Only One Can Remain
On the ferry, the Ninja and the Elemental Fighters saw the island coming up, "Look at that." Cole said.
"Awesome." Kai added.
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.
"Hey, is this normal for him?" Jasmine whispered to Melissa.
"Trust me, Kai is a hothead. He even got the temper to go with it for a fight." Melissa whispered as Jasmine giggled 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?" Melissa asked as well.
"And care to explain how the face of Ninjago's most popular noodle house is secretly assembling an 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."
"Is food all he thinks about?" Ryan asked with a brow.
"You don't know half of it." Melissa said with a chuckle before she nudged Cole. "Ninjago to Cole."
"Huh, what? Yes? What'd I miss?" Cole asked, snapping out of his daze as the others gave a chuckle.
"He may have divided our ancestors, but he's not gonna divide us." Lloyd assured.
Kai then turned and saw the hooded girl walking by. "Uh… Ladies first." He said as he pushed the others aside and allowed the girl 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. Zane 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 where the noodles were 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, you two have never told us anything about this place before." Melissa said to Garmadon and Misako. "How did you both know anything about this island?"
"Because before Chen was my enemy, I was his student." Garmadon answered as he lowered the shoulder part of his robe and showed a purple snake tattoo like the other cultists.
In the temple, the competitors sat in a ring as Lloyd turned to his father, "Wait, dad, I thought Grandfather was your sensei?" He said in confusion.
"He was. But when I was your 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 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 humor." Jay said to Garmadon. "Lighten up, we're in an underground fighting club. This is supposed to be fun." He said to them,
"Well, at least someone on this team is excited about this tournament." Ryan noted as Jasmine nodded in agreement.
"Well excuse me for trying to lighten the mood." Jay said in defense 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.
"Well, he is quite the character." Melissa noted as they sat down.
"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 looked 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 the hooded girl, who had her hood off, showing her red hair in a ponytail as Kai turned and looked at her full face in bliss while the girl turned to him. "Ah. Looks like we're neighbors. I'm Kai. Master of Fire." He said as he lit up his hand.
The girl 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 awe. "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 favorite food inside. "Chen's Noodle House? Three Ingredient Sizzling Rice, Snow Pea Cuttlefish, 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 favorite food. "Cake?!" He then laughed. "Score!" He cheered.
With Ryan he was looking around his room and saw that his room was filled with metal based items and then he saw that his bed was made of metal.
"Well that's gonna be very uncomfortable to sleep in." Ryan said with a cringe before walking to a desk that has a few metal tools on it and he picked up a wrench and started bending it a little bit before smiling. "But other than that I guess I can get used to this."
In Jasmine's room, she looked around and noticed many plants around her room as she smiled and held a flower. "Wow, these are the greatest plants I've ever seen." She said with a smile before she noticed a plant was wilting, which she smiled and used her powers to make it come back to life. "There you are, little one."
With Melissa after she was put into her room she looked around and saw that her room was purple with some nighttime items around the room. Like a picture of some stars and the moon, and even a picture of a wolf howling at the moon.
Melissa smiled seeing this room. "Okay, I have to admit, this is pretty cool." She said in an Impressive tone.
"Indeed it does." Misako's voice spoke up which startled Melissa as she turned to the door.
"Misako?" Melissa asked in surprise. "What are you doing here?"
"Well me and Garmadon managed to convince Clouse to let us stay." Misako answered. "So I'll be staying with you while Garmadon stays with Lloyd in his room."
"Heh, from how you with Clouse up close, I take it he wasn't delighted about the idea?" Melissa asked with a smirk.
"No he wasn't." Misako said as the two shared a chuckle.
"Well at least I'll have some company." Melissa said as she went to the closet and she saw a brand new Ninja Gi inside. "Woah, now this is a nice suit." She said as she pulled out the Gi and inspected it. "Mmm, gotta say, Chen sure has good taste."
"He might have good fashion, but be careful what he gives you." Misako advised her.
"Yeah." Melissa nodded before getting an idea and she gave a smirk. "I'm gonna go change into this and then make a visit to Lloyd's room."
Misako giggled from that. "I have a feeling you would." She said with a smirk as Melissa smirked in return and went behind the changing wall to change her clothes.
