know you!"

The Big Boss chuckled, and replied, "Oh dear child, I hold no grudge against you, and you have done nothing to me, but you are a necessity to our plans. No hard feelings dear. I'll see you later, hehehe, bye."

The call was disconnected. Everyone stood still for a moment, pondering what Big Boss had just told them.

Then a loud bang was heard. When everyone looked, smoke was coming from the castle, and a figure flew off into the night. While everyone gasped, Flare watched in horror and anger. Then, out of nowhere, a figure snatched the pink cell phone and jumped on the Bounty's edge. When everyone turned to look, they gasped when they saw Marcell with her cell phone. She grinned at them, and said,

"Thank you for giving my cell phone back. I appreciate it. Now, if you'll excuse me, I gotta run. See ya."

As fast as she came, Marcell jumped away, and vanished into the night.

"Let's split up and look for her," Sensei Wu said and added, "But do not engage her in battle."

The ninja ran in separate direction, except Lloyd, who stood with Raven. Flare ran to the castle, along with Sensei Wu and Garmadon. Dr. Julien, Nya, and Misako stood on the Bounty as well.

"Aw man, I wish I could help them," Nya said.

"That's right, Marcell destroyed the Samurai X suit," Misako said, sympathetically.

Then Dr. Julien said, "Hey, it's not destroyed, it's being rebuilt."

"What?" Nya asked.

"I made modifications to your suit when I saw it was destroyed, but I haven't quite finished yet," Dr. Julien said.

"Can I see?" Nya asked, her eyes lighting up.

"Sure follow me," Dr. Julien said, as he walked into the Bounty.

Nya and Misako followed, but Misako turned towards Lloyd and Raven, and said,

"It's best to stay in the Bounty."

Raven and Lloyd nodded as they followed Misako.

The ninja searched, but to no avail. Marcell was no where to be found, and neither was Big Boss. So, they returned to the Bounty.

"Man, not one trace," Jay said, flailing his arms in the air.

"I know right. She actually disappeared," Cole said.

"This is crazy," Kai said.

"Indeed, this situation is much more serious than we anticipated," Zane said.

Then Sensei Wu and Garmadon returned from the castle.

"Hey, you're back. Is everyone alright at the castle?" Kai asked.

"Everyone is fine," Garmadon replied, and Sensei Wu added,

"But Flare's mother was very upset, and her father was as well. Flare said she would return to us shortly. We'd better get ready to leave early tomorrow."

Then Cole asked, "You think it's safe?"

Sensei replied, "I think we'll be alright, but we'll have to wake up early tomorrow and head to Aeroplane as soon as possible."

With that, Sensei Wu, Garmadon, and the ninja entered the Bounty to the control room.

Everyone was seated in the control room, talking things over, when Flare entered the room. She wore a similar outfit to the ninja, but it was black and orange with an orange sash around the waist. Flare's hair was no longer in a bun, and it was loose up to her shoulders. She was holding two suitcases and set them on the floor. Kai stood up and said,

"Whoa hold on! You're coming with us?"

Flare glared at him, and said, "Yes I am. If you got a problem take it with Sensei Wu and Garmadon. They said it would be alright."

Kai looked at Sensei Wu and Garmadon like 'What?!'. Then Sensei Wu said, \

"I think it's best if Flare comes with us. She will be a perfect addition to the team."

"Are you kidding?" Kai replied, then Garmadon said,

"We need as much help as we could get Kai, and Flare is known to be an excellent fighter around here, so I think it's best if she comes. Besides, she has much more knowledge of this land than we do."

Flare walked up to Kai and placed her hand on his shoulder, with a grin, and said, "Don't worry Kai, I just want to protect Raven and help you guys get to Aeroplane. That's all."

Flare smiled with a cheeky grin, and Kai glared at her. Then Misako said,

"Well I think it's a good idea."

"Yeah, I think it's fine," Nya said, and then she added, "Besides, it's nice to have more girls aboard the Bounty."

Then Jay said, "I agree, but you know, with Flare being more helpful and all."

"She does know the layout of the land, and if Raven trust her, then I'm fine with that," Cole said.

Zane, Dr. Julien, Lloyd, and Raven nodded in approval. Even though Kai didn't like the idea too much, he agreed with a nod.

"Then it's settled," Flare said, and added, "Kai, be a dear and help me with my bags to my room please."

