We have a song in this chapter.
Hmmm, Chen pissed off the wrong person.
____________________________________________________________
*Chen's ferry arrives at an island.*
"Look at that." said Cole.
"Awesome." said Kai.
"Let me see." Karlof pushes Kai.
"Do you mind?" said Kai annoyed.
"Wow, it looks so big," said Nalia, amazed, while leaning her back against Lloyd's chest, with his arms around her.
"Welcome to Chen's Island. The Tournament of Elements welcomes its brave fighters. Master Chen will be pleased you've returned, Sensei Garmadon." said Clouse.
"The pleasure is all mine, Clouse." said Garmadon.
"I'm sure it is." said Clouse.
"Definitely feeling some tension between you two." said Jay.
"Yeah, and how is it we're on an island I've never seen on any map?" Kai asked.
"And care to explain how the face to Ninjago's most popular noodle house is secretly assembling an underground fighting tournament?!" Cole asked.
"Master Chen used to be a friend. Now he's a traitor. During the Serpentine Wars, Chen turned against his own kind and sided with the treacherous snakes." Garmadon explained.
"Why would he go against his kind? That doesn't make any sense," said Nalia, raising an eyebrow as she started thinking about the war. While she wasn't there when it happened, she had talked about some of it when she was with Morro.
"The battle you and Uncle Wu fought together in? He was an enemy?" Lloyd went on to question.
"He used deception to divide the Elemental Masters. We barely defeated the Serpentine, and in a deal for his surrender, Chen was to never leave this island. Little did we know, he'd begin to build his criminal empire from here." Garmadon explained.
Nalia narrowed her eyes as she listened. "I'm already starting to dislike him."
"He may have divided our ancestors, but he's not gonna divide us," said Lloyd, taking Nalia's hand.
Kai sees Skylor walking behind him. "Uh... ladies first!" He pushes the ninja aside. "Fire will melt her icy heart. Just wait."
Garmadon sighs.
"Uh, what?" Nalia looked on in confusion. "What does he mean by that? How can a person have an icy heart? Wouldn't they be dead by then?"
"It's just Kai being in love and his way of saying he will charm her," Cole explained.
"Charm her? Is being in love about charming people?" Nalia looked over at Lloyd.
"W-what, no, charming a person is like trying to um..." Lloyd tried to find the best way to describe it, but he was drawing a blank.
"This is a big island. Zane could be anywhere. Keep an eye out." said Cole, saving Lloyd from trying to explain what charming meant.
"So this is the house that noodles built. Ha! Always wanted to go to a Red Carpet event." said Jay.
"Chen lives like a king. Here, he's totally self-sufficient. The only way on or off this island is with his permission, which you have to earn." said Garmadon.
"Great, just great. It's like my cave, but I at least could leave if I wanted to," said Nalia.
"You never told me about this place. How do you know so much about this island?" Lloyd asked.
"Because before Chen was my enemy, he was my Sensei." Garmadon shows them his Anacondrai tattoo.
*The Elemental Masters arrive inside the palace and sit in a circle.*
"You never told me you had a Sensei," said Lloyd, sitting between his father and Nalia.
"When I was your age, I sought a darker means of guidance. He taught me to win at all costs, no matter who I hurt. It wasn't until you saved me that I saw the light." said Garmadon.
"Uh, apparently he also never taught you to have a sense of humor. Lighten up, we're in an underground fight club. This is supposed to be fun." said Jay.
Nalia went on to tap her finger in a rhythm while thinking of a new song.
*Zugu bangs a gong and Eyezor turns on a gramophone.*
"All rise for Master Chen." said Clouse.
"Welcome to the Tournament of Elements! Now everyone can all di—" the door sudden closes and everyone gasps "—rect your attention to me." Chen laughs.
"I forgot to mention, he has a penchant for theatrics." Garmadon whispered to Lloyd.
Chen laughs. "Never before have so many Elemental Fighters been under one roof. I see the Master of Fire, Earth, Shadow, Speed, and a prophesied Green Savior. And a former pupil has returned. And let's not forget the famous singer Starlight." He points to the gong. "This symbol before you is for the Anacondrai, the fiercest Serpentine warrior to roam this land. Its creed: "Only one can remain."