With Lloyd, he put on his new Green 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 your wife's convincing argument, you two will be allowed to stay in the Ninjas of Yin and Yang'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 there was a knock on the door as Lloyd went to answer it as he saw Misako in front of it.
"Mom?" Lloyd asked in surprise. "Heh, came to visit already?"
"Well I'm not the only one who came to visit." Misako said with a smirk as she stepped aside. "You're Yin is here." She teased as Melissa appeared from the side of the door.
Just then Lloyd's eyes widened and his jaw dropped when he saw Melissa in her tournament suit similar to Lloyds but with her color as Lloyd gave a stunned look at her as she put a hand to her hip. "Hey greenie boy, like my new outfit?" She asked before striking a pose.
"Melissa. Y-You're um… uh…" Lloyd stammered while giving a nervous smile as Melissa gave a giggle.
"Speechless. Gets you every time." Melissa joked with a smirk as Misako and Garmadon watched in amusement.
"Reminds me of when you did the same to me." Garmadon said to his wife with a smirk.
"Heheh, it's what all women do to their men." Misako said with a teasing smirk. "And even evil, you were still easy to tease."
"Well Misako, it's like they always say." Melissa started with a smirk. "Like father, like son."
"Oh boy." Lloyd muttered while Garmadon rubbed his head as their respective love gave teasing giggles before an alarm was heard.
"Fellow fighters, hidden around my island are enough Jade Blades for every participant except for one!" Chen spoke up through the speaker while the Garmadon Family and Melissa were surprised by this.
In Jay's room, he was relaxing in a hot tub when Chen spoke. "The odd one who returns to the Palace Arena empty-handed loses!" Chen added "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 Jay, 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 the Garmadon family and Melissa 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.
Ryan and Jasmine exited their rooms and saw the Elemental Masters starting to go after the Jade Blades. "Well this is gonna be a little difficult." Jasmine noted.
"You got that right Jaz." Ryan agreed before he looked up and saw a Jade Blade on the corner of the ceiling. "Wait, I see a Jade Blade right there!" He pointed to the Blade as Jasmine noticed it as well. "You take it Jaz, I'll find another one."
"Are you certain?" Jasmine asked Ryan.
"Don't worry Jaz, I'll be fine." Ryan said, giving her a smile. "Besides, I don't want my best friend to be the first one out of the tournament."
Jasmine gave a slight blush with a smile from that. "Thanks." She said as Ryan nodded as the two separated as Jasmine grabbed the blade as Ryan went to go find one.
With Melissa and Lloyd, they saw a Jade Blade on a statue as some fighters tried to get to it but they tumbled each other down.
"Lloyd, you get that Blade, I'll find another." Melissa told her boyfriend.
"Right behind you." Lloyd said as the two separated, but then a fighter tripped Lloyd over as they fell to the ground as the green ninja avoided the kick as Lloyd was about to deliver a kick, but the fighter turned to smoke, much to his surprise.
"Huh?" Lloyd asked in shock before the fighter appeared behind him and sucker punched him.
With Melissa, a Jade Blade on another statue. "Hey!" She 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?" Melissa asked before she got up and tried to grab her, but the girl moved away. "What are you? A master of Shapeshifting or something?"
"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 Melissa with a smirk.
"Okay, one, that's an impressive power." Melissa admitted. "And two, no one steals my looks." She said as she then kicked Chamille down.
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 realized 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 Melissa 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 grabbing the blade before Cole did. "Too slow, rocky boy!" He teased him.
"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 twirling 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 Ryan, he was rushing around the room while trying to find another Jade Blade while the fighters' grunting sounds could be heard as he searched around. "Come on. Come on. If there's Jade Blades this close, one has to be close by." Ryan muttered.
Just then Ryan then noticed a Jade Blade pointed out from behind a chair as he gave a smirk. "There you are." He said with a smirk as he rushed towards it. But then he got tripped when a black guy appeared from his shadow.
"That Blade is mine, man." The man said with a smirk.
"Oh no you don't!" Ryan called out before he saw some metal poles close by before he reached out and swung it at the man, causing him to yell as he got pinned to a wall as Ryan quickly picked up the blade. "Thank you." He said with a smirk as he rushed off.
"Grrr!" The man growled. "I should've used my shadow to get it."
