Author's Note: HAPPY EARTH DAY! Or otherwise known in this fandom, happy birthday to our Earth boy, Cole! He deserves all the love and attention even if Dragons Rising Season 3 Part 1 didn't. I do have hope for Part 2, but it's going to release in September so that means a rewatch until then.

Ooh and guess what? Just a couple weeks ago I helped a stray cat with her babies. Mama cat had been a friend for a while ever since I began feeding her and she trusted me and my mother to help with her babies. Her name was Ms. Toe Beans, otherwise known as Ms. Beans for her extra toes and all of her babies had extra toes too. I reference them in past tense because they got picked up by a nice lady who got them all into foster care. Since Beans was so friendly and familiar around a home, she's staying with her babies until they're all adopted. So I'm not seeing them again, but I am SO HAPPY for them.

Any other good news? Not really except I got the five original scholastic books this year for my birthday! I'm planning on reading them during my rewatch. You know to use the episodes based around them to get context.

Anyways, I won't hold you guys any longer. Have a good read and I'll see you in the next note!

Chapter 4: Four Surprises

She didn't want to do this.

She really, really did not want it to come to this and yet she knew she didn't have much of a choice.

Sam got herself up, gently setting her feet down and doing the smallest, quietest steps she's ever done. She's long since practiced sneaking around, especially in the kind of situation she had been stuck living in for so long. Right now though, that wasn't important. What was important was that she had to get out of there. It made her heart ache over the decision to do this, but she knew if she stayed any longer then she'd be more trouble than she's worth.

Sam gently scooped up the bags she first had on her person when she was found in the desert and the large quiver filled with only a handful of arrows. A few of them were jade tipped, matching the massive recurved bow that's just beside the quiver. She could feel her heart sink while she looked at the bow. Ed was right to say it was too big for her and that's because it wasn't hers. It was someone else's.. Someone who had scarred hands and yet was so gentle. Someone who had a firm voice yet spoke so softly. Someone who had done everything to keep her safe yet it wasn't…

Sam forced back a soft sob, not wanting to wake the old couple on the other side of the trailer. She kept quiet as she continued gathering her things up and softly stepped all the way to the front door. If Sam remembered what Ed said the other night, then the security was still on the fritz so there was a small window of her getting out without accidentally tripping it. As much as it hurt to take advantage of that, she feared she'd bring something much worse to the old pair.

Just when she grabbed for the door handle, she felt a tug on the back of her newly acquired sweater. She turned to see none other than Sparky, the reddish-brown wire-coated dog with his white paws standing firm to tug her back. His mismatched eyes looked up at her with the saddest expression on them. The teen girl, of course, felt horrible the longer she looked at him.

"I'm sorry, boy." She apologized softly, kneeling down to him, "but I can't stay here.. I don't want to bring any trouble to you or your family."

Sam gave him a few soft rubs on his head and gently pried her sweater from his maw. The canine whined softly as she turned the door handle and quickly slipped out the door. She had to hurry. The window was getting smaller and she had no idea if Sparky was gonna let loose with his barking and wake them.

As fast as she could, she ran like the wind into the night.

The dream happened again.

The voice, the figure, him trying to reach for whoever that was, the fire and even the smoke suffocating him up until he woke up. All Cole was left with was feeling so confused over the dream. He didn't get it. What the hell? Sure, he could probably shake off a weird dream if it only happened once, but a second time in which he can kinda recall it while it's still all hazy? Something's not quite right. Cole shook his head.

'No. No. It's just a coincidence.' He convinced himself. 'I'm not the one who gets weird dreams. Zane does. If I have to worry about a dream, then it'd have to be one from him.'

Well, the dream was weird. Cole could admit that, but what was weirder was the night before. He remembered meeting Ed and Edna with the girl before she ran off and they followed. He met up with his dad who asked who he was talking to and Cole mentioned this girl, Sam, by name. The older man had froze for a second but was quick to pull himself together and carry on. Cole found that odd, but didn't want to sour the mood any while the others were still focused on their victory. However, he definitely wasn't letting it go today. He had to ask his dad what was up with that while they were still around.

