A/N: I'm not gonna talk too much this time. I just wanted to let you guys know that I'm sorry for not updating lately.

  The room was very comfy and somehow, Chen had found out beforehand who our roommates were so the room was made to balance and coordinate to Lloyd and I’s elements and tastes in design and whatnot.

  I set my titanium colored gym bag on the bed opposite to Lloyd’s and gazed around at what Chen had to offer this time around. I spotted Lloyd across from me, jumping on his bed and overturning all of the green pillows onto the floor. Underneath, he had found an enormous bag of candy that Chen had given him and was already digging into it as he jumped around like a green bouncy ball.

  I sighed and laughed at his childishness. His childlike behavior and mindset will never change no matter how many years he ages, but it’s good to have someone like that around anyway. I looked over to the lamp on the stand next to my bed to find the latest version of a Borg Laptop lying casually around it. Scanning it and running it through Pixal’s diagnostics, we came up with the conclusion that it was merely a cheap fake of one of Borg’s Laptops. It figures, though, as Chen would play such a petty trick as that.

  I continued to look around and found many updated and modern utilities, but I didn’t trust it for one second. We were fooled once, we won’t be fooled again. I turned to see Lloyd, who was still enjoying the taste of the rainbow (Skittles) and sent him an amused look. He still continued to eat it all and jump on the bed so there was no point in trying to get him out of his sugar rush now.

  After Chen’s “welcoming” speech, I tidied up the room (Lloyd made quite the mess after his sugar rush) and got dressed and ready for bed. I was in the middle of brushing my teeth when someone rushed into our room and slammed the door. Lloyd was sitting on the bed with a bag of mini Kit Kats in front of him, dozing, and the loud commotion snapped him out of his daze. He jumped and let out a high-pitched squeal of surprise, then covered his mouth in shock and pulled a blanket over his head in embarrassment.

  Usual Lloyd…

  “What’s going on?” I asked the rugged, blue pajama boy in my room.

  “Nya’s in this freak’s room!!! You need to help me Zane!!!! We need to… uh… to… Spy on them! Hook up  the room with millions of security cameras and buy Nya a taser in case he lays a hand on her and… and we need to bug their telephones and… uh-”

  “Jay. I have this handled. Please, I need you to calm down and then I can better help you.” I interrupted him. Lloyd peeked out from under the blanket and slowly ate some M&Ms from under the pillow, watching the whole scene commence.

  “Whatever’s going on right now… I don’t want to be a part of it…” Lloyd commented, then changed his statement, “Well, unless if it involves my father, then I’m interested.” He shook his head in exasperation and bit off a half-eaten Snickers bar.

  “Alright, we won’t involve you, Lloyd.” I said to him knowing that he wasn’t one to hang around Jay and Nya’s love drama, “Chen has already installed cameras in each room, so all I would have to do is hack into the camera in their room. I could also send my falcon to their balcony to get a different view inside.”

  “Zane, you are a lifesaver!” Jay said embracing me. I hugged back and once he pulled away he asked,

  “Would you mind too much if I… helped?”

  “Of course! Pixal and I always appreciate your assistance and company.” I smiled warmly and let him use my laptop to bring up the blueprints of the palace and rooms.

  As Jay began explaining to me exactly how he wanted to hack into the security camera in Nya and Gale’s shared room I felt an intense heat crawl up my back and heard the door slam open, then shut in an instant. I already knew who it was without turning around...

  “Zane! Get a security camera in my sister’s room, RIGHT NOW!!! I want that heathen in my sight at all times! …Wait, what’re you doing here, Jay?” Kai yelled, most likely waking up the entire palace.

  I hoped and prayed that Chen, his army, and Gale were deep sleepers.

  “Um… I came to, uh... look after your sister…?” Jay hesitantly said in a way that was more like a question. Kai glared at him a while but then relaxed and a little smile appeared on his face.

