After sending Carlo to Pulverize Peak Town and hanging around the town, the Bounty was back on track in the skies, heading towards Aeroplane. Everyone was on deck since the Bounty was on auto-pilot. Marcell was there as well, sitting on the railing of the Bounty and looking out to the open sky and fields below. The others were quiet for a while, until Jay spoke,
"Um guys?"
He spoke low so that Marcell wouldn't hear, "Isn't it odd to let Marcell stay with us? After all, wasn't she like, our enemy yesterday or something?"
Flare uncrossed her arms and said, "I know right? Why do we let her stay? I mean, even though she did help us, what if she's still after Raven?"
Then Misako replied, "Even though Marcell did try to take Raven away, she still helped us to save Raven from Carlo, and find a place to put him where he wouldn't bother us again. Also, she hasn't done anything so far to harm any of us..."
"Well yeah she did help us, especially to haggle for cheaper stuff to buy at that town, but we can't totally trust her," Cole said.
As everyone debated this, Raven approached Marcell.
"Marcell?" she said, in a soft tone, so as not to startle the Vampire Queen.
Marcell turned towards Raven and said, "What's up?"
"Thank you," Raven replied, as Marcell tilted her head in confusion and asked,
"For what?"
"For helping save everyone from Carlo, for finding a place to put him, and for getting us some stuff from the town. You really came through for us, even more than expected," Raven replied.
Marcell shrugged her shoulder and said, "Eh, it's what I do at times."
Then Raven asked, "Do you still want to kidnap me?"
Marcell thought about it, and replied, "No."
Raven raised her eye brows and said, "Really? But I thought you worked like an assassin."
Marcell raised an eye brow while looking at her, as Raven rubbed the back of her head and said,
"Uh, never mind the last part."
Marcell looked up towards the sun since it was near setting.
"Raven, I only do jobs for people who pay well and can help me to help my people. Before meeting you guys, I didn't really care about the people I dealt with, or too much about my employer's business. I just did what I had to do to get the job done and then go back home. However, even I have morals. I wouldn't kill people, or harm innocent people, intentionally," Marcell smirked, and Raven was a little surprised.
Marcell continued, "But, after meeting you guys, seeing how much you all care for each other, and how much you and Lloyd care for one another... I guess I had, what you call, a change of heart."
Marcell smiled at Raven, nicely, and she smiled back. Then Marcell hopped off the rail and went with Raven to where everyone else was.
"Marcell, we would like to thank you for assisting us earlier," Sensei Wu said, as he stroked his long, white mustache-beard.
"Eh, it was no trouble," Marcell said, and then she thought about it and said, "Well, actually, this was a troublesome day, but nonetheless. I actually liked working with you guys, and I find it in my best interest to continue assisting you foo- I mean, you guys in your quest."
Everyone was surprised.
"I know I have committed acts against you guys that were pretty bad..." Marcell said, and Kai asked,
"You mean bad as almost costing us our common sense and mind?"
"Kai!" Nya said, as she glared a little at him.
"Well it's true," Cole added, and Nya shot a look at him.
"No, no, it's okay Nya," Marcell said, with one hand raised up and added, "I deserved that. It's just, I will do anything to protect and nourish my vampire people, especially my little sister. I'm sorry for causing trouble among your group. Yet, you guys really opened my eyes, and reminded me of how my sister and I are towards each other. We defend one another, and above all we love each other. I... thank you for helping me to realize the error of my ways. I wish to repay you all by helping you defend yourselves against Big Boss."
Everyone listened carefully to what Marcell had to say, and they all saw how sincere she was. Misako stepped towards her and said,
"Marcell, thank you for your apology, and I think I can speak for everyone when I say that we accept it, and your offer to assist us."
Misako smiled at Marcell, and she smiled back. She looked at the others, seeking their approval. Dr. Julien said,
"I think it's a good idea for Marcell to help us, and this will be a good time for me to learn more about vampires and their customs."
Garmadon and Sensei Wu nodded in approval. Jay, Zane, and Cole looked at each other, and then they nodded. Jay nudged Kai on the shoulder, who was looking the other way, and then Kai signed and said,
"Yeah, the more the merrier, but I'll be keeping on eye on you though."
Marcell smiled and bowed, which made the ninja more surprised considering that they didn't realize how polite she could be. Nya smiled and said,
"Well, it's good to know that we have allies."
"Yeah. Marcell, if you've got our back, then we've got yours too," Lloyd said, and Marcell nodded.
"Thanks guys, but…" Marcell turned towards Flare, who had an annoyed expression on her face, as she continued, "Flare, I'm very sorry for causing havoc in your kingdom. I do hope you'll forgive me for my insolence and folly."
Flare looked at Marcell, and then she looked away while pouting. Then Flare looked towards Raven, who looked at her with an unintentional cute-sad face, which made her consider Marcell's apology. Flare walked up to Marcell, and extended her hand towards her. Marcell smiled, and then shook Flare's hand.