He was brought back into the moment when there was a sound of the most typical ringtone. It sounded like an older telephone only a bit more high pitched and it came with a buzzing noise. It also came as a surprise to the owner of the phone which happened to be the Master of Lightning. He jumped in surprise, fishing the mobile phone out of his pocket and looking at the screen.

"Oh!" Jay groaned. "Really? Now? Of all times?"

Cole and the other two could definitely guess who was on the other end of the call with how Jay reacted. The blue ninja sighed in defeat.

"Could you guys give me a minute please? Thanks." He didn't wait for an answer from them. Instead, he zoomed right out of the little house Cole used to call home.

"You wanna guess that it's his parents?" Kai inquired.

"By the way he is reacting, I assume it's fairly obvious," Zane affirmed.

"I'd like to know what they're saying." The Master of Fire kept his smirk while he spoke.

"Kai, it would be quite rude to get into a conversation we have no part in." The Nindroid scolded, making the brunet deflate a bit. Zane however, smiled when he added in, "However, I, too, would like to know why they are calling him as well."

"Hah, I knew it," Kai chuckled, "Hey, Cole, you coming with?" There was no answer at first, "Cole?"

"Hmm?" Cole hummed at first before clearing his throat, "Ah, no. Actually, you guys go on ahead. I think I need a moment with my dad. I have a feeling he's been acting kinda off since last night."

The other two looked at each other before Kai turned to him. "Well, whatever it is, hopefully it's nothing bad. We'll be out with Jay if you need us."

Cole nodded. "Thanks, guys."

The Masters of Fire and Ice followed after the lightning user, hoping to catch whatever was being said between him and his parents. Speaking of parents, Cole looked out to see his dad in the main room. The older ebony-haired man had his eyes on the framed picture of Cole and the others, His mustache lifted with a smile and his eyes shone with a sense of pride. Something Cole longed to see for almost all his life up to this point. It was also something he hoped he wouldn't lose.

And yet, he still felt a need to ask why.

Just why did his dad act kinda off when he mentioned someone like Sam from the night before? Was there a reason and if so, what was it? He wanted to know.

Cole didn't waste any time. He got up, striding to his dad's side in the main room.

"Hey, uh, Dad?" He announced.

Lou gave a soft hum and looked to him, putting both hands on the cane's head. "Hmm? Is something the matter, Cole?"

"I," Cole stopped his words before they left, deciding to ask, "How'd you know something was wrong?"

The older man chuckled. "Despite the distance we had between us, both physically and otherwise, I know when something is wrong. You're still my boy after all."

His words gently eased some weight off Cole's shoulders and the younger sighed, nodding. "Yeah.. Something is wrong. Well, not wrong, but I think you get it."

"What is it, son?" Lou asked.

"Actually, it's about last night. You know, after the Ninjago Talent competition?"

"Yes? What about it?" Lou raised an eyebrow, gently using a hand to tilt the picture on the wall.

"Yeah, well, the guys and I sorta caught up with Jay's parents and they brought someone, said she needed help and all. Some girl with long, brown hair, one eye with bangs swept over. I think her name was.." Cole paused for a second, not only trying to remember her name but also to catch if his dad would act the same as the night before. "Sam. Yeah, her name was Sam."

Although it was a slight movement, he could see his father's hand squeeze on the head of the walking stick. His eyebrows raised together while the eyes themselves widened. Lou pulled himself together and gave a soft cough.

"And.. you're bothered, why?" Lou asked, trying to keep a steady tone.

"Actually, I was hoping to ask you." Cole turned it around to him, which further surprised the older man. "Dad.. why did you act so.. so off when she's mentioned?"

"I did not."

"Dad, you're doing the same thing now."