  “Without me?” He questioned seriously, then he chuckled. This caught me a bit off guard, it’s been awhile since I’ve heard him laugh so warmly. (Get it? XD)

  Jay resumed to trying to hack the security cameras in their room while we talked about how to deal with Master Chen this time. Chen’s intelligence has improved, or he found an excellent systems programmer in the Cursed Realm, because I ran across several password inputs and firewalls. Several booby-traps came into view on the blueprints and I made a note to have Pixal copy all of the blueprints for our future use.
  Maybe we would have a chance to get the upper hand on Chen before he could delve into his new plan.

  We came here knowing that we were walking into some sort of new trap (more and more buttons for Chen to use on us), but this time at least we are a bit more prepared. This time everything will be… easier? I would hope so. Although, I cannot get my hopes up too high for I have a new task at hand.

  “Done! Ahaha!! Who’s laughing now, Chen?” Jay said while, quite literally, jumping from my bed and dancing a little.

  “What’s taking you so long?! Open it Zane! Open the camera icon!” Kai shouted again, making me worry even more than before about the slumbering army and elemental masters. I am not usually one to say this, but in this circumstance: Kai needs to shut up.

  I decoded anything blocking us on the other side of the icon and opened the camera. The screen showed us our very own raven-haired ninja on her bed who was reading the book I recognized. The Hunger Games. Nya wouldn’t ever let that book go, as it was her favorite book of all time, so it figured that she would bring it with her to the island as a little piece of home came with her. Gale was nowhere to be found. I took it as good news as Pixal started running scans over the room for any other life forms.

  “There you go my friends, it's all yours no-”

  “Yeah yeah thanks Zane. Now move!” Kai said, keeping his eyes on the screen as he shoved me out of the way. Jay moved in beside him, entranced with the screen like Kai. The two looked at the screen of my computer and simultaneously sighed with relief.

  “Thank God, that weirdo isn’t in the room!” Jay wiped the invisible sweat from his brow and fell back on my bed in relief.

  “I would legit kill that creepo if he harmed my lil sis...” Kai mumbled under his breath. They watched Nya a bit more as she read and occasionally sipped from the Sprite bottle on her nightstand.

  “You wouldn’t be considering sleep tonight, would you?” I asked with mild interest. They seemed so infatuated with watching Nya, or her roommate, but there was nothing special going on and we would most likely have a lot going on tomorrow. Wouldn’t they value their sleep more, so we could all be on our A-Game tomorrow? My thoughts and Pixal’s began to jumble up in my head when they were all interrupted by the slam of our door yet.

  Not again...

  “Zane! I need your help. Nya is in Master Of Weather’s dorm and- What are you guys doing here this late?!” Skylor yelled at us, not as loud as Kai, but loud nevertheless. Kai and Jay looked at each other and nodded in unison. Did they telepathically communicate to make a plan on what specifically say to Skylor? I thought only Pixal and I could do that because-

  “We were spying on Nya-"

  “JAY! That is totally not what I meant! Ugh...” Kai facepalmed. Well... it looks like they didn’t make a plan, or should I say that they couldn’t?

  “You’re so busted!” Skylor laughed, pointing at a blushing Jay, “Now show me the ninja.” She got on the bed and sat behind Kai and Jay, but still in view of my computer screen. I was sitting on the pillow to the left of Kai and could still see Nya reading on her bed. As Jay and Kai showed Skylor the screen, they had leaned in and my view was blocked again. So I couldn’t see the screen when all of a sudden, the three other ninja screamed with horror at whatever had happened in Nya’s room. How convenient for my inability to see the screen would happen right when something interesting occured.

  Just my… luck, as the others would say.

  “What the bloody hell is this guy doing?!” Jay yelled in distress at the computer. Since when does Jay cuss? I most definitely had to see what was up. I took the computer away from him and saw... Gale?

  He was shirtless and had a box of Russell Stover’s Chocolates in his hand. Nya wasn’t interested at first and continued reading her book. Although, when Gale kept nagging her about it and pleaded she caved and took the box of chocolates. He held his hand out for her to take. She hesitated, reluctant to touch him, then took it as he led her to the balcony.