With Lloyd and Melissa, they were on the opposite sides of the second floor as they fought their respective competitors and rushed up to their Jade Blades On the lower floor, Clouse saw this as he then focused his magic as a purple aura appeared. "Seekore…" He said as the carpet's dragon pattern came to life and wrapped around on Lloyd and Melissa's legs.
"Hey!" Melissa 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 Lloyd and Melissa's legs were free as they knocked their fighters down as they turned to Garmadon.
"Hurry, kids! You must not lose!" Garmadon called as he kept Clouse down.
"Thanks, dad!" Lloyd called as he and Melissa 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!" Melissa 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 armored 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 was 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 announced as the cultist bang on the gong and they all walked out.
As they were all leaving, Skylor quickly tapped on Melissa'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?" Ryan questioned.
"Yeah! It's killing me!" Jay said dramatically. "What's under the trapdoor? What happens when you lose?!"
"Don't think about it, you two." Misako said to him.
"That's all we could think about!" Ryan 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.
"Disappear, pal! This is private." Jay said rudely as Mr. Pale vanished but his tray was still visible. "Ughh, I know you're still here. I can see your lunch try." He said as Mr. Pale appeared and walked off in a huff.
"Jay, that was really mean." Melissa scolded, giving Jay a look.
"How am I supposed to know if we can trust him?" Jay questioned. "See what this island is doing to me?! It's corrupting me! It has to stop!" He snapped before Melissa slapped him hard in the face. "Ow!"
"We've only been here for a day, Jay." Melissa said with a look.
"Wait a minute, Ryan and I aren't Ninjas yet." Jasmine pointed out. "We don't know how to be as stealthy as you guys."
"Oh, right." Melissa said in realization. "Then I guess we'll just have to fill you in when we see you two."
"We'll cover for you guys while you try to find your friend." Ryan told them.
In Melissa's room, Melissa was practicing some of her moves before she had to go meet up with the others at Kai's room as Misako watched as Melissa then got onto a one handed pushup. "You've been training after dinner, Melissa." Misako said.
"Well, gotta be prepared for anything. Zane is on this island somewhere, so we must find him and get out of this crazy place." Melissa said before she got onto a handstand.
"Well, you certainly have talents." Misako commented with a smile. "No wonder my son's eyes are always on you."
"I have my ways." Melissa said before she flipped over and landed on her feet before she got a question. "Hey, Misako, I've been wondering."
"Yes?" Misako said.
"How did you meet Garmadon and fell in love with him?" Melissa asked. "It's been on my mind for a while now."
Misako was surprised by the question before she gave a slight chuckle. "Well, we all know that Garmadon wasn't fully corrupted by the Devourer's venom before he became who he was." She started off.
"That part we know." Melissa nodded.
"Well as for how I met him, well, we met during The Serpentine War." Misako stated, which surprised Melissa.
"You mean when the snakes and people of Ninjago were at war with one another?" Melissa asked in surprise. "That's a weird timing for it."
"Heh, maybe, but it could've been weirder." Misako said as the two shared a chuckle. "But anyway, it was during the middle of The Serpentine War, Rachel, Luci and I were conducting our research to discover more of Ninjago's mysteries while also helping those in need."
40 years ago,
A young Miskao, Rachel, and Luci were walking through a village while seeing some people homeless because of what the war brings as Rachel and Luci were each holding a bag and offering some food and proper clothing for them while Misako took the lead.
"It was a normal day and the three of us were helping those in need of help during the War." Present Misako explained as Rachel and Luci then saw an injured animal and quickly mend with it. "And like always, Rachel and Luci tend to the animals who were injured or sick within the crossfire." She added with a giggle. "I was just researching some of my studies and secrets."
"Like the Ninjas of Yin and Yang?" Melissa asked.
"Way before that. There are still many mysteries Ninjago has to offer." Present Misako said as her past self read some scrolls. "But then, tragedy happened." She said before an explosion was heard across the village.
"The Serpentine were attacking the village." Present Misako continued as her past self and her two friends saw the Serpentine attack the village as the people ran in fear while the snakes started pillaging the village while some tried to fight them off.
Past Misako, Rachel and Luci were about to make a run for it, but then they got surrounded by a group of Fangpyers with their weapons ready while hissing.