"You are forgiven, Marcell," Flare said, as she stood back and smiled a little.
Then, a tune was heard from Marcell's pocket. When she reached into her pocket and pulled out the source of the music, everyone's eyes widened, even Marcell's, by who was calling. They stood silent, and then Sensei Wu waved his hand, signaling her to answer the phone. Marcell nodded and answered the phone call,
"Hey Big Boss, what's up?"
Marcell put the phone on speaker so that the others could hear.
"Hello Marcell, it's so nice to speak with you again," Big Boss said.
"Yeah, it's pretty nice huh? So anyway, what's going on Big Boss, you need something?" Marcell asked.
Then Big Boss replied, "I was wondering if you had any knowledge of the whereabouts of Raven?"
Marcell looked at Raven and said, "Well, yeah, I believe I may know her location..."
"Oh good, well, I need to know where she is. I've decided to capture her myself," Big Boss said, as everyone's mouths opened in surprised.
"Whoa, hold on Big Boss, you said I was supposed to capture Raven," Marcell said in a firmer tone.
Big Boss replied, "I know I did Marcell, I will still give you an award for effort, but I'll take it from here, okay?"
Then Marcell said, "Well, Big Boss I'm surprised you would take such an arduous task-"
Big Boss interrupted and said, "Well Marcell I have other jobs that I think you would work better in, especially if your sister's welfare hanged in the balance."
Marcell froze in place, and everyone on the deck gasped, but low so that the woman on the phone wouldn't hear. Marcell cleared her throat and asked,
"What do you mean my sister's 'welfare'?"
Big Boss chuckled and said, "Oh Marcell, you think I haven't been watching you since you stepped foot in Pulverize Peak Town? I saw you with the ninja and their people. I shouldn't be surprised though. However, I prefer to have people who would work for me with their COMPLETE compliance. I'm sure you understand perfectly right? After all, I know you care for your younger sister dearly, and you wouldn't want her to be harmed because of your lack of cooperation, eh?"
Marcell stood frozen in place, and Big Boss continued,
"By your silence I think we have an understanding. Return to your vampires and I will give you further instruction later. Oh, and one more thing... Don't worry Raven, I'll see you soon. Hehehehehe..."
The phone call was disconnected, and everyone was shocked at what had just occurred.
'How did she know Raven was listening?'
'What's going on?'
'This is crazy...'
These were the thoughts in everyone's minds.
Marcell flipped her phone closed, and then she turned and walked to the edge of the railing and hopped on top of it. Raven moved towards her and called,
"Marcell."
Marcell turned around, as Raven saw all of her emotions in her eyes that her face hid in a serious expression, and she felt a pain inside her heart to see her worry and anger. Then Marcell signed, and stood tall as she said,
"This situation has become increasingly dire. They have my sister now. She has her... I'm sorry, but I must flee. If we meet again, please... don't hold back."
As Marcell turned to go, Raven once again called out to her. Marcell slightly turned her head to Raven, and gave her one last sorrowful look, and then she disappeared. Everyone stood in certain shock and sympathy, especially Raven, who felt much sadness from this new affliction.
The sun was setting, and everyone on deck was silent for a while. Raven stood looking out from the bow of the ship. She wanted to be alone for a while so no one stood near her. The sky began to turn a number of shades of orange, red, and purple. Nya steered the Bounty to a nearby rock structure that was right next to a forest area.
As everyone entered the Bounty, Lloyd and Flare stood on deck with Raven. She looked up at the dark night sky in silence. Lloyd and Flare gave Raven time to clear her mind of the trouble she felt. Then Flare put her hand on Raven's shoulder and whispered that it was time to go inside. At first, Raven was reluctant, but then she gave in, knowing that it was best to go inside and rest.
As Raven was about to walk passed Lloyd, she turned and hugged him. Lloyd was a little surprised, but he hugged her back, knowing that her mind was in distress, and that she needed a hug to ease her tension. Then, Raven and Flare entered the Bounty. Lloyd stood outside as he was looking up at the stars, trying to clear his mind as well.
'Why is all this happening now? What is Big Boss' plan? Who else is she working with?' He thought.
As Lloyd turned to enter the Bounty, he felt a disturbance in the calm air of the night. He looked over the Bounty's railing and saw a person in a black hood standing not too far from the Bounty. Lloyd gasped, as he saw the person turn and walk into the forest. Then Lloyd thought,
'Could they be who I think they are? Big Boss?!'
Lloyd's expression became determined, as he put on his ninja hood and took off to pursue the mysterious person.
Raven and Flare had entered their room, when Flare sensed a disturbance outside of the Bounty, and immediately gasped. The other girls in the room saw this and looked at her.
"Flare? What's wrong?" Nya asked.
"I sense..." Flare continued, "I sense a dark presence outside of the Bounty..."