*The gong moves aside, showing a bracket.*
"Good. It looks like we're each in our own bracket. We won't have to face each other for a while," said Kai.
"Better find Zane before that happens," said Lloyd.
"Behold, a Jadeblade. Here, it represents life. Obtain it, move on. Allow your opponent to take it, loser. 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!" said Chen.
"Hm, what does Karlof win?" Karlof asked.
"Win and stay on the island. Win it all, and you'll receive fortunes beyond your wildest dreams and a lifetime supply of Master Chen noodles. But no one is here because of noodles. You want the glory of being the greatest fighter in all of Ninjago!" Everyone but Nalia and the ninjas cheer.
"And what happens if they lose?" Garmadon asked.
"Lose?! Who here likes to lose?" Everyone but Nalia and the ninja laugh. "Now please, enjoy my island. It's a super fun happy place. Hahaha. Fun time on me." said Chen.
"You'll now each be shown to your rooms." said Clouse.
*Kabuki walk up to each one of the Masters.*
"Ah, just what this place needs. Creepy clowns!" said Jay.
"Not clowns. Kabuki, Chen's jesters." said Garmadon.
"Well, that doesn't sound very nice," said Nalia before a Kabuki went on to show her to her room.
When Nalia walked into her room, she was surprised to see it in gold and yellow colors surrounded by everything she liked. There even was a bowl of mangos on a table.
"Huh, somehow it looks better than my suite. Maybe I should write down some notes and give them to Mr. James." Nalia mumbled while taking a good look around. "Wait, I completely forgot to leave a note. That says where I am. Well, it looks like I'm gonna be in for a scolding from Mr. James again."
Nalia sighed heavily until she noticed some clothes on her bed. "A new gi?" She picked up the gi and began changing into it, keeping her scarf on.
Nalia smiled as she took a look in a mirror. "While this place might be bad, I like this new gi." She turned away from her mirror and headed towards the balcony, but suddenly, she got a headache as she had to lean against a wall. "W-what, this is the second time. But somehow, this one is worse." She had to wait a few minutes until the headache went away like it never was there.
"First with the scroll of the green ninja, now this. I should ask Garmadon why I'm getting these headaches." She shook her head, going out on the balcony. She was surprised by the view she had from her balcony, smiling softly at it, until she noticed a hint of green on another balcony over hers.
Nalia smiled happily as she quickly jumped on the balcony beside hers. "Hey, Lloyd!"
"Hey, Lia, I'm guessing your room is next to mine since you're here," said Lloyd, smiling at her.
Nalia giggled with a bright smile. "Yup, pretty much." She went on to sit on the railing, kicking her legs slightly as she was enjoying the view.
Lloyd walked over to the balcony railing and leaned forward with his arms on the railing. "So, how have you been? I never got to ask you that."
"I've been doing good, though I always drive my manager crazy sometimes." Nalia glanced at him with a soft smile. "But, at times, I miss hanging out with you guys. I can be more myself and not worry about many things."
"I could hear it clearly when I saw your concert last night. It was a wonderful song," said Lloyd, smiling at her.
Nalia gave him a surprised look as she raised her eyebrow. "So you were there, among the crowd. I didn't think any of you would have the time to come and see it."
Lloyd chuckled at how surprised she was about this. "I'll never miss out on any of your concerts, Lia. No matter what."
Nalia's face was slowly turning red, and she smiled shyly. Knowing this made her feel warm and bubbly, and it made her happy. "Thanks, Lloydie."
*Music plays.*
Chen on an intercom. "Fellow fighters, hidden around my island, are enough Jadeblades. Garmadon starts climbing his way back after having just been pushed out of the palace by Clouse. "For every participant except for one. The one who returns to the palace arena empty-handed loses. The tournament begins... now!"
Nalia started frowning when she heard Chen's voice, and she wasn't sure why she found it so annoying. "Well, looks like we're gonna have to talk later, greenie."
"It's a bit of a shame, but yeah, I'll talk with you later," said Lloyd as they went on to find those jadeblades.
Nalia decided to check her room to see if she could find anything. She looked around and found one stuck inside an hourglass of sand. "How did they get it inside this thing?"
Soon enough, a loud sound was blasted at Nalia, causing her to cover her ears while being knocked out. She looked up to see that it was Jacob Pevsner, the elemental master of Sound.