"We thought we were done for, but then, he came." Present Misako said as a dark Spinjitzu appeared and knocked away some Fangpyre's as coming out of it was none other than Garmadon, before he was completely the Dark Lord as he fought off the Serpentine.
Once the Fangpyer ran off Garmadon turned to the three women. "Are you three ladies alright?" He asked.
Past Misako looked at Garmadon in awe for a moment before she spoke up. "W-We're okay." She said,
"You three shouldn't be here, the Serpentine never shows any mercy when they attack." Garmadon told them. Just then, a Serpentine came up from behind and Wu came in and whacked them away.
"We manage to drive them back, but a few strays are still on the loose." Wu added. "We'll handle them. You three must get to safety." He said as Past Misako, Rachel and Luci started following the two Spinjitzu Masters.
"Both Wu and Garmadon led us to safety" Present Misako said as her past self and her friends followed Wu and Garmadon to a safe haven for all those who have lost their homes during the Serpentine War. "We were thankful for their help, and we also help the others who have lost their homes during the War." She added as her past self and her friends helped the others around the place.
"Eventually, Rachel, Luci and I began to hang out with Wu and Garmadon, they even managed to teach us some of their moves." Present Misako said as Garmadon and Wu taught her past self and her two friends Spinjitzu.
"Wait, my moms knows Spinjitzu?!" Melissa said in shock. "They never told me that!"
"There are some secrets we haven't told either of you, Melissa." Present Misako said with a giggle, as her past self looked at both Wu and Garmadon with a warm look. "It also wasn't long before I started falling for both Wu and Garmadon, and I knew that they both had also fallen for me." She said as her past self had a conflicted look. "I didn't know who I loved more at the time, Wu was nice, caring and easy to talk to. But there was something that was drawing me towards Garmadon." She said as her past self kept her eyes on Garmadon before she shook her head.
Past Misako then went to her room and when she opened the door she was surprised to see a letter on her bed.
"It wasn't until I had gotten a love letter in my room." Present Misako said as her past self started reading the letter as she read it and she felt touched by it as she then rushed out to where Garmadon was as the two looked at each other as she shared a warm smile before she gave him a kiss, which surprised him as the two shared their moment as Wu watched with a slight sad look while he gave a small smile. "And I made my decision by heart."
"Wow, Garmadon's love letter made your decision easier?" Melissa asked.
"Well, more or less." Misako said with a smile.
"Huh?" Melissa said in confusion. "What do you mean?"
"Well, when I read the letter, I happened to notice the handwriting wasn't my husbands." Misako stated. "It has his name, but the rest, not a match."
"Wait, you mean, Garmadon stole a love letter from someone else?" Melissa asked in shock.
"Well, not just from someone, more like from his brother." Misako explained, which shocked Melissa even more.
"That letter was from Wu?!" Melissa asked in shock before she realized something. "Wait. You know what, I should've seen that coming."
"Mmmhmm." Miskako hummed.
"But wait, if you knew that letter was from Wu, then why did you choose Garmadon over him when he stole that from his brother?" Melissa asked with a brow.
"Well, while it was wrong for my husband to do such a thing, I knew he did because he cares how deeply he is for me." Misako said with a smile. "While I may know that letter was from Wu, I let my heart decide for me. And with how Garmadon was like when he was bitten by the Devourer as a kid, he shouldn't be suffering so much to not have someone by his side. And to this day I still don't regret my decision."
Melissa thought about it and nodded in understanding. "I guess that makes sense." She said before she smiled. "That's basically why I always stay by Lloyd's side, so that way he doesn't feel alone."
Misako giggled. "Great minds think alike." She said as the two shared a laugh before Melissa saw the time and saw how dark it was.
"I better get going. We need to find Zane." Melissa said as she went up to her window.
"Good luck Melissa." Misako told her as Melissa nodded and jumped out.
In Kai's room, he was wearing the same suit as Lloyd and Melissa but in his color 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, Melissa 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 look.
"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. Hehe." 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."
"If you think that's bad, Ryan told me that his bed is made of metal." Melissa told him.
Cole was surprised to hear that. "Okay, maybe that's worse than a rock bed." He muttered.
"Okay, 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.
"The island's big. We'll need to split up." Jay said.
"No, that's just playing into Chen's hands." Melissa 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," Lloyd 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?" Melissa asked with a look.