Lou didn't try to retort back at him. His head tilted down while his face hardened into an expression Cole didn't recognize, but he did remember seeing the same face from years ago. He just can't remember why that happened.

"Dad.. what's going on?" He gently prodded.

The older man loosened his hold on the walking stick and gave a sigh, looking back up to Cole.

"Cole, my boy.. please, take a seat." He pointed the end of his walking stick to the couch.

"But Dad," Cole bit back a response when his father gave him a look.

The teen nodded and sat down on the couch. Lou sat across from him in a vacant chair. The cane leaned right on the side of it with the round handle still in his hand. His eyes didn't meet Cole's for a good couple of moments, but it felt even longer. He was hunched over at first before he sat upwards, stiffening his back. The older man drew in a heavy breath and let out a long sigh.

"Son.. I know we've had no proper connection in a long time and I, admittedly, did not reach out as often as I should have." Lou began, "I am sorry for that. I am sorry for trying to put you into my shoes when they didn't fit you and I am sorry for lashing out at you so harshly when you spoke your truth after you were hiding it for so long. I can't imagine how that must've felt for you and I have no excuse for that moment."

"Dad, it's fine now. I mean I've been lying to you for years. I get it. It's nothing now." Cole tried to reassure his parent.

"No, no, no, my boy. It's not nothing. You may think that now, but I won't forget it." Lou shook his head softly. His shoulders slumping down while his one hand clenched on the cane.

"Dad…?"

"You hid something from me and I was angry. I have no excuse for it… but…" Lou finally looked at him, keeping his eyes on his and spoke. "I had no right to act that way when I've done the exact same to you."

Cole's eyebrows raised together with his eyes widening, almost mirroring his father's surprised face. His mouth hung open a bit with a soft gasp.

"Wha.. what?" He softly gawked.

Lou wanted to turn his head away but fought against it, instead opting to lean forward to keep his eyes on his son.

"Cole, there's something I haven't told you before.." Lou would've continued on if it weren't for the one and only blue ninja bursting in.

Cole turned to give the auburn-haired teen a glare.

"I don't mean to interrupt. I'm sorry, but I just got a phone call and I think we need to head over to my parents'. Something's happened over there." Jay spoke urgently.

"Jay," Cole clenched his teeth together, face palming at him.

"I said I'm sorry! I didn't mean to barge in like this."

Cole stood up and Lou stood up in tandem, grabbing Cole by the shoulder. His son looked at him with a puzzled frustrated expression.

"It's alright, Cole. I'll tell you everything soon enough." He assured.

Cole gave him an understanding look and a small nod. His father let go of him and gave him a smile while Cole went out the door with Jay. He smiled back at his father, but the moment he was out of the old man's view, he turned to Jay with a frown. No, he wasn't mad at him. Just that his dad was probably going to reveal something big but then the blue bird next to him just had to come fly right in at the worst time.

Jay gave an apology once more which led to Cole sigh and say, "Alright.. Tell me what happened."

One moment, Jay was in the room with his friends and the next, his phone had to start ringing like an old fashioned landline. He hopped up in surprise over the noise before he fished the mobile device out of his pocket, looking over the screen. It didn't even take the Blue Ninja two seconds before he dashed out of Cole's Dad's residence to avoid the guys from elongating the call.

Jay groaned in slight annoyance when he looked at who was calling and heaved a sigh.

He pressed the button and put the phone up to his ear.

"Hey, Ma." He spoke through clenched teeth. "How are you doing?"

What he got on the other end was a babbling blubbering mess of the older woman. He tried to make sense of it and even asked her to slow down.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa. Ma, slow down.. what happened?" His annoyance melted away and it was quickly replaced with worry.

He didn't even notice the red and white ninja coming up to his side and upon hearing him sounding so concerned so fast, they too had worried expressions. Jay didn't know what happened on the other end of the call, but he was sure his dad must've grabbed the phone from her and took over the conversation.