"Sorry, miss Starlight, I love your songs, but I won't lose this first round." Jacob used his powers with his sitar to break the hourglass, grabbing the jadeblade as he ran out of the room.
Nalia narrowed her eyes as her hearing returned. "Oh, it's on." She got up from the floor, took a deep breath, and started singing as she followed him.
(The song she is singing.)
(link to song)
"Now's the time, get in line
Don't be afraid tonight
We're gonna take you high
And before you realize
'Round and 'round you'll go
Up and down, never slow
Feel the excitement grow
Whoa, this is where you let go
Hands high like a roller coaster
This love is takin' over
Take us higher, here we go
Oh, welcome to the show
Gravity we're defyin'
'Cause we were made for flyin'
We're about to lose control, whoa, oh
Welcome to the show
Oh, welcome to the-~"
Nalia used the sand on the stairs as she glided past everyone and sang, focusing on Jacob. She focused on not using the healing part of her voice, but it still wasn't easy for her.
"Ooooh, what's this? A show from our lovely miss Starlight!" said Chen from the intercom.
Nalia monitored her surroundings and used her sand to prevent anyone from falling off the railings when fighting for the jadeblades.
She smiled as she began passing some of the ninjas and went on singing.
"Oh, oh, we're on a mission
Nothing, nothing can stand in our way
Oh (oh), we don't need permission
We're gonna rise up, and we'll be the change
Oh, oh (oh), hear us on your stereo
Whoa, oh (oh), we're about to lose control
Whoa, oh, everybody knows
Oh, this is where you let go
Hands high like a roller coaster
This love is takin' over
Take us higher, here we go
Oh, welcome to the show
Gravity we're defyin'
'Cause we were made for flyin'
We're about to lose control, whoa, oh
Welcome to the show (oh)
Come on, come on, come on, yeah.~"
Nalia quickly dodged another soundwave from Jacob while following him and began making sand walls around him, only for his sound powers to blast them apart.
She narrowed her eyes as she kept following him. Usually, she would already be using her other powers. But since this was a tournament of elements, she didn't want to cheat in it, and since Chen and Clouse were bad people, she couldn't risk them knowing of her other powers.
"Focus, I need to keep my focus in check," Nalia mumbled to herself. Suppressing her healing powers was draining her energy and causing her stress. This was probably the hardest training for her to learn and control.
"And put your hands u-u-up
We're gonna have some fu-u-un
We've only just begu-u-un
And it's too late to ru-u-un
You can't run, so put 'em u-u-up
We're gonna have some fu-u-un
Turn up the bass, let it bu-u-ump
We've only just begun, you can't run
Hands high like a roller coaster
This love is takin' over
Take us higher, here we go
Oh, welcome to the show
Gravity we're defyin'
'Cause we were made for flyin'
We're about to lose control, whoa, oh
Welcome to the show.~"
Nalia made another sand wall bigger and formed a sandstorm behind it right after Jacob blasted it away.
For a second, she thought she had him, only to watch him jump over the railing of the stairs and get to the lower floor.
She tried to think of a better plan as she followed him over the railings, using the sand to glide around effortlessly. She noticed that he had been using his sitar for his powers.
So, with a new idea in mind, she covered it with sand so he couldn't play on it for a good moment. She kicked the jadeblade out of his hands and grabbed it. "Sorry, but I promise you'll still be able to play it." She used the sand to glide the rest of the way down.
"Hands high like a roller coaster
This love is takin' over (oh, whoa)
Take us higher, here we go
Oh, welcome to the show
Gravity we're defyin' (oh yeah)
'Cause we were made for flyin' (oh, oh, whoa, oh)
We're about to lose control, whoa, oh
Welcome to the show
Welcome to the show
(Come o-o-on, we're gonna have some fu-u-un)
(Turn up the bass, let it bu-u-ump)
We've only just begun, you can't run.~"
As Nalia finished singing, she got to the bottom floor and ran over with her jadeblade for Clouse to put in the holder.
"That was a wonderful show, dear. Just watching it got me all excited! Hahaha!" Chen laughed through the intercom.
Nalia gave a slight nod but said nothing as she sighed heavily, gently rubbing her throat.
She smiled as she saw Lloyd and the others except Kai and Cole. He got a jadeblade and could move on to the next round.