She smiled at Kai sweetly, as he retorted with a 'hmph.' Kai walked over, and picked up Flare's suitcases.

"Good boy," Flare said, as she patted Kai on the head, and he gave her an annoyed look.

"Here, I'll show you to your room," Nya said, as she stood up and led Flare and Kai to Flare's room, which she would share with the other girls.

"Aw, how cute," Cole said in response to how Kai and Flare acted towards one another.

"I know right," Jay added with a chuckle.

"Alright everyone. We've had a rough day. Let's all get some rest for now," Sensei Wu said.

Then everyone went to their respective rooms to sleep. Flare adjusted quickly, and fell asleep like nothing. After everyone was well into slumber, outside the Bounty, the castle was quickly repaired from the minor damage Marcell had caused and everyone was getting to sleep. However, not too far away, the hooded person with a cape stood sitting in a tree hollow large enough to hold a persoon.

'Until the morning,' they thought, as they fell asleep.

The next early morning, Sensei Wu had woken up early and helped everyone else to wake up except the girls, who had awakened when he had. The Bounty was already set on course and flying in the air, heading to Aeroplane. The journey would take longer than to the Volcanic lands, so our heroes would have to make a few pit stops at night to rest. The trip should be about two days and two nights.

Now, early on the first day, Flare and Raven were already on deck talking when the others arrived.

"Oh, look who decided to wake up," Flare said, with a smirk.

Then Jay asked, "How long have you girls been up?"

Raven answered, "As long as Sensei Wu."

"Alright everyone," Sensei said, "It's time to test your abilities. Flare, Raven, I trust you two are ready."

Flare and Raven nodded in unison.

"Wait. They're training with us?" Cole asked.

"Why of course Cole," Sensei answered and continued, "We need to test all of our limits to get stronger, and I think some more competition would prove most useful."

Then, Sensei Wu sat down to drink his tea. Garmadon, Misako, and Dr. Julien stood back.

"Competition? Really Sensei, I don't think anyone can compare to us," Jay said.

"I know right? I mean, Sensei, these guys won't stand a chance. They're probably not worth my time," Flare said as she flung her hair in the air gracefully.

Kai walked up to her, and said, "Oh yeah? Can you prove it?"

Kai pulled out his fire sword and Flare looked at him with a raised eyebrow and said, "You don't know who you're dealing with."

"Do you?" Kai replied.

Flare turned to Kai and took out the sword handles she kept at her waist,

"Bring it fire boy."

Everyone else jumped back, and Sensei just let the fight begin.

"Remember, we are allies and this is sparring," Sensei Wu said.

"We got it!" Kai and Flare said at the same time, which made them both glare at each other more.

"Oh great, they're already fighting," Jay said, and Zane said,

"This should have been expected. Their both alike and that can cause some strife between them."

"Let's hope they don't go too far," Lloyd said, and Raven said,

"I hope Flare can control herself."

Kai and Flare stood in a stare down for a while. Then the fight began.

Kai stood in a fighting stance as well as Flare. He saw that Flare's weapons were only sword handles, and he said,

"What are you gonna do with those sword handles? Poke me to submission?"

Kai smirked, but then his smirk faded when Flare smirked as well. Then Flare said,

"Oh Kai, you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover, or swords by their handles... no, you have to see the blades as well."

The sword handles started to glow, and then two blades were formed on the handles. One blade was white on the left hand, while the other blade was black on the right hand. The handles were platinum colored that would go over Flare's hands like pirate handles. Kai was surprised by this, and then Flare said,

"The name of my weapon is the Platinum Scimitars of Yin and Yang. Unlike your element being only fire, my element is actually two. One light..." Flare lifted the white scimitar.

"And one dark." Flare lifted the black scimitar.

Then Flare went into a fighting stance that was kind of like how the Gerudo woman in Ocarina of time stood when Link had to sneak in their fortress.

"Can you beat both light and dark Kai?" Flare asked, taunting him.

Kai stood his ground and said, "It doesn't matter how many elements you have. I'll defeat them all-WHA!"

Kai blocked as Flare went running towards him, and attacked with both scimitars. Then Flare flipped backwards, and Kai ran forward to hit Flare with his sword, but Flare blocked with the scimitars in an 'X' form. Both Kai and Flare jumped back, but then Flare slashed in Kai's direction and black energy went flying from her sword towards him. Kai was able to dodge the energy shot, but when he did, he saw that Flare used it as a distraction to get closer to him.