"Aww, I'm sorry for us calling so soon, Jay, but your mother is fretting so much. Thankfully, she's not hysterical, otherwise I think we'd have other things to worry about." He heard his old man try to lighten up the mood, but Jay knew by the tone that he was definitely hiding something underneath. It was something the Blue Ninja knew all too well himself.

"Dad, what happened? Mom just went on. I couldn't catch anything."

His father gave a soft sigh. "Something happened. It was earlier this morning, actually. We were still exhausted from the night before with your mother insisting on going around town with the girl…"

Jay had a feeling he wasn't going to like the next part.

"Except… the girl is gone. Sam left us before the sun even got up."

Yep, he definitely didn't like it.

"Look, son, I know you and your friends are busy and you know your mother and I don't want to get in the way of you guys stopping the Serpentine for good, but.."

"No. No. It's okay, dad. It's alright." Jay stopped him. "I'm pretty sure I'd call you guys too if it was something so urgent."

"It is urgent. Uh, maybe it'd be easier if you came to us… Oh, wait, your mother is taking the keys. Sparky's running after her. They're in the Jalopy. Jay, I'm sorry it looks like we're about to come to you instead." Ed winced.

"What?!"

"Your mother says we're going to find Sam. She cares an awful lot you know."

"I know, Dad. Hold on. Just tell us where we can meet. The guys and I can cut the search time in half like that. Just tell us where you're going."

"We're trying the city first. You boys are still nearby, right?"

"Of course, we are. I can get the others together. We still have the Bounty overhead too."

"Aw, thanks, son! I'm sure your mother will appreciate your help."

"Alright. We'll see you. Just make sure you're the one driving. Okay?"

"Will do. See you soon."

The call ended with a small beep and Jay gave a loud sigh, holding his phone against his chest after pulling it from his ear.

"Jay?" Kai spoke up.

The blue ninja once more hopped out of fright and yelped. "How long were you two there?"

"You have noticed us just now?" Zane raised an eyebrow.

Jay groaned at that and put his phone in the pocket. "Great. Just great."

"What happened?" Kai prodded.

The auburn-haired teen shook his head and sighed. "It'd be easier if I tell you guys all at once."

"And that's what led me to getting you, Cole." Jay concluded.

Cole inhaled audibly through his nose, then letting out a short puff. It took him a minute to give it some thought before finally speaking, "So let me get this straight, you hurdled right in the middle of whatever important thing my dad was going to confess—"

"I said I'm sorry!" Jay insisted upon his apology.

"I know but you still came in right after you got a call from your parents because your mom is worrying over a girl who disappeared on them?" Cole finished off with a frustrated look on his face.

"Dad always said her heart was too big for her, but yeah, pretty much." Jay nodded.

"Kinda ungrateful of you if you ask me. They're too nice to have someone desert them." Kai muttered, half serious and half verbally jabbing at the blue ninja.

Jay caught on to Kai's jab and groaned.

"Umm.." Zane butted in, "Well, Personal feelings aside, might I remind you that their guest was worried over Serpentine finding her? We do not even know why they would, but I sense that if they do, it will not be good for us… and for her."

His usually monotone face turned to a troubled expression. His gaze fell while there was a wrinkling on his brow. His mouth pulled thin. Cole took note of his features. Something he unintentionally does with the others. Maybe it was his artist nature or whatnot. He didn't know. There was one thing he did know though.

"Alright." The Master of Earth spoke up. "We're going to find those two and help them find this girl."

"What?" Kai asked. "We barely even know this girl and the Serpentine are out there finding more of the Fangblades as we speak. We can't just spread ourselves thin for one person."

"Maybe not," Cole agreed before providing a counterpoint, "However, there has not been a day where Zane's senses ever lead us wrong yet. It's like he said we don't know why they'd want her but if he believes they do, then Pythor will stop at nothing to get her."