"Lia, are you okay? You look a bit exhausted, which isn't like you," Lloyd asked, worried.
Nalia went on to use sign language to answer his question. "I'm fine, but trying to control my healing voice and use my elemental powers takes a lot of energy out of me. Along with making my voice very hoarse, but it should be back to normal after a few minutes."
"Two Jadeblades remaining." said Clouse.
"Wait! I got one!" shouted Cole running over.
"Cole! Whoo-hoo! You made it." Jay cheered.
"Where's Kai?" Cole asked.
"Only one Jadeblade remaining." Kai and Karlof duel for the last blade. Chen speaks over an intercom. "Get on with it!"
*Karlof walks in with the Jadeblade.*
"Hahaha! Karlof wins!" Everyone except the ninjas and Nalia cheer. Kai sneaks up behind him and unscrews his metal hand. "What?"
"Ah, looks like you got a screw loose." Kai steals it and puts it in the holder. Everyone except Garmadon cheers.
"We have a loser!" said Chen.
Karlof puts his hand back. "That's not fair. He cheated."
"I did what I had to do." said Kai.
"That is not how you win." said Garmadon.
"Fine, I lose. Karlof never wanted to be on stinking island." said Karlof.
"Oh, I'm sorry you did not enjoy your stay. I guess this worked out for the best. This is goodbye!" Chen pushes a button, activating a trapdoor under Karlof. He screams as he falls. "As you can see, lose and you are out. Break any rule; you are out. Never bite the hand that feeds you Master Chen's delicious noodles! Now rest up. Tomorrow, the tournament will recommence."
"Poor Karlof." Nalia thought before turning her attention to Garmadon and walked over to him. "Garmadon, can I talk with you for a moment?"
Garmadon raised an eyebrow before glancing at the ninjas, watching in confusion. "Of course, Nalia. Follow me, and we can talk without prying eyes."
Nalia gave a slight nod and followed Garmadon outside so they could talk without anyone watching them. Not even the ninjas or Lloyd.
"What did you want to talk about, Nalia?" Garmadon asked.
"I've been getting weird headaches, first with the scroll about the green ninja, and then back up in my room. But I'm not sure why I'm getting them." Nalia went on to use sign language.
"Hmm, if I'll have to guess. I'll say it's your mind slowly growing with more understanding and knowledge of the world," said Garmadon.
Nalia went on to give him a very confused look, not understand what he meant.
"You were hidden away in that cave for many years, Nalia. So your body and mind hardly grew at all." Garmadon let out a sigh. "After having quickly aged up, along with not being in that cave anymore. Your mind will grow to be much wiser and be able to use your brain more in situations instead of going on impulse like biting or losing your temper." He explained.
"So that's why I'm getting these headaches?" Nalia questioned as her voice returned.
"Yes, but it's hard to say when you'll get them, and they might increase as time goes," said Garmadon.
"I don't like it one bit. I'm blaming the old man for this," said Nalia, crossing her arms with a huff.
Garmadon couldn't help but let out a chuckle. "Can't argue with you there, but my father did have his reasons."
Nalia let out a small sigh. "Thanks for answering my questions, Garmadon. I'm gonna go and find the others."
"Just remember to be careful, we can't risk Clouse and Chen finding out about your other powers." said Garmadon.
"Don't worry, Garmadon, I already know that." Nalia waved goodbye and headed back to the others.
*Later that day, the ninja and Nalia sit in a booth.*
"At least the chow's good." said Cole.
"Arrgh, it's killing me. What's under the trapdoor? What happens when you lose?" said Jay.
"Don't think about that." said Garmadon.
"It's all I can think about. I moved on. I feel guilt. These are not good feelings." said Jay.
"Maybe take a deep breath and think about something else," Nalia suggested, sitting beside Lloyd.
"You think you feel bad? Imaging how I feel. Our mission is simple. Tonight, we find Zane and get off this crazy island." said Kai.
"And just how are we supposed to do that? You heard Chen. Break a rule, and we're out. He's not gonna let us roam around." said Cole.
"Then it's a good thing we're ninja. Meet me in my room at midnight," said Kai.
"You mind if I join you?" Mr. Pale asked.
"Disappear, pal! This is private." said Jay.
"Then why is miss Starlight sitting with you guys?" Mr. Pale asked.