  Russell Stover’s Chocolate?! Only chocolate that expensive is saved for dates!” Skylor shouted, wringing out handfuls of her red and orange plaid pajama shirt. She got off the bed and started to pace. Lloyd had jerked his head out from under the blanket and began to get extremely hyped up for chocolate after Skylor’s statement. I thought he was asleep…? I guess candy can actually wake him from his dreams...

  “Nya! No no no no no... Don’t do it!!” Kai stood up and took the computer from me as Jay began to hyperventilate.

  “Zaneweneedtoseewhat’sgonnahappenonthebalcony!! DO SOMETHING!!!” Jay shouted right in my face, his words began to collide and run together as he grabbed my shoulders and shook me harder than I believed to be possible from such a small person.

  “Alright, alright! Everyone please calm down! My Falcon can get closer and do a livestream for us, and this time I might be able to hook up the audio.” I said in a calm, collected manner so as to have the others follow suit... and Jay stopped shaking me.

  I activated my titanium friend and freed him by opening the window. He flew away as I cracked the window, so he may be able to come back in after live streaming for us. Then I took out one specific cable from the back of my head and plugged it into my laptop.

  Let’s hope the Falcon can get close enough without alerting them that we are actively watching their intimacies. The Falcon was intelligent and navigated around the different rooms and balconies so it finally arrived at the perfect spot. Landing in a tree that was directly in front of the balcony, a couple feet away from it of course, and starting the live stream. Everyone crowded around so we were all a bit squished, even Lloyd joined in after hearing about the chocolate, and we watched a romantic scene from a movie play out in front of us.

  “The sky, it’s so beautiful tonight, Nya. Wouldn’t you agree?” Gale asked Nya, not looking at the sky at all, but instead staring straight at her. Jay grabbed the bed sheets and clenched them so hard, his knuckles turned white. Nya hadn’t noticed Gale’s intense, lovesick stare and continued looking up at the sky.

  “Yes, I suppose it does look really pretty tonight. But, it’s the same sky we see in Ninjago, just… more open with a couple more stars than usual. Nothing too special.” Nya commented offhandedly, still not noticing Gale.

  “So, your team is something… else, aye?” Gale asked, leaning against the rail.

  “I guess if you put it that way… They are my team and we’re just like one big family. I would be nothing without them.” Nya smiled, remembering each special interaction she’s had with each of them.

  “Well, yeah I guess. But Kai is literally your family, right? And it would be kinda hard to be in a romantic relationship with your boyfriend if he’s your family.” Gale laughed at his own joke, while Nya perked up at the notion and shot him a glare. This immediately shut him up and on the other side of the computer, we all cheered!

  “That’s not what I meant, Gale. And you know that.” Nya spat out, disgusted at his slightly twisted humor, “This is different. Kai is my biological brother and Jay is my boyfriend. Everyone else is my brother, or sister in Skylor’s case, but only because of the team and the Senseis (including Misako) who have brought us all together.”

  “Princess, forgive me. I was only trying to poke fun, but I’ll stop.” Gale apologized.

  “Princess?! That’s what I’m supposed to call her!!!!” Jay jumped up, ripping my sheets as he did so. I really hope there is some sort of repair service here and that Chen would be willing to fix or replace them for me…

  “Uh o-oh ok…” Nya stuttered out, caught off guard by the new name Gale had given her.

  The two stood on the balcony, looking out over the lavish gardens Chen had installed since we had last been there, in silence that was slightly awkward. At least, it was awkward on our side of the computer.

  Gale shifted around uncomfortably as Nya went back to reading her book. It didn’t seem like much else would happen and that the two would go back inside for bed. It was already 12:30 a.m.