"Yeah.. and we might not know her, but we know how Pythor is." Kai figured, nodding. "Alright. Jay, did they mention where they're going?"

Jay gave a quick affirmative answer, "They did. It's of course our beloved Ninjago City and we still have a flying ship. I say we use it to catch up with my parents and look out for anything from above."

"Then let's get to it." Cole responded. "Get your things and go to the Bounty, I'll be right with you guys in a minute."

The others nodded in understanding and went right to their tasks, leaving Cole alone again. The ebony haired teen turned back to the door and opened it up, heading in. Despite knowing it might just be a search and rescue mission, he had a feeling it could go bad. Even when he would be sure things would remain under control, he still had the constant worry that anything could happen and he didn't like it when the rug got pulled from underneath his feet.

Cole caught sight of his father who looked at him expectantly and went right up to him.

"Dad…" He was interrupted by Lou holding a hand up, halting his words.

"I know, son. I heard it from Jay out there. For a ninja, he is so loud."

"Heh, yeah. It's why I call him mouth of lightning. Fast and loud." Cole chuckled before his expression fell. "So.. you know I'm leaving."

Lou noticed sounded more like a statement than a question and gave him a nod.

"But… what about what you were going to say? You know, whatever you've been hiding?" Cole adjured.

"Hmm.. Despite my talent in song writing, I unfortunately do not have the words now. It is.. so much to explain and I don't know how just yet." There was a soft apologetic look in his eyes when he looked at Cole. "I know it's a lot to ask of you, but please… Please just give me some time." He implored so softly.

The Master of Earth had never seen his father look like this before. There was a solemn look on his face that kinda unnerved him and reminded him of years ago when.. Cole stopped his mind from going back there, focusing back up on the moment.

The younger teen gave a nod and answered softly. "Of course, dad."

"Thank you, son." A small smile underneath the mustache grew on Lou's face before he added, "You go on your Ninja business and let me know how it goes, okay? I'd love to hear all about your adventures."

Cole chuckled. "Yeah, I'll be sure to write again soon, dad."

"COLE!" Jay screeched from outside, "I DON'T WANT TO RUIN ANOTHER MOMENT BUT WE'RE ON THE CLOCK HERE!"

The ebony-haired teen gave an annoyed sigh at Jay's antics. Lou, however, chuckled.

"Enthusiastic, isn't he?"

"You have no idea."

Lou chuckled once more before patting Cole on the shoulder. "Go get 'em, son."

"Gladly," Cole smiled with a nod before rushing right out of the door.

Just when he was a good couple of feet away from the door, he spun into a familiar tornado of his element and changed into his trademark shozoku. He'd rather not have done Spinjitzu right in front of his dad's house and accidentally cause some dust to fly into the place. At least when he was backstage on Ninjago Talent, it was barely noticeable with how dim it was… and the fact there was also debris from some stage lights falling. Cole's mind was still a bright haze when he tried to recall that moment.

He shook his head, looking to find the Bounty right up ahead and rushed up to the anchor. His hand grasped the massive chain and he began climbing up with relative ease. Yeah, sure they could have a ladder but would it be as fun as a massive chain with an even bigger anchor? He bet not. It took him only a moment longer before he pulled himself along the edge of the ship. Jay got to his side in a blue blur and he gladly took his help, getting pulled up further until his feet were on the deck.

"Took you long enough." The blue ninja jested.

Cole just shook his head. "Yeah, yeah. At least some of us actually talk to our dads." He jabbed right back.

"Hey, that might change, Cole. You never know." Jay retorted right back.

"Uh-huh. Sure, I'll believe that when you visit more often."

"How am I supposed to do that when we have walking, talking snake people slithering and fighting all over the place and hoping to release some giant snake thing that'll eat all of Ninjago if we're not there to stop them?!" Jay blabbered on.

"And what?" Nya joined in, crossing her arms, "Having a date was fine?"

"I.." Jay stammered before sighing in defeat. "Yeah, alright. You got me there."