"Lia, is a friend of ours." said Lloyd.
"Lia?" Mr. Pale asked, confused.
Nalia let out a small giggle. "Starlight is just my stage name; my real name is Nalia, while Lia is just a nickname."
"Now get out of here! You nosy mirror!" shouted Jay, so Mr. Pale used his light. Jay sighs. "I know you're still here. I can see your lunch tray."
"Wow, Jay, you were really mean." said Cole.
"He was just asking a simple question, no need to be rude." said Nalia.
"How am I supposed to know if we can trust him? See what this island is doing to me? It's corrupting me! It has to stop. I'll see you tonight." said Jay.
*At midnight, Kai opens his door to let Lloyd, Nalia, and Cole in. However, Jay came in right when Skylor went to her balcony. Kai pushes him, causing Jay to yell.*
Nalia raised an eyebrow when she saw Jay being pushed over, wondering why Kai did that.
"Hey, Lia? What did you talk with my dad about?" Lloyd asked.
"I was having some headaches, so I asked your dad if he had any suggestions to help," said Nalia.
Lloyd raised an eyebrow at her. "Couldn't you have just asked me or the others?"
"We were also talking about my powers, and we didn't want to risk anyone else listening in on us," said Nalia.
"You just had to leave me hanging, huh, Romeo?" said Jay to Kai as they both go inside. "Whoa-ho-ho-ho. Nice digs."
"I know. His room is so much nicer than mine. Look, chocolate-covered shell peas. I love these." Cole takes the bowl and jumps on his bed. "Oh, and look how soft your pillows are. Man, mine are made of rock. What a crock."
"Okay, it was almost impossible to get here. This place is swarming with guards. Any ideas on how we search the island?" said Jay.
"We travel by shadow. Cover every square inch of this place until we find him," said Kai.
The bed flips over with Cole. "Whoa—"
"The island's big. We'll need to split up." said Jay.
"I'm not sure that's a good idea." said Nalia.
"I agree, we stick together." said Lloyd.
The bed flips over again, bringing Cole back up. "Uh, guys, this bed is, uh..."
"Cole, I get it! You like my bed. Would you stop playing around?" said Kai.
"I think I know how we can search the island." said Cole.
*The ninjas lie down on the bed.*
"Okay, I feel ridiculous," said Lloyd, trying not to blush as Nalia lay beside him.
"I'm not sure how I feel about this," said Nalia, also trying not to blush from lying beside Lloyd.
"Ah, you're right. The pillows are soft." said Jay.
"Is this a joke?" Lloyd asked.
"If it is, I don't get it." said Nalia.
"I must've done something to trigger it. I was laying here, then I stretched—" The bed flips over again.
Everyone yells, then gasps.
Lloyd caught Nalia in his arms when they landed. They both blushed at this, so Lloyd went on to quickly put her down.
"T-thanks." said Nalia.
"N-no problem." said Lloyd.
"Whoa! Secret passageway! Cool." said Jay.
Kai uses fire to light up the passageway. "Nice work, Cole. Maybe Zane's not on the island but in it." They hear grunting.
"Quiet. Do you hear that?" Lloyd whispered.
Jay sees the light coming from two holes. "Oh, secret peepholes. Haha! Super cool. Sounds like someone's fighting on the other side of this wall."
Nalia started frowning at this. "What the hell."
"What do you see? Who's fighting?" Cole asked.
"It's not a fight. It's Skylor's room. And it looks like she's training." said Jay.
Kai extinguishes the Fire. "Let me see, let me see!"
"Ah, looks like Kai's got the hots for her." said Cole.
"I wish I could erase this from my memories." said Nalia.
"Yeah, same here," said Lloyd as he took her hand in his. "I wouldn't invade someone's privacy."
"I'll never understand what is running through you guys' heads," said Nalia, gently squeezing his hand.
"Might be best if you don't." said Lloyd, returning the gesture. "Guys, this is an invasion of privacy."
"Ugh, her room doesn't reveal anything about her power," Kai said as Skylor used fire, and Jay gasped.
"What was it? What did you see?" Cole asked.
"She's...Fire..." said Kai.
"Wait a minute, if we're all descendants of Elemental Masters..." Lloyd began thinking.
Cole laughs and sings. "Kai's heart is on fire. Kai's heart is on fire. Kai's heart is on fire."