"Oh man!" Kai yelled out, as he tried to dodge Flare, but to no avail.

Flare used another energy attack, but it was from the white scimitar, and it actually shot out a few shots than just one. Kai was only able to dodge one of them, but he got hit with the other two. Right before he had time to react, Flare ran behind Kai and kicked him upward, then she jumped up and fused her two swords together, which made them into a larger blade with black on one side and white on the other with the tip of each side having the opposite color dot on it. Then Flare hit Kai, which sent him flying across the deck to the bow of the ship. Everyone gasped, except Raven.

As Kai stood up holding his head, he felt a sharp blade lightly tap his shoulder. When he looked up, Flare stood right in front of him with a smirk on her face, and her black blade near his throat. Kai glared at Flare, but then he signed in defeat. Flare smiled, and then she lowered her weapon.

"Well well Kai. Where's that eagerness you had moments before?" Flare asked and Kai responded,

"You caught me off guard."

Flare put a hand to her ear and said, "Oh, is that... an excuse I hear fire boy?"

Before Kai could make a comeback, Sensei Wu intervened,

"Well, since you two are done sparring, can you please clear the deck, so that Raven can go next."

Kai and Flare turned and said, "Yes Sensei."

They glared at each other and then moved out of the way so that Raven could spar next.

When Kai stood near the other guys, Jay said,

"Wow Kai, I didn't think you were going to lose that quick, and to a girl-"

"You know what? Shut it up Jay," Kai retorted, and then Cole stepped in,

"Whoa, calm down Kai. It was only a joke, and we all know that Jay is not funny when it comes to jokes."

"Hey!" Jay exclaimed.

Raven stood in the middle of the deck holding her Platinum Staff of Raining Waters. Then Sensei said,

"So, who wishes to spar with Raven? Anyone besides Flare and Kai?"

Cole, Zane, Jay, and Lloyd all looked at each other.

"Well, who's it gonna be?" Cole asked first.

"I'll do it," Jay said, and then he added, "Unless Lloyd would prefer to spar with his girlfriend."

Lloyd blushed when he heard Jay refer to Raven as being his girlfriend.

"She's not my girlfriend," Lloyd said and added, "She's a... best friend is all."

Then Cole said, "Alright, alright, no need to get defensive Lloyd. As I said before, Jay's jokes-"

"Don't say it!" Jay responded.

Then the ninja turned their heads quick when they heard Sensei say, "Alright, let's begin."

When the ninja looked, Zane was standing in front of Raven with his ice sword, and Raven was standing with her water staff. Zane and Raven stood in their fighting stances.

"I guess we can continue where we left off," Raven said, and Zane replied,

"Agreed, this time we can fight fairly without threat of looming danger."

Raven swiped her water staff at Zane, which sent a wave of water in his direction. Zane was able to dodge the wave, and shot a rain of ice at Raven. She quickly dodged by back flipping, and as Zane ran towards her, Raven unleashed a water ball attack. Zane shot ice at the water ball, which froze it, and then he smashed it with his sword as he continued pursuing her. After seeing this, Raven turned and started to surf on water from her water staff that she held in front of her into the air.

Raven turned and attacked Zane with a barrage of water pistols. Zane was able to freeze and dodge the water attacks, but after the last attack, he looked up to see that Raven was no longer above him. He started to look around when he felt something land on top of him. Zane hit the floor, and when he looked up, Raven was sitting on his back. Then Raven put her staff near Zane's face and said,

"Gotcha!"

"How did you..." Zane said, but before he could say anymore, everyone started to clap.

"Whoa Raven, you have some skills with that water staff." -Cole

"You're pretty light on your feet, huh." -Kai

"You can actually surf in the air! With water! That's awesome!" -Jay

Raven hopped off of Zane and extended a hand towards him, which he took to stand up. Then Zane said,

"You are very agile and nimble. Who trained you?"

Raven replied, "My mother and father, mostly my mine. Sometimes Flare and her parents would give me tips, along with Auria and Christa- AAAhhh!"

"Raven!" Zane yelled out when...

Fa Fa Falling.

Fa Fa Falling.

Off the Cliffhanger!

;)