"Good." Nya nodded. "We're about to head to the City. Thankfully it's not too far from here. Now, excuse me before Kai decides to turn the turbo on and he overshoots it… again."

Her face turned into an unamused expression while she spun on her heel and went right back to the control room to take the wheel. It didn't take a moment longer before the Bounty leaped to life, flying towards the massive Ninjago City. Meanwhile, Jay went right up to bow of the ship, looking over the edge. Most likely, he was trying to spot his parent's ol' Jalopy.

'His parents… hmm..' It made Cole think back to his dad just moments before Jay interrupted. He had never seen the older man look so troubled in his eyes. Not since that day when his madre.. Cole shook his head. 'Not since then..'

He wondered what the old man was hiding that made him look so shaken despite his outward appearance. He hoped he got to know sooner rather than later.

"Ah-ha!" Jay announced, pointing down below "I see them! There they are!"

Cole looked over the edge and it wasn't hard to spot the old six-wheeled vehicle from above. It looked way too different from the more modern models Cole had seen on the street. Just when he caught Jay in the corner of his eye about to rush off, possibly to tell Nya and set them to cross paths, the alarm blared out loud.

The Masters of Earth and Lightning both turned their attention to it before rushing all the way to the brig.

Jay went to Nya and demanded with worry, "What happened?! One moment I'm seeing my parents just on the road and now this? What is it?"

"Cold vision caught some of our favorite snakes." Nya answered.

"Looks like Frosty's senses were right." Cole affirmed. "The snakes have no reason to be in the city after that Fangblade retrieval. Not unless they're after that girl."

"Girl?" Nya raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah, you know that other lady that was with my parents' last night? You might've seen her in a seat with them, we met her outside?" Jay went on. "She said she was being chased by someone and that someone might be one of the Serpentine. Well, it turns out she ran away from my parents just before dawn and now they're out there and— oh… oh my.." Jay halted in a sudden realization before screeching in panic. "What if they saw her with my parents and think they'll lead them to her? Or what if they do worse?!" The blue ninja of lightning pulled his hood on and zoomed across the room, not waiting a moment longer. "Nya, be ready to give coordinates on where the cold vision went off. We gotta get those snakes before they get my parents."

"Already planning on it, Jay." Nya clarified.

"Thank you! You're the best, Nya!" Jay called to her from outside.

The other three followed right after the blue ninja, pulling on their own hoods while they went out on the deck. They just managed to catch him diving off the ship. Jay was not spending a moment hesitating. He felt the wind on his face as he dived right before he pulled out his nunchaku and spun it in his hands. He could hear the electricity crackling as the elemental shield formed around him and what followed was a mechanism he used to dare dream of. His Storm Glider.

A gorgeous blue fighter jet with gold highlights. His hands gripped on the control sticks while his eyes focused on the navigation system in front of him. Nya just dropped the coordinates and by the looks of the flashes nearby, it seems like the others had finally jumped in on their own theatrics too. From the corner of his eye, he could see Cole's Tread Assault falling much faster than his own Spinjitzu vehicle.

'Maybe something to do with his Earth element needing to be on the ground,' Jay thought before he focused ahead once more. The last thing Jay needed was to fall and become some blueberry paste on the ground and he insisted he was too cute to go splat.

"I must say Jay, with your true potential unlocked, your speed has increased massively." Zane's voice spoke over their communication.

"I mean, yeah. I guess it's just a lightning thing, but also I am still panicking because, you know, parents' lives are on the line here!" Jay barked back.

"Ow! You don't have to be so loud over the line, Jay." Cole groaned.

"Looks like the snakes were gathering in some alley. They're planning to cut off Ed and Edna." Kai forewarned.

"Well, we better get them first before they get my parents." Jay called, diving into the city, narrowly missing some buildings.

His jet dissipated into the air as he landed right on his feet. The others followed example and proceeded to look around. What should've been an area full of a Serpentine crowd was nothing more than a deserted place.