Nalia raised an eyebrow, confused about what they were getting at.
"Can we please just keep moving? It's like a maze down here. Good thing you're leaving a trail back to our room." said Kai.
"I'm what?" Cole looks behind him and sees his chocolate shell peas. "Oh, yeah, heh. I meant to do that."
They walk down farther until Lloyd sees a tripwire. "Everyone stop! Booby traps."
"Haha! Booby traps. Even cooler. Haha." Lloyd and Nalia stares at Jay. "Or, I mean, kinda cool. I mean, they're totally not cool, you know, 'cause they're dangerous."
"From here on out, we have to watch our step." said Lloyd.
Kai hears chanting. "Do you hear that? Everyone be quiet." The ninjas hide behind a rock. They each fight an Anacondrai Cultist and take their outfits. They follow them to Chen's ceremony.
"Stop licking your tattoos." said Kai.
"It's chocolate. I can't resist." said Cole.
Nalia had gone on to cover the scars around her throat with chocolate while having her scarf wrapped around her waist.
"Shh! Just try to fit in." They chant with the Warriors.
"Bring out the loser." said Chen.
"Unh! Get hands off, Karlof! Karlof wish he never sign up for this. What's chanting for?" said Karlof.
"Uh, they're saying, "only one can remain." Like I said, use it or lose it." Chen uses his to steal his Metal.
Nalia watched, and she wasn't sure, but something about this was pissing her off, to her very core, like she was being offended. She had to hold back a growl and the rage growing inside her.
"He's stolen Karlof's power." said Kai.
"And he used Ice. That means he must have already stolen Zane's power too." said Cole.
Lloyd glanced at Nalia and noticed her face was blank with gold-raging, piercing eyes. It gave him an eerie feeling, and he wasn't sure if he should say anything.
"What happened to my Metal?" Karlof asked.
"Your Metal? Oh, it's mine now." Chen laughs. "But now I will let you go."
"Really?" said Karlof.
"To the factory!" said Chen.
"No, no! Let Karlof go! No, no!" shouted Karlof as he was being dragged away.
"Jay, your face..." said Lloyd, as he noticed the chocolate slowly melting.
Jay gasps. "My face? All of our faces! The chocolate's melting."
"Who are they?" A warrior asked.
"Intruders! Stop them! They must not escape!" shouted Chen.
Lloyd quickly grabbed Nalia's wrist and began dragging her along as they ran away. Cole tripped on the tripwire, closing the door on the warriors.
"A-ha! Yes!" Kai cheered, until another traps activates. "Oh, no!" They run away.
"That was close." said Cole, but then they heard growling.
"That sound." They see a serpent below them.
"That has got to be the second biggest snake I have ever seen!" They climb up and reenters Kai's room, falling on his bed. "Are we..."
"Yeah, barely." said Lloyd, still holding Nalia's wrist.
"Did we just—ow!" said Cole.
"No more sneaking around. From now on, let's just follow the rules." said Jay.
"Unh! We may not have found Zane, but we found something just as important. This tournament isn't about glory. It's about Chen stealing all of our Elemental Powers." said Kai.
"But why? What is he planning?" Lloyd questioned.
"I don't know, but if we're gonna find out and find Zane, we have to play by his rules. Agreed?" said Kai.
"Agreed." They all said.
"Good thing we weren't spotted. That was close." said Cole.
"Yeah, too close." Jay shows them a piece of his disguise the snake tore off.
"Lia, are you doing alright? You haven't said anything." Lloyd gave her a worried look.
Nalia could feel the rage growing inside her, growing to the point where she wanted to destroy the whole island. But she took a deep breath, remembering Wu's words. "I'm fine; I'm just tired, is all."
She wrapped her scarf back around her neck and started leaving. "Good night, guys," she said, smiling slightly before leaving the room.
The ninjas looked at each other, a little worried. "You guys noticed it, too, right?" Jay questioned.
"Yeah, she is pissed off to no end," said Kai.
"I'm surprised she didn't lose it down there; she might have killed someone by the looks of it," said Cole.
"Her ability to mask her anger with a happy smile scares me. She must be furious for her to try and hide it," said Lloyd.
"We should probably keep an extra eye on her, for everyone's sake and her own," said Kai.
"Agree." They all said.