"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," Melissa 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!" Melissa 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.
"Oooh, looks like someone has a crush." Melissa 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, this is an invasion of privacy!" Lloyd spoke up to them. "I had that experience the hard way with Melissa!"
"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.
"What?!" Melissa asked in shock.
"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.
"Can we please just keep moving!" Kai cut Cole off as he and Jay got down.
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," Melissa 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!" Melissa 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 Melissa and Lloyd 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," Melissa said before they heard footsteps and chanting, "Hide!" She hissed as the ninja hid behind some rocks.
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. 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 Lloyd shushed them.
"Just try and fit in," Lloyd 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 watching. "What is chanting for?" He asked in confusion.
"They're saying, 'Only one can remain'," Chen said with a sneaky smirk as Karlof, and the Ninja grew nervous, "Like I said, use it or lose it!" He said as the two cultists held Karlof down.
Chen then aimed 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 gray 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 Armor!" 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 ice." Melissa stated with wide eyes. "That must mean Chen has stolen Zane's powers too.
"What happened to Karlof's armor?" Karlof asked as he couldn't feel his power or go into his armor form.
"Karlof's armor?" Chen asked with a smirk as he held the staff. "Oh, it's Master Chen's Armor 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 dragged 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 turned to the Ninja. "Who are they?" One of them asked before Chen spotted them.
"Intruders!" Chen yelled as the Ninja ran down the tunnel following. "Stop them! They must not escape!"
The cultists ran after them as they ran past the tied-up cultists as the Ninja ran as fast as they could, but Cole tripped on the wire and fell as Melissa turned and saw the end of the tunnel closing, stopping the cultists from chasing them.
"Yes!" Melissa cheered before some giant axes then started coming down the halls one by one. "Oh come on!"
"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?!" Melissa 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 Kai pressed on a button that dropped them back to Kai'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 is way closer than the other times." Melissa 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 Melissa 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 Tournament isn't about glory or honor, it's a setup for Chen to steal every Master's Elemental Power," She stated with a glare.
"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?" Melissa asked them.
"Agreed." The boys answered 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 reached out to the handle and when he opened the door his face turned red when he saw Skylor in just her orange bra and panties. "Whoa! Sorry! Didn't know you were changing!" He apologized while covering his eyes.
Skylor gave a chuckle, "It's okay, I don't mind." She said with a smile as she walked up to her drawer. "You don't need to cover your eyes."
"A-Are you sure?" Kai asked hesitantly. "I-I mean it's very rude to walk in on a girl changing, my friend learned that the hard way."
"Really? Heh, then rest assured, I'm not that kind of girl." Skylor said as Kai slowly lowered his arms as he eyed Skylor's uncovered form. "I catch the guy's eyes many times, it doesn't affect me all that much."
"R-Really?" Kai asked, a bit fluttered while eyeing Skylor as she walked around her room. "Y-You don't feel uncomfortable about it?"
"Honestly, no I don't." Skylor admitted before she turned to Kai. "So, anyway, what is it you want?"
"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 would've been nice if it didn't get to the point where guys are only interested in a girl's body."
"What do you mean?" Kai asked in confusion and concern.
"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 help whatever I can." 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, Skylor's 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.
A/N: And that was Only One Can Remain, the Ninja have arrived at the Island and we met Master Chen and they might not have found Zane but it appears that they have found out that Chen might be planning something. We also found out how Misako and Garmadon met and fell in love, anyway I hope you all enjoy reading this chapter, leave a review and tell me what you think.
Up Next: The Ninja try to figure out what Chen is planning while also competing in the Tournament.
Here's the Cast List.
Jillian Michaels as Lloyd, Kabuki and Fritz Donnagan; Tara Strong as Melissa and Kabuki; Vincent Tong as Kai; Michael Adamthwaite as Jay and Master of Nature; Andrew Francis as Cole, Paleman and Master of Shadow; Paul Dobson as Wu; Mark Oliver as Garmadon; Kathleen Barr as Misako; Ian James Corlett as Chen; Scott McNeil as Clouse and Karlof; Cristina Vee as Jasmine; Seth Green as Ryan; Heather Doerksen as Skylor; Doron Bell Jr as Griffin Turner; Marÿke Hendrikse as Chamille.