  “Oh my gosh! Look, Nya! A shooting star. Make a wish!” Gale said excitedly, grabbing Nya’s attention and pulling her away from her book to see a shooting star streaking across the sky. She closed her eyes and mouthed her wish then looked back up with a smile on her face. Gale beamed at her and asked, “What did you wish for?”

  “Ah ah ah! I can’t tell you that or it won’t come true silly.” Nya giggled and playfully bat his hand away from her, “But… you can tell me what you wished for!”

  “Well… I couldn’t wish for any better evening with such a beautiful girl. I wished that all nights could be like this, with a girl that has beauty on the outside and inside. Her eyes shine and twinkle like the stars, and they are so deep, like the deepest trench in Ninjago, that I could get lost in them every time. I swear that no man could ever swim out of them, I’m so lost in them. Every man would desire her, but she’d be all mine. Her hair is the softest I’ve ever felt, plus it glows in the moonlight. And… she always makes me breathless when she uses her powers.” Gale nearly serenaded her and grabbed one of her hands and pulled her in close into his arms, stroking her hair as if he was comforting her. Nya melted at his touch and her face burned.

  Skylor gasped quite loudly. Kai’s hands lit on fire.

  And Jay… just lost it…

  “What the FUDGE was that?! NOBODY touches my girl!!” Jay yelled at the computer and his hand crackled with lightning. It was so powerful that all the power went out… in the room, thank goodness. But it seemed like this would become more of a problem as Jay got up, lightning sizzling his hands and electricity was buzzing in the air, he crossed the room and let the room with a slam of the door.
  Oof...

“Uh, you don’t think he’s doing what I think he’s doing…?” Kai asked with a mortified expression crossing his face as we all nodded in sync.

  “He is so definitely doing what I think he’s doing.” Lloyd chimed in his two bits about the matter after concerning himself with candy the whole night, he finally cared about the situation, “Well, I’m off to bed. Night y’all.”           Nevermind.
  His care for what was going on was gone now. He got off of my bed and walked over to his bed, grabbing a giant gummy bear to sleep with.

  Skylor walked over and tucked him in then grabbed Kai’s arm in motion for him to get to bed as well. Or… chase after Jay? I was not going to ask. I try not to delve into Jay and Nya or Kai and Skylor’s romantic relationships. Theirs is different than the connection and relationship I share with Pixal. I am not quite sure how different it is, but I do know that our connection is special, unique, and... compatible.

  I reopened my computer and then continued watching the Live-Stream being conducted by the Falcon.

“What in HECK do you think you are doing with MY girl?!?” Jay yelled, using his electricity to burn out the lights and advancing upon the embracing couple on the balcony.

  Gale took this opportune moment to kiss all the way down from Nya’s cheek to her lips, then let her go with equally fierce lightning sparking from his hands and dark clouds forming to cover the clear sky full of stars. Nya gasped sharply and covered her mouth in shock. Then what was happening hit her and she was shaken out of her reverie.

  “Boys no! Please! Don’t fight! It was all just a silly mistake I made!” Nya cried out, running to stand in between the boys who had turned the room atmosphere into some sort of stand off. She held out both her hands in the direction of each boy, great balls of water formed at either outstretched hand.

  Both of the boys paused for a moment to stare at Nya whether in a way of admiration for her courage or one of annoyance at being in the way. Unfortunately, Jay was making the latter face. He was still pissed of at the two for what had transpired between them on the balcony. Gale was still too taken with Nya’s beautiful face though even in battle. But this only made Jay angrier.

  “Oh, you are so dead…” Jay said while jumping directly at him making, both of them go down on the floor, Nya narrowly dodged Jay’s lounge. They fought and messed each other’s hair and rolled on the ground. Nya was trying to make both calm down and stop fighting, but it didn’t seem like it was working. She had had enough of this and yelled at them like there was no tomorrow.

  “Both of you Stop Fighting!!!” They paused and stared blankly at Nya who was about to explode.   

  “I didn’t know you both could be this CHILDISH!!! What is wrong with you?!” She shouted as loud as possible, beyond shock at their behavior. Now I’m pretty sure everyone’s awake.