"Cold vision said they'd be here. Keep your eyes open, boys." Cole ordered softly.

The air felt tense and even Kai, a guy known for a fever-ish heat even without his special power-up like the others, felt goosebumps crawl up his arms. It felt like there were eyes on all of them. He gripped his sword and kept his stance, gently turning to see if there were any of those scaly freaks behind them. They weren't there. All he could see were crates stacked upon each other, garbage bins that were overfilled bags twisted up and knotted shut, puddles, and even small, broken wooden furniture discarded into the trash. Nothing happened.

No one was there yet it still gnawed at him that something felt so horribly wrong.

"I don't like this." Kai whispered. The others couldn't help but agree.

Just when it was too silent, they heard a familiar engine and looked to see the Jalopy come into view.

"Jay!" Edna called, waving an arm to him.

The blue ninja clenched his teeth in a grimace and sighed. "Oh no…"

"Oh, Ed, pull over. Stop the car. We have to see him." Edna insisted.

"That's the plan, hon." Ed pulled over to the side, turning the key and letting the Jalopy rest momentarily.

"Oh, Jay," Edna jumped out of the Jalopy and went right up to the blue ninja who took his mask off. "It's so good to see you again. I'm so happy you're here to help."

"Yeah, of course I was gonna help. You sounded so worried over the phone." Jay responded.

"Oh, I'm sorry, dear. It's just even if Sam stayed for a short time, she's left kinda an impact on us, and I just couldn't believe she would disappear because she wanted to," Edna would've continued on if it weren't for the canine sitting on the backseat of the Jalopy.

The reddish-brown furred dog stood up, stretching his head out while he sniffed around. His mismatched eyes looked around sharply then a low rumble sound rolled out of his throat. It was a sound Jay nor either of his parents ever heard him do at all. The sweetest, friendliest dog they met and raised since Jay found him roaming all alone around the edges of the city years ago was growling.

He was growling.

"What is it, Sparky, boy? What's wrong? You never do that." Ed asked.

However, the answer that came was quite a surprise.

"The Ninja are distracted! Now!" A voice called out.

The ground rumbled beneath the seven people. Asphalt and concrete broke in multiple trails like something was underneath and whatever was underneath popped right out close to them. Constrictai pulled themselves out the ground. Some of them were flat-faced scouts and others were short-snouted soldiers. Other Serpentine climbed right out and soon one of the Generals, Acidicus climbed out.

"Keep the Ninja busy," He hissed. "Find her! She was last seen around here!"

"Her? Who are they talking about? What's going on?" Edna asked.

"Ooh, sorry, ma. I forgot to mention we kinda popped down here to see the Serpentine before they'd get you. We didn't know it'd be an surprise snake attack." Jay informed.

"Jay, less talking, more action, please." Cole called to him.

The Master of Earth pulled his scythe up across his front, stopping a Venomari with an axe on the snath. His silvery-grey eyes caught sight of a glowing liquid sliding down the edge of the blade. Cole was glad to have stopped it in time. If the blade even got close and made it through his armor, then the hallucinatory venom would've hit him in an open wound and Cole would rather not find out if it'd be the same as Kai getting blinded by the same venom. He tilted his scythe over, making the bright green snake slide over with the axe and he used the heel of his scythe to hit him in the back of his head.

Jay jumped in, swinging his nunchaku around, feeling the lightning element in him crackle once more. Just when a Hypnobrai tried sending a spear right out to him, he wrapped his weapon around it, letting the electric chain links feel the metal spear and travel through it right back to its wielder. The blue-colored Serpentine was stuck gripping on the spear tightly, unable to let go with his muscles spasming over the sudden shock. It stopped only a moment later and Jay wished he didn't have a sense of smell right now. The smell of snake slightly cooked by lightning definitely wasn't something he wanted to ever know.