"Outside?" Misako asked, and Flare replied,
"Yes, a darkish presence, and a light one following it."
Raven's eyes widened and she said, "Lloyd."
Outside, Lloyd was still pursuing the hooded person, as he used the trees to jump faster. Then Lloyd landed on the floor behind some tall ferns. He pushed through the ferns and saw the hooded person with the wind blowing through their cape, standing near a ledge. Beyond the ledge was shimmering rivers flowing horizontally passed the trees, and on the left side was a mountainous range and a few hills on the far right.
Lloyd slowly approached the hooded person and said,
"Hey!"
The hooded person turned their head slightly and replied,
"What do you want?"
Lloyd was a bit surprised because this hooded person's voice was that of a male, which meant it wasn't Big Boss, so he asked,
"Who are you? Why were you spying on us?"
The hooded person turned around, however, their face was covered by the hood which formed a shadow so that only their mouth was visible. The person spoke,
"It doesn't matter right now. Besides, it's rude to ask for someone's name before saying your own."
Lloyd looked at the hooded stranger questionably, and then the stranger said,
"I serve under the Big Boss, as you know her."
Lloyd raised his guard and said, "So you're after Raven too?"
The stranger replied, "You can say that, yes, but I don't wish to fight right now."
Lloyd stood his ground, not trusting the hooded stranger. Then the stranger pulled out a little yellow folder from his pocket and placed it on the ground. He said,
"For now, I leave you with this, but do not speak of it to my boss. Only the others in your group may know about it, as long as if they can keep their mouths shut."
The stranger turned to leave, and Lloyd called out,
"Hey, who are you, and what are you trying to pull?"
The stranger turned towards Lloyd and said,
"I'm not doing anything to harm you or your friends. Good bye."
Before Lloyd could run up to him, the hooded stranger disappeared into the night.
Lloyd stood there for a moment to see if the stranger would return, and then he picked up the yellow folder. Before Lloyd could open it, he heard something rustling in the bushes of fern.
"Lloyd! Are you here?!"
It was Kai who called out, and then the ninja all came out of the forest.
"There you are, Lloyd! Where have you been?" Jay said, as everyone approached him.
"Lloyd," Raven said, as she squeezed through Zane and Flare and walked up to the Golden ninja.
"Oh, hey guys. Sorry for running off like that," Lloyd said, as he rubbed the back of his head with his free hand.
"Dude, what the heck? We worried about you," Flare said.
"I'm sorry, it's just..." Lloyd looked at the yellow folder, and then Flare walked passed him closer to the edge of the cliff.
"Where did the other person go?" Flare said, not really asking anyone.
Lloyd turned towards her and said, "He's gone, and he left this behind."
He showed the yellow folder to everyone, and they looked in curiosity as he started to open it.
"Be careful," Raven said, as Lloyd gave her a quick glance and said,
"Don't worry, I got it."
A folded paper slipped out from within the folder, and Lloyd unfolded it to reveal two yellow tickets and a pamphlet that read:
"SECRET EVIL MEETING! Come join us all evil doers and ruffians for an extraordinary meeting of great darkness. There will be food and beverages. One leader and three others for each ticket. No exceptions! One month from now!"
A moment of pondering followed, and then Flare said,
"Well, this might answer some questions we have about Big Boss."
"What makes you think it's Big Boss?" Jay asked.
"'Invitation only, by order of Big Boss'," Flare said, as she pointed to the bottom of the paper.
"Ooohh," Jay said.
"It looks like she's trying to gather some bad guys. But for what?" Kai asked.
"There is a possibility that she is trying to recruit other people on her side, considering that Marcell is no longer being sent to capture Raven," Zane replied.
"Yeah, and she did say that she was going to get her herself," Cole added.
Raven looked at the pamphlet, and then she asked Lloyd, "Why did that guy give this to you?"
"And who is he?" Cole asked.
Lloyd looked back at the pamphlet and said, "I don't know."
After returning to the Bounty, and showing Sensei Wu, Garmadon, Misako, and Dr. Julien the pamphlet, Lloyd explained his encounter with the hooded person. Afterward, Sensei Wu said,
"This may be our only lead in finding out what Big Boss is planning. It may be dangerous, but we have no other choice but to attend this meeting. We have at least a month to prepare."
Then Kai asked, "Why would that guy want to help us anyway? I mean, if he's trying to help us..."
"We don't know why he did this, but he gave us an opportunity to find out what's really going on. I suggest we take it while we can." -Misako
"That's right. We may not have another opportunity like this one. We don't have any other leads any way." -Garmadon
"Then we'll just have to train hard and see what we can learn from this evil meeting," Flare said, as she stood up from sitting down.
"Yeah, and if it is a trap, then at least we'll be ready for it," Cole said, which made everyone nod towards each other in approval.
"Then let's all get some rest. We still have a whole day tomorrow to travel to Aeroplane," Sensei Wu said, and then everyone turned in for the night.