  “But he was trying to hit on you Ny-" Jay attempted to say, but Nya’s voice was stronger.

  “I don’t wanna hear a word out of you! Either of you for that matter! I’ve heard enough today! Now... You!” Nya pointed at Gale who was still watching her with an amazed and wonder-filled face.

  “Go to your bed, we’ll talk about… that thing later…” She blushed madly and quickly turned her gaze to her boyfriend.

  “I don’t have a clue how the hell you managed to see us or spy on us, but I don’t think I actually wanna know. Just... I can’t believe you… I would never expect you to spy on me… Never...” Nya choked out a sob, sounding a bit heartbroken. She was mad at him (that was for sure), but she seemed more like she and Jay were having some trust issues. And Jay spotted it.

   “I-it was to make sure he was behaving nice around you, not because I wanted to watch your every move or anything.” Jay reasoned with her.

   “He knew full well that I was- am your boyfriend. That kind of behavior is NOT appropriate in this circumstance. And it’s not like she consented to any of it.” Jay glared at Gale who was on his bed, smirking at him. This guy most certainly has his own unique ways to look cool, and this seemed to be one of them.

  “I didn’t consent, that’s true, but it's not the thing we’re talking about right now Jay. Don’t change the topic.” Nya harshly answered,

  “My trust for you is… getting w-weaker and I… Maybe... I just need to sleep, goodnight Jay…” she finished not even looking at him. She started to trudge in the direction of her bed when a sudden burst of energy or something changed her mind and Nya went back to give Jay a tiny hug. She headed to her bed and quickly got under the blanket. Jay seemed to be rooted in his spot, staring at her… puzzled.

  “See you tomorrow… my love.” Was all he could say. He made his way to the door and disappeared in no time.

  Well… I guess it's my time to sleep now, right? I thought.

  “I was waiting for you to say the word this whole time.” Pixal replied, smiling at me. I yawned while I closed my laptop and made sure the window was still cracked open for the Falcon. I waited for my Titanium friend to come back then I got in the icy-blue blanket.

  I soon closed my eyes and imagined us saving the day, again. I know everything will be easier this time, we won’t lose any of our friends. We will defeat Chen and give him what’s been coming to him for a long time now. We’ll save Garmadon and who knows? Maybe new masters will join our side…

--------------------TIMESKIP----------------------

  I opened my eyes with the sunshine coming through my head. Knowing Lloyd wasn’t awake yet I decided to wake up and get dressed.

  But something was wrong…

  Why is there grass in my bed? Wait… Where is my bed?! I see some bushes and there’s flowe- who planted trees into our room?!  

  I got up and stared at everything. Karloff was lying sleepily next to me, but he was the only one there… We were in some kind of jungle. We weren’t in our dorm anymore…
And I was feeling a bit ill. Which was odd, I am a nindroid and nindroids do not fall ill. Pixal noticed the change within me as well. I checked myself a bit and used my ice powers to make sure Chen had not taken them. (Again...)

  But instead of ice making an elegant arch on the ground coming from my hands… My hands turned into huge metal fists. My entire body became a combination of Titanium and Iron, even my gi’s color was changed. Wasn’t this Karloff’s elemental powe-

  Then suddenly, cheesy announcing music and an incredibly whiny voice I recognized, started talking. After that, I finally understood what was going on clearly...

“Good morning, Elemental Masters! Welcome to the Tournament of Elements - Wave 2!!”

    No…

    ...No!

    This can’t be!

   I'm afraid Chen’s new game has just begun…

A/N:
Now I can talk! 😂 Congrats to those people who literally finished reading this chappy! It was 4013 words even without the author notes. So... Yeah!!

Hope you guys enjoyed and don't forget..

We've just started the actual tournament! *evil grin*

STAY CALM AND TRY NOT TO FANGIRL TOO MUCH! DON'T BE LIKE ME XD

-Master Of Water