"Mom, dad! Get out of here! They think you'll lead them to Sam! We don't know why she's important to them so suddenly, but we know they won't stop! Go! Go!" Jay yelled over the commotion.

"Jay," Edna tried to reach for him, but Ed grabbed her by the shoulder.

"Now, Edna, hon, if Jay says it's time to go, then it's time to go. He's a fighter. He'll be fine." He assured her.

The pair went back to the Jalopy. Sparky was still barking in the back seat at the scene. Ed told him to sit just as he got in with his wife. The Jalopy kick started with a turn of a key and the older couple drove off while the Ninja held their ground with the snakes in place. However they didn't make it far.

This Serpentine, who was either very bold or very stupid, had jumped onto the front of the Jalopy. The bright-red scales and white eyes gave away that it was a Fangpyre. He sat up on the hood of the antique six-wheeled car, feeling the engines rumble underneath his knees and the wind hit his back.

"Hey! Off the ol' lass! She's been through more than enough beat-ups over the years!" Ed yelled at the snake person.

What he got in response was a staff breaking right through the windshield and it would've nearly hit him had he not moved aside fast enough.

"Ooh! I've just about had it with you! Edna, dear, hold on!" He called before spinning the steering wheel and causing the vehicle to spin down the road.

Edna grabbed onto Sparky, holding him tight so he wouldn't fly out while it spun. The Fangpyre on the hood hissed, struggling to stay on but managed to grip his other hand on the edge of the hood. However it didn't help any when Ed made the vehicle come to a complete stop. All that momentum was against him and his grip slipped. The red serpentine was left to fly down the road, bouncing and hitting across the asphalt. No doubt he gained some form of road rash with some of his scales having been chipped apart.

He finally stopped, lying on the ground motionless. No sound came from him other than a gentle wheeze with his chest raising and lowering. Almost anyone wouldn't doubt the fact that he could have broken bones, maybe a rib poking in the wrong spot and making him wheeze. Then there was nothing. More than likely, he had passed out from the extreme pain. If not, well… Edna couldn't help but almost feel bad for the snake… Almost.

"MOM! DAD! SPARKY!" Jay screamed. "LOOK OUT!"

A trail of asphalt broke and a second later, Constrictai popped up from underneath their Jalopy, making it turn over. The three occupants inside fell to the right, piling upon each other. Ed and Edna got up along with Sparky just as the ebony-colored serpentine climbed over. His spikes shining in the sun. His short tail waved dangerously, mimicking a Hypnobrai's rattle. His eyes focused on the old pairing. One of his hands reached over to grab the old man. A hiss let loose from its maw and just when he almost got close, something happened.

Something flew through the air behind him and the Constrictai suddenly felt some air force out of him when he felt it.

Something pierced through his tough scales.

He reached his hand to the back of his neck and felt for it.

It was the shaft of the arrow and the very tip of arrow head was sticking out the other side, forcing the old couple to see it.

Blood seeped through and he coughed and gurgled on it for a moment before passing out from either the shock or the choking. Then he went limp over the side of the Jalopy, dripping a dark red liquid out of his mouth and on the ground before the old couple.

The fighting ceased at the sight of it.

It was all silent.

All except for a passing breeze.

A/N: Did you guys figure out the four surprises? If not, just let me cause I'm still excited over it.

SURPRISE #1: Sam disappeared.

SURPRISE #2: Cole's Dad, Lou, reveals he's been hiding something.

SURPRISE #3: Surprise snake attack.

SURPRISE #4: Suspiciously familiar arrow appears!

Now just imagine that list there being spoken to by that Super Smash Announcer. XD

Anyways, I don't really have much more to add other than I hope you enjoyed the chapter. I did have fun with the action and I'll be sure to post Chapter 5 eventually. I do have a date in mind to post it, but I am not telling.

Again, I hope you enjoyed this chapter and if you did, please leave a comment, I'd love to see what you think.

